Knott's Merry Farm, 12/6-7/15

Hi! I'm back with more Knott's pictures.

Kelly, Art, and I played at Knott's Merry Farm on Sunday (12/6/15) after our weekend at The Ranch. Plus, Monday morning (12/7/15) we had to be back at Knott's early for a local KTLA Channel 5 news story. It qualified at the shortest gig I've ever played for full pay.

Let's start with a couple of the sights we see when getting to this gig. Off the freeway on Beach Blvd you'll see lots of touristy things, what used to be the Hard Rock Cafe, other themed restaurants like Medievel Times, attractions like 'Bodies, The Exhibition', etc.

The northeast corner of the park.

We pass a couple of the big rides on the way to the employee parking.

I told Art he was one of the world's greatest employees and showed him the sign to prove it. We picked up some drinks here at the employee cafeteria.

Our friend Amanda was on the job getting the stage ready for us.

Amanda also took this picture of us before we got started.

The park was giving us 40% off all purchases so I thought about exercising my 2nd Amendment rights.

We were auditioning a new chick singer that night.

Actually, this nice lady works in the old schoolhouse there in Ghost Town. This was an actual schoolhouse built in the late 1800s and had been moved to the park from Kansas.

Then this morning (Monday morning, ugh) we had to be back at the park for the KTLA news spot. The park looks pretty deserted at 6:30am.

We were set up in the Wilderness Dancehall where all the Christmas treats are being served. Here's Art and Kelly on stage.

Here's the Kelly Rae Trio, ready to make some festive music.

Here's the entire cast just before we go on the air. You'll see the on-air personality, Wendy Burch, in the middle of the picture between Charlie Brown and Lucy.

Here's a little better picture of the cast but Wendy had moved behind a tree.

Here's a link to the KTLA 5 website with the Knott's bits on it. If you click the third video, "Knott's Marry Farm - Holiday Treats", you'll see a few seconds of The Kelly Rae Trio.

Even though I played a gig this morning, I still made it into work on time, which is unusual for me.

Thanks for looking! Wishing you all the best this Holiday Season.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Santa's Singing Elf, "Flake"!

Hi,

At my day job is a large child care unit. The staff there have a holiday celebration for the kids. Santa and I attend to give gifts and sing songs. My elf name is "Snowflake" but all my friends call me "Flake".

Santa gets to hand out gifts and take pictures with the kids.

We just have a jolly old time with the children. They are so happy to see Santa and really enjoy singing "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolf" with me.

I look forward to this every year. It's a ton of fun sharing the love and joy of the season with the little ones.

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy New Year! God bless us, every one.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

The Ranch 12/4-5/15

Hello friends,

I must apologize. I've been so busy I haven't updated this in a bit. I'll try to get caught up today with all the gigs I've played lately.

The Kelly Rae Band and I had another epic weekend at The Ranch. Let's get right to Friday night.

Mario came from a rehearsal with a Latin soul band, hence the cool hat.

Art and Daniel set up behind the poinsettias. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Here's my soundcheck amp-selfie, fresh from my appearance as Santa's singing elf, "Flake". (I think I'll make that a separate post.)

Yes, that's a music stand. We've got a bunch of new tunes in the set list and I haven't crammed all the words in my head yet. Tonight I'll have my little music holder that clips onto my mic stand (it's a lot less noticeable). I left it at Knott's but Jeff is there today and will pick it up for me. I'll be back at Knott's tomorrow. Busy weekend! Woo hoo!

Those poinsettias look a little lonely up there on stage all by themselves. But there are other decorations around the club, garland and lights. It's starting to look festive.

I wore my festive red Scully shirt tonight. I don't get to wear this one very often.

Jeff has on his festive red plaid.

Art and Daniel wear red also. That's our dear Heather, the entertainment handler. She's announcing the band tonight.

Kelly and Heather are just so cute.

Daniel is thinking, "Just wait until these folks hear 'Devil Went Down To Georgia'!"

Art brought his tobacco Tele Squire tonight. He just put a new pickup in it and it sounded great.

Who is that dork with Kelly?

The KRB is putting on the show! Our Christmas songs went over very well. I'm glad we picked them up.

Kelly works the camera. Some of these pictures were taken by Vince, one of the managers. A few were taken from the social media.

I know some people don't care for line dances, but I tell you what, I love to watch.

Jeff and I have our fun.

Art and Daniel have their fun.

 Art and Kelly have fun.

My shirt matches the poinsettias.

It was a pretty good crowd for a Friday night.

Here's a few pictures from Saturday night. It seems I surprised Mario and Jeff.

Heather announced the band again tonight. The owner usually announces us but Andrew was busy with his company Christmas party.

Our dear friend Kellye joined us on stage tonight for a couple of songs. She's such a sweet little thing.

Here they are performing a duet. Two Kelly(e)s on stage at the same time! (Kelly and Kellye.)

Jeff caught me just as I was going on stage.

How about a few more action shots to finish up the night?

Jeff does his best "Garth" while behind the keyboards.

And then there's this guy.

Just another day at the office for Daniel, the consummate pro.

Here's Art working out on his Tele Squire. He really likes his cheap guitar.

Now let's get to the good stuff. Kellye joins us for a couple of songs. It's pretty cool having two Kelly(e)s on stage.

Saturday night's crowd was lively and fun.

After we have all the fun we can have, it's time to head for home. Here I am with my car keys ready to hit the road.

But there are still lots of gigs left in December. Thanks for looking. I'll be back.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff