JULY 22, 2010 ISSUE
Brewer’s Briefs
When I was a senior in high school, I worked for a time as a photographer’s assistant. In addition to the tedious hours looking through thousands of photos for minor flaws, it meant attending weddings virtually every Saturday. At that same time, my musical endeavors were beginning to take shape and I was playing in my first band. While I wasn’t trying to backlight the bride and groom while they were smearing cake in each other’s faces, I was often fixated on the band.
Wedding bands come in many different configurations and skill levels, but at that time, my only concern was whether or not the band was comprised of black members or white members. Typically the black bands would tear the roof off the sucker while the white bands were overly cheesy and not very funky. Sorry white guys.
Regardless of how good the band was, the thought of being in a wedding band seemed like selling out in my 17-year-old brain. I didn’t care how much money wedding bands were raking in because they’d sold their musical souls to churn out “Brick House,” “Celebration” and “My Girl” week after week. It seemed very much like some sort of musical hell.
A dozen or so years later and several weddings under my musical belt with various bands and I’ve changed my tune to a certain extent about playing in wedding bands. Something I hadn’t taken into account those many years ago was the sheer joy of the occasion. When you’re in a regular band, any number of factors can derail a show and there’s no guarantee that people will show up in the first place.
Wedding bands don’t have to put up flyers. They don’t have to worry about getting fed. They always play to crowds of really happy (frequently drunk) people who genuinely want to dance and party. And I won’t even get started on the whole hot bridesmaid thing.
I’ve been fortunate enough to play a handful of weddings this summer with my bands, and each of them was a great time (and I didn’t have to play any of those aforementioned lame wedding staples). Trust me, there are plenty of less attractive ways to earn a living than playing weddings.
This Week…
-This Thursday, July 22, Galileo’s will host an all-star jam of sorts featuring members of The Native Sway and Airhorse. Confirmed players include Josh Bertram, Kelly Turner, Everett Thomas and Tommy Booker. Head up the far end of King Street and get your jam on.
-If you’re looking for a hot dose of good old guitar-driven rawk, look no further than Murphy’s in Boone. This Friday, July 23, Jive Mother Mary will bring their riff-heavy, Black Crowes-esque rock to the High Country. If you’re a dude and you were tight jeans, this show is probably not for you.
-This Saturday, July 24, the inaugural Watauga Riverkeeper Festival will take place in Valle Crucis Community Park. In addition to information about Riverkeeper and lots of fun and games, live music will be provided by the one and only Melissa Reaves, along with Liz Aycock and other special guests.
Next Week…
-On Friday, July 30, local musicians are invited to Murphy’s to celebrate the life of late local musician “Open” Mike Masters. In addition to being a talented percussionist, Masters hosted the weekly open mic session at Murphy’s, helping untold numbers of local pickers and singers perform, frequently for the first time. Grab your instrument, bring a song and share your talent for Mike.
-Asheville-based singer-songwriter Lyndsay Wojcik will make her solo debut at Canyons on Saturday, August 31. In addition to being a member of Asheville trio The Swayback Sisters, Wojcik’s sexy acoustic roots-soul blend has won her fans around the Southeast. She’s also shared the stage with Daryl Scott, Steep Canyon Rangers, Richard Buckner and other notables.
On The Horizon…
-Boston-based ska band The Void Union will FINALLY return to Boone Saloon on Thursday, August 5. These guys are awesome, ripping a horn-heavy brand of old-school ska. If you don’t dance at this show, well…you should have another beer. Don’t miss this show.
-Music On The Mountaintop is just around the corner. The festival, slated for Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28, at High Country Fairgrounds, will feature the talents of Sam Bush, Keller Williams and The Keels, as well as tons of local talent.
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