May 14th, 2012

Countryside / Hammys

A Friday night off, which was probably a good thing as it gave me time to mow my yard. It was a bunch of errands and some practice time on Saturday before heading out to the Countryside. We had a decent night which included Jessie and Tarie stopping out. Jessie sang “Burnin’ Love, “Steamroller Blues” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with the band. Later in the evening, Tom McDermott (bass player) sat in on “Kiss Me Deadly” – something he said he’s always wanted to do. We had Tim behind the board this time with Sak running the lights. And as always, thanks to all who stopped out.
 
Of course, it was Mother’s Day and also dad’s 78th birthday on Sunday for our gig at Hammys. Cyndi’s dad, “Bud” Krachey was in town and had a gang stop in. The bummer part of the day was my mixer wasn’t working. Luckily, Gary had a spare, and we had to rewire the PA just before starting time. Thanks to Dave Hernandez, keyboard extraordinaire, for stopping out, and also to everybody else that made for a fun day. All said, it sounded fine and we had a nice afternoon. Gary, Matt, Bob, and I hung out and chatted for a while after we were done. Not too long for me, as it was time to head back to Milwaukee.
 
We’re back at Tremors this weekend and the jam band is back at the Sandtrap on Sunday. I’ve been working on new songs and we’re hoping to practice soon as it’s time for some new tunes. Stop out to Tremors this weekend and say hello. We’ll see you there!

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May 7th, 2012

Bazingas / Sandtrap Jam

A return to Bazingas for a one-nighter on Saturday. I called Cyndi mid-morning to find out about set-up time, only to find out the band had already set up. I was at Guitar Center that afternoon buying a slide and drink holder for my mic stand – which worked out very well. We still had some buzzing problems with the speakers which was annoying. I wonder what the other bands do – hope it’s not just us. While setting my gear up, I noticed my hand cart was missing. It was jump in the car and over the Hammys to see if it was still there from last Sunday. Unfortunately, it was gone so I bought another one Sunday morning before the Sandtrap jam. Lo and behold, Cary had it with him. Seems Dan, the bartender at Hammys, saw it and gave it to Cary to give to me. Now I have one for each hand, just like the pina coladas!  Bazingas was a little slow for an 8:00 start. but started picking up quickly. We had a full house at our 12:00 quitting time, so we played to 12:30. I’d suggest running bands 8:30 – 12:30 as that’s what worked best for us, but that’s just me. As always, thanks to all who stopped out, including dad, and son Corey. Three generations of Arnolds in the same bar – go figure. Thanks also to webmaster Greg for stopping out. Been a long time since we’ve seen him. A big happy 27th to Amanda, who was also out. Monica was  celebrating a 30th, which made for a fun night.
 
Not the busiest day at the Sandtrap jam on Sunday, but thanks to Cliff Fredrickson, Guitar Greg, Billy Barnes, and Gene Church for sitting in. Thanks also to dad, Ginger, and Kami for stopping out. Gary and Cyndi were at the Marine Corp League and had a good crowd.
 
We’re back at the Countryside this Saturday and then Hammys again on Sunday. Of course, Sunday is Mother’s Day and also dad’s birthday. Should be a fun time – as long as everything gets packed up!
 
I’d also like to thank everybody who voted us Janesville’s favorite band on Facebook. Much appreciated after all these years. Matt posted some comments about this which I agree with. I have additional thoughts, but let’s just say thanks for now and maybe save it for another post. We’ll see you this weekend.

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May 1st, 2012

Cafe Belwah / Knutes / Hammys

Quite the busy week starting at Cafe Belwah Wednesday night. First time for my dad and Ginger for stopping out. Also thanks to Nina, Bonnie, Steve Hornung, and to Bob for sitting in on drums. Cyndi was at a Brewer game that afternoon and wasn’t sure about making it back in time, but everything worked out. Cafe Belwah is doing some remodeling, so we won’t be playing for a couple of months. Also, Denny is not sure about staying with the band, so we’ll see about that. Details to follow.
 
Friday had us at the Countryside and we had a good night. Happy birthday to Gloria, and thanks to her and Nanette for bringing out the snacks! It sure is a treat playing there and just having to set up our stage gear. We’re getting spoiled.
 
It was a double-header for me on Saturday playing the afternoon with Jerry Dabson at Hammys, and then off to Knutes that evening. Hammys was a good time and I had to trade solos with Steve Peck – kept me on my toes! Played with Tom Larson, Jr. Moore, Steve Carrel, and Teresa Swetland. Nina, Bonnie, and I headed over to Knutes afterward and had a great prime rib sandwich. I’ve always that Knutes has good food. Gary was busy setting up a car tent sale in Kenosha that afternoon and was concerned about being back in time. But just like Cyndi, he made it in plenty of time. We had one of our better nights at Knutes and it was a lot of fun.
 
