MH: Mike Encounters a Brave New Whore...?!

ok, so I'll get to the business of the brave new whore in just a second. for about a week, a lot of people (well, honestly maybe 3 or 4 people) have been asking me, "How was the gig at The Muse?" Every hit seems to be an adventure. This one was no exception.

First of all, we had almost the full band for this hit: 4 Horns (Alto & Tenor Sax, Bone, Trumpet), 2 Guitarists, Me on Keys, 3 BGVs, Percussion, and Drums. Yep, it was definitely a powerhouse production. For those of you who have ever done a gig, you've surely noticed that there is no bass mentioned. Exactly. Had to pull this one off without Hinkie as he was already locked into a gig at B.B. Kings. Oh yeah, and I don't really have a funktioning keyboard that I travel with, so I had to play Cassie (my brother's Casio--not really a keyboard players board of choice). Oh yeah, our place in the 4 band lineup was dependent upon ticket sales. We sold the most so we went last. Oh yeah, um...the most--being 14. Anyway, we were told to be there by 5. We went on stage at 9:15-ish. So, for 4 hours, we laughed and fellowshipped and talked to a lot of homeless people. (Further inquiry will get you the story of God's faithfulness--reference the homeless man.)

This was definitely another one for the autobiography. See, I just finished "Room Full Of Mirrors" about Jimi Hendrix and the autobiography of Quincy Jones and they have all of these stories about gigs in small, rough, empty, smelly venues. This was one for me. The Muse was like dark and goth and we walked in 12 deep with the Funk Punc shirts. Right behind The Muse is a huge adult video and book store. So, they ran out of channels for mics, so Kyle and I had to share a mic. We were loud in the small venue and I couldn't see the huge crowd of 14, so...

Kyle and I jumped of stage and danced and head-banged and some more stuff...The Funk Puncs KILLED!!! It was ridiculous. Somehow, as I tend to do ( I can't help it), I got lost in the music and we're crying and giving all we have right there in the empty Muse. It was crazy.

I've learned to start looking for the purpose of each hit beyond having a good time, selling EPs, and gaining further notoriety. At the end of the hit, the sound man walks up and says, "Man, I'm not deceived! That's some f*&$#%^ good S@%^!!! I hear your heart, dude! That's some of the most unbelieveable s*&^ I've ever heard! Dude, music is your weapon. Keep using it to tear down this dark, evil s*&^ that's out here. Fight on, brother."

That's it. Music is the weapon. Beforehand, Casey (Trombone) and I were talking and I was so excited because it was a chance to present my belief in, love for, and relationship with Christ in a grimey environment and it translated into success.

The next Funk Puncs set is gonna be CRAZY!!! You want to be there. It won't be in a grimey, dark basement club. However, even when we go back, best believe that we'll keep fighting...

oh yeah, here ya go: