Finding the Right Volume

Playing live music in a busy restaurant is not without its special challenges. On Saturday we played at the Ajax Cafe near Port Townsend, and the food was good, the place was packed and the tips were generous as usual. However, finding the right volume, which usually isn't a problem when we perform as a duo, was particularly difficult that night. People applauded enthusiastically and seemed to like our sets, but all it seems to take there is for one person to tell a staff member that the volume should come down and we are asked to "turn it down." This happened several times that night until there was almost nothing coming out of the PA. Oh well, people still clapped and smiled and we got paid. So I'll stop complaining and just be grateful. The weather couldn't have been better and when the sun shines anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula, it's a definite treat, and from the tiny stage there you can see the water and trees...all that grandeur.

Then it was back to the Junction in Port Angeles, where volume is rarely a problem and a shoe hangs from the ceiling, but that's another story deserving of an entire post. Bill and Pat were in top form contributing excellent vocals and guitar to such favorites as "For What It's Worth" and "Feelin' Alright." Stephanie's harmony on Bill's version of "Since I Fell" is worth a recording session and we talked about getting that done later this week. We'll see.
[Port Angeles]
[Olympic Peninsula]
[Ajax Cafe]
[Port Townsend]

Ajax Cafe this Weekend

On Saturday, we're at the Ajax Cafe in Port Hadlock--near Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. Excellent food and unusual atmosphere awaits! It's right on the water and now that the days are longer the views are something to see. It's always a thrill playing there.

We had a good time at the food bank benefit on Saturday and Sunday even with my car problems. One of these days I'll have to get a proper musician's vehicle, a van or something larger than my Honda Accord which has lately been stalling at the worst possible times. Many thanks to Waynne for the wrenches on Sunday. And thanks to Dave for bringing the music stand I left to the Junction and for performing with us. Bill and Patrick also put in fine performances on guitar and vocals. Bill continues to rewrite some old favorites with surprising introductions--well, it's better listened to than described here so come down to the Junction on Sunday at seven or eight and you'll hear it.

There's live music in Port Angeles almost every night of the week now. Read John Nelson's column in the Peninsula Daily News on Thursdays and find out when and where.
[Port Angeles]
[olympic peninsula]
[Ajax Cafe]
[Port Townsend]

Port Angeles

Rollin' Waters will be busy in Port Angeles this weekend. On Saturday we help out with John Nelson's Benefit at the Eagles Annex, and as usual, on Sunday we're at the Junction for the open mike/jam. So bring your guitar, hand drums, bass and voice out there at 7:00 PM for some musical fun.

Stephanie worked on our upcoming cd this week making two trips out to Port Townsend to record drums and bass on several tracks. Tom and Todd really play up a storm on "Wagon Wheel" and "Fine and Mellow." Ida and Bill added some nice vocals last week as well. It's so fun to record and make cds. I hope we can record some live cuts out at the Junction in the near future.

Recording

We stayed in Port Angeles this weekend. No trips to Sequim and the Baja like last weekend. Meanwhile, the recording work progresses with Jim Spencer adding some more fire with electric guitar parts to "Wagon Wheel." Now all we need are the drums and bass from Tom and Todd who are scheduled to record their parts later this month. Our next casino date with the larger Rollin' Waters band is June 4th. Can't wait!

As usual, we'll be at the Junction next Sunday starting at 7:00 PM. Bring your instrument and voice and we'll see you there.