Day 30 - April 10th 2009
I woke up in a window seal at 5am, my throat killing me. I remember immediately it was Good Friday, Dad’s preaching. I’m usually there to watch him. First Good Friday Service I’ve missed in quite sometime. Seven ministers preach sermons based on the seven last words of Christ. It’s long but it’s pretty cool. I got to talk to him, wish him luck. I knew he’d do well, he always does. Hopefully I’ll get to listen to his sermon on-line.
Another day in Clear Lake Iowa where the music died. It’s also where our van died and we were waiting to see if we were gonna be able to get it fixed in time to make the gig in Omaha tonight. We had all day literally so I called my mom to see if I could get my prescription for penicillin filled at a Walgreens nearby. My throat was swollen and there were white spots all over it. I needed the meds before it got worse. I was given a number for a cab company but it didn’t go through. I was given a number for another cab company and make a call.
I waited for about a half hour and I called back.
Me: Hi this is Andre Coles I called about half an hour ago
Cabbie: Yes
Me: I was wondering where the cab was.
Cabbie: Well you didn’t say that you wanted it. When you just give me a pick up point and a destination and ask how much it costs that doesn’t tell me anything.
Me: Um What?
Cabbie: I’m not even in the area. Did you want me to come now
Me: Yes please come now.
I forgot that I was in Iowa. At home when you call a cab that means you want it now.
Half hour later she pulls up and takes me to the Walgreens in the next town over. I run in and get my penicillin and run out and go back into the cab. On the ride back we talk about driving and Iowa and Minnesota. It hurt to talk, so she did the talking for the both of us. I got back to the hotel and swallowed a pill. I wished to feel better instantly but I knew that wasn’t going to be the case. I ran into Pete and I asked him if he minded taking a look at the input jack on my acoustic guitar. Pete said sure.
He had a thought that if we used some string we could pull the jack out and fix it that way. When we pulled one end we saw that it was made to be fixed just that way, there were two holes to pull strings through. We couldn’t find thread and I said, “If only I had old school dental floss” Pete responded with “I think I have some in my bag” and with a few threads the input jack which has been loose for months was finally fixed. This is going to make doing open mics and playing at Molly Malone’s in LA easier.
If that wasn’t enough the car was fixed an hour and a half early. We picked the car up, got the trailer and hit the road. I slept most of the way there. I feared that I wouldn’t be able to get through the gig. I figured not talking and getting some rest might help. A little prayer wouldn’t hurt either.
We entered Omaha and I was surprised at how much it looked like Reno or Vegas. Lot’s of Neon Signs and Hotel-Casinos. Hell even the local cleaners had a neon sign. We pulled up to the club and loaded the gear inside. I must have looked bad cause the Electric Six guys asked how I was doin. I explained my strep throat condition and they agreed it was pretty gruesome. I decided to get it out. If I can do a 90 minute play with pneumonia, if my mom can do everything she does with two plastic knees, I can sing a 45 minute set with strep throat.
It was touch and got here at first. My throat was on fire the whole show. There were a couple of times where I thought I might pass out but once we got going my energy level came up. I was not gonna pass out in Omaha Nebraska The show was good considering I was running at about 10-15%. I’m committed to giving Bang Camaro everything I have every night for as long as I’m here. I wish I could take it easy but I don’t know nay other way to perform. When I got backstage the Electric Six guys asked if I was ok. I told them that I was livin but I was focused on drying myself off and changing as soon as possible. I wanted to go out and dance during their set but I found myself on the couch.
I fell asleep in the van and we ended up at some pizza shop. I couldn’t swallow at that point so I went back to the van and woke up a the hotel. I ran in the room and got under the covers. I realized that I probably shouldn’t sleep in the bed cause I’m still contagious so I blew up my air mattress and went to sleep.
I really hope I feel better sooner rather than later
No comments:
Post a Comment