A Monday Night 2 Remember: Platinum V at the Omni

I had just been here, so it seemed.  Back at the Omni Hotel in downtown Atlanta for a rather rare Monday night corporate gig.  The vibe is great on a Monday gig.  Only a truly jaded working musician is not giving oneself a virtual-pinch with regard to making some decent money on what is thought of as possibly the slowest night of the week.  This was one in which we were just a 5-piece band: Glen, Gus, Ben, Virginia, and myself.  We were in the Grand Ballroom and it was a big production.  Three massive video screens at one end behind a fantastically deep stage.  A control table at the back that rivals much of what I typically see on these kind of events.  It was a long push for the gear.  I knew where to park to unload at least, from my experience here last time.  Poor Gus was running late and it took a long minute for him to get his gear in place.

We played an instrumental jazz set, perhaps a bit more upbeat than they had wished.  It's always a careful line to observe.  It was such a long room that those near the front heard us louder than those at the back.  Not much can be done about that.  It was all running behind, so we started late but ended at the time we were asked to end.  Did we cut it short?  Perhaps.  Dinner was still being served.  Nobody argued.  We were served a nice hot meal of chicken, potatoes, and veggies up one level in the Hickory Room.  Cool dessert and strong coffee too.  We returned to rock the house, but not until the all-star marching band played an extended number, dancing around throughout the audience.  It was a surreal view from where I stood.  Those who wanted to dance were up at the front of the stage and waving their hands like they don't care.  With the high stage and the lights, it was a sea of working people ready to party.  We did no wrong.  There were special guests from the crowd joining us, as often happens with these things.  One was actually semi-provocative with the female president.  She put on a good show and kept us guessing as to what might happen next.

I had fun, and I think even Ben enjoyed himself, more than any other time so far.  Virginia was in full-on "Rock Goddess" mode.  My pics I took don't do much to relay all of that.  It was a non-stop 2 hour performance.  I had a microphone, and you know how dangerous that can be!  Jason was also singing from behind the board.  We had 4 part harmonies on a few things!

Scary photo and the 2 above courtesy of our terrific audio & lighting tech
Jason Chapman