A milestone and my musical journey...

[DRafalske]

My family is very musical, nearly everyone plays an instrument. So it was almost a right of passage that I pick one up at a young age. I chose to be a bass player when I was 9 years old (I'm now 30). A friend of the family was kind enough to let me use his bass and he started giving me lessons for free. I caught on quick and kept at it through adolesence, high school, and my early twenties.
I played in dozens of bands, of course, including my high school's jazz band (which was a load of fun!). None of them ever went anywhere for various reasons. The closest I ever came to a real gig was playing two songs at a talent show at one of my bandmates' high school. And of course, I'd join in on the family jam sessions whenever possible.
I went on about a five-year hiatus starting in 2002. I bought a house and things were getting serious with the ol' lady. What can I say? Life. Some other issues along the way made me realize I not only wanted to start playing again, but that I actually needed to. I spent some time practicing and getting back to the level I was at, bought some nicer gear, and started going to some auditions.
There were a lot more "sorry, man" responses than "can you come back next week?", but I kept my head up and pressed on. I was about to give it a rest for a while when, finally about 2 months ago, I found a group very close to home, playing exactly what I want to play, and got an audition. They loved me and I got the job and it's been a blast so far. We play typical bar-band fare and party tunes from the 50s to the 90s. A lot of which I already knew from previous experience, and the ones I had to learn weren't very hard.
We have our first gig this Saturday, playing two sets at a private party. Can't wait! Wish me luck!
I'll be sure to check in after the gig; my wife is going and plans to take some pictures so hopefully I'll be able to post a few.
Dave

[Gab124]

Enjoy it! Enjoy every minute playing whether in front of an audience or with family and friends.

[JoZac21]

Good luck man!

[smogg]

Just remember to have fun with it and everything else will fall into place.
congrats

[intheory]

awesome!!! Good luck brother!

[uglymutt]

Good luck!
Have fun!

[DRafalske]

Well, my first gig went fantastic. It was two sets at a private party, like a company Christmas party. We played great, sounded great, got tons of compliments. The dance floor was packed, and applause after every song.
Had a blast! Can't wait for the next one!

Here's what we played:

keep your hands to yourself
can't you see
louie louie / hang on sloopy
stand by me
all my friends say
under the board walk
mustang sally
johnny be good



give me one reason
sweet home alabama/ all summer long
turn the page
Last dance with may jane
brown eyed girl
honky tonk women
purple rain
sweet home chicago

[DRafalske]

My wife was there taking pictures so here's a couple.

[leadfingers]

Very cool! Congrats on finding a good fit and on the gig going great!
I'm in about the same boat and still in the "keep pushing on" phase. Hope I get the same luck when it finally clicks.
It's great to see it all came together for you.

[TBrett]

That's so great. Congratulations! Keep on rocking!

[bass_snake]

Congrats! Hope I can gig too one of these days.

Fred

[J. Crawford]

I just heard today a quote from a fellow TBer:

"There is no such thing as retirement, just time for life."

I liked that.

[dlargent]

That's a great set list man -- you guys are going to be the party band kings.

[DRafalske]

Originally Posted by dlargent

That's a great set list man -- you guys are going to be the party band kings.

That is exactly the goal! We want people to have as much fun as we are!

Leadfingers, keep at it. When it all falls into place, and it will, it's more than worth it!

Thanks guys!
Dave