Me and the ANB got a bit of a last-minute call to play in support of the Locash show down at the Viejas Resort and Casino. We got the call Tuesday afternoon for the show on Thursday night. We weren't doing anything so, why not? We played in the Lobby Bar again as the before- and after-party while Locash played in the big room. I like this gig a lot because we are all direct with IEMs and V-drums, not much gear to schlep. It's just a long drive. But it was a pleasant day for a drive down the 15 freeway and besides, I didn't have to drive. I carpooled with Johnny Magic Fingers.
The Viejas casino is located in the East San Diego County town if Alpine.
It's a lovely facility out here in the middle of nowhere. I guess most tribal casinos are located in the middle of nowhere.
John and I were the first to arrive. Arnie had called and said his truck overheated. He had to leave it in a McDonald's parking lot and called Jason to pick him up. Luckily Jason was just a few miles behind Arnie and was able to carry his gear. John and I begin our load-in. Notice, no amps. Yay!
Johnny and I begin our setup duet while we wait for the other guys. It's just going to be us hairy-legged boys today, no Amanda.
John and I are just about done. We're waiting on Arnie and Jason, and the sound man.
I hadn't eaten all day so I had a little snack to keep up my strength.
MMMmmmm, ROCKSTAR! It's not only an energy boost, but an ego boost as well!
Behind us is the courtyard where they have the summer concerts. The last time we were here Hank Jr. was on the big stage outside.
Arnie and Jason arrive only a half hour late and we complete the setup dance, still waiting on the sound guy.
Arnie usually uses his Kemper modeling unit here but it was glitching out. So he brought his isolation cabinet with his Little Walter amp.
Hey! Look who's here! It's Austin, our sound guy. Apparently this was a last minute deal for him. Austin knows his gear and he was able to get us up and going quickly.
We were supposed to have a 5:30 downbeat but that got pushed back to 6pm. We played an hour first set and then took a break at 7pm when the Locash show started. We headed to the room next door where some good looking hot dogs were being sold.
The young man behind the counter gave us a band discount so I enjoyed my Chicago Dog and a nice Sculpin.
Since the casino didn't feed us tonight they tossed in an extra $100 so we could buy our own supper. I think we made money on that deal. But then I spent it on beer anyway. We ended up playing three really long sets and taking a couple of half hour breaks. Here we are hard at it.
That's right, Arnie forgot his hat. He left it in his truck in the McDonald's parking lot. I think the ladies figured out that we were a country band anyway.
I got a nice picture of Johnny Magic Fingers wailing away on his big boogie-woogie number, "Mama Screw Your Wig On Tight".
The friendly folks were boogie-woogie-ing.
One more shot of the back row. I loved working with Jason on the V-drum kit. The venue provided the PA, the sound guy, the drum kit, the wireless mics, and the wireless IEM packs. All I had to do was plug in my bass and earbuds, then play. Sweet.
On the break I schmoozed with Dar, Shannon, and Leah. We had met before they went to see Locash. I told them I love seeing beautiful women drinking beer.
Cassie was nice enough to buy the bass player a Sculpin. I told here she was too kind but that's OK, I can take it.
Courtney joins us for a selfie while Shannon photobombs. We were all having such fun.
And we're back for one more set, finishing up at 11pm.
This is Preston Brust, half of Locash. Of course Arnie knew him. They both know Andy Wood, who showed up at our gig last weekend. Preston is a friendly guy. He and his wife just had their second child so I kind of think he'd rather be home, but somebody's got to bring home the bacon.
The room emptied out pretty quickly once we were done.
Since I wasn't driving, and Arnie had borrowed my handy-dandy Rock-n-Roller cart, I had one more beer while I packed up my gear. Now I'm ready to roll outta here.
John had the valet pull the car up and we slung our gear in the back for a long drive home. It had been a really fun night.
We're not playing this weekend until Sunday afternoon (4/7/19) at our favorite dive bar, Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. That's always a fun room, low-tech with amps and floor wedges, and running our own sound, just like back in the day. If you're in South Orange County on Sunday afternoon be sure to stop by and say "Howdy!"
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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