Calabasas Pumpkin Festival 10/17/15

Hi folks!


This past Saturday afternoon the KRB had a long drive to Calabasas for their annual Pumpkin Festival. I drove 70 miles to the gig and I had the shortest commute. But I knew I was getting close when I saw a banner and a huge pumpkin on top of a car dealership on the side of the freeway.

The festival was held in Juan Baustista De Anza Park and blocked Lost Hills Road. That must be a nightmare for the local residents. 

The band got to park fairly close to the festivities. I wanted to ride this big slide but didn't get a chance.

The organizers had a cart to haul our gear onto the grounds. This is Armando helping Daniel load his gear.

Daniel and I both loaded our gear and I got to ride in the back. Wheeeee!

We made our way slowly through the festival to the stage area. It was a good sized covered stage. 

Our "handler", Lana, took great care of us, gave us a quick tour of the facilities, and made sure we had everything we needed. Here's Daniel and Lana outside our hospitality tent.

Lana took a picture of Daniel and I. I was hitting the caffeine pretty heavy that day. 

We were well-stocked with water, sodas, and snacks.

When we arrived "Frontloaders" were on the stage. They are a good band playing classic rock, had good vocal harmonies, and a sax player. 

A close-up of the entertainment for that day.

Here's a panorama from the stage out across part of the festival. There was tons of stuff to do, see, eat, play with, etc, a very family fun atmosphere.

This was the DJ rig. He was pretty good, for a DJ.

Rob was running the monitors. 

This is Kevin, of DSR Sound, running FOH. These guys were on the ball and we had a great time working with them.

I love face-in-the-hole pictures. Art joins me. 

The early band strikes the stage and we wait our turn. They were a bunch of friendly guys. Most of them had to rush off to another gig, as did our Mario.

Here we are doing the setup dance.

And here's the view from my mic. It was a pretty nice day, just a little warm.

I got most of the band in on my amp-selfie this time!

Mario doesn't look scared, even though he's barely got time to make it to his next gig.

Kelly is having her fun in front of the crowd. 

On the break we get to visit the hospitality building, it's air conditioned, and have some lunch.

There were sandwiches for days!

Kelly's girls take the stage to promote their CD and Jack joins them on the bass. 

We played two sets and were done. Daniel rides his gear off into the sunset. Vaya con Fender!

I figured I'd better take a picture of some pumpkins since we're at a pumpkin festival. 

A good time was had by all and all indications are that they will have us back next year. It's a fun gig. Thanks for looking.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

SCFCA Chili Cook-Off at Daltile, 10/15/15

Greetings!

This is at least the third time we've played this annual event. It's a fun little party. The Anaheim location of Daltile hosts a chili cook-off for the Southern California Floor Covering Association. It's not fancy but it's fun.

It's a parking lot gig. The stage is not covered but we don't start until the sun is fairly low in the sky so it's not unbearable. You can see I was the last to arrive. The band, staff, chili contestants, etc, are all getting set up at the same time. It was kind of a cluster. But the hosts and attendees are friendly and everyone had a great time.

The company rents a stage that is just big enough for us.

I get to park my Rock-n-Roller cart behind the stage with all the rest of the cool kids. 

Here's a view of the event from inside the warehouse loading dock.

Kelly's cousin, Skyler, is helping Jack with the sound and doing the DJ for us today.

Eh? What's that, Mario? What sun?

Jack and Kelly's girls do a little sound check/rehearsal. They've got a pretty catchy reggae song on their CD and Jack plays a nice bass line.

Here's my amp-selfie just before we start. (Who needs a hair cut?)

Jack took my camera a grabbed a shot of the band. 

Here's on from stage right.

One more from stage left.

Jack caught me looking at the set list. What are we playing next? What are we playing right now?

Art smiles big while Kelly belts out one of her big hits.

I think I'm the only one who knows that I'm taking a picture right now. Timers on cameras are handy!

Here's the good stuff! We take a break and help our selves to some BBQ beef sliders and a cold one.

Later on, I sample the chili and have to settle for whatever beer is left.
 

It was a good crowd. They ate, they drank, they danced, they socialized. It was a pleasant evening. This picture looks over the DJ/sound booth. Skyler uses his computer to play his tunes.

Jack brought more lights this year. The stage was fairly well lit. 

This guy made some pretty good chili. I hope I don't look like that later.

Here's one of the chili contestants. This was my favorite chili but it didn't win any awards tonight.

After I stuff myself with BBQ beef, chili, and beer, we're back. The girls perform a couple of songs while I take pictures.
 

Jack is not really a country player. He's more of a classic rock guy. But I think Kelly enjoys having her whole family on stage.

I just never can tell with these two. It seems Art and Daniel are always trying to figure something out.

Mario is ready when I take his picture.

Here's a picture of me taking a picture of Mario.

Kelly's friend, Laura, and her husband David have worked for Daltile for a long time. They're the main reason we play this gig.

There's a pause in the action while prizes are raffled and trophies are awarded for the chili.

Daniel wows the crowd with none other than "Devil Went Down To Georgia".

Kelly entertains the dancers.

Here's another artsy-fartsy b/w photo from Mario's phone, a drummer's view.
 

We get the high sign and bust into our encore number, "Don't Stop Believing". Jeff hammers out the intro.

 Kelly shreds Steve Perry.

Art and Daniel rock their guitars.

We are done at 9:00 PM. Skyler and Jack get to work tearing down the PA. The band is happy to get home early.

The next gig for the KRB will be at the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival on 10/17/15 from 2-4pm. It's a pretty long drive but at least it will be hot. It's still in the 90s here in So Cal. Com'on fall!

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff