The History of the Six Shooter Band

May 30: Prepping For the Cheese Festival           Well, it's been a fun few weeks. Seth got married, Dave had to go to Columbus, John missed a practice also. The band reforms and starts to put the pieces together. Dale has done a good job of playing catch up. While there are still a few rough areas, none of them sound like mistakes. Basically, he is in the same boat as all of us.           The band pulls a Thursday practice trying to get it all together. Dale picks the tunes we do, and practices is over early at 8:30. There is some discussion about the hiring of one of Dale's friends (Lou) who will be running a system that is partly his and part Dales. Originally we were going to pay him 50 bucks to run our sound, but that has changed to 100 bucks to run his system. The benefit (we were thinking) was that we wouldn't have to haul anything to the gig but our bodies and amps. It turns out this is not the case. We need to bring mic stands, microphones, and cables. Everything but speakers and power amps. Since the sound guy is getting 220% more than I am, I am a little miffed. However, I choose to wait and see how we sound before I decide if I want to complain or not. The good news is that after the gig, I pack my amp and I am homeward bound. Kevin will still have some things to unpack at the house. So yes, there are some mixed feelings.           On the positive side, it will be so nice to get back on stage. One of the greatest things about this band is -well this band. It's cool playing and getting off on everyone else's talent. Dale blows Lee's playing off of the planet. Some of the stuff we thought Dale was playing wrong, but it turns out that Lee was playing it wrong for months (And we thought it was right).           The awkwardness is gone, and we're all pretty pumped to take the stage. With a veteran soundman and a working sound system, it will be nice to set up at the festival (some type of fireman's cheese jubilee) in Brewster and just PLAY. Rain Rain Go Away           The day of the festival arrives with a constant rain that lasts the entire day. Dave drives to the festival just in case the stage was under a tarp. Instead, he finds a hollowed out truck trailer under water. While a few dry spots were on the stage, there is no way we could set up and play. Dave, Seth, and Kevin (along with their significant others) go to the movie “Scream.”           The height of the excitement that the band felt had only lifted them further up for a fall. We're all bummed out.The Blur that was the Spring of 1997           As mentioned before, Dave had gone to Columbus, Seth had got married, we replaced Lee, Mary at the Tangled Spur died, John moved, John got ill (to the point of lung damage), and now Kevin is getting married and leaving the band. July 1rst the band meets with what will more than likely be the last practice at Kevin's house. Seth serenades Kevin with different lyrics to songs begging him not to leave.           While it is great to finally all be together, it is a very gloomy practice. The band has a discussion on what direction to take next. We talk about hiring a female singer but decide to bypass that option. We need to run an ad for a singer and knock on some doors to try and get a gig. Through our trials of occasionally practicing, our chops have gotten rusty, and we're sounding pretty awful. We all agree it's time to bump up the priority of the band.           Dale mentions that he may be leaving for Tennessee in February. This is solidified in a few weeks when he begins selling furniture to his house.           The devastation of the festival getting rained out has multiplied and robbed a great live band of all its momentum. Kris asks Dave one night, “Why don't you guys just quit?” The thought is not foreign to Dave's mind. We're very close to being back to square one. The big difference is now I am at square one with some great musicians that aren't assholes.July 10: An Ad is Placed           With Kevin away doing wedding stuff, and John on vacation, practice is again canceled. Seth and Dave talk about how the “why not quit” issue is entering their mind. They both know that we have the right pieces of the puzzle, it's just a matter of getting them to fit. Seth decides to place an advertisement for a singer as soon as he gets off the phone with Dave.           While the ad runs Tuesday-Thursday, we get three interested parties. Two are male and one is female. With this information, Dave calls John and Dale and gets them to commit to practice this week as we will be interviewing singers. Both Seth and Dave are excited as this feels like the first step to putting the band back together.           In talking with Dale on the phone, Dale states that if we want to start looking for a drummer, he is fine with that. He will stay with us until we find a new drummer. Dave feels that this is probably not a bad idea.           Dave informs Kevin of all the goings-on. It's strange, but if we didn't keep him “in the loop” it felt like we were doing it behind his back. The weird gloomy actions of replacing the K-Man. The band will be very different without him.

April 3: DAVE, Johnny, and DAVEDave puts together a “Fan Letter” to send to the guy at the bar that wanted our schedule. In honesty, the “Fan Magazine” is really a flyer for a drummer. Dave sets out to the local music stores and tacks up the flyer. While he is there he gets a few numbers. In calling the first number (guy looking for a country/oldies rock band) Dave finds “Dave” who just moved to the area from Tennessee. Sounds like a real country boy. He sounds hungry for a band. Unfortunately, he lives near new Philadelphia (deep south Ohio). Meanwhile, Kevin has finally made contact of Johnny Rodregous. Johnny is the drummer of a band called “Little Country.” It's nice to have prospects. Dave also has another number to use if needed. John on the other hand has now received a call from Glen at the Tangled Spur. Glen has talked to this guy, and he wants in the band. The drummer again named “DAVE” was in the house band at the tangled spur.“Tennessee Dave” will be coming over this Tuesday to audition. Unfortunately, Seth will be having his wisdom teeth pulled this weekend and may not be functional by Tuesday. He's really worried about “going under the knife.” John will be moving into his new house in Boliver this weekend.April 7: Tennessee Dave StinksDave walks in behind John. Tennessee Dave has beat everyone to the house. As Dave and John move towards the stairs, they hear the sound of a dead groundhog being thrown into a fan (thump, chunk, gutta, whack). Dave voices, “that didn't sound to good” to which John mutters, “maybe he is tuning up.”Tennessee Dave (who will be referred to as TD) is one eager beaver. He's really nervous. To make it easy on him, we let him pick the first song. He picks Margaritaville. While not exactly a hugely technical piece, we will be able to test his meter. The song starts and TD takes off. While his meter isn't too bad. He is playing some kind of “cha-cha beat” on acid. The band mentally scratches its head.The launch into another song. It's official he sucks. He says he has been playing for 17 years. Apparently, he plays one day a year. The band launches into Grundy County Auction - at warp speed.Kevin and Dave giggle as they try to keep up with the pace.The meaning behind the looks as the band glances at each other is priceless. TD makes remarks between songs that make Lee's comments sound like he was related to Einstein (more head scratching). TD is into Merril Haggard.The crowning touch was as we did “Fast as You.” It was just awful. As John put it, “I don't think he could hold his meter for more than a measure.” He was really making Lee look good. Dave usually ready to blast off, cuts the lead short. That's how bad he sucked. Realizing the practice was a waste, the band plays The Dance ala Maggot brain. At least we all get a good chuckle.We also get a good whiff. Dave was curious before we started to play, but it's official now. Not only does TD suck on the drums, HE SMELLS. NOW WHAT DO WE DO? The band politely interviews him (realizing that Hell is not freezing over, and he's not getting hired). Seth had left after two or three songs to attend to his diarrhea (thanks for sharing). TD strums Dave's guitar and sings. Dave just wants to scream IT'S OVER! YOU SUCK. HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW YOU SUCK?!! Kevin and John remain polite. Dave is trying to send the body language to get this guy out and let's make some phone calls. The band finally gets the hint when Dave starts turning off the lights. He finally leaves. Wow, that was a truly memorable experience.April 14: No LuckDave and Kevin have been phoning different numbers they have picked up, but can't get anyone to return their calls. Oh well.April 21: Good News Bad NewsDave gets a call from Kevin. We have a drummer coming over tomorrow. This relieves Dave who was getting ready to resurrect the “Magic Drummer” tape. The interesting news is that it's Dale from page 3.On May 16th Dale is auditioned for the drummer position. Dale also has equipment, vocal ability, experience, and what appears to be the same taste in music. Dale (much like John) has played in numerous bands covering a wide variety of music. He (much like Dave) is looking to try Country as a new style of playing. Impressed with his ability to learn songs quickly, the band offers him the position on the spot.John has interviewed him. Dales says he is ready to play country. Dave is skeptical, but at least this guy will get us through our gig. Tomorrow should be interesting. A thorough interview will be taking place.The bad news comes from the Tangled Spur. Mary Coleman is Dead at age 43. We don't know how or why, just that she is. This makes the band start to wonder if they have the curse of Def Leppard. They play Cappy's and they get closed down. They play the Red Dog, and now they have Rock-n-Roll bands. They play the Tangled Spur, and now Mary is dead (no disrespect intended). We all feel sad. Poor Glenn. We will have to send flowers or a card or something.

March 22: Last Night at the Spur-Last Night for LeeThe decision has been made to fire Lee after tonight's gig. It's a sad but necessary thing. After some discussion, it is determined that it is Dave's turn to fire the drummer (John fired Bob, Kevin Fired Jesse). Dave has recently gone through some assertiveness training at work and feels this will be a nice “final exam” to his training. We all look forward to a band without Lee, but no one enjoys hurting Lee (well maybe John ha ha).The band sets up in record time. It's nice to be able to sit down for a full 45 minutes before we play. As usual, it's cold in the Spur, and Lee sits apart from the band. The first two sets are tight, and sounding good. This has one fan Geoff Rowlands greeting the band in between sets. It's Geoff's birthday and he came to the Tangled Spur because he knew we were going to be here. He is ON FIRE about the band. He has his picture taken with the band (a slight hint of irony as it will soon be outdated). He tells Dave how he came in a few weeks ago, and when he saw that we weren't there, he turned around and walked out. At one point Geoff takes a flyer and notices that Seth's name is missing (old flyer design was mistakenly given to the Spur). Upon filling in the missing blanks on the flyer, Geoff walks into the bathroom. While Geoff is still in listening distance Lee blurts out, “What a Freak!” (Nice!). That's right Lee, the one thing we don't want is people who REALLY THINK WE KICK ASS. Geoff hands Seth his address and wants to be put our mailing list (mental note to Dave - start mailing list).The drumming is all over the place. Lee stops the song Little Rock for the second week in a row in the wrong place. His playing has been taking a steady decline for the past few months regardless of any comments from the band (slow down - in slow songs). With this kind of playing, he's going to make tonight's dismissal easy.By the third set, the band's batteries start to go low. A few slip ups here and there. Dave goes into “la la” land during Ain't going Down ‘till the Sun Comes Up. Dave also gets distracted as Kris decides to dance with a scum bag. John draws a blank in My Maria. My Maria goes over very well at this bar (after kind of falling flat at Cappy's). John's wife Rhonda surprises us all as she jumps up on stage an sings back up on Mercury Blues. Erin Tippin's biggest fan is at the bar tonight so the band pulls Ain't Nothing Wrong with the Radio and Workin Man's Ph.D. out of their butt. The crowd is much more rock-oriented and wants to hear Sweet Home Alabama or any Lynard Skynard tunes. We probably should learn one frickin Skynard tune. We have groups of drunken men who are blitzed strutting their drunkenness on the dance floor. One guy actually performs the “Watermelon Crawl.” At the end of the evening, many people stop to tell us how good we are- cool.The band rips down in record time and gets back to the house. A dark cloud looms over the house.In the basement, the band distributes the $275 that they made at the Tangled Spur. The band has perched themselves on miscellaneous speakers and such. They all stare at the floor. It's time for Dave to fire Lee. A brief pause. Then Dave starts his speech. He wants to avoid any arguing. He doesn't want to hurt Lee (but knows this will). Rather than tell him he sucks, Dave decides to focus that he just doesn't “fit” in with the band's vision. When he open's his mouth, this is what comes out:Dave: “Well we do have some band news, to talk over here, and basically Lee it deals mainly with you.Um, the fact the you used to beat us here to practice... and that time is no more. (Lee nods in agreement).There was a time, in all honesty, that you knew songs better than Me and Kevin and John, who had been playing them for months, - that time is no more.Lee: “Uh, huh.”There was time when, uh, you know... your attitude ... you're ... you're a lot happier to be in this band than some of us were. And I don't know, lately it just doesn't seem that way... and then ...... it's like lately ..... the last couple of weeks... especially last week...I know you said that one thing to that one customer about you know, “You better get on your knees and pray for a fuckin' miracle if we're gonna learn a new song.” And yet you were the one that months ago I heard out of your mouth say... you know, that, “This is a business and we have to treat it like a business” ........so ........We thought about this a lot. We talked it over as a band, and you're a good drummer and you're gonna to fit, but basically, we just don't think we can move forward with, with your attitude - and not so much your attitude- your..your. just......... a difference of opinion on how to...to run the band and ...and..basically we want to basically divide up the drum set give you your cymbals and..and thank you for the time you've been here. Um,,,,,”Lee: “You give me my drum heads too then?”Dave: “Well the heads you basically wore out.”Lee: “Oh,”Dave: “I mean you're basically leaving the drum set the way you found it.. is how we want to do that.”Lee: “Whatever.”Dave: “Um...You know it's like I said,...your..your just the.. the direction we want to go, we just don't think that's where you want to go...from your actions and things like that...so...........with that .....(long pause).....”Lee: “So in other words, I'm terminated.”Dave: “Pretty much, yeah.”Lee: “All right, well...”It turns out that Lee has the band's cymbals at his house. While we had hoped to make this the last interaction with Lee, there will be one more. A swapping of equipment. This will happen this week sometime.Lee goes upstairs. A silence fills the air. The four remaining members stare at each other. It's over.The band is slightly puzzled at the lack of fight. It made things easy. Lee didn't offer one - not one- excuse, plead, anything. He uttered the typical drummer response to getting fired: “Whatever.”January 15, 1996:Kevin explains how it's not due to a lack of talent, but just a difference of opinion in how the band should sound. Jesse responds with, “Whatever. Do what you want.”Upstairs the band discusses the actions taken with Maria and Kris. Dave had recorded the firing (again the assertiveness training) and thought if it went bad he could use it as a learning tool. We all feel bad. More for the fact that Lee is kind of used to being fired (he's gone through a quite a few jobs during his stay). The band tries to make themselves feel better by reminding it was Lee's actions that he CHOSE to do, (repeatedly) that lead us to fire him. The lack of rebellion in his response leads everyone to believe that he really didn't want to be in this band.We recall some of his biggest blunders (again possibly trying to make ourselves feel better). We talk about the fact that Ron (the awesome drummer from a few weeks back) has turned us down. He has given us a number of a high school student (NOT!). Dave will be in touch with Jack Beam this week. Kevin will be getting a number for the drummer of the band “Little Country” who has recently quit. We have a few leads, so we're not too worried. We know in the long run, this will be for the best. With a glimpse of Ron, we also know how much better we can become.We're all glad to have a break. This will give us a chance to rework the song list. Scout the competition and bars, and get ready for our next move. Our next gig is May 31 for some outdoor festival. We will also have to start planning for Kevin's departure later this Summer.March 25: Jack Beam Comes to JamJack comes over to audition for a temporary position. His attitude is awesome, as is his playing. He is just a talented as Ron. With Jack's position being “I want to be temporary” it makes no real sense for him to join at this point. We still have time to find a drummer. It's too bad he couldn't join for real.The band has to put out an extra 22 bucks for drum gear (Sticks and a high hat clutch) to replace the stuff the Lee “forgot” to leave behind.Later in the week ,Lee calls Kevin to again stress how he wants his heads back. Kevin tells him to call John. John basically says that Lee STOLE our clutch, and that we will call it even. This should be the last we hear of Lee.

