What's Your Sign?

Everywhere – Cyberspace

A few months ago we featured George’s creativity and special talent for designing the band’s event posters. Recently the blog highlighted Lee’s map-making skills. Well, as they say in the biz: “We’ve saved the best for last!” – Matthew’s special purpose. No, not that one from the Steve Martin movie, THE JERK… his other special purpose: MAKING SIGN CAPTIONS. For those of you who have seen the guys perform live, you likely saw their portable marquee. This sign was designed and constructed by Lee about a year or so ago, then the GP3 graphic was painted on both sides by George. He also painted an arrow with the words ‘Live Music’ on one side the side. (Many believe this was done for the band’s sake to remind them of what they were supposed to be doing at each gig).

In true Lee Bigelow fashion, the sign was VERY well-made (YES - Put Some Bigelow on It!). It was so well-made in fact that it weighs 4 to 5 times what you would expect a sign of its size should! Rumored to be bullet-proof (and possibly made from lead), this is where the guys hide out anytime there is a hurricane warning (see artist rending). Because of the sign’s weight, size, and all-around unwieldiness, George and Lee immediately voted to have Matthew be in charge of lugging the sign from gig to gig. (The band’s by-laws state that only a two-thirds vote is required to make someone do something they don’t want to do – George frequently enacts this policy when there’s something he doesn’t want to do).

In an act of open defiance (or maybe just boredom), Matthew began to bring the sign with slogans he had written taped to the side. A master of the non-sequitur, Matthew strategically unleashed his cornucopia of inane pop references upon the world! So who has the last laugh now!

Here are just a few of Matthew’s past slogans (in no particular order):

"GP3: Now Celebrating 29 Accident-Free Days"

"GP3 - 'Action Bass' Sold Separately"

"Drummer Carries No More Than $20.00 in Cash"

"GP3: A Subsidiary of PoeCo Industries"

"Your Safe Alternative to Cuddle Parties"

"These ARE the droids you are looking for"

"GP3 - Sanitized for Your Protection"

"Not Affiliated with George Poe Industries, Inc."

"GP3: Formerly, Baby Shaq and the Get Fresh Crew"

"GP3 - Now Steroid-Free"

"GP3: Soon to be a Major Motion Picture"

“Formerly, Three Men and a Bongo”

Want to see if you can match Matthew’s sharp wit and slogan-making skills to earn prizes?

That’s right! Win a GP3 bumper sticker or some other useless GP3 merchandise, artifacts, and tripe by making up your own slogan for the trio. We'll even post the winners on the sign over the course of the next few events.

CONTEST RULES
1.) Enter as often as you’d like.
2.) Prizes are not redeemable in cash or anything else of any real value and must be accepted as awarded.
3.) Decisions of the contest judge (GP5000 Robot) are final - no substitutions will be available.
4.) By claiming the prize(s), the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation of his or her name and/or likeness for promotion and/or any purposes in any manner and in any medium which the GP5000 Robot may deem appropriate for the expansion of its world domination and future enslavement of mankind.
5.) In accepting the prize, the winner, acknowledges that GP3 may not be held liable for any loss, damages, injury, nausea, dizziness, or social disenfranchisement associated with accepting or using the prize(s).
6.) This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws.
7.) Contest open to U.S. residents only. (except in the state of Vermont)
8.) Misspellings will automatically be disqualified. (This means you, Chris and Lee)
9.) Entries must be in English (However, funny 'Pig-Latin' entries will be considered)
10.) And please, no wagering

Click here to participate in the GP3 sign slogan contest
http://www.george-p.com/08_22_08b.html

"Can't Get There from Here"

Maps 'R Us – Somewhere in Texas

George's direction deficiency is a well-known fact within the band. There have even been times that the trio's performance was in jeopardy due to George having difficulties finding the venue location. To combat this inability, Lee began to send him customized maps in early 2008 for venue locations that he was certain that George could not find on his own. Granted Lee is no Lewis & Clark, but we think he did a pretty good job considering what he was working with.

Click here to enter Lee's Map-O-Rama: http://www.george-p.com/gp3maps.html

Or listen in to a private conversation between Lee and Matthew as they discuss George being lost (again)
http://www.george-p.com/Blog/Lee_&_Matt_Discuss_George_Being_Lost.mp3

"Ray's After Dark"

Ray's Gourmet Country – Fulshear, Texas

As many of you are aware, the trio has had the opportunity to play dinner music on Thursdays for the last two months or so out in Fulshear. Some of you have even made it out there to see the boys (and we all appreciate that).

The restaurant is called Ray's Gourmet Country. It's a recently opened hang-out spot for the fine folks west of Katy. The kitchen is open and on display to patrons creating a unique synergy from kitchen-to-dining table. The architecture mimics the food served in an unassuming elegance of taste and style.

Each week as Ray's Executive Chef, Soren Pedersen serves up fresh organically inspired cuisine, the trio offers up their own stew of piano jazz, pop, and blues music. This month's featured music download was inspired by the electric atmosphere of locale as it metamorphosizes over the course of the evening.

George explains: "I wanted to write something to capture this time in the band's development, musically and historically. Each week when we go out to Ray's, we get started around 7:00 PM. The dinner crowd is beginning to settle in, so our playing is very subdued to accommodate the room. As the evening progresses, the cliental coming in begins to change, craving more upbeat music from us. By 11:00 PM the environment has transformed into a much looser, let-your-hair-down version of itself - Still recognizable, but very different at the same time. RAY'S AFTER DARK celebrates the nuances and excitement of both periods. It starts slow and restrained then opens up to a 'rowdier' version of the first section. I feel it is a good representation of the mood of the place going through these stages."

To judge for yourself listen to the piece by clicking here:

http://www.george-p.com/music/Rays_After_Dark.mp3

Then come out any Thursday evening to experience Ray's first hand.

The address is:

RAY'S GOURMET COUNTRY

8502 FM 359

Fulshear, Texas 77441

281-533-0099

Also take a moment to visit their revised website (with an interactive map) at
http://www.raysgrill.com/

See ya there,
GP3 Promotions

King Snake vs. Bunny

University Place Retirement Center – Houston Texas

The guys are in rare form tonight, an extra silliness likely brought on by their sleep depravation from playing late in Fulshear last night. This evening’s venue is to be a concert given by the trio at University Place . It’s an independent living community named by Money magazine as one of the top retirement centers in America. With nearly 200 decked out units, a ballroom-style dinning room, heated pool, gardens for tenants’ patios, it’s more of a resort than a convalescent home. Matthew and George are excited to be performing again at a retirement community since this type of venue is where the two first started out years ago performing together as the duo ‘nothing special’. George admits that it feels a little like a home-coming for the trio. He has picked songs specifically from the 1930s through the 1950s for the evening’s performance.

As George enters the auditorium with his equipment, he notices a small elderly woman in the corner of the room questioning Lee. Lee is relieved as George moves across the room to meet her “Hi. I’m George.” “And what do you do?” “Well, tonight I’m going to play that piano over there.” “Well, I helped secure the funds for that piano. It’s a piano valued between $20,000.00 - $30,000.00 dollars so be careful! And I know this because headed the committee to get it here.” George is at first surprised by the woman’s abrasive introduction, but quickly writes it off as some form of dementia. “Well, thank you for allowing me to perform on it tonight. All of my mistakes will sound better than ever coming from such a fine instrument.” The lady doesn’t respond. George attributes this to a faulty hearing–aid battery, not a lack of humor. He quickly sets his microphone and cables down to retreat back to his car to unload more gear.

