Did we pass the audition?

Last Tuesday we trekked up to the beautiful Skamania Lodge to be a "featured band" for the Oregon Events Association. It was a 4-day convention for the association, and we were one of three bands featured. Granted, it was the last day of the convention, so most of the attendees had gone home, but we had a nice audience of about 50 people who were there from all over the U.S., and were well received. Our new keyboardist, Nathan Olsen, did a fine job with very little preparation. He seems to fit right in.

The food spread was nice, catered with a Mexican food theme. Although the coveted slot of "featured band" is usually a freebie, the food made up for it--gas money, anyway. They gave Eddy $100, which he applied toward "expenses." Eddy's really gone the extra mile pulling money out of his own pocket to set these kinds of opportunities up for the band, so we didn't question it...

Groovin' in Gresham

We're in a regular rotation schedule at the venerable M&M Lounge in Gresham (Oregon). They seem to really like us there, mainly, I think, because we're not screamingly loud, and we play different stuff (you know, like ORIGINALS).

Friday night was slow in there, though, which we don't mind--gives us an opportunity to do some run-throughs of brand new material, or drag out some old chestnut from 30 years ago. Eddy's pretty good at that, and although his "singing" is marginal, it does drive people to the bar to start drinking heavily.

Saturday was a partay. Apparently, a married couple, who had their birthdays on the same day were celebrating heartily with several friends (about 20, from what I could see). They were loud, but we were louder, and after a few numbers, we had most of them dancing.

A few wild women remained by the last set. One in particular kept coming up to the stage demanding we "Play some BB King!!" This after we had just played TWO BB King songs--apparently not the ones she was looking for.

Eddy and Gordon got together with Nathan last night to survey what material he knows in preparation for Ray's departure. We're gonna miss Ray. His fabulous guitar artistry, and positively great songwriting really helped distinguish the band. But, when ya gotta move on, ya gotta move on... The Mud Paddy Party in Astoria St. Patrick's Day will be Ray's last gig with us. Waaaaa!! We are looking forward to having keyboards in the band. It'll considerable change the whole sound, but change is good!

Boyd - Drum Animal