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Show #02
Aura Nightclub - Studio City, CA
January 14, 2006

Upstairs and to the back!

The band's second concert was originally scheduled for November 3, 2005 but fate mercilessly intervened as it so often takes the pleasure in doing. In early October, drummer Richard Wright was suddenly stricken by a mysterious illness and was rushed to Glendale Adventist hospital and remained there for weeks. The rest of the band held their collective breath and hoped for his swift recovery. The prognosis seemed very uncertain at the time. While in the hospital, Gary visited and reassured Rich that the band was not moving on without him. All band activity ceased until November when Rich was finally released and he confirmed with Gary that he was eager to tackle another show. With that cue the band dove headlong back into rehearsals over the holidays. Despite his enthusiasm, Rich continued to struggle with his illness, but he worked through it and was able to soldier on. Still... this foreboding sign kept the band quietly concerned.

Richard Wright - Hard Rock Cafe - Show # 01 - Aug. 31, 2005

The show was eventually booked at the Aura Nightclub in Studio City, CA. Despite it's deceiving location (upstairs and to the back in a boring multi-unit retail structure) the club interior was suprisingly posh. Things are not always as rosy as they seem because it was on this night that the band would experience their first on-stage challenges. No sound check was allowed, microphones were feeding back during the performance, there were too few stage monitors and Frank's guitar amp suddenly decided it was the perfect time to malfunction, producing an inimitable crunching sound.

The Aura Nightclub interior circa 2006

Despite it all, the door count was good and the crowd response was enthusiastic and so the band earned their first pay. This take, certainly was nothing to crow about, but the promoters seemed happy that the band was able to pull in as many people as they did for such an early performance slot and the band was happy to see their paid admissions growing.

Gary Brandon works the AURA crowd while Frank Galuppo (Guitar) and Nikki Olivia (backing vocals) provide support.

Show #02 Detail
Band Lineup
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Gary Brandon - Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Chris Cilibrasi - Bass Guitar
Richard Wright - Drums

HIRED MUSICIANS
Frank Galuppo - Lead Guitar
Nikki Olivia - Backