Parasol dancers at Longjetty at the Mothers Day Classic
That was a long weekend for us and the Claytons Tour is not over yet!
With the CD launch ahead of us, we started the Claytons Tour on Friday by spending some time testing out sound production ideas.
The wonderful Pete from Smithys cogitating on what kind of system we should use.
Big thanks to Pete for helping us to look at what makes up our live sound and how to improve it. Thanks Pete!
WIth our gear in tow, it was time to head for our first stop on the tour, the Avalon RSL.
Scotty wanted a picture of his Bass. there ya go scott.
Cheers to J, S and Glenn! at Avalon. We'll be back there soon.
And so from the North, we traversed the following evening to the South West and the Pendle Inn where Prune had sold his Cult Tickets and Brought his camera.
Prune was very pleased to have found fame on youtube, so for those who missed it, here's Prune dancing at one of the last gigs:
Snowy appreciated the song we'd written about him and understands that we can't use his exact quote (in polite company) and Sheree suggested I have a look at Joe Cocker's version of Bird On A Wire.
The PI is developing into a nice gig with heaps of dancing and a good all round vibe. I guess this is why Residencies work. Its gives the audience and the band a chance to Bond! Lol.
So with a good vibe settling in, we went home for a few hours sleep before setting off on our Mothers Day Classic.
On the road again? NOW it feels like a tour!
And what a glorious mothers day it was:
After a delightful (albeit Early AM for Muso Time) start, we got to the gorgeous shores of the Long Jetty Park.
I can see the attraction of Central Coast living - houses are slightly(??) more affordable so people seem to be coming out there to raise families, and for the mothers Day Classic, it was a family affair - but make no mistake - the Ladies were in charge!
The day was organised by the Pink Butterflies and was well supported by the local community. The Belly Dancers were out in force.
Plus a host of musicians, including the talented Karen Anne Waters from the group Racz'n Waters;
Not to be outdone, the Parasol Dancers took to the field in between brackets:
There was music and dancing all afternoon but we had another appointment in Newcastle that evening so we bid our goodbyes and got back on the road.
Congratulations to Sharren, Sandi, Andrea, Brett and all the artists, dancers and muso's that supported the Mothers Day Classic to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. Its a worthy cause and I think it fair to say a great day was had by all.
Our next stop was the Kent Hotel for a late Sunday night session
The Kent is a grand old place and we loaded in and found a place to crash:
Upstairs verandah at the Kent.
As the hard core band we are, we arrived and prepared to Rock out...by occupying every spare couch on the second floor and proceeding to fall asleep. Naps are very trendy.
As the night wore on and my Phone cam died (low batt) we did once more what we do in general - another three sets until late and then pack up and drive home. Yay!
During the set at the Kent we were beset by the gremlins of Broken Strings, microphone cable coming unplugged and a shortage of stage space, leading us to be fused together into one amorphous mass of strings and muso's. Just how we like it.
I have to say a big thanks to our Gold Plated Roadie Carl for actions above the call of duty this weekend in running around and getting us organised and to Sammi for making sure we knew what we were doing and when.
And just when you thought it was safe to go back to the water, we're on again this Wednesday and Thursday night.
Ye Gods.
The Claytons Tour Continues....stay tuned