8/28, 11:38am: I’ve been staring at the screen and wondering how to begin - hoping to open with something cute or profound - when I decided that the simple idea that I’m pondering all this is sufficient. Funny thing is, I have so much on my plate that it’s curious that I would have such difficulties.
We’re at the end of a four day run at The Orleans in Las Vegas; one of my favorite stops and our third time here now. What makes this particular stay different is the afternoon rehearsals we’ve been having. The band is set to produce a live concert video next month in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Engelbert has chosen a wealth of new material for the show. While I miss having the afternoon free to do...well, pretty much anything, I am enjoying working up the new songs. There’s been some personnel changes in the band and I’m pleased that I’ve been able to recommend my good friend Dave Hill to join us on guitar for the video shoot. I’m also excited that Ron King - another musician buddy from L.A. - is going to be our new trumpet player when we return home from Las Vegas. Ron is a dynamic player who will surely bring a lot to the table.
Previously, we had played a weekend in Massachusetts which, in addition to the extreme heat & humidity, also presented some interesting venues for us. There is apparently a common style of theater on the east coast - particularly in more rural areas - which is called a “music tent” or “music circus”. These venues are basically theaters in the round with giant circus-type tents around them. They are semi-enclosed so it’s a unique kind of indoor/outdoor experience. Despite the heat and intense humidity, I kind of enjoyed the experience as it gave me a rare opportunity to see Engelbert from a much different vantage point.
Engelbert was perched on top of a medium sized round stage which was in the middle of the theater. Seats were situated all around and the band was set up in an orchestra pit. For the first time, I could really see Engelbert perform in much the same way as the audience. It was quite exhilarating. I can see why he has sustained such a long and successful career and why his fans are so taken by him. He is truly a charismatic performer who, by the way, happens to sing is ass off. I’m not sure my love of the new surroundings was shared by all (including Humpy himself), but I had fun and it gave me a new level of respect for Engelbert and the way he played to the crowd from all angles of the stage.
Next stop is Cerritos, CA where I’ll be blessed to have Beth and her wonderful mother Hilda (who’s visiting from NY) in attendance. After that, it’s 5 days of rehearsal in Hollywood interspersed with moving into a new apartment with Beth and, in the not-too-distant future, little Natalia. It’s going to be an eventful week which, after some consideration, can be said for the entire year so far!
Well, it’s off to rehearsal. Wanted to hit the gym for a little bit and work off some of the damage from the buffet but the writing bug bit me and I couldn’t hold off.
By next entry, I’ll be in the nurturing comfort of my new home & family.
Until next time...
--Adam
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