Nevah @ UMO Doc Grads

Last night Nevah, a Maine band, played two sets for the "Doc Grad" celebration at UMO's Buchanan Alumni House. Upon arriving for set up Richard, Larry and Hal were shown several potential playing locations. After carefully choosing our spot (we used the old Rock, Paper Scissors technique) we began our preliminary set up, moving plants and tables to create the perfect Nevah band space. We realized that for this event the old rule of "less is more" should come into play so we opted to perform sans monitors.

By the time everyone in the band had arrived most of the stands, mics, cables and instruments had been carefully put, placed and perfectly tuned, all except for the banjo. As everyone knows, the banjo is impossible to tune perfectly. We ran our sound check, and waited for the Docs, their families and friends to arrive. I'd estimate about 120 people showed up for the event.

 

At the appointed time we played a low volume, carefully selected, fifty to sixty minute cocktail set. It was well received and the attendees showed their appreciation by not throwing anything at the band (just want to see if your really paying attention). Our voices floated throughout the reception areas and kept people smiling until they were asked to enter the presentation room. I forgot to mention that while were playing a strolling juggler was defying the laws of gravity with hoops, clubs and spheres, carefully timed to our music I might add.

Oh, our official photographer, Mia, was also on hand and snapped several hundred photos of us while we played, or was it ten shots. I don't know, I guess we'll see them soon.

There was a short pause (90 + minutes) before our next set. During that time we ate, drank, socialized and watched the juggler work without music. Just kidding the juggler left as soon as the cocktail hour was over.

Our second set took off with a bang as the "graduates" and their loved ones strolled back to the reception area where we played our faster, louder music. Quite a few people danced to our rhythms and sang along as we "hit them with our best shots" (that would make a terrific lyric, don't you think?). We played for at least another hour, had a fun time, and as the last person bid us adieu, we quickly broke down our equipment, packed our cars, said our farewells and headed for home.

It was fun. I think we learned a lot by playing at such a low volume, it allowed us to listen better. Plus we re-arranged the band members on-stage set-up. More on that later. I'm outta here!

Hal

A real Nevah Man