We had one of our more interesting (in the Chinese curse meaning of the word) rehearsal/performance experiences Sunday afternoon and evening at the state fairgrounds in Salem. We were the backup band for Peter Cetera, lead singer of the band Chicago.
First of all, the commute down to Salem was pretty miserable. Pouring rain, and a several mile backup on I-5 southbound – because of the Woodburn outlet mall.
Next, the stage would have been ideal for an overcast day with no precipitation, because the wind kept blowing rain in onto the cellos and first violins, and then when the sun came out it baked most everyone’s instruments in the string sections, and blinded the rest of us.
Did I mention that is was also around 60 degrees? Not ideal temperatures for keeping fingers limber and wind instruments crack free. We soldiered on, and Cetera was very gracious and professional, and Tim Vest, our interim stage manager, kept us all relatively sane.
After rehearsal, we were treated to another raging downpour while searching for food that either wasn’t deep fried or drowned in grease. After realizing that no such food existed, the following was consumed (shared with others, I should note, not all eaten by me!): funnel cake, turkey leg, fried clams, french fries, cole slaw, and chocolate-dipped cheesecake on-a-stick. Then the stomach noises started, and I wondered if I’d be able to stay on stage for the entire 90 minutes without an intermission of my own!
The performance time came, and the rain had miraculously lifted. Potential audience members must have been worried about the chance of rain, as those without ponchos or umbrellas simply stayed home. There may have been 1,500 people max (in a venue that holds close to 8,000), but those that showed up really wanted to be there.
In the end, it was a fun show, but it definitely made me appreciate my CBA controlled conditions at the Schnitz, and maybe next time Peter Cetera plays the NW, he can do it indoors.