On the way, he encounters Matthew with his bass in tow. “Hey, watch out for the little lady in there…she seems annoyed that we playing here tonight.” Matthew questions, “You mean Norma? That’s our host.” George strokes his forehead “Aww crap. What’s with her?” “I don’t know, she used to be some big-time organ-player. Her name is Norma Louder. Don’t let her rough exterior fool you.” “You’re kidding, right? Norma LOUDER…and she plays the organ? But she invited us out here though, right?” Matthew nods “Yes. She’s a resident in charge of community events, and we’re her guests tonight.” “Hmmph, guests like the condemned at a lynching.” grumbles George as he heads back down the corridor to the parking lot.

George returns to find Norma gone (whew). The three finish setting up, but before they can play for a sound check, one of the staff enters to commandeer the trio. “Norma says you three are to join her in the dining room.” George and Lee look to Matthew for a sign that they can get out of it. He shakes his head. “We can eat, then come back for sound check.” George protests “You know I never eat before we play.” Always the 'team player', Lee offers to eat George’s portion as they head down the hall.

On the way Matthew introduces George to a spritely lady coming down the hall towards them. “George, this is ‘Granny’. She is over 100 years old.” She lends a gracious smile to the boys. “She doesn’t take any medications, none at all.” George folds her delicate hand in his. “I think you’re probably in better shape than I am. No meds at all, huh? I am privileged to meet you.” Granny blushes at the two as she continues on her way.

To their surprise, the guys are quickly ushered past the on-looking residents in the dinning hall to a private room in the back. The decor is elegantly adorned, fit for a dignitary. A bit too exclusive for Lee's and George's tastes. The three sit down at the table as if they’re awaiting sentencing from Norma. George wonders what to use his second and third forks for. "Man, I thought we would get to eat with the residents. This is like…like eating with the principal.” “Shhh! Here she comes"

Norma hobbles in and plops down in the seat at the head of the table. She begins to question Lee, and then George. She quickly discovers that George does not in fact read music, but plays by ear. A fact that George's ego has never allowed him to be embarrassed by or ashamed of. He reminds her that composer Irving Berlin never learned how to play a piano or read music beyond a rudimentary level. He goes on to tell her that Berlin owned a special piano that mechanically transposed keys and an assistant wrote out the music scores. "Irving Berlin wrote over a thousand songs including many hit Broadway musicals. We'll be playing one of his most played songs tonight: BLUE SKIES."

Just as Norma begins her rebuttal, Bill enters the dinning room. He introduces himself as one of the University Place volunteers. After brief introductions of the trio, Norma and Bill resume some ongoing argument about the facilities hierarchy, and who's really in charge here. The food quickly arrives, and the guys dig in - even George (despite earlier protests). Bill acquiesces to Norma, and tells her that she of course, was in charge all along so he can talk to the guys. Matthew consumes his body weight in iced tea and makes known that if he could pick a GP3 sponsor for the group, it would be Lipton Iced Tea. (For the remainder of the dinner, George will request iced tea from the servers only to forward the glasses to Matthew when they're not looking. The count at the moment is 5 glasses of tea.)

The inquest continues, shifting to Matthew. While Norma focuses her assault on Matthew, Lee asks Bill a very peculiar question: "Have you ever seen the movie 'HARVEY'?" George speaks softly (almost inaudible) "Uh oh...this is going to be interesting." Lee pushes his plate forward out of the way, grabs his napkin and begins twisting. George isn't exactly sure what's about to take place, but he sees a gleam in Lee's eye. Bill responds curiously "Yeah, 'HARVEY' - the Jimmy Stewart movie with the imaginary rabbit?" Lee asserts "Ah, but Harvey wasn't imaginary, and he's with us here today." George slides another glass of iced tea Matthew's direction "Oh boy, here it goes." Even Norma stops short in her questions of Matthew to look down the table at Lee's napkin rustling. "What is he doing?"

Note: One of the interesting things about the trio is that is that they will always find the 'humor equilibrium' of the environment they're in. If the mood of a room is fun and playful, they will passively participate. If the situation is more intense, they will lighten the mood with humor. They can't help themselves. The more unnecessarily serious the room, the sillier they become. It's not that they 're disrespectful, it's just what happens when you pair three class clowns together. This overwhelming instinct kicks in and like geese answering the urge to fly south, the threesome can not resist the lure of cutting up to lighten the mood. To make matters worse, Matthew and George have a very juvenile sense of humor. They have known each other since grade school and while they both have developed into semi-responsible, contributing members of society, their humor has not advanced much from when they were in the 4th grade. Anything for a laugh is often the mandate between them (often at the expense of Lee's good nature). But tonight it's Lee's turn as the ringleader.

He has finished his 'napkin puppet' and it's a... a small, white...rabbit. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/rabbitmaking.jpg Lee cradles it in the crook of his arm, and leans forward for 'Harvey' to drink from his water glass. Bill and Norma look on in disbelief, Matthew finishes off a tea that George has supplied him with (the count is now 6 glasses). It's remarkable how life-like this puppet is. Some would argue that Harvey is more life-like than Lee (and better mannered). Not to be outdone, George quickly fashions his napkin into the shape of...well, it kinda looks like a...well, (he's not as good at this napkin origami as Lee) George decides to settle on a snake since it's the only animal form that he seems capable of sustaining. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/Snake.jpg (Norma is not amused.) And of course, the snake being a natural predator of the bunny begins to attack from under the table! George and Lee's puppets scuffle raucously to the surprise of the others. It looks as if Lee and George are involved in some weird puppet therapy that no one dares to interrupt. Matthew looks down at the tablecloth in front of him, partially to avoid eye-contact with their host, Norma, but also to fantasize about how he could make a huge puppet out of this thing! He starts another glass of tea instead. As the battle rages on, Bill's wife Susan arrives to see the spectacle 'King Cobra Rabbit Hour'. Lee's playful bunny has overcome the king snake by laying down, then striking as George's snake moves in for the kill. "Ha!" exclaims Lee, "Just because Harvey's fluffy and playful, doesn't mean he's not able to defend himself against your snake's vicious attacks!"

The waitress enters as Lee makes his proclamation. George considers offering an explanation, but decides to leave her with her puzzled expression. Norma has begun talking to her about the check anyway. They decide to take the argument outside into the foyer. While Norma is away, Bill mentions to the guys that he used to have a pony-tail, "...that is until I hurt my knee in the shower." George is intrigued by such an odd statement and curiously ponders the connection between his mobility and the length of his hair. Lee decides it's more fun not to know the answer to such a strange statement. But George asks for explanation. None is ever given. George attributes this to karma of not clarifying Lee's statement to the waitress.

Norma reenters the room victorious over the waitress. There is no more small talk - what's the point. The battle lines have been drawn. Norma is serious about being serious and the trio is serious about being silly. This is a volatile mix. Ying and Yang. While the guys take the music very seriously, they have no pretense of being serious about themselves. In her day she was a world-class organist, the thought of musicians not learning the craft as she would say is distasteful and she feels her community patrons deserve more than this. The room is cold.

Matthew finishes his final glass of iced tea (8 glasses in all) as Lee and George head back to the auditorium. They find that the room is already filled with eager residents who have arrived early to get a good seat. "Well, there goes the sound check." George smiles. Taking it all in stride, George takes his place behind the piano and flicks the microphone on. "Welcome to my mid-life crisis everyone. We're going to warm up now if that's okay on a couple of original compositions. They're instrumentals, so you can make up your own words, and sing whatever you like." Lee guesses that except for the trio no one in the room is under 75 years old. He makes adjustments to the sound board as the three cheerfully pluck strings, strike piano keys, and tap drums. The three finish to polite applause.

