Giracci Winery, 3/19/21

 Greetings!

It was really a last-minute call for me. Arnie told me Wednesday that he'd like to get the whole band to work where there was only budget for a duo. But for dinner and gas money, we'd use it as a warm-up paid rehearsal type gig. OK, I'm in! We like playing at the Giracci Winery and they are finally starting to book parties, corporate events, and weddings again. This was one of their regular events called "Wine Down Fridays". Mrs. BassCliff even tagged along. We got to dance on the breaks. We played three sets, 6-9pm, the last of which was very short. Arnie had set cards out on all the tables and we had a few interested parties inquire about bookings. Cool.

You've seen me posting about events here before. We played inside the barn this time with all the windows open and the tables distanced, etc. We loaded in the back door.

I used Big Betsy as my dressing room again. I just had to put on my Scully. A line of patrons are already waiting to get into the event.

I left my day job as early as I could but still I arrived at the gig fairly late for load-in. The gang was all set up.

Because of the nature of this gig, Arnie and I had made special arrangements. I could arrive late, leave early, and he'd bring his Rumble from the studio for my back line. Since I was working basically for free Arnie didn't mind putting in a little extra effort. He's a good guy.

In addition to my Kiesel PB5 I also brought my JBS for backup but left it in the gig bag. Here's the view from the bass amp. You see our IEM mixers on the stands. Arnie also uses a floor wedge for some reason that I don't understand.

It's a pretty echo-y barn so just a couple of twelves on sticks and one sub. The band did not get loud tonight and no one complained. Cool.

More of the crowd is just starting to filter in now.

Drummer Dave plugs in his ears. Paul is warming up his steel. He's also playing fiddle tonight.

Jed is just a blur of acoustical guitar-osity.

Here's a view from the back of the room toward the stage. It was a good crowd tonight. Eventually all the tables were full.

On the first break I was served a nice plate of Irish goodies, corned beef and cabbage. The soda bread was excellent soaking up the beans.

Arnie had a little fun working the tip jar. He told us last night he had a dream about being a muffler. He woke up exhausted.

Amanda Kate and her special guest were there for the first two sets. They both had a ton of fun.

Jed steps up to the mic and belts out a tune. Paul takes a nap until it's time for him to solo.

Yes, we are at a winery.

Look! Johnny Magic Fingers is so talented he can play with one hand behind his back!

Here's a glam shot of the hairy legged pickers just before we start the last short set.

And there is no load out picture because all I had to do was put my bass in the case and escort Mrs. BassCliff to my truck so we could drive home. We had a fun time knocking the rust off. For grins and giggles, here's a clip of the activity.

I think we'll be back here in a couple of weeks playing another Friday event. The gigs are starting to pick up, slowly but surely. I hope they are for you all too! Take care.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff