Tuesday, April 25, 2006

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.