Friday, January 31, 2014

Groovy Flash Back Party

I'm really glad that Discount Steel asked our band back to play for their annual company party. Last year they had a 20's theme party with a murder mystery. This year it was a 70's theme party with casino games and a magic show. The thing I remember most about the previous year was how every single person at the event was dressed in 1920's attire. At most corporate celebrations I'll see at least a few employees who aren't into the party's theme, but this company had 100% participation. I was stoked to see all the 70's outfits (including my band mates) and once again everyone was into it.

Diane Martinson and JJ Saecker
vocal/piano duo for 70's theme party
Like last year our vocal/piano duo set the mood during the cocktail hour. I always love performing with Diane, and it was fun to bring some tunes we hadn't done before. Many songs from the 70's tell a story, and that's one of our duo's greatest strengths. Some of my favorites were Love Will Keep Us Together as performed by Captain and Tenille, Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Supertramp's Give A Little Bit, and We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters. We also had fun taking the opportunity to perform the full length American Pie.

Diane and I had a break while David Farr entertained them with his magic. We've worked at gigs with David before and I enjoy seeing how he uses his charm and humor to put on a good show. I could tell that the audience enjoyed his routine.

Elevation band for 70's theme party
After the magic show our 8-piece band played a variety of great hits from the 70's. We kicked off the dance with Get Down Tonight and other disco and funk tunes. Throughout the night we also played non-disco hits like Spinning Wheel, Cocaine, and Joe Cocker's version of The Letter. I especially enjoyed playing the challenges of Got To Be Real and The Jackson 5's I Want You Back. I'm proud when we can do tunes that are musically complex because they are typically my favorites to listen to as well.

There were hippies, disco dancers, Elvis, lounge lizards, and others boogying on the dance floor till the end of our performance. When I was a kid, Halloween was my favorite holiday because I got to dress up and see everyone else's costumes. Now as an adult, dressing up and performing for a theme party is a special treat for me, especially when everyone participates. Thanks for having us back again, Discount Steel. I'll catch you on the flip-side.