Welcome to another episode of “I Just Wanna Sing”. Last weekend I had a very fulfilling gig at The Hedly Cub Lounge which resides in the DeAnza Hotel in downtown San Jose, CA.  The hotel is a beautifully restored art deco style building built in the 1930’s.  When I was a kiddo I use to study at the San Jose Musical Theater School which was right around the corner from the DeAnza.  In those days the hotel was a dilapidated old  place.  Now it’s a magnificent shrine to the art deco era with a v.i.p. clientele.  Apparently it’s restoration cost 20 times more than its initial construction price.

So, my very fine band (Rick Vandivier on guitar, Jim Kassis on drums and Rich Girard on bass) and I had a wonderful time playing in this glorious room. My Bose P.A.(L1® Compact portable line array system) was the perfect sound system for this space, that little system is amazing. If you are a solo artist with one instrument or playing with a full band I recommend that you check this mighty little system out.  It’s light weight (maybe 25 lbs), When setup it’s one unit; unless you add the 8"x4" T1 ToneMatch audio engine / sound board (weights about 1lb).  This system is a godsend for those of us who are tired of schlepping mass quantities of gear around.

I must say that it did my heart good to play with these fine musicians and sing my heart out for four sets.  It’s one week later and I still feel good.   Of course the prescriptions are quite helpful....  Just kidding!!!  As the recession looms we musicians feel the pinch and opportunities to perform are few and far between. Not to mention the sliding pay-scale we must contend with; 1940 pay rates for 2010 world!  Speaking of which if you don’t have anyone to sell your cd’s check this little gizmo out!  The CD Seller. I love it.  Works like a charm--just set it up in front of your band, and voilà!  People are slipping’ those dollars in the deposit box and picking up their CD’s.  Self serve!  Just like Safeway!  It’s fabulous!

I am happy to report that my efforts to obtain summer gigs has rendered a number of opportunities!!  Here’s a list of places to hear me and my  very fine band.  I think I'll just change the name of my band from Wendy Waller and her fine band to Wendy Waller and her Very Fine Band. MMMMmmmm What do think?  Please feel free to let me know. Also, if you have any band name suggestions I would love to hear ‘em. 
Here is a list of my upcoming gigs!

Peace out,
Wendy
    
Downtown Napa Chefs' Market.
www.napadowntown.com
Thursday July 15, 2010; 6:00 to 9:00pm.
With Guitarist, Jeff Massanari.

Jack London Square-Noontime concert series.
www.jacklondonsquare.com
Friday July 30, 2010; Noon to 2:00 pm.
With Rick Vandivier and guitar and Rich Girard on bass.

Senzala Restaurant
www.senzalarestaurant.com
Saturday July 31, 2010, 7:30-10:30 pm
$10.00 cover.
E. Java Dr. Sunnyvale, CA

Point Richmond Music Festival
www.pointrichmond.com
Friday August 13, 2010, 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Napa City Nights
www.napacitynights.com
Friday September 3rd, 2010

Theatre On San Pedro Square
www.tabardtheatre.org
Monday September 27, 2010, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
29 N. San Pedro St.;Downtown San Jose.
Tickets: $15.00 adv. $18.00 door