Rockin' and Rollin' and Whatnot...

So, about 6 weeks ago i got a call from my Sister-in-law-Pam's mom, Joan, asking if Brad and i would be interested in a joining their band to play for the Church Dance. Now, my family and Pam's family are Mor-diddly-ormon... and i was raised that way... but have sinced gone the way of the Nonbeliever.



ANYWAY - there was some hesitation at first - mostly on Brad's part. I think he thought they were going to strap him down and read the Book of Mormon to him until he Begged to be Baptised and Confirmed in the Church.


I agreed immediately, based on the fact that i had "jammed" with Joan and her husband Glenn on numerous occassions out on the farm in my youth. and i knew it would be a barrel of laughs.

So, we joined up. And we were 'volunteering' much to Brad's dislike.



Anyway, after 6 weeks of practicing and learning 2 hours worth of songs the fateful day arrived... last Saturday. We packed up the gear and headed to the church where we knocked 'em dead with tunes like: "Down on the Corner", "Who's Sorry Now", "Twist and Shout", "Hard Days Night", and more! We even pulled out "Smoke on the Water" which we had only played together 3 times before the dance. It was, arguably, our best song! As far as number or dancers and headbangers (you haven't lived until you've seen the old folks you grew up with in church ROCKIN OUT to Smoke on the Water). The crowd was singing loud and strong the famous words:


SMOOOOOKE on the WAAAAATERRRRRRR....and fire in the sky....


except for my little brother (who's actually not very little 6'2", 200 lbs with a bright blue mohawk) who was singing at the top of his lungs:



SLOOOOOOWWWWWW walking WALLLLLLLTER.....the Fire Engine Guy....


i was surprised at the turn out for the dance, but even more so for how long people stayed. From what i remember, those dances usually peder out by nine o'clock. But we had a full dance floor until 10:30 when we were forced to stop so other people could come on the stage and 'jam', which killed the dance, in my opinion.


Anyway, it was a lot of fun! i'd forgotten how much fun it is to be on a stage, and talking to a crowd and dancing around!! Even Brad, who played Bass (he's usually on guitar) had a really good time - and that's what i was most concerned about. I love it when he plays, especially when he's having a really good time. Something about his stance, and his arms, and shoulders.... and his face.... just makes my insides turn to GOO!! sighhhhh


enough of that... here's another pic:

this is me and Krista - my sister-in-law's baby sister. She's like the little sister i never had. She also sang lead for the Intermission band and she was soooo goood! i'm so proud of her.

Anyway, we were the hot news item the next day in church, i'm told. Everyone said we were fab, and that it was the best church dance they'd ever been to! Which is a nice feeling to know that all our hard work paid off in the end.... and speaking of paid....they paid us off in the end, which - i think - really cemented the whole experience for Brad. Not much, but it was still nice to get.