Paid Dues San Francisco

Shit. It's my Dad's birthday and I haven't called. I haven't made a habit of calling my family on holidays and special occasions so the sting he must feel of my lack of attention to this day must minimal by now. Still... I feel like a dick, so Happy Birthday, Dad. Hopefully my Mrs. paid more attention than I do and sent you something nice with my name signed to it. (one of the benefits of having a Mrs. is not signing cards ever again.)

On to new business.

I suppose I'll start in San Francisco.

The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco is a fantastic venue. So far it's my favorite indoor venue we've played. History and Class with a touch of punk rock nostalgia made this the perfect place to have an 8 hour hip-hip festival.

soundman speak

This gig was another link in the chain to my eventual mastery of every digital mixing console the industry has to offer. Never mind the festival setting and the inherent ease and sensibility that an analog console has to offer, let's take a PM5D out and learn how to use it with an hour between arrival/soundcheck and doors. I did. I'm not a huge fan of this console, but I understand why engineers like it.

end soundman speak

So San Francisco... no problems gig related...but there was a scary moment when I looked directly above my head where I was to be mixing for the next 7.5 hours and discovered the storage of the Genie Lift.

These machines only weigh 1800 lbs, but this one in particular is suspended from a chain hoist rigged to the rafters directly under the monitor mix position. Myself, I would not allow an $80,000 console to be opened under this thing, but since it's not my gear, it's not my problem. I'll just take photos, duck and cover.

Since gigging ran so smoothly one MUST assume that there is going to be something amiss post production. Whoever assumed that, was RIGHT. After a long show, I know that the selfishness of my musical friends will get the best of them and there will be no food left backstage. I'm smart enough to know this and plan ahead and had snacky treats stashed in my bunk. When I opened the door of the bus I found 4 complete strangers and not a member of our touring party. Imagine opening the door of your house and finding 4 strangers sitting on your couch, drinking your beverages, eating your food and you can guess my reaction.

After all of that ugly business was over, all that was left was a long drive though California, Nevada and Utah to Salt Lake City and a nice long nap.

Nighty, night.