That One Crazy Gig – Take 50

Our first gig of the year turned out to be both lucrative and interesting. It was billed as a birthday party for one of the couples who love and support our band. It was to take place the week after the new year which is good for me as I prefer not to be driving the band mobile New Year’s night.

We were fresh off of a two month hiatus and had one practice for the performance. There were some specific songs requested that we don’t usually play:

Set 1

1. Let’s Dance (C) 2:17

2. Sway (MV) 2:40

3. Feeling Good (FV) 4:02

4. In The Mood 3:35

5. It’s Oh So Nice 4:09

6. It Had Better Be Tonight (MV) 3:06

7. Oh Look at Me Now (FV/C) 2:51

8. Mister Meadowlark (FV/C) 3:09

9. You Light Up My Life

10. Ain’t That a Kick (MV) 2:31

11. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be (C) 4:45

Set 2

1. Too Darn Hot (FV) 3:50

2. String of Pearls 3:16

3. Beyond the Sea (MV) 2:09

4. Don’t Be That Way (C) 3:06

5. Pennsylvania 6-5000 3:13

6. October Moon (C) 2:15

7. In the Still of the Night (MV) 4:11

8. I’ll Be Seeing You (FV/C) 3:20

9. Why Don’t You Do Right (FV/C) 2:15

10. Montego Bay 3:00

11. Mack the Knife (MV) 3:07

Set 3

1. When You’re Smiling (MV) 2:00

2. Moonlight Serenade (C) 3:24

3. The Continental 2:36

4. On a Slow Boat to China (FV)

5. Stardust (C) 3:30

6. The Girl From Ipanema (MV) 3:15

7. Besame Mucho 3:00

8. Whatever Lola Wants (FV) 2:52

9. Begin the Beguine (C) 3:15

10. Sing Sing Sing (C) 5:23

11. Maybe This Time (FV) 3:53

Encore: In The Mood 3:35

The room was kind of small for a big band, but we made it work for our bandies. How could we not? So during the birthday speech, the guest of honor got down on his knees and proposed to his long-time girlfriend! I kid you not. So a ULC minister (I was one too) stepped out of the crowd and performed a short and funny marriage. So much fun and called upon us to play the wedding march.

And our band photographer got some pictures and did this video for us. Ah the life of a musician, such a life is good. Play on my dear readers.