Ed of H gigs; 2021

[edwardofhuncote]

A last-minute gig opportunity came in for Harwell-Grice Band tomorrow night at a popular night-spot down at Smith Mountain Lake. On such short notice, we'll do something fun and jam-able. I know me, Gabe, and Stew are in, maybe Ernie too. We can surely work that combo for a couple sets.

Nice surprise. It's been a lite Summer season, a few cancellations lately for Fall. Still a few private things on the books, but '21 is winding down about the same way it started.

[hammer]

Great that your getting a chance to play out. The establishments around here with music other than the big gigs are not really bringing live music back yet. Extreme shortage of serving staff at pubs and bars have led to most owners not wanting to take on another responsibility. The band of a friend of mine here in MN just got a gig because two of the guys have experience as bartenders and agreed to short term “consulting positions” with the establishment prior to and after their sets.

[lbpesq]

Has it really gotten to the point where we’ll have to wash dishes between sets to play out?   Covid really sux!

Bill, tgo

[hammer]

Unfortunately, they are personally getting paid at a much higher rate to work as barkeeps for a few hours than they will get for playing several sets over 2-3 hours (though we all know none of us do this primarily for the $$$$).


   

[edwardofhuncote]

If Josh and/or Stew ever find out they can get paid to pour drinks, and play music too... the rhythm section is in serious trouble. If the gig ran past two sets, the Franklin County Clink might hafta' hang out a 'No Vacancy' sign.   

...just play every one like it's the last. 

[David Houck]

... The band of a friend of mine here in MN just got a gig because two of the guys have experience as bartenders and agreed to short term “consulting positions” with the establishment prior to and after their sets.

We live in interesting times.

[edwardofhuncote]

Our little last-minute-throw-together went over pretty well on the patio stage at Hot Shots in Moneta, Virginia last night. They have a nice outdoor, but under roof setup. Plenty of room on the stage and lots of ELECTRICAL OUTLETS! Since my gig-rig is in the HGB band truck, and the HGB band truck is at Joshes place, and Josh himself being absent from the lineup last night, well... I was using the backup rig; Mesa WalkAbout Scout 15 combo, with a Subway+ DI. (sometimes I run that Mesa preamp into the effects return, bypassing the WalkAbout's preamp... it's got a few nice little tweakables I really enjoy) I went with the Persuader 5-string and '67 Starfire for an alternate bass. Two long sets, 7-10 pm, with a break in the middle, and drove home tired, but happy to have 'played one more'. It was chilly down on Smith Mountain Lake, but I cranked the sunroof open and turned the heat up.

I had the weirdest case of deja-vu, or nostalgia, or something... I was thinking about it on set break. Me and Ernie were on the road together back in the mid-90's. And I introduced Stewart and him before that, and they went on to play in another band together. Here it is 2021, and here we are climbing up on another stage together to play... about the same as it ever was, but as I was reminded last week, any one of us could be gone next week. I guess it's always been that way, and I'm just now realizing it.

I've sure had a good time playing music with these boys. Gotta' remember to tell 'em that.

[David Houck]

Evenings have been cool here recently as well.  Reminds me of September.

[edwardofhuncote]

New River Bound is playing for Botetourt County's 250 (+1) Celebration tomorrow in Fincastle. Closing out a day of activities actually. Obviously, the event was supposed to be last year... there was some kind of bug going around... hence the +1.

https://fincastleherald.com/botetourt-countys-250-1-years-anniversary-monument-dedication-2/

We've only gotten to play one time this year, and that was a couple months ago, so looking forward to a return engagement. I hope somebody gets a few pictures and maybe some video of us. From what I understand, we're going to have pro-audio sound tomorrow. Should be fun.

[edwardofhuncote]

I had to leave immediately after playing and go back to work, but some friends of the band sent some pictures of us onstage. It was a great time... there's always this natural chemistry between us, and it picked right up where we left off last July. The Old Fincastle Jail in the background was our Green Room today, and it sounded fantastic in there. Not to take anything away from Hartman & Son Audio... they kept everyone sounding good on the stage all day.

And that Custom Alembic fretless Mica's crew built for me... ka-BOOM. If you can't get what you need outta' that bass, just turn in your keys and quit.

Hard to say when the next one might be. If it turns out this was the last, well... it was a fine show.

[David Houck]

Nice pics; looks like it was a nice day as well.

[edwardofhuncote]

Closed out 2021 with Harwell-Grice Band last night at our hometown stompin' ground for a Christmas party. Always good to play for our people... they always come out to support everything we do. In addition to the regular line-up, on-hand were our subs, and a special guest fiddler, who was a former band member. Actually, the original bass player was in the house last night too, so PJ, Isaiah, and me all posed for a picture with Josh. That's never happened before.

Dave's old Series I never disappoints... I just love that old bass. I had the fretless Distillate for backup. Didn't need it. Michael's old red knob F-1X kept sending that Series' fire to my amp, and that old Mesa-Boogie box loaded with Rob's ToneTubby speaker kept my britches legs flappin' all night. Miniature WoS. Sonic Bliss.

Anyway. It's done. It was a lean year, but thankful we got to play at all.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season.

Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease.  ~Ed of H

[KR]

Back at you, Greg! Looking good with that '77.

[rv_bass]

That’s awesome, Greg, looks like fun!   Happy Holidays! 

[growlypants]

Glad to see you "out and about", celebrating the Holiday Season!  Wishing you and yours all the best....  Dan