This is the first time we've played Nelson since Elio tried
to electrocute himself. That was in a different club of course, but, understandably
I think, we're all thinking about it as we drive in… especially Electrio himself!
The management is awesome here (musicians in their own right), and treat us warmly
as we shuffle in after the long drive… actually, even the drive was pretty easy;
Mike (soundman) and Chris (new drummer), drove straight through; Jay, Electrio
and I stayed overnight in Osoyoos;
....... and Doug Bennett?… well, he had every intention,
I think, of driving at least part way the day before… I guess, technically he
did… he made it as far as Chilliwack… good for you Doug!
Anyway, we set up and get ready for the first show with the brand new drummer… Chris Murray Driver is the new Slugs drummer incidentally, and he kicks ass! Come out and see him play his bare-hand solo when you get a chance. Great drummer, quick study, very solid, and always, always in a good mood. Don't ya just hate guys like that?
We also run into an old friend (Norm), who is handling the production for this
gig. Hi Norm! from all the little Slugpuppets… After a short rehearsal in the
rooms upstairs we're ready for the show… and for his first show, Chris does
amazingly well. I can't believe that it's this close to Hallowe'en and not a
single costume in the house… what's up, Nelson? But the show comes off without
a hitch and afterwards some old acquaintances are rekindled, too little sleep,
too much to drink etc… and up early enough to drive to Kamloops for a 4 o'clock
soundcheck…
October 27th
- Kamloops - Sportplex Arena:
So I promise not to take as long to write in here after
we get back from the Alberta swing… Cya here then!
This is a pretty big show. It's
in honour of a local DJ here and I confess to not being able to remember his name…
but there's somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1500 people here to see us, then
the Powder Blues Band. We've played here before and it's always a pleasure: huge
arena-type stage, great production, we get to feel like rockstars… you know, all
that stuff… And from Terminal City on (our first song of the night), the floor
area is jam-packed with people dancing and having a great time! Bill, the promoter,
is one of our favourites and makes sure everything is running smoothly… thanks
again, Bill! The Twist contest is a big hit at this gig… more than a few bare-breasted
females involved and the more than a little demonstrative couple that won were…
well, exhilarating, let's say… We have a blast at this gig, play 3 encores… a
little bit longer than we should, but it's hard to stop when you're having this
much fun… apologies to the Powder Blues for cutting into their set a little… Then
we stuck around to watch them play their first set… great players!
