An unlikely Saturday morning...

We had a great show last night in Madison, Al. at The Station. The place was already packed when we began loading our gear in and it was filled to the rafters by the end of the night. It was unavoidable that we had to play covers last night since we were playing three 45-minute sets, but our first set was full of heavy-hitting, crowd pleasing covers and we definitely gained the attention of the crowd. The crowd even liked our original material. The owner liked us as well and wants to have us back...mission complete. That's another thing about being a working musician — just because you get a first gig somewhere does not guarantee you will have a second. Some bands just don't work in some places, but this time it did and we've had one of the best crowds we've played in front of lately. Albeit there was the usual request for "Free Bird." Just to clue you "non-musicians" in,  nearly EVERY  southern musician knows "Free Bird," "Sweet Child of Mine," "Sweet Home Alabama" and a lot more really overplayed/over-covered songs. We, as musicians, don't play them because everyone else does. 

However, our bellies don't come before our principles, and we will play them for the right amount of cash. Like any service industry, tips are greatly appreciated. Always keep that in mind when you're watching a band. They probably know your favorite song and if you slip them a sawbuck (ten dollars) or so they'll probably be happy to play it for you. 

Oh, another thing. There is an etiquette to requesting a song. Wait until at least the middle of the night, don't come to request a song (like has happened to me before) in the middle of the first song of the night. Don't come stand in front of the stage and try to request a band to play a song while they are currently playing. Keep your patience. Second, there's about ten million watts of blow your brains out amplification equipment bands are standing in front of ... our hearing is not the best in the world, so say your request LOUD. Third, ask the lead singer, not the bass player or the guitar player. Even though they may know the music, if the singer doesn't know the words it's pointless. Lastly, if your request is met with some resistance, there's nothing like a twenty to change a band's mind.

Despite being stuck in North Alabama I did bring a little bit of South Mississippi with me. I had some Mardi Gras beads and since I won't be able to make to any of those oh-so-fun Mardi Gras parades this year I threw beads to the crowd. Yeehaw.

So, Dave and I are crashing at a friend's house who has a fifteen year old son and we've been like a couple of teenagers playing Call Of Duty with him this morning. At least we're not at Motel 6 or somewhere with the housekeeping people beating on our door three hours after we went to bed. Best of all, I didn't have to sleep in the same room as Dave and John who have this unique "call and answer" snoring that they do. It is abhorred. Imagine a grizzly bear hibernating that has an upper respiratory infection, maybe that is somewhat akin to the type of snoring we're talking about. When we're staying in motels I literally sleep with ear plugs. 

Anyway, tonight we're just down the road in Huntsville at The Benchwarmer, which is sort of home turf for this band since we have a lot of friends.

We're about to grab some late lunch and hang out for the rest of the day...