A Word From Mike
March 18, 1998
THE SIDETRACK DIARIES
Well, the Captain Tractor gig went as hoped, which means it way exceeded expectations. The Tractor themselves were excellent to share a bill with and treated us mighty fine. Their large audience showed up early, so we got to play to a full house, and finally broke the "opening band" barrier by filling the dance floor by 3/4 way through the set. We were very well received despite our own complaints. it was a perfect intro for my new band.
The Painting Daisies hit the road for the month of Feb., and when they split, I sub in for them as host of the Sidetrack Monday night open stage. I have to provide an hour of non-solo act music to start off the night, and since my band was finally ready, we took advantage of the "month of Mondays".
The first few gigs were slightly uncomfortable in that we had no idea how to configure ourselves on stage. We started with too many people on the right, then too many people on the left, then we were told it looked weird with Rhonda and Stephanie beside each other so we finally had both of them flank me. Then there was the problem of my amp blowing Rhonda's brains out. Then Dave didn't like being squashed in the corner. All these things got sorted out across the month, and now we're happy for awhile.
Of course the size of the crowd wasn't the same as the Tractor gig, but we started to notice some return customers, and walk away feeling like we've begun gathering the flock, if you will...building a following.
As for me, I hadn't had to hump my inhumanly heavy amp anywhere for quite some time, and I was sorely out of shape. Even on stage! MMB is a tough act to sing with, and after the first few shows I felt like someone had been kicking me in the stomach for an hour straight. The month worked all that out. Now my amp is light as a feather and I finish the sets ready for more.
We got another call from Capt. Tractor about a gig at The Cocktail Club here in Edmonton. It's normally a mainstream bar, but The Tractor has a huge loyal following and are a safe bet to draw big. Once again we got to play to a full house and though they didn't dance at all, we were warmly received and totally encouraged by the experience.
Our last gig was at The Strathcona Legion on March 13th (yes, Friday the thirteenth), and we got to play to yet another different audience. This time they danced a bit.
So, things are going pretty good. I've been through this a couple times before, so the watching and waiting all the time frustrates me slightly, but I know by now that's impatience and impatience can be dangerous. Nope, can't really complain.
We're back at the Track on the 23rd. My goal next month is to get us a gig somewhere else. Adios...
copyright 1998 Mike McDonald