This is our monthly weekend at The Ranch for Arnie Newman's Country Club Band. We debuted a couple of Amanda's songs from her album. They could've gone better but we'll work out the kinks tonight.
Surprisingly, there were no major accidents or traffic snarls on Friday afternoon as I made my way into the OC.
I arrived in the midst of a full mosh pit of setup. Johnny's keys were all over. Arnie was performing surgery on his pedal board. Jason was make sure his drums worked. They did. Jed was setting up his Kemper unit. All I had to do was plug in my bass so I waited for the fray to settle.
I was hear so early that the barstools were still upside down. That's good. We were able to run a couple of new tunes before doors opened.
Hey! I know those guys! A couple of big screens let the audience know all the happenings.
After sound check we settled into the green room for supper. I had my favorite meal, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Heirloom Beet Salad. It's gourmet stuff.
While we sup, Dev is teaching a beginning two-step class. It's fun stuff.
Looky here! Johnny Magic Fingers is tinkling the accordion that the owner purchased for the backline. Johnny's really good at that thing. It comes in handy for the Flaco solo when the owner sings "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down". Since Andrew like to sing the vintage country, I start off the night with my Fender JBS.
I think John is really happy he gets to show off his new toy. It's on a wireless mic so he can stand up front and center for his solo.
Here's the front line. Well I'll be!, Amanda is singing a sassy girl song. "Let's go girls!"
Jason was quite tasty and played with some finesse tonight. I had to compliment him. It made the night more fun.
The mad scientist at work. When Jed sang "On The Road Again" Johnny pulled out his harmonica patch. It really does sound great.
We're having fun now! Amanda and Arnie pose for me during the intro.
The lovely Melanie visits with the band. Here's a "Beauty and the Beast and the Steel player" picture.
Our DJ Leo plays all the favorite line dances while we're on a break. We play a few line dances too.
Oh look, here's Melanie again, dancing in front of her favorite bass player.
Arnie is fracturing some lyrics and having a good time.
On my way home I stopped to pick up one of my favorite Lagunitas brews. Then I discovered a leftover can of Garage Mango Hefeweizen. I couldn't decide so I drank both.
It was a light crowd at the club tonight. Our last set was a "power 20". I find it a bit odd because seventy five patrons at the end of the night in just about any other bar would be a pretty good crowd. I heard tonight (Saturday) is sold out, all the tables and booths are reserved, so it should be a jumpin' joint.
I took a few pictures of my Saturday night adventures at The Ranch. It was a not-too-fun commute down the 57 freeway on Saturday evening.
There was not one, but two accidents on the 57 freeway between me and The Ranch. It doubled my commute time. I'm glad I left the house a little early.
I was still the first to arrive. My trusty Fender Kingman ABG was waiting patiently in the green room for me to run some tunes.
But first I ordered supper from the band menu with my name on it.
I had the four chicken tenders with a chopped kale salad. I didn't eat all my fries, my jeans are getting too tight.
It's a great crowd in the club tonight. Our DJ Leo is playing the last line dance before we hit.
Johnny had donned his weapon of mass destruction but Arnie is not scared.
It was a really fun night. Jed is playing more of his electric guitar now. He's actually a really good guitar player and vocalist. It'll be great when he finds his niche in the band.
Oh yeah, Jed was singing "Keep Your Hands To Yourself". It's along guitar intro. That's why I'm taking pictures now.
I grabbed a picture of Bam Bam.
And one of Johnny Magic Fingers.
Here's a view of the front line from the back line.
The lovely Ms. Amanda Kate hasn't taken a selfie with me all weekend. We remedy that situation right now.
And then we play our last set. Since it was such a good crowd we played right up til the bitter end.
I think Amanda is giving Arnie a dirty look because he is tuning in the middle of her song.
After the end of the performance the band begins the tear down parade as the DJ plays out the night.
And so ends another weekend at our regular haunt, our home base, our main honky tonk, that fine joint known as The Ranch, where we play one weekend every month plus private parties and special showcases several times a year. It's a great performance venue.
Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back with gigs at the Canyon Cowboy, a Yorba Linda park concert, Downtown Disney, and Knott's Berry Farm over the next week. Feel free to check the calendar at the ANB website: https://arnienewman.com/calendar
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
No comments:
Post a Comment