I'm a bit conflicted...

[Luis]

I love playing congas and listening to music, live or recorded but, i'm not a "party" kind of guy. I"ve been jamming at birthday parties recently because I love to play but, I don't really enjoy the party atmosphere. If I get to a point where a club gig comes my way, I know I'll feel the same in that setting. Please don't misunderstand me as I'm not judging anyone...to each his own but, the party and club scene just isn't how I get off. Yet, I really get a huge rush from people dancing and enjoying my music. Kinda f&&ked up right? Of course there are other settings to play in but let's face it, i'm Puerto Rican and my playing partners are either Cuban or Rican, I play Salsa...my options are limited. Also, as a new player trying to get playing time I can't be too picky. I know the answer is to deal with it as best as possible and I will because I love to play and be listened to. If this is or was you, how did you handle it?

[thomas newton]

I totally get you Luis. Rumba is your friend.

[onile]

Vaya Luis!
Espero que todo este bien contigo Papa!

You know, I'm pretty much the same only for different reasons. I have an inner ear issue, or at least that's what the Dr.'s have told me over the years. In anycase, there are times when I'm playing that I have to close my eyes at the risk of blacking out. If the bass hits a particular note that's pretty loud, olvidate! That's why I always play with my personal ear plugs. I don't go out to different clubs because of this. I'm out and about only because I have a gig at a particular place. When I do gig at a club, like I currently do on Tuesday evenings, I play and work at keeping balanced every millisecond, and when we go on break, I pretty much hang out outside or find a table to just chill. Most of the time however, people come up to me and start a conversation, which is awesome, I don't mean to appear anti-social or anything like that.

I used to play with a large salsa orchestra out here in Phx. AZ, and once we opened the show for Tito Puente (Ibaye baye torun!). When they went on break, I tried to go up to his conga player, Jose Madera and spark up a conversation, but he seemed a bit "stand-offish". I know that he wasn't that, but more tired from traveling and giggin'. This situation is common place for more musicians than you could imagine, and for various reasons.

Just keep on sharing your chops with the world Papa, como dijo Barreto "adelante! yo siempre sigo adelante!"

Suave!

Onile!

[vinnieL]

I'm not much of a club person either but if your gigging at a club just go do your thing enjoy watching eceryone dance then on break just lay low get a drink whatever then finsh off your gig pack up and go home. You are there to do a job and thats entertain so enjoy it have fun because you chose to play for a reason right? then go home it doesn't mean you have to be out on the dance floor or get trashed etc. Other than that someone already said it best RUMBA!

[CongaTick]

Am pretty much with Vinnie on this one. I do quite a bit of club/bar gigs which is not "my scene", so on break I get my club soda or a free lager and sit-n-sip at a table in the corner or out of the main flow. Occasionally, somebody will talk to me, but rare, since I'm usually the oldest guy in the club and few -- if any --are interested in talking el viejo. It's okay to be off by yourself. Absolutely nothing wrong with you, dude. Just relax, accept it, and enjoy the scene to the extent you can. You're there to do a job and enjoy watching those who enjoy listening to you and your mates.