STME58
1751 posts
Jun 18, 2016
11:04 PM
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From a group that meets here in San Diego once a month to learn a bit about music and play a bit together called the San Carlos Slo Jam, word got out that I am reasonably competent on the harp and a band asked me if I would be interested in playing with them. I went to the bands gig last night to hear what they were doing and talk with them a bit on their break. They asked me to sit in with them and I played a whole set. I had fun and they must have liked it because they want me to join them. As is typical for amateur musicians, it doesn't pay much, but it might cover my expenses and it will be a great chance to have fun and learn. A couple of things I liked about the band that suit me well were they were not too loud, and they communicated well during the song with non verbal cues that even I, as an outsider could pick up on. They even had the set list printed out with the key the song was in included.
Thanks to all the folks here on MBH who provide excellent advice that I tried to keep in mind to help make a favorable impression. Simple things like, play less than you think you should, stay off the vocals. listen more than you play etc.
One of the things I got a specific comment on was my mic, one of Greg Heumann's Bulletized, Ultimate 57s that I picked up second hand. They had had trouble with other harp players with super hot mics that gave more distortion than the band was looking for and caused feedback problems. They liked the clean tone I was getting plugged straight into the PA.
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Rubes
989 posts
Jun 18, 2016
11:15 PM
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well done mate! now look forward to the next chapter!
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Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
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harmonicanick
2485 posts
Jun 19, 2016
12:49 AM
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Best of luck to you, well done, really enjoy yourself, and keep out of the band politics!
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Fil
157 posts
Jun 19, 2016
5:12 AM
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You're living my dream
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Phil Pennington
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Diggsblues
2040 posts
Jun 19, 2016
6:56 AM
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Congratulations!!!! I hope you get lots of great gigs.
Auditions are a strange beast, you never know what they really want. I auditioned for Big River the first time over the phone. I just chugged some chords. I got it and never had to audition again for the show.
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ValleyDuke
54 posts
Jun 19, 2016
10:14 AM
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@Fil My dream, too - congrats STME58! Bring the band up to the San Fernando Valley.
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nacoran
9117 posts
Jun 19, 2016
12:15 PM
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Congrats!
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Nate
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First Post- May 8, 2009
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Tiggertoo1962
147 posts
Jun 19, 2016
1:08 PM
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Well done, STME58. I'm still trying to convince my own wife and daughters to let me bring my harp up on stage when we play ;).
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One of the last of a dying breed.
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BronzeWailer
1902 posts
Jun 19, 2016
2:46 PM
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Congrats! Enjoy!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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jbone
2189 posts
Jun 19, 2016
9:57 PM
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That's excellent man. Always good to be validated after the hard work of learning a rare skill. Have a great time, learn and teach.
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Reverbnation
Facebook
Youtube
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Gnarly
1845 posts
Jun 19, 2016
10:49 PM
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Let me jump on the bandwagon to congratulate you, and please let the list know when this band plays out, so that those of us who are local to your area can support you!
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Glass Harp Full
138 posts
Jun 20, 2016
12:02 AM
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Well done! Hope you enjoy it.
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florida-trader
937 posts
Jun 21, 2016
2:03 PM
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Congratulations STME58. I think your story is a great testimonial for this forum. Way to go.
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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shakeylee
542 posts
Jun 21, 2016
9:20 PM
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congratulations!
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www.shakeylee.com
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hvyj
3054 posts
Jun 22, 2016
1:15 AM
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Congrats. From the vids you have posted, it is apparent that you are a musician and I imagine the band recognized that. It ought to be fun.
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STME58
1773 posts
Jul 11, 2016
2:02 PM
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Gnarly asked, so I will let you know that the band I auditioned with, "Stone Monkey," will be playing at JP's pub, 10436 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego. at 9:00 pm Friday the 15th. I will be playing with them.
It would be great if I could meet some San Diego forum members in person, even if I might loose my gig to a better player :-).
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SleepingCat
9 posts
Jul 11, 2016
10:39 PM
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Awesome, looks like I have permission to attend (saddling my wife with the kids). Really looking forward to the show!
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florida-trader
958 posts
Jul 12, 2016
4:11 AM
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I'm going to be in San Diego on the 22nd - 24th ish. Anything going on then?
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Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
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1847
3546 posts
Jul 12, 2016
9:52 AM
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get there early $3.75 cent pitchers before 8 pm
jp's pub
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Moon Cat
572 posts
Jul 13, 2016
12:07 AM
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CONGRATS STME58!
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www.mooncat.org
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mlefree
710 posts
Jul 13, 2016
3:55 AM
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Way to go, Steve!
It comes as no surprise.
Michelle
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SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
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The Iceman
2924 posts
Jul 13, 2016
7:48 AM
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I'd enjoy reading an online diary about your new experiences as they unfold.
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The Iceman
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STME58
1776 posts
Jul 14, 2016
7:49 AM
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Thank you for all you kind words of encouragement. I find this forum amazing in that it allows hacks and hobbyists like me to interact with, and learn from some of the best in the business.
Iceman, I like your suggestion about a diary as I get a chance to, in small way, explore the road not taken many years ago, I just need to muster the discipline to do it.
I have recommended Mooncat's article, "Stay in College" to a few young musicians I have met who are contemplating taking the path I did not take as a young person.
Last Edited by STME58 on Jul 14, 2016 7:49 AM
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Chaz
7 posts
Jul 14, 2016
9:57 AM
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Way to go brother. I don't post a lot but I definitely have learned much from the great players in this forum. I've only been playing a couple of years, but much of what I learned here gave me the confidence to take the harp on stage... First with my former rock band... Nothing too involved, mostly accents and simple "rock wailing", then to open blues jams, and now to actively seeking a blues project. I have a lead of two and may be in a similar situation soon. I will be sure to mind the lessons you mentioned above. Once again congrats and enjoy every moment of it!!!
Last Edited by Chaz on Jul 14, 2016 9:58 AM
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SleepingCat
10 posts
Jul 15, 2016
11:19 PM
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I was in attendance this evening. Steve rocked! Great job man.
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