March 1: Back at the SpurThe band begins their four-week stint at the Tangled Spur. This has been advertised on a local radio station K105. It's kind of cool hearing your name mentioned on the radio. This gig the band is “Sethless” due to a prior commitment. While he has only been with the band for a short period, it seems weird playing without him. Also, there are many songs we have not practiced, that are now added to the setlist. Dave adds a few extended solos to the evening and we make our way through the night.Dave tries to talk to Kevin and John about the severity of booting Lee, and how we really haven't heard his side of the story. They seem to think his calling John was “his side” of the story. They are set on firing him. Dave feels we will live to regret not thinking this through. It will put us back a few weeks at a minimum. However, in the long run, it may be for the best.Using some of the new toys, the band's sound is coming along nicely. For the first time in a while, Dave can REALLY hear his vocals on stage which lets him concentrate on his playing. The crowd is pretty decent size, but not much in the way of getting rowdy. In the case of Dave, he seems to be going through the motions despite a full night sleep. He needs to add a few new licks to his arsenal. He is boring himself on stage. In his opinion, while he is not playing bad, there doesn't seem to be much feel in his playing. The usual “screw ups” happen, but at a minimum. The band was pretty on, but for the Tangled Spur, they were pretty calm.The night comes off pretty well (except for John pressing the wrong button in the middle of a song unleashing an unbelievably loud feedback signal). Dave and Kris get detained on their way back to Kevin's as they take a detour to avoid the usual riots on Cleveland avenue only to have their path blocked by traffic as a policeman pulls over a car in the middle an intersection. The band is really tired by the end of the night. While the spur will always be a nice place to fall back on, I believe we will be ready to move on to another spot by the end of the month. This will be a learning experience, and I think we will know why we originally decided to only play a maximum of three weeks a month.March 8: Round Two at the SpurThe band is back with Seth intact. It's Chad “the stomping machine's” birthday. We announce that it is his 22nd birthday when in reality it is his 21rst (thus he's been illegal all these months -which makes the shit we gave Maria completely unfair). Musically the night is OK. Our tempo is all over the place. Dave has moved over to John's side, and has a hard time hearing his guitar. It will be nice when we play places big enough to afford a sound guy. It has turned very cold and it has effects on numerous people. Both Maria and Kevin aren't feeling good to the point where Maria leaves in the middle of the night. Dave and Seth take over on stage as Kevin takes a break to make sure Maria gets home all right. By the end of the night we're all just glad to have made it through the night.Lee shows the tact of Jimmy Swaggart and announces that the “Perky” party (who usually have a tabled reserved for them) party isn't there this week. Lee loudly states, “Maybe they're down at the Red Dog cause they're sick of hearing Six Shooter.” How stupid can you get.March 10: Ron the Super DrummerSeth knows a drummer with a superb sound system. That aside when the guy comes over and plays a drum set he's never seen, without adjusting it, songs he hasn't played in a while, he TOTAL KICKS LEE'S ASS. Not only did we finally get to hear “Grundy County Auction” the way it was supposed to sound, but he SANG THE SONG while he played this impressive drum part. As the song says: SOLD. Unfortunately, Ron is currently filling in for TWO bands, and if he did want to join (he seems to really like being in a fill in drummer) he couldn't join until JUNE. Bummer. Now the hardest part, playing with LEE again after hearing Ron.March 11: Jack Beam is in RetirementDave calls an acquaintance of his that was previously in the band Phoenix. His band has broken up. Unfortunately, when Dave gets a hold of him on the phone, Jack informs Dave that he is “Out of the business.” This is too bad as Dave heard Jack play briefly and knows Jack is very talented. Jack is interested in coming down and “jamming” but admits that he does NOT want to join a band. This is depressing.March 15 Round Three at the SpurThe band is musically having a good night. Dave has his guitar up in volume on stage and everyone seems to appreciate being able to hear him. Dave is excited that his brother is coming to tonight's show. The band is getting pretty good at setting up as a good team effort is put forward to get everything up and running. Lee is 30 minutes late without a phone call. It turns out he was buying Kerosene. We are all kind of wondering why he waited until it was time to go load up to buy the kerosene. The band butchers “Happy Birthday” as they play it for Mary, Connie, and Caroline. The band is beginning to reap the benefits of the radio play as it is pretty full early in the evening. At the bar Lee remarks since “He is not getting first rate pay, he doesn't do first-rate work.” The meter and overall quality of his playing is awful. Granted we had our usual missed chords and flubbed lyrics, but Lee stopped when wasn't supposed to, and speed up a slow song so much Seth finally turned around and said, “Slow it down.”The crowning touch to Lee's escapades was at the end of the night when a bar patron asked us if we knew the Garth Brooks song, “Shameless” (a song we have already spoken of learning). When we explained that we didn't know it, but plan on learning it in the future she seemed slightly bummed that we wouldn't know it by next week. Lee then added TO THE CUSTOMER, “You better get on your knees and pray for a fucking miracle if you want the band to learn new songs.” This man has the tact of OJ Simpson. Upon hearing this later the band wanted to fire him on the spot. As a joke, Dave starts his stopwatch as the money gets into Lee's hands. It takes Lee four minutes and nine seconds to get out the door. There was no “I've got to get up early.... see you later...” he just bolted.Dave mentions the rough road we have ahead. Soon we will be working around two marriage ceremonies, a drummer change, and a lead singer moving to North Carolina at some point. Dave wants to make sure we're all on the same page and that we're going to stick it out and fill these positions as needed. He brings up the idea of having Jack Beam fill in as a temporary. He will fly this idea by Jack tomorrow. We need to get Lee out before he does more damage. Seth notes as a last resort he could learn the drum parts and go “keyboardless” for a while until a drummer is found. What a guy. We all realize while that is an option, we would like to use it as a last resort.March 16: Dave Begs Jack To Become A TempDave calls Jack Beam again. This time he gives Jack a new pitch of filling in until we find a permanent replacement. When Dave explains how we could document it that we all know up front and agree that Jack is not here to stay, and he would leave when the permanent replacement was found, Jack is now interested. He is not saying “yes”, but he is not saying “no.” He wants to talk to the band and see the situation.Dave calls Kevin and ttheyare both disgusted by Lee's remarks last night. It was very strange in between each set Lee sat alone at a table and talked to no one. One might think there is an opportunity for Mr. Fowler at the post office.

Feb. 13: Concerns Over LeeWell, it appears that Lee has taken his phone off the hook. Last Tuesday John could not make practice (due to house stuff). Lee wanted to practice on Friday, but due to Valentine's Day, we practiced on Thursday. Lee never called at 6:30 His phone was busy the whole evening. This combined with the lack of meter on slow songs made for a kind of “Down on Lee” night. John, Kevin and Maria were pissed that he apparently blew off practice. He appeared bored on Tuesday when basically Kevin, Dave and Seth worked on vocals. It is brought up that Linda was kind of pissed that we gave Chuck $50 to run the sound at the Red Dog. Kevin states that he is not looking to fire Lee, but that we should talk to him. The point is made that Kevin helps pimp the band, John and Kevin work on the equipment, and Dave makes posters for the group, and Lee has no “Extracurricular” activities -or even attempts to help with setting up. He never even inquires.February 15: Back at The SpurAnother fun evening at the Tangled Spur. Seth has spent all day practicing and is going to attempt to play on every song. As usual, the Canton area gets hit with another two inches of snow. The bar is cold, and will stay cold for most of the evening. The band wives are wearing layers of clothes to the bars now.While setting up the band encounters aloud buzzing noise from the sound system. The band troubleshoots for approximately 30 minutes. Trying different cords and outlets the band is able to pretty much eliminate the buzz, but cuts it very close to starting time. Lots of tweaking to the monitors and main sound.The night went off pretty much without a hitch. John is kicking himself at the end of the night. Due to his busy schedule, he admits his lack of practicing is becoming embarrassing on stage. Seth made it through the evening. If Kevin flubbed any words, it wasn't apparent. Dave had tried a configuration with his amplifier that destroyed the sound the first set. His guitar was too distorted. He went back to his tried and true pedal board and everyone agreed it sounded better.Dave surprises Kevin at the beginning of the second set by having the crowd sing happy birthday to Kevin.The band performs Where am I Gonna live. The whole evening has needed a “Spark.” Kevin has everyone keep play “G” as he prods people to come up on stage to sing along. Suddenly a whole group of “manly men” rush the stage. It was a nice boost to the show.Seth is now using an amp on stage, and it's a nice touch as we can now hear what he is playing. The band has added a new ballad Whenever You Come Around which Seth sings. Most of the ballads with reworked vocals are sounding really good. Seth liked So Help Me Girl in particular.Glenn the bar owner wants us to play every week in March (We were previously booked for one week in March). The band is in the middle of playing three weeks in a row. This means after the Red Dog next week, we will get a one week break, and then four weeks straight. Dave is hesitant. He says it's fine with him if we take a break in April. Seth is ready willing and able. He has a two word plan: let's go. Lee is all for it, as is John. It is a fun time. So the decision is made, and we will be playing every week in March at the Tangled Spur. The good news is this will be an extra $200 for each member ($50 X 4 weeks). However, if we have the opportunity to book other gigs, we are now tied in to the Tangled Spur.At this point, the band is looking forward to the Red Dog next week. We will get to initiate the new (now paid for) snake. John is going to check on the preamp/effects unit that myseteriously has never showed up at Gatuso's music. The band will practice at the Red Dog this week as Dave will be going to a Metallica concert on Tuesday. This could be interesting with new tunes. We hope to add Baby Likes to Rock and Be My Baby Tonight.February 22-23: The Red Dog - Did you Say $350?The band sets up Thursday in a slightly warmer Red Dog. The weather is getting warmer. It's been in the 40s. John is really getting sick, and looks like cold death on a stick. The band is making great time setting up, and then runs into a grounding problem with the monitor amp that causes us to spend an hour troubleshooting a buzz sound (again!).Friday goes OK. The sounds is a little different. The monitors are pretty much non-existent (sound familiar?) Background vocals are a little to low. Due to the low monitor volume, the stage volume is real low, and much of Seth and Dave is trampled by the drums (no volume control on those babies!). Dave and Seth try not to trample on each other, but are having a hard time trying to let the other be heard. Thanks to the weather, it's a pretty good crowd for a Friday. There is some dude running around being your typical “just got our of prison” drunken fool. Dave's batteries are low, as are John's, and the crowd is kind of strange. They are starring at us. Dave is going through the motions. He contemplates not going into the audience during Fast as You, but finally strolls on in.He is followed by a mental patient into the bar area who says, “Let's hear you play that thing!” He then sticks his face about 2 inches from Dave's strings. Due to Dave's lack of sleep, and lack of monitors, lack of stage volume, he leaves the gig very frustrated. While Kris and Maria say we sounded good, it just wasn't sounding good on stage. Dave really needs some sleep.Seth is doing a fine job of learning the material, and adds some unexpected (but right on the money) back-up vocals. He rocks.Dave has to teach a class at 9 the following morning. On his way home he decides to stop into the musicians bargain basement and see if there is any sign of an equalizer. If we had one of those we could boost the monitor mix.Sure enough, there was one there, and Dave charges it. So much for making a profit this weekend. But if this means we can sound better, it will put the fun back into the gigs. Upon talking to John on the phone, Dave tells John how he saw a spectrum analyzer. John immediately pops a boner over the phone. Dave returns to the basement and adds another item on the visa.The band shows up early to play with the new toys. John has completed the transaction of trading in the amp for an effects unit and a compressor. Unfortunately, we don't have much time to set them up (using the analyzer and new equalizer as well). The room seems to resonate at a certain frequency and we just can't get rid of it. It sounds crisper, but we just need more time to experiment. Oh well, the show must go on.Dave and Kevin's amp switch positions on stage. Now Seth and Dave are separated and will not be stomping on each other's volume. John's happy as this is one of the first times he says he's got to hear what Dave has played.The weather has taken a turn for the worse. It's cold. Dave watches Tammy turn off the heat at the end of the third set. By the end of the fourth set, it's very cold on stage. The band is not happy. Dave (Still in need of sleep) complains on stage about the heat. The crowd pretty much sucks. No one to really exchange witty banter with. Musically we were better tonight. It seemed our meter was a little more solid (despite a mosh version of Aint goin Down).The band goes to get paid only to find out that Tammy has a sob story about how she bought too much beer, and she barely has enough to pay us. If we take our full $350 fee, she will make less than $30 on the night. She wants to pay us $300. After some discussion, the band decides to compromise and take $325. We also let Tammy know about the lack of heat, and how we feel it is hurting business. Tammy boo-hoos some more. She explains how much it costs to heat this place. She begs the band not to tell anyone. Not to tell her husband. It's pretty much assumed she's your typical drunk who owns a bar so it doesn't show that she's a drunk. Tammy is floored by the lack of people. Mike Pisani has placed peanut shells on the floor to see just when they will be swept up. Some wager that it may be the year 2006. This place is a dump and she wonders why nobody is pounding at the door.The band took the “nice guy” way out. Sure there was more than enough argument to get paid in full. Instead, we opted to take what amounted to a $5 pay cut (each), and get booked when it was warmer out. In a nutshell, we took a long term approach to it. We also told Tammy that this was the only time we would do her “any favors.” It puts a shitty ending to a shitty weekend. Musically the band was pretty solid. We all are starting to fight colds. We are at he Tangled Spur for the next few weeks. Glenn says he is advertising on a local country radio station. Had he not already advertised, the band was going to attempt to get out of the gig (a break is needed). Due to his parents being in from out of town, Seth will have to miss one of the Tangles Spur gigs. It will be weird going back without him.While tearing down the equipment Seth gets a little friend who follows him around. His name is Dave. He is totally drunk. He knows Seth from his days in Blackhawk. As he tells Dave, “I've know Jeff for years.” He asks Seth for his address to which Seth supplies a fake. He asks for his phone number and poor Seth has to tell how “he doesn't have one.” Drunken Dave the Dick says he'll write Seth a letter this week. Dave wants to know if we're hiring in the band. Dave thinks “Nope we have all the drunks we need.” What a night! The band makes plan for Tuesday. Again we will try to work on Be My Baby Tonight and Baby Likes To Rock It.February 25th: Lee Blows of Another Practice and Dave Apologizes for KrisThe band shows up at Kevin's around 6:45. Seth, Dave and Kevin still have their work clothes on. The usual joking and all goes on. Dave has to do the embarrassing task of apologizing for his wife's behavior last Saturday. It turns out that Kris was so pissed about the cut in pay that she went in and emptied a trash can into the Red Dog's toilet. Had she got caught she could have got us in serious trouble. Dave apologizes for her actions, explains how he has talked to her, and she says she will maintain her control in the future.It then becomes apparent that Lee is no where to be found. Upon checking the answering machine we get a message from Lee asking if we were still practicing. It has always been the general idea that we will ALWAYS practice unless otherwise noted. This is peculiar as we had mentioned at the Red Dog about practicing on Tuesday. There is also a message from Linda asking Kevin to call Lee.Upon calling Lee, Kevin finds there is no one answering the phone. Hmm.....An all out Lee Fowler “bashfest” follows. From his lack of stage clothes, dogs shitting in his house, meter problems, constant grumbling, general greed, lack of team spirit, to “the stupid shit he says.” Only Ginger can break the negativity by saying “he seems like a nice guy.” Kevin is amazed that Dave is even joining in.The band is kind of bummed that Lee has chosen to give us the shaft again. We're not sure why. Maybe he was pissed the one week when John called off (NOTE JOHN CALLED OFF). That week we worked on vocals. Lee was unhappy about paying Chuck the one night at the Red Dog, and while the band called him down to discuss a pre-Tammy meeting, Lee did not follow us back to the kitchen to discuss the “cut-in-pay” issue. However, much like the person who doesn't vote but hates the president, Lee bitched when we returned with the outcome. While musically we don't have a huge problem with him, his attitude is bringing some of the band members down. As Randy from Southern Rose put it (when Dave was trying to nab his keyboard player) “He's your weakest link.”Seth brings up the talented drummer with the killer P.A. system. Kevin and John foam at the mouth. Seth makes some calls, and the first step to booting Lee is taken. The audition will happen the following Thursday night. We have to play good as this guy is currently subbing for a band called Diamond Hitch. He's very loyal, and we have to make it a no-brainer for him to join.A call is made, and the first step to booting Lee out of the band is made. Here we go again. After making numerous calls, Seth gets a hold of Ron. He is coming next Thursday. This should be interesting. Dave is not sure if the problems we have with Lee are big enough to fire him. He did just donate his earnings to the new snake. This just doesn't seem 100% ethical.Later in the week Dave finds out that Linda had called John's house and Rhonda told her that John was on his way to practice. Thus, Lee knew we were practicing. The following day Lee calls John and tries to talk his way out of his mistake. He says he called and nobody answered the phone. This is funny as we were all sitting around basically playing Nintendo (kick it's Ass Seth!). It's really not looking good for Lee. If he didn't want to practice, he should've just told us that he didn't want to practice. Now he has slightly betrayed the trust of the band, wasted our time, and generally left a bad taste in our mouths. Oddly enough his one year anniversary is right around this time.

