I type this as I run a couple of tunes before our park concert this evening. Yesterday Arnie Newman's Country Club Band played a surprise 90th birthday party in the afternoon and then boogied over to Knott's to play our regular Saturday night summer show. Since Arnie's truck was in the shop I picked up Arnie, his rig, and his PA at 9am.
We had to fit everything under the tonneau and in the back seat because it had to stay secure in Knott's parking lot later. We made it fit.
We played in a charmingly decorated hall at the senior center where the birthday boy lives. His family and friends had rented the space for this celebration.
We kind of made a mess on stage. We left our cases out so we could make a quick getaway.
I was looking forward to the dessert table. Moon Pies!
It was a very festive room.
This is the birthday boy back in the day. I didn't get a chance to talk to him as to why he was in Japan.
John's got his cowboy shirt on. We're ready to get the surprise on.
The room filled up with family and friends just before Robert arrived for the surprise.
On our first break we enjoyed the BBQ and salads. Chicken, beef, and pork with a grape salad that was tasty and refreshing.
Here I am with the birthday boy, Bob. He's having a little trouble getting around but he's still sharp as a tack.
This must've been his high school senior picture, movie star good looks.
We even had a line dance lesson. But Bob did not partake.
We had a nice celebration. Bob even climbed the stairs to thank us personally for all the classic country music we played for him. He is a big Johnny Cash fan. Then after I helped John load out, Arnie and I loaded up my truck again and headed down the dreaded 91 towards Knott's Berry Farm.
We cut it a little close but still had plenty of time. This time, since Arnie was bringing his amp into the park, we pulled into the Western Receiving to have our gear carted to the stage.
We parked and walked into the park to catch the end of the hoedown that occurs on our stage before our show. The bluegrass band and the mayor really let the crowd have fun.
This trio played great traditional tunes that made you want to tap your toes. The crowd was actually line dancing.
The mayor let the outlaw teach a line dance before he was hauled off to jail.
After the hoedown when the stage was cleared the crew got to work setting up our backline. I think we're getting into a routine. Each night it goes a little smoother.
Who's behind those Foster Grants? We must be getting close to downbeat.
(Arnie just knows he's going to catch some flack for that headstock tuner.) We must've been fatigued but energized. The shows went great! They were tight, we were witty, the crowd was enthusiastic. It was totally fun even though we were tired. Here's Crystal and I just before the last set.
Crystal was even on pointe tonight. She was just wailing! I think she's getting used to working with us hairy legged boys. Why does John look surprised? Maybe because he's still standing.
Bam Bam was in a good mood and played well this evening. We talked about tightening up the show so Jason was quicker with his count offs. We had almost no dead air.
Dakota is one of the hard-working sound crew. He's been working with us just about every night of this run so far.
This is Duncan Disorderly, our "hospitality officer", announcing the band's last set. His co-worker, Ivana Drink, is the "entertainment director".
Ivana Drink was a friendly gal and was thrilled that the bass player wanted to take a picture with her.
Now I'm off for a Sunday evening concert in the park that's actually not too far from home. Then we will be in Vegas at Gilley's over the 4th of July weekend, Thu-Sat. Busy, busy! Thanks for looking!
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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