This gig was a bit of an adventure. Aren't they all? Me and the True Willie Band were hired to play for a 'celebration of life' event for the recently departed Y. A. Tittle, who was the NFL quarterback in the 60s. What we thought was going to be a large production for many NFL celebrities turned out to be a small-ish gathering for family and friends to reminisce and celebrate the life of the family patriarch, not the NFL all-star. Willie Nelson was Y.A.'s favorite singer and we were honored to take part in his memorial celebration.
This was basically a 24-hour adventure. We flew out of LAX about 9pm on Tuesday and flew home from SFO at 8:30pm on Wednesday. John and I began our experience about 5pm when he picked me up. We allowed ourselves plenty of time to get to LAX during the rush hour traffic. If you look off in the distance you can barely make out the buildings of downtown LA.
Since we all arrived plenty early we were able to enjoy a refreshing beverage before we boarded. Here you see the bass player, Mike, John, Roger, and Dave.
Mike's two carry-on items were his hat and his guitar. We like flying Southwest because your first two checked items are free plus you can have two carry-ons.
I thought it would be fun to bring my ukulele on this trip. I did a little picking and grinning while our car was procured at SFO.
We had to get a vehicle that would fit us, our instruments, and our luggage. The Suburban was very comfy.
Since no one had eaten supper yet we stopped at In-n-Out on the way to the motel. I was hungry so I opted for the 4x4 animal style.
We stayed at a Days Inn Motel near the event. It was not a bad place to lay your head.
There was plenty of room for me and my bass. By the time I ironed my clothes for tomorrow and brushed my teeth it was almost 2am before we laid down. Then I was up at 7am the next morning.
This was the view from my balcony. We weren't here long enough to take advantage of the pool.
After my five hour nap we were able to have breakfast in the motel lobby. We were "wheels up" at 9am to go to the venue.
When John brought down his module rack it was all rattle-y inside. The baggage handlers must've thrown this case around pretty good. All four screws on the rack ears were stripped and the module had broken loose in the case. We had to perform an emergency repair. My Leatherman multi-tool came in very handy. We had to pack the screw holes with a bit of wire from some twist ties.
Then we were on our way. Unfortunately, Siri got us lost. Siri got us close, to the right street, but not to the proper location of the address.
We called the sound/backline company. They were supposed to be there at 9am to start setting up the stage and gear. They were not on scene yet. (???) A couple of the crew had made it to the venue so we got their number and they guided us. But the truck with all the gear had not arrived yet.
We pulled into a large field next to the residence where the event was bring held.
The event was being held in the back yard of one Y.A.'s family members. It looks like both the sound company and the catering company are a little behind the curve this morning.
Finally the gear truck arrives with the backline and sound system, over an hour behind schedule. We pitch in to lend a hand setting up.
Dave got a pretty nice DW kit and I got an older GK rig. It sounded good but it was about twice as heavy as my rig. I'm glad I didn't have to carry it. I just set it up on stage and plugged it in.
This is Tim, part of the sound crew. He helped set up and ran monitors.
This is Austin. He ran FOH.
Jeff and Casey help John get his keys set up on the riser. The back porch wasn't big enough for the whole band.
The "stage" is slowly coming together. We were supposed to be done with soundcheck by noon. We weren't too late. At least we finished before the guests arrived.
The memorial funeral service was held at another location, probably one of the larger churches in the area. The catering staff was expecting about 200 for this memorial life celebration. Finally we get to soundcheck. Mr. Johnny Fingers tickles the ivory.
Our gracious hosts let us use their master bedroom as our green room. Here Tim is fixing up Dave's monitors.
The weather was warm but not too warm unless you were in the direct sun. We moved a large umbrella over the stage area.
Here is the view from my mic. You see Tim working on monitors and Austin working on the FOH. These kids and their iPads these days can do some pretty cool stuff.
We finish our soundcheck just in time to gobble down a sandwich before we start playing. This local sandwich shop was killer. I had the pastrami and cheese on rye.
Here's my amp-selfie just before we start the show.
The caterers served lunch. It looked like pulled pork sandwiches. We didn't eat lunch with the guests. We were busy making noise.
Drummer Dave and I trade pictures while Mike looks on.
This is Y.A.'s son Rook. He said just a few words, welcomed everyone, and announced the band.
Then it was on with the show. It was a little subdued, but fun.
Most folks hung out in the shade. There wasn't much except near the trees and under the umbrellas.
John had good shade next to his tree. You also see the group sitting in the shade on the other side of the caterers.
We had a few folks dancing and lots of folks taking pictures.
Willie and the boys are having more fun as the crowd warms up.
At one point we had a guest singer, Steve - another of Y.A.'s sons, sits in with the band and sings "On The Road Again". Steve used to sing that song to his Dad almost every day during his declining years. Then all the sons, brothers, and other close friends and relatives posed for a picture with True Willie.
John can feel the love in this close family.
We played a few encores. We had a special request for "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground". We just happen to know that one.
As the shade crept across the yard we had more listeners join us in front of the stage.
After the show was meet-n-greet and picture time. Meet a couple of granddaughters, Caryn and Gretchen (sisters!).
More friends of the family.
I put my bass in my case and left the rest to the stage crew. Sometimes I am really blessed.
I was able to help myself to a couple of adult beverages since I wasn't driving.
I did have to pack the Suburban. But that was no big deal.
These arrangements must've come from the funeral service. Four of them were placed at the entrance to the back yard. I thought they were lovely.
Then it was time for supper. This was also a time for family members to share memories. This is Rook telling tales of his Dad.
In the blue shirt is Pat, Y.A.'s brother, sharing some memories. You could tell he really misses his big brother. That's Y. A.'s son, Steve, sitting on the sub-woofer. He sang with us earlier.
This is Elysa, another granddaughter. She and her husband Tye were our hosts. This is their house. They were gracious and generous. Everyone we met was so nice and welcoming and made us feel at home.
While friends and family took turns speaking, we were able to have some of the catered supper. This BBQ was excellent. I had the pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket. This stuff was great.
And for dessert we had both pecan pie and peach cobbler.
Then it was time to drive back to the airport. Here's a view of San Francisco as we make our way down the freeway.
After dropping off the rental you have to take the train back to the terminals. It's been a trains, plans, and automobiles kind of a trip.
John and I check our luggage and instruments. This nice young man put "Fragile" stickers all over our gear. That's the first time that's ever happened.
There goes my Carvin in its SKB case, complete with "Fragile" stickers, just like a major award.
Again we were at the airport in time to enjoy a refreshing beverage before we leave.
The agent counters were all decorated and spooky, what with it being near Halloween and all.
Since I had brought my tablet, we were able to watch the last couple of innings of the World Series game two while in the air. It was a good game.
Here we are waiting on our shuttle to take us back to our parking lot. It was a long day but very rewarding in several ways.
John drove us home. Thanks John. I was able to get about six hours sleep and then it was back to the grind this morning. That's the life of a small-time rock star. Thanks for stopping by and having a look. I think the next gig I have is a Saturday at Valley View Casino with the KRB. Until then....
Thank you for you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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