Jan 28: Seth's First PracticeSeth comes over as the band sets up their equipment. We get a chance to talk a bit. Seth was really busy during the holiday season and hasn't really had a chance to learn any of the songs. Eventually, we all get set up. We plug in and turn on.As we start to do Doomis Walker, Seth asks if we can work out the vocal harmonies first. As we do this Seth slips into his “Choir Director” mode as we sing virtually occopella. It sounds cool. No, it sounds really cool. As we giggle at how cool we sound Kevin blurts out, “The guy acts like a choir director.” Seth then fills in the mystery by informing us that indeed HE IS A CHOIR DIRECTOR.Yes, the newest member of Six Shooter is a multi-talented dude. He sings like an angel, plays guitar, harmonica, and totally KICKS ASS on the keyboards. Boners are rampant. If there was any doubt before, there is none now. It's totally official. WE ARE THE SHIT.Seth jams along with the band. We work on some vocals. There is such a difference between two and three part harmony. It is so cool, it is hard to put into words. The band picks a few songs they want to work on. John books a gig at the Tangled Spur for February 8 (Dave's birthday). There is also a chance to play there on the 15th. The money from this gig will go to pay for a snake (should run around 300 bucks). Watch out world - Here comes Six Shooter -cocked and loaded!Feb. 8: Seth's First Live AppearanceSix Shooter takes the stage at the Tangled Spur (704 4th St. S.W.) on a special night. Dave has secured a new snake that passes everyone's inspection. Dave has bought a hat for the gig (and another new shirt). It's also Dave's birthday. It's also some girl named Tracy's birthday. The band surprises Dave with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” and a giant cookie that says “Happy Birthday Dave.” Dave has distributed flyers that read, “Come out and celebrate Dave's birthday and see if the old man can still jam.” He now feels a little pressure to really do something special.The band is pumped to showcase their new keyboardists. While it was in the mid 40's all week, the weather has turned to the traditional snow and cold. The band has learned three new songs with Seth. These are Desperado, The Dance and Little Rock. The band has been focusing on vocals these past practices. The three part harmonies give Dave goose-bumps. It's so cool.The band makes it through their first set, and everything seems to be going OK. The bar starts to fill up. Some Graphic people show up (Jeff Aul, Jeff Fritchley and Megan Benten). The second set features Seth. Dave explains how he's always wanted a keyboardist that he could simply say, “Take it.” They launch into Doomis Walker. At the end, Dave looks over and says “Take it Seth!” Seth takes it, and kicks it's ass. You couldn't have asked for a better first impression.Meanwhile, the band has become brain dead in some aspects. Dave starts off Watermelon Crawl on the wrong fret. Kevin is forgetting lyrics left and right. Dave's not sure when or what to sing for back-up vocals. John has been involved in a lot of activity getting ready to move. He's been approved for his new house. However, his lack of practice time shows. Just about the time Dave really gets pissed at John's mistakes, he is informed that John's problem is that the battery is going dead in his bass (OOPS!). Lee is stuck with the job of trying to keep up with a lot of improvisation on the stage. The band does their traditional speeding up of slow songs. This is something that needs addressed at practice There are couples on the dance floor as the band closes the set with “Fast as You.” Dave passes on venturing on to the floor as he is afraid he will be pelted with a drunken jitterbugger.The band embarrasses Dave with an interesting version of Happy Birthday. They also sing to “Tracy.” Tracy has a group of people with her celebrating her birthday. The third set has the band doing the hot or cold routine. Musically we are either kicking ass or screwing up horribly. The good news is the crowd is just soaking us up. We're having a lot of fun with Seth. The harmonies are sounding good. Seth finishes up his appearance with The Dance. It sounds so cool. Kevin nails the harmonies on “Little Rock” (an extremely high part). Kevin leans over to Dave and announces “I shot my wad.” However, his voice is fine for the evening. Seth gets a round of applause as he exits off the stage. The band finishes up the third set. The crowd continues to filter in. For a small bar, it's pretty packed. Their are plenty of people behind the bar (where the band can't see).The band launches into their fourth set to a crowd full of tipsy patrons. The band is having a lot of fun, and the crowd is too. As Kevin puts it, “That was one of the best “Yee-Haws” we've ever heard. Meanwhile sitting on a bar stool Seth is approached by a drunken middle-aged wench we will call “Trixie.” Trixie really likes Seth. Seth is so polite he tries to give her the brush off. Trixie is rather forward and grabs Seth's hands and attempts to pull him off the stool. Seth is NOT budging. About the time Seth has finally discouraged Trixie, Kevin yells “Go for it!” from the stage. Seth deeply appreciates this move. Finally, Seth gets Trixie to get the point. At this point, she moves on to ask Maria if she wants to dance. At this point, Seth jumps back on to the safety of the stage. If you look closely I believe you could see beads of sweat on his forehead.The band launches into a few more songs with Seth to end the evening. The plan was to perform a “fake” last song. Then perform the actual last song as an “encore.” We forgot to announce the first “last song.” We then launched into what would be one of the best version of Fast as You the band has ever played. Dave ventured into the bar and entertained the boys back by the pool table as they hooped and hollered. Back on stage the band “brings it down” as Kevin introduces the band. Upon completing this Dave starts back up in a quiet solo (totally forgetting to announce Kevin! OOPS!). Dave asks the crowd, “Are you ready to blow the roof off of this place?” to which a rousing cheer is heard. The band shifts into over-drive and absolutely kicks ass. Seth's keyboards add that crowning touch. We end what was supposed to be the last song only to have the crowd chanting for more. Dave feels his ego explode as the crowd chants his name and explain how it's his birthday and he must play one more. He looks over at Kevin, who looks at John. What the Hell - one more tune.How are we gonna top that song? Dave thinks. We pull out Walk softly on this heart of mine. All night Dave has been bumping his hat on anything within 30 feet. With this in mind, and in need of something different to take the performance to a new level. As the band winds up the song they get to the last part that is just Kevin and Dave on vocals. Dave turns to Kevin as he gets ready to sing as says, “Just a second K-man. I got to take off my hat to finish this song.” To this, the crowd on the dance floor (which includes about 90% of the bar) sends up another cheer (drunk people are so easy to entertain). Kevin and Dave do the vocal part and the band kicks in. Dave has a quick argument within his head and decides to play the guitar behind his head (a definite rock move). He bumps a light hanging from the ceiling on his way up. He plays for a little bit behind his head. Again, the drunken crew elicit woo-hoos. The band ends the song with a thunderous roar and the night is over. It was a great introduction of Seth, some really good playing, and some really awful playing. The good news the snake (which we didn't use) is now pretty much paid off (we made $250). This will be greatly beneficial when we play the Red Dog Salloon in two weeks. We will be playing back here next week. This news has the crowd excited.As we tear down the equipment numerous people approach us and praise our performance. They really liked us. As one person put it, “You're the best band to ever play in here.” The “significant others” are laughing at all the white trash displayed during the evening. From 300 pound mountain men doing aerobics on the dance floor to an old codger who had eyes for Maria. As Kris said, “It was really entertaining.”The bar, while small, is a cool place to play. This is enhanced since we do not have to drag our speakers out of the basement. What a night. What a birthday.

Friday Night at the Red DogWell, Ohio experiences snow, sleet, and freezing rain during the day. Consequently, the bar is very empty. Six Shooter plays to four people (not counting friends and wives). They seem to like us. We sound good. Our stage volume is a little loud, and Dave can't really hear himself. Dave also discovers that he hurt his wrist last night carrying things up the steps. He should be fine. Kevin's nephews come out of the gate HARD and build a pyramid of shot glasses (previously filled with whiskey). This provides some comic relief as the band openly talks with the crowd. The in-between song banter is again loose and free (after all who cares NOBODY IS HERE). The band lets “Steve the Harmonica player” on stage for a quick jam session. It was OK, but not overly impressive. All of the friends are partying hard, and having a good time. Jeff Aul, Mike Pisani, Sean McCloskey, John France, and new tech Jeff Fritchley have come out to support their Graphic Enterprises buddies (note: John put in his notice this week).Due to the make of the bar, Dave is standing on part of the stage that is also under the lowest part of the ceiling. Smoke congregates around his head. His vocals are taking a beating. He is still trying to recover from a free coke that tasted like a mixture of dirt and rust. During a stroll off the stage, Dave is asked “Are you really playing or is that a tape?” by some drunken wench in the pool room.The band finds inspiration as Kevin whispers that one of the Red Dog's regular bands is checking us out. Tammy has told Kevin to “show them up.” As soon as Dave hears this he takes it up a notch on the guitar. Kevin's singing goes to a new level. It's time to show off. Dave smiles as he is having a pretty good night on guitar.The band stretches set four out a bit as they field some requests from the floor. One such request from a very “happy” Jeff Aul is to play “Let's Get Drunk and Screw” by Jimmy Buffet. The band (again - who is going to hear it?) launches into this song (after a quick 10 seconds to dust off some cobwebs) they haven't played for MONTHS. We pull it off nicely. Everything is really sounding good. No complaints from the crowd. The crowd has increased as the band watches a couple bump and grind through numerous songs. Dave thinks “get a room.”The night ends, as we all hope we can sound this good when there are actual people in the bar. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. John is kind of disappointed (as is the band) of the low turn out. John remembers when the bar was so packed it would take you a half hour to get to the bar. Dave talks to Tammy on his way out. She says she had a good Friday night (?!). Oh well. Again the boys get to bed in the wee hours of the morning. Tomorrow is Saturday and we can all sleep in.Saturday: January 25-Red DogWell, there are more people in the bar, and it's a good thing as there is a general lack of heat. Kim Allen, Heather Davis and Anthony Pansera show from Graphic along with Jeff Fritchley. Kevin's Mom takes her front row seat. The bar actually has some people, but still far from packed. It's snowed more today, and the roads are now getting slick.Gremlins show up and possess the snake and board. It's time to retire this mess of cords and duct tape. Chuckie does his best. From time to time a speaker cuts out. Oh well, what ya gonna do? The band gets to watch “Johnny Disco” strut his gold chains on the dance floor as he twirls and grinds.Except for an interesting rendition of Aint't Goin Dow ‘Till the Sun Comes Up” which included the second verse twice, everything goes smooth. Dave has brought a boom box to tape tonight's performance. He takes a listen in between sets and determines that it sounds like a tape that has been made on a boom box in the back of a bar. It gives a general idea of how we sound.Unfortunately, many of the patrons leave after the second set (they had complained about the lack of heat). The band takes a vote a decides that the Red Dog has the most hideous bathrooms on the planet. Nothing beats the pungent smell of urine.A wench strolls in for the last set and grills Dave about the song list. He talks with her for a while and figures out that she is pretty shit-faced (way to go sherlock). She apparently likes the band “Sierra” and wants to know if they are playing tonight (hello?). Oddly enough this wench dances to everything we play. The band winds up the night with Fast as You and the usual “Dave going back to play his guitar behind the bar” with Mary the barmaid. He comes back in and the band brings the volume down. Dave and John are on the dance floor. With Miss “Play some Brooks and Dunn” behind him Dave asks, “Are you ready to blow the roof off of the this place? To which she replies, “Sure.” Inspired to rock this bitch's face off Dave pulls out all the stops, and the band concludes the night with a thunderous roar. We're becoming a well oiled machine on stage.The band tries to book another gig beyond the date next month, but is put off by Tammy who says she “didn't bring her book.” They stroll out of the bar with their $600. for the weekend.As the band tears down Tammy puts back up the flap (from Thursday), and the room becomes an ice box again. Dave reflects on just how far the band has come in the past year, and realizes with Seth coming on, it will be a little different. A new phase is on the horizon. It turns out Seth can play the harmonica. Dave is waiting for Seth to pull a fiddle out of his butt and crank out The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Sure things will be different, and that's scary. However, it has so much potential to be great. 

 January 11 1997: The Tangled Spur We Came, We Played, We Kicked Their Ass           The whole band is pumped to play a bar the size of the Graphic Enterprises service department (S-M-A-L-L!). Mother nature has blessed us with some snow and a wind chill of at least -20. Luckily we do not have to drag our speakers with us to the gig.           While tearing down at Kevin's, Maria starts explaining how “Everyone Should Get Drunk.” Dave gets a little nervous as the extra travel time involved means he will be getting home later and we will need all parties helping to unload the stuff. Dave realizes that there will probably always be a difference of opinion here. Maria sees this as a chance to party (which it is-which he appreciates her support). Dave will always see Maria as an “Ambassador” of Six Shooter. Any unprofessional behavior makes him nervous. Just as he wouldn't walk into her job and jeopardize her work, I don't think she understands how serious we take this. When Dave explains how he is worried about Maria messing with “our business” Maria jokingly lays into him. Dave decides to drop it, and wait and see what happens. Thinking back on some of the issues, there may be an element of a “Microscope” in watching Maria's behavior.           The band sets up using the small board from the bargain basement. It's very cold. It doesn't take too long. Dave uses a volume pedal to adjust his guitar for lead breaks. It sounds good. Thank goodness we have that equalizer. The stage is very small and confining compared to Cappy's.           The band has only added one new song (and it's old) called Good Brown Gravy by Joe Diffey. This was learned for Cappy's benefit. It's pretty cold in the bar.           Musically it's a pretty good night. After noticeably speeding up the song Texas Tattoo the band gives Lee a quick sobriety test (who had a shot earlier to get warmed up). With the band focusing on our meter, we do a much better job the rest of the evening. As a unit, we were pretty solid. The band gets another request to learn “The Electric Slide.” Due to the cold, the crowd is a little thin. However, Jeff Fuchs and wife, Anthony Pansera and Heather Davis, Chucky, Mike Pisani, and Jeff Aul show up from GEI. They all seem to think we sound good.           The in-between song banter is flowing tonight. We have made a conscious effort to go directly from one song to another. We previously felt compelled to fill all silence with talking. Tonight some silence is filled with Dave playing, and other items.           The audience gets a kick as Kevin explains how Dave is wearing a new shirt designed by country stars Brooks and Dun. When Kevin invites Dave to do a quick catwalk, Dave takes him up on it. Dave struts out across the dance floor as Kevin sings “I'm too sexy for my shirt.” We're having fun. The sound system is sounding good. For once we have more monitor sound than we have in the main speaker (this is a concern for the red dog in 2 weeks).           Lee is fired up and is nicknamed “the Animal” as every song is finished with a thunderous drum roll.           Upon tuning his guitar for the last set, Dave notices that the screw that his guitar strap is attached to is very loose. He wiggles it and it falls off in his hand. YIKES. This means that Dave's guitar could fall off any time during the set. He decides to pull a chair on the stage and sit down for the last set. This is very foreign. While the stage was small, the option of having ZERO movement is not a pleasant thought. The audience seems understanding as they enjoy a “Tutor” (a drink) special. Kevin jokes that since the whole bar is getting “tutors” that this will be one of the smartest crowds we've ever played to. Dave attempts his “Rocky the squirrel” imitation as he chimes “Now here's something you'll really like” only to realize that the smoke and cold are getting to his voice. To finish the set Dave and Kevin switch guitars so Dave can go mobile for “Fast as you.” Mary (the owner's wife/bartender) seems a little surprised as Dave came strolling through the back of the bar. Kevin teases Dave to get up on a table, and Dave jumps up on two chairs and plays under the glow of a neon sign.           The gig was a pleasant surprise. While we were not going to get filthy rich here, it wasn't a bad gig. We got paid $62.50 a piece ($250.)           I think it's safe to say we accomplished our mission: TO KICK THEIR ASS. The door lady stops Dave and says, “If Glen (the owner) does not book you back, I WILL PERSONALLY BOOK YOU HERE IN MARCH FOR MY BIRTHDAY-I WANT YOU GUYS! She explains how she thinks we're really good. Mary is slightly bummed when she hears we are playing other bars (I think they were looking for a new house band). We do get a set date for March 15. John talks with Glen and as John put it “We can basically write our own ticket.” Dave talks with some guy who is heavily involved with Rodeos at the Canton Civic Center. The guys also liked us and wants us to play at a Rodeo in the future. While it was a small crowd, it sounds like we got some good exposure.           The band finishes unloading at Kevin's at 3:15. Maria has gone straight to bed (she pretty much behaved). Dave thinks that there may be something to this Microscope issue. He was just glad that Kevin was able to help with the unloading as the wind chill at three in the morning was almost unbearable.Now it's time to start focusing on merging Seth into the plan. Kevin did announce that he is more than likely NOT going to move to Montana. It seems it has dawned on Kevin that Montana is well .... FAR AWAY!Get Your Six Shooter Shirt at www.historyofsixshooter.com

October 26: Kevin Keeps his Foot in the DoorDave goes over to Kevin's to get his amp for the Southern Heart practice-steal your keyboard player session. In talking with Maria and Kevin, Dave and Kevin voice some items that have been brooding in their minds. Dave hasn't always been 100% thrilled with the fact that John has never really learned what is on the record (in terms of bass parts). While he has learned enough to stumble through, he's never learned that extra 15% that can make a difference. Other issues are discussed, and Dave explains how he's not upset at Kevin, but more the situation. He's kind of excited about looking at different options. The thought of singing with someone else is still a very foreign idea. Dave realizes that Kevin is part owner of the drum set. Yet another complication to work out. Kevin explains how Tuesday John, Dave and Lee can decide what direction they will take. With John moving, moving practice back to John's may not be an option. Suddenly the Southern Heart audition takes on a different meaning. Dave is 100% positive John will jump back into bed with Dan and revive their band “The Bends.” “On to a new frontier,” Dave thinks as he walks across Kevin's front lawn. He embraces the fear of the unknown and decides to make the most out of a depressing situation.During their discussion, Maria explains that with her current work schedule and band practice, she only sees Kevin one night a week. “AHA!” Dave thinks - the missing objection. Dave pats himself on the back for using his “handling objection” skills.Later that day................................................Kevin calls Dave to explain some things. After thinking a few things out, Kevin realizes that it's not fair just to say “I quit” and bolt out the door. The band has never had a chance to change its ways. Consequently, Kevin wants to sit down with the band and discuss some of the issues that he and Dave had discussed previously in the day. While the band has got along great, played above average, Dave and Kevin realize that communication is really lacking. We need to put ALL of our concerns on the table. We need to polish up on being a band and strengthening the four-way-marriage that is the band.In a sense, if we addressed all his concerns, Kevin feels the band would fun again. This pretty much shoots the shit out of Dave's “Handling Objections” theories. Dave kicks himself in the balls and makes a mental note that most salesmen are full of shit.Dave is relieved and looks forward to the communication challenge of the coming practice on Tuesday.October 29: Kevin Goes PublicKevin announces to the band that as of Friday he quit. He has since thought it over and thought it only fair to try to reconcile our differences first. The main problems are:• Stage volume is too loud and the equipment being unreliable adds to frustrations.• The amount of negativity that abounds at practice-usually brought about by bashing Graphic Enterprises for 30-40 minutes.• The lack of practice by all members.• In general -IT'S NOT FUNThe band admits that some of the song lists should be readjusted to play songs that people can dance to.It decides that we need to fine-tune our sets, and have songs run into each other. This eliminates the need for “witty banter” in between songs. It also will keep people on the dance floor.The band decides to set agendas for each practice. By having a set amount of items to practice we can focus on the tasks at hand. By eliminating the bitch session, we can focus on the music. The band also realizes that eventually there may not be a need to practice every week.John has some ideas on how we can streamline the sound system to make it more portable, and sound better.The band realizes we need to spend some time “surfing the scene” and see what people are dancing to -instead of what they're listening to on the radio.While Kevin and Dave bring all the topics of the previous discussion to the table, John and Dave both choked on bringing up the Kevin has to babysit at the end of the night issue. This while the band repeats how they need to be more honest with each other. Dave feels that Kevin has probably already addressed this issue. In discussing the issue earlier, John swears he heard Maria say “Pay up FUCKERS”... Dave does not remember the “f” word being used.Basically, the band tries to hold it together to have fun. The band realizes that Kevin plans on leaving and moving to Montana in July/August.When Dave asks if he should pursue Seth Jenkins (salesmen at work) everyone seems into the idea. Kevin needed some slight persuasion (timing issue). This demonstrates the obvious, with plans of weddings and moves to Montana, Kevin's long-term commitment (understandably so) is pretty short term. The majority rules and Dave will try to catch Seth at work.Seth Jams with the BandIBS Salesman Seth Jenkins brings over his keyboard and plays with the band. Seth is able to handle Dave's test of being able to “take it” when someone yells “TAKE IT SETH.” In short - SETH JAMS. He played everything from blues to jazz to honkey tonk. It was strange adapting to a keyboardist. John and Dave are used to filling in all the gaps. Seth even plays the guitar and sings. Again I say SETH JAMS. While it's a depressing thought, Seth may be Kevin's replacement as a vocalist when the time arises. We would then find a replacement rhythm guitarist.Seth does a fine rendition of the Eagles ‘Desperado.” The band pulls the Garth Brooks song “The Dance” out of their ass. It comes together nicely. We launch into ‘Fast as You” and it sounds so cool to hear the actual keyboard part instead of Dave imitating a keyboard on his guitar. Dave knows he will cry his wanker off if this guy doesn't join.Upon completion of the practice, the band is worried. Seth gave off a very luke-warm reception to joining. Dave fears he stomped all over him musically (again not used to playing with a keyboardist).At work, Seth says he needs to think about it and consult his fiancée. The band feels he's probably just trying to let us down easy.We are very amazed when Seth announces later in the week that he would love to join the band, but it has to be after the first of the year (he is very busy in December and such). Dave pops a boner at the very sound of the words. This is way to cool. We have a keyboard player.December Becomes a Booking FrenzyNOTE SOMEWHERE IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THE CAT WITH REALLY BAD GAS WAS GIVEN TO SOMEONE.Dave has to cover at work, and practiced is basically postponed for most of December. In this absence, bars start calling for bookings (go figure). The band ends up with a booking at the Tangled Spur on January 11th (for a measly 250 bucks). We're not sure if Seth will make it for this show. We also have a date for the Red Dog on January 24th and 25th. This is cool. Unfortunately, the band is finding it hard to get excited about playing the Tangled Spur as this is a really small place. If Dave goes off into the audience he will get to take about 5 steps and have to come back.Dave stops over at Kevin and Maria's while Christmas shopping to pick up a microphone stand. Dave gets a chance to talk with Maria. Dave does a lot of listening. Maria explains how excited she is about the upcoming wedding and some of the joys of planning the whole thing. Dave talks to Maria about some of the presents he has purchased for his wife. Maria is now legal and the whole “getting the bar owner in trouble” problem is no longer an issue. This should make gigs a little less stressful. Dave and Maria talk about doing something cool for Kevin and Dave's birthdays in February.December 17: Like Riding a BikeThe band turned down offers to play in December due to a lack of practice time. Instead ,we have turned those dates into January dates. The band gets together for the first time in weeks to practice. The band is pleased to find that we have established a base of songs that are pretty much embedded in our heads. Luckily we do not sound like a band that hasn't played together for three weeks. Suddenly the January dates aren't quite as scary.

