“Rebecca Dore” First Public Performance!

The photographer on the other side of the camera for a change! Photo Courtesy of Courtney Shaw

 

This weekend was one hell of a good time!  It was both nerve racking and exciting at the same time.  Every year there is an annual music festival held in a few towns over from me, where 300 or so friends from all over gather to BBQ, listen to music, party, and camp out.  For 5 consecutive years I have had the pleasure of performing in 2 different groups, and this year marked the birth of a new and exciting project.  I was performing with singer, songwriter, and friend Rebecca Dore.  Becky and I used to be in a group called “Aces Ashes” and first met several years ago.  We have played countless event together and even spent an entire year in the studio recording a full length album.  Unfortunately, the project was ended last spring due to differences in opinion.  I, decided I wanted to take some time off, as I had been playing shows and recording steadily for several years.  The break allowed me to focus on my other passion: photography!  For this event, the camera had to stay home as I had my hands full setting up gear. sound checking, and rocking out!  It has been over a year since I have performed in front of people.  I must say I have played in front of decent crowds before, but in doesn’t take long to get the butterflies back.  Having a handful of musicians in the audience, some who I have played with before also added to the anxiety.  They all know what your capable of and you certainly don’t want to let them down!  For any drummers out there, the gig also was an experiment for me, as I decided to use a hybrid drumkit consisting of electronic triggers and real cymbals!  With the current project consisting of just Becky and I right now, I needed a way to careful monitor and control the mix from the stage.  Becky uses an acoustic guitar and has a really powerful, beautiful voice, and I didn’t want the competition of an overbearing drummer to overpower her.  Outside festivals has always been tricky for me.  Having a monitor next to me is critical.  By running the kit direct, I can just dial in how much drums I want coming though right from the little module mounted next to me.  So how did it go you ask?  Well, every musician is very critical about there performance.  It’s pretty funny, because we all tear ourselves apart as we exit the stage.  When you approach the next act as they leave the stage it’s the same “Oh, man that was rough!”  Overall, we got a lot of great compliments though.  People seemed to really embrace the music, even though it was a little more laid back then the other acts that followed.  Did we make some mistakes? Yes.  Was it fun and great to be playing again? Yes.  There is more pressure this time around I think because the focus is on just 2 people rather than 4 or 5.  That’s OK though.  We are gearing up for another live performance next week at a graduation party, followed by an appearance at a “Best Buy” store.  All I can say is:  “It’s great to be back!”

Rebecca Dore Photo Courtesy of Courtney Shaw