The Clovis Rodeo. First gig we've had since, I think, Oct of 2017? We have 4 more gigs booked before June. So here's what's interesting about this gig tomorrow...

I have not set up my drum kit, played them, since our last gig. Usually I practice a little... but after October came the Holidays, then I left for England for a month. HOWEVER... I did something I have never 'regularly' done before.... since that last gig I have pretty much carried a pair of drumsticks around with me tapping on everything I come in contact with. So I'm curious... did all that tapping on objects keep me somewhat ready to go? I don't know. I noticed that on the rudiments I practiced on tables, pillows, my desk, my lap, etc. I got a little better... but will that transfer to an actual drum? I kind of doubt it. You don't get the same response from a coffee can as you do from a drum. One good thing, however... since I've had a pair of drumsticks in my hands almost non-stop since Oct. I don't have to worry about blisters.

Today I have to tune my drums. I HATE tuning my drums because I'm TERRIBLE at it. It's an art I never mastered. Of course, since I mic my drums, we can use the equalizer to somewhat correct my lack of tuning talent but still... if I don't get it close the equalizer ain't a'gonna work that well.

I'm figuring this will be one LONG gig. Western crowds, in my experience, party harder than any other group 'genre', at least as far as 'duration'. Until they see the sun rising it's pedal to the metal.

One thing great about gigs after a long time off... the anticipation! I'm really looking forward to playing again after so long. - JamesJM