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Topic: First Solo Gig |
Dom Franco
From:
Beaverton, OR, 97007
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Posted 20 May 2006 6:33 am |
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Yesterday I played my first solo gig in at least 20 years, and my first ever on non-pedal steel.
It was a blast! I used some CD background tracks that I had recorded in my studio,
and my trusty little Silvertone six string lap steel.
It was outside at a Starbuck’s Coffee shop. I didn’t know exactly what to expect,
and I had originally planned on using my Roland “MicroCube” for a simple setup.
But I decided to bring lots of extra gear along “just in case.”
I ended up playing the CD’s through a small PA, and I set up a Mic so I could sing as well.
Then I ran the Steel through my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
I was playing for about half an hour as customers came in and out, some sat on the tables in front and applauded generously. Then a nice lady with a buck in her hand suggested I open up my guitar case. I did and some people started throwing in money. I played Hawaiian songs, Jazz standards, Country, and Gospel stuff.
The morning was warm and I was under the shade of an umbrella, but then the “Oregon Sunshine” began to fall. Just a light drizzle at first, then it really turned to rain! I covered up my stuff and retreated to the porch.
Being the Ham I am, I was not willing to quit, so it was time to break out the Microcube, for a short battery powered set. That little amp cranked! The porch helped to project the sound, and I realized I could have easily done this gig that way. But I liked the power and hearing the echo of the music down the street.
Even while playing through the Microcube people on the other side of the street smiled and swayed in acknowledgement of the Hawaiian sounds. My favorite part was when an elementary class (all dressed in their little yellow raincoats) walked by on a field trip, waving and dancing as they passed.
The rain let up a little, and I went out to the umbrella, anxious to play louder again. But once again it began to pour, so I moved all my gear up to the porch. The poor Starbucks employees out under the umbrellas, giving away samples, got drenched. I played loud waiting for the School children to come back down the street, and this time I put on a little show for them. I watched at the teacher demonstrated Hula moves and saw her explaining to the students the difference between the Steel and a standard guitar. It made my day!
Thanks for letting me ramble, I am very exited and next week I am playing for a local nursing home. I hope this encourages some of you to try this also.
God Bless
Dom Franco
[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 20 May 2006 at 07:39 AM.] |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 20 May 2006 6:45 am
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Great story. Sounds like everything went well.
The biggest difference in the world is when people appreciate what you do. Even with snafus, it makes it all worthwhile.[This message was edited by HowardR on 20 May 2006 at 07:46 AM.] |
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Ron Victoria
From:
New Jersey, USA
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Posted 20 May 2006 7:02 am
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I love playing for people so I can relate to your post. I played last week on the sidewalk of our local car show. After a song or two, the nervousness leaves and you can get down to playing. I hope they gave you some free coffee!!! I usually open with a song I can play in my sleep to get me at ease. Keep doing what makes you happy.
Ron[This message was edited by Ron Victoria on 20 May 2006 at 08:03 AM.] |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 20 May 2006 7:40 am
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My daughter Josie (3 year old) and I went over to see Dom play yesterday (that particular Starbucks is only a few minutes from our home).
He really did a great job!
We ended up sitting and listening for near and hour, and Josie was moved to dancing a few times, so we danced right there on the sidewalk! It's a big corner so there was plenty of room.
Dom had a nice little PA setup and his steel sounded great through that Fender amp.
Really nice playing by Dom!
He knows ALOT of tunes, and has a real nice touch and tone.
I watched alot of smiling people enjoy his playing.
Congrats, Dom!
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Greg Pettit
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 20 May 2006 8:44 am
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Well done, Dom!
Although I'm sure the "big" gear packs the most tone, it's good to hear that you can get by and have just as much fun with a Microcube.
As a teacher myself, I can tell you that it's great when we find opporutinities for what we call "teachable moments" like that Elementary teacher found with her class. When those kids go home, they're going to tell their parents about this cool guitar guy they saw, and for some of them it'll be the highlight of their day. Not a one will substitute "I learned how to add double-digit numbers today!" in place of that story. 
Congrats!
Greg |
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Dom Franco
From:
Beaverton, OR, 97007
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Posted 21 May 2006 5:48 am
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Thank you all for the kind words. And as to the importance of School kids being inspired, I say Amen.
When I think back to my earliest childhood memories, I remember my Aunt writing numbers in pencil, on the old piano keys. So I learned to play more or less "by ear." That was my introduction to music, and It was so much more interesting than all the other things I learned in my primary years.
Sincerely; Dom Franco[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 21 May 2006 at 06:50 AM.] |
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Dana Duplan
From:
Ramona, CA
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Posted 21 May 2006 6:07 am
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Alright Dom! Way to get the steel out there in peoples faces! Got pics?
DD |
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Dom Franco
From:
Beaverton, OR, 97007
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Posted 21 May 2006 10:58 am
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I should have brought along a camera!
Next Time...
Dom[This message was edited by Dom Franco on 21 May 2006 at 12:13 PM.] |
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