In Many ways last night’s Summer Kick Off at Cedar Beach was like most Rockin45s gigs. Lot’s of people of all ages dancing, singing and interacting with the band all night. However, in some ways it was unlike any other gig we’ve had down there. We actually got Fred up on stage twice and saw him dancing a lot. He normally is not visible during the time the band is on.
As usual we had lots of kids up front. We love when the young ones get involved. We often make sure there are tambourines and hand percussion for the kids to feel like they’re part of the show. We often get a lot of special “characters” that come out to our gigs and aren’t shy about becoming part of the show. I think that part of what makes theRockin45s different and fun.
We are blessed to have two really dynamic personalities in Mikey and Janet that the other three of us can just do our thing and try our best to support them. I’m usually pretty content to shy away from the spotlight, and for good reason with those two really working hard to make everyone in the audience feel like they are the stars.
Last night was a little different for me as I had my wireless rig with the full band for the first time in a long time. The gigantic stage provided lots of room to roam, but I also went deep into the audience more than once. Vini had me up on the tables and there was one special little girl that kept playing air guitar that got my full attention and during Johnny B. Goode I got down on my knees to be her personal guitar show. Her dad came by later to say thanks for giving her that kind of attention and the spotlight. That’s really what the band is all about. I say that a lot but it’s true. We’re not a concert, we are a party and the audience is always more important than the band.
Mike Barone didn’t complain about anybody being in his monitor. Hell, that makes it a special night right there.:-)
