Concert / Gig

Ok, I do like the distinction between a concert and a gig that exists in English. I found it very strange advertising the little gig my friend and I played in the bar down the road and calling it a 'concert', I always had mental images of huge venues or violins.

In any case it was great fun; we basically took over the bar for the evening and played a rather eclectic mixture of songs and styles. I was thrilled at how many people turned up (even my students!). We kept trying to finish, but ended up playing some final requests (American Pie, almost obligatory) and then it was finally time to relax and have a drink. We'd both pretty much lost our voices by the end, which is what comes from having 7 months without a gig!

I'll definitely be doing another concert, I mentioned at the end of the gig that I'd like to meet up with more musicians and collaborate and it looks like myself and Tall Paul could be doing the next gig.

The one low point was a very drunk local music promoter who spent 10 minutes insulting me in English (despite my explaining his lack of linguistic dexterity and politely requesting he speak in French where he would be able to reformulate his opinions in the guise of constructive criticism rather than a hurtful, blunt, offensive and unexplained tirade.) who somehow mistook our little gig 'entre amis' as us cockily waltzing onto the Lille music scene and expecting instant success and adoration. The reactions of those whose opinions I value were, however, positive and so I shan't feel bad.

My high point was singing in French, even though I know my accent was a bit Fatal Picards and the nerves and difficulty of singing and playing a new song in a foreign language made the performance a little rough around the edges. People joined in and I think we pulled it off. (I was especially impressed with Claribel who did a fine job despite claiming not to speak French)

Here's to me writing some new songs for the next show.

ardot