DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME;

"Being a responsible musician"

When we returned from the series of festivals we did in the UK and Spain in
July (Glastonbury and Guilford in the Uk, Bilbao in Spain), the Singer asked me
to find some string and horn players that could play our House of Blues show
and the San Diego street scene show. This was on a bit of short notice and I
knew it wouldn't be easy. First thing I did was contact Probyn from the
Wondermints/Brian Wilson band and Dan Clucas, who was reccomended to me from my
friend, George "Baby" Woods.

Second thing I did was put in a call to my sweet and wonderful friend, Jenn
Teft, who books at SPACELAND and the HENRY FONDA THEATRE, as well as playing
flute in local awesome wonders, the WACO Orchestra. Jenn knows a lot of people
so I had to narrow it down. A lot. But I knew that playing this music was a
serious challenge and finding the right people was equally important. I knew
what I had to do and what needed to be done. I knew what was most important
and so I set out to do just that; find some cute gals who just happen to be
great string players.

It wasn't an easy job but someone had to do it. And I suppose that someone was
me. I interviewed each person by phone. First it was Heather, the Viola
player. She was going on and on about her musical experience and this and that
- I can't remember - cause I wasn't really listening. Heather, are you a blonde?
I asked. Yes. Ok, you got the gig. Next up was Ana. Ana has played Cello
with A Perfect Circle and gigged with a variety of groups, as well as loads of
studio work. Ok, got it. But, what I wanted to know is this; was she up for
wearing a short skirt on stage? Yes? Ok, you got the gig. Next up, I put a
call into Carrie. But Carrie had to be in Montana and would miss the H.O.B.
show although she'd make the S.D. show. She was a regular in the Santa Monica
Philharmonic. Well, Carrie, if you WERE here, would you be willing to wear
tight leather pants? What, you're wearing them now? Great, you got the gig.

I then rang up Paula. Paula had a nice history in violin playing and was very
enthusiastic. She also had written some different charts for Carrie, to reduce
some of the 'violin repetition' on stage. Wonderful. Paula, are you willing
to wear a Bikini on stage? Yes? Great, you got the gig. The bikini line
worked on Julie as well and, see, there you have it; a set of professional
musicians, put together with all the skill and finesse of launching a space
shuttle. All because we care about you, the ticket holder, the music
supporter. Sniff Sniff. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes, the level of
dedication here.

=====

Mike Randle
mike@lovewitharthurlee.com

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