[Dixielandjazz] My strangest gig

[Russ Guarino]

It took awhile for me to remember this gig, but your stories finally
brought it to mind.

I had a swing band in Los Angeles back in the 80s and got a call from a
guy who wanted to know if we could do a private party gig in four days.
Swing type music.  I said OK and put together a pretty good gang of
guys, trumpet, trombone, reeds [ me ], rhythm, etc.

The gig was for the benefit of a business associate, an Arab, who had
broken his leg and had to stay in house, with his birthday coming up.
The idea was that they would do a kind of surprise party complete with
catering, band, etc.

Location was the Hollywood - Beverly Hills area up in the hills.

We arrived on time, in tux, set up near the food service tables and
proceeded to  perform. A few people were about, but not much of a
crowd.  After about a 1/2 hour, six young blond muscular men, nude
except for thongs, came over & positioned themselves in front of the
band and began to dance-grind. [ Guys from Chippendales? ]  We reacted
by playing some burlesque type music and this went on for about 20
minutes. A small crowd gathered and there were some "Oohs & AAA's.  Then
they were gone.

We played for another 1/2 hour and then braked to eat.  We took a seat
outside in the patio & I was told by one of the band guys who was
somewhat nosy, that he could see through a bedroom window that  sexual
pleasures were being taken by the Arabs.

We finished dinner, played for about another hour and then packed up.  I
was paid without comment and then as I was hauling stuff to the car, one
of the young men approached me, fully dressed now and said "We are not
gay, this is just for making money".

Russ Guarino
Clarinet Maven