Aidan Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 To say that last night's gig ended unexpectedly is an understatement. It was a solo piano job at a private Christmas party, held at the client's home. The house had been experiencing power problems all night - the lights on the steps down from the car parking area were out, so I was extremely careful when lugging equipment up and down. The client wanted me to lead the singing of some carols, in pursuit of which I'd bought down with me a box of booklets kindly lent by my church with the words of the most popular songs in. I had taken everything back out to the car at the conclusion, and had just grabbed the box of carol sheets from my client when it happened. I stepped into the also-unlit pond, going up to my chest in freezing 5ft deep water. The outside air temperature was -5C. Somehow I managed to haul myself out and people came to my aid, taking me back inside. I was in deep shock and shivering. My client put me in a room with a roaring fire and bought me a change of clothes, gleaned from his grown-up stepson. I had them retrieve my dress shoes from my stage costume suit carrier and now at least dry, managed to drive myself home, the car heater on full blast all the way. Writing about it now sounds almost comedic but it really shook me up and I've not really been myself all day. The good news is that bar a couple of minor dings on my hands from scrabbling out, I wasn't injured and crucially, my back was OK. The other good news is that my iPhone, which was totally immersed, still works and the contents of my wallet (ditto) are still negotiable. Anyway, this morning I felt up to Facebooking a quick note about it and then Vikki and I headed to her parents' house to help host their golden wedding party. It was about halfway through this event that my still-working iPhone rang. I noticed it was an international number and assumed I was about to be offered some timeshare or some such scam. Instead, it was our very own ITGITC, Tom. "I saw on your Facebook profile about you falling into the pond and I was worried about you," he explained. Well, I was able to assure him that I was shaken but physically OK and we had a really nice chat though all too short as I didn't want to cost him a fortune ringing an international cell number and I kinda had to get back to the party too. Now, how utterly great is that? The concern over Meccajay (and welcome back, Jay, btw) shows how much the gang here looks after its own and here I was on the receiving end of such similar kindness. So Tom, thank you so much for your call. You are a true gent - and I'm just so glad that the British and American words for "pond" are the same Quote Yamaha: P515, CP88, Genos 1, HX1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Oh my god! I assume you haven't come down with pneumonia now that you're posting this? Quote Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 Hi Majuscule, no thankfully got attention before that was a problem. I did struggle to get warm in bed when I got back but OK again now. Quote Yamaha: P515, CP88, Genos 1, HX1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SK Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Man, Aidan, what an awful thing. Glad you're OK - hypothermia was probably the biggest danger. You should take some immune system boosting herbs and vitamins to make sure your body recovers fully and quickly. Quote CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevekessler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanker. Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Did the sheet music survive? Glad everything's ok man, that had to be scary. Quote A ROMpler is just a polyphonic turntable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 You've run a big risk, man. I'm glad that you were able to get out of it unscathed. I guess that was shocking. And yeah, this place is great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfD Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 That was an unfortunate event. Glad you're OK Aidan. Take the herbs and vitamins anyway. KC definitely has a different vibe. Not just an internet forum. A virtual family. Quote PD "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return."--E. Ahbez "Nature Boy" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieP_MechE Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 KC definitely has a different vibe. Not just an internet forum. A virtual family. My sentiments exactly. Glad everything turned out okay, Aidan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 What a horrible thing to happen! I'm glad there were others who saw or at least were there to help you. Take extra care of yourself these next few days, and get plenty of rest. Glad again that you're okay. Quote Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Tom aka ITGITC and I talked on the phone today and he told me about your incident. I'm glad you're ok and really appreciate the brotherhood on this forum! Regards, Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Aidan, that's just terrible! I've been called by Tom/ITGITC too and it's an unnerving experience. Hi Tom! Seriously, glad you're okay. I saw that post on FB and judged by your tone you'd be alright. Quote "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Martin Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Aidan, So glad to hear that you are ok. Stay warm and dry. Sincerely, Quote -Mike Martin Casio Mike Martin Photography Instagram Facebook The Big Picture Photography Forum on Music Player Network The opinions I post here are my own and do not represent the company I work for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Zeger Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Funny thing about playing music. Some nights you're smokin'. Some nights you're soakin'. Hope you got out of those wet clothes and into a dry martini. