Yes, we were back at Disney California Adventure, next to the Disneyland Resort, for our New Year's Eve show at Cars Land. This is our fourth year in a row. I guess I haven't stunk up the joint too bad, they keep having us back.
We actually started the night before, arriving about 11:30pm on Jan. 30th so that we could load in and sound check between midnight and 2am. We checked in with security and then waited in the parking lot for the shuttle van and equipment truck to show up and take us to the venue.
The drivers got us as close as they could but we still had quite a roll to get to the stage. Jeff snapped this picture of me as we rolled by the entrance sign.
The crew had our stage all ready to go in front of Flo's Diner. This Cars Land place looks amazing, just like the movie.
Here's a little better picture from behind the sound booth.
The band and the crew get everything plugged in.
Mario checks his phone to see how famous he is.
We got everything set up, ran a few songs for sound check, then went home to get a few hours sleep before showing up back at Knott's Berry Farm for our afternoon gig there.
The crew at Disney was top notch. There were a couple there who've been with us just about every NYE and they are very good to work with. The sound and lights were excellent and there was always one or two of the crew just hanging out near the stage waiting for anything that we might need.
After playing four sets at Knott's Berry Farm I was back at Disneyland to check in for our five sets later that evening. This time we parked in the structure at Cast Place which was a good deal because it was much easier to get out of there compared to leaving the employee lot at BCML.
This bassist brought to you by the number 'five'.
Since we were already set up and sound checked, all I had to do was bring my basses. The crew had covered everything overnight and was just the way we left it.
I used my amp cover but the crew also covered the whole stage with a tarp and heavy plastic. It was a dry night anyway so there was no moisture or dew to worry about. We had to get everything ready while the park was closed and no people around. We don't want to spoil the magic.
We did come out to the stage area just to set up our instruments.
Then it was back to our green room to relax and get ready for the show. Our green room was in the Bug's Life theater building. You had to walk through the theater to get to the restrooms. I couldn't help but take a selfie on the stage.
The costume department had our shirts all ready for us, with name tags and new ball caps.
It's just about time for the show. Here's Mario and Art with the DJ car in the background.
It wasn't as cold this year as last. I didn't have to use my fingerless gloves.
Kelly shows off the new bling cover she got for her microphone.
Between sets the band manages to stand still long enough for a quick picture.
Jeff and Art relax on the break.
Sorry, this is not a very flattering shot of our hostess, Laura, chatting up the audience and looking lovely.
Jeff is trying to keep his nose warm. It was a cool, dry evening.
This was our excellent stage/sound/lighting crew. You see Stephanie outside the booth and John running the FOH. They were on the crew last year.
Is that a mischievous grin on Mario's face?
I don't know what Mario did, but the next break the sound crew was up there checking mics on his kit. I think something just came loose and was rattling. They got it sorted, no problem.
We had our countdown at midnight. This is the panel at the FOH, sync'd across the entire park because of the timed announcement over the park's PA system.
There were tons of fireworks all over both parks.
OOoooh! Ahhhhh!
I grabbed a selfie before we went back up to play one more set. Our last set was 12:15 to 12:45.
Then we struck our gear, loaded up our carts, and made our way to the extraction point. Getting around behind the scenes, between dressing rooms and stages and employee eating areas and restrooms, reminds me of the band looking for the stage in the movie "Spinal Tap". It's literally a maze back there. It's a good thing they always assign us a handler to keep us from getting lost.
It's been a good year for The Kelly Rae Band. I wish you, dear reader, much health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year. May God richly bless you. Here's one more photo of the band in front of the 2016 backdrop. Happy New Year!
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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