First Gig Post Tx

fishmanpa
fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member

Hi Folks,

I'll be posting this and hitting the shower to get ready for my first gig post treatment. It's a wedding I booked last year for a lovely couple I met while performing on the Skyline Drive at Skyland resort. I hired a violinist to perform with me. Fortunately, this gig doesn't require vocals and is instrumental only.

I'm looking forward to it as the selection of music is wonderful. The wedding party will come down the aisle to "Canon in D" (pretty common) but he bride is walking the aisle to "Oh Shnandoah", a beautiful instrumental version I found that rings of mountain music. They will leave after saying "I Do" to George Straight's "I Cross My Heart". Prior to the ceremony, we will be playing some beautiful selections of traditional music and waltzes. The rehearsals the last few weeks sounded wonderful.

It will be a rather long day between travel, set up etc., but knowing we'll be a part of this couple's special day is a wonderful feeling. A few short months ago, I didn't know if I would be able to do this. The meds have kicked in and I feel "Ok". I hope to get a burst of energy as I'll need it! 

Unfortunately, I'm coming to the realization that the gigs I have booked for August and September will have to be cancelled. I've tried singing and my voice is no where near ready to do a 2 hour gig. Due to the surgery my throat is narrower and still has a lot of healing to do. While I can sing some songs, my higher range is no where to be found at this point in time. Time will tell if I'll regain pre-cancer form. The scar tissue that has narrowed my throat needs therapy to help break it up and I still need many months to heal. At best, I may be able to do a gig or two before the end of the year. Realistically, I'm looking at next year before I can perform at the level I'm accustomed to, if in fact I ever will again.

This is a very sobering realization and one that has my spirits in turmoil. My worst fear was not being able to perform. I know, I know... I'm alive. I get that but part of living for me was performing. It's what I've done since I was a young teen. I also know it hasn't affected my playing but my voice and expressing myself through song is a huge part of who and what I am as a person. 

I know I'm still early on in recovery and things may change but this is where I'm at right now. I'm very thankful for today and the opportunity I'm being presented. I can only hope and pray that I will continue to heal and improve. Progress is measured in weeks and months so time will tell. 

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom. See you in a little while!

"T"

Comments

  • MICH4EL
    MICH4EL Member Posts: 73
    Good luck

    Good luck with your first gig.  What a milestone!  There are lots of unknowns in our future.  Judging from your extraordinarily helpful and insightful posts here, I am sure you will cope and adapt to your new future successfully and with a great attitude.

    m

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    t, wish u the best 4 ur gig. 

    t, wish u the best 4 ur gig.  i'm glad u r well enuf to do it.  u've come a long way and i pray it only gets better.  don't give up on ur voice quite yet.  time heals a lot.

    dj

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    One step at a time...

    so hooray on this....your first step back out in the public music world.  Don't go jumping into the future...."out there" is always a fearful place, and putting ourselves there before we get there has us worrying and fretting about something that may not even happen.  So many times, what we see as the worst possible thing at the moment, turns into something we couldn't have even dreamed up to be so good when it actually comes to pass.

  • wolfen
    wolfen Member Posts: 1,324 Member

    One step at a time...

    so hooray on this....your first step back out in the public music world.  Don't go jumping into the future...."out there" is always a fearful place, and putting ourselves there before we get there has us worrying and fretting about something that may not even happen.  So many times, what we see as the worst possible thing at the moment, turns into something we couldn't have even dreamed up to be so good when it actually comes to pass.

    My Second "Son"

    Please know that you make beautiful music for all of our hearts, no matter what manner you use to express it. Best of luck in this gig and all your future ones.

    Luv,

    Wolfen

  • robswife87
    robswife87 Member Posts: 209
    wolfen said:

    My Second "Son"

    Please know that you make beautiful music for all of our hearts, no matter what manner you use to express it. Best of luck in this gig and all your future ones.

    Luv,

    Wolfen

    Rock on

    Rock it out and love every minute of it T. 

    So glad you are doing well 

    Sandy

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    you will be great, you will do fine

    Hi T,

    Enjoy the gig, one step at a time.

    You are still early in the post era, it can take time to heal (and retrain).  My voice still gives me fits, but is still getting better all the time.  I was afraid of talking on the phone, my voice would give out and I would get flustered and try to restructure my conversation to fewer words.  Lately, I have had some extended phone calls and I have done alright.

