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Connecting => Community => Gigs => Topic started by: 811952 on June 22, 2005, 09:02:06 AM

Title: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on June 22, 2005, 09:02:06 AM
I figured I'd finally break down and post some gig dates and times for the intrepid midwestern Alembic afficianado among us who may have a penchant for hanging in small, sweaty bars.  
 
Old School (60's, 70's, 80's, 90's rock) will be playing July 8th, 2005, at The Cabin (a place which redefines the term small) at 14th and Hulman in Terre Haute, Indiana, from 9pm to midnight or 1am (not sure which).
 
We will also be, er, performing at The Corner Tavern on the NW corner of the square in Marshall, Illinois, on July 16th from 8pm until midnight.  It's usually a fun place filled beyond capacity with UIUC students.
 
I will be playing the trusty and ever-faithful Alembic at both gigs through my *new* Ampeg B-5R and Kustom 410H (which sound lovely together).  If any of you happen to be in the area, feel free to stop in and let me buy you a beer...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 23, 2005, 05:57:42 PM
OLD SCHOOL *on tour*
 
Aug.  27     Marshall, IL VFW
Sept. 10     Casey, IL biker benefit
Sept. 23     The Cabin, Terre Haute, IN
Oct. 8         Jasonville, IN  Legion
Oct. 28       The Cabin Halloween party
Oct. 29       The Corner Tavern, Marshall, IL
Nov. 12       Jasonville Legion
Nov. 19       Marshall VFW
Dec. 10       The Corner Tavern
 
And with PILGRIM   BB
 
Sept. 17     Teepee, Terre Haute, IN
Sept. 24     Paris, IL fall fest
 
(Message edited by 811952 on August 23, 2005)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 11, 2005, 05:55:42 PM
Pics from a recent gig..  Dark, perhaps, but you can't hear them either...  And yes, our drummer is behind plexiglass..  John  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/21471.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/21472.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/21473.jpg)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 30, 2005, 05:53:13 PM
Oh the humanity...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/21931.jpg)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: richbass939 on October 30, 2005, 06:22:11 PM
Watch out, the bass is gonna get udder rash.
Rich
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: ed_r on October 30, 2005, 06:49:02 PM
He definitely looks EXTREMELY happy to see someone!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: Bradley Young on October 30, 2005, 10:35:52 PM
I get the feeling that somebody is going to start milking the puns for all they are worth.
 
Brad
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 31, 2005, 06:13:27 AM
Chicks were udderly fascinated by the outfit.  It sure is an uncomfortably warm costume to wear though, and after some time the continual invasion of personal space does become somewhat annoying.  Drunk people often have poor aim.  As for the udder rash on the bass, I think Ovaltine might take care of that.  All in all good fun...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: mpisanek on October 31, 2005, 07:39:53 AM
I would say this will give new meaning to the word Cowboy!!!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: beelee on October 31, 2005, 06:58:07 PM
nice stage gettup John !!  
just when you thought  you've seen it all :o)
 
Elmer playing a Series I
 
LOL thats too funny, have to get that pic put on a T-shirt !!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on November 16, 2005, 07:19:18 PM
Old School will be at the Marshall, Illinois, VFW Saturday night.  Rock and Roll through the ages and expecting another packed house.  Sorry folks, no man-cow suit...
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on November 25, 2005, 09:33:04 AM
Old School will be at The Corner Tavern in Marshall, Illinois, Saturday, December 10th.  It will be great fun and I'll be playing all three basses through the 8 -ten's.  
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on January 18, 2006, 07:13:34 AM
OS will be at:
 
Imperial Lanes in Terre Haute, Indiana this Saturday, 1/21/2006
First Financial Awards Dinner at Hulman Center, Terre Haute, 2/4/2006
Idle Creek, Terre Haute, 2/10/2006
Marshall, Illinois VFW, 2/11/2006
The Cabin, Terre Haute, 2/17/2006
The Corner Tavern, Marshall, Illinois, 2/18/2006
The Corner Tavern, Marshall, Illinois, 3/18/2006
TK's in Terre Haute, Indiana, 4/8/2006
Marshall, Illinois VFW 5/6/2006
 
Me with Pilgrim:
 
Jack's in Lyford, Indiana, 1/27/2006
The Tee Pee Tavern, Terre Haute, 2/3/2006
The Tee Pee Tavern, Terre Haute, 3/17/2006
Greencastle, Indiana, Moose Lodge, 3/25/2006
Art and Wine Festival, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, 4/22/2006
 
If anybody's around the area, feel free to stop in a say hello and let me buy you a beer.  Many of these gigs now come standard with random acts of spectator nudity, which is always interesting from a sociological standpoint, and the places are usually packed with fun people...
 