The weekend capped off at Hammys on Sunday afternoon. I was concerned as Tremors, Bazingas, and the Marine Corp League all had music at the same time. To my pleasant surprise, Hammys was packed from start to finish. Thanks to Mike Whitt for bringing Ken Fraser out. Ken (Elvis) did “Burning Love” with us. There were a lot of friends, musicians, and just friendly faces that made for a great finale to the weekend.
 
On a sad note, Bonnie lost her mother on Saturday and our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family. Matt’s, Sheri’s, and my uncle “Bud” Holiday (mom’s brother) also passed this week. The visitation was Sunday afternoon so we couldn’t make it. My dad and Ginger stopped out to Hammys (1st time ) after the service. I stayed in town Sunday night and went to the church service on Monday, then headed back to Milwaukee.
 
We’re off Friday, but will be back in action at Bazingas on Saturday, May 5th from 8 – 12. I’ll be at the Sandtrap jam in Edgerton on Sunday from 3 – 7. Gary and Cyndi will be at the Marine Corps League at the same time.
Two gigs will be a breather after this last week! We’ll see you at Bazingas!

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April 23rd, 2012

Tremors & the House System / Sandtrap Jam

Tremors was a whole different animal this weekend with the now house lights and PA system. Actually, a lot of the equipment Jason put in was actually the old equipment he bought from Tim when Tim upgraded our gear. It was different, and probably a little frustrating for Tim, but I heard good comments on the sound. It’s Tim’s ears and hands that make the real difference and he makes the band sound good whatever the situation. The best part was the set-up and tear-down time being reduced to minimal. When we were done, I packed my car, helped Cyndi, and took off. With our stuff, it would have been another hour. This is now the same set-up we have at the Countryside with a house system. Jason sat in and sang “Play That Funky Music” and “Talk Dirty to Me” on Friday.
 
Gary was back from Texas and in good spirits, except for a scratchy throat. He belted it out Friday but was sounding a little raspy at the end of the night. When I saw his name on my cell phone Saturday, I thought for sure we were going to talk about singing fewer songs. Actually, he just needed a microphone that was at dad’s house. To  my surprise, he made it through fine again on Saturday. A couple of birthdays and a bachelorette party also made for a good Saturday night. Kurt, the guitar player from Dynamite Society, said hi on break. I’ve never heard them, but always enjoy meeting other players.
 
Cyndi and I had a good time at the Sandtrap on Sunday. Thanks to Billy Barnes, Cary Farmer, and Matthew for stopping out and sitting in. Gary was over at Boxcars on Sunday. I’ll have to see how his gig went.
 
Cyndi & the Sensations will be at Cafe Belwah this Wednesday night from 6 – 10. My dad and Ginger are planning on stopping by. Cafe Belwah is doing some decorating, so this will be our last job for two months. I’m thinking we’re back in July.
 
This weekend has us at the Countryside on Friday starting at 8:30. Then it’s off to Orfordville and Knutes on Saturday starting at 9:30. We’re back at Hammys on Sunday from 3 – 7. I’ll also be playing at Hammy’s on Saturday afternoon with Jerry Dabson from 2 – 6. No rest for the wicked, but I’m not complaining. And as always, thanks to all who stop out and support the band – much appreciated.

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April 16th, 2012

Hammys / Varsity Lanes w/Jason / Marine Corps League

Got to thank Jerry Dabson for two calls this weekend – Hammys on Saturday afternoon and the Marine Corp League on Sunday. Had a good time playing with Jerry, Shawna Schultz, Steve Baker, and Kenny on drums. Sorry, I don’t know his last name. Steve cut his head loading up on the last gig, so I brought my old hard-hat from my Burdick days for him to use. He didn’t find it quite as funny as I did. The things you do.
 
After a quick tear-down, it was right up to the Varsity Lanes for an 8:00 start. I had brought my PA in earlier that morning, only to find out that Jason had already set up his system. No complaints as he did all the work, and it sounded good. We had a great night and thanks to all the friends and family for stopping out. Lucas Brookins sat in on “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” He did a good job as usual. Bob debuted his small, ’57 Chevy Grestch drum set. It really looked nice and sounded good to me. It’ll be nice in smaller places. It was fun to play some of the old Jason songs again and we thank him for filling in while Gary is in Texas. Both Cyndi and Jason were in good vocal form that night and we had a good crowd right up to quitting time. We played about 20 minutes over as it was hard to quit with a full house. Gary will be back next week at Tremors.
 
