Arnie Newman Band at The Ranch 4/8-9/16

Hello dear friends,

I'm having the pleasure of playing with some dear old friends at The Ranch this weekend in The Arnie Newman Band. Here's the electronic flyer.

We actually started with a rehearsal at The Ranch on Tuesday. Since Kellye Huff isn't with us this weekend we have Hilary and Brandi sitting in with us (Brandi on Friday and Hilary on Saturday). Here they are rehearsing with Andrew, the owner, who likes to kick off the show on the weekends.
 

After rehearsing with Andrew we retire to the green room for our supper before the band rehearses. I had a nice lettuce wrapped grilled chicken sandwich and salad.

When we got back to the stage I had to borrow one of Arnie's picks. He uses only thumb picks since he's on of those "claw" pickers. Arnie thought it was hilarious and used my camera to get a picture of me. (I forgot picks again Friday night and had to borrow one of his again.)

As you know, Merle Haggard died this week. Some of the guys in this band have actually worked with Merle. Arnie has his picture on stage this weekend as we added a few Merle songs to the set list in tribute.

Before we started the show Friday night, we all had supper together in the green room. I had another lettuce wrapped grilled chicken sandwich and a spinach salad with grilled chicken. There seems to be a pattern here.

We worked through some new tunes in the set. Arnie is not really ready to throw in the towel yet.

Arnie has five guitars on stage tonight. I have three. But no amps. We're all using IEMs instead.

The lovely and talented Brandi Smith joins us for our "Beauty and The Beast, and the bass player" picture.

John is looking sharp in his vest and bolo tie.

Jason is also looking very dapper in his vest and tie.

Randy is ready to make his steel cry, moan, wail, and rock the house.

And here's a picture of our DJ Leo, keeping the crowd engaged on our breaks. He's a good guy.

Here's an action shot from Jason's Mom that she took from her TV while watching the live stream.

Here's a shot of the crowd with the band on stage. 

Here's Brandi and Arnie.

Yours truly.

Brandi Smith.

Arnie Newman.

My pal Daniel Blank was also working with the ANB tonight. 

And the incomprehensible Randy Hess on steel. 

This crowd enjoys their line dancing. It was a fun night. 

The next gig I have will be with Kelly Rae playing for a 50th wedding anniversary. I love those kind of parties, lots of family and friends, good food, and fun! Until then.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff