Family Jam Evening

So, my little secret is that I have been learning to play the bass guitar for the last couple of months. I never thought I could do it, but the whole guitar thing must be in my blood, 'cause it's been a riot. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to solo or anything, but I have managed to learn the five songs I need to know to play with my family when they open for a Beatles tribute band coming to town next month.

Dad has been hinting for months that they needed a bass player in the family, so we can just play family gigs sometimes. I resisted and resisted, but now I wish I had started 10 years ago! My brothers and Dad still make me look so out of it as soon as they start to play, but they have all been so helpful and patient and, dare I say, surprised at my progress.

We've been cramming into "The Cavern", formerly known as Mom and Dad's basement, every 9 days or so for several weeks now. What happens when you put nine very opinionated, very sarcastic goof-balls all in one little room with a bunch of really loud toys? A whole lotta belly laughs! I'm pleased to report that, as of yet, there have been no fist fights or other bloody messes. We'll keep our fingers crossed. So far, so good.

Oh and that bass guitar I'm playing? That's mine! An early b-day present from Ry. Yay! Now I go around with a guitar pick in my pocket just like one of the guys. Except I guess Brian doesn't carry a pick - wouldn't do him much good on the piano. Becca is playing the shaker egg, Mom on the "organ," Brandt on his new electronic drum set (so cool), his cutie-pie wife Sarah singing back-up vocals and playing rhythm guitar, Dad and Brad on guitar, and Ryan on camera! Sounds like Ry will be sitting behind the sound board for the first time, as this will be the first time the rest of us have all been on stage at the same time. Should be loads of fun.

So, I guess I can't say I'm the only one in the family that doesn't play an instrument anymore - which is good. The other good thing is that they don't ask bass players to play for Relief Society. :) I hope we can keep this up after the concert, even if we just play in the basement and keep each other laughing. I'm sure we won't always be living so close to each other, so we should enjoy this while we can.