    Keep trying, get help if needed, modify your repertoire, hang in there and do not give up (it will happen).  Learning to live with the side effects is the hardest side effect.

    Best always,

    Matt

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    enjoy!

    Thanks for the update. I am sure it will be a joyous day for all, including you. Cancer is a life changing condition and it takes time to wrap your head around all changes in the ways and paths and options going forward. Some paths may narrow while others may open up or widen for you. Do enjoy living and you will find happiness and contentment. don

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Flounder Gigging...

    It's Early Yet.. and like you say, you may never get back what you had..., but maybe you will also...

    At first I was thinking fishing of course....

    Flounder gigging naturally , LOL.

     

    Best,

    John

  • zaac23
    zaac23 Member Posts: 27
    new gig

    ya see the light was't a train

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    I pray you have a successful

    I pray you have a successful gig and that your voice recovers swiftly. My best to the newly weds.

    Debbie

  • josh r.
    josh r. Member Posts: 264 Member
    Break a leg

    Great news "T". My guess is that this will beat playing a "harp" at a different venue! All the best with your new beginning, josh r.

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    Wow.... I'm tired!

    Hi folks,

    All in all it was a successful gig. There was a chance of rain and the decision was made at the last minute to hold the wedding outdoors. The rain held off! They had a 10'x10' canopy for us which kept us in the shade. The rest of the guests and bridal party had to tough it out but it was "partly cloudy" which kept it cool enough for the most part and at 3500' up it's typically 10* cooler than it is in the Valley.

    The wedding was very nice. They were a lovely couple. I felt old as they were so young!... early 20's at best. I just wish they would have had a wedding coordinator to tell everyone what to do. The bridesmaids and ushers practically ran up the aisle as did the bride with her dad ~lol~ We had to shorten the arrangements dramatically! After the "I Do's" we played for about 10 more minutes going through the songs we rehearsed. We received many compliments.

    Now... how did I do? Playing wise was not an issue. When you've been doing this as long as I have, it's like riding a bike. The young lady who played violin with me did a wonderful job. She's a talented musician and very easy to work with. From the physical aspect it was a struggle for me. While my shoulder was painful and weak, I was able to get myself in position to play with proper technique. However, I'm so incredibly weak! I carried a speaker down to the area and was totally winded. During the ceremony my upper back muscles started to sing with pain. Fortunately, we got a maintenance guy to carry the speaker and amp back to my truck. By the time we were don and packed I was totally exhausted! The reality is as I expected. Besides the vocal aspect, I'm in no way close physically to being able to perform a normal show (90 minutes). Maybe by the end of September I can give it a shot. The peak season is late September until the end of October during the Fall and the changing of the leaves. People from all over the world visit the Park, especially for the Fall. The manager that books me gives me prime nights as I do quite well there. Pay wise it's Ok but it's the tips that make it worthwhile. There are tip jars set up for the entertainers and all it takes is a few well placed "hints" and I end up going home very well compensated (I miss that extra $$ believe me!). 

    The best part about today was seeing some of the employees and managers. I was greeted very warmly and it made my day being told I was missed all season. They all were asking how I was doing and all noticed the 60lb weight loss. The manager that handles the entertainment said to just let her know and I'm back in the rotation. I perform in several locations here in the Valley but by far, playing the Park is my favorite. It's like home for me. If I had to pare down the places I work, I would drop most of them and just play there. It's one of the few places where I truly get to "perform". What could be better than doing what I love the most in one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Being a tourist destination, I typically have an audience of 60-100+ in the lounge and they're there to listen. The crew there set me up well with dimming the lights and setting the mood. There are many times you can hear a pin drop during my performance and the graciousness of the crowd never ceases to humble and amaze me. 

    Today was definitely a reality check and while I'm doing well for 10 weeks post Tx, it's obvious I have a very long way to go. All I can do is hope and pray that I re-gain my voice and stamina. Thank you all for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me.