It's 7:00PM - Time to officially get started. Norma approaches the front of the room like a commandant as she wields a microphone that she's brought to the concert. She begins to 'introduce' the band to the audience, but it feels more as if she's exposing them. It quickly becomes apparent that her integration of the guys 20 minutes before was not polite conversation but rather a means to extract information to use against them at this precise moment. She proudly reveals to the captive onlookers that "The piano player can't actually read any music at all! So this should be interesting for us tonight." (George is strangely relieved to hear this knowing that he has an excuse if his playing is below standard tonight. He thinks 'I'll just tell them sorry for messing up the tunes tonight, but after all I am musically illiterate" he also contemplates if he should play along with her insults and act the part of an idiot savant). At first the Matthew and Lee are a little caught off guard by this strange metopmorphis - she's become something of a cross between Ed Sullivan and that Where's the beef lady? The three are amused at how easily they were 'tricked' into spilling the beans about each other by this master interrogator. Once she is finished serving up George she aims her sights on Lee. (Lee remembers how the napkin king snake hid under the table to attack the bunny at the most opportune moment.)

As Norma begins her assault on Lee, the other two join in. George and Matthew decide to get in on the act not necessarily to defend their partner, but to poke at him too - these three have become quiet skilled at playfully ribbing each other. Norma openly questions the comment lee made at dinner about being a semi-retired roofer, George interjects "That means that if you hire him to do your roof he'll quit before the job is done." Lee shrugs it off and laughs. Matthew laughs. Some in the audience laugh - but Norma does not! The fact that George gets a bigger laugh than anything she's said so far is even worse than playing without reading music! "Oh whatever!" scowls Norma and tosses her mic and sits down. George becomes so tickled by the absurdity of Norma's actions it takes a few moments of laughter for him to regroup and begin the first song. Matthew doesn't even get an introduction!

George dedicates their first song to her, BYE BYE BLUES. Not so much as a peace offering as much as a statement to lighten up and have some fun. The guys are off and running. George and Lee are still smiling ear-to-ear by the third song, overcome with laughter about Norma's repulsion of their joy. A bit of an antagonist, George sings the Irving Berlin song directly to Norma sitting on the first row. The crowd is warming, as if a spell has been lifted from over them.

Right before the start of the song DON'T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE, Matthew leans over to George to alert him that he 'will not be playing the special bass part' - This a mistake. Though George is oblivious to many things in 'real life' he has a keen ninja-idiot savant-like sense of awareness on stage. He instantly feels a hundred or so curious eyes of the audience wondering what Matthew just said - So George tells them. "Matthew would like me to announce that the 'Special Bass' part of this song will not be performed tonight. So if any of you were attending in hopes of hearing this solo, you may be dismissed now and offered a full refund." Chuckles bounce around the auditorium - (but not from Norma) Matthew is trying to become invisible. Matthew instantly realizes that he should have never given such ammunition to a clown like George on stage.

The song starts "Missed the Saturday dance...Heard they crowded the floor..." George pauses the song in the middle, and after several moments of silence he announces "Had there been a Special Bass Part' this is the point in the song where it would have been played." Matthew looks straight a head. Norma's grip on her cane constricts as the blood leaves her hand rushing to her head. The audience responds again with laughter, having never seen this type of improvised behavior from performers. They're watching these guys have a good time which each other, and the feeling becomes contagious. The guys have earned this right due to the musical competence they've displayed, despite Norma's of stance about their musical illiteracy. The audience knows their involved in unique display - something real and not 'canned'. Matthew redeems himself with a stellar rendition of the Bobby Darin classic 'MAC THE KNIFE' No thanks to George's morbid introduction of the tune: " We'd like to play for you now, a song about a serial killer." (read the lyrics here) The song becomes the high point of the evening for everyone.

By the end of the concert, these three have even managed to put a smile on Norma's face and a song in everyone's heart. Just like Lee and George's dinner puppet show, a venomous attitude has been overcome by joy. Maybe these three jesters have even helped Norma to have a bit of fun tonight. She does finally introduce Matthew. And it's not as mean-spirited as what she said about Lee and George. She even thanks the band for coming out, and it seems genuinely sincere.

The guys stand at the door of the auditorium as the residents file back to their units down the corridor. Many hands are shaken, hugs and smiles are offered to the guys. After the last walker has made its way out of the room, the guys begin breaking the equipment down. Lee looks at the wrinkled napkin on the floor that once took the form of 'Harvey'. He has an epiphany of how we all are made from the same fabric. But each of us decide if we will allow this life to fold us into the form of a hateful snake or a playful rabbit. George approaches him, "Hey, what are you thinking? Are you alright? " Lee responds warmly, slowly bobbing his head "Yeah, I am doing fine... I'm really fine."

Only 152 Days Left (and counting)

Christmas in July

Greetings GP3 subjects/supporters.

The time has come to activate the GP3 sleeper cells strategically positioned around the country. With only 152 days left until Christmas, we're depending on each of you to help the band secure holiday gigs and spread Christmas cheer throughout the land. You may think to yourself "Bah Humbug! December is too far away to be planning for a holiday party." Ah...but that's where you'd be wrong - Many corporations are already hard at work spending the shareholder's money in preparation of 4th quarter events.

In a rare display of generosity form the guys (no doubt the result of being on the verge of summer heat stroke), the trio is offering to compensate those who assist in referrals: For any Christmas parties that the band plays as a result of your referral(s), you will receive a check from George Poe Trio for 15% of the total amount compensation for the event. Obviously, there's an incentive to deploy the band to higher paying gigs so you get paid more. For example, if the guys play a party in the Heights for $800.00 you would receive a check for $120.00 American. On the other hand, say you secure a gig at the home of Bill and Melinda Gates for the holidays, and they pay the band $750,000.00 for the evening, you'd be paid $112,500.00 (almost enough to buy the latest PlayStation system and a couple of games for Christmas).

Disclaimer: The amount received does not include tips from the tip jar, and any eggnog or cookies the George, Matthew, or Lee may consume onsite at the venue.

In order to help you 'sell' the trio's services, we have developed a special website geared towards the GP3 holiday package (music that is, not socks again). This seasonal web address is www.george-p.com/Holidays Simply instruct the interested prospects to visit the holiday site to read client reviews from last year, or check out a sample song list. They can even check the band's availability for December in real time at www.george-p.com/Holiday/Calendar.htm. Potential clients can even request a no-obligation bid from the site by clicking on the BOOKING link at the top of each page.

So get into the Christmas spirit by dusting off that favorite Christmas sweater, putting another Yule log on the fire, and help our jolly threesome beat last year's record of 10 holiday themed events, and pocket the cash. Hurry because bookings are first-come first-serve, and at this moment there is there is only 151 days : 7 hours : 12 minutes remaining until December 25th.

"Happy Holidays!" from GP3 Promotions

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

Bayway Lincoln Mercury – Houston Texas

Tonight is the unveiling of the new Lincoln MKS. More than just Ford's latest concept car, this vehicle is intended to be the flagship of Lincoln Mercury. The Bayway dealership in Houston was chosen by Ford to debut the MKS, and they've chosen the trio to provide ambiance for the evening's launch. The theme of the presentation is "Great Premiers". The Bayway team has transformed the entire showroom into a classical movie theater. The entire place is decorated with everything you'd expect to find in a movie house minus the sticky floor. Nostalgic movie posters are plastered about the walls, a complimentary concession bar filled with favorite movie treats.They've even hired look-a-likes of actors from cinema's golden age. The impersonators range from Groucho Marx to Marilyn Monroe. Matthew and George wonder to each other if the online booking site has hired the trio by mistake in attempting to book the Three Stooges.

