Rockapella in Reno
Day Two
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Sammy's Showroom at Harrah's
Reno, NV
I got 3 hours of sleep because I was blogging until 1:00, and I didn't sleep very well because I was in a new bed. But I was ready for a fun day! Wendy, Dodie and I walked to Circus Circus for breakfast at the Americana Cafe. I had stuff from the buffet while they ordered from the menu. We were given some free play credits at the register, so Dodie and I played a little bit. I didn't know what I was doing and cashed out too soon. Next time, I'm going to play the whole free play amount at the maximum until it's gone, so that I have more than $0.02 on my voucher. Dummy.
While we had been finishing up breakfast, Karla let us know that she was at the hotel, so we walked back through the casinos that were adjoined to Circus Circus. That was a warmer and more entertaining way to get back to Harrah's. Harrah's isn't adjoined to any of the casinos, though. Dodie went to the slots to play for a bit while I finished yesterday's blog post and Wendy, Karla and I chatted about the previous day's events.
We wanted to do something other than sit around, so after the blog was posted, we made our way to Lake Tahoe. Dodie had obtained directions to Harrah's Lake Tahoe from the concierge, because they couldn't tell us how to get there any other way. That was lame. You'd think that if you're in Reno, you would be able to get to Lake Tahoe without needing to print out directions to the other casino. Also, the directions were ancient and we would have had to take old roads to get there instead of taking the freeway. So we ended up turning around a few times before getting back on track by using the Garmin that Danial had included in our rental car package. Thanks again, Danial! I saw that we needed gas, and when we got to Carson City (Capitol!), we started looking. Karla observed that there were a lot of car-related places, like auto parts stores and car dealerships and tire stores, but there weren't any gas stations. Then when we finally got to Arco ($1.99 a gallon, wow!), they didn't have any actual gas. LAME. Luckily for us, there was a Chevron station close by, where I stopped to use the facilities and asked Dodie, "Mom, can you please buy me a snack?" because I hadn't taken my money from the car. I got Doritos Munchies. Those are my favorite Doritos these days. Well, my favorite ones to eat. I was telling them that at the first spotting of the lake, we would turn around because it had seemed like such a long drive, but of course I didn't. We parked at Harrah's Lake Tahoe to use the restroom, and Dodie asked the concierge how to get to the lake, which was about a 10-minute walk down hill.
I guess I was so tired that I forgot to take my camera AND my phone. So here's a picture from Dodie. Thanks, Dodie!
 |
| Posse at the Lake |
It was a beautiful day, and Wendy and I listened to the lapping of the waves against the shore, which gives a nice, calming effect.
I suddenly got really tired and asked Dodie to drive us back home, which took a lot less time due to the fact that we weren't getting lost. We stopped at In-N-Out for some yummy eats before going back to the hotel to get ready.
When we arrived at Sammy's Showroom, we went to the Diamond Line as Vic had instructed, even though there wasn't anyone in any of the lines. Our seats were at the foot of the steps leading to the stage, and our table was reserved. Ooh, special! I ordered a "My Girl" cocktail, which consisted of Skyy Vodka, Amaretto and Fruit Punch. It wasn't very strong, but that's OK.
Other cocktails available:
"Just My Imagination": Sauza Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime, Splash of Blue Curacao
"Brick House": Angry Orchard, Fireball
"Dancing Machine": Cruzan Rum, Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone": Cruzan Rum, Creme de Almond, Sweet and Sour, Pineapple Juice
Vic told us that when we come back for another weekend, we should ask for Table AA1 Back. Vic loves us. He said that he talked to Jeff about the lack of meet and greet, and about my 100th show coming up. Jeff had told him that they have a lot of fans that have reached 100 shows, and some are at 200. I don't know if Jeff was trying to downplay the fact that I was about to reach this milestone, or if he just wanted to make Vic aware that they have very loyal fans. It's probably the latter, right? Right?
Draggin' the Line
They already sound better and rested. Ryan was jamming while listening to the tenor trio.
Scott is Charo.
Use Ta Be My Girl
Scott: We didn't know that it was a Sammy Davis, Jr. Place. We're in Sammy's dressing room, Charo's down there. (He asked who had seen Rockapella before and we cheered. He shielded his eyes from the lights and pointed at us). I know you!
Pretty Much You
Scott touched his butt during "liposuck", which made me laugh because I had just talked to Dodie about liposuction a couple of hours before. He also made a motion to his teeth while singing about them.