The weekend finished off Sunday at the Marine Corps League as the Gary McAdams Band, but with host Jerry Dabson. Besides myself, we had Jerry, Cyndi Meyer, Shawna Schultz, and Russ Doiel. It was nice afternoon and a full house. We had a few jammers including, Teresa Swetland (who was also at Hammys) and Kaj Anderson. I had a great time, except for the rain tearing down.
 
Next weekend, Friday and Saturday, has us back at Tremors. Jason has installed a house system, so we’ll see how that works out. I’m assuming Tim will be back behind the soundboard. I’ll be at the Sandtrap jam in Edgerton on Sunday from 3 – 7 along with Cyndi, Scott, and Kirk. Stop out to Tremors and welcome Gary back. We’ll see you there!

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April 9th, 2012

Cafe Belwah / Elks Club / Bazingas / Sandtrap / Hammys

The band didn’t play a week ago, but we there were two Cyndi and the Sensations jobs at Cafe Belwah; our usual 4th Wednesday and then again on Friday due to a cancellation. Thanks to Nina, Bonnie, Arden, Bob Hamann, and Gary for stopping out. It’s always a nice time playing there. We went over to Suds afterwards on Friday to hear Matt Goodwin with the Hucksters. Good band and some of the old Sleeper members were there. Ran into Paul Roberts, who drove from West Allis, Gary (Paradise Guitars) and his wife, Bonnie, Dave Snow, and Big Mac, an original Sleeper member. I played the next Saturday afternoon at the Hammy’s jam with Jerry Dabson. It was a good time, except Steve Baker, the other guitarist/harmonica player, hit his head on the car door packing up and cut himself pretty bad.
 
This past weekend had us a the Elks Club on Friday for a membership indoctrination. It was a small, but nice group and everyone had a good time. Thanks to Nina, Bonnie and Arden for stopping out. Gary bought and tried out a powered monitor speaker that fits on a mic stand. Seemed to work well, and he used it again Saturday. I was interested too as it was small and my car is filled to the brim with what I carry now! Thanks also to Shawna Schultz, who stopped out and sang a few. We’ve been playing a few smaller, quieter places lately, so Bob purchased a small drum set to use for those gigs. He picked it up on Saturday but hasn’t used it out yet.
 
Saturday had us back to Bazingas. No Tim, so we had to set the PA and sound up ourselves. We had some trouble at first getting everything to work, but Bob figured it out. We also had problems with buzzing in our speakers that we couldn’t completely eliminate. Gary was up on the ladder plugging an extension cord into every ceiling outlet he could find. “That’s why they call it Buzzingas” was Cyndi’s comment. Eventually, everything fell into place and we had a good night. Former members Cary Farmer and wife Dawn, Jason Brunner, who was on break from Tremors, and Tim Pogorelski, with wife, Randy, were out. We tend to bring up our “on the road” stories when Tim is around as those were great times for the band. I should also mention that owner, Brian Hughes (Manberries), was at the bar, but I didn’t recognize him with the shaved head. Must be the summer cut. Thanks also to Matt Goodwin and Kaj Anderson for stopping out.
 
It was competition on Easter Sunday as I was at the Sandtrap jam and Cyndi and Gary were at Hammys. The Sandtrap was a nice time, but not a lot of jammers. Thanks to Dan Whitt, from Petty Things, for playing. Thanks also to my dad, his date, Ginger, Kami, Bob Flaskamp, and Christine Festa for stopping out. Gary told me that Hammys had a great crowd on Sunday.
 
We had 3 grandkids at the house from Wednesday to Sunday. I left Friday night and gotta say that Holly did a good job taking care of everybody. Actually, the kids are well-behaved and didn’t cause any trouble. I hope everybody had a good Easter.
 
Bob was nice enough to record some CDs of possible new songs for the band. I’ll be working on those, and hopefully we’ll be adding new songs soon.
 
Gary is leaving for Texas this weekend so Jason will be returning to play with us on Saturday at the Varsity Lanes in Milton. We’re off Friday. I’ll be playing at Hammmy’s on Saturday afternoon with Jerry Dabson from 2 – 6. Rainbow Bridge starts at 8:00 at the Varsity, so it’ll be a scramble and a long day for me. Cyndi and I will be playing at the Marine Corps League on Sunday from 3 – 7 with Jerry Dabson, Shawna Schultz and Russ Doiel. Should be fun. Stop out to the Varsity Saturday and say hi to Jason. Hopefully, my feet and back won’t be too sore from already standing all afternoon! We’ll see you there.