The guys finish setting up as event's hostess, Rachel comes over to meet them. Matthew compliments the decor and use of 'celebrities' to add to the theme. Rachel concedes that "We wanted to hire the Jack Nicholson look-a-like but the agency charged $2000.00 per hour to send him over!" Upon hearing this, the three look at each other and immediately begin to offer up Nicholson impersonations from Jack's different periods.[ Lee Matthew then George ].The impersonations are terrible, each one worse than the one before. These are so bad that Rachel is a little embarrassed for the guys. Rolling her eyes, she secretly hopes they play better than they do impersonations - gratefully they do.

George starts the night off with a smokin' re-worked jazz arrangement of WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER. A pleased Rachel smiles as she reaches into the oversized popcorn bucket on the table beside the bandstand. She pauses for a moment, then disappears back into the crowd for some intensive PR for the dealership. The set progresses nicely, offering compulsory car related titles along the way like KING OF THE ROAD, ROUTE 66, and others.

George has never considered himself a germaphobe but watching everyone eat from the community popcorn box has him a little distressed. One by one they stroll by the table next to him and reach in and shove a handful into their mouths as if they're partaking of communion à la Saint Orville Redenbacher, then move on to some other area of the showroom. They are completely unaware of the all of the fingers that have been thrust into the buttery bottomless bucket that they are grazing from - but George does. He sees big veiny hands, small delicate hands, feeble quivering hands, strong hands, soft clean hands, grimy oily hands, dainty hands, light hands, dark hands, boney hands, smooth as silk hands, weathered hands, hook hands (well... maybe not hook hands, but you get the point). Gross.

Gratefully he becomes distracted by a new and welcome sight. An elderly couple has taken to the showroom floor and begun to dance about. With all of their 'ballroom dance moves' Lee begins to wonder if Rachel may have hired them too to liven the place up. He mentions this to the other two, but Matthew doesn't think so. George shrugs. These two dancers glide around the showroom floor back and forth in between the spectators with the ease of a summer breeze through a field of dandelions. They effortlessly weave through the strategically placed tables as if were a slalom course. Their timing and grace could not be more elegant if they were birthed from Terpsichore herself. At the end of each song there is applause now - not for the band, but for these two.

When the band takes a break and George approaches the dancers. They introduce themselves as Frank and Connie. George winces as Frank reaches into the bucket beside the piano. Connie mentions that the two of them attend a weekly dance jamboree in Galena Park, and the trio should play there. "There's about 50 couples or so that dance there every Monday night." George is intrigued and says he'll check into it. Frank joins the conversation (between the intake of questionable popcorn). He tells George about the time he met Lena Horne and Cab Calloway at the Cotton Club in NYC. Connie chimes in about how they also used to dance to Tommy Dorsey's orchestra in the 40s. Frank begins to sing lines from Dorsey's I'M GETTING SENTIMENTAL OVER YOU. Connie's eyes light up as she fastens herself to Frank's left arm. It's subtle, but George catches it.

Meanwhile across the room, Lee and Matthew are chatting it up with the caterers. "Always make friends with the people who bring the food." jokes Matthew. She introduces herself as Dawn "from the Last Concert Cafe". Matthew and Lee are impressed. The LCC has been a premier original music hang-out since the 50s. It's an eclectic Tex-Mex cafe in the warehouse district downtown where live music is hosted nightly. "You guys sound pretty good over there." "Thanks. That means a lot from you." Dawn pauses at Lee's response, then focuses on him intently: "Do you know Beans?" "Yeah, Beans Barton?" "You used to play in his group-right?" Lee is shocked that Dawn recognizes him. "Yeah I played the drums and percussion in Beans Barton & The Bi-Peds, but, whoa...that was a long, long time ago." Matthew listens patiently as Lee and Dawn laughingly relay the favorite Beans Barton war stories.

Eventually Matthew dismisses himself from the talk of the Bi-Peds and returns to the band stand. George enthusiastically introduces Frank and Connie to him. Matthew reaches for the popcorn and quickly shoves a fistful in his mouth "Hey wait a minute Matthew... you might wanna... oh... uh..." Matthew smiling, goes for another handful of popcorn "Huh? What???" "Oh...nevermind." After a few minutes, Lee returns to the drum set. Filled with a refreshed sense of purpose and pride. The three launch into BLUE SKIES and dedicate to the tune to their new friends, Connie and Frank. George makes the announcement three times, but they don't hear it as they spin and dip into the evening.

The final set goes smoothly. Rachel approaches the group content with how the evening has gone. She asks for a 'special favor' for herself. She'd like the guys to play any of George Strait songs. George quickly offers up and instrumental version of ACE IN THE HOLE. Rachel is pleased. With most of the showroom cleared out now, the impersonators have no one to 'act' for. So they congregate near the band. Groucho takes a picture with the band . Matthew learns that the Groucho impersonator is a full-time Robin Williams impersonator named David Born (http://www.robinwilliamsimpersonator.com). The guys are amazed to learn that David has won the Best Comedy Award in Vegas in 2007. He's also been on Last Comic Standing, Family Feud (celebrity week), and even had a supporting role in a Mickey Rooney movie called BAMBOO SHARK. David gives Matthew and George a little taste of the 'Robin'. It's amazing. "Whoa, that's freaky. You're really good, but can you do a Jack Nicholson?" A puzzled David, slowly scratches the outside of his pith helmet, but gives no response.

The Marilyn Monroe look-a-like approaches the band and asks in a breathy voice "May I sing a song with you boys?" The impersonation is dead on. George contemplates whether he should ask her if she can do a Jack Nicholson. He decides not to ask (looking over at a still bewildered David). Instead, Matthew asks her if she'd like to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY . "Oh, you're funny as you are cute." She replies (still in character) messing up his hair. "I'd like to sing a slow, sultry version of I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU. Can you boys handle that?" The three nod in unison as George produces the chord chart. The song envelopes the room like a sable mink coat. Marilyn is definitely in control and knows how to work the room (or what's left of it). By the end of the song, every eye in the place is on her (and she knows it). She turns to the band and blows a kiss and leaves the bandstand. "Much better than a Nicholson impersonation." "Yeah, much better." "Jack is way overrated."

The trio closes with their standard WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, and begin to pack up. As the last of the equipment is loaded in the van, Matthew heads into the men's room. George having loaded in all of his gear, decides to follow Matthew to play a prank. He sneaks into the men's room, and seeing Matthew's back to the door, he kills the lights. Matthew being well aware of George's puckish nature, continues about his business, stating "Very nice...Yeah George, very nice." But before the echo of these words have dissipated, George and Matthew are joined by a third. The general manager of the dealership has come into a darkened men's room with Matthew yelling "Very Nice". He clicks the light back on and demands "What the hell are you two doing in here???" George begins to reply "Uh uh...we were...I was..." Upon realizing that there is no self-respecting reasonable answer to this question, he just turns around and walks out the door - abandoning Matthew (who's still at the urinal) to explain. They both are instantly aware that this pretty much solidifies that the trio will never play for Bayway ever again.

On the way out to the van, George grabs one of the few remaining wrapped bags of popcorn from the concession tables and offers it to Lee. Matthew returns shaking his head even though he's already forgiven George's prank. Lee and George tell him how they will miss him this weekend at the Conroe Country club gig. "Is your nephew still getting hitched?" "Yeah" "And there's no way out of it?" Matthew shrugs "No...I'm the minister performing the wedding -They would kinda notice if I wasn't there. But it's in Cleveland, so maybe I can stop over at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame." "Send us a postcard if you do." Matthew nods as George's window rolls up, and Lee's van heads out of the parking lot. Matthew watches their taillights fade into the distance. His gaze shifts to the sky. "Wow" He thinks to himself "It's so clear tonight...Every star shinning. He shuts the car door as he starts the engine. The radio comes to life playing the final verse of a familiar Beatles' song "Baby you can drive my car - And maybe I'll love you - - - Beep beep'm beep beep yeah..." Matthew sings along.