    "T"

  • alligatorpointer
    alligatorpointer Member Posts: 131
    First Gig

    Nice to know that you are feeling strong enough to play for a wedding, "T".   An instrumental wedding performance sounds beautiful and your music selections are very special indeed.  It must be really difficult to have to wait so long for healing when you want to sing right now.  Your voice may not be the same as before tx but your positive attitude will help you find a way to adapt and sing again after your throat tissues heal.  Consider that some of the least melodious singers have styles that bring enjoyment to their fans and their unique voices have made them famous.  Joe Cocker and Bob Dylan are two examples.  I love listening to someone who sings in a deep growl and draws an audience in with personality and warmth.  You will find your voice and sing again because you have talent and the music inside of you needs to be heard and shared.  Believe.

  • sin9775
    sin9775 Member Posts: 199 Member
    fishmanpa said:

    Wow.... I'm tired!

    Hi folks,

    All in all it was a successful gig. There was a chance of rain and the decision was made at the last minute to hold the wedding outdoors. The rain held off! They had a 10'x10' canopy for us which kept us in the shade. The rest of the guests and bridal party had to tough it out but it was "partly cloudy" which kept it cool enough for the most part and at 3500' up it's typically 10* cooler than it is in the Valley.

    The wedding was very nice. They were a lovely couple. I felt old as they were so young!... early 20's at best. I just wish they would have had a wedding coordinator to tell everyone what to do. The bridesmaids and ushers practically ran up the aisle as did the bride with her dad ~lol~ We had to shorten the arrangements dramatically! After the "I Do's" we played for about 10 more minutes going through the songs we rehearsed. We received many compliments.

    Now... how did I do? Playing wise was not an issue. When you've been doing this as long as I have, it's like riding a bike. The young lady who played violin with me did a wonderful job. She's a talented musician and very easy to work with. From the physical aspect it was a struggle for me. While my shoulder was painful and weak, I was able to get myself in position to play with proper technique. However, I'm so incredibly weak! I carried a speaker down to the area and was totally winded. During the ceremony my upper back muscles started to sing with pain. Fortunately, we got a maintenance guy to carry the speaker and amp back to my truck. By the time we were don and packed I was totally exhausted! The reality is as I expected. Besides the vocal aspect, I'm in no way close physically to being able to perform a normal show (90 minutes). Maybe by the end of September I can give it a shot. The peak season is late September until the end of October during the Fall and the changing of the leaves. People from all over the world visit the Park, especially for the Fall. The manager that books me gives me prime nights as I do quite well there. Pay wise it's Ok but it's the tips that make it worthwhile. There are tip jars set up for the entertainers and all it takes is a few well placed "hints" and I end up going home very well compensated (I miss that extra $$ believe me!). 

    The best part about today was seeing some of the employees and managers. I was greeted very warmly and it made my day being told I was missed all season. They all were asking how I was doing and all noticed the 60lb weight loss. The manager that handles the entertainment said to just let her know and I'm back in the rotation. I perform in several locations here in the Valley but by far, playing the Park is my favorite. It's like home for me. If I had to pare down the places I work, I would drop most of them and just play there. It's one of the few places where I truly get to "perform". What could be better than doing what I love the most in one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Being a tourist destination, I typically have an audience of 60-100+ in the lounge and they're there to listen. The crew there set me up well with dimming the lights and setting the mood. There are many times you can hear a pin drop during my performance and the graciousness of the crowd never ceases to humble and amaze me. 

    Today was definitely a reality check and while I'm doing well for 10 weeks post Tx, it's obvious I have a very long way to go. All I can do is hope and pray that I re-gain my voice and stamina. Thank you all for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me.

    "T"

    I am so happy

    that you made it through the day!  It sounds like it went very well for you.  I can totally understand your concern about your voice.  It truly will be a shame if it does not come back as good as it was before.  It sounds, however, that you just plain have the music in you.  I am sure you will be able to find great satisfaction in your playing if it doesn't work out for you the way you hope.  My brother sings and plays guitar as well -- not to the extent that you do, not by any means, but nevertheless, the very first thing he asked his doctor is if he would be able to sing after this was all over!

    Keep trying, but it probably wouldn't be good if you pushed it too much.

    Blessings to you.

    ~Shawn~

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    Hoot...Hoot T !

    You are truely an inspiration of strong will and determination to get back into life !  I truely do understand the feelings you and many other's are facing head on with these issues.  But T you're doing what you love !  What a treasure we have in you !  It sounds like things went really good and you  brought joy to a young couple and made their day grand !  Hugs sent !  Katie

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member

    Hoot...Hoot T !