Nearly all of these gigs are with my favorite drummer, Will Cox, and I'll be playing the mighty Series 1-1/2...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on March 26, 2006, 09:43:45 AM
I have a certain proclivity to remove my shoes when I play.  Last night a woman came up and gave me a foot-massage during two of our sets.  It might be the strangest thing I've ever had happen to me onstage.  
 
Old School is opening for America at Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute on May 27th.  I think we've got something like 25 minutes to destroy any sense of decorum.
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on March 26, 2006, 06:12:31 PM
The America??
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on March 27, 2006, 06:16:09 AM
Yep.  Should be fun, and if I'm not mistaken there are at least two of the three original, er, Americans in the group.  The venue is an outdoor amphitheater.
 
Here's their site:
http://www.venturahighway.com/ (http://www.venturahighway.com/)  
http://www.venturahighway.com/gigs.php
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: keith_h on March 27, 2006, 07:45:49 AM
Sounds like it should be a fun gig. I remember going to see America back when I was in high school (mid-70's). It was at the local junior college theatre that seated about 500. It was a great place to see them, good acoustics and up close.  
 
Keith
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: foth on March 27, 2006, 01:21:37 PM
Isn't it difficult to keep your balance while getting a foot massage?
 
I think The Decorum Destroyers would be a good band name.
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on March 27, 2006, 04:59:22 PM
I was seated with my feet kicked up on the drum riser (literally a laid-back gig).
 
Decorum Destroyers would be a good name.  At least I'm there in spirit!
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: Bradley Young on March 27, 2006, 06:51:38 PM
I'm assuming that this was not a Shiatsu-style massage.  
 
For the uninitiated, here's my recollection of the shiatsu experience (while I was in Singapore):
 
1) you are greeted by a kindly, older asian lady.  She is about 4.5 feet tall.
 
2) She seats you and smiles and nods as you remove your shoes.
 
3) She begins the massage.  You notice that her fingers are like tooled steel, and begin to feel uncomfortable.
 
4) Introduction's over, she begins to actually massage your feet.  You realize that she can most certainly break concrete with her bare hands.
 
5) You're still trying to maintain you machismo, but you're concerned that the tear rolling down your cheek might give you away.  She smiles at you malevolently, she's broken tougher men than you.
 
6) You can no longer handle it, and begin to weep and yell: MOMMY-MOMMY-MOMMY!
 
Thank the nice lady for stopping the punishment, and limp home.
 
Needless to say, I'd have a hard time playing while that happened.
 
Brad
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on May 27, 2006, 08:38:43 PM
Just got home a bit ago from the gig opening for America.  It went well and was fun, but they still hadn't shown up by the time my rig was loaded and I was leaving!  No sound check per se, other than roadies (who were pretty cool guys, several of which have been with the band for ~25 years) noodling around through the equipment.  Odd, and I don't know if I could leave that much of it up to other people or not, if I were at their station in life.  I guess they must be pretty laid-back guys, to leave it all up to them and to still be using the same folks year after year.  Interesting to note that the bass player uses an Ibanez SoundGear bass (not that I ever actually SAW him use it, or saw him at all), yet there were more than a few very expensive guitars.  Go figure.  Also, they ran a dozen EAW small traps and 6 subs with less power (~7500 watts of Crown) than my band uses at the same outdoor venue, but it was still clean.  All-in-all lotso fun...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on June 29, 2006, 01:05:57 PM
Here are a couple of pix from the America gig, courtesy of photographer Bob Poynter.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/29427.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/29428.jpg)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on June 29, 2006, 01:16:06 PM
...and a link to a hack-job of Badge recorded from painfully near my bass rig at a gig sometime this spring.  Craptastic, yes, but somewhat indicative of my approach to bass where beer is involved.  Oh, and try to ignore the somewhat out-of-time tambourine..
 
http://mysite.verizon.net/restg6c4/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/badgebass.mp3 (http://mysite.verizon.net/restg6c4/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/badgebass.mp3)
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on July 02, 2006, 02:02:50 PM
John, the balance on that recording is perfect!  The bass is out front where it should be, the drums are right there with the bass, you hear the keyboards just fine, and you certainly wouldn't want the guitar any louder that where it is.  Even the vocals are ok, although I could see bringing them down a bit.
 
