It was a hectic but fun event at The Ranch where this benefit was hosted. The Rockin' R Ranch is a horse rescue ranch with locations in Orange County and another outside of Dallas.
When I left the office to sojourn down to The Ranch I was a bit perturbed at the construction on my way to the freeway. CalTrans had just gotten my route fixed up so that it was quick and convenient. Oh well.
Thankfully this was just a very minor delay and the freeway commute was pretty smooth. I made it down to The Ranch speedy quick.
These are some hefty doors. The soundguy left one ajar for me to load in.
Right at the end of the ramp Big Betsy will wait patiently for me along with all the other band vehicles.
This is the calm before the storm.
Arnie was putting the final touches on the stage. He even taped set lists to the floor for everyone.
Amanda brought horseshoe wine bottle holders for all of the artists. We also got new upholstery in the green room. Nice!
Before the show we gather just inside the back door, there's a little anteroom, to go over some arrangements and vocal harmonies.
I don't use a rig on this stage (direct with IEMs) so here's a shot of my basses and Arnie's gear.
It was a standing room only crowd tonight. All the seating had been sold.
John is recovering nicely from his surgery. He still needs help schlepping gear. The bass player is nice enough to lend a hand.
We started the festivities with Andrew, the owner of The Ranch, announcing the emcee and donating $1000 to the cause.
The bass player's perspective just before the music starts. Cole, the director of the horse and animal rescue, is speaking to the crowd.
Of course there were last second changes to the set list, a change of order, change of key, two additions, etc.
Our M.C. was David Bugenske from the LA radio station Go Country 105. Here's Dave with Amanda after the show.
Throughout the evening we backed a number of local recording artists as they performed tributes to 90s country music. This is Eli V, who tore up a Keith Urban tune and a Brooks & Dunn song.
Daniel Bonte looks a little like Mark Chesnutt. Daniel was out in Vegas last week and sat in with us.
Shannon Rae sang some Dixie Chicks.
Michael Austin closed the show. He'll be touring with Ted Nugent this summer.
There were a few glam/promo shots taken after the show. We all had fun.
It was a really fun and talented bunch to work with.
Michael Austin with Shannon Rae.
Daniel Bonte and Eli V.
Scotty Mac with Eli V and a couple of Morgan's bandmates.
Morgan Leigh and a couple of her bandmates.
Then I helped Johnny Magic Fingers pack up his gear. We have another gig tomorrow before we are right back at The Ranch for the weekend.
Thanks for looking! It was a blast! And we raised some money for a good cause.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
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