Two Grey Cats Blog
- - June 2025 - -
Looks like Summer is finally here. We've already had two outdoor shows in May and more coming up. These can be fun but also challenging for us old guys.
Our basic set-up is usually very simple: Two small amps, two mics and a couple chairs. Easy to load in and out, not too heavy, and great sound in small to medium size rooms.
Outside is a whole different situation. Sometimes, our usual stuff is fine - especially for patios and smaller courtyards. But sometimes the area is quite large and our "grandpa gear" just isn't enough volume to cover the space. Then we have to bring out the bigger stuff, and that means more work.
After many years in bands, we have both accumulated a lot of nice music equipment. We both have big amps, full PA systems, stage monitors, cords, speaker stands, stage lights and accessories. Mostly all gathering dust since we retired and "went acoustic". It all comes back really fast when you find yourself setting up PA speakers and mixers, and playing LOUD.
Not complaining here . . . just a heads-up that there is a certain loss of intimacy that comes from these bigger events. Stuff going on, noise and distractions, barbecue smoke, buffet lines, traffic, and playing louder than usual can be distracting and have a negative effect on our playing.
As P.D.Q. Bach says, you have your instrument and "musical impedimenta".
Coming this month:
Colonial Court in Spokane Valley; Orchard Crest Retirement (a new place for us); New Hope Resource Center up in Colbert (also a new place for us); Avamere at South Hill for an outdoor concert; South Hill Care Center.
Be well folks.
* Recent photos below
