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Travelin' Bands

A day job with a/c and no heavy liftin’ can work in mysterious ways. Following a trend observed in other professional organizations, I was invited to put together a band of colleagues who gig on the side to play at conferences the association would conduct. My friends Jay Uomoto (then in Atlanta), Tom Kerkhoff (Florida) and David Patterson (Seattle) were game. David could not make the first gig, however.  The four of us formed the core of the bands we assembled over the next few years.  There are quite a few pics and some video evidence of it all. 

Tucson 2003

Jay and Tom came to B’ham and we rented a minivan, packed up some Spurz gear, and drove over. We flew Mike Dye out to play drums, and we rehearsed at the hotel. After a slow start at the gig, dancing eventually ensued. We were a hit. 

Seattle 2004

Success of the first gig led to a larger ensemble, and Dave took the drum kit. Used rental gear from a local vendor. Added a keyboard player and a sax. Played a hotel downtown within walking distance of Pike's Place. 

Baltimore 2005

Tom and I drove up in a rented minivan, but there was no place to store the gear at the hotel. Constant setting up and tearing down wore me out. Christie Graham joined us on vocals, and Dan Marson joined on harp.  And yeah, we started a runnin' gag wearin' beards when we covered some ZZ Top. 

Seattle 2005

  Dave had us out to play his birthday party on Lake Washington. Was a beautiful setting, and a lot of fun. 

Reno 2006

Great gig with Dan and Christie and more percussion. Probably our 2nd best gig, overall. Played a stage in the Gold Dust Casino and Hotel (well, Jay's pretty sure that's where we were. I swear I can't remember).  Reno was muy cool.

Las Vegas 2006

  This was the last road gig for me.  Perhaps it was the best one. Played a stage at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. Had a full array of horns. We had ‘em up and dancin’. No shit, we played Vegas. The gig was recorded and check out the clips below!  Yes, those are dignified colleagues dancin' on those tables....

Photo Gallery

    Last Gig at the Las Vegas, Riviera Casino & Hotel: Remnants

    You gotta understand, this is the last song at the last night of the last convention conducted by a professional association. For over 15 years, they met at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Vegas, and the party -- quite literally - was over. Recorded September, 2006.  Yeah, what happens in Vegas ends up on YouTube. Hope no one has to lawyer up. 

    Last Gig: Remnants and Incriminating Evidence (cont'd)

    Two Tickets to Paradise via Vegas

    From the first set, with Tom doing a great job on vocals. 

    Mustang Sally

    Sooner or later, at each and every conference, the band has gotta play it. Ivan steps out on sax. 

    The Weight

    Takin' a load off with guest back-up singers on stage and off.  

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    • Home
    • Originals
    • Now in Texas
    • The Sandspurs
    • New Southwind
    • Doubleshot
    • George & the G-Men
    • Karen Kent
    • Tripp Switch
    • Full House
    • Dr. Hope
    • Slash Grass
    • Tyree Hardware
    • 2nd Nat'l Band
    • Travelin' Bands