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March 26th, 2012

Suds / Countryside / Sandtrap jam

New T-shirts this weekend at Suds! The weekend started Friday night in Beloit, at Suds, for a going away party. The place was pretty full when we arrived to set up. When we finished setting up, the owner gave us Suds Ts to wear. A few people thought Matt and I were bouncers with the house shirts on! Thanks to Bryan, Nina, Bonnie, Earl, Stacy, Kaj Anderson, and Matt Goodwin for stopping out. Gary never ceases to surprise me – I went behind the bar with my wireless guitar, and the owner talked me into getting up on the bar. Looking back, I see Gary joining me. In the old days, I would leap from the bar back to the floor, but I don’t think my knees would take it anymore. So as I’m getting helped down, I see Gary already back on stage. Apparently, he’s still brave enough to take the leap of faith! Of course, he’ll tell you it’s his “cat-like reflexes.” We were planning on a practice Saturday to re-learn “The Joker” by Steve Miller, but decided to give it a try in the last set. It went good enough to cancel practice and put it on the list. We played it again Saturday. Also, I left my guitar strap at the blues jam in Milwaukee last Wednesday – as I found out setting up. Fortunately, Gary had a spare and I got through the night. Old-age forgetfulness is starting to show!
 
The Countryside was a decent night and thanks to all who stopped out. Having the house PA sure makes playing there quick and easy. And it was good to have Tim back behind the soundboard doing his magic. Rich (owner) has been pleased with the turnout and okay with our format, so I hope all good and this will stay a regular place to play. Shawna Moore was in the house and sat-in with the band for a few. “Blue Bayou” really sounded fantastic with the two girls, and Gary adding the extra harmony.
 
I did a little bar-hopping Saturday afternoon between the Hammy’s jam and Sneakers, as I wanted to see Petty Things. I didn’t play at Hammys, but had a good time watching Petty Things. I know, and have jammed with all the members of the band at one point. They’re a good rock band and I was very impressed.
 
We had a nice time at the Sandtrap jam on Sunday. Thanks to my dad, his date, Ginger, Matt, Stacy, Kami, Nina, and Bonnie for stopping out. Jammers: Junior Moore, Kelly Schauf,Gene Church, Russ, who played guitar and sang, and of course, Matthew. We’ll be back in two weeks with Cyndi. Gary was at the Marine Corps League jam on Sunday, and also had a good time.
 
Cyndi & the Sensations will be at Cafe Belwah this Wednesday night from 6 – 10 . Rainbow Bridge is officially off this weekend, however, I’ll be at the Hammy’s jam with Jerry Dabson this Saturday afternoon from 2 – 6.
 
Rainbow Bridge will be back in action at the Elks Club on Friday, April 6th, from 7 – 10 and then at Bazingas on Saturday, April 7th, from 9 – 1. Cyndi and I will be at the Sandtrap jam on that Sunday from 3 – 7. Stop out and say hello. We’ll see you there!

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March 19th, 2012

David McAdams / Tremors / Marine Corp League

A long, warm, but fun weekend. The highlight was having Gary’s older brother, David, in town, and in Wisconsin for the 1st time. David is a true southern gentleman and was a pleasure to meet. He’s one of those people that puts you at ease right away, and makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years. Also a fine acoustic player, David sat in with the band most of Sunday at the Marine Corp League. It was an all music weekend that started Friday night at Tremors, Saturday afternoon at Hammys with the Jerry Dabson jam, Saturday night again at Tremors, and finishing off Sunday afternoon at the Marine Corp League.
 
Tremors was okay on Friday but had pretty much cleared out by quitting time. We were glad to see a packed house on Saturday that was still busy while we were tearing down. I always worry that after 36 years, people are going to tire of us, but I guess not yet. John Cammilleri and Pete Goiffon, from the Knee Deep, band stopped out after their gig at Bazingas. Dave Hernandez, from the Dave Potter Trio, was also out. I handed my Tele off to Pete on our last tune and let him jam it out. We told him he had to help tear down since he played the last tune.
 
I spent Saturday afternoon at Hammys at the Jerry Dabson jam along with Gary, David, Cyndi, Nina, and Bonnie. Lots of friends and jammers! David played with band for a while as a featured guest. Steve Baker was nice enough to let me play his Tele for a few. It was a fun time.
 
Sunday at the Marine Corp League really capped things off. We had a great crowd, a great time, and too many musicians out to mention. My dad even stopped out and brought a date – good for him. Since it was a jam, and there was no spare guitar, I got to sit out and listen as Steve Peck and Kaj Anderson played my Tele.
 
