I Am Paula
10-27-2013, 10:33 AM
My first night of my part time job as sound tech in a very large LBGT bar.
The day started with a freak (even for Canada) blizzard. The 18 mile drive to work took almost an hour and a half. I like to use my own gear at my job, so I arrived plenty early to interface my stuff with the house sound system (Which was VERY good). So, I got there in driving snow, had to block the street with my truck to load-in from a very slippery ramp, and thru a single door (everything fit). By this time I was frozen and soaked. Hairdo- goner.
Considering that in my industry we wear stage black, I probably spent too much time on my wardrobe. I bought a new sexy ruched top, some skinny satin pants, and patent ballet slippers. Hmm, didn't count on the door a few feet from me opening every few seconds for the smokers to go outside. Freezing... so I put on my ratty gear loading hoodie :-(
Anyway... Great crowd, mostly lesbian, and great band, and lots of praise for my work from management. Trial by fire, the band was shooting a live concert video, so my audio had to be spot on. That explains the two hour sound-check (usually 20 min.)
Outing myself. I was talking to the bass player. I had known him for years. I got technical about his gear, and he asked 'How did you know about that?' I mentioned that I had sold it to him. He looked me up and down, and a light bulb went off, 'OMG, your Paul, the bass guy, from the music store!!!'.( left there three years ago).
A great first day. Proved a woman can do a man's job (the industry is 99.9% male). I was greeted warmly by the regulars, met a few nice people, and got home at 3 a.m.
I'm on my way out today to buy a soundwomans survival kit. Black tops in long sleeve, short sleeve, and arctic wear. A black jacket or blazer. A cheap hairdryer, and some cute black sneakers (scketchers?)
All night I meant to ask a passerby to take a pic of me at work. next week.
The day started with a freak (even for Canada) blizzard. The 18 mile drive to work took almost an hour and a half. I like to use my own gear at my job, so I arrived plenty early to interface my stuff with the house sound system (Which was VERY good). So, I got there in driving snow, had to block the street with my truck to load-in from a very slippery ramp, and thru a single door (everything fit). By this time I was frozen and soaked. Hairdo- goner.
Considering that in my industry we wear stage black, I probably spent too much time on my wardrobe. I bought a new sexy ruched top, some skinny satin pants, and patent ballet slippers. Hmm, didn't count on the door a few feet from me opening every few seconds for the smokers to go outside. Freezing... so I put on my ratty gear loading hoodie :-(
Anyway... Great crowd, mostly lesbian, and great band, and lots of praise for my work from management. Trial by fire, the band was shooting a live concert video, so my audio had to be spot on. That explains the two hour sound-check (usually 20 min.)
Outing myself. I was talking to the bass player. I had known him for years. I got technical about his gear, and he asked 'How did you know about that?' I mentioned that I had sold it to him. He looked me up and down, and a light bulb went off, 'OMG, your Paul, the bass guy, from the music store!!!'.( left there three years ago).
A great first day. Proved a woman can do a man's job (the industry is 99.9% male). I was greeted warmly by the regulars, met a few nice people, and got home at 3 a.m.
I'm on my way out today to buy a soundwomans survival kit. Black tops in long sleeve, short sleeve, and arctic wear. A black jacket or blazer. A cheap hairdryer, and some cute black sneakers (scketchers?)
All night I meant to ask a passerby to take a pic of me at work. next week.