"Ah...Yes, I Remember It Well"

The Year in Review

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of the first GP3 performance. And not even Harry Seldon could have predicted the early success of this budding trio. Even though the guys played at the Lakewood Yacht Club this past weekend, the decision was made to postpone that blog for this special posting instead.

Without getting too sentimental, we at GP3 headquarters invite you to take a trip with us down 'memory lane' by way of the band's flier artwork. The band's promotional posters are designed weeks in advance for every performance for regardless of size of the venue, then also posted online. Sometimes the artwork reflects the theme of a particular event (for example the trio flying jet fighters for an event at the flight museum or when the guys played the grand opening of a dental facility in Katy), but mostly the fliers are just random images that the GP3 graphics team thought were cool at the time.

Beneath the thumbnail pics of many of the online posters are links to the corresponding blogs (obviously written after the event). Click on these links to read of past adventures (and misadventures) of our illustrious three.

Some highlights to look for are:

The time George could not find the gig (12/20)

The red tie fiasco at Crowne Plaza Hotel (01/31)

Why do the guys mock the staff at Landry's? (02/12)

What are the police doing at M.O.T.M. and why are they looking in George's car? (11/29)

What's with Sheila, the 'evil' accordion player? (07/14)

What's the deal with the ice sculptures?Why did George buy a mic from Lee for $2 and then stomp it into pieces? (07/14)

How did the trio get busted playing at a different coffee house (10/13)

What is Matthew's SSN? (04/29)

What makes George so choked-up that he can't sing? (04/22)

What two things do the the trio persuade the Denny's staff to do? (11/16)

What was wrong with George's throat during the wine tasting? (11/09)

Why is the band wandering around on an abandoned runway at midnight? (03/04)

What led to George's ridiculous (and ineffective) boycott of Mall of the Mainland? (02/16)

How does Matthew's G-String snap? (01/12)

Who is the notorious Mr. Hand? (02/16)

How did only half of George's body become sunburned at a Galveston venue? (09/09)

Why is Lee obsessed over the construction of the GP5000 sound robot? (02/12)

What drove George to nearly throw a monitor speaker into a nearby pond? (05/23)

How close does Matthew come to falling off the George R. Brown balcony during a performance? (02/02)

And many other entries which will later be used as evidence in the band's indictment hearing.

Click here to activate the GP3 'Time Machine' to relive the past:

http://www.george-p.com/gp3posters.html

"The Graduate"

Graduation Party – Houston, Texas

Marcos Witt is a performing musician and songwriter, a four time Grammy winner, and a sought after music producer, selling over 10 million copies of his records in México, the United States and Latin America. More than 3 million people have attended Marcos Witt's concerts in some of the main concert stadiums of Latin America. He is the author of ten books, the senior pastor of the Hispanic congregation at Lakewood Church. But most importantly, he is the father of four children. And today, his eldest son, Jonathan has graduated from high school.

With numerous connections in the music industry, one wonders why Marcos had his personal assistant go out of the way to contact the trio to perform for Jonathan's graduation party. But the guys have learned to never look a gift horse in the mouth - In fact don’t look at a gift horse at all. (Lee once thought he saw a magical gift horse, but it was probably just a hallucination since the horse was bouncing on a pogo stick with a bright orange tattoo on his back of Mahatma Gandhi striking Mayor McCheese with a cane.)

The trio arrives to the Witt home late in the afternoon. Load-in goes very quickly, since family and friends have yet to arrive from the ceremony across town, the guys are able to move quickly and unobstructed. The only thing that slows them down a little is Matthew's candy dish munching. Each time he walks by the bowls of M & M candies, he inconspicuously grabs another mouthful and quickly shoves it in. Lee and George become suspicious since Matthew is usually very 'chatty' as the equipment is being set up - Today he is strangely quiet. Finally he gets caught. "Hey Man, Those are like decorations! Don't eat all of those." "But they put them out to be eaten." "Yeah, but you see how they're only the yellow and blues ones? That must be the high school colors or something. If you're going to eat them, take equal amounts of the blue and yellow." "Alright. I'm done anyway." "Good - the 'M' printed on them is not 'M' for Mathew."

The Witt's staff haven't noticed the rapid M & M depletion, as they are busy putting the last minute touches on the food and other decorations throughout the house. And speaking of decorations, the front of the home has been adorned with a bright red new Mustang GT . Delivered directly from the dealership, with less than 20 miles on the odometer. It is a beautiful car. George pulls his 'more experienced' car on up the street so as not to confuse the guests (who are beginning to trickle in).

Due to space limitations in the area where the guys are to play, the staff has suggested that George play Marcos' custom-made baby grand piano. They only have to ask once - George eagerly tries out the keys. He accepts with an "Oh Yeah! This will work." His enthusiasm is only matched by Matthew's return to the candy dish - "Oh Yeah! This will work too." Lee is forced to set up in the darkness of the den adjacent to the room that Matthew and George will be playing in. Lee is used to being 'In the dark' with these two, but the concern is how will he be able to hear the piano so he can keep time for the trio. He and George quickly devise a way. They mic the piano and run the line back to a monitor near Lee and start softly playing. Just in time too - Jonathan has just arrived with family in tow.

He is confident and courteous. He works the room with a finesse that any politician would be envious of. The difference is that all of his gestures, hugs, and handshakes, seem genuine. He even stops the band's playing to take a photo with the guys. "Oh this guy is smooth." thinks Lee before returning to his darkened 'cave'. It's dark but Lee doesn't mind. He's discovered he's in the 'trophy' room. The mantle proudly displays the four Grammys awarded to Jonathan's father, Marcos. Lee also has a musical display tonight. A life-long friend/surfing buddy and artist (John Olvey) has recently completed a customized paint job for Lee's main conga drum. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/Conga.htm The result is a kind of modernized hieroglyphics that tells the story of emancipation from bondage in vibrant colors. He's even included genuine gold leaf for accent color . Lee is very proud of this new modification, and is pleased that the first gig to use it at is a rite-of-passage event for this young man. In fact, George and Matthew are also excited to be at what George calls a 'Scrapbook-Type Venue". "We have the best job in the world. We get to help people celebrate special moments like this, play music, and get paid for it." "Mmm hmm... Don't forget the M & M's." "Yes - those type benefits too."

The music shifts to more spirited jazz as the attitudes in room warm up to the guys. The only pause of the evening comes when Jonathan addresses his guests. Like royalty in exile, his speech is elegant and even inspirational. For a moment Matthew wishes he was back in high school too. A flash of nausea, brings him quickly back. Jonathan thanks everyone who has helped him achieve goals, shape him, and helped him to become the young man he is. George doesn't even know this kid, and yet he still feels proud. The cake is cut, and ceremoniously shoved in Jonathan's face. Everyone applauds, and Jonathan returns to mingling, while wiping icing out of his hair.

Marcos makes a point to thank the trio. The guys comment on his Grammys in the next room and ask if they can take a photo holding them, as if they had won them. Marcos laughs, but declines. He states it's against the Grammy rules. George laughs until Marcos convinces him this is true. "Really?" "Yes, really." "Really???" "Yes."Apparently the academy makes the Grammy recipients, sign a formal document stating that they will not allow other people be photographed holding your Grammy(s). Read bylaws of academy here There are also rules about not using it as a door stop, and you can not use it as a weapon in the event you stumble upon a prowler in the middle of the night and the only thing to bludgeon them with is your Grammy. George is disappointed at missing out on a great photo-op. Lee can't tell what's going on from the dark recesses of his adopted lair in the den. Matthew shirks it off, and fakes coughing as he secretly shoves in another fistful of M & M's.