October 18 Cappy's, Buns, and Bow TiesThe band gets a rude awakening when Lee sees that the band's name on the Cappy's marquee for October 18 and 19. The band was practicing for the following week (the 25th). We work with the owner, and he ends up putting us on after a Male review called “California Hunks” (from Columbus Ohio). The band waits in the back as men are not allowed in the bar as a group of 70 or so women fondle and paw at the loincloth-wearing pieces of meat. Dave starts off the night on stage with his Ted Nugent imitation, “Mercy mercy, I've died and gone to heaven, I'm playin' to a bar full of horny woman.” This evokes a “Dave!?” from Kevin.The women were sloshed. We were even joined on stage by a drunken wench that the band affectionately referred to as Bambi. She had brown hair and weighed about 45 pounds. As she jumped up on stage and began to wiggle and jiggle, John gave her a “bump” and shot-putted her halfway across the stage. Dave joined John in using Bambi as a human ping pong ball. During Bubba Hyde, Dave was doing the famous James Brown arrangement. He went out and “bumped” with Bambi. As they boogied back to back, Dave realizes that if he moves too quick Bambi is gonna end up on the floor. When he finally maneuvers to get away, Dave feels an arm come over his shoulder as Bambi tires to keep him on the dance floor. Dave does a spin move and catapults himself back to the safe haven of the stage (Glad to get back with his life intact).Later during a break, Bambi helped herself to a microphone. At this point, Dave went up on stage and said enough is enough. Later Bambi would try to get a whole sentence out to explain that she want's us to sing “Bappy Hirthday.” Later John witnesses as Bambi's female traveling partner bites her tit on the dance floor. The owner explains that things were getting a little overheated in the parking lot.The band has a blast, but without a sound check, they don't sound as sharp as usual out front. Chucky works out the bugs, but the stage volume is too loud and again, the monitors are almost useless. Dave has an extremely hard time hearing his backup vocals. When he does hear them, they're pretty rough. The band performs 3 new songs. These were My Maria, Daddy's Money, and On a Good Night (show opener).Saturday has the band moving the board to a new spot. In the process, the band's sound clears up and it sounds awesome! The band turns down their stage volume, and the monitors are heard loud and clear. Unfortunately, it's sweetest day, and the crowd is beyond shy. The band is treated to the pleasure of asking someone to turn off the jukebox. Dave tries to get a giggle by insinuating that Madonna has a venereal disease and that's why she had a cesarean delivery of her child (he refrains from making a joke about finding missing super bowl rings). Unfortunately Ernie the DJ is short on CD's and asks the band to play a little longer sets. Hmm... the band enters the lovely land of improvisation on stage. They pull off a version of Boot-Scootin' Boogie that must have lasted almost 10 minutes. Kevin was like a quarterback calling plays at the line of scrimmage. As he announces “Extended version” in the middle of Watermelon Crawl. The band pulls a few songs off the “Left-over” list, and realize why most of them are on the list in the first place (they suck). Dave accidentally cuts Ain't nothin Wrong with the Radio in half as he puts the solo in the wrong place. However, in hindsight, this was probably a blessing.The band can't believe the dead quiet after each song. The band would hammer out the final chords of a song, end it with a thunderous crunch and then you would hear the chirping of crickets in the back corner of the bar.Dave receives a job offer to join a band that is playing out 2 times a month. I think they were called Southern Exposure or something. Anyway, he takes the guy's number just to be polite. He has no intention of leaving the band.During one break Dave accidentally steps in a puddle of drool that has formed around the soundboard as Chucky has his eye on a lovely brunette. As a slow song starts, Dave prods Chucky to “go for it,” and sure enough Chuck shoots and scores. Unfortunately, Chucky was too busy to running sound to apply the needed pressure to court this fine vixen, and she ended up sitting by another guy. Chucky definitely gets an “A” for effort.Even though the crowd was dead (they did come alive by the third set), the band has a lot of fun. The joy of making up a set list on stage is interesting to say the least. The band fields requests to play some songs twice, so they do. The band was even joined by the Ernie the DJ for If Tomorrow Never Comes. Ernie wasn't bad at all, and puts a lot of emotion into his singing. The band is hounded to do some Lynard Skynard both nights and asks a patron what song they should do. He answers “Sweet Home Alabama.” He also wants to hear Mountain Music by the group ALABAMA. In all, it was a pretty fun gig. As John put it, “I had very low expectations coming in, and left very glad we did the gig.”October 23: Operation Steel Your Keyboard PlayerDave calls the guy from the band Southern Heart. Here's the scoop on them.• They've been apart for a while and are now reforming ( a little different from the “we're playing out twice a month” story at the bar).• The lead singer is the drummer. They think you should bring your kids to practice.• They play the Eagles, Seager, etc... (I'm sure they do Keep Your hands to Yourself by the Georgia Satellites).Dave sets it up with Randy to come over and play this Sunday. Dave explains how Six Shooter is a tight band, and he will not be leaving unless the singer (Kevin) moves to Montana (a possibility). Randy says he doesn't care. He just wants Dave to hear them. Dave figures, what can it hurt? While he's there he may just mention how Six Shooter is looking for a keyboardist.October 25: Kevin QuitsDave calls Kevin to see about getting his amp for the Southern Heart tryout thing. Dave is explaining how he wants to go check an Akron bar called “The Shamrock.” In doing so, Kevin feels he must tell Dave something.Kevin announces how lately things just haven't been much “fun.” He explains the constant worries about equipment failure, the strain of screaming over a stage volume that could destroy any pigeons flying in close proximity of the speakers, the negative attitude of John during the latest gig, the tardiness of some of the band members, and a general lack of drive is making the band situation a poor return on investment. Playing on stage is fun, but that's about the only thing that is anymore.Dave interrupts as he has been played the fool with this speech before. Only this time Kevin is not pulling his leg. Kevin hates to do this over the phone, but he doesn't want Dave pimping a singer-less band. Dave tries to use a salesman tactic to identify objections and asks, “If we fixed the sound system and worked on our stage volume (yata yata yata) would you stay? To this Kevin says “No, its just not fun.” According to the limited sales training Dave has received, this is supposed to reveal that their is another objection that has not been voiced. Hmmmmm....While Dave will miss singing with Kevin. Dave tends to agree with many of Kevin's points. The band has been a disappointment in some ways. We've never been too efficient in learning songs. It will be very strange to be in this band without Kevin. Dave doesn't put too much effort in trying to talk Kevin out of his decision. Dave knows that Kevin wouldn't say this without putting some thought into it.Upon hanging up the phone Dave is not sure how to feel. He can't be mad at Kevin. As a friend, Dave wouldn't want Kevin to do something he no longer enjoyed. In a selfish way, Dave is not happy about being put in the situation of finding a replacement. It's very strange. John and Dave had discussed this earlier in the week at lunch. Apparently ,John had picked up a vibe from Kevin. John announced that if Kevin ever left, he'd just call his buddy Dan (whom he explains is a real pain to work with at times) and form his old rock band. Dave isn't really big on the idea. Without being an egomaniac, Dave feels he is talented enough to hold down the role of lead guitarist. Consequently, a band with Dan would probably not include Dave.Kevin is going to wait to tell John, so Dave can't call John and say “Holy shit Kevin quit!” Dave ponders the thought of joining a blues band (something he's always wanted to front). Dave isn't really worried. He'll examine his options, and choose the best one.

August 7: We're Going Back to Cappy'sWith Kevin in Pennsylvania, John makes the trip to Cappy's. There is plenty of good news. In talking with John, Chuck (the bar owner) says “People are talking” about our appearance. Consequently, Chuck has asked us to return September 6 and 7 with a raise in pay of $300 ($700 total for the weekend). Cappy's also wants to hold a dance for teens on a Sunday night sometime THIS MONTH (OH YEAH). This is for an undisclosed amount. Things are definitely looking up.August 10: Dave Gets BoofedDave and Kevin decide to go to Cappy's this weekend to see “Phoenix.' Dave hits the “Red Pepper” in Barberton only to find that it's closed. He then goes to the Shenandoah and drops off a tape. Pretty much the same tune as before at the Shenandoah (they want us to audition again). The Shenandoah is such a dive. There are never more than 20 people in there at a time. Dave then goes to the Tangled Spur only to find that the house band has pulled it together (thus no room for Six Shooter).At Cappy's Dave sees Phoenix drummer Jack Beam whom he knows from past experience (he originally talked to Jack about purchasing drums back when Six Shooter first formed). The band opens up with Stevie Ray Vaughn's “House is a Rockin” and performs other country classics as the Georgia Satellite's “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” The band has a front man that sings and plays the harmonica. This means every song has a harmonica part. The band is running the sound via a snake from the front. While their song list may not be as good as Six Shooter's, their sound is solid. Their in-between song banter is moot. They barely come up with anything to discuss except the bachelorette party going on in the back. They sounded good, but Dave is a little confused on their choice of country songs. Dave is a little pissed at the fact that Kevin and Maria are a no-show. Dave is curious as they decided not to meet at their house (minutes away), if this was preplanned. Dave's feelings are hurt but will survive. The lack of communication via voice mail or answering machine was the exact thing the band was concerned with Lee last weekend. John was a “possibly maybe” due to relatives in from out of town. After watching the first song of the second set, Dave leaves. On his way to the parking lot, Dave hears the band launch into Sly and the Family Stone's “Dance to the Music” in the middle of Watermelon Crawl. This song did start off with a drum solo that was impressive.Upon returning to the Shenandoah, Dave listens to the “Country Jammers” do (you guessed it) “Keep your Hands To Yourself” by the Georgia Satellites. They also did some Merle Haggart song. It's been a bad night, and Dave heads for home.Later when talking to Kevin, Kevin explains that they just didn't make it. As Kevin puts it, “you got boofed.”August 17: Kevin Goes a Pimpin'Kevin hits the Carriage House and the Elms club and admits that neither sound promising. Meanwhile ,Dave has tried to get the Shenandoah to relinquish their “Must Audition” policy, but they say we still have to audition. I think John summed it up best when he sarcastically said, “We're not playing the Shenandoah- Boo-Hoo, Waaa.”September 5: Repair WorkWell t,he band is rusty due to a cancellation of practice. It's been a fun time. John and Kevin have been tearing apart the power amps. Two transistors are replaced. After much testing ,it appears that the amplifiers have simply lost their balls. There is no real punch. Then suddenly they came to life (it appears one of the outputs is funky). Unfortunately ,John and Kevin are up late most of the week. The sound check on Thursday night ended around midnight. Oh yes, work will be fun tomorrow.September 6-7 Back at Cappy'sThe band takes the stage with the energy of a week old road kill. It's a strange set. The crowd is kind of dead (the traditional juke box during the set gesture). The band is real rusty (due to the strange practice week). Mistakes are all over the place. Most were covered smoothly. Kevin drew a blank on the words to “She's Got The Rhythm” and Dave and the boys made it an extended jam. We all drew blanks. At times it wasn't pretty, but I'm a perfectionist.Chuck and the sound board were out front. Chuck is learning the ropes on running sound. The power amps were working well. Dave went to the Musician's Bargain basement and picked up an equalizer, and that has seemed to stop the feedback out front. However, once again, KEVIN AND DAVE CAN'T HEAR A NOTE THEIR SINGING ON STAGE. Bottom line we need an equalizer for the monitors.During one of the breaks, John meets up with an elderly type woman who says that basically, any bar with the word MOOSE is looking for good bands. She says we're a good band. This is good. Even when we suck, we're good.Ernie is the new DJ at Cappy's. The bar has installed a new sound system that sounds O.K. (tweaking is needed). They also need to isolate the CD player as every time someone stomps their feet (which they do a lot in line dancing) the CD skips.The night has a strange vibe to it. The excitement of playing out the first time as a group is wearing thin. The fact that we're all zombies has a lot to do with it. Some sleep will put us back at the top of our game. Luckily the Sunday gig has been postponed. Dave does the traditional run through the bar only to be disappointed when everyone in the pool section of the bar informs him that they can't hear him. Bummer.Saturday's performance was much livelier. Although we believe we blew up the monitor amplifier by adding a speaker for Lee, we some how tweaked it enough to where we could hear the vocals on stage. This made being on stage 100% more comfortable.The band used a new format by playing 40 minutes and taking a 20 minute break (previously we played 60 minutes and were off for 30). This meant that we actually played less time. The band revamped the set list and took some songs that were not going over very well, or the band didn't sound their best on. This also provided some flexibility as the crowd requested “Margarittaville” the band took it off the “Left over” list and threw it in the set. Along with the request came “Becky” on stage to sing with the band. Unfortunately, it turns out that Becky is a wench from Chuck's past. The band hashed out some basic cords to Happy Birthday and countrified it. It turns out that there were two birthday girls in the audience (Tanya Beck and Kara) and this was repeated again.The crowd by the end of the night is a decent size, but definitely at the bar to talk amongst themselves than to listen to a band. The band more or less entertained themselves. The mistakes were still present (better than the night before), but covered well.We got paid $700 and an extra $100 for the cancellation of Sunday's gig. We paid Chuck $40 for running sound. The band is approached to play next month, and Kevin decides to play “Hard to Get” and tell the owner that we need to check the schedule.The weekend wasn't bad. It's hard physically to do, but its paying the bills. We now have around a month to get ready for the next appearance. I hope the band can focus on their vision, work on some new tunes, add some vocals, and become the band we are potentially able to be.