 
Seriously, very nice bass lines and the bass sounds great!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: palembic on July 02, 2006, 02:46:41 PM
Yep ...very horny bass ...huhu ...ah ...no ...
ooops ...was this on another occasion??
Anyway ...watch your back for those bullyboys!
Hehehehehehehe
 
Paul TBO
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on September 11, 2006, 06:09:37 PM
We played a biker benefit last Saturday outdoors.  We have a sound tech now, after not having one and running it from the stage.  The sound tech (my brother) has awesome skills and does a very active mix.  We have a killer PA also.  Anyway, about 3 songs into the first set I turned my amp all the way down and let the mains do all the work.  Such an incredibly good feeling to hear it coming back at you from the people!  I love this...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: foth on September 14, 2006, 03:08:28 AM
John
I'm playing an outdoor biker benefit this Saturday.  They'll be doing a burnout competition right in front of us.  I should be able to hear again about this time next week.
Paul
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on September 14, 2006, 10:48:51 AM
Paul,
 
Earplugs are a neccessity.  Sounds (no pun intended) like a blast though!
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: radar3162 on January 23, 2007, 12:10:18 AM
Can one of your band members please contact me with info on a event I am planning. @ tobydog3162@yahoo.com (mailto:tobydog3162@yahoo.com) c/o Deon
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on February 02, 2007, 01:21:44 PM
Deon,
 
email is on the way...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on February 26, 2007, 01:09:19 PM
Played Saturday night at the V in Marshall, Illinois.  Had a good crowd, and one guy after the gig asked if that was an Alembic I was playing from the sound board (brother/soundguy had other commitments that night).  We introduced each other and I let him play the Alembic for 10 minutes or so.  He fell in love...
 
There was another guy at the gig who I talked with quite a bit between sets (no potty break for me!).  He was extremely nice, and looked like the cliche'd cowboy junkie with a strongly-dishevelled persona.  At any rate, we got to talking about the Alembic and the GD connection, at which point he asked me if I knew any of those guys.  I of course told him I didn't, but that the people at Alembic did.  The discourse progressed and come to find out this guy used to jam with Jerry Garcia and a guy we called Pig Pen back in SF in the early '60's.  The last he had seen or been in contact with any of them was around '65, and he knew them as members of The Warlocks at that time.  He moved to San Diego that year and lost touch.  He said that once he heard Buck Owens, country was all he ever was interested in playing after that...  
 
Whether any of it is true or not, I don't know.  It was interesting to talk with the guy about music, and I am inclined to believe his story..
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 15, 2007, 01:12:08 PM
I figure I might as well start posting some of my gigs again, not that I anticipate many/any of you being in my neck of the woods, but stranger things have happened!  
 
This Friday and Saturday, Old School will be at TK's on North Fruitridge Avenue, in Terre Haute, Indiana.  I think we're playing from 8 to midnight Friday and 10 pm to 2 am Saturday.  I'll be playing the Alembic, the Hofner and perhaps the 12-string Dean and/or 5-string Lakland, and midi bass pedals...  I even sing a few notes here and there..
 
Anyway, if you're in the area I'd love to meet you...
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 21, 2007, 06:58:20 PM
Halloween party at TK's on Fruitridge in Terre Haute, Indiana, Saturday, October 27th, 2007.  We play 10pm to 2am...
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: smokin_dave on October 23, 2007, 10:49:28 PM
Hey John,
    By chance did one of your groups play the Terre Haute Blues Fest a couple weeks or so back?
 
Dave
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 24, 2007, 05:47:49 AM
Nope.  This year the organizers made a decision to not hire local talent.  It's hard to justify what they charge for admission if it's a band you saw last week and will be playing next week down the street, so I understand (experts from afar and all that... ).
 
Did you play it?
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: smokin_dave on October 25, 2007, 08:30:45 PM
Yup, sure did.I've played alot of festivals and I have to say that is one of the better ones I've worked.I think the band right before us was local and although I didn't catch there name,I was talking to the drummer I think,telling them that they should  be playing the Noodle here in Indy.We played the Bean Blossom Blues Fest the next day right before the deluge of rain so I was sorry the Terre Haute fest took a bath on that Saturday.
But I don't agree with there thinking.They should have a healthy mix of local as well as national talent but that all depends on how much money they have to spend I suppose.
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 26, 2007, 12:02:50 PM
Cool.  If I'd known, I would have tried to stop by before my gig that night.  Let me know next time you're in the area!
 