George launches the band into the final set. Lee's drumming is impeccable tonight -the piano mic gimmick works perfectly. Matthew's fingers are courageously walking up and down the neck of the bass like never before -he's discovered a freedom within this instrumental jazz that burns with a new intensity. These three have never played as tight as they are right now. At the end of the set, George hears a rumbling upstairs. The three realize that there's someone upstairs playing a drum set. Always looking for a way to involve an audience, George yells out to the drummer to bring his set downstairs. It turns out to be Jonathan's younger brother, Carlos. After taking a few moments to set up he is ready to go. A few measures in George is painfully aware that this is the worst idea he has had in a long time. Looking to 'go out on a high note', George encouraged Carlos to play it up. The problem is, the boy has no sense of volume. His strikes on the snare and toms are perfect, but they are ridiculously loud. The decibel level in the room triples, and guests (and Jonathan) scatter for safety into other parts of the home . Only the boy's mother, Miriam stays behind to support his sonic assault. Upon realizing this miscalculation, George only plays an obligatory amount of the piece and shuts it down.

Marcos comes out of hiding, and mentions that Jonathan has left to go to another party. George thanks him for allowing him to play his custom piano. The two begin to ramble on and on about piano stuff. Steinways vs. Bosendorfer, the keyboard responsiveness of the August Forester and on and on. Lee's back is hurting and he secretly wishes that Carlos would do a drum solo encore to cover up all this fruity piano talk. The three pack up their gear and head to the vehicles. Jonathan's car is gone from the front entry, so loading goes very quickly. George returns inside to say goodbye to Marcos and Miriam. Marcos asks "So do you want that picture?" "Of the Grammy? I thought we couldn't hold it." "You can't, but we could make it look like I'm awarding it to you." George is elated "That'd be perfect! Let me get the guys." A few moments later Gabriela, the Witt's personal photographer snaps the shot. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/WittMattGrammy.jpg

George has his mock photo, Lee has a backache (and a new drum), and Matthew has a shirt pocket of half-melted M & M's. And to these guys, that's a pretty good night.

Open Wide and Say "Aaaahhhhh."

Dental Office Grand Opening – Katy, Texas

Dental Math: There are 4,961 dental facilities in the greater Houston area. Over 1/5 of these seem to be in Katy, Texas. The population of Cinco Ranch (Katy) in 2000 was 11,196. An adult human mouth has 32 teeth. So, multiply 11,196 mouths by 32 teeth (358,272) then divide by 992 practices and you end up with a TTDP (tooth-to-dental practice) ratio of 362 to 1. In other words, in Katy, you have a dentist office for every eleven to twelve people. The city charters must have opted for setting up dental offices instead of having Starbucks coffee shops percolating on every corner (as in most cities). So it is no surprise that if the boys are playing in Katy tonight, they're probably playing for a dental facility. In fact, they are helping to celebrate the grand opening of Dr. Bryan Berteaux's new practice at Cinco Ranch Endodontics.

Endodontics is a specialist sub-field of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. If you've ever been fortunate enough to have a root canal, you've been to an endodontist. Even though Lee and George profess to be good teeth brushers, that have had their share of painful trips to the dentist. So both pleased that they will be working tonight instead of being 'worked on.'

In a strange co-opt/marketing maneuver by Beverly, the band's agent, she has paired them up with a group called La Dee Da Catering. As the trio arrive, they meet their surrogate employers for the evening, Ray and Jan. They're both nice enough, but the dental staff mistake the trio for members of the catering company's band. No bother to George though, "Let them think whatever they will; as long as no one gets food poisoning and that prevents us from playing future functions, I'm okay with it." Matthew is just grateful to be playing in doors. Tomorrow's gig at an apartment complex is outside, so he is breathing in all the air conditioning he can force down his lungs in preparation.

The facility's surroundings are very serene, designed to calm visitors and take their minds off the pain - not from the root canals, but the pain of having to use a co-signer to pay their expensive medical bill. The office staff is eager to help Dr. Berteaux's first practice be a success. He approaches the trio and everyone politely exchanges introductions. His demeanor is much like the environment he's chosen; his voice is calming, his words gently pass through his perfect teeth soothing the ears of the listener. Each syllable links to the one before and after it like a soft hypnotic chain of sounds. This tactic, no doubt, lulls patients into an unparalleled state of relaxation to deal with the pain (again of the bill - not teeth). The guys are pleased to be playing for the grand opening of his office, or maybe that's just the hypnosis talking.

The three return to setting up as the good doctor prepares for visitors. Tonight's venue is to be instrumental music only - no vocals through the sound system. In fact, the sound system (affectionately known as the GP5000) has been brought upstairs, but has not even been plugged in. Due to not having to check vocal and equipment mic levels, the trio has finished setup earlier than usual and have some time on their hands - And this is never a good thing. The three are not destructive or anything, but given enough time, all of their conversations end up in some sort of juvenile dare (usually instigated by George). Today is no different - George convinces Matthew, then Lee to check out Dr. Berteaux's new equipment in the back rooms. By 'check out' he means demonstrate how to perform root canals on each other. http://www.george-p.com/Blog/BlogArt/DentalChair.jpg Lee and Matthew willingly participate, and George didn't even have to use the hypno-voice technique that he picked up from the doctor.

After a few minutes, the guys return to the front lobby. Understanding that they will be the first thing that guests will see as they enter the facility, they do some 'housekeeping' straightening up stray chords and tucking away cases. They want to make a good first impression for the practice. It's 5:00 PM and time to start. George has brought jazz arrangements of many of the 'regular' songs the band plays. He and Matthew find it invigorating to play these tunes without singing the lyrics. The songs have a freshness, and these two are forced to listen to what the other is doing more intently since the words are often used as guideposts in each piece. Lee could care less - words or not, he's happy to be pounding out the pulse on the bass drum and conga.

After 30 minutes or so of exuberant playing, the guys notice a an interesting pattern:

1.) Visitors come through the front door into the lobby,
2.) Pause a moment and smile at the band,
3.) Take one of the band's business cards from the edge of the piano,
4.) Look interested in business card,
5.) Leave the lobby headed to the back of the facility (never to be seen again)

So the guys find themselves performing for four or five people at a time, and for a very short duration. It's much like speed-dating...except it's between an audience and a band. After a while the trio realizes they've essentially been playing for an empty room. They can hear the crowd down the hallway, smell the food, but the view they have of a lonely reception counter. But the guys don't loose heart; they know their music is being heard down the halls and echoing into the examination rooms.

With the audience in another part of the building, Matthew seizes an opportunity. By now he has become bored with no vocals through the system. He begins singing on-the-spot parodies of each song played. Only George is within earshot to hear Matthew's lyrical quips about gum disease, flossing, crowns, fillings, gingivitis, etc. George loses it when Matthew sings "She's Got Decay" to Billy Joel's SHE'S GOT A WAY. He's smiling from ear to ear as more guests arrive through the front door. They think he's either really friendly, or there's a nitrous leak in the office and he's inhaled too much laughing gas. The visitors follow protocols 2 -5 listed above and quickly disappear from sight.