August 3: Sabotage in LouisvilleThe band arrives in the afternoon and replaces the blown speaker in a manner of minutes. They decide to adjust the monitors so Dave and Kevin can hear what they're singing on stage. Unfortunately, John's snake is not fully functional and the band won't be able to move the soundboard. Strangely enough, had they needed to, all the plugs out front are now taken up by Mike the DJ. It doesn't matter, by the end of the last set last night, the sound was pretty much right on. Now with the monitors up, everything should be great.John and Dave arrive early to play pool only to find the table out of service. A quick run to the air-conditioned Burger King takes place. Chuckie jokes that the cost of Burger King will come out of “Kris' beer money” (Dave realizes that his performance last night may be the new running gag) An earlier call to Lee's house finds that he has been working on things and is laying down (this ends the mystery). Hopefully, the Burger King trip will not be too big a mystery for Kevin when he arrives.Mike the DJ plays from 9:30 -10:00. As the band gets ready to perform Kevin switches on the power amps only to have a loud FFFFRRRRRRRRRMMMMMM!!!! Come blaring out of the speakers. John and Kevin look at each other in horror. The question on everyone's lips seems to be, “What the fuck?”The song on the dance floor ends. Mike announces that Six Shooter will be on in about 5-10 minutes MAYBE. Upon reviewing a reference sheet on the knob settings of the board, it is determined that someone has messed with the knob settings. The band will be going on late as they scramble to figure out what is wrong. Mike the DJ comes up to see what is going on that caused the loud feedback. When we explain that someone has messed with our board, he announces that he was the only one in there today and he didn't see anyone on the stage. Dave thinks if anyone would have a motive here, it would be Mike. The band puts a band-aid on the system and lets it rip. Unfortunately, the vocals are extremely low out front. Dave pulls a quick “Country Chicken Pickin'” guitar riff out of his ass to fill in the time as yet more tweaking is done to the system. He dubs this the “adjust the sound system song.” John and Chuck tweak and retweak the system trying to find out what got adjusted. John mouths “I don't know what's wrong” during a song to Dave. This is too bad as much of the band is really really tired from the previous night, and with a calmer demeanor, is playing much more solid. Except for switching set one and two, the band performs the songs the same.Chuckie is dealing with Chuck the bar owner who is complaining about the sound. This is not looking good. The set ends, and John gets to work at troubleshooting the system.The bar owner later says there were some past employees who were not thrilled about bands coming in to play, in the bar today. John discovers that the cross-over was turned off. This means that both types of sound (bass and treble) went to every type of speaker (usually bass notes go to the bass bins, vocals go through the smaller speakers etc.). This is a possibly damaging situation. We are relieved that we found the problem. Hopefully, nothing is damaged.Meanwhile, it takes everything Maria has not to kick Mike the DJ's ass. While we have a motive, we have no proof. The band launches into set two. Once again, set two seems to be the one where everyone hits their stride. Musically we're back on track. John attempts to provide some monitors (which again are almost nonexistent). Mistakes again are covered up. Song beginnings seem to be our weakness. Dave notices that while walking by our stack of speakers Mike pays special attention to the high-end speakers (tweeters). Hmmmmm...John decides to announce that August 21 will be the beginning of the BATTLE OF THE BANDS competition, and thanks Cappy's for bringing LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC BACK TO CANTON.Chuck is still helping John do some minor tweaking. The Saturday night crowd is much more of dance crowd than Friday. Dave has a hard time keeping a straight face as a few drunken hags shake their groove thing on the dance floor. This makes the in-between song banter much easier. The bar owner thinks everything sounds better, he just wants us to be LOUDER. There was some crackling during the set, and John discovers that one of our tweeters is blown. This sucks. This gig is becoming more and more expensive. The bar owner stops Dave and then says he'll talk to me after set three.The band goes into set three with the advice of turning Dave up just a little. The vocals sound good, but we are now battling a high-end feedback that is trying to sneak in. The band performs “Keeper of the Stars” and Kevin's vocals get a rousing applause. Kevin announces the last call and the band launches into “Born to Boogie “ and, “Fast as You.” Dave launches into the bar. He wonders all the way back to the pool tables only to find that there is no one back there. No knee slides tonight. With Dave back on stage, the final chord of Fast as You is played, and the two-day stint at Cappy's is in the record books. A tired band rips down in record time, loads the truck and takes everything back to Kevin's. Before leaving the band gets paid their $400 fee.Proving what goes around comes around, Mike the DJ apparently did the following:• Got Stoned• Played Rock Music (Kiss Rock and Roll all Night, and Depeche Mode Personal Jesus)• Took a swing at an undercover cop.The band doesn't expect Mike to be around if/when they play this bar again.August 6th: TroubleshootingThe band assembles the system back in Kevin's basement. It appears that the horns we not damaged, but that the crackling was caused by a bad cord. We also discovered that the new board needs a little more cleaning than expected. We lose a lot of our volume when we use that board.Dave premieres a song he wrote called “Young at Heart ‘Till I'm too Old to Change.” While the vocals suck (Dave is doing the vocals on the tape), it seems to receive fair reviews. It's a peppy little number, and not bad for a first attempt at a country song.A band meeting is held during the rewiring of some of the speakers. Communication was discussed, and being late. The band also discussed the undercover cop (with Maria being underage), and Maria bugging Chuckie. There was also some concern about Maria LOUDLY voicing her opinion about a song that she feels “Fuckin Suck.” Kevin says they have already had a talk, and things should be fine. The band agrees that while we are out, as fun as it is, we are still acting as a business, and must promote a certain amount of professionalism. Obviously, we weren't too bad, as Kevin will be returning Wednesday night to see about a future booking.John and Dave feel strange about this whole situation as they were friends with Maria before she was a “band wife.” Under normal circumstances they would have spoken directly with Maria, now approaching it as a “Band Issue” almost leaves her out of the loop. Dave really struggled with this concept. John is hungry after practice and Dave tags along to McDonald's. They both agree that they think there may have been a better way to handle bringing up the concerns. They are glad that it didn't get ugly.

August 2nd: Cappy's Pub Night 1August 2nd has finally arrived. To add to the excitement of the day, John rips off half his fingernail on his right-hand pointer finger when the handle of his tool case breaks. John says it should be O.K. because there is so much pain his finger is numb. Dave has a sore shoulder from setting up the night before. Kevin's back is improving daily but will be wearing the brace on stage tonight. With this in mind, we think of changing our name to Sicks Shooter. The band is excited.Dave has a big banner made in the Graphic Enterprises copy center and later adds foil to the letters. It looks pretty cool. The band tacks this to the stage.Kevin is approached by “Mike the DJ” who asks when the band is starting tonight. He inquires to see if we're going on 10:00 normal time or “bar time” (which is about 20 minutes fast). Mike DJ's from 9:30 until 10:00. It's time. The band takes the stage. Dave wonders into his corner and says a quick prayer. A calm mind will help focus on the task at hand (Kicking Ass). Kevin looks at the band and announces, “here we go” and the band launches into Honkey Tonk Attitude.Much like the December 22 VFW appearance, the first set is used to get the sound set. Chuck is doing his best to feed John with information, and actually helping tune the knobs. While Chuck is not a musician, he listens to music most of the day. By the end of the first set, except for Dave's guitar being too soft, the sound is set.A large Graphic crowd has shown up including: Jeff Aul, Trisha Berger, Bob and Lori Corrigan, Karen Sarvis, April Long, Kim Allen, Jeff Johns, Kristy Yeager, and Jim Lowder. While this is great, it did add a certain amount of pressure to make a good first impression. With this in mind, Dave is glad his guitar wasn't quite loud enough as he pulled off one of the worst performances to date. What guitar work he could remember his fingers wouldn't play, and he seemed to being drawing a few too many blanks on stage. This is especially noticeable on Burn that Bridge. Luckily, the band seems to be developing a skill at covering up each other's mistakes Set one consisted of:SET ONE1. HONKY TONK ATTITUDE2. BIG OL' TRUCK3. DUMMAS WALKER4. THINKIN PROBLEM5. LIFESTYLES OF THE NOT SO RICH AND FAMOUS6. TWO OF A KIND7. AINT NOTHIN' WRONG WITH THE RADIO8. BURN THAT BRIDGE9. PICK UP MAN10. TRASHY WOMEN11. WHISKEY AINT WORKIN'12. TEXAS TORNADO13. MERCURY BLUES14. STICKS AND STONES15. BORN TO BOOGIE16. MARRIED TO A WAITRESS.Set one showed the rustiness of Six Shooter. The in-between song banter was rough around the edges. Dave (feeling silly) announces to the crowd “Everybody have fun tonight- Everybody WANG CHUNG TONIGHT.” While it got the laugh he was looking for, it also left many persons asking, “Whaaa???”.Set two found a band whose nerves had settled, a guitar player pissed at his performance and determined to redeem himself (he had to play good now, we had turned up his guitar). The boys saddled up and launched into 3rd Rock from the Sun. The rest of the set included:1. 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN2. WATERMELON CRAWL3. I LIKE IT I LOVE IT4. BEER N BONES5. GOD BLESS TEXAS6. AINT MUCH FUN SINCE I QUIT DRINKIN7. HERE'S A QUARTER8. SO HELP ME GIRL9. WHAT MIGHT'VE BEEN10. WALK SOFTLY11. BUBBA HYDE12. ROCK MY WORLD13. SHE'S GOT THE RHYTHM14. THE RACE IS ON15. GRUNDY COUNTY AUCTIONAgain, the band's beginning are a little shaky. However, Kevin has loosened up, and now is getting the crowd completely involved, as he elicits “YEE-HAWS” from the crowd. Except for a near fatal beginning of Bubba Hyde that was just pure ugly, the band is hitting their stride, and firing on all cylinders. The monitor mix is missing, but luckily everything out front sounds good (even if we can't hear what's going on on stage). Dave knocks a ceiling tile with his guitar as he struts out to the front of the stage during “Walk Softly.”The usual “venturing into the crowd” takes place. Kevin sings the slow songs on the dance floor, and Dave runs clear into the pool room during “Bubba Hyde.” Things are going so good Dave forgets his age and decides to relive his high school years as he attempts his first “Knee Slide” in 13 years across the wide open dance floor. Upon hitting the floor Dave's knees do anything but slide. Much like hitting a brick wall, Dave's knees come to an absolute stop. Kevin blurts out an “ouch” over the P.A. The momentum from running is now throwing Dave forward. Dave takes a few steps “Walking on his knees” and manages to stand up and jump back on stage. While this was completely planned, it sure appeared as Dave almost fell on his face. Dave is just happy he can still walk (mental note: YOU'RE 31 YEARS OLD). Dave trying to cover his ass announces that some more wax is need on the dance floor. Dave later finds out that the bar uses sawdust to wax the floor. That must explain that lovely shine. At 12:30 the band takes another break and passes on performing “Aint Goin' Down Till the Sun Comes Up.”Again improvising comes into play as the band turns “Rock My World” into a sing-along. This turned out fairly well. For a small crowd, they made enough noise to be heard on the stage.In between sets, it is becoming apparent to Dave and Kevin that the “better halves” may be hitting the sauce a little hard.Set three finds much of the band ready for a nap. The excitement and the crowd provide the needed adrenaline to get back in the spirit. The band launches into Cowboy Love. The rest of set three went like this:1. COWBOY LOVE2. DUST ON THE BOTTLE3. BOOT SCOOTIN BOOGIE4. CHATTAHOOCHIE5. THAT'S COUNTRY6. WORKIN MAN'S PHD7. GOOD-BYE SAYS IT ALL8. IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES9. ANYMORE10. KEEPER OF THE STARS11. WHERE AM I GONNA LIVE12. KEEPER OF THE STARS13. MARAGARITTAVILLE14. PUT SOME DRIVE IN YOUR COUNTRY15. TROUBLE16. FAST AS YOUAs the set winds on, the band is horrified to figure out that there are numerous slow paced songs in the 3rd set. The temptation to yawn is building. Set three finds the band's mix still getting better (still no stage monitors to really shout about). The stage bantering is much better, and the night is flying by quickly. The band skips the song “Keeper of the Stars,” and finds that “Where am I gonna live” to be a crowd favorite. A group of young rednecks gathers at the front of the stage to sing along with the band. This song combined with Margaritaville (changed to here in Louisville) gets a good crowd reaction. The band ends with the traditional “no holds barred “ version of “Fast as You” as Dave takes another tour around the bar (as Kevin introduces the band). The band belts out the final notes, and the first appearances in the books.The band reviews their performance and decides to move the soundboard out front so Chuck can adjust as needed. Depending on the song, vocals and guitars are always in need of adjustment. We also find out that we blew a speaker in one of the bass bins. It was determined that Mike the DJ will fill in the spots between sets. When announcing that Mike will be “performing” tomorrow night, a huge amount of applause is provided. This leaves the band thinking that Mike has brought his entire family tree into the bar to scream for him. Whatever, Mike is pretty much Baby Huey with a cowboy hat on. He seems like a nice enough guy.As suspected, Dave and Kevin find out the “better halves” have been hitting the sauce pretty hard. Dave is pooped (a case of nervousness had him up late the night before), his feet are killing him, so he does his best “Ebeneezer Scrooge” routine and scolds his wife for drinking away most of what he had earned that night (a move he would later pay deeply for). Being this was in front of the band, this earns Dave the “Dick of the Night” award. Maria giggles and announces “We in fffffuckin' trouble.”

July 13: Dave is Beyond ExcitedDave sets up a system to listen to 3 radio stations at the same time. He is trying to catch songs that the band can add to their setlist(which is aging). Dave gets hosed as he calls in a request to a radio station. His voice gets played over the airwaves (but not his request). He ventures to Lentine's music to buy a microphone stand so John can sing backups. Last week the band had Lee attempt to sing. With some work, the band could pull off some harmonies. He finds some really great music that is getting a lot of air-play and sends it via voice-mail to the John and Kevin. He ends the night by buying two CD with tunes that the band wants to do. He practices his guitar and breaks in the new (used) volume pedal.July 17: Kevin Closes the DealIt seems like Christmas Eve at work. John, Kevin and Dave are wondering if Santa will put a paying gig in their stocking. Kevin makes numerous trips trying to catch Chuck. He finally does, and the band celebrates Christmas in July as Santa delivers a weekend gig at Cappy's. Yes, Six Shooter will retake the stage at Cappy's Pub in Louisville Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3. Dave is gone from excited to spastic. The band realizes they all need to move the “Six Shooter Project” up the priority scales in their lives. This date is much sooner than expected and the band has been caught with their pants drooping. The only way to catch up is to practice whenever possible. If we stick to Tuesday only practices, it means only practicing two times before playing out. We also need to produce some tapes of tunes to play between sets, and some lights. It's a tall order to fill, and we need to keep productive.July 20: July PracticeThe band scrambles to put together a Saturday practice. John, Kevin, and Dave work together while waiting for Lee. They go over and over some rough spots.With Lee on his drummer throne around 5:30, the band launches into sets three, and two. They make sure to correct any spots that need correcting. It's one of the most productive practices we've had. The practicing that has been happening behind the scenes is starting to pay off. The band launches into set one. A few changes are made to the lineup.Along the way a few songs get dusted off, and I feel we're pretty focused on plowing through the songs. We will always dick off too much during practice. However, this was about as productive as Six Shooter gets. We make some good progress and lay the groundwork for Tuesday. Practice is ended so a slightly miffed Maria can go to a food festival.John and Dave go to KFC for dinner only to find that IT NO LONGER EXISTS!! The two venture over to John's and duplicate tapes.July 25: Let there Be LightAfter finding out that Cappy's Pub has zero in terms of lighting, John and Dave decide they better act now to ensure that some type of lighting is present for the gig next week. They go to Stambaugh's and Big Lots and purchase colored floodlights and sockets. They then return to John's house to wire the lights together. The band gets a boost when Dave gets the light-board his old band “Assault” use to use over 15 years ago. Fourteen out of 16 switches work on the board. The band currently has 4 lights now. This may not be enough. Tuesday is the last practice before the gig. Pressure is mounting. Kevin has put a radio in his new (used ) car, and is practicing like a mad man. Dave has made some tapes to play in between sets. Meanwhile, everyone can hear the clock ticking away.July 28: Kevin Throws Out His BackAfter a night of dancing at Maria's brother's wedding, Kevin's back is a mess. After going to a chiropractor, Kevin finds out he has an enlarged disk in his back. The bottom line is he can't get out of bed. Bummer.July 29: Dave Visit's Cappy'sWith Kevin gimped out, Dave runs some posters announcing Six Shooter's appearance to the bar. Dave sees the band's name on the marquee. Thank God Chuck got it right (no Six ShooterS). He ventures up to the stage and sees that there are some normal lights on the front of the stage. Dave also finds out that the ceiling of the stage is about 2 inches higher than his head. Kevin is improving, but still very stiff.July 30: One Last PracticeThe boys get together to work out a few rough spots. We sound pretty good. Even songs like “Aint Goin Down Till the Sun Comes Up” sound good. We're as ready as we're going to be. John brings the lights and wedges them into the speaker cabinets. We fire them up, and find it doesn't look too bad. One thing is obvious-these lights throw off enough heat to fry an egg. Dave will probably get a tan during the first set. Another good note is Kevin is able to stand now-hooray!!! He is still in quite a bit of pain. The band is crossing their fingers, toes, eyes, and anything else they can find in hopes that Kevin will heal up quickly.July 31: Dave and John Take a long LunchJohn ventures into Dave's office (climbing over mountains of paper). Dave talks John into going to the “Musician's Bargain Basement” in Kenmore to look at a soundboard the band discussed last night. Dave is pretty sure that they can get back in an hour.The duo flies through White Castle on the way and decides to try the new “Greasy Bastard” sandwich. This takes a little longer than planned.Upon arriving at the basement, they check out the board. The duo is assisted by Fred. Fred has the worst toupee in the world, and Dave is slightly afraid of him. The board is a 12 channel mixer by Ross. It's in fair shape (in need of a good cleaning-lots of static). John thinks it's salvageable, and they pick it up for $299. This should make setting up and tearing down about 200% easier. John has a fun project tonight, and a date with some contact cleaner.Unfortunately, they have about 7 minutes to get back to Canton, and Dave needs to stop for gas. Ooops. Being the swell employees they are, they figure on working a little over tonight.