Got To Get You Into My Life
Was Scott actually adjusting his belt like it was too loose? He's not losing weight, is he? I love those dance moves.
Just My Imagination / Imagine
John paused during the intro. Not sure why, but the audience giggled. I love the background vocals "2...4....20".
Scott says that John is Sammy Davis, Jr. reincarnated.
Hard Time
Scott: Do we have a high elevation in Reno? I can't breathe. I live in Tampa, elevation: 4.
Ryan: They picked me up from the Chippendales show.
Scott: Take off your shirt!
Ryan: Doing double duty, man!
Scott: Steve was in Lion King, man! (He was forgetting his lines about finding Steve through auditions) Steve is going to do a medley of Sam Harris...(mumbles "Sam Harris")... Do you remember Sam Harris, from "Star Search"? (imitates Sam Harris, singing "Somewhere..." with his back arched so he could belt out the notes).
Hysterical.
Cupid
When he walked around the audience, Steve corrected Scott and said that it was a Sam *Cooke* medley. Then he told a man in the front row, "Sir, you do not need your Bluetooth for this song."
Scott: I grew up with Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder's my man. I mean I didn't grow up WITH him.
My Cherie Amour
Yes, John, this song was clearly arranged for you.
Scott: Ladies, I'm sorry but he's engaged to be married in a couple of months. But he will still be working for Chippendales.
Ryan: I gotta pay for the ring.
When Scott was educating us about records, Ryan mimed tossing a frisbee.
Paper Doll
While Steve was singing "Flirty Flirty Eyes" and looking my way at one point, I was mouthing the words to him, too. Have I told you guys how much I appreciate the stage love? There are no words to describe how I feel during this song, I'm just so happy.
John: Y'all ready for this? (applause) Good, 'cause we're not.
Blame It On The Boogie
I have it on good authority now that this song was changed for the live version. Those dance steps are hilariously out of control. Ryan, that "Another One Bites the Dust" is too LOW! How in the world are we supposed to sing that with you?
Jingle Medley
Jeff was pointing at Ryan for his "Budweiser" bit so that we would all pay attention.
Sherry to Dodie: He is making me watch his butt. It's not my fault!
Scott: That's as bad as it got. (applause) And they loved it!
John: Who was here last night? (cheers from our area) You know I came right to this table. (to us) You're not allowed to answer this.
As he walked through the audience with his trivia question, Jeff appeared to be coaching Ryan about something.
John brought up a woman named Karen, whom had recently retired from a career in marketing.
Scott: You do marketing? Could you get us some help?
Stand By Me / Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Karen was a trooper. She even took the microphone from Scott when he handed it to her, although later she told me that she was nowhere near being a singer. She was a real sport and danced along to everything. Karla giggled at the fact that they call Ryan "R-Man". I think that they should just sing "Bass Man", so that they don't really have to think about it.
Ryan said that Rockapella has been together 20 years. Um, no, Ryan. Your math isn't right.
Thrift Shop / Celebrate
Smiled and showed Steve my approval of the song by rockin' out when he looked over at me. Later, I said to Scott, "The new song. Thrift Shop." He said, "Yessss?" I said, "I LOVE it. It's so cool!" He was pleased.
Scott regarding Carmen SanDiego: We did that every day for 43 years.
Scott's math is also fuzzy.
Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?
Steve went all into The Matrix bullet-time mode. Jeff's solo showed that he is still a demi-god.
Encore
A*Punk
Ay ay AAAAYYYYY!
Up On The Roof / Wonderful World
I love being able to clearly hear Jeff sing since we're up close.
Karla talked to Fred after the show, and we joined her, of course. He has his own personal orchestra pit. After we exited the showroom, we used the facilities and Karla showed me that The Mills Brothers were on the tiles showing the past acts that played at Sammy's Showroom.
I wanted us to take a picture next to the Rockapella poster, and we decided to pose as if we were the guys. I didn't have a pitch pipe, so Wendy took the tin of Altoids from her purse and handed them to me as a prop. Just as we were about to take a picture, up walked Scott. HELLO! Um, we were just about to act like you. Well, I was. Steve also came over and took a picture of us mocking their picture. We were going to get Scott to be himself, but he was busy talking to someone else. Steve was surprised that Ryan said Rockapella had been together 20 years, saying that he shouldn't say a number.
