January 29, 2007

  • The Fall Concert 2004

    Fall Concert 2004

     

    December 1 – Once again it was time for the next concert by the UCSD Jazz Ensemble.  I have attended the last four concerts.  This time I return to the stage to play with the Jazz Ensemble.  Since June, I have tried to get myself back into playing shape.  Several months later, the reckoning hour has dawned.

     

    This time my mother accompanied me.  We took off a little after 2 pm and arrived in La Jolla at around 4:30 pm.  Once again I booked a penthouse at the Marriott Residence Inn.  My mother was very impressed with the room.  We rested until about 5:30 pm.  We then gathered ourselves and made our way to Mandeville Auditorium on the campus of UCSD.

     

    My mother entered through the audience’s entrance whereas I entered backstage.  Seeing the Auditorium and its backstage brought back my fondest memories when I was a student here.  A small combo was performing last rehearsals along with sound checks.  I looked around and as one band member after another came by, I tried to acquaint myself to them.  There were some familiar faces I remember during my playing days.  It was great to see them again.  They remember me from watching them.  When they saw me dressed like them and holding a bass trombone the reaction was “You’re playing with us?  Sweet!”

     

    I walked back to see my mom.  We talked for a little while.  Then Jimmy arrived.  I went over to see him.  It’s always a pleasure to see him.  We then warmed up a little before the show began.  The butterflies were swirling inside my stomach in nervous anticipation.

     

    7 pm.  It’s Showtime.  I played the 5th Trombone part which essentially is the 1st part an octave down.  We started with the band’s traditional opening number, Moten Swing.  It was followed with Shiny Stockings, Lil’ Darlin’, April in Paris, and Satin Doll.

     

    Then, several small combos took the stage.  During this time I just chatted with first trombone Ted McGrath.  Ted is a gentleman who was there when I was as a student.  We caught up on old times and inquired what we are doing these days.

     

    We then returned to the stage to finish out the concert.  Final tunes were Things Ain’t What They Used to Be and Four Five Six.  We stood and bowed after the last song.  I had a lot of fun on stage.  There were many a terrific solo played by various players.  I wished that I would have been called on for a solo or two but oh well.  I still had a rollicking good time being back on stage.

     

    At the post-concert reception they served Papa John’s pizza.  My mom and I ate and I chewed the fat with band members here and there.  I thought I had a journey by driving from Los Angeles to play.  A pianist, Frank Chang, flew from the Bay Area just to play here.  All in all it went well.  We had about 30-40 in the audience which is not a bad turnout considering past concerts.

     

    My mom and I then took off, did a little grocery shopping, and returned to our lovely hotel.  I took the upstairs bed whereas my mom claimed the downstairs Murphy bed.

     

    December 2 – My mother did something she hadn’t done in years.  She soaked herself in a bathtub and it was very therapeutic to her.  She wishes she could do this everyday.  I then awoke and showered.  We had the complimentary breakfast.  My mother liked making her own waffles.  The waffle mix is ready-made.  All she had to do was pour it into the waffle maker, flip it over, and wait for the buzzer to sound.  They were pretty good.  I had the usual scrambled eggs and sausage.  I took advantage of the juice machine.  I wish I could have an endless supply of orange juice.  Love that stuff!

     

    I asked my mother what she wants to see in San Diego.  She inquired what’s in this city.  I mentioned various things from Balboa Park, to the nearby Birch Aquarium, to the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown, Sea World, the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, and Old Town.  She then decided, “Let’s go to Disneyland.”  I was like “OK”.

     

    We headed to Disneyland and got there at around noon.  First we went to California Adventure.  It was great there.  We managed to ride everything in four hours.  After Mulholland Madness, my mom said that she’s never going on it again.  She is not a roller coaster type of person.  On all the thrill rides, she sits out while I took in the fun.  I loved The Twilight Zone Hollywood Tower of Terror.  It’s the most fun Freefall-type ride I had ever ridden.  You just don’t know when it’s going to end.  I was filled with glee all day.

     

    We then headed over to the old Disneyland Park.  We only rode The Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, and Splash Mountain.  A chilly wind blew that night.  I figured let’s go home.

     

    Disneyland is my favorite place, period.  What can I say?  I’m a big kid.  As for future concerts, sounds like I’ll be on stage from now on.  It’s great to be playing again.  My mother enjoyed her time off.  It feels good to be able to provide her with some joy and relaxation.