I've been meaning to do a gig report for Fat Ass Winery, we're there just about once a month, but I'm always either too busy, or forget to take photos. Can't have a gig report without photos! Here's the loaded Tundra, all ready for the 1.5 hour commute this Saturday morning-we do 1-6 PM. I didn't take either of the subs or my 810 'fridge to this show, just my AMpeg BA-210v2, but here's a shot of the subs and 810 in their home. I took off at 9:30 for the trip to Fat Ass which is located about 15 minutes east of Fredericksberg, Tx on HWY 290. There's a whole string of these places and they collectively do a lot for the local music scene. The crowds are good and the pay is super, though the weather can be a bear from time to time. This was our first show this year with the temp above 40 degrees. Here's a shot shot or two of the drive. Here's the stage area after I got everything set up, just waiting for the other two to show up. I think Gene is stuck in traffic on I-10, I'm sure @BassCliff can relate! I took a few shots around the patio while I waited for Gene and Manny. No food shots though, I don't usually eat before a gig. But here's a shot of the food truck anyways. And the "facilities". Time for the set-up dance. Manny hard at work. Gene finally made it, right at 1:00 PM but it only takes him a couple minutes to set up, we started a few minutes late, but the nice folks here love us, so no problem with that. Gene kickin' things off. I managed to hand my camera off to one of the guests and he was kind enough to take some "action" shots. And that was pretty much it. There's some shots of the ladies dancing on facebook somewhere, I'll see if I can grab them later. All in all a good time was had by all and at 6:45 I was on my way home.
Looks like a beautiful day in a beautiful venue. I got a kick out of gear in an uncovered truck box. I wouldn't dream of doing that around here, there's always a risk of either rain or snow. Thanks for sharing your gig.
Hi @filmtex! This is an absolutely fabulous gig review. Thanks for sharing. Yes, that looks like Texas, miles and miles of Texas, just beautiful. That winery looks like a ton of fun. I love the whole vibe of the place. Was that a chuck wagon on the side of the road, or was he shoeing horses? Pictures like that really make me miss living in a small town. That food truck is a trip. "Trailer Trash Cuisine"...absolutely darling. I also think putting the tip jar on a stand makes it much more convenient for the audience to take advantage of it. Brilliant! I guess when you have to take the large rig and your whole PA you just hitch up the trailer. It's great you can be modular like that. Please feel free to post more of your gigs. This was really enjoyable. I'd like to see the full stage production sometime. Thanks for sharing. Hey Rick, when are you planning another trip out this way? Thank you for your indulgence, BassCliff
I just love the fact there is a venue called 'Fat Ass Ranch and Winery' - you'd never see a venue in New Zealand called that!
Great write up Rick! You always do it right! I will be going down that long road on the 4th! Thanks for posting
Excellent write up and photos. I must say, when I saw the name Fat Ass Winery a whole different vision came to mind. Love the silo outhouses.
Texans have a certain amount of self deprecating humor that often times outsiders don't ever get the hang of. Hell even some natives never quite get it.
That's why you always keep a tarp or big drop cloth handy cuz this time of year a sunny day can turn on a dime, rain 3 inches, thunder even a tornado and an hour later back to sunshine.
We don't get them fancy glitter venues like you got in Cali, sometimes it's gonna be some old barn or broke down beer joint. It don't matter we're still proud to play. Some of those old dives are even gittin' to be downright historical, wouldn't cha know. I grew up playing Sefcik Hall played maybe 70-80 shows, all kinds of music polkas, country and rock, and been there more than that for dances and events, my sister had her wedding dance there for instance. These places are a big part of small town Texas life. Home - GRUENE HALL Sefcik Hall - Temple, TX Watch: As a Texas dance hall ages with its owner, a son hangs on to his family legacy | Texana | Dallas News 10 Central Texas Dance Halls You Should Visit
Hi, Those dance halls are very cool. It's a shame to see them go. I think I'll be playing in a barn tomorrow night. Thank you for your indulgence, BassCliff
Many thanks @BassCliff. I’m headed to Oregon in a couple weeks but I’ll probably be back your way towards the end of summer. I’ll pm you for sure.