01.12.2013 - Keller Tavern - Keller, TX

So, if you read the last blog, you know we were a bit nervous about this show. Didn't go well for another artists that is handled by the same agent, heard some bad things, etc. Well, I'm glad to say that it totally did not apply to this night!

I wasn't able to snap any pictures this time, so I'll try to describe the place. Small. How's that? Ok, here's the deal... it's long and narrow, basically running the length of a long bar with some tables against the wall. They also have a HUGE patio. Patio is the place to be. Unfortunately, for us, it was around 30 degrees outside. Oh, and it started hailing and storming around the time we started, rained the rest of the night. So, while small, we were glad to be inside.

We had been warned about the sound levels in this place and how, when playing inside, they don't want it loud. Chance of being told to shut it completely down if we didn't comply, etc. Now, here's the deal - it's a wood structure. Wood walls, ceilings, floor. Anyone who knows the slightest about acoustics knows what happens when you fire up a sound system in an all wood structure - it's freaking loud!

Anyway, we showed up fairly early in anticipation of the problems. Heath and I kind of pride ourselves on being nice people, so we just told them the truth - said we had heard that sound levels might be an issue and that we wanted to work with the bar and make everyone happy. So, we did. We started out really low on the sound system - which, in that wood room, sounded really nice and full. The guy in charge said, "you've got head room now, so if it gets busy, ok to ease it up - we'll let you know if it's too loud." Crowd grew, we got louder, the crowd got louder. Everything was fine. We were up to normal operating level by 10pm and, while that wood bass thing throws the mic monitors for a loop, it was good.

We intentionally altered our set for this thing as well, playing songs that would go over better at a lower level first. Again, growing the energy and sound level slowly, but surely.

It was kind of odd at times. When we started, there was a football game on. We saw a lot of the backs of peoples heads. But, at the end of the songs, they'd quickly turn around and clap. I'm thinking, "ok, they're listening, just not watching... works for me." After the game, faces started turning around, toes started tapping and it was all good. Unfortunately, with the tight space, dancing was not an option. But, again, they got into it and had fun. No real highlights for me for this show, it was all a nice, smooth high. No big sound issues or ups and downs. In the end, the show we had feared the most to date turned out to be one of the best. Oh, and they want us back for the patio once we're past the Winter and rain season. Works for us!

Next week... Hey, next week my friend, Mike, is taking me down to Galveston to meet up with some other friends for my birthday! I love Galveston and am really looking forward to it. There will be no reports from that trip and that's probably a good thing. I'll catch up with you guys after the next show on the 25th. Until then...

Stay gold,
RH