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Summary of the MIRACLE RUN 8 Outdoor Elks Club Gig

Excerpt from Gautam's Journal

"It was a sweltering 95 degrees, not only because of the humidity but the lack of any breeze. We had been emotionally preparing for this gig for many months but only just about ready for the marathon event. We were to play outdoors for 4 hours for a crowd of over 2000 bikers, Elks, and their families.

I had already shot my voice from an overambitious rehearsal 2 days prior. The next day was all about resting the voice and psyching down before the big psyche-up.

Rich had already gotten there in the early morning to set up the PA system and take care of any unforeseen incidents. I got there just after 11AM. There were already a bunch of bikes visible. I drove to and parked behind the stage (2 tractor trailers side by side). The sun was relentless. The stage, 5 feet high with tons of equipment, looked like a real big-name band was going to be playing.

But there were all sorts of problems. I tried helping out with the troubleshooting. Rich and Chris got it all worked out. We sound-checked before 1pm.

I paced myself appropriately and drank tons of Gatorade. it wasn't enough. by the third set i was starting to feel the effects of dehydration. being a lead singer means jumping around like a goofball while pushing wind through this tiny orifice made by 2 fragile muscles. There's only so much Zepplin, Rush, and assorted wailing that one can get away with in that kind of heat.

Unfortunately, i wasn't the limiting factor. The generator, although powerful, kept failing us. First of all, it was placed very far away from us which meant very long cables had to be run from it to the stage. Then, there were motorbikes being driven over those cables. Finally, the generator itself I'm told, is made to power an industrial building, not necessarily sound equipment. Although there was ample power, there were spikes, surges, and dips that adversely affected nearly all of the equipment. Live and learn I suppose.

We decided to call it quits when we had another outage during Highway Star. The crowd seemed to be digging it too. But it was nearly 5 o'clock anyway.

I was frustrated. I didn't really know why. We had done a good job as a band, played on despite the setbacks, gave it 110% despite the heat, and did the whole thing for free. (I don't think the audience was aware of that.) We were happy to do it because it was for a good cause: NJ children with special needs.

I came home and suffered from dehydration: that ole hangover headache and my kidneys not putting out any urine until the next morning.

Looking back, it was an amazing and unique experience. I'm really really glad we got to do it. After that adversity, the future gigs don't seem half as challenging...at least not yet."

Jenfu's take on the show. (all photos of the band by Jenfu Cheng)

TWITCH to ROCK Miracle Run 8
July 30 2006
$20 at the gate
TWITCH will play from 1-5pm
food, refreshments, door prizes, activities
Old Bridge Elks #2229
67 Old Amboy Rd
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Contact: Rusty Gerstenmier (201) 991-9170
 

The Flyer:

WHO IS TWITCH?

The NJ based cover project featuring Gautam Malhotra, Rich Mazurkevich, Joe Manno, Mike Fash, and Mark Polon. Bands covered over the course of 4 hours include Led Zep, GNR, Rush, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Queen, Boston, Pearl Jam!

What is the NJ ELKS ASSOCIATION?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks began in 1868 as a private drinking club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. It has since evolved into a major American fraternal, charitable, and service order with over a million members, both men and women, throughout the nation. source

So what's the NJ ELKS' MIRACLE RUN?

The New Jersey Elks Miracle Run is an annual motorcycle fundraising event that supports Special Needs Children and Elks Camp Moore. Last year’s Run raised half a million dollars with over 2,000 people in attendance. The run itself, is comprised of a scenic ride which then culminates in a central New Jersey location for a huge picnic celebration. Motorcycles, automobiles or walk-ins, Elks or non-Elks are cordially invited to attend the event.

...and ELKS CAMP MOORE?

The New Jersey State Elks Handicapped Children Committee maintains a summer camp in Haskell, NJ. Elks Camp Moore (a.k.a. "The Miracle on the Mountain") averages 700 handicapped campers per season. Elks lodges in the state bear the responsibility of paying for each camper that attends camp. Elks Camp Moore's primary function is to enable children to use and further develop recreational, social and leisure skills through activities presented in a positive, enjoyable, and appropriate manner and in a real life situation.