NYC free gigspam... NY Marathon!

**adouglas** · 10-22-2009, 07:36 PM

The organizers of the New York Marathon have asked my band to play on race day, November 1, near the finish line at Columbus Circle.

It's unpaid, but hey, what a cool gig! Plus we don't have to hump gear...they're providing everything. All we do is show up and play. I'll be representing the Bongo, broadcasting mind control rays to all within range....

We're lined up for two sets, 4:00 to 4:45 and again from 5:00 to 5:30. Hopefully everything goes down on time... but you know how it is.

If you're anywhere near NYC, PLEASE come on out, jump and shout!

If you come, say hi.

Any photos and/or video that results would be GREATLY appreciated!

**five7** · 10-23-2009, 08:45 AM

Sounds like a cool gig!

**Aussie Mark** · 10-27-2009, 05:56 PM

"Cool Running Shoes"

**adouglas** · 10-27-2009, 06:26 PM

Yes, they're for real. Vibram "Five Fingers" running shoes.

**Aussie Mark** · 10-27-2009, 06:49 PM

Looks like something you'd wear while surfing over a reef

**ptg** · 10-28-2009, 05:40 AM

It's a small world! The band I'm in was invited to play right over the bridge. But, due to scheduling conflicts, we had to back out. Our drummer is going to do it with some friends of his, though.
Be prepared for some heavy duty traffic and a long day!
Good luck and have fun!

**adouglas** · 10-28-2009, 06:51 AM

When the organizers first contacted us they said something about plans to have a LOT of bands (maybe 200) spread over several locations along the marathon route, playing all day.

Sounded dubious to me, since they were also talking about providing full sound support. That's a lot of money and logistics. So I don't know what the final deal wound up being.

We're delighted that we not only got a great location at the corner of Central Park, but that they gave us so long to play. I was thinking it'd be one of those "get on, play five songs and get off" deals.

I only wonder how many people will be left by 5 pm. The marathon starts very early in the morning, so we'll be playing for the stragglers.

**adouglas** · 11-01-2009, 08:53 PM

GREAT GIG!

It was weird in spots....

And we had a great stage...

In the middle of the big city...

Nothing like good friends. Having a pass around your neck is a true Wayne's World kind of thing.

**five7** · 11-01-2009, 09:10 PM

Great pictures. Looks like a great gig!

**Aussie Mark** · 11-01-2009, 09:33 PM

Nice gig to have on your CV! Looks like fun

**adouglas** · 11-01-2009, 09:38 PM

One of the better parts... the sound guy saw my bass, got a big grin and said "Oh, those are COOL!!!"

He knew exactly what I had and he was a happy guy.

It was total point-and-shoot. As you can see, I had a GK 800RB and a Hartke 410 supplied to me, a rig I've never played through before. I simply disabled all the tone-shaping switches on the amp, set the bass and treble flat, boosted the mids a bit and bingo. Done deal. I set the Bongo pretty much flat.

Bongos rule.

Later comment from the sound guy: "It's so easy to mix a band that sounds good...."