So, those in attendance already knew, but those who couldn’t make it will have this journal entry to give a hint of what happened Saturday night.
Got to the club around 5:30pm. I was a little early (load in wasn’t til 6), so I parked and went up to the street to have one piece of Albano’s Pizza.
(So delicious.)
The boys in the Choir all arrived on time, and we immediately started loading gear on stage.
As we started soundcheck, it dawned me that this was technically our 4th rehearsal and this notion amused me.
Time passed and soundcheck finished swimmingly. A couple members went to grab grub on their own, Adam, Sebi (along with g-friend, Enunciated Sneeze)came with me back to my flat to hang out til 9 or so.
Arrived at the club, and 1st band was already on. They sounded young but proficient. Just need some seasoning, which only time can give them, so that’s a good thing. For much of the time prior to show time, Sutton and I chilled in the back hallway (behind the stage) while the others gallavanted to check out the crowd. At one point, Gus came back and hung out which was a great thing. Didn’t get to see Brian til after the show, but it was amazing to see him, regardless of when.
The great thing about The Gig (among many things; it really is my favorite LA venue to play at) is that you set up your gear behind the curtain, so the crowd doesn’t see the awkward removal and/or setting up of gear prior to the set. We set up, did our line checks, I told the soundman (who could hear me through headphones) that I just had to quickly go to the bathroom.
Carlos, a long time F.O.C.’er from WAY back, almost always comes to shows to assist with loading and taking down of gear. Selfless & quiet, but entirely approachable. He ran to the bathroom and said “Chance, the soundman apparently didn’t hear you, he’s raised the curtains.”
“Um, really? Oh…ok…sure!”
HA. I mean what was I to do? Too late to do much other than exercise hygiene and wash hands.
And you know what? I really wasn’t bothered. I felt strangely calm and at peace for this entire show.
I walked on stage, and the crowd was TREMENDOUS. I was stunned at how many people were there (more on that in a bit).
I confidently announced: Hi, everyone…my name is Chance………….and this….is …. The Choir.
And so began the very first Chance & the Choir performance.
Starting with:
Hip Hop High
Forgive+Forget
Won’t Be a Next Time
My Oh My (dedicated to my lil sis)
RadioFree
Percy’s Song (dedicated to Becka)
then…
Man on a Mission (you haven’t heard this one yet)
Woke Up To Everything
Say What You Will
and, finally:
Closer’s Not Good Enough
On Guitar: Sutton Althizar…On Guitar: Justin White…On Bass: Sebastian Ciceri…On Drums: Adam Flanders
I wish I could just leave it at “Man, I wish you were there.” But frankly, it was so much more than that for me. I was just so proud of these guys and the way they performed my music; the enthusiasm they had, the almost effortless, loose sort of relaxed attitude. I found it to be a supremely special night. I was satisfied, very satisfied with it. And it’s funny you know, I made a casual mention from the stage about this show only coming after 3 rehearsals and by all accounts, everyone thought I was kidding. I just think we came in with positive feelings and left feeling the same.
And the crowd had alot to do with it. 130 people just to see Chance & the Choir. A whole mess of CD’s sold, plenty of new additions to the FOC E-mail list, I was also surprised at how many people had never seen me or my music before. Like I said, it was packed! And how about this: friends from San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego flew or drove in. Just mind boggling.
So, when’s the next show?
It seems to be the first question on everyone’s mind.
Currently, I’m looking at the next Chance/Choir show to be in early April. I’ll keep you posted. (I hope to have at least one acoustic performance booked in between now and then.)
In the mean time, I do want to thank the members of the choir for a fantastic performance. And to the new members of the Friends of Chance, I say this:
This whole thing is grass roots. Every bit of support I get comes as a direct result of my fans spreading the word.
So….tell everyone you know. Send em to this site. Play them your new Chance CD. Have them pick up one for themselves, or maybe just a couple of the mp3’s. As long as they at least give it a listen.
Oh and one more thing:
Barring any unforeseen complications, the next Chance & the Choir show will also be the release of the 2nd Chance CD EP. Tentative title is: SIX THROUGH TEN.
Stay Tuned and thanks for the support!
Chance