They usually hire Curt Hall for sound, and working with him is consistently a very positive experience.  
 
There is an attitude in Terre Haute that if it's from here, it can't possibly be any good (be it music, video, widgets, beer, whatever).  It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy more often than not, which is unfortunate because there is a lot of good talent in the area.  Last year a local band was one of the best-received bands on that stage, so who knows what they're thinking when they make some of those decisions..  :P
 
But, yes, the Crossroads Blues Fest in Terre Haute is a pretty good deal and highly recommended if you are into the blues!  
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 28, 2007, 09:00:04 AM
Last night at TK's.  I'll drink a beer for whoever can figure out who I attempted to go as...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/45253.jpg)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on October 28, 2007, 09:26:57 AM
John Ford.
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: lbpesq on October 28, 2007, 10:21:28 AM
John Belushi?
 
Tom Cruise?
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: keith_h on October 28, 2007, 11:28:09 AM
Bono
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: chuck on October 28, 2007, 03:32:15 PM
Me, 35years ago.
 
Chuck
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on October 28, 2007, 03:49:12 PM
It may be that the instrument is part, or all, of the costume.  So ..
 
Mark King
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 28, 2007, 04:19:21 PM
Ugh.  Whatever am I going to DO with you guys!
 
It's Julian, from Trailer Park Boys!
 
http://www.trailerparkboys.com/ (http://www.trailerparkboys.com/)
 
I'll drink a beer for each of you anyway, because you all deserve it.  
 
;)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: lbpesq on October 28, 2007, 06:30:49 PM
Who?  From who?
 
lol
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on October 29, 2007, 05:51:38 AM
Bill,
 
You, of all people, should have at least a passing familiarity with that show!  ;)
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: bracheen on October 29, 2007, 09:01:23 AM
Don't feel alone, Bill.  I was going to guess Jeff Berlin.
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: dadabass2001 on October 29, 2007, 10:23:02 AM
And I was gonna say Duck Dunne from The Blues Bros.
;)
Mike
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on November 13, 2007, 04:51:18 PM
I found this video from 1995 of a band I was in called The Bad Dangos that did primarily original material.  The singer went to take a pee break, so the remaining three of us did an impromptu Beatles tune.  We three are also in Old School, so I thought this might be the most appropriate place to post this.  
 
The Alembic is tuned BEAD, and I'm using Fatar pedals triggering a DX-7.  Note the huge isobaric cabinet I'm playing through with the back side of one of the 18's exposed.  That combo was nearly flat down to 26 hertz, and very strong still below 20 hertz!
 
I now have more grey hair than I had then...
 
Enjoy...
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50EroY1Vo8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50EroY1Vo8)
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: alembic_doctor on November 13, 2007, 05:24:35 PM
lighting guy needs another beer
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on November 13, 2007, 05:38:43 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on November 13, 2007, 07:03:41 PM
Doc, The lighting guy's dead.  Liver cancer.  Not a huge surprise, but he was a nice guy always eager to carry equipment and run lights.  
 
RIP Mike Blunk.
 
Dave, Thanks!
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 05, 2008, 06:43:32 PM
Had a gig with a blues outfit last Thursday in Paris, Illinois, at the park.  I tried to record some of it, but ran out of storage at the tail end of a somewhat-butchered bass solo.   Actually there are things I like about it, but also many critical flaws in the execution and my ears.  Probably a reasonably fair representation of the lackluster skilz in my musical toolbox..  ;)
 
 
John
 
(Message edited by 811952 on August 05, 2008)
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 07, 2008, 06:48:26 AM
Perhaps this will work more betterer..
 
http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/gallery/5592189_nMXJb/1/#343220432_BWYUX-A-LB (http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/gallery/5592189_nMXJb/1/#343220432_BWYUX-A-LB)
 
John
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: David Houck on August 08, 2008, 06:24:17 PM
Cool!!!  Very nice tone too!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 08, 2008, 10:08:41 PM
Thanks, Dave.  Fender flatwounds..  
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 82daion on August 08, 2008, 10:15:31 PM
Great tone and great lines, John.
 
Thanks for the vid!
Title: Re: Old School gigs
Post by: 811952 on August 09, 2008, 12:27:40 PM
Thanks!  A few years ago I never would have dreamed that I'd be playing flatwounds and loving it.  They work really well on the Alembic though!
 
John