May 3rd, 2010
Gracie and the Atom keyboard rig
Performing with a software-based computer rig is more common these days. In fact the benefits outweigh the negatives now. Especially for a show gig, having access to different sounds, effects and samples within one setup allows for quick editing and customization. With a bit of MIDI mapping any keyboard controller can control the software allowing the user to keep the hands on the hardware and off the computer. I’m using an old Roland A-80 from 1989 as a keyboard/controller. It still has the best weighted piano-action of keyboard I’ve played in addition to four sliders/buttons and four pedal inputs for control. All of the keyboards sounds are produced by Apple’s Mainstage which is live-performance based software using the software instruments and effects from Logic Studio. With a good quality audio interface for output, (I’m using a RME FF400) the sound is at least as good if not better than hardware-synths. Mind you I’m not selling my hardware stuff, but for this gig the software rig is much better suited and flexible. Also within Mainstage there is a metronome function. For each song in the show I have a patch set with the tempo for that song, which provides an accurate count off for the band.
Tags: music gear
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April 18th, 2010
A few years back I played keyboards on singer/songwriter McKinley’s CD “Gracie and the Atom.” These songs were from a musical she was writing. interesting stuff. Cue to present day, I’m glad to be the musical director/keyboardist for the initial run at Artists Rep. Theater here in Portland. The show is a nice blend of physics, faith and religion. Great band too. Should be fun. Come and check it out if you live in the Portland area. It runs through the end of May.
****** JUST THE FACTS – GRACIE AND THE ATOM
Gracie and the Atom by McKinley. Directed by Allen Nause.
Performance Dates: April 27 through May 30, Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:00pm, plus one Tuesday Preview on April 27 at 7:30pm and one Wednesday matinee at 11:00am on May 19.
Location: Artists Repertory Theatre’s Alder Stage (1516 SW Alder St.)
Tickets: Advance tickets $25-$47; Students $20. Rush Tickets $20. 503-241-1278 or www.artistsrep.org
Description: Artists Rep presents the world premiere of a new musical by McKinley, the popular local singer-songwriter and member of Dirty Martini. When Gracie loses her father, she is sent off to an all-girls Catholic boarding school where Sister Lidwina preaches physics and Sister Francis dissects the Gospels. As she searches for the mother she never knew, her classmates help her with the details of purgatory, Ouija boards and superhero saints. But nothing in this new territory of protons and prayer can fully prepare Gracie for the new life ahead of her.
Tags: gigs music pdx
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