BassCliff w/ANB at Gilley's Las Vegas, 5/17-18/19

Greetings friends and neighbors!

This is the first of our five trips to Gilley's Las Vegas this year. We haven't been here since last December for the National Finals Rodeo.



Oh, uh, anyway.... Since I just ordered my bed cover and I'm not expecting delivery until next week, I put three basses, a suitcase, a garment bag, and a laptop in the back seat. The weather was threatening and it had rained pretty good earlier in the day.



Turns out that I did not get rained on but Big Betsy and I had a nice long drive through the desert up to Las Vegas from Southern California. I was pleased to see that, according to the onboard trip computer, Betsy averaged over 25mpg for the trip. I was more nervous about letting the valet park her than I was with the bellman delivering all my basses to my room.



All my gear made it to my room just fine. My room is in good order.



I'm on the side of the wing that I like, it has a view of the strip. I'm only on the 7th floor so the view is not as impressive as when I stay on the upper floors. I just take what I get and don't complain. I'm always glad to be here.



I always save all my loose change to a pocket in my backpack. It's been getting pretty heavy. Then I take it to the change machine in the casino to cash it in for tip and beer money. How many dollars do you think I have here?



I could not find the change machine in its usual spot so I went to the cashier window. She said that it was moved inside the cashier's booth because it was always getting broken. I guess that makes sense. The last time I was here it was out of order. But before she could turn my change into folding money she had to verify that I was staying at the hotel. OK, no problem. I gave her my name and room number. She called the front desk.



Did you guess how much change I had? The clerk asked me if I had a dime. (I'm thinking, really? I just gave you ALL the change I had.) I had $31.90 in loose change. She found two nickels (on the floor, I guess) and gave me a brand new $20, a new $10, and two new dollar bills. I thanked her and let her keep the two dollars for her trouble. I invited her to hear a good country band tomorrow night. She liked that.

Then I stepped into Gilley's to see who was playing and check in with the soundguys and DJ. You might remember Bob. He works with Daniel. We chatted for a bit. I also said "Hi!" to DJ Shaddix. He'll be back on Saturday night. DJ Caffeine works Friday night.



The Rob Staley Band was playing tonight. They had a good crowd for late on a Thursday night. Rob plays a few of the same rooms that we play.



I caught their last few numbers. The bands start earlier and end at 12:30 on Thursday. When they were done I jumped up on stage, the security recognized me, and said "Hi!" to Rob, Jordon (bass), and James (git), and then got out of their way so they could do the roadie thing. I guess I'm not the only one who has to do that.



My spare change was more than enough to buy my beer for the weekend. Tonight I thought I'd start with a small selection of Lagunitas. I'm sipping the Hop Stoopid right now and I like it. It's light and tastes like an ale instead of an IPA but still has a little kick to it.



I've got big plans for tomorrow. @G19Tony and I are going to tour his facility at the airport before sound check. Then @wintremute and I are planning to enjoy the best Mexican food in Las Vegas after sound check. Then I guess I'll have to actually make some noise in the honky tonk.

@wintremute is going to hang at the Bass Hang this Saturday with @TonyP- in Garden Grove at the Bomb Shelter, a cool practice space I've been to a few times. I wish I could be there but, you know, Vegas baby!

That's it for now. I'll keep you informed. In addition to my extra-curricular activities with Charles and Tony, we're also planning a mini-rehearsal so Arnie and I can work up some duo material and also work on some of Amanda's original tunes. It's going to be a fun, jam-packed, busy, exciting, beer drinking weekend. Dim lights, thick smoke, and loud, loud music!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

Hi,

I've always had pickups. I inherited Bob van Astro when I traded in my Chevy 1500 W/T on a new car for Mrs. BassCliff. I like sitting up high in the traffic. My trusty Astro van was on a truck frame so I sat high. The SUVs I was looking at felt more like mini-vans. The Traverse or Acadia would've done the job just fine but Big Betsy will be the perfect companion just as soon as I get a bed cover for her.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

Hi,

We always stay at Treasure Island.

@G19Tony took me on a tour of his aviation facility. Now I'm about to leave the hotel to meet him and @wintremute for some supper. I'll have more exciting pictures later.

@Holdsg , yes, the 3.6L V6 @ 305hp. Vrooom!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

Hi,

We will be playing there over the 4th of July weekend, Thursday through Saturday. Will you still be in town?

We missed you at supper Tony. I had a really great milanesa. I'll get some more pictures up after the gig tonight. Thanks for the tour!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

Hi!

I had an exciting day! Thanks to you and @G19Tony. You guys are the best! Have a safe trip to the Bass Hang.

Big Betsy came with the bed liner so I just ordered a rubber mat to hold the load in place (as long as I keep it under 80).

Well, I guess my view is a little better than yours.

As a matter of fact, Paul, our utility guy this weekend, is a retired fire captain. He and I and Arnie are all on the 7th floor. Coincidence? Hmmmm.

OK, let me get to the pictures. I'll be right back.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff