Me, a journalist? Probably not.

[mellymell]

After what I believe to be one of the best shows I've ever seen, I got to work on Tuesday morning and just had to write an email to Dave Ratner and Brandon Mann, The Motet's manager and booking agent. After months of work, emails back and forth, and probably over 1000 flyers slipping through my hands in one weekend, (as well as the hands that so graciously helped me out in my absence) I just had to thank the guys who really made it happen. Also, I just had to sing the praises of an amazing band. So what do I get in return? The manager offers to distribute a review of the show on jambase, all over the net and anywhere else he can manage to get it, if I'm willing to write it. Hmm.. . . am I up to the task? He persuades me with a title of "Official Huntsville Correspondent for Jambase.com". Although I think its somewhat the same as the "Anointed Promotions Director" position he gave me for the show. Mostly bullshit, but sounds fun.

Well, obviously Sunday night was nothing short of phenomenal for me. SCI in my own hometown, The Motet in my favorite local bar!!! No way!! YES WAY!! Well, all weekend we were talking about what sort of SCI show Huntsville was going to be. Honestly I had to say, I just didn't know. I couldn't imagine with their new directions what they would try to pull off.

We got back on Sunday in time to rest for a bit, change clothes, and head down to the Jam to start distributing the remainder of the flyers. I was pleased to find out once I got there that nearly everyone I handed a flyer to either already knew about The Motet show to follow, or had already gotten a flyer some time over the weekend (ah, my minions at work, WAY TO EARN YOUR KEEP GUYS!!! Thanks a million to those who helped and those who came out too!).

The SCI set started out a bit slow, and I thought it was going to be another hometown flop honestly. But then they picked up a little bluegrass, and just went with it. The local "family" and the travelers made the best of the gravel parking lot we had to dance in, and spirits started to soar. They finished set one on a high note, and I was buzzin'.

Chris and I went to grab a bite to eat and get rid of the rest of the flyers at set break. We wandered around, talking to familiar faces, seeing old ones we hadn't seen in so long (granted if we'd leave the house more we'd probably see them a lot more often). It was heartwarming really to see so many old friends, and then familiar faces from the road, all nestled in the same place together.

So, second set starts, and who comes out, but Dave Watts, Scott Messersmith, and Dominic Lalli (drums, percussion, and sax) of The Motet. Billy mentions the guy's show following the Jam at Crossroads, as well as a little known trivia fact that The Motet played he and Jill's wedding (bet that was quite a party). At that point, I looked at Chris and said "well, so much for flyers, that's all the promotion we need now". But what would they play?

Well, they broke out one of my old favorites, Paul Simon's Under African Skies, which is always beautiful, but these guys are drum masters, they added that extra kick of Americubafrican Groove. So that's over, and the rest of The Motet (Mark Donovan on guitar and Greg Raymond, keyboards) comes out to join them for Freedom Jazz Dance. So, ok, I boogied my ass off!!. And then took most of the rest of the set to relax and prepare for the after show.

Shortly before the encore, Chris and I headed over towards Crossroads. There was talk of it selling out, so I wanted to be sure the show I'd been working so hard for I wasn't going to miss. We got our stamps for entry, and then headed over to Booksys real quick to make use of their facilities and their water cooler. Then we went to sit outside of Crossroads with Kristin, Krissy and Alex. Slowly after the encore, people filed over to the bar to see about getting into the show. We drank about a pitcher of beer while we waited, and then I heard the first song start, so I made my way inside and up to the front.

My oh my what a treat!!! All our hard work paid off ten fold, and I was left breathless, and aching from dancing non-stop for nearly 3 hours. I thought their drum jam was never going to end!!! And in some ways, I hoped it never would. After the show, and the encore that was begged out of them (note: I've never seen a Crossroads crowd beg for an encore from a band), I stepped to the side of the stage to say a quick thanks to Dave. He thanked us for being such a great enthusiastic crowd. Later I got the chance to say the same to Scott. They seem more than willing to make future appearances here. I heard Megan run up and say that Scott was asking around for where the drum circle was after the show. Chris had class early in the morning, or I would have totally said, "pack up your stuff, except what you want to play with and meet me in the park in an hour", and then distribute all my drumming buddies to assemble the troops and do the same. So much for early mornings I suppose.

Jason said after a bit of what sounded to me like P. R. work, plugging my name into every comment he could while talking to the guys (as well as some undeserved praises of my drumming skills, I'm sorry, but I'm in no way the best drummer around here), he gave them his number, said he had a kit set up in his living room already and would be happy to stay up and play some drums.

I gave him a call and told him if anything happened and they showed up or called to let me know, because Chris was willing to skip class the next day to appease me. Well, never heard back, should have gone with my impulse and gotten them to the park. Some other time perhaps.

All goes to show that when you put your mind to it, and apply yourself to a cause you believe in, throw in some determination and a slew of friends who support you and your ideals and are willing to lend a hand, you can actually make some positive things happen.

Comments

[deahna.livejournal.com]

You a journalist...well hell yeah. You should even pick parts of this post to go in it. I wish there had been a drum circle at jason's. We went back to kristen's/Christina's place for a while before everyone else went to Jeff's (warm fuzzy/cold prickly). Jason was extremely drunk that night, but friendly as usual. Hope he didn't drive himself home, but I'm sure he did. Crossroads was great that night. Have never had such a good veggie burrito. I had never seen it like that, or with that many people, not even for Fleming and John or Jennifer Nettles. The vibe was wooooonderful and the music was great. I usually don't listen to that kind of stuff on my own, but I enjoyed it. Must extend my musical horizons. Good luck with your writing assignment. Let me know where I can read it. You'll do fine. You write well.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Awww, thanks for the compliments!!! I haven't heard back from Dave on what I sent him yet, think he's having problems with his email. Usually he replies right after I send it just about, but lately its taking him a day or so to get back to me on stuff. He said he was going to plaster whatever I send him all over the net though, so I'll let you know where you can see it when I find out. There were a lot of people who were pleasantly surprised that night. People who never listen to that sort of thing, who would never usually stick around for it were groovin their asses off that night (i.e. T.P.). A week later and I'm still indirectly hearing comments about the show from people who weren't even there. Went to Brandy's house Friday night for dinner and she said there's buzz at Old Town about it. Well, now on to the next project. People should be announcing Winter tours pretty soon, and The Motet's booking agent already mentioned a possible Feb. or March date. I know there are tons of excellent musicians out there who are willing to play for $1000 or less, and I'm sure with cover charges and the bar, Crossroads and other venues even would not have a problem booking such acts. In most cases just dropping an email to a band, and giving them contact information for a venue is enough (and of course offering yourself for promotional work, but hey, pass out a few flyers, get in the show for free). And even if its not, its a good place to start. Any requests for folks you'd like to see play in town?

[deahna.livejournal.com]

The only person I'd like to see at crossroads is Jennifer Nettles and apparently she has come this year already. I don't really know of too many jam bands, but I trust you to bring some killer people to town if you do it again, cause that was awesome!!!
It was so cool to see the regular huntsville crowd with the hippies. Yeah, even people I would never have expected to be there (like me or tp). Good job gurl!!

love and such to you...

[beenabutterfly.livejournal.com]

thank you, thank you, thank you!! I really appreciated your comment. it made me feel better. I have been pretty down about that whole situaton, especially sice Kris just moved out 2 days later./ I'm sure that you heard about it. but anyway, i will survive and all that jazz!

Re: love and such to you...

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

actually, I didn't hear about it, seems my reclusive behavior and the fact that we live in BFE now has driven a communication wall between me and some of my friends. I generally only talk to kristin if I happen to see her while I'm out somewhere. Glad to hear you're feeling better though!!! Probably for the best that she's out though, sounds like what you really need is some peace and quiet and time to yourself, and kristin always seems to need loud, obnoxious, party fools around her. Sometimes I wonder if she'll ever grow out of it, or if she'll wind up a 40 year old drunk who doesn't know when to quit (i.e. Ab-Fab). Oh well, to each their own. Love ya!!

Re: love and such to you...

[deahna.livejournal.com]

nah, she's only 22. I hadn't even touched lsd till i was 22 and you guys know how much of that stuff i've put down in the past. I didn't even go through my rave cave (x) shit in bham till i was 25...those were the days in hell.
But i'm a late bloomer ;)

Re: love and such to you...

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

True, and I guess we got started a little too early. I'm only 22 and here I already feel myself settling into that "if it don't come from the earth I ain't doin' it" phase. I'm still all about some herb, probably always will be, and lord knows I love the occational shrooms. Hell, I'd probably still do 'cid if I knew where to find it. The x phase though, that was nastiness, glad it only lasted a couple of years for me. Live and learn I suppose.