Mike and I had much fun playing The Derby VIP Lounge last night. I had been panicking slightly all week because I seem to have brought home a nasty cold from Michigan–and come this morning, I was left with no voice at all–but I made it through last night just fine. I was pleased that I was able to push aside my anxiety about what my voice would do and just sing out. It was a good show. Of course, today I sound like Marge Simpson–or maybe worse, Marge Simpson’s sisters–no joke. No singing for me today…
I really like The Derby, even aside from the fact that Mike’s favorite movie might be Swingers and it made us feel all cool to play there (yes, I’m a dork). In some ways I actually prefer the VIP Lounge to the mainstage, because you can really face the stage and focus on the music rather than hide away in those booths in the main room. Although I LOVE those booths…and I’d love to play the main stage… :) But we liked the other room, and the club has a great vibe in general.
The evening started off with my fellow ‘female on fire’ Michael Ann, a fantastic singer who belts it out with a soulful bluegrass style. Such a sweetheart, too. It’s nice to have a little camaraderie at a show out here–acts are usually booked so separately, and there’s such little interaction with the other performers. The girl who played after me was very sweet, too, with a cool folk punk style–I think she was a last-minute replacement so I’m not sure I’ll get her name right (Alex something…).The only real challenge is that there are no monitors in the VIP Lounge, but it’s a big room, so the bass was SUPER loud (but apparently, just to us) and kept startling both Mike and I! But despite the fact that he probably could barely hear me, Mike did a stellar job and everyone commented as usual that they love the way the bass rounds out the sound.
Thirty people showed up to see us, our best buddies but also some old friends, brand-new folks who saw me at Borders Glendale a couple weeks back and a lot of friends of friends of friends…nice to see some new faces in the crowd, and to feel like we’re getting ourselves out there a little bit more now. I’ve got some fans, people! Woo hoo! Who knew. ;) The best part was feeling like everyone had a great time–like I’m not twisting people’s arms to come see our shows, but that it’s actually a great night out for everyone and they’re having as much fun as I am!
So, thanks to everyone who came out, and who played, and who put on the show (Can of Jam productions, if you’re curious). A great night. Following by a sniffly morning and a day of couch confinement. But life is full of trade-offs. Did I mention I’m still in my pajamas? Whew. Rockin’ out takes it out of you… ;)