George encourages Matthew to sing the 'real' words to AS TIME GOES BY even though there are no mics. "But you said Ray and Jan don't want singing." " They just didn't want the sound to be too loud with vocal amplification - But we should be okay to sing a few without mics." Matthew agrees and delivers a passionate performance of the song. It's as if not singing for a few hours has built up some magical performance power in him. George asks him to sing another, in which Matthew complies with Patsy Klein's CRAZY. A peculiar thing about the human voice is that it entices listening. And tonight is no different: Like a pied piper, Matthew's singing has brought a few curious listeners back into the lobby where the band is playing. They eagerly sit in the waiting room chairs, and even make a few song requests of the trio. This encourages the band to continue down this path for the remainder of the night. George begins the only song he will sing vocals to this evening, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF SHEEP (one of his favorites). More people re-enter the lobby.

A few tunes later and the guys finish up with LOVE CATS, a spunky song from The Cure that the trio has recently added to the repertoire. It features Matthew's bass playing and singing, and Lee and George gleefully accompany by singing out the backup vocals "...Da de da de-de de doo De da da dit-dee doo da!" As the guys pack up, many of the guests compliment the band as they head back through the lobby to leave. George and Matthew make two interesting observations: This is the first time that the band has played that people didn't dance. And secondly, no tips were awarded tonight (unless they were given to the catering company by mistake). Neither of these indicate the success of an evening, but it is a little peculiar. Even so, it's been a good gig, the guys are pleased to have helped out. Dr. Berteaux returns to the lobby and repeatedly thanks the trio (the guys welcome his hypnotic voice). George realizes that he really likes this guy. He has a very humble spirit, and an accessible personality not always allowed by younger physicians starting out on their own. The band suspects he will do well in this town of dentists and wish him the best.

Editor's Note: At the time of this blog posting, the band has made a return trip to the Katy area to play for another office grand opening. You guessed it - Another dental office!

Games People Play

GP3 GAMES PAGE

The highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV video game, an action-packed shoot-'em-up thriller, hit store shelves this morning. It’s expected to be the biggest seller in gaming industry history, projected sales topping $300 million for this week alone.

Normally, we would provide a hyperlink for you to click on to see an image of what we’re talking about. But this game is ridiculously violent and sexually suggestive, and thereby controls the actions of juveniles and weaker minded game players. So we've decided against it. As a matter of fact, if you are under 18 years of age (and/or weak-minded), stop reading this blog immediately, turn the computer off and go outside (for the your safety and the safety of others) before you unwittingly attempt to recreate the all of the crimes experienced in the game.

For those of you that are still reading this, the highly controversial Grand Theft Auto is a state-of-the-art video game in which players rob and murder their way through the criminal underworld (much like what George and Matthew do each day at their day jobs). The game is set in Liberty City, a metropolis that very closely resembles a modern-day New York (except the street rats have better tattoos). Players maneuver a low-life character named Niko Bellic through the beautifully densely detailed digital carnage. He steals cars, shoots at cars, shoots from cars, speeds in cars, shoots from speeding cars at other speeding cars, carjacks vehicles with people the in cars, plows cars through police barricades (some of which are made of cars), steals more cars, run over pedestrians in cars, etc, basically, committing every imaginable crime while driving a car including not waiting thirty-minutes before entering the water after a big meal.

The question is how much would someone be willing to pay for all of this crude, crass, disgusting, violent game? Answer, GTA retails for $59.99! Talk about being jacked! Upon learning this, the GP3 marketing team decided to remind everyone to play their FREE games online. The games below contain no violence, no sex, no vulgar language, and no graphics of cars committing crimes.

So have a 'HOT COFFEE' and let the games begin.

Guess Matthew's Social Security Number
Guess Matthew's SSN, assume his identity, and tour with GP3

Tic Tac 'Poe'
A hilarious game of Tic Tac Toe against Matthew's Evil Twin who uses upright basses instead of O's

Lee's Picture Scramble Game
Unscramble pictures just like the retro hand-held plastic square game

George's Memory Game
A timed game of skill and concentration using GP3 images

Lee's Hyper Cube
This virtual cube puzzle is like a Rubic's Cube on steroids!

GP3 Collage Memory Game
Test your memory by revealing the correct squares of the collage

See them all here: GP3 Games Page
Enjoy,GP3

George & Lee Go To Prom Together

Safari Texas Ranch – Richmond, Texas

George is not a 'morning person'. In fact, he's not a mid-morning, mid-mid-morning, or late-morning person either. Usually somewhere between 11:06 a.m.- 11:13 a.m. he will mentally resurface for a moment, mumble off some incoherent idea he has about something, then quickly retreat to the expressionless cocoon of 'zoning out' until the afternoon. Through the years, he has cleverly learned to conceal this predisposition, in order to co-exist in the world of the 'early morning dwellers'. But it's all a just a social mask, to avoid the early morning inquests of "What's wrong?" "Are you feeling alright?", "Rough night?" etc.

Lee on the other hand, finds the start of each new day invigorating. He's ready to take on the world! And on a day that he gets to perform, he is even more exuberant! He has already had three cups of coffee by the time George arrives to his house to load in at 8:30 a.m. Three cups for Lee is probably 2 1/2 cups too many due to Lee's physiological makeup. In the same way that 1 human year is equivalent to 7 dogs years, 8 ounces of coffee to Lee would be as if a normal person were to have a mixture of espresso, Red Bull, and rocket fuel pumped directly into their heart while drinking a gallon of Jolt cola. While George finds the smell of freshly brewed coffee delectable, he can't bring himself to drink what he calls 'heated bean juice.' If he ever did, maybe he would find out that he is actually a morning person after all.

The two quickly load the equipment into the GP3 mobile (also know as Lee's van) and zip down the highway. Unfortunately, Matthew will not be joining them today. After the gig date had been secured, Matthew found out that his day job had a scheduling obstacle and has sentenced him to participate in a tediously drawn out planning meeting today. This is unfortunate for a variety of reasons: Number one, nothing significant ever is accomplished at these team meetings. If he's lucky, the organizers will run out of steam after 2 1/2 hours and agree to reconvene for a follow up session later in the month. As for the band, the guys are definitely better as a trio vs. a duo (who ever heard of the 2 Stooges?). Matthew has a natural connection with everyone he meets, making the group very accessible to the people before and after the performances. Lee and George are usually setting up/tearing down the gear, allowing Matthew to mingle through the crowd. He has a gift. But the main reason for regret today, is because this is no ordinary venue.

The guys have agreed to provide entertainment for a school of handicapped and special needs teenagers called the Community Center. The event is being held at the Texas Safari Ranch in Richmond, Texas. It's their prom, and Principal Bobby Stanley wants some lively, upbeat music for the students. Bobby saw the trio at a grand opening he happened to be at a few months ago, and told them of his need. The three agreed to donate their time to the school and not charge for the performance. Even though Lee and George miss Matthew, they are eager to participate and make today special for these kids. Neither Lee nor George went to their high school proms, so this is an opportunity that they are looking forward to.

After the two engage in a ridiculous debate about Clint Eastwood's role in the movie UNFORGIVEN, Lee's coffee has taken full effect and he is amped up! He flies down the highway like an A.D.D. diagnosed kid with weak bladder control playing Chinese Checkers. He leapfrogs the van from slot to slot (some of them are even empty). He's like a buccaneer fighting through toll roads, yelling at on ramps as if this behavior helps advance the vehicle. Ironically, George chose to carpool with him to relax - wrong! Lee is conversing now with the other drivers to which George sheepishly reports "Uh...Lee, I don't think that they can hear you..." But Lee ignores this; and it's at this point that George suspects Lee is having a Steve McQueen flashback to the car chase scene in the1968 movie Bullit.

