Band on the Run (or at least a brisk walk)

This morning I auditioned for and made a band – a real band with equipment and gigs. What drew me to this group was the members are in their 30’s and 40’s and are drug and issue free. The music scene is full of flakes, especially young ones, and I can’t deal with that. I want no part of drummers who get kicked out of their girlfriend’s apartment and pawn their drum kit to pay the local drug dealer. Bass players with no car piss me off. I’ve had lead singers get so drunk during breaks, they call tunes that the band doesn’t know, or that don’t exist. I arrive at gigs at least 45 minutes before downbeat in proper attire. I do not touch (or drink) alcohol until after the last set. This band plays a variety of covers and originals and only books private parties. We will play an occasional bar, but the money must be damn good. FYI: bars and clubs usually don’t pay well. Private parties and weddings are a different story. 
 
The band needed a keyboardist who could also sing background vocals. My singing is only decent, but I play the shit out of chords and improvise in any style anywhere. The audition started with “Closing Time” by Semi Sonic and continued with “Bad Leroy Brown” and “What I Got.” I then had to sing and play solo, so I chose “Space Oddity” by David Bowie and Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” The group loved my playing and felt my singing was good enough. So, all the remaining auditions have been cancelled and spot is mine. Woot! Our next gig is in a few weeks, so now I must learn the set list. Meanwhile, I have to mentally switch gears back to jazz, as I’m playing with a singer at a local restaurant tonight at 7:00.