East Bay Pride is weird…and if it wasn’t for the bands, I feel there would be no reason to go…
The band I played in was scheduled to go on at 3p, however, the drummer from the band before us was MIA, and we were asked to switch places with them. Granted there were not many people there, however switching times kind of threw me off a bit. I had planned on finishing at least one beer before we had to play…
As I sat behind the set, I knew I was in trouble. There was a double kick attached to the bass drum that was just in my way. I tried to move the pedal over, but I couldn’t take it off as I didn’t have a drum-key on me (note to self- don’t leave home without a drum-key!). The cymbals were all set up around this double kick bar, and I couldn’t get them close enough, or in the right angle to me.
Don’t have much time- hurry and play something…
We started in on the first song, and that’s when I knew it was going to be shit. I couldn’t hear the mix. They had a monitor behind me, but it wasn’t’ on..Therfore all the lead guitar, vocals and bass were being drowned out by the incredibly high feedback I Could hear coming from the rhythm guitar’s amp. I was even having a hard time hearing the drums I was hitting.
I thought the performance sucked, but at least there were not many people around to watch us…
After playing I saw Jared and crew for a short while, then I went back to help load the equipment back into the van. I tried finding them after loading was complete, but to no avail.
I came back to the “alternative” stage and fell in love with this band!! What a fun, nice band, and their drummer is amazing! Their version of Maniac kicks serious ass!
Later in the day, they played. Now, I’ve seen them a few times before, and unfortunately, their “shtick” does not change. But their energy is phenomenal and can make up for the irritating shtick.
The drummer amazes me, as she plays “rock” style, with a bit of jazz thrown in. I decided that after their set, I would make my move…
I approached her “backstage”, tried to sound a bit “professional” asked her about her stage experience, if She could hear the other musicians .blah, blah, blah…trying to show that I’m not a stalker, and not trying to pick her up.
I asked if she had ever thought about giving drum lessons, for I thought she was a great drummer. She said that she used to but that “she studied years to get to the level she’s at”. I guess that means she wouldn’t be available for the Years of teaching that I would require to get anywhere near her skill-level…
Anyway, she asked for my contact information. I wrote it down (on top of an ice-box, so it looks like I’m retarded…or really drunk), she took it, and I asked for hers…she told me to email her at their web-site (ummm….can you formulate the word “NO”?).
I wonder what it is about me that these women drummers are afraid of….this is the second one who has been evasive with me when I’ve asked for lessons. Are they that egotistical that they think I’m hitting on them rather than enamored by their drumming ability?
After I was rejected, I found my way to BART and held my breath as I re-entered the city.

I think I’ll wait at least another year to go back to the East Bay.