July 12: PIMPING THE BANDAfter waiting for John to show up, the band runs off a few copies of the new demo tape, pack into Kevin's Volkswagen Rabbit and head off to promote the band. They stop at the Red Dog Saloon. We drop off a tape and a bio sheet. The owner says that business is bad. She will need a week to listen to the tape. She's looking for a band that can pack the place. It was a quick call, and the boys are off to another sight.We decided to stop into a bar called the “Tangled Spur” that Dave heard about from Karen the GEI receptionist. We talk to Mary who is the bartender/owner's wife. For an older woman, she's not bad looking. We get a few beers and settle in as Kevin ventures up to sing a Kareeokee tune. He was impressive. We find that the bar has a house band that is currently Bass playerless. This is a darn shame. We offer to fill in while they find a new bass player (cause we're nice guys). Mary can't make that decision. We decide to wait for Glen. Unfortunately, the band is subjected to “Mike J the DJ.” Who can't sing, or run sound. Yes, it's safe to say that he sucked. A guy named Vince ventures up to sing a song. He's not bad but hits a few clinkers. Kevin ventures up and sings “Doomis Walker,” After some ribbing from John, Dave ventures up on stage and joins Kevin. Glenn still had not arrived, so Kevin an Lee decide to go to “Toots Pub” and drop off a tape. Meanwhile, Dave and John are tortured with another song by Mike the DJ and another fine tune from Vince.During one of Mike the DJ's screw-ups (his microphone exploded), John and Dave figure out that one of the members of the house band “Canyon Breeze” is in the bar. Kevin and Lee return and report they did get their foot in the door, as well as possibly find a source for more bars to investigate. The band explains how they could pack the bar with people from work to Mary. Kevin sings another tune, now Mike the DJ has the sound so messed up that Kevin can't hear himself and hits a few sour notes. John can't believe the level of “SUCK” that Mike possesses. When Glen finally arrives 90 minutes later, the band pitches the idea of taking over “temporarily” for the house band. Glenn is definitely frustrated with his current house band “Canyon Breeze.” Kevin ventures up to sing the Hank Williams Jr. tune “A Country Boy Can Survive.” Mike the DJ has the sound so muddy you can barely understand what Kevin is saying, however he is back on tune. Glen's head turns towards Kevin as Kevin starts the song and starts to show off his voice. John and Dave smile. As the song continues, Kevin shines brighter and brighter (in spite of Mike the DJ). At the climax of the song Kevin (in true Travis Tritt form) absolutely NAILS THE ENDING! The people in the bar start applauding before he is even finished!. Dave and John are sporting wood, and so is Glenn. The band leaves the bar, and have provided Glenn with something to think about. The band ponders the thought of being the house band for the local bar. This would be very convenient. The bar is small, but nice.The foursome continues on to “Little Rock.” This is a bar that is right down the street from Kevin's house. The name of the bar is actually “Cappy's.” This bar is huge compared to the previous bar. It's very nice. Dave is sporting a woody. The foursome descend upon Chuck the new owner. Chuck has just bought out his brothers, and is putting a lot of money into the bar. He is holding a “Battle of the bands” in September. He is a little frustrated with his DJ. He has an opening the first Week of August. He says he will listen to our tape. Kevin will return to try and close the deal Wednesday. We also get our foot in the door for becoming the “House Band” as Chuck will be looking for one after the battle of the bands is over. Chuck is very impressed that we could be our own DJ during the time when the band would take a break between sets. The “Battle of the Bands” contest will be heavily advertised on a local radio station. The winner gets a recording contract. The band needs to write a tune to enter. This is something to think about. Things go very well at this bar and unless Chuck hates our tape, we should be booked for some type of gig. Dave is very, very happy (as is everyone in the band). The band calls it a night about 1:30 (Lee had left earlier as he was working in the morning).

Feb 16: The Guy We've Been Looking ForOur first drummer to contact us from the add is 45 years old, has experience, a drum set, and according to his own testimony is, “the guy we've been looking for.” He sounds very impressive. John is optimistic from the phone call. Kevin calls and informs Dave that there is hope.Feb 20: Enter LeeWell, Lee shows up with his wife. We're all excited about playing, however, Kevin is really tired as he only got two hours sleep. Dave is feeling kind of dull. Lee shows up and really steps in. He's been playing country for years. His last few bands always seem to disintegrate after 9-12 months. He's really looking for some dedicated people for the long haul. He's got really quick wrists and can really tap on the snare (this is more of a country style drumming than mammoth rolls on the toms). The songs he knew (and he knew quite a few) he played very well. His only possible downer is that he works midnight hours. When asked if there was a conflict he simply stated: “fuck work.” If it was up to Lee he'd play music for a living. John says he's the easiest to play along with out of all we've been playing with lately. The band hands him a tape and asks him to learn the first five songs.Due to the past month's letdowns, Dave feels bad that he's not more optimistic about Lee's performance. Dave is waiting “for the other shoe to drop.” It's a strange kind of prejudice, and Dave agrees he needs to get ready for (what appears to be) a bright future. Dave can't help thinking, “Bob gave us a good first impression too.”Feb. 28: Lee Delivers the GoodsWell, another “moment of truth.” Lee came in and disappointed no one. He actually said he would practice, and -gasp- HE DID. He nailed Third rock from the sun. Every break and stop of that song was “right on the nuts.” He nailed every song he was supposed to learn, as well as many songs he was not slated to know. Consequently, the band now has to get their act together as we are close to knowing 30 songs already (with a little polishing), Many of the songs were ready to be heard. The band is on equal terms now. Lee being new, and the rest of us “fuzzy” on many of the tunes after not playing them for so long. It's time to step it up. This is cool.March 5: Lee's 2nd PracticeLees goes with some new songs with the band. He's not as prepared as last week (he actually did 3rd rock better the first week). However, he is still learning quickly. The band decides to wait until next week to give him the official “go” sign.May 1: Dave Gets PromotedAt work, Dave is promoted to “Corporate Coordinator of Training.” He will be developing “Graphic University.” Dave is a little worried as this may require “Some travel.” This would suck if it takes him away from gigs. Dave would have to quit. At this point, it's a wait and see situation.May 21: The Final Set is Put TogetherOver the past couple of weeks, the band has designed and been practicing three sets of songs. This week marks the practice of the last set (set 3). At this point, the band knows what songs still need polishing, but are one small step away from being ready to play out. They decide to record the demo tape that Dave did the preliminary work on January 20 this Saturday at 9:00 am.May 25: Six Shooter Turns the Basement into a StudioWhile tearing down his equipment at his apartment Dave accidentally damages the head phone jack of his 8-track cassette recorder. Upon arriving at Kevin's at 9:00 am, Dave puts John to work to repairing it. The repair is done around 10 and the band gets to work. The original intent is to record the basic rhythm parts. Kevin is going through some tough times with his voice.The band uses a Tascam 488 8-track cassette deck, and a Yamaha SPX-90 effects unit. To produce their demo. Dave borrows a bunch of sound equipment from his church to add to the equipment.The band's first song is “Fast as You.” First, they must decided how they're exactly going to record the drums. Setting up microphones, taping drum heads, adjusting guitar tones, recording and rerecording lead tracks takes the band approximately 3 hours.The second song is “Pick up Man”. Luckily Dave had put down a basic guitar part for this song. The band follows along and puts down their parts in a much quicker fashion.The third song is “Anymore”. The band once again follows a guitar track already put down by Dave. Kevin (burdened with some personal problems) lays down an awesome vocal line. For the third time, Lee nails his part on the first take. The band dubs him “one take Lee.”The band goes upstairs to mix a rough draft of the tape. To their surprise, the songs are definitely steps above the usual “basement tape.”Dave will get to work on getting the business cards ready as well as upgrading the bio sheet.On the bio sheet Dave removes all the lines about Jesse and puts this words about Lee in their place:Lee's drum playing is summed up in one word: solid. During the making of the Six Shooter demo tape, Lee was known as “one take Lee.”Dave's not sure if he likes the new words, but will run it by the guys (a little corn ball). Dave also designs a label to placed on the demo tapes (when made). This will feature the six shooter logo. 

Jan 17: John's Opinion Regarding Beth and DanJohn remains level-headed, while Dave and Kevin are ready to jump in head first. John did have a good time. However, John also points out the true test will be next Tuesday when the duo has had a chance to learn some of the material. The band agrees.Jan 20 Dave Does Preliminary Work On The Demo Tape.Dave uses the “magic drummer” to match the tempo of, Pickup Man, Anymore, and Fast as You. These “click tracks” will later have each person's part added to them. Eventually, the drum part will be erased by whoever is playing drums.Jan 25: Beth has an Anxiety attackConvinced that she has to know every one of the first five songs note for note, Beth is close to having a heart attack. She announces at the beginning of the practice that she didn't have much time practice, and not to expect too much. After playing one song she announces that “She's not ready for this, and she thinks she's over her head.”Somewhere in there she almost quit. Somewhere in there, she ended up in limbo. Dan did not have the tape during the week, so he did not improve much. John was sure to point out any variance in the meter. The practice was taped. It sounds horrible due to the tape deck it is recorded on. Listening to the tape there were some meter problems, but we should wait till Dan has a chance to actually learn the tunes.Dave premiere's a new effects set up. It's all his effects in one box. Dave spends much of the practice trying to tweak his tone. He needs to sell his old effects to justify buying this new set up.The band will continue on trying to learn a few tunes a week. This practice was missing a tape to reference to (which will be remedied next week). We need to make the practices very productive. I'm not sure anyone is sure exactly what Beth's status is, there is quite an amount of things that are “up in the air.”Jan 30: Dan Improves while Beth?????The group meets again. They go through the usual set. Dan's meter has improved drastically. It's obvious he has had a chance to listen to the songs. He even picks up the intro. to Mercury Blues very quickly. As obvious as it is that Dan is into it, Beth seems bored. This is not such a negative thing, it is just that she has a LOT of things going on with the wedding coming up. She again announces that she is not “committed” to the project. She also states that if we want to bring in another keyboardist she would not be offended. The band leaves it at that. The plan is to see if her decision changes Dan's position, and hopefully get his full commitment next week. It was a very positive practice even though we did do a lot of “screwing around” with tunes. The practice was actually over by 9:00.February 5th: And then There Were Three-AgainBeth calls Kevin and lets him know she needs to talk to him, “Before the next practice.” This added with last weeks comment of, “We need to talk a few things over,” leads Dave to think that they were both leaving the group. Later that day when Dave sat down to talk to Beth, she informed him that he was right. Between getting married, working long hours, and an hour drive home after practice leads to Beth and Dan deciding to bow out of the project. Beth apologized, and then she apologized again. When she was finished with that, she apologized. Dave explained that there were no hard feelings-honesty is always appreciated. She did say that Dan was disappointed since her bluegrass music was not as challenging as our style of country. At any rate, there was no use crying over spilled milk, and it was time to come up with a plan.February 6th: Coming up with a PlanThe band puts down there instruments for a practice and focuses on how we are going to select our next drummer. After hours of brainstorming, an idea of having all prospects come the same evening (a “cattle call”) and judge them accordingly. It's more of a business approach, but it may create a clearer picture of what we want. We decide to use the “mini-merchant” instead of the Repository. Dave will also make some flyers to place in local music stores.Feb 9: Mark Expresses an Interest.A guy from the warehouse happens to stop Dave in the hall and says, “I hear you have a studio.” Dave explains that yes he does. Mark PLAYS DRUMS! He says he listens to all types of music. He didn't seem too thrilled with the idea of playing country but did say he'd like to come over and hear us. At this point, what the fuck.Feb. 15: Mark's ‘A' for Attitude PerformanceMark comes over for a special Thursday practice. Mark's attitude is awesome. He's very eager to learn, really, really, REALLY, wants to play out. He has listened to country music for years (a few years ago), and thinks he could give it a try. His meter is rock solid. He's been playing for about a year and a half. His philosophy is “less is more.” This is great as Jesse's philosophy was always “more is not enough.” Unfortunately, the band feels after hearing Mark play that he needs a little more time on the vine. He's a good drummer, but he needs a little more confidence in his playing to add that certain polish. The whole process has left the band a little bummed. We were all hoping that he would be what we're looking for.Now we are looking at a future filled with zero prospects. The only bite we received from the add placed in the Canton Repository was from a guitar player. HELLO? Did the add say guitar player?. The whole depressing saga has Dave secretly wondering if we may live to regret firing Jesse. 