    You are truely an inspiration of strong will and determination to get back into life !  I truely do understand the feelings you and many other's are facing head on with these issues.  But T you're doing what you love !  What a treasure we have in you !  It sounds like things went really good and you  brought joy to a young couple and made their day grand !  Hugs sent !  Katie

    Ya think?

    Katie,

    The way those two young people were looking at each other I don't think they heard a word the preacher was saying (and boy did he preach! ~lol~) or a note that was played!

    "T"

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    "T"

    Happy to see your back at it. Sorry I was on the web site prior to wish you luck but sounds as though you didn't that wish. Maybe you need a roady for a while. I turned down a truck driviing job for Bon Jovi back in the late 80's but I did install a wall unit in Rich's house a year or so later. Come to think about it I was young then. Anyway as everyone said, one step at a time. PT should bring back the shoulder in no time and the voice won't be to far behind.

     

    Take care.........I'm happy to see your progressing

          Jeff

  • denistd
    denistd Member Posts: 597
    gig

    Glad you got through that Tim. I can imagine how tough it must have been lugging gear too. I had my cancer in my larynx and my voice was back in a relatively short period, high notes are the last. Good job we were not Frankie Valli types or even Steve Perry's, who by the way had surgery on his face for melanoma. Also hope they fix this site soon, growing a beard waiting for things to happen.

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    fishmanpa said:

    Wow.... I'm tired!

    Hi folks,

    All in all it was a successful gig. There was a chance of rain and the decision was made at the last minute to hold the wedding outdoors. The rain held off! They had a 10'x10' canopy for us which kept us in the shade. The rest of the guests and bridal party had to tough it out but it was "partly cloudy" which kept it cool enough for the most part and at 3500' up it's typically 10* cooler than it is in the Valley.

    The wedding was very nice. They were a lovely couple. I felt old as they were so young!... early 20's at best. I just wish they would have had a wedding coordinator to tell everyone what to do. The bridesmaids and ushers practically ran up the aisle as did the bride with her dad ~lol~ We had to shorten the arrangements dramatically! After the "I Do's" we played for about 10 more minutes going through the songs we rehearsed. We received many compliments.

    Now... how did I do? Playing wise was not an issue. When you've been doing this as long as I have, it's like riding a bike. The young lady who played violin with me did a wonderful job. She's a talented musician and very easy to work with. From the physical aspect it was a struggle for me. While my shoulder was painful and weak, I was able to get myself in position to play with proper technique. However, I'm so incredibly weak! I carried a speaker down to the area and was totally winded. During the ceremony my upper back muscles started to sing with pain. Fortunately, we got a maintenance guy to carry the speaker and amp back to my truck. By the time we were don and packed I was totally exhausted! The reality is as I expected. Besides the vocal aspect, I'm in no way close physically to being able to perform a normal show (90 minutes). Maybe by the end of September I can give it a shot. The peak season is late September until the end of October during the Fall and the changing of the leaves. People from all over the world visit the Park, especially for the Fall. The manager that books me gives me prime nights as I do quite well there. Pay wise it's Ok but it's the tips that make it worthwhile. There are tip jars set up for the entertainers and all it takes is a few well placed "hints" and I end up going home very well compensated (I miss that extra $$ believe me!). 

    The best part about today was seeing some of the employees and managers. I was greeted very warmly and it made my day being told I was missed all season. They all were asking how I was doing and all noticed the 60lb weight loss. The manager that handles the entertainment said to just let her know and I'm back in the rotation. I perform in several locations here in the Valley but by far, playing the Park is my favorite. It's like home for me. If I had to pare down the places I work, I would drop most of them and just play there. It's one of the few places where I truly get to "perform". What could be better than doing what I love the most in one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Being a tourist destination, I typically have an audience of 60-100+ in the lounge and they're there to listen. The crew there set me up well with dimming the lights and setting the mood. There are many times you can hear a pin drop during my performance and the graciousness of the crowd never ceases to humble and amaze me. 

    Today was definitely a reality check and while I'm doing well for 10 weeks post Tx, it's obvious I have a very long way to go. All I can do is hope and pray that I re-gain my voice and stamina. Thank you all for your kind words and support. It means a lot to me.

    "T"

    It sounds like

    your first gig went very well!  Congrats, as that is a HUGE accomplishment!!!  I pray that you get your singing voice completely back and that there are many, many more gigs in your future!