Yesterday turned into a series of catastrophes.
I spent most the morning fixing some issues with the old church site (I had to update every font on 6 different files because the original designer refused to send the fonts used to create her file so that I could fix the links — I just don’t understand the mentality; truly. But that’s another matter). That pushed off most of what I wished to get done till late afternoon.
Then things got really weird. I met Jason at the Crooked Nail to give him some software, talk a bit about the band site and just hang out a bit before we headed down to Jefferson Hall for his bands show for the Zippo Hot Tour. After 2 Guinnesses we head over to Crestview to load up their equipment and head to Jason’s house to get Kim and go to the show.
- First, Jason Spence (drummer) gets rear ended. In Jason W’s truck. So, there’s all the phone number exchange, insurance “talk” bandied about, looking over “the damage” with a scrutinizing look, and then just waiting around for the police to show up. I found it interesting that the officer checked the rear-rammer’s cell phone call log (he was on the phone at the time of the smash). Smart.
- Second, Dan (the bass player) gets bit on the eyebrow by Rizzo. I believe he was bending over to tie his shoe, and that must have been threatening in some way to Rizzo (maybe it was quick and jerky) – who knows – there was lots of blood, bandages, mayhem. And this was going on as Spence was on the exit ramp with Jason’s truck, waiting for the police
- Third, after the chaos above, we hoped to be in the clear. We get downtown to Jefferson Hall, unload the equipment from the truck and proceed to realize that the keys are locked inside; on the front seat. This is OTR, not exactly safe (not horrible, but ya know, caution is wise). We’re right across from my former employment offices. Waiting for road-side assistance.
- Fourth, at around 9pm or so, there is the realization that the sound guy is nowhere to be seen. When he shows up around 9:45pm (he looked exactly like Rick James, I kid you not), it’s obvious this will not be starting on time.
- Fifth, during Arrival’s 30 minute set, one of the monitors catches on fire. Not a bad fire. But smoke, smoldering wires. Funky smell. Then come the firetrucks, police – a whole scrum just standing outside (I don’t really know what happened there, they never came inside) and the band just finished the set.
I can’t say that it wasn’t interesting. Hear good music. Chat with friends. And wear (with pride) a lovely Zippo wristband (oh yeah, you’re jealous, I sense it). But seriously, what else could go wrong in one day?