A gentleman came over to Scott and said, "Don't take this the wrong way. It's not a criticism." Tension in the posse. Then he suggested that Rockapella do some older music, like Bill Haley and the Comets. Scott said that they were going to be performing "Rock Around the Clock", probably next week. Cool!
Steve said his goodbyes, and Scott was ready to talk to us again. But then, a familiar face walked over to us, smiling. It was Doug Wisness, the baritone from The Coats. That's why he looked familiar! I said that we saw them when they performed in Burbank for Barry's last show, and at other times, too. He and Scott talked for awhile about booking gigs and such. He and his wife had traveled to come see the show in Reno. He liked Ryan as the new bass, saying that he sounds a little like Barry.
Then Scott talked with us for a long time. He did his Phyllis Diller laugh, and said that he's using Sammy Davis Jr.'s old dressing room. He tried to get us a tour, but the venue guy said no, due to all of the security. It was very kind of Scott to offer to show it to us, though. APPARENTLY, he's doing his own construction on his new house, and installed the drywall himself. I told him that his hair is lighter, he said that it was because he's been outside again. We also talked about his family, including his talented kids. He's very proud of the performers that they've become, and he's very supportive of them.
Someone in the posse said that we were all there this weekend to see me reach my 100th show. I said that the day before was the 98th, today the 99th, and then the 100th. He said, "You were here last night?" Yes, we were, and we talked to your bandmates. I told him that he missed the private meet and greet that we had in the hotel lobby. Then he marveled at 100 shows. We reminded him how difficult it is for us West Coasters to achieve that goal, and he did seem impressed. I told him that Liz and Cindy would have been here if they weren't running the Star Wars Half marathon tomorrow.
We talked about seeing the posters all over the hotel. I said, "Do you ever stand in front of your own poster to see if anyone notices that it's you?" He said that when he's in Hong Kong, they have posters the size of a building. Wendy asked if anyone notices him. He said, "Well, blond hair in Hong Kong, you're going to get noticed." Karla said that it's like his line, "Blond hair, you stare, I'll let you touch it for a dollar..." Then we couldn't remember which song that was from. Neither could Scott. For goodness' sake, Scott, you WROTE the song! The three of us racked our brains to figure it out, with me repeating the two lines that I remembered, and Scott making me sing them again and again. I finally remembered that it was from a Christmas CD, and Karla asked if it was from Out Cold. I said yes, as Scott searched on his phone for the lyrics that we knew. Finally, we figured out that it was "First Night", and he found the tune on Grooveshark to hear it. He let me listen as we bopped our heads to the music. He said, "Yeah, that's a good song!" I agree. It's quite lively, and he just wails. He clearly hadn't heard it in awhile. We listened to the entire song as the posse took pictures of us enjoying his music.
We asked Scott what he'll be doing in Reno when he doesn't have shows. Sunday will be football day, but the other days, he'll be working on music in his room. He's got it all set up for his work right now. He said that Sean has been sending old videos to him, and asked if we'd seen the video of them on stage with Frank Zappa during which Scott "dropped the F-bomb". Yes, we have. That was funny.
We could sense that Scott was getting tired, so we started to walk toward our hotel rooms, which were in the same tower. When we got into the elevator, two other guys got into the elevator with us. As Wendy was saying good night to Scott, she tried to get the guys to notice that the man in the elevator was the same as the man on the poster, but they didn't get it because they were engrossed in their conversation. Scott chuckled a little bit. So cute.
We stopped in the hallway after the elevator left our floor, and silently screamed at each other. Scott spent all that time with us! We love him. We were so excited that we had forgotten how hungry we were. So we made our way to Joy Luck Noodle House. We liked the steamed pork buns and the shrimp dumplings. Wendy's soup was OK, but had too much starch with the wontons and the noodles.
We didn't care. We had just had a really nice time with the Blond one. We went upstairs and said goodnight, and Dodie and I talked until about 2:00 a.m.
Sigh. #99 in the books, and it's already a weekend to remember.
Next: The 100th Show
Draggin' the Line
They already sound better and rested. Ryan was jamming while listening to the tenor trio.
Scott is Charo.
Use Ta Be My Girl
Scott: We didn't know that it was a Sammy Davis, Jr. Place. We're in Sammy's dressing room, Charo's down there. (He asked who had seen Rockapella before and we cheered. He shielded his eyes from the lights and pointed at us). I know you!
