Dulono's last weekend

2 Nights, 4 microphones, 3 guitars, 2 fiddles, 1 mandolin, 2 voices, 1 Friday and 1 Saturday on Easter weekend in March.

This was our 2nd stint at Dulono's and even though we played both nights, it was overall a more relaxing gig than the Friday night at the beginning of last January. Some of this had to do with the fact that there were not overwhelming crowds this time around: due partially to snow, spring break and Easter weekend, and also due , no doubt, to the fact that so many of our friends did see us in January.

We still had a number of family, church, neighborhood and other friends show up, as well as people just wanting to hear bluegrass (or old time) music. Our new sound system worked really well (I'll probably post more on that later) and every one could hear, including at least one couple from church who didn't hear a thing last time around. I got good comments about the sound quality from a number of people.

A least one train wreck occurred during our first set on Friday (Bear Creek Blues). This taught us to avoid 'newish' songs in the first set (it went fine on Saturday). Although my voice was starting to get strained on our last set Saturday night, the worst physical problem was for our backs and legs - not used to being on our feet that long! (And we do like performing standing up - better for 'control': both breath control and microphone control - plus, I think you just project and connect more.) Also, on Saturday, we remembered the step stool, so getting on and off the stage was a lot easier (if not quite as much of a spectacle for the audience to see an arthritic old man attempt to get up and down the too-high platform ).

A couple of highlights - our 'new' minister came to see us Friday night - he'd heard us at the Lynnhurst Home Companion, so I was happy to see that he found time in a busy week for him to catch a whole set. On Saturday our previous minister and his wife came and sat at the same table (now known as the minister's table). It was good to see them. A guitar playing buddy came who was in the bluegrass band Minnegrassco in the 70's (and who played at Dulono's in 78,79). Gary marveled at the advances in technology - specifically the cup holders we have that attach to our microphone stands. His son is a real fan of bluegrass (and of us as well, I guess).

On Saturday, as we were coming in to set up, a friend from my Black Forest days was just finishing up supper with his family. He and his wife came back later and helped us close out our very last set. Luckily, we did one of his favorites (Sleepy Desert) and I had refound my voice.

Also met a fellow musician, Erin Kate, who I had heard of with her work as part of the Cates. I hope to catch her perform sometime soon.

Most times when we play a gig that goes past midnight, we skip church; however, Sunday was Easter and we were there... singing in choir. We had an Easter Brunch, then napped, then went out to hear Roma di Luna, the Floorbirds and others at the Sunday 416 club at the Cedar Cultural Center.

This week - rehearse songs for another round of recording this weekend - ah, the Musician's Life (who still works his day job ! and put in a full day on Monday...)