Mid Life Crisis

(Well, the masses have been clamoring for more information about our quiet member and since he has not volunteered anything, I am forced to speculate as I did with Steve.  I con only imagine Khang’s ruminations as he grooves to the bass line . . . Gilbert)

Music is the muse that guides my existence, no, it is more the blazing fire that forges the mettle of my quintessence.  My bass is the conduit that allows me to communicate with those less erudite than I.  My curse is my inability to pare down my reflections into monosyllabic equivilents that can be absorbed by the masses - I find I can mitigate the stress by smiling and nodding - this seems to mollify those that are not of the intelligentsia.

But I digress, you are inquiring about my association with Mid Life Crisis.  You could say I am the forefather of the band.  I hosted the nascent group in my attached automobile edifice for months.  Personnel came and went with John, Don & myself providing what continuity there was.  Ambition was lacking, song selection was obscure at best - we were what you might call “half-ass”.

Then, on a crisp fall evening, Gilbert joined us and we became but orbiting satellites to a brilliant force of nature.  Gone were the anthems of a somnolent drug subculture - we learned songs that would allow us to play at rhythmic jungle rituals.  Finally I would be recompensed for the thousands I had spent on equipment.  Finally I could dazzle on the stage - true, I don’t sing, I believe true brilliance shines best when concentrated.  But do not underestimate my primary contribution to the band - I bring down the average age by a good 5 years.

I’m a trifle pensive in that my opening comments and recalcitrant demeanor might convey the wrong message.  Perhaps Nietzsche can help me:  “Insanity in individuals is rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule”.  In other words, I love to party with all you crazy peeps!

Well, I’ve always heard that you are supposed to get back on the horse that throws you, but I don’t know if that applies to the bull that tramples you.  Maybe it wasn’t that bad, but I always hate making mistakes on stage.  It’s amazing what just a month off can do to your timing.

Hey, speaking of stages, the one at Rancho Resorts was incredible and they have a great dance floor.  We knew a couple of folks there from the Elks in GV, but everyone else was very gracious.  We lucked out, this was originally an outside gig- a bit tough at this time of year.  We look forward to a return visit.

I have to admit we were a bit worried when we saw plenty of parking at the Hideout when we arrived to set up, but I guess most of the people were waiting for the heat to dissapate.  Thanks to Nadine we had a group ready to dance when we started, and by 9:30 we had enough to keep the pace all night long.  True, I whiffed on a solo or two, but Good Lovin’ and Mony, Mony came off nicely.  Sorry about Neon Moon Claude, I promise it will be better next time.  Thank goodness for forgiving friends and alchohol.  Lynetta, maybe you can make it earlier next time and maybe Shane will show up when we return July 28 for Patti & Joanne’s Birthday celebration.  We have a private party next Saturday, but will see many of you at the Legion & Elks in Green Valley at the end of the month.

An interesting shot here - I don’t believe any aspersions are being cast, maybe I just froze a “mini disco” moment in time.  See you soon!

Gilbert Castillo

It’s time for this hiatus to end.  True, we did spend some quality time with family & friends, I got to do some fishing and got blasted by the sun because I forgot my sun block (ladies, check  with me before you do a chemical or laser peel, I can save you money.  You’ll look like the mummy for a couple of days, but nothing a couple of shots won’t cure.). 

We rehearsed Tuesday got back in the groove were pleased that we remembered our songs, even the new ones.  Steve & I were talking about how much we missed performing and the people that come out to hear us - such as the lovely ladies pictured above.  We are looking forward to playing and singing again. 

We play outdoors at Rancho Resorts this Friday, return to the Hideout on Saturday, and will be back @ the Legion and Elks at the end of the month.  This will hopefully kill any vestiges of the breakup rumor.  We are pretty much booked for the rest of the year.  I went to drop some demos at a couple of Tucson bars and realized we only have 4 open dates the rest of the year.  Wow.  Thanks for keeping us busy, hope to see you very soon!

Gilbert Castillo