December 02, 2020
by Tyler Williams
I had a weird dream last night about a terrible weekend (that didn't actually happen) during my days on tour with the wonderful show, Avenue Q. It was a weekend with a matinee and the setup in the music pit was a disaster for me...
The show was in the middle of unloading and setting up in a huge stadium (indoor football) type of place. It was not a typical theater in any way. The energy felt like a crazy fun house with unnecessary stuff all over the place. Yes, I believe there was even a "fun house" mirror near the stage entrance. Things weren't working out in the setup, especially in my tiny bass area. One couldn't even use a bow if they tried (the show calls for upright bass and electric bass).
During the strange dream, I couldn't seem to get back to my area in time for the show start. As I was frantically finding the "pit access," I always had the wrong cable or my electric bass would still be left on the tour bus...it was a bizarre loop of stupidity! I would be carrying a bunch of gear and then continue to not find the pit access. It was like a Spinal Tap moment on eleven!
Suddenly, after a few loops of the madness, the show would start with its unmistakable clarinet tremolo and playful piano part. Meanwhile (in my now nightmare) I'd still be carrying gear from the bus with sweaty, non-stage wear. Probably a white t-shirt and shorts. Or maybe I was naked? The pit access loop continued...
I guess this is probably a common thing with many of my musician friends in the business. We are all losing our collective minds, and have no idea what lies ahead. More Zoom concerts? More considerations in other fields?
Hang in there. Hang on to hope, and take care of yourself and the loved ones. Start with yourself. It sounds cliché, but it is absolutely true. All of this is only For Now. (some friends from Avenue Q put this video together)
-Tyler
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Q