An hour or so later, the two arrive at the ranch, and George is exhausted from the drive. Feeling a little bit like he's been living through the Blues Brothers' driving finale with the fast forward button stuck, he jettisons out of the parked vehicle. He is, however, grateful to Lee for getting them here early. The two are first struck by the wonders of the safari's animal life: "I thought that the 'Safari Texas Ranch' was in name only...look at those zebras over there!" Lee convinces George that jumping the fence to pet or ride them is a bad idea.

The two make their way to the Palm Pavilion Ballroom as peacocks strut and stroll directly outside the bay windows. While Lee is looking outside , George is looking up at the many chandeliers which seem to elegantly bloom from the ceiling. "Hey, you know, Bobby said the ranch here donated this room to the school today. The normal rate for this ballroom and food is $10,000.00." "Really? Then we should put on a $10,000.00 show." "What exactly would that be?" "I don't know, maybe I'd ride in on one of those zebras, and you'd be dressed in a peacock suit." "Yeah, then ten grand wouldn't be enough!"

The two quickly setup on the small stage provided for them. As they are finishing up, Principal Stanley arrives in full tuxedo. He thanks them both once again and takes a quick photo. As the students and their caregivers trickle in, the excitement builds; this is the first time their prom has had live music. Usually it's a karaoke singer and the latest KIDZ BOP CD or something worse. The pupils and faculty are always grateful, but they know today will be special.

And speaking of karaoke, George's attention is drawn to the sound of squelchy feedback radiating from the far left of the room. He approaches a lady hunched over a small (but annoyingly powerful) karaoke box. "Hi. I'm George..." Squee-weeeeel!!!! "Huh? Oh...Hi. I'm Carolyn. I'm trying to..." Squee-weeeeel!!. George helps her surpress the feedback demon, but only for a moment. "Are you speaking today? You could use our system - We're already set up and we could get a mic for you." "Well, I'm doing a little of both speaking and singing today. If I could just..." Squee-weeeeel. "Uh...You shouldn't point the mic directly into the speaker." "I know, sorry. I think I'll just stick with my system because..." Squee-weeeeeeeeeeeeel (George resists the urge to break the volume knob of Carolyn's karaoke and offers a smile instead) "What are you singing?" "Some inspirational songs for the kids: You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings and then What a Wonderful World." "Oh we love the song, What a Wonderful World! In fact, we were going to close with that today. Would you like us to play it for you to sing over?" "Thanks, but I have a special way of doing it." "Oh...are you..." SQWEEEAAAAAAEEEEEL!!! George has had all the he can stand of Carolyn's system feedback. He winces as he backs away. He contemplates putting his head in Lee's bass drum to escape Carolyn's sonic assault. He finds it interesting that the noises don't seem to even register with her. As if she's conditioned herself over the years to endure the piercing screeches of her speaker. But everyone else still has a way to go.

Lee and George have moved on to mingling with the students and teachers and are well-received. After a few minutes of this, places are taken and the program formally begins. Principal Stanley welcomes everyone and acknowledges accomplishments of the past year by passing out roses from the podium to each of the teachers and assistants. Lee thinks how this suspiciously resembles that Bachelor TV show. A few announcements later, Carolyn is invited up to begin her presentation. Gratefully, she has managed to control most of the feedback noises. And as promised, she begins an odd spoken-word version of WIND BENEATH MY WINGS and WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, occasionally singing the melody at the chorus. Lee at first is confused by this, but eventually tunes it all out secretly hoping the feedback will return.

At the conclusion of the special 'songs', the wait staff emerge and serve with the precision of a Navy SEAL team. The entrées are quickly distributed to all of the settings . Lee leans to George "Do we play now?" "Uh...I--don't know...I was kinda waiting for an official announcement, and maybe even a rose given to us." George looks around for a signal from someone in charge, but no one seems to be paying attention to them. He lightly strikes the piano keys for a few measures, and looks around. He shrugs to Lee "I guess we can start...if not, someone can come stop us. Let's start slow and see what they do."

Even without Matthew and his bass, these two are clearly on their game. After 'warming the room' with a few jazz instrumentals, Lee and George are now in full stride. During the fifth song George introduces the 'band' and mentions that bass player, Matthew, would have loved to have been here today, but couldn't. He dedicates Norah Jones' tune DON'T KNOW WHY I DIDN'T COME to Matthew and imagines him counting ceiling tiles and writing notes on his hand in a fluorescently lit, overcrowded holding cell with his co-workers.

After the meals are finished, the assistants move the students to the front of the ballroom. Those who are able to walk, push their wheelchair-bound friends around and around circling and zig-zagging over the dance floor. They're having a blast and Lee and George are delighted to be a part of it. These kids may have some physical and mental disadvantages, but they know how to enjoy themselves. One of the volunteers leans into George between songs to say "We could all learn how to live in the moment from these kids". George agrees, and he and Lee continue to play their hearts out for this group.

Bobby announces that the coronation of the prom king and queen is due. The 2007 queen, Jackie is rolled into position next to him. She proudly wears her crown from last year for the last time. After a buildup worthy of a beauty pageant, Principal Bobby announces the winners: "Clay Brown as King, and Chelesa Garrett as Queen!" Applause erupts through the ballroom. George begins to sing the Eric Clapton favorite YOU LOOK WONDERFUL TONIGHT. Clay and Chelesa's teachers wheel their chairs together and apart across the dance floor like two Venetian gondolas romantically passing each other at dusk. The song ends, and everyone returns to dance floor. George and Lee's playing is white hot now with no signs of letting up.

After a blistering 20 minute set of upbeat tunes, Principal Stanley discretely requests the song LADY IN RED. As George plays the opening chords, Bobby grabs the surprised hand of a young lady dressed in an exquisite long red dress. As the two dancers sway around the dance floor by themselves, something happens to George and he gets all 'Emo'. He is so choked up at the scene, he is barely able to sing. His voice cracks and becomes unreliable. He tries to compose himself for the sake of this special moment, and manages to make it to the instrumental section. He leans to Lee "It's so beautiful...it's just so..." George re-enters at the chorus and holds it together for a strong finish. "Whew! I wish Matthew could have been here for that." The other dancers return to the floor to finish out the set.

Outside the rain barrels down like Niagara falls. It's past the prom's scheduled finish time but the sudden cloud burst keeps everyone inside. Since the wheelchairs can't be loaded in this downpour, George and Lee decide to play for an extra 45 minutes. The schoolmates are overjoyed. As the skies turn blue again, George finishes with an obvious selection of HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN? Everyone loads into vans and buses and the ballroom is quickly still again.

The room echoes with the sound of gig cases popping open and drum stands being folded up and stowed. After a few minutes Bobby returns from a side door "WHOA! That was amazing! How many songs did you guys play?" " I don't know...maybe 30 or 40?" Bobby has graciously had the wait staff save a plate for Lee and George. As they eat, George and Lee ask Bobby how he became involved with a special needs school. He tells them his story and the highlights of service he's given to the Community Center for the past five years. George and Lee are so moved that they offer to play a Christmas concert for the school in December; and two handshakes later they seal the deal. Bobby thanks the guys again and heads out back to his school and students.

Tired but satisfied, the two weary band mates finish loading the van. Lee's driving is noticeably more relaxed on the way home. The two speak of how fortunate they are to be allowed to play all of the different venues they have played and people they've meet along the way. George begins to softly nod off as Lee plays him a CD of rock/folk band Country Joe and the Fish (This is no small task if you've ever heard CJ&F's music- you know how hard it is to fall asleep to them). Nevertheless, he slumbers as the van bounces down the highway back to Houston. One can only imagine that he's dreaming of how beautiful Chelesa and Clay looked gliding back and forth to the band's music. He wonders if he will ever see a more beautiful sight on the dance floor.