A Solo Opportunity

Here I am setting up for another wedding and as usual I'm doing all the work myself. The guys in my band just don't get it. Yeah, I'm the lead vocalist, but this is a group effort. If I wanted to go solo I'd understand their tardiness, but hey we are a band, united as one and ready to play any special occasion.

I know the guys get jealous because I get most of the attention, especially from the ladies, but I've got the best voice. And I write the songs. Maybe this is payback, the one thing they have control over. Yet, when those double doors to the reception room open, we better be ready to play. The bride and groom's first dance is of utmost importance. We had to practice this song quite a few times. Wedding bands are usually up on all the popular tunes, but this one threw us for a loop. The wedding couple has selected a song titled Popsicle Toes. I guess it has some special meaning for them. Personally, I don't like feet and I can't wait to start playing rock music. That's the band's specialty.

"Damn it!" I just tripped over a cord. Where the hell are those guys? This is not, I repeat not, a one person job. There's just thirty minutes until the ballroom is flooded with guests and it won't be long after that before we start playing music. What if the band doesn't show up? I can't go on alone. But I can't let down the bride and groom. How awful would that be? The bride would start to cry and her make-up would run and her wedding reception would be ruined. I can't be responsible for that. This is the most important day in a girl's life. And besides, I've got fifty dollars riding on what kind of garter belt she's got on. Of course I'd win the bet if the band doesn't show because no one would be able to refute my story.

I know what I have to do. I need a back up plan. I'll set up a system to deejay if I have to. I can sing a little, get the crowd going, play some jazz music for the older guests, some rock music for the younger, and well anything in between if I've got it on compact disc.

Last week my brother (the lead singer of his own band) played at a Celtic wedding. He said it was a blast, probably because of the Irish whisky he got to drink. We both love the stuff. Why, you ask? My brother and I are full Irish lads, our parents moved to the states from Ireland just before my brother was born. As long as I can remember, he has followed in more traditional footsteps while I am the black sheep of the family. I identify more with 80's bands than with the Irish jig. We remain close though, my brother and I, referring business to each other as tastes in bands vary greatly.

My band has been late before but never this late. Beads of sweat are making their way down my face. You know the saying, the band must go on, but right now I feel like going back. Back about two hours and making that phone call to my drummer, reminding him of our gig tonight. I was distracted by my girlfriend and then had to race out of my apartment. My cell phone had no charge left, so I couldn't call from the road. I just crossed my fingers and reassured myself the guys checked their calendar. It is Saturday night. Almost every Saturday we play at some social function or another. We are primarily a wedding band, but have played at bar mitzvahs, a few 50th birthday parties (they love rock n' roll), corporate events and even a prom.

That was a kick. I didn't go to my senior prom so it was fun to be part of one without the pressure of a date. And the prom dresses the girls wore - they never looked like that when I was in high school. I started feeling things I shouldn't, if you know what I mean. Those kids could dance to rock music all night. They even invited us down to the dance floor to show us some dance moves. Boy was I tired the next morning. I'd never felt my age until then. And I'm not that old.

Well I'm all set up. The instruments are ready and so is the CD player. I even brought my turntable and some albums. It's always best to be ready for anything. You never know what a guest will request and I do make my living by making the client's every musical wish come true. The speakers sound great and the outline of speeches and notable guests in my pocket.

I hear the low rumbling of a crowd and anticipate an entrance in a few moments. It looks like I am the band tonight. Those guys are going to owe me, big time. Not showing up for a wedding is inexcusable. If I had the time I'd be furious right now. But that won't do me any good. I need to put on my happy face and hope the bride isn't too disappointed. On the bright side, I do like attention so all eyes will definitely be on me tonight. Things always go wrong at weddings, don't they? And this wrong will be righted beautifully. The music will sound like the real thing (not that I don't) and the choice of song much greater. I am the lead vocalist of my rock band and tonight I will lead. Wish me luck.

 

 

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