Update with the Carnival Band

I've now seen the Carnival Band play three times including the Nov 19th municipal election event at the MLC. I've been to three band rehearsals at Britannia three times also and I'm hooked on these guys.

Last Friday I saw them play at the Fairview Pub on Broadway. I've not been in the Fairview since 1983, needless to say it has changed a fair bit since. The other band on the night "All Purpose" provided an interesting sound with some good vocal arrangements ranging from rap to more traditional soul styles. Musically the drummer and sax players seemed to provide the talent, the DJ seemed a little superfluous. The CarnivalBand hit the stage at midnight and went through until 2am, however being the old geezer I only made it to 1am.

The practices have been going well and getting better every time. I finally got some music and have been able to get up to speed on a few of their songs from the CD. There are also a few covers including Hendrix's "Fire", Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon" in a much shorter form than the original. My sight reading speed is increasing and I am getting in to the groove more rhythmically; which is pretty good for an old rocker like me and somewhat essential for the CarnivalBand.

I will be taking the kids down to Granville Island to see the CarnivalBand at the Winter Solstice event Lantern Festival. The next rehearsal is January 9th.