My Biggest Highlight of 2024: Getting to Play Live With an Actual Band

I made this thread because I wanted to tell you all something that happened to me during the year. I think of this moment being my greatest highlight of 2024. I actually got to play in front of a live audience for the first time. It wasn’t at an open mic, but it was with my friend’s band. This happened in August. I shared this video before in other Facebook groups, but some people were complaining about where I was playing at (for things the band and I had no control over), rather than talking my playing. I shared this with Jason Ricci and his Patreon members, and the reception was more positive and less nitpicky over there. I hope you enjoy my interpretation of this iconic song.

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Oh WOW @KeroroRinChou, that was fantastic. I already knew you could play so I’m surprised that was your first time in front of a live audience. You did really well, sounded great. I know you’ve taken some hits in life, so I’m very pleased for you. Thank you for sharing the video.

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You did great!

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You did great! Well done. Can you share with us a little more in-depth about exactly how you felt before and after maybe even during?
I played in front of some relatively new friends and shook so much I nearly threw away the harmonica. Were you scared like that? Or ok? How did you mentally prepare?
Great topic by the way.

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@toogdog I was kind of nervous before joining up with the band because I never rehearsed with them prior to the show. I’ve played in front of family and friends before as a solo harmonica player, but I never played in front of a crowd filled with strangers until that moment. I always loved playing in front of crowds and to entertain people. But after the song was over, people were showering me with compliments and I felt relieved that it turned out to be a success. The one compliment that always sticks out to me is, “I don’t think I would be able to play that well, even with years of practice”. And it’s always the women who say that to me.
Here’s a story for you. The day of the concert, I was at a music store in Norwalk (the gig was on the outskirts of Fremont) and I was testing out one of the amps there, a Fender Princeton 65 DSP if I can recall, and the shop owner was really nice. He’s more of a Toots and Little Walter fan, but he really liked my playing. He never heard of Terry McMillan until I mentioned his name, but I understand the reason why he didn’t because he’s more of a blues fan more than a country fan. He introduced me to some open jams nearby where I live. The store owner was very nice.

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Thanks for the insight

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Very impressed well done my friend, added highlight of the fat drunk Bloke dancing was hilarious :joy::joy::joy:. But very well played indeed. Ignore your detractors you can play

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You fit perfectly with the band. If that’s what happens by not rehearsing, then please don’t rehearse. Great job!

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@KeroroRinChou YA BABYYYY!!! 10" blow bend - that’s what I like about YOU! :sunglasses: Great playing all around. Tasteful, appropriate, most importantly, we can FEEL it. Awww yeah. I’m grinning ear to ear over here. Keep up the great work!

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