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillWelcome Home Studios Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 another soul lost to the Sirens call, gone to the watery deep... Quote "I believe that entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot." Steve Martin Show business: we're all here because we're not all there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midinut Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 psst... just so you know... Tom is trying these days to buy his way into heaven. They do have beer there, right? Glad to hear you're okay Aidan. Stay warm and safe! Quote Hardware: Yamaha: MODX7 | Korg: Kronos 88, Wavestate | ASM: Hydrasynth Deluxe | Roland: Jupiter-Xm, Cloud Pro, TD-9K V-Drums | Alesis: StrikePad Pro| Behringer: Crave, Poly D, XR-18, RX1602 | CPS: SpaceStation SSv2 | Controllers: ROLI RISE 49 | Arturia KeyLab Essentials 88, KeyLab 61, MiniLab | M-Audio KeyStation 88 & 49 | Akai EWI USB | Novation LaunchPad Mini, | Guitars & Such: Line 6 Variax, Helix LT, POD X3 Live, Martin Acoustic, DG Strat Copy, LP Sunburst Copy, Natural Tele Copy| Squier Precision 5-String Bass | Mandolin | Banjo | Ukulele Software: Recording: MacBook Pro | Mac Mini | Logic Pro X | Mainstage | Cubase Pro 12 | Ableton Live 11 | Monitors: M-Audio BX8 | Presonus Eris 3.5BT Monitors | Slate Digital VSX Headphones & ML-1 Mic | Behringer XR-18 & RX1602 Mixers | Beyerdynamics DT-770 & DT-240 Arturia: V-Collection 9 | Native Instruments: Komplete 1 Standard | Spectrasonics: Omnisphere 2, Keyscape, Trilian | Korg: Legacy Collection 4 | Roland: Cloud Pro | GForce: Most all of their plugins | u-he: Diva, Hive 2, Repro, Zebra Legacy | AAS: Most of their VSTs | IK Multimedia: SampleTank 4 Max, Sonik Synth, MODO Drums & Bass | Cherry Audio: Most of their VSTs | Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoahZark Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Boy, between Aidan and Meccajay, this place has had more than it's fair share of water-related issues lately! Glad to hear you're okay, Aidan! I imagine falling into a freezing pond in the dark of night would be quite a harrowing experience. And yes, this place is special, and the Grand Poobah of Posting is definitely a big part of it! Noah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl Sutton Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 so those "polar bear club" folks are truly crazy right?! glad to hear you're okay Quote Yamaha P22 Upright / Nord Stage 2 SW73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Pierce Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Wow, that is scary! I'm glad you are OK. Be careful out there, guys... --Dave Quote Make my funk the P-funk. I wants to get funked up. My Funk/Jam originals project: http://www.thefunkery.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Bryce Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Damn...that sounds awful! Unusual gig experience to be sure... Glad to hear you weren't hurt, brother Aidan! dB Quote ==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <== Professional Affiliations: Royer Labs • Music Player Network Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan_evett Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Wow... What a way to end a gig. Very relieved to read that you are doing OK, and weren't seriously injured, Aidan. Keep us posted, and take extra good care of yourself. A 'virtual family'indeed; great group, wish I'd joined sooner... Quote 'Someday, we'll look back on these days and laugh; likely a maniacal laugh from our padded cells, but a laugh nonetheless' - Mr. Boffo. We need a barfing cat emoticon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 5C? What is that in normal degrees? Like, 40 or something? Who has a 5 ft deep pond at their house, anyway? I'm surprised you didn't tell us it was 1-1/2 Meters deep or something? Glad you're OK!!! The stories I hear on here never cease to amaze me. Beats a desk job any day, doesn't it? BTW - you could probably almost fit your hobbit house in that pond, eh? Quote Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Benhamou Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 5C? What is that in normal degrees? Like, 40 or something? -5Celsius more like 23 Farenheit. BTW, Celsius is the "normal" degrees. Oh, Americans........ Quote Ian Benhamou Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals [url:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheMusicalBox/]The Musical Box[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J. Dan Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 5C? What is that in normal degrees? Like, 40 or something? -5Celsius more like 23 Farenheit. BTW, Celsius is the "normal" degrees. Oh, Americans........ Oh how wrong you are. I was joking, but for the record, Tf = (9/5)*Tc+32. So Tf = ((9/5)*5)+32 In otherwards, 41 degrees F. So my off the cuff estimate of "around 40" was pretty frickin close, but who's counting? ...wait a minute... you have MINUS 5, I thought he had 5.... BIG difference. Well, if it's 5, I'm right, if it's minus 5, you're right. How's that? EDIT: I just went back and looked. On my screen, the minus was at the end of the line, and the 5 was on a new line, so I missed the minus, sorry. Quote Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Horne Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 I guess we could say the job was a ... wash? I guess from what you wrote, you didn't play the job ... ? Did you get paid? How exactly does this work? (At least the piano was intact. ) Quote No guitarists were harmed during the making of this message. In general, harmonic complexity is inversely proportional to the ratio between chording and non-chording instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonksDream Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Oh man! That sounds like a harrowing experience! Glad you're OK Aidan! Stay warm Quote Instrumentation is meaningless - a song either stands on its own merit, or it requires bells and whistles to cover its lack of adequacy, much less quality. - kanker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary75 Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 What an awful thing to happen, glad your ok. Here in the UK it's been unusually cold the last week. We usually struggle to break freezing but it's getting as low as -10C here and to fall in a pond at that temperature is scary. On the good side Aidan, you have unknowingly just passed your Army arctic training! Wait, Ray Mears will be in touch! Totally irrelevent, but I'm impressed by the Iphone surviving. Actually I just bought a headband with a an LED torch on it for my dads car, maybe a thought? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunkKeysStuff Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Horrible experience. Awesome story. You'll be telling that one for the rest of your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgoo Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 So.... did they ask you to come back next year? wow- glad you're ok! Quote Custom Music, Audio Post Production, Location Audio www.gmma.biz https://www.facebook.com/gmmamusic/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markyboard Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 When I was a kid I fell through ice on two separate occasions (no not the same day or place). Scary stuff. Glad you're OK Aidan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKeys Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Aidan, glad your OK a step like that could have really hurt your back. As for Tom he is what we call down south a true blue friend, or as I say a man I would buy a beer for anytime. Quote Jimmy Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others. Groucho NEW BAND CHECK THEM OUT www.steveowensandsummertime.com www.jimmyweaver.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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