Last night was a pretty terrific event for the Disney employees at Cars Land. The Mouse likes to celebrate its hard working employees and he threw a nice party with food, drinks, music, rides, and attractions. Come along with me as I take you deep into rarely seen enclaves of The Mouse's lair. You must swear an oath of secrecy because what you are about to see can break the magic spell of Mickey Mouse if children of any age were to gain this forbidden knowledge.
When I left work it was overcast and we even had a drop or two or precipitation. But as I approached the Magic Kingdom the skies cleared and the sun came out, just like magic.
Most of the time me and the KRB begin our adventure by entering BCML (Ball Cast Member Lot) to park.
We proceed to the security check-in station where we are ID'd and receive our passes. For some reason, today's encounter with security was glitch-free, like magic.
I received my vehicle pass since we were driving onto the properly. I left BCML and proceeded to Gate 8 since it was the most convenient. Yes, the speed limit on the back lots is 14mph.
From where we park, this is the view of the back side Radiator Springs, Cars Land.
I can also see the old Tower of Terror, which has been revamped into the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission:Breakout!
Here's Skip on stage. Since we set up and sound checked last night we just have to place our instruments. The park closed to the public at 5pm to reopen at 6pm for the employee celebration. Our downbeat was 7pm.
Mario makes sure his sparkley white kit is in order. All the backline was left out all night and covered up by the stage crew.
BassCliff is in the house! My bass case takes a selfie.
The founder of Radiator Springs indulges me with a selfie.
The sound system is great. The stage is wonderful. It's plenty deep. I just wish it were a little wider. But we had enough room to make the magic happen.
Here you see Joshua putting the final touches on the FOH booth. To the left of the mixer is the lighting console. You might also notice the monitor mixer right on the side of the stage. Behind Josh is Thomas and Curtis, lighting and monitor guys.
We have donned our attire, furnished by The Mouse, and have taken the stage. Mario plays the rebel by rolling up his sleeves.
Skip and I look like we should be dealing blackjack in some casino.
Daniel joins me in an amp-selfie. He pulls off this look better than I do. I need more magic.
Kelly joins us on stage. She brings the magic.
I gave my point-n-shoot to Erika, our handler, so she could take a few pictures from out front.
Kelly, stage right.
Kelly, stage left.
Kelly, center stage.
Here are three dapper lads on a break, Art, Daniel, and Skip.
On second thought, I make this work!
My backup bass spent the night tucked behind my backline amp, an Ampeg SVT classic with the 410 cab.
It was a fabulous and fun crowd on this magical evening.
Here's Art sharing the spotlight with Curtis (monitor) and Melissa (stage assistant).
A couple more action shots.
Radiator Springs was decorated in a Halloween theme. The season officially begins tomorrow.
I just love Flo's V8 Cafe.
We played five sets, four 40 minute sets and one 20 minutes set. Then the magic was over. Or was it? Suddenly, a stage crew appeared to schlog all the gear. All I had to do was carry my bass off stage. It was magic!
And that was my gig. It was a lot of fun work. That's why we're in the business, right? I made it home kind of late for a school night but I was only ten minutes late for work this morning. I'll just leave a little early to make up for it. That's how magic works.
On Saturday the KRB has a big, fancy, schmancy annual fund raiser that we've done a few times in the past. Until then, thanks for looking! Take care and God bless.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
No comments:
Post a Comment