La Quinta Resort, 1/16/18

Hi folks!

I got to play hooky from work today so that I could play an afternoon event with the Arnie Newman Band at La Quinta Resort. I loaded up my gear in my trusty Astro van and picked up John and his keyboards at 9am.

It was a pleasant morning to drive out to the desert, not hot, manageable traffic, and we made good time.

I just love the desert landscape. This is the view as we turned off the freeway. The resort is nestled up against those foothills.

Here's the entrance to the resort. It's one of the nicer ones and has been around for a while.

The event was under a big tent in the parking lot. We were playing for an afternoon meal which followed a day of presentations and activities for the convention in town.

 

We were able to pull right up to the back of the stage and set up. It was very convenient, no long carry. But then I had to park down the street around the corner. Oh well.

It was a Mexican theme, decorations and food. The client had also asked us to make half our first set a Latin theme. We obliged.

This is Cesar and Flash finishing up the PA as we start getting set up. This is another MxxMaster Sound crew. They did a great job. I've worked with this company in several bands now.

Arnie and Cesar talk about sound, how it sounds, what it sounds like, what makes sounds, and other sound-y stuff like that.

Flash helps Jason get his kit mic'd and his electronics wired up.

This was their mixer board. But most of the hard work was done with the wireless tablet using a mixing console app.

We left quite a mess behind the stage as we set up. We're not even all here yet. Most of that is John's junk.

Randy (steel) and Daniel (you remember him?) arrive and join the setup dance. We were seven pieces today. The client wanted the full experience.

I brought my small rig. Next to it is Arnie's amp and Francelle's amp. Randy always uses two amps and Daniel brought his stage monitor for his fiddle.

Here's Flash right after saying "Gimme some kick drum!"

As I went into the main hall to use the little bass player's room I noticed that we are playing for some kind of dental convention. There were vendors and products everywhere.

While I was there I stepped into the grand ballroom where this guitar player was entertaining the large room.

Hey! That's Tommy Emmanuel! I didn't know he'd be opening for us today! Man, that guy can pick!

We would get started as soon as Tommy was done. The serving staff was hanging out in front of the main hall ready to ply the guests with liquid refreshments.

I made my way back to the stage. We'll start in just a few minutes, I think. These events always run late. Arnie surveys the accommodations.

OK! That's it! We're really going to start now. I can tell because I'm taking a selfie.

The client wanted some Latin music. We picked a few Selena songs. "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" was a fun little ditty. "Dreaming Of You" is a beautiful song that I didn't have time to memorize so I wrote myself a cheat sheet.

The other Latin influenced tunes we played were "La Bamba", "Oye Como Va", "Smooth", and another Selena song, "Como La Flor". Here's an action shot.

We tried to keep it down so the audience could too.

Flash was kind enough to take a few pictures with my phone.

After the first set we retired to our green room to await a meal. We didn't eat with the other guests. They had some terrific Mexican food. We got to order off the restaurant menu.

Unfortunately our meals did not arrive on time. We had to play the next set. But we were able to enjoy a cold one while on the break.

We had a comical line dance instructor, part cowboy, part Borat.

I see Francelle was having fun.

Oh my! I guess she's really having a lot of fun!

Here's Johnny Fingers on the keys and Jason pounding the tubs.

We're winding down the event but Francelle still gives it her all.

Can you tell what Daniel is singing? I know you can.

The band plays a few more. Since these folks have been up since 6am they didn't stick around until the scheduled ending. We got off a half hour early.

Who is that dashing bass player?

Our food had finally arrived at the green room so we got to eat after our show. Our hosts apologized profusely. Heck, I'm just glad to get food at the gig.

I had a really great grilled chicken and avocado sandwich and salad along with another barley pop.

After we ate we had to tear down. Here's all my stuff packed up and ready to be loaded.

As I walked down the block to get my trusty Astro van I thought I'd take a picture of the sunset over the resort.

John and I loaded up and drove the 90 miles, or so, home. After dropping off John I was home in time to watch Wheel Of Fortune (7:30). It was a good gig. These types of gigs are typical for running late, ending early, getting good food, and being well paid. This was no exception. Now I've got the weekend off. Next week will be busy for me, four dates between two bands. So I'm going to have a family night this Friday, just so they don't forget what I look like. I guess maybe I could just send my family a link to my gig blog? Hey, thanks for looking! 

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff