Here's a shot of our "stage" lol.
I formed an "oldies" band with some folks around Sac and Stockton and we played our first public gig together as(nick named for Richard) "****'s Garage Band" in Lodi Cali. My buddy owns a tire shop and he was celebrating their 40th year in business so I talked him in on letting us play in his parking lot.
We played just a few feet from the corner of N. Cherokee Lane and Lockford Ave. The parking lot was crammed with customer's cars so it was difficult to set up the PA.
On the second set, a dozen homeless people from a few blocks away came by to listen to us play. They been out on the streets for quite a while and they politely applauded during the set. The owner was concerned about their presense but treated them with kindness with free hotdogs and sodas that were being handed out to his customers.
After we were done, a few of the homeless folk came up to us and thanked us for providing them with good music and wished us with blessings of good luck. One woman was especially touched since she has never been to a live show in her life. She had made a special request for any James Taylor song and we oblidged with "How Sweet It Is".
We made a connection with people who were the farthest from our minds that day and I went home feeling really good about the experience.
Here's a few pics from the gig:
Last edited by late8; 10-21-2009 at 11:25 PM. Reason: spelling
Here's a shot of our "stage" lol.
thats fantastic late8.. I feel its those little things in life that give it meaning.
We Have nothing to fear but Reefs and Pirates
I tried taking life seriously, didn't much like it so now what I take seriously is living
WOW I didnt know James Taylor was your bass player! lol!
Nice !! I like the key board stand lol !
E Drums !! !
There are no loud instruments just loud players !
Protect Your Hearing !!!!
That's a GREAT story. Thank you!
- 1966 4-piece Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl
- 2000 8-piece DW Collector's Grey Swirl
- 2002 8-piece Pearl Masterworks GB Packer Gold
- 2008 8-piece Tama B&B Lava Glass Glitter
- Paiste Signature 12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 17, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22
- Paiste Formula 602 14, 14, 16, 18, 20
Way to go- if you bring a bit of joy to somebody, its been a good day!
Thats a nice story.
Have you got you're ticket for the rock train? You gotta earn that Ticket!!
Premier Genista - Pearl Masters - Primus custom snare - Zildjian A Custom- DW 5000 pedal - Zildjian Zack Starkey sticks
I play lead Drums
Awesome story late8, and awesome day. You got to have some fun, and it brought some joy into lives that needed it. Your friend that owns the tire store was a Good Samaritan as well. May you all receive that which you gave.
Quoting gonefishin: Just have some bacon with ya when you go pick her up..........youre an instant chick magnet.
For coupons and specials, join the Drum Bum mailing list.
Buy Gifts for Drummers. And don't miss the free Drum Lessons!
I've been hounded by the homeless most of my life because I work in the city and not a day goes by when on a break, I get hit up for change. Sometimes I have nothing to give so their pleas go unanswered as I glance away.
Last saturday was the first time in my life I was given something back by a homeless person and it was something more than I ever given them in the past.
Man, that had to be an experience. A few years ago I sat in with a country-rock band who played gigs for the developmently disabled, and while the gig didn't last more than a few months, I have never forgotten the looks on their faces as they enjoyed what the band was playing. One man who was pretty much confined to a wheelchair was "dancing," so to speak, even though he couldn't get up...
Amen to that, PB...my most rewarding experiences behind the drums haven't always been the ones that paid me in cash!
Better than forgetting your bass pedal, which I did the first time I ever played kit at a gig (my former boss' charity Christmas party some years ago)...
keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!
Charlie
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854
"There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
"Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck
Great job late. All the best with the band.
Dave
Frank "Fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
RIP my friend
Proud member of "PHROGGES AQUARIAN ARMY"
Thanks for sharing your experiences. The Christmas party situation was funny but it can happen to me too today as we speak. I had to drive back home before this gig because I forgot my one of my crash cymbals. Even though I had the other one I use, I couldn't get over NOT having my trusting cymbal that sits off of the ride.
Late8, just read your story, and you know that surely is a good one! sometimes we forget the pleasures in life that we take for granted, like music! those homeless people will remember your band for a long while. way to go!
Enjoy the Music!
HOOKED ON VINTAGE ROGERS
12 tom times 3
13 tom times 3
16 floor tom 3
22 BD times 2
24 BD 1
Dyna-sonic snare 1976
Dyna-sonic snare 1969
Powertone snare 1969
24 x 12 Djembe
21" K Hybrid custom ride
21" Avedis ride
20" Zildjian 1970 ride
18" A Custom Zildjian fast crash
17" A Custom Zildjian med crash
15" A Custom Zildjian Reso hats
10" A Custom fast splash
18" A Custom China
LP Cowbell baby..always more cowbell
Member of "PHROGGES AQUARIAN ARMY"
The Zildjian League
Drum Chat's Record for Most Users Online
BE COUNTED!
hey late, nice story it was heart warming. you never know, whenever you play those gigs, someone important might show up and get you a better gig.
Bookmarks