This mid-week corporate gig for the KRB Quartet was an employee appreciation picnic with a country theme at Hoag Hospital's Irvine campus. It was a long gig as we had to play shows for both the early and late shift. Nurses, and a lot of others there, work 12 hour shifts from 7 to 7. We played from 10:30am to 2:00pm for the early shift and then 5:00pm to 8:00pm for the late shift. Yes, we had a three hour break in between.
We who live in the IE must travel down the 57 freeway into the OC. Since our call time was 9:00am I had to fight the regular morning traffic.
By the time I drove by Angel stadium the traffic had eased up a little bit, but just a little. The normally one hour commute was a little over an hour and a half. Not bad, considering. If there is a wreck on the freeway, forget it.
I arrived at Hoag Hospital right on time. You learn to allow extra time for traffic.
I didn't know where we were setting up but I got lucky and found the picnic area right next to the first parking lot I pulled into.
I was a little concerned about this little generator but since we were just a quartet we didn't draw that much power. There were no electrical mishaps. Plus it was very quiet.
Hal provided the PA today. As well as playing the drum machine, the keyboards, and adding vocals. He earned his money today.
This was a nice area for a picnic. This is the view from the stage area.
This was the main entrance to the festivities for the employees.
Here was my rig for the day, MB500 and Carvin RL210. We all went small. Daniel didn't even bring an amp and just went direct into the PA, as did Hal.
I took an amp-selfie later, after we got started.
Daniel and Hal are putting the finishing touches on their set up.
And what's a country-themed gig without hay bales? There were a few fakes around. I guess the gold in the mining cart was fake too.
Kelly gives us the lowdown on the schedule for today. They were giving away raffle prizes every half hour. We would play for about 20-25 minutes and then take a little break while prizes were given out.
Hal makes notes on his set list for drum machine patterns and tempos.
Here's Hal's rig, in front of the calf. That calf was well behaved all day, didn't make any noise and didn't make a mess.
You see the Mackie powered mixer for the PA, the drum machine, Hal's keyboard mixer, and his Carver power amp.
We were really looking forward to lunch. In fact, we were here so long I ate three times.
We checked out the spread before we got started.
Burgers, chicken, dogs, slaw, beans, chips, watermelon. Is it lunchtime yet?
Before we could take advantage of the excellent spread, first we had to play a couple of sets. Here's a band-selfie.
Kelly entertains the medical staff members.
When we broke for lunch I started with the double cheeseburger. All the catering was provided by the Turnip Rose. We have played a few benefits at that venue for Fight With Grace.
The employees enjoyed their meals and the music on this warm, but not too warm, day.
Yes! Nurses know how to line dance! There were just a few during the day.
On our next break we were able to have a cookie. They were fresh baked and huge!
Here are some of the administrators giving away some swag to show their appreciation.
There was a little tent just behind the stage where we could find a little shade on the breaks.
When we were done with the first shift I tried the BBQ chicken sandwich with some beans and slaw. It was good stuff.
Hal and I take a selfie at the other entrance to the party. This was at the beginning of our long, three hour break and we were looking for a spot to chill.
We ended up in the comfy chairs in the central lobby of the hospital. In the cool environment, with some soothing piano music on the muzak system, I was soon snoring. Hey, I'm old. I needed a nap.
Our next show started with the sun in our faces.
So I put on the new hat that was given out to all the attendees and got my sunglasses out of the van.
Some more administrators gave away even more swag, water bottles and canvas bags.
Then Daniel wowed them with his big hit.
We took another break and we all tried the hot dog. It was a pretty dang good hot dog. And that pineapple coleslaw was really refreshing.
It looks like the sun is almost behind the trees. We are about to get into the shade again.
Ahhh, there it is. The shadows have finally reached us.
Toward the end of our second show the crowds were pretty light but we still had our fun.
Then at 8:00pm we shut'er down and loaded out. I helped Hal with his PA a bit and then made the trek home. It was a much easier drive than this morning.
That was my corporate gig on a Thursday. Thanks for stopping by and having a look.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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