Tonight’s the night
So, I’ve been to the gym, I’ve picked out my frock… and I’m ready for my first night’s performance. And I can tell you right now that it will be not unlike this:
Must make sure they get that hydraulic platform working properly.
I went to bed at 4am again last night, and woke up at lunchtime. It’s been like this ever since I got here - to the extent that I’ve contemplated wandering the corridors and/or propping up the bar, Bill Murray-like, in the middle of the night.
Still, at least it means I’m already keeping musicians’ hours. And as my friend P pointed out, being eight hours ahead of British time means I get eight hours’ extra rehearsal than I would in Britain. As I pointed out, being on British time also means I could fall asleep halfway through my set.
And already today, I’m feeling a little tired… Which is great in terms of it hopefully signifying that my body is adjusting to normal patterns, and that I’m not destined to miss every single morning in Malaysia; but which isn’t great in terms of feeling suitably perky for tonight’s gig. Hopefully copious amounts of ‘Coca Light’ will remedy that. And if not, the freezing cold air conditioning in the jazz club. I tell you, this country is like one giant Arctic Roll.
February 1st, 2008 at 6.04pm
In British time it’s freezing on the outside, today. My vista icon tells me it’s 2 degrees in Nottingham. Enjoy the songs!
February 1st, 2008 at 7.14pm
I knew the Vegas look would get you in the end. Soon you’ll be showing off more than just your Scarlett cheeks! Good luck tonight. I know it will be the first of many great and interesting gigs. simon x
February 1st, 2008 at 7.49pm
Took me about five days to get over the jetlag in Japan (+9 hrs). And just as I recovered, I spoilt it by doing a redbull-fuelled all-nighter. Idiot.
Good luck tonight!
February 1st, 2008 at 10.14pm
Oh lv, if it makes you feel any better I had a horrible gig last night. ‘Nottingham’s Bonnington Theatre’ which I imagined to be mahogany haven of swishing velvet curtains nestled in a cobbled plaza of bistros & other eateries offereing yr standard international fair, tuned out to be a florescent leisure center in the back of an Asda car park. Check out the beautiful people of Arnold buying tickets @ the ‘Box Office’ http://www.bonington-theatre.co.uk The sound was terrible, the crown looked at me like I was insane & the only food available was from a vending machine. Needless to say I whipped my poor bass player Ben all the way back down the M1 at midnight shouting ‘faster, faster!’
February 1st, 2008 at 10.58pm
Have a good one! I know you’ll be fabulous! ;o) xx
February 2nd, 2008 at 12.55am
Good luck - think of us in the UK as blizzards blow down from the frozen north, threatening to engulf us all! ;o)
February 2nd, 2008 at 1.26am
thanks so much guys. just finished the gig and I will reply and post properly back later… we’re going out for “a traditional Penang supper” and it will be the first time I’ve gone more than 50 yards from the hotel, so will be reporting back!
February 2nd, 2008 at 7.12am
Get some street food in yer gob luv - that will sort out yer jet lag; get local!
February 2nd, 2008 at 7.17am
Sarah - that’s Nottingham. Tis true. I’d say sorry but then I’m a Bristolian. And then I remember Vicky Pollard and cease …
February 2nd, 2008 at 7.22am
Lots of good people have played at the Bonnington though. I’ve even been there to join in. Join in the sounds and then join in the interval drinks from #our ma# behind the swimming pool bar which are then stood on formic tables with that slight whiff of chlorine in the air. Better in the air than up those Nottingham youths’ nostrils … And there were velvet curtains, but only of the early 80s ‘let’s make a conference venue out of this sports hall’ kind.
February 2nd, 2008 at 5.33pm
crikey, Sarah - sorry to hear that. if Bonnington Theatre’s website is anything to go by, I believe every word.
February 2nd, 2008 at 6.05pm
sarah rach and andrea, it’s not just Nottingham, it’s Arnold in Nottingham! A super-sized rough-spot if ever there was one.
Glad the gig went OK though. Either it’ll get better or you’ll get used to it. Either way, have fun.
February 2nd, 2008 at 8.55pm
Hi Andrea, Great blog of your adventures. Do some of your casual pictures as it would be good to see some of the people in your story.
The soundtrack idea is good. Sarah has a hit on her hands with the new version of “Stalking Juliet” Can’t wait for 5th night.
Best DaveXX
February 3rd, 2008 at 2.26am
cheers Dave :-). it’s funny, I was thinking about the photograph thing tonight and wondering whether I actually *do* want to post pictures of the people I’m talking about here. a part of me a) wants to continue a vague sense of anonymity about the players (in every sense) involved; and b) doesn’t want to spoil people’s ideas of what these people are like. it’s a tricky one. I will, though, take some shots of the club and of course Penang etc.. and maybe some of the people I meet. starting tomorrow - my first day of really exploring and photographing.
February 4th, 2008 at 2.36pm
Just think Shane Meadows and Jazz: Bonnington Theatre