The highlight of the day for me was when Gary and David did “Danny Boy” as a duo. Gary sang it beautifully, and watching two brothers create something that emotional actually choked me up. It was a special moment that really got to me. I’ve always said that these really are the good old days, and I’m hoping that memories with Holly, family, friends, the band, and playing will carry me through old age. It’s been 36 years in Rainbow Bridge and odds are that it won’t be another 36, so I’m enjoying it while I still can.
 
Another busy weekend coming up: Friday night at Suds in Beloit from 8 – 12. Been a while since we’ve played there, and Saturday has us back to the Countryside from 9 – 1. I’ll be at the Sandtrap jam in Edgerton this Sunday from 3 – 7 with Cary, Scotty, and Kirk. We’re hoping David made it back to Texas safe and sound – and that we’ll see him again. Anyway, stop out and say hello this weekend. See you there!

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March 13th, 2012

Knutes / Sandtrap Jam

A day late this week due to a headache that plagued me all day Sunday and Monday. It’s still not totally gone, but a lot better. Matt already summed up the night on Facebook, but here I am just the same. We had a good night at Knutes and thanks to all who stopped including: Nina, Bonnie, Earl, Laura, and Dave Snow. A Knutes regular, Tim Allen and his wife, were also out. We had a pretty good dance crowd around the 2nd and 3rd sets, but things slowed up towards the end. Setting the clocks ahead had to figure in. This was a first for Gary as a Rainbow Bridge member, and for using our small setup. Gary was ready early and headed over the Knutes for their Saturday night buffet, which he said was quite good. Even with a full tummy, he belted out all the songs, and I think made a good impression. All said, it was a fun night and we were happy to be back.

Pretty good crowd at the Sandtrap jam in Edgerton on Sunday. Thanks to Junior Moore, who was out but didn’t play. Cary Farmer, Gene Church, Corey Arnold, and Matt all got up and played. Thanks to Dad, Matt, Stacy, Kami, and Christine Festa for stopping out. Nice weather and a nice afternoon. We’ll be back in two weeks with Cary Farmer.

Rainbow Bridge will be back at Tremors this Friday and Saturday, where it’s always a fun time. We’re also at the Marine Corps League on south 51, on Sunday from 3 – 7, although it’s not on the Facebook schedule.

Gotta say too that it’s been a treat to see the early band shots that Cyndi has been posting on Facebook. I remember them all quite well, and although it’s been a long time, it still seems like just yesterday. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.

Anyway, another busy weekend ahead, but that’s okay. Stop out, say hello and we’ll see you there!


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March 5th, 2012

Spirits / Hammys / Birthdays

A little bit of a scare as the snow storm threatened to keep Cyndi and Bryan in Florida. We had Shawna Schultz on deck, and planned on Matt playing guitar, just in case. The flight was delayed, but they arrived in Milwaukee safe and sound, and Cyndi was ready to play Saturday.
 
The gremlins were out Saturday. While setting up at Spirits, Matt got a call from Bob. Seems his garage door opener didn’t work and his car, with all his drums, was stuck in the garage. They managed to get the door up, and Bob was able to drive out with Matt holding it up. I stuck a couple of birthday cards in my guitar gig bag before leaving Milwaukee. I opened my bag and realized that I’d grabbed the wrong one. Not only were the cards not there, but all my accessories: strap, picks, slide, etc. were in my other gig bag. Fortunately, Gary had an extra strap, and I really do carry extra picks in my wallet. No replacing the slide, but we got through the night just fine. A good crowd and a good time at Spirits. And the birthdays: Bob (drummer), Bonnie Cook, and Matt’s daughter, Kami. Thanks to all who stopped out for the Bdays and support of the band. Spirits is a nice, fun place and we enjoy playing there.
 
Hammy’s was about as busy as I’ve ever seen. Must be the Spring fever. Again thanks to Bonnie and Kami for keeping the birthday party going. We did have a minor incident where someone tripped and spilled a drink on our equipment. No one was hurt, and nothing damaged – the price you pay for a busy bar. Thanks to musicians Jerry Dabson, Steve Carrel, Shawna Schultz, Steve Peck, Jack Bouziane, and Teresa Swetland for stopping out. Lucas Brookins was out with his dad, Doug, and played “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” on the drums with us. Nice job as always.
 
Next week has us back to Knutes, in Orfordville, starting at 9:30. This will be a 1st for us at Knutes with Gary. Cyndi and I will be at the Sandtrap jam, in Edgerton on Sunday, from 3 – 7.
Stop out and say hello. See you there!

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