[Harp-L] Why I love Playing for Free.

[rainbowjimmy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I played for free yesterday. Great gig at a friend's house--3 kegs of  
beer. The band got $60.00 when the hat was passed, $20.00 gas money to  
the the guy who trucked in the PA and $40.00 for the drummer as a  
thank you for sitting in.

Playing for free in a relaxed setting is a great chance to try out new  
and original material.Our main vocalist/rhythm guitarist wasn't able  
to show (he had an old time acoustic gig) so the harp got more stage  
time. Usually I only play quick solos but I did a lot of chording and  
accompanying. Did a lot more singing too.

Since we're playing for friends (drunk friends at that) we could  
stretch out more. I did an extended solo on Turn on Your Love Light, I  
played dorian harp on Surf Rider. The guy throwing the party is a harp  
player so we put him on stage. He had a blast.

We were fed. There was lots of beer. We started playing at 4.30 and  
were packed up and home by 9.30 so that was relaxing.

Stress free. Hang out with friends. Play what we want to play.  
Beautiful day. Beautiful location. It's what life is about.

Oh yeah, we went over some of the tunes with the bass player that  
morning for the first time. She's a real trooper. She did damn good  
considering.

Rainbow Jimmy
http://www.spaceanimals.com
http://www.soundclick.com/theelectricstarlightspaceanimals.htm