A Serious Lack of Burgers

We played a show at Hotel Utah last night and found out that they are no longer having dinner service on Sunday. What the...? Their burgers (and garden burgers) were the highlight of playing there.

The show went well. It was our second with our new Viola player. It was my first after Dana and my trip. I only had four practices before last night's show, and I think everything went pretty well considering. We had some distracting feedback on stage but the video work that played behind us (thanks Whiteyonthemoon) made up for it. At one point, Chris and I caught ourselves watching the video instead of the audience at the end of a song. The sound guy was great. I don't fault him for feedback as much as I can blame a lot of equipment on a very small stage. I must do something about my bass amp. It has deteriorated to the point of sounding flatulent at it's top volume. Luckily, the fact that it is barely audible over the drums saves me from everyone noticing how bad it sounds and my occasional screw-up.

I'm still trying to get a handle on show dynamics and etiquette. I have a hard time in regard to other bands on the bill. We are all pretty much in it together and we're all pulling for a good night. I'd say there's a good amount of camaraderie. But what are the rules here? Stay until the last band finishes? How do you divvy up the money? Where do you put the equipment. Do you move another band's stuff if you need room for your own?

I get embarrassed when I complement another band. It is hard to sound authentic when complimenting a band member. "Jeez man, I really like your stuff" sounds so fake no matter how much you really mean it. That said, whiteyonthemoon were fantastic last night. They are really evolving their sound and I'm a fan. They were gracious hosts and good people. We were honored to open for them.

We are anxious to play again, but probably not at the Hotel Utah. We've played there more than any other place and I think we all agreed that we need to stretch our legs a bit and maybe even get a proper weekend show. Besides, life is about priorities. And without burgers, what have you got?