[Dixielandjazz] worst gig

[John Blegen]

I'm not sure this tops anybody's worst gig --- it's hard to measure pain -- but mine happened some years ago in the south suburbs of Chicago.  The six piece Dixie band I was with was hired to play at a picnic thrown by the UAW local at the Ford Stamping Plant.  It was to be a very long gig, five hours, as I remember.  There were a couple of large tents set up, but it was clear that the picnic planners had counted on good weather.  The didn't get it: it was pouring.  So they moved the band inside the plant.  Which was still operating.  We set up near the entrance, as instructed, so that people taking a tour of the plant would hear us as they started their tour.  About 20 feet behind us was a huge conveyor belt carrying large pieces of scrap metal, clanging and clanking.  The din was undescribable.  Posted on a pillar near the bad was a sign mandating the use of protective ear covering.  Of which we had none.  It was clear that people couldn't hear us
 until they arrived within about 10 feet, because you could see them start walking in rhythm as they passed us.  Five hours.  I couldn't hear for days afterward.

John Blegen