Sitting here, trying to write my first blog, and I already have writers block. So I started thinking about this last year, 2009. The best year of my life, so far! I got married, honeymooned in Mexico, officially started music as a full time job, played with 7 different bands, toured across Canada (again), and played over 100 gigs. -That last one got me thinking about something else, 100 gigs means almost 50 practices, which means, I set my drums up a lot, I need a roadie!-
The year started off like lots previous, sitting behind my drum kit counting down from 10 with a bunch of “new year” party goers, then into a rocking version of “Auld Lang Syne.” But instead of boring you with a list of 365 things I did last year, I thought I would mention just a few of the highlights on the music side of things!
Three months and about 28 days after the rocking version of “Auld Lang Syne” would put me in Mexico at an all inclusive resort listening to a Mariachis Band while standing in a line at the dinner buffet. I don’t know about you, but when I one day decide to (maybe) hang up the old drum sticks and retire, I’m moving to Mexico gaining 50 pounds and gonna learn how to play one of those oversized guitars!
About 3 weeks after that, I found myself squished in a mini van, (named Morrison) once again ripping across this country of ours playing gigs along the way, this time with Andrew Allen. One thing I remembered in Van Morrison (which had just a little more leg room then a cheap charter plane) is that this country of ours is HUGE. Oh and the fact that I dislike the Prairies, but I do like the big open skies that they have to offer.
Skip now to September 6th. My great friend Greg Sczebel’s 25th birthday, and to celebrate we threw a huge concert! Over 1000 people showed up that night. But one thing special about that night for me was that I didn’t play drums, instead I played percussion along side Derico Watson!! An amazing drummer and a huge inspiration to me. Not only that, but I also rocked a kickin cowbell solo that night! I have to say, it was pretty hot!
Jump to the end of the year, I hit the road two more times and played a number of Christmas parties with a rocking cover band in my hometown! I also managed to catch a little concert in Vancouver, a band I love called U2. You might have heard of them, you might have been at the concert, there were only about Sixty Thousand of us! You might also have seen me there; I was in the nose bleed section behind the stage! It was an amazing show, one I will never forget.
So in a round about way, that was my last 365. I wonder what the next 365 will have in store for me!
-Dan
Greg Sczebel Concert introducing the Band! [HQ]">
