IBC (It's Getting' Closer)



The coveted International Blues Competition (IBC) is coming fast and soon. On October 4th the first part of the semi-finals begins and my band, Shadetree Mechanics is slated to compete. The competition is being held at Paul's Tavern in Lake Como, NJ. This segment of the IBC is between members of the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Society. They will pick finalists from 2 nights and they in turn will compete for the big competition, the winner of which will go to Memphis in February to compete against the rest of the blues societies of the world. We came pretty close last year. This year, we aim to take the top spot.



Shadetree Mechanics as a band, has been around for over 10 years, playing anywhere someone would hire us. We've played in bars so small and cramped, people thought the neighborhood drunk was part of the band when he passed out in front of us. We've played festivals and on boat rides, indoor gigs and outdoor gigs on the back of flatbed trucks. We've played for crowds hundreds of people and we've played for as little as 2 people. We're obviously not doing it for the money, fame, and fortune but for the love of creating and playing music. We get to share a bit of what makes us who we are by getting on stage and playing for hours to an appreciative crowd and that more than makes up for the lack of sold-out venues.



Playing in this competition is more than trying to see who is the best because all the musicians are the best in their own right. It's having the opportunity to participate in a night of great music with your peers and maybe even getting a chance to jam with them. It's so exciting to get up on stage and have people rooting for you and appreciating the way you play. Some people get nervous or intimidated by getting up on stage in front of a bunch of strangers. Me, I love it. I'm quiet at first but as soon as the first notes are played, I'm in my element and couldn't be happier. I lose myself completely in the performance and the music. There's something about playing music of a fellow musician that you like or creating and performing your own original song is so exhilarating, such a charge. And when the last notes of the song fade and the audience shouts, whistles, cheers, and claps like crazy, it makes it all worthwhile being up there pouring your heart out.



Sure it's cool to have hot looking women gazing up at you onstage and wanting you to sing to them, but that's not what it's about (Ok, I'm lying); but it's even better to have people say they really enjoyed our playing or have them actually enjoy us so much they got up out of their seats and danced! Even if they can't dance, it's great to see them try.



One thing that will make it easier to play this years competition is the knowledge that I'm front man to some very talented musicians. Redman, Elmo, Ray, Patrick and Looch are all excellent musicians in their own right and together, we can burn up a stage. I'm allowed to strut and sway and put on the show that our fans expect.



This year, I plan on taking the competition up a notch. Anybody who comes .. Shadertee Mechanics plays had better really bring their game cuz we're bringing ours. If you can make it there, bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to have one heckuva great time!