Getting My Groove Back

Back in the day, I was involved up to my eyeballs in anything musical or event oriented.  I was out, a lot.  I knew the hot bands.  I booked hot bands.  I hired hot bands. Now I've scored this terrific job at a radio station, and all I can say is I'm tired, and the idea of going anywhere in Bozo after 5pm only means that I still have a 30 mile drive home.  When did that happen?

I tried to be a party DJ once.  It didn't take long for me to realize that I hated the music I was playing and I don't care how well you think you do at public speaking, talking through the music breaks at a loud gig is hard.  When I was a kid, I used to think the DJs on the radio box actually lived in the box.  When I was a kid.

I'm very musical but not the least bit talented.  I loved working with the band Hey Norton, managing them.  They were a great group of guys who all had "real" jobs, and took their music very seriously.  R&B mostly, with sax and harp playing.  Loved those guys.  It worked out great for everyone.  I was single and don't like going to bars by myself, and here I am with the boys who are keeping an eye on me and I'm filling rooms with their great music.  Well, filling rooms may be a stretch  when there are only 10 tables, but its a gig.  A paying gig.

I learned two very important band managing lessons:  first, the BAND is the one that brings people in.  Our very first gig was at a little biker bar and she wanted to give us a Wednesday night.  I tried to get at least a Thursday.  Thursday's are always good nights.  We got Wednesday because she'd never heard of the band.  Gotta start somewhere.

The gig was great, people were happy, the band was happy, I was happy.  I am not a drinker, but when I do drink, its tequila.  Shots.  I decided to buy a round of shots for the band to celebrate.  Bar couldn't serve liquor, only beer and wine.  OK, a round of beer.  At the end of the night, my "take" was $25 while my bar tab was $35.  Lesson number two, don't ever buy beers for the band

Here I am, working for one of the biggest radio "conglomerates" and the idea of hanging out with some great music and I'm just not there yet.  I know it will come back. I'm back where the music happens which is a very cool place to be.   Even if it isn't a really cool box with people inside.  I'm excited for my groove to come back.  I think it just took a vacation for a bit. 

Stay tuned, a live remote coming to a parking lot near you....