Today is a little warm.
Today I not only stupidly went for an hour run in the heat, but then I dressed in black and played outside for a wedding that happened a few hours later. It was a gig for Miguel, and unfortunately (luckily?) he couldn’t make it. The substitute trio was Victor and Marianella, which was fine, but after getting there we find out they want us to lead the kids and the bridal party to the alter – which of course means playing acoustic. This was bad cause I wasn’t told I needed my acoustic, so I had to run home. It turned out to be one of the longest 2 hour gigs that I’ve had to do recently. The songs were the same old crap, but just having to stand out in the sun/heat wearing black was making things very hot …and me very sleepy.
Last night with the Wafer Thin Mints was a little different. We did a single set at a place called ‘Haven’ – which is unfortunately situated in a not-so-desirable part of town. The club looked nice inside and the owner/management went through a lot to get the place ’spiffed’ up. I’m sure the plan is to bring in good clientele and eventually turn it into a top notch music room – but what’s that punchline …”location, location, location!” The club currently sits beside a massage parlor called Temptations (obviously legit) and a string of pawn shops. There’s also the Saxony that’s in close proximity. I mean, if GMCC Jasper Place Campus (the place I took music during the early 90’s that also housed art, television/film and dance programs) can’t bring the neighborhood around in terms of culture or style, then what hopes does one ’shoed-in’ basement type music venue legitimately stand? Time will tell I guess.
I’ll give it an A for trying …but there’s deeper problems in this part of town that require more than what the Haven can provide.
Marianella and Victor …at least they were happy!
