Post by Susan on Sept 16, 2007 7:57:04 GMT -5
The Gator Alley Band
Martinez Refinery Run
It was a beautiful day for a bike run and concert. The run was a benefit to feed the hungry. Which there motto is, “No One Goes Hungry”. I was also the Road Manager today for the band as Steve was not feeling well. So first let me say I hope your feeling better soon my friend and thank you for having the faith that I could do your job. Which is not an easy one.
The band starting arriving about 9:00 am and I was there waiting, (as that was my job today). It went pretty smoothly till a couple issue’s came up and everyone looked at ME!!! I smiled and said let me find someone. I found some help but it was Terry who finally got ahold of someone to get what the band needed. Ok, I’m a rookie at this job and am feeling it. Problem solved the stage has power on both sides. We can set up.
By now things are moving smoothly and I make contact with the person I am supposed to. Ok, she made contact with me. However you look at it. The band got their wrist bands to eat and I turned over the guest and crew list to Jennifer ( who was my contact). Very nice lady and was a joy to work with. Now we are set up and ready to go. So now it is my decision what time to start playing. Ok, I give them a time. They start off with “Working For MCA”. The bikes are rolling in as the band begins and the crowd is loving it.
Set List
Working For MCA
I Ain’t The One
Saturday Night Special
What’s Your Name
Whiskey Rock-A -Roller
Travelin Man
Simple Man
Gimme Back My Bullets
Sweet Home Alabama
Free Bird
The band played with expertise and had the crowd going. I work with The Gator Alley Band so closely that I don’t know what else to say about them. But they do amaze me at each show I attend. Mel on vocal is fine tuned to each song right down to the little quotes that Ronnie put in the songs. Mike, Pat and Cutty on guitars are absolutely spectacular and nothing short of amazing. Terry on bass plays with his heart and gives it his all. Debbie on keys is right on Que with each and every song. She has really got Billy Powell’s playing down to a tee. I applaud her performance each time I see her. And than there is Paul on drums. What can I say. The man plays perfectly and jams to each song without missing a beat.
Next we have Jen & Ginny. These ladies are not only beautiful but can belt out back up vocals like you have never heard. They dance, sing, clap their hands and keep the crowd involved. The two are very dear friends to me and I am a very lucky to have them in my life. Jen & Ginny you two are angels up there on that stage and I have the up most respect and love for you.
My husband (Randy) had a birthday yesterday. Mel and the band wish him a happy birthday and dedicate “Simple Man” to him. Perfect, because that is just what Randy is. I am very proud at this moment.
Now comes another thing I have to handle. The set is cut short due to timing. The band comes to me. The refinery says they can play only one more. Well we all know you close with Freebird, but Sweet Home Alabama has not been played. So here I go, off to do my job again. The band is depending on me and I can’t let them down. I find the man in charge, explain the situation and he says play both of them. I am happy and return to the band and tell them TWO more songs. Go for it. And they do. Of course they dedicate “Freebird” to Hughie. With this announcement the crowd cheers. And they play Freebird with perfection, heart and soul.
Another Gator Alley Band show that is a hit from start to finish. I would like to thank the crew, Brian, Jeremy, and Cody for all their hard work and help setting up. They are also a tremendous help when it is time to break down and go. Hats off to you all. And a huge thank you to George the sound man. He keeps everything sounding perfect and is d**n good at his job.
NOTE: please look for the fun pics in shootin the breeze
Martinez Refinery Run
It was a beautiful day for a bike run and concert. The run was a benefit to feed the hungry. Which there motto is, “No One Goes Hungry”. I was also the Road Manager today for the band as Steve was not feeling well. So first let me say I hope your feeling better soon my friend and thank you for having the faith that I could do your job. Which is not an easy one.
The band starting arriving about 9:00 am and I was there waiting, (as that was my job today). It went pretty smoothly till a couple issue’s came up and everyone looked at ME!!! I smiled and said let me find someone. I found some help but it was Terry who finally got ahold of someone to get what the band needed. Ok, I’m a rookie at this job and am feeling it. Problem solved the stage has power on both sides. We can set up.
By now things are moving smoothly and I make contact with the person I am supposed to. Ok, she made contact with me. However you look at it. The band got their wrist bands to eat and I turned over the guest and crew list to Jennifer ( who was my contact). Very nice lady and was a joy to work with. Now we are set up and ready to go. So now it is my decision what time to start playing. Ok, I give them a time. They start off with “Working For MCA”. The bikes are rolling in as the band begins and the crowd is loving it.
Set List
Working For MCA
I Ain’t The One
Saturday Night Special
What’s Your Name
Whiskey Rock-A -Roller
Travelin Man
Simple Man
Gimme Back My Bullets
Sweet Home Alabama
Free Bird
The band played with expertise and had the crowd going. I work with The Gator Alley Band so closely that I don’t know what else to say about them. But they do amaze me at each show I attend. Mel on vocal is fine tuned to each song right down to the little quotes that Ronnie put in the songs. Mike, Pat and Cutty on guitars are absolutely spectacular and nothing short of amazing. Terry on bass plays with his heart and gives it his all. Debbie on keys is right on Que with each and every song. She has really got Billy Powell’s playing down to a tee. I applaud her performance each time I see her. And than there is Paul on drums. What can I say. The man plays perfectly and jams to each song without missing a beat.
Next we have Jen & Ginny. These ladies are not only beautiful but can belt out back up vocals like you have never heard. They dance, sing, clap their hands and keep the crowd involved. The two are very dear friends to me and I am a very lucky to have them in my life. Jen & Ginny you two are angels up there on that stage and I have the up most respect and love for you.
My husband (Randy) had a birthday yesterday. Mel and the band wish him a happy birthday and dedicate “Simple Man” to him. Perfect, because that is just what Randy is. I am very proud at this moment.
Now comes another thing I have to handle. The set is cut short due to timing. The band comes to me. The refinery says they can play only one more. Well we all know you close with Freebird, but Sweet Home Alabama has not been played. So here I go, off to do my job again. The band is depending on me and I can’t let them down. I find the man in charge, explain the situation and he says play both of them. I am happy and return to the band and tell them TWO more songs. Go for it. And they do. Of course they dedicate “Freebird” to Hughie. With this announcement the crowd cheers. And they play Freebird with perfection, heart and soul.
Another Gator Alley Band show that is a hit from start to finish. I would like to thank the crew, Brian, Jeremy, and Cody for all their hard work and help setting up. They are also a tremendous help when it is time to break down and go. Hats off to you all. And a huge thank you to George the sound man. He keeps everything sounding perfect and is d**n good at his job.
NOTE: please look for the fun pics in shootin the breeze