Game Day
As it turns out, this is my 300th blog posting. Happy 300 posts, blog. And many more...
Today is the big day. October 13th. Playing shortly at the Enlighten Yoga Studio in Amsterdam. There is still time to get tickets at the door. Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7pm. See the Calendar at www.jamesfrederick.net for more info.
Many musicians have a ritual that they go through before preforming. So do athletes.
I don't have a specific "ritual" so-to-speak, but I do have specific things that I like to do on the day of the show.
I started today out by sleeping in. Rest is pretty important before playing. I got out of bed around 10, checked my email, responded to a bunch of friends and family about the show (last minute direction requests and whatnot), played a couple video games, and posted about the show again on facebook. Then, I got out of bed, changed, and walked down the street to the Creekside Cafe for a big breakfast. I like to have a big breakfast on show day. Food, of course, is pretty important, but I don't like to eat a whole lot before singing. So, I eat a big breakfast, a smaller lunch, and an even smaller dinner. I am usually starving after playing and so I like to go out for greasy food after a performance.
I had a bacon and cheese omelette and hashbrowns this morning. While eating, I answered a few texts from friends and family (more last minute direction requests and such). Then, I headed back to my apartment and laid down on my bed. I took a nice long nap (it was rather epic!). Sleep is important before a show and I was extra sleepy after a big breakfast.
After awaking from the nap, I had some cheese and crackers. Then, I got all of my gear together and started moving it to my car. I was surprised to see a police car by my vehicle with two other people standing nearby. I noticed that the street was empty of cars, except for mine, and full of tents. Apparently, it's block party day in Broadalbin, which I was not aware of. I explained myself to the police and the neighbors (a store owner and an older guy). The store owner was not happy with me, saying that my car was there for more than 2 hours (apparently, there is a two hour parking limit despite the lack of signs indicating so) and, of course, was preventing her customers from parking. I explained that I didn't know. The older guy and the police were cool about it, the store owner (she owns the christian book store) wasn't in the mood for forgiveness today (probably because it's Saturday and not Sunday?) and continued to give me crap. Guess I'm going to hell.
I moved my car and headed back into my apartment. It's about four hours until show time. I need to pick up some chairs from a friend in Johnstown and then head to the Yoga Studio. I'm going to get there two hours before the show starts to set up, check the sound, warm up, etc. So, I have just about enough time to shower and head out.
Show day doesn't seem very exciting... but it really is! Inside, I'm bubbling with anticipation. My excitement level is down right frothing. (Frothing... haha). I'll be grabbing a beer or two at some point before playing to calm the nerves and relax the vocal chords.
I just remembered, I have to print out the set list. Doing that now.
Today is the big day. October 13th. Playing shortly at the Enlighten Yoga Studio in Amsterdam. There is still time to get tickets at the door. Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7pm. See the Calendar at www.jamesfrederick.net for more info.
Many musicians have a ritual that they go through before preforming. So do athletes.
I don't have a specific "ritual" so-to-speak, but I do have specific things that I like to do on the day of the show.
I started today out by sleeping in. Rest is pretty important before playing. I got out of bed around 10, checked my email, responded to a bunch of friends and family about the show (last minute direction requests and whatnot), played a couple video games, and posted about the show again on facebook. Then, I got out of bed, changed, and walked down the street to the Creekside Cafe for a big breakfast. I like to have a big breakfast on show day. Food, of course, is pretty important, but I don't like to eat a whole lot before singing. So, I eat a big breakfast, a smaller lunch, and an even smaller dinner. I am usually starving after playing and so I like to go out for greasy food after a performance.
I had a bacon and cheese omelette and hashbrowns this morning. While eating, I answered a few texts from friends and family (more last minute direction requests and such). Then, I headed back to my apartment and laid down on my bed. I took a nice long nap (it was rather epic!). Sleep is important before a show and I was extra sleepy after a big breakfast.
After awaking from the nap, I had some cheese and crackers. Then, I got all of my gear together and started moving it to my car. I was surprised to see a police car by my vehicle with two other people standing nearby. I noticed that the street was empty of cars, except for mine, and full of tents. Apparently, it's block party day in Broadalbin, which I was not aware of. I explained myself to the police and the neighbors (a store owner and an older guy). The store owner was not happy with me, saying that my car was there for more than 2 hours (apparently, there is a two hour parking limit despite the lack of signs indicating so) and, of course, was preventing her customers from parking. I explained that I didn't know. The older guy and the police were cool about it, the store owner (she owns the christian book store) wasn't in the mood for forgiveness today (probably because it's Saturday and not Sunday?) and continued to give me crap. Guess I'm going to hell.
I moved my car and headed back into my apartment. It's about four hours until show time. I need to pick up some chairs from a friend in Johnstown and then head to the Yoga Studio. I'm going to get there two hours before the show starts to set up, check the sound, warm up, etc. So, I have just about enough time to shower and head out.
Show day doesn't seem very exciting... but it really is! Inside, I'm bubbling with anticipation. My excitement level is down right frothing. (Frothing... haha). I'll be grabbing a beer or two at some point before playing to calm the nerves and relax the vocal chords.
I just remembered, I have to print out the set list. Doing that now.