Here we go again with another, I am sitting at a happy hour, drinking margaritas and I get a text message. I look at it, choke on the straw, and that drink is all over the table in no time flat. What could that text possibly have said?
“How would you like to open for Parmalee?”
Of course, being calm, cool, and collected, I checked our schedule, knowing full well that the date was going to be open, and quickly responded: “When and Where?”
We have been working hard at this band thing. Very hard for over six years now. All that hard work is starting to show and we are getting calls for shows instead of making them and asking. I won’t stop making those phone calls, but it sure is nice to have your phone ring once in awhile. And when you notice the number, and know who it is calling, you always smile because after you say “Hello”, there is another opportunity to help make things happen.
It took no time to get the paperwork signed and delivered. We were on our way to opening for another major artist and we were going to have fun.
We got there, huge outdoor amphitheater, great staff, huge green room, food, drink, and a clean bathroom that works (you have no idea how much that means to a band). We were waiting for Parmalee to finish their soundcheck, and like little mice with a plan, we scurried on stage and got our gear set up waiting for the go to check levels. Because, once levels are attained, you know the big boom is going to come once they open up that channel, and you get to hit your first note and feel the stage and walls shake, it's like thunder coming down. There is nothing better than playing at full concert volume. For most of you, who don’t get to be up on stage, what you hear as an audience member is quite different than what you hear on stage during the show. We can actually talk to each other, yell things on the fly, and still feel the rush of air coming from our amps, side fills and monitors. What a rush!
As usual, the time flew by. Before we knew it, our set was done and it was time to clear the stage for the boys of the evening. Parmalee is a great group of guys. Down to earth, humble, respectful, and are working just as hard as we are to “make it”. They though, are a little further up the road than we are since they already have three top ten hits. Five Albums and four videos made for CMT. They were very encouraging to us and really liked what we did.
We hung out in the crowd during the Parmalee show and the fans treated us like we were rock stars. Asking for photos and autographs. Sure is a great feeling to see a little kid come up and shyly ask for a photo. I remember those days like it was yesterday. Heck, I felt like that as both bands were passing each other backstage. Saying hello, slapping high fives, what’s up’s, and have a great show. Playing music, there is no better feeling.