Everyone has their bad days. Professionals know how to make the best of a bad situation, and at least salvage what can be salvaged. I learned this like most people learn things – the hard way.
I had been hired to play a wedding. It was to be outdoors and I met with the soon-to-be couple and the wedding planner to scope out the venue and make sure everything was in place.
I was to play a song for the groom to walk down the aisle to, and the Maid of Honor was to sing and play for the bride to come in. Easy, no problem. The Maid of Honor wasn’t a working musician, but had been a singer at some point. We agreed it would make sense to put both guitars through the same amp and keep it simple. After all, why would we need more for just one song each?
It was a small wedding and I had no other responsibilities. Show up, bring the amp, play song, go home. Easy money. Unfortunately, ‘Piece of cake’ rhymes with ‘Big mistake’.
Rain came down heavy enough to move us to Plan B – everyone crammed under the awning.
I played the song I needed to prepare, timed it right and it went off without a hitch. Then I handed over the cord for the Maid of Honor to plug in her guitar. She plugged it in. No sound.
Most of the time on stage, you can cover a hiccup with a ‘Bear with us folks while we get this figured out’, or some schtick about not being bright enough to work electricity. But during a wedding, waiting for the bride to come in, humor is lost on most. So much pressure rides on this one moment, whether it needs it or not.
So, I did what most prey do in their last moments alive - I panicked. Twisting nobs, flipping switches. Nothing. I looked up with terror only sharks witness before devouring their next meal. Without saying a word, the non-working musician took control.
She stepped out in front of the mic, cool as a cucumber and sang a completely acoustic version of ‘God Blessed the Broken Road.’
IT WAS AMAZING. People cried…a lot.
The voice only carries so far, but with the help of the venue it was intimate without being strained or too quiet. There was so much soul, so much feeling, so much love. In that cramped little space, her voice gently lilted over the sound of the sweetly falling rain. She created a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime.
And it was all thanks to this guy for not getting it right. You’re welcome.
I walked out, head low. After checking the gear, it was a cord malfunction. As a musician, you’re only worth the cheapest piece of gear you use. Good thing I gave them a discount.
In a great twist, a few months later I saw the groom while I was working the pizza counter at my second job.
We locked eyes. And said – nothing.
I knew he recognized me from somewhere. But I was hoping that he didn’t figure out where till he was at home enjoying a delicious hot slice of Chicago style pie with his bride.
I had been hired to play a wedding. It was to be outdoors and I met with the soon-to-be couple and the wedding planner to scope out the venue and make sure everything was in place.
I was to play a song for the groom to walk down the aisle to, and the Maid of Honor was to sing and play for the bride to come in. Easy, no problem. The Maid of Honor wasn’t a working musician, but had been a singer at some point. We agreed it would make sense to put both guitars through the same amp and keep it simple. After all, why would we need more for just one song each?
It was a small wedding and I had no other responsibilities. Show up, bring the amp, play song, go home. Easy money. Unfortunately, ‘Piece of cake’ rhymes with ‘Big mistake’.
Rain came down heavy enough to move us to Plan B – everyone crammed under the awning.
I played the song I needed to prepare, timed it right and it went off without a hitch. Then I handed over the cord for the Maid of Honor to plug in her guitar. She plugged it in. No sound.
Most of the time on stage, you can cover a hiccup with a ‘Bear with us folks while we get this figured out’, or some schtick about not being bright enough to work electricity. But during a wedding, waiting for the bride to come in, humor is lost on most. So much pressure rides on this one moment, whether it needs it or not.
So, I did what most prey do in their last moments alive - I panicked. Twisting nobs, flipping switches. Nothing. I looked up with terror only sharks witness before devouring their next meal. Without saying a word, the non-working musician took control.
She stepped out in front of the mic, cool as a cucumber and sang a completely acoustic version of ‘God Blessed the Broken Road.’
IT WAS AMAZING. People cried…a lot.
The voice only carries so far, but with the help of the venue it was intimate without being strained or too quiet. There was so much soul, so much feeling, so much love. In that cramped little space, her voice gently lilted over the sound of the sweetly falling rain. She created a moment that will be remembered for a lifetime.
And it was all thanks to this guy for not getting it right. You’re welcome.
I walked out, head low. After checking the gear, it was a cord malfunction. As a musician, you’re only worth the cheapest piece of gear you use. Good thing I gave them a discount.
In a great twist, a few months later I saw the groom while I was working the pizza counter at my second job.
We locked eyes. And said – nothing.
I knew he recognized me from somewhere. But I was hoping that he didn’t figure out where till he was at home enjoying a delicious hot slice of Chicago style pie with his bride.
RSS Feed