Jan 15: Kevin Lowers the BoomDave's pager goes off at 1:40 p.m. He gets into voice mail to hear that Kevin has finally been able to reach Jesse and let him go (He was at the hospital for a false alarm baby delivery the night before). Kevin tells Jesse that the band has come to an agreement together and that they feel he is moving in a different direction than the rest of the band. He does not share the vision, and that the band is looking for a new drummer. Jesse's first reply is, “Good.” When Kevin explains how he didn't expect that response, Jesse asks why he is let go. Kevin explains how it's not due to a lack of talent, but just a difference of opinion in how the band should sound. Jesse responds with, “Whatever, do what you want.” Kevin tries to keep the bridge from burning and to stop from causing hard feelings. At this point, Jesse simply wants off the phone and cuts the conversation short. The conversation and Jesse's 18-week career ends. We are without a drummer-again.I think its safe to say that the band has mixed emotions. The uncertainty of not having a drummer (Michael Gorfido is growing colder as a lead), the loss of our friend Jesse, and the task of rebuilding can appear large. The other side of the coin is that Beth is coming over with her fiancé tomorrow to practice. This could be interesting as the now-trio has not played together for quite some time now. We could appear very awful.Jan 16-Beth and Dan Audition with a Surprise GuestBeth and her fiancé Dan show up to audition. Kevin is slightly late due to being in the field with a technician. Dave gets to talk with the duo. Beth admits she is very nervous. Dave is also nervous (after all they're auditioning us as much as we are them). The night is filled with tunes from every type of music. Kiss, Linda Ronstadt, The Knack, Eric Clapton, Ozzy, Bluegrass, Lynard Skynard, Funk, and Iron Butterfly. The last one had Dan launch into an impromptu drum solo. It was impressive, and his meter was tight. His meter varied a little during the night, but not enough to really alarm anyone (after all he's never attempted the songs on a set). It takes John and a voltmeter to get Beth's keyboard operational. While Beth's confidence in her playing was a little low, by the end of the night she seemed to lighten up enough, and start playing some nice filler piano parts. She was able to harmonize very nicely. The band even pulled off some nice three-part harmony on Linda Ronstadt's “When will I be loved.” The music portion of the evening seemed to do exactly what it was supposed to do: provide a chance to show off enough to impress everyone. Dan asks the question, “Hey are we gonna do this again?” Everyone agrees it was a lot of fun.During the practice, we had a surprise visit from none other than JESSE GIBBENS. Beth (not knowing this was the ex-drummer) gives him a friendly wave. John quits playing and escorts Jesse upstairs. Kevin follows shortly thereafter. John re-explains how Jesse doesn't share the vision of the band. Dave eventually joins the trio upstairs. By this time John is somehow throwing in a new excuse that Jesse has “too much going on.” Jesse is almost in tears. It's a very bad situation. A situation that was hard, has become unbearable. Dave wants to cut the bull and explain that time and time again he played songs the way we had stated we did not want them played. On the other hand, he wants this whole situation to be over. He's having a hard time seeing Jesse hurt. He decides to say nothing (and regrets this later). Jesse wants his sticks back. Jesse explains how he has his schedule in place, he admits HE DOESN'T LIKE COUNTRY MUSIC but is having fun playing it. His last words were, “Whatever, have a nice practice.” I think he was pretty blown away to show up (probably expecting us to be playing along with the magic drummer) and find a drummer and keyboard player. Kevin makes a mental note, “Next practice- lock door.”The group later retires to the living room to rap about each other's expectations. Dan and Beth seem like very nice people. There are no foreseeable problems in this department. A general “chit chat-swap band stories” session takes place. The band's vision is discussed, as well as the history of the band (what you are reading right now). The group calls it a night around 11:30.Dave sticks around and chats with Kevin. They're both impressed with Dan. He hasn't played drums in a while and could sing backup if necessary. Both agree Beth did a nice job of “filling in,” but would have like to seen her “cut loose” a little more. Both agree that if she can play what is on the record, she's fine. Dave hopes for more improvisation in the future. In general, the feeling is very good.

December 30, 1995 -HO HO NO! (YOKO'S COMING!)The band battles sickness (John has Walking Pneumonia). After sitting on their frustrations for a week, John and Kevin announce to Dave their frustration with Jesse. His speeding up of songs, his lack of initiative to learn the songs as they are on the record, his purposeful neglect of the recorded version, and his negative attitude are really pissing John and Kevin off. A new problem is looming on the horizon. Yoko received a keyboard for Christmas. SHE IS ALREADY LEARNING OUR MATERIAL. Hello?!?!?! I don't remember an audition? I don't remember anyone asking for an audition?For Yoko to be in the band she would have to meet the same criteria. She would have to have musical talent, the same taste in music, the same vision as the bands, and a GOOD ATTITUDE. With this in mind, it is feasible to say it is impossible for Yoko to be in the band. This is without asking the obvious question: “Who watches the kidS in about two months. What a nightmare. The band has taken two weeks off for the holidays.Dave was originally not for firing Jesse, but this new development poses a new threat. Getting a new drummerwould also open the door for possibly hiring a keyboardist which Dave still feels we need. After reaching new heights with the first gig, the band is set to derail in 1996.January 3rd, 1996 Talking to MichaelWith the band not certain about Jesse's future, Dave talks to Michael Gorfido about the possibility of joining the band in the event that an opening should appear. Michael seems pretty interested. The fact that the band owns a drum set seems very attractive. Dave gives the general sales pitch (Sounding like the record, having fun, while being serious, etc.). Oddly enough it seems the gossip lines have been lighting up about the band. Michael already knew the band owns a drum set. Another coincidence is that Beth Daugherty (Keyboardist/Singer/Steel Player) stops into to talk to Kevin to see how things are going with the band. Dave and Kevin talk on the phone and decide the gossip line at GEI is fiber optic.January 6th Scouting PatrolJohn, Kevin, and Dave go out to see some of the local talent. They go into the now famous “Kicking Country.” There were no bands, but the owner “Shorty” has heard of the band “Six Shooter,” He would like a tape. Dave attempts to shit one on the spot but fails.The band ventures into the “Red Dog Saloon” and sees the band “Naked Spur.” They are a six-piece band that is very good. The band's set leaves Dave wanting a keyboardist so bad his nuts hurt. Someday we will sound this good. If you were to take away the 2 members they have, it would be a much more even battle.The band stumbles into the “Silver Dollar.” A bar where the bar owner has the house band. This is done in an effort to hear a band that sucks. It's true; we could blow these guys away. Their guitarist is very good, and Dave realizes he needs to work some more on picking up some pure country licks.The band goes to breakfast and realizes that they really need to make some type of demo tape. They ponder the thought of using “Conjunction Junction (what's your function?)” as a sound check. By using Dave's 8-track deck, the band could substitute a different drummer if needed by rerecording the drum tracks only. Upon leaving the restaurant, the band finds themselves in a blizzard. Poor Dave doesn't get home until 5:00 a.m.Jan 9th Time to Move onJesse again misses practice. Consequently, the band takes some time to ponder the decision of booting him out of the band. The decision is made to pursue another drummer and severe our ties to Jesse. The band will also pursue Beth the keyboard player (that was put on hold partially by Yoko). It is a hard decision, but in the long run, it will be for the best. On a lighter note, Dave plans to sneak the band's logo into a nationwide newsletter that he publishes at work.

December 12 Jesse Gets A New JobAt the end of a not so productive (boo-koo rock-n-roll tunes to due to some spectators) practice, Jesse announces that he has a new job at Western Auto. This is good as his second child should be born in a few months. He will be making more money. Unfortunately, he will also be working nights. He addressed this very lightly, but the band seemed to become very anxious about this latest turn of events. How can you play out at night, and work at the auto store? The other thing bothering some of the band was Jesse's attitude about the songs. It appears that he hates playing anything that is slower than a heart attack. Dave and Kevin elect John to find out the scoop and make sure Jesse is in for the long haul. Some announcements were made: Kevin announces that he has decided to take a break from his current girlfriend (Kim), and Jesse announces the Kickin' Country is booking for July. We need to work on a demo tape as soon as this gig is behind us.December 15 Kevin books a PAYING GigKevin gets our first paying job by singing “Anymore” completely by himself in a bar to a bar owner. It's at the Louisville VFW It's in a week (Friday 12/22/95). We are not ready, but decide to do it anyway (it's only the Louisville VFW). We should get paid around 200-250. The band must squeeze in a Saturday practice. We also decide to throw in a few Christmas tunes to fill in the time.After talking with Jesse, John concludes that Jesse is fine. Everything will work out fine. This practice marks the first successful attempt of John singing backup on the song “Good-Bye Says It All.” The band actually produces three-part harmony for the first time (successfully).December 19 - The BlizzardIn Ohio parts of the state receive 14 inches of snow. It snows and rains ice all day. This also happens to be the only day all band members could get together to practice before the VFW gig. Bummer. Practice is canceled due to the weather. John, Dave, and Kevin will try to hook up later in the month. Many of the roadways are averaging around 15-20 mph. It's very bad. By the mid-evening, it is illegal to drive in Medina unless it is an emergency.December 22 -The Louisville V.F.W.Well, John, Kevin, and Dave tried to practice the day before the gig, but it wasn't very productive. The band is kind of pushed for time to be ready to play by 8:00. Bernie the owner lets us know we can start at 8:30. It's still snowing, but the roads are clear. The band is greeted by a Christmas decoration on the door that plays (and sings) “We wish you a Merry Christmas”. It's cute. Also on the door is a sign that reads:December 228-12Six ShootersOur first gig, and already the band's name has been hacked.The band sets a record-setting up their stuff. The bar is small, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. Many trips are made to unload two pick-up trucks and a car full of equipment. The patrons get nervous as the group drags in two eight foot tall stacks of P.A. speakers. Each time hearing the door decoration sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” It's getting a little annoying. The group is warned to keep the volume low.After setting things up, the band opens the set without an official sound check. Dave starts the set with “The star spangled banner” that leads into God Bless Texas. Due to the size and layout of the bar, it takes the majority of the first set to get the sound right. The set included Dave going into the audience to play an extended solo. This seemed to thrill the crowd as they probably had not seen a wireless system before. The set ended with some not very planned improvisation of “Born to Boogie” where Dave explained how all of us were born (Kevin began singing, Jesse was pounding in his mother to get out, John's fingers were going, and Dave was born with a guitar in his hand -a very painful labor). This is the bands first use of dynamics in a song. It turns out to be pretty good. The band followed Kevin back into the last verse and ended the song.The band starts the second set with Christmas Carols (an idea that was put in place the night before). Dave and Kevin do this “unplugged” with two acoustic guitars. In between five Christmas songs, Dave and Kevin ask trivia questions such as “What is the name of the horse in the song Jingle Bells (bobtail). The person with the correct answer got to reach in a bag of “gifts” that the band brought. The gifts included a 10 pack of pens, an ice scraper, a box of crunch and munch, and a box of candy canes. While the Christmas song idea sounded great, it took an immediate nosedive when Dave opened the set with an instrumental version of “What Child is This.” It seemed Jingle bells was the only song the group was familiar with. Even Kevin and Dave imitating characters from the holiday classic “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” dropped like a lead balloon. The band had their first “guest appearance” by Opel the drunken wench. She insisted that we sing Blue Christmas again (We had just finished singing it). We let her take on the lead vocals. Opel heard her own music as she basically ignored Kevin and Dave's strumming. Kevin passed her a lyric sheet, but apparently, Opel couldn't read. We cut her off after the first verse (NEXT!). The duo decided to cut Silent Night from the set and move on to brighter pastures.. In the process of moving the microphones around to do the unplugged set, the band had slightly damaged the sound they perfected during the first set. It was about this time a drunk shouted out “QUIT STALLING!!” (now there's the Christmas spirit!)The second set had the band slowing things down as they went into “Anymore, What Might've Been, And If Tomorrow Never Comes.” We did find out the vocals were a little muddy, and Dave's guitar needed to be louder. Jesse had not been feeling well before we even started, at this point, he's starting to cough, and not looking too well. The band takes a quick 10-minute break and gets ready for the third set.The third set had Jesse ready to pass out at any minute. By this time many of the people we thought were into us had left. Just losers trying to pump enough booze into women to get some Christmas nooky. The third set had Jim Ries (a buddy from work, and part of the reason we got the gig) and his ex-girlfriend's Aunt (Fay) high steppin' on the dance floor. It also had John drawing blanks in the middle of “Good-Bye Says It All.” This was added to nights previous mistakes like Dave cutting “Mercury Blues” in half by going to the ending two solos too soon, and Kevin flubbing a lyric here and there, as well as Jesse, providing some interesting drum parts to “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous.” Luckily, all flubs are covered pretty smoothly (technical difficulties left Dave singing back-up alone on Bubba Hyde was pretty noticeable). Kevin goes mobile as he takes the mic on the dance floor and sings “So help me girl.” The band does the mosh version of “Sticks and Stones.” The band closes the night by repeating Watermelon Crawl, and Fast as You. The last song had all members on the dance floor along with the crowd. Another extended solo from Dave helps the band fill the time to 12:00. The band loads up the equipment and takes it back to Kevin's basement, it was all done at 1:00. We made $200. (of which we all got $50). We decided to let Jesse keep his $50 instead of putting it towards the drum set since it was Christmas and all.All in all a much better gig than expected. The band learns that we need to get rid of all the songs that weren't quite ready (Nothing Wrong With The Radio)by LEARNING THEM. This would eliminate last second set changes. It was much better than the biker benefit, but we now a good idea of what needs fine-tuning

What was supposed to be a charity event, turns out to be a biker rally.

John and Dave start reaching out to the local circuit. The band flips a coin and chooses a band name. The adventure is interesting as they visit different bars. The band decides to take a charity gig as a test.bq8yicgw

The band moves to Kevin's basement. Kevin gets a squire guitar for Kevin. Jessie's wife decides she's going to book the band? Dave gets a new louder amplider.

The band has a fun practice, and is joined by two wives who want to share their opinions.It's the last time in John's basement, and they decide to record the practice.They are thinking of adding a female keyboardist.

This show is best consumed from episode 1 to the latest episode.Bob has an OK drumset, a pretty good meter, and seems like he will be a good fit.Let's the same 8 songs over and over and over and over.Bob drops a few bombs at practice.We not only need a drummer, we need a drumset.

This podcast is best consumed from the first episode through the latest.Dales joins the band. There is talk of moving practice to Dale's house. Things are a little rough.Four days after the last practice Dave gets a call from John. Is it good news or bad news?Who is Kevin and is he any good?

The boys are tried of drumming to the Magic Drummer Cassette tape. They interview Terry and Dale and finally come to a decision on a drummer. He has lots of experience and is offered the job on the spot.The band kicks around some names for the band.Terry isn't a good fit, but will Dale join the band?

In this first episode you heard the rules and framework that is going to be used to create a band. You'll hear how John, Kevin and Dave start to put together a band. Would Dave join a COUNTRY band after playing metal and blues?