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Help unloading or Car-jacking...

Discussion in 'Bass Humor & Gig Stories [BG]' started by FloridaTim, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. Dec 20, 2014 #1
    FloridaTim

    FloridaTim

    May 29, 2013
    Kissimmee, FL
    Last night we played at a homeless shelter for their yearly holiday dinner. My band does this gig every year, but this is my first year with the band so it is new to me.

    I followed all the directions to the heart of downtown Orlando and turned onto the small, one-way street we were told to unload at. The parking lot is already roped off with a line of about 200 homeless people waiting to be let in.

    I pull up to the rope and rolled down my window. A guy that looks like he is in charge comes up to see who I am. I tell him, "I'm with the band. Joe said we could unload here." He turns to the many people behind him and yells, "I NEED HELP UNLOADING AND SOMEONE SHOW HIM WHERE TO PARK."

    At that point about 15 homeless people surround my car, open up the back hatch, start pulling out my gear. I got out quickly, half to supervise and half to grab my bass. As I watch all of my gear heading toward the stage another homeless guy hops in the passenger seat, "I'll show you where you can park."

    Seriously, if you would have asked me at that point if I had just been robbed and car-jacked, I don't know if I could have been sure of my answer.

    All in all, a great night. They loved the music, got a holiday feast, lots of give-aways, etc. Many of them, and the volunteers, came up and spoke about how they look forward to this night all year long.
     
    EdwardofHuncote, Capt.Obvious, handofseven and 15 others like this.
  2. Dec 20, 2014 #2
    FloridaTim

    FloridaTim

    May 29, 2013
    Kissimmee, FL
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    melikecookies, Illini10, SasquatchDude and 3 others like this.
  3. Dec 20, 2014 #3
    Clark Dark

    Clark Dark

    Mar 3, 2005
    earth
    That great feeling is evident in your smile and for a good cause. Kudos to you sir.
     
  4. Dec 20, 2014 #4
    BassCliff

    BassCliff

    May 17, 2012
    The Wild Wild Upper MidWest
    Hi,

    I think these are some of the best gigs. May you be blessed for bringing some joy into the lives of those less fortunate. I'm sure those that helped you were glad to do it. You allowed them some dignity, made them feel useful.


    Thank you for your indulgence,

    BassCliff
     
    SandCBass, Spent, MTFD24 and 1 other person like this.
  5. Dec 21, 2014 #5
    BazzTard

    BazzTard Inactive

    Sep 12, 2014
    Adelaide, South Australia
    that is a great thing to do, good karma to you and the band !!!

    I wonder what you would've done if your bass headed one way and the amp another? and neither were towards the stage lol
     
  6. Dec 21, 2014 #6
    PortlandBass77

    PortlandBass77

    Jul 11, 2013
    Portland, OR
    At you you aren't in Ft. Lauderdale, they would have arrested your $$$ for supporting the homeless.....
     
    Winfred likes this.
  7. Dec 21, 2014 #7
    gmarcus

    gmarcus Supporting Member

    Apr 4, 2003
    Awesome!
     
  8. Dec 21, 2014 #8
    justbass57

    justbass57 Supporting Member

    Mar 29, 2002
    Vancouver Island, British Columbia
    Sounds like a great thing to do, good on you!
     
    MTFD24 likes this.
  9. Dec 21, 2014 #9
    hsech

    hsech Work hard. My Social Security needs a raise.

    Jun 27, 2012
    Central Iowa
    Sounds like everyone wanted to help in some way. Our band played for Special Needs kids and disabled kids a month ago. You really get a warm fuzzy after playing a gig like that.
     
    MTFD24 likes this.
  10. Dec 21, 2014 #10
    BigMarc

    BigMarc Guest

    Dec 29, 2013
    Pottstown, PA, USA
    THIS is what the world needs. MORE LOVE AND LESS HATE, all across the board, rich or poor, black or white, religious or not, and not just during the holidays, let's ALL do our part, just think for one second how AWESOME this world would be if there was a lot LESS HATE.

    Each and Every one of us, should say each morning.... "Today is the day.... The day that I will do something nice to help others.... And STOP the hate, and spread some LOVE! Just my opinion. Thank you for reading . Marc in Philly
     
    comatosedragon, handofseven, Spent and 2 others like this.
  11. Dec 21, 2014 #11
    Al T.

    Al T. Supporting Member

    Sep 24, 2006
    Richmond, VA.
    Pay attention to BigMarc- he's got it right!
     
  12. Dec 21, 2014 #12
    FloridaTim

    FloridaTim

    May 29, 2013
    Kissimmee, FL
    Think I would have to follow the bass.
     
  13. Dec 21, 2014 #13
    FloridaTim

    FloridaTim

    May 29, 2013
    Kissimmee, FL
    This. We had two guys that helped us all night long just because they wanted to.

    There was also a guy that played bongos for us. Front of the stage, right next to the lead singer. He does it every year. He dresses up in his best clothes and plays with us. He's not great, but this is his gig and he hasn't missed it in years.

    Great experience.
     
  14. Dec 21, 2014 #14
    Oren Hudson

    Oren Hudson

    Dec 25, 2007
    Gastonia, NC
    Very cool. Merry Christmas.
     
  15. Dec 21, 2014 #15
    BazzTard

    BazzTard Inactive

    Sep 12, 2014
    Adelaide, South Australia
    The bongo player you mention reminds me of the Aussie Test cricket team that has a 60 year old mentally challenged man that has been a part of the team for 30 years. Travels with the team, sits in the changerooms with them, lines up with them at the start etc What a great thing to do for someone !
     
  16. Dec 24, 2014 #16
    cronker

    cronker

    Feb 13, 2007
    Australia
    You are right, Tard.
    I have had the pleasure of working with the Aussie team and he is one of a kind. Very nice person.