Dare I Put This in Print?

Apparently, I will have the great honor of playing mando at Burt's Tiki Lounge on 22 April.  Voted as one of America's top 20 dive bars in the United States by reputable Stuff Magazine, I am left speechless.  Then again, I could have said no.

A few months ago, I answered one of those "mandolinist wanted" ads you see all over the place these days, and I wound up at a loosely organized tryout of sorts with a band called the Colorado City Runaways.  I played around with them for an hour or so a few weeks ago, and they called back for some more.  A name like "Colorado City Runaways" begs questioning, but they are also the types of questions that can get you in trouble in a hurry.  I kept most of my questions to myself and just played.

I don't consider myself a band member by the way.  Like your least favorite substitute teacher, I am investing little and keeping my bags packed and in hand.  They used to have this really cute girl who could sing and play the mandolin, so like the aforementioned substitute teacher, the band has their eyes peeled for a suitable long-term replacement.  In this case that would be an attractive, singing female version of me.  After a jam/rehearsal a few weeks ago, I offered to wear a dress (in jest of course) to ease the tension, but it did nothing but serve as a reminder of their misfortune and my unalterable biological deficiencies.

Our critical point of difference is our level of commitment.  I don't think it likely that the mandolin will ever be a source of income.  I play for enjoyment and because it is another mode of communication.  Other musicians I associate with have a much higher level of dedication.  With that dedication comes hope for a future in music.  Tenure instead of lowly substitution.

As much as I enjoy chopping with the ol' axe, it's actually pretty low on the list of priorities.  There are about five things or so that are simply far more important, so this will fall by the side when it must.  For some reason, picking tunes in a top 20 "dive bar" just does not seem to be my scene.  Regardless of whether any of you are there or not, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.