Michael Cleary Band: Blog

  For the second time MCB had the pleasure of performing on the WFSB local television show "Better Connecticut".

  After cutting our teeth with our first appearance on the show 2 years ago, this second time round went very smooth. The only thing that wasn't smooth was having to be at the studio at 7:30 AM.  A bit earlier than the band is used to performing. Thanks to the help of Dave, Rich, and Darryl, the production crew, we were able to set up our gear, do a sound check, and easily be ready for taping at 9:30. These guys were great to work with. They have a good demeanor and really put the guys at ease joking around with them while maintaining their professionalism.

And that goes a long way cuz let's face it not everyone is used to appearing on TV, and most people, who don't appear regularly or who never have, are usually a bit nervous and anxious. I myself detected not a bit of nervousness with any of the band members. Everybody was hanging loose. Just take a look at percussionist Frank Bauer, in the green room, looking like the fifth Beatle ! Also take a look at the shot of drummer Edmund Peart smiling as he jokes around with the crew. That's relaxed.

 The one thing about TV gigs; there's more production involved than actual "Play time". Plenty of time to go over vocal harmonies on the song the guys performed that morning and plenty of time for Mike to go over his guitar parts 

 It's all about the lights people. That's right. A lot of time is spent into getting the lighting just right on the band.

Dave, the Floor Manager, spent a half hour alone getting Frank Bauer's hair lit up right ! Joking aside, Dave is a total pro, you shoulda seen this guy orchestrate the entire show from behind the scenes with ease. You wanna talk about multi-tasking, this guy is on his game. But let's face it none of this woulda happened without Darryl. That's for you, Rich !

  The one key ingredient to this broadcast that was missing, the co-host of Better Connecticut, the ever zany Scott Haney. Scott, you were sorely missed but handsomely replaced by the charming Mark Dixon.

The band was introduced by the lovely co-hostess Kara Sundlin and away they went into an MC original "Mind Made Up". A catchy tune that just grows on ya.  Kinda like a lot of Mike's tunes. Mike looks great in the the lead vocal close ups and the whole band played solid and looked good. Before you know it it was over and not even all the song was fit into the broadcast. Lee played a tasteful solo and poof. Check out the vid at the wfsb website when you get a chance. http://www.wfsb.com/betterct/25475694/detail.html

 Last but not least, Frank Grande, longtime friend of Mike's, myself, and the band showed up to hang with the band, keep everybody loose with that big smile and take pics. One of the funnier moments of the gig was when Frank and I were standing together as Dave, the floor mgr. was instructing the studio audience to not take any pics with a flash and, accidentally, in the middle of his statement I took a photo with the flash and he looks at me and says, "yeah, that". I couldn't have timed it any better if I wanted to.

   We'd like to thank WFSB for having us on again and I think we're ready for that Late-Night gig !

   stay tuned ....Jonny Gates