Pretty Much You
Scott touched his butt during "liposuck", which made me laugh because I had just talked to Dodie about liposuction a couple of hours before. He also made a motion to his teeth while singing about them.
Got To Get You Into My Life
Was Scott actually adjusting his belt like it was too loose? He's not losing weight, is he? I love those dance moves.
Just My Imagination / Imagine
John paused during the intro. Not sure why, but the audience giggled. I love the background vocals "2...4....20".
Scott says that John is Sammy Davis, Jr. reincarnated.
Hard Time
Scott: Do we have a high elevation in Reno? I can't breathe. I live in Tampa, elevation: 4.
Ryan: They picked me up from the Chippendales show.
Scott: Take off your shirt!
Ryan: Doing double duty, man!
Scott: Steve was in Lion King, man! (He was forgetting his lines about finding Steve through auditions) Steve is going to do a medley of Sam Harris...(mumbles "Sam Harris")... Do you remember Sam Harris, from "Star Search"? (imitates Sam Harris, singing "Somewhere..." with his back arched so he could belt out the notes).
Hysterical.
Cupid
When he walked around the audience, Steve corrected Scott and said that it was a Sam *Cooke* medley. Then he told a man in the front row, "Sir, you do not need your Bluetooth for this song."
Scott: I grew up with Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder's my man. I mean I didn't grow up WITH him.
My Cherie Amour
Yes, John, this song was clearly arranged for you.
Scott: Ladies, I'm sorry but he's engaged to be married in a couple of months. But he will still be working for Chippendales.
Ryan: I gotta pay for the ring.
When Scott was educating us about records, Ryan mimed tossing a frisbee.
Paper Doll
While Steve was singing "Flirty Flirty Eyes" and looking my way at one point, I was mouthing the words to him, too. Have I told you guys how much I appreciate the stage love? There are no words to describe how I feel during this song, I'm just so happy.
John: Y'all ready for this? (applause) Good, 'cause we're not.
Blame It On The Boogie
I have it on good authority now that this song was changed for the live version. Those dance steps are hilariously out of control. Ryan, that "Another One Bites the Dust" is too LOW! How in the world are we supposed to sing that with you?
Jingle Medley
Jeff was pointing at Ryan for his "Budweiser" bit so that we would all pay attention.
Sherry to Dodie: He is making me watch his butt. It's not my fault!
Scott: That's as bad as it got. (applause) And they loved it!
John: Who was here last night? (cheers from our area) You know I came right to this table. (to us) You're not allowed to answer this.
As he walked through the audience with his trivia question, Jeff appeared to be coaching Ryan about something.
John brought up a woman named Karen, whom had recently retired from a career in marketing.
Scott: You do marketing? Could you get us some help?
Stand By Me / Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Karen was a trooper. She even took the microphone from Scott when he handed it to her, although later she told me that she was nowhere near being a singer. She was a real sport and danced along to everything. Karla giggled at the fact that they call Ryan "R-Man". I think that they should just sing "Bass Man", so that they don't really have to think about it.
Ryan said that Rockapella has been together 20 years. Um, no, Ryan. Your math isn't right.
Thrift Shop / Celebrate
Smiled and showed Steve my approval of the song by rockin' out when he looked over at me. Later, I said to Scott, "The new song. Thrift Shop." He said, "Yessss?" I said, "I LOVE it. It's so cool!" He was pleased.
Scott regarding Carmen SanDiego: We did that every day for 43 years.
Scott's math is also fuzzy.
Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?
Steve went all into The Matrix bullet-time mode. Jeff's solo showed that he is still a demi-god.
Encore
A*Punk
Ay ay AAAAYYYYY!
Up On The Roof / Wonderful World
I love being able to clearly hear Jeff sing since we're up close.
Karla talked to Fred after the show, and we joined her, of course. He has his own personal orchestra pit. After we exited the showroom, we used the facilities and Karla showed me that The Mills Brothers were on the tiles showing the past acts that played at Sammy's Showroom.
 |
| History |
I wanted us to take a picture next to the Rockapella poster, and we decided to pose as if we were the guys. I didn't have a pitch pipe, so Wendy took the tin of Altoids from her purse and handed them to me as a prop. Just as we were about to take a picture, up walked Scott. HELLO! Um, we were just about to act like you. Well, I was. Steve also came over and took a picture of us mocking their picture. We were going to get Scott to be himself, but he was busy talking to someone else. Steve was surprised that Ryan said Rockapella had been together 20 years, saying that he shouldn't say a number.
 |
| Rockaposse minus one |
A gentleman came over to Scott and said, "Don't take this the wrong way. It's not a criticism." Tension in the posse. Then he suggested that Rockapella do some older music, like Bill Haley and the Comets. Scott said that they were going to be performing "Rock Around the Clock", probably next week. Cool!
