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What Did the Bear Say?
On May 23rd, BiPolar Bear journeyed to the Q-BAR in Darien for a searing 90-minute set as part of a double bill with our buddies in Like A Stone (www.lasband.com/). This was extra fun because Like a Stone is Kevin's other band. He is the only member of BPB that plays in two bands. To be completely selfish for a minute, shows for me are the most amazing but challenging things in the world. Managing my insane emotions on the day of the show can be a challenge. I like to arrive early before other band members (often 30 to 40 minutes before anyone else). I have an amazing amount of equipment and just plain baggage for a mediocre bassist to have, but getting there early calms me down so I can get set up. I have been notorious for having equipment burps (last time we played Heroes West, I had turned down my ginormously outrageous pedal setup and could not get sound out of my cabinets, so I plugged directly in), so getting there early and setting up helps ease that weird fear.
Q-BAR had a graduation party happening when we arrived – complete with a rousing game of “corn hole” right in front of the stage, lots of appetizers, and beer bottles for miles – so we could not get in until 6 PM sharp, and two bands were setting up, bringing in the equipment and trying to get ready. We started at 7:30, but still needed to sound check both bands. I forgot to park my wife's vehicle, which was still in front of the door, and we usually do a pre-show shot (GOD, I AM NOT A DRINKER, BUT MAN, THAT HELPS MY ENERGY CALM DOWN). Right before we were supposed to start, the bouncer told me I had to move the car, and when I announced the shot, he explained that no outside alcohol was allowed. If we did the ceremonial shots, we would be escorted off the property…and we were not to try it in the parking lot either, or he would not let us back in. Flustered, we started as soon as I came back in. I didn’t even turn on my fan. I did not have my water and other beverages on stage. I was a mess. But the band was amazing. Keith, Kevin, Mike, Lisa, and our brand-new keyboardist/vocalist, Jenn Budziak, were AWESOME!!!! We had a blast, even though I received quite a bit of criticism from people I know for staying on stage too much and not going into the crowd. But that stage is huge, and it was so much fun hanging with the band. I had too much fun with Mike, giggling on our side of the stage. I loved standing on the riser where Kev was set up. I loved running by Lisa and NOT MAKING HER LAUGH. Normally, that is the goal, but I behaved. And even though there is a court order that I can only be on stage near Keith for 1 minute and 47 seconds, I think I was near him for 3 minutes! ----- A couple of well-deserved kudos:1. 1. **Jenn Budziak** – she has never been in a band and never played "rock" music in such a milieu. She did not have the best monitor output, but killed it! Her keyboard work was spot-on, and her harmonies were amazing. I love what she and Lisa did during the obnoxiousness of my presentation of Stacy's Mom. They did killer harmonies in the background. Yes, she is a conductor (has a doctorate in conducting) and has a master's degree in piano (and one in theology) - but playing in a rock band is a weird, different animal, and she was terrific! 2. **Like a Stone** – They are really cool people and an awesome band. What a hot set! Go see them if you can! Like them on FACEBOOK here: LAS Facebook Page . 3. **The Crowd** – Memorial Day weekend is a terrible time to play a show. Tons and tons of our friends were out of town, yet we drew an awesome crowd that the promoter and the staff were very happy with. Thanks to all who came out! 4. **The Guitarists All Night** – Kevin Smith, new guitarist Jon Clarke (his first show with LAS), Keith, and Mike, were awesome all night – ripping out great licks and solos. Mike also had some bass duties that he is responsible for when the idiot bassist does stunt vocals! 5. **Kevin** – Man…two 90-minute up-tempo sets, then breakfast at Tony's after the show with his family and the idiot bassist! We have a bunch of shows coming up this summer and fall - we hope to see you out. We also plan to come back to Q-BAR sometime this year, so please stay tuned. It is so much fun, it should be illegal!! A BoobSovillo Collaboration (written by Rob, edited and improved by Mike)
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