Steve said his goodbyes, and Scott was ready to talk to us again. But then, a familiar face walked over to us, smiling. It was Doug Wisness, the baritone from The Coats. That's why he looked familiar! I said that we saw them when they performed in Burbank for Barry's last show, and at other times, too. He and Scott talked for awhile about booking gigs and such. He and his wife had traveled to come see the show in Reno. He liked Ryan as the new bass, saying that he sounds a little like Barry.
Then Scott talked with us for a long time. He did his Phyllis Diller laugh, and said that he's using Sammy Davis Jr.'s old dressing room. He tried to get us a tour, but the venue guy said no, due to all of the security. It was very kind of Scott to offer to show it to us, though. APPARENTLY, he's doing his own construction on his new house, and installed the drywall himself. I told him that his hair is lighter, he said that it was because he's been outside again. We also talked about his family, including his talented kids. He's very proud of the performers that they've become, and he's very supportive of them.
Someone in the posse said that we were all there this weekend to see me reach my 100th show. I said that the day before was the 98th, today the 99th, and then the 100th. He said, "You were here last night?" Yes, we were, and we talked to your bandmates. I told him that he missed the private meet and greet that we had in the hotel lobby. Then he marveled at 100 shows. We reminded him how difficult it is for us West Coasters to achieve that goal, and he did seem impressed. I told him that Liz and Cindy would have been here if they weren't running the Star Wars Half marathon tomorrow.
We talked about seeing the posters all over the hotel. I said, "Do you ever stand in front of your own poster to see if anyone notices that it's you?" He said that when he's in Hong Kong, they have posters the size of a building. Wendy asked if anyone notices him. He said, "Well, blond hair in Hong Kong, you're going to get noticed." Karla said that it's like his line, "Blond hair, you stare, I'll let you touch it for a dollar..." Then we couldn't remember which song that was from. Neither could Scott. For goodness' sake, Scott, you WROTE the song! The three of us racked our brains to figure it out, with me repeating the two lines that I remembered, and Scott making me sing them again and again. I finally remembered that it was from a Christmas CD, and Karla asked if it was from Out Cold. I said yes, as Scott searched on his phone for the lyrics that we knew. Finally, we figured out that it was "First Night", and he found the tune on Grooveshark to hear it. He let me listen as we bopped our heads to the music. He said, "Yeah, that's a good song!" I agree. It's quite lively, and he just wails. He clearly hadn't heard it in awhile. We listened to the entire song as the posse took pictures of us enjoying his music.
We asked Scott what he'll be doing in Reno when he doesn't have shows. Sunday will be football day, but the other days, he'll be working on music in his room. He's got it all set up for his work right now. He said that Sean has been sending old videos to him, and asked if we'd seen the video of them on stage with Frank Zappa during which Scott "dropped the F-bomb". Yes, we have. That was funny.
We could sense that Scott was getting tired, so we started to walk toward our hotel rooms, which were in the same tower. When we got into the elevator, two other guys got into the elevator with us. As Wendy was saying good night to Scott, she tried to get the guys to notice that the man in the elevator was the same as the man on the poster, but they didn't get it because they were engrossed in their conversation. Scott chuckled a little bit. So cute.
We stopped in the hallway after the elevator left our floor, and silently screamed at each other. Scott spent all that time with us! We love him. We were so excited that we had forgotten how hungry we were. So we made our way to Joy Luck Noodle House. We liked the steamed pork buns and the shrimp dumplings. Wendy's soup was OK, but had too much starch with the wontons and the noodles.
 |
| Good to the Last Drop at the Noodle House |
We didn't care. We had just had a really nice time with the Blond one. We went upstairs and said goodnight, and Dodie and I talked until about 2:00 a.m.
Sigh. #99 in the books, and it's already a weekend to remember.
Next: The 100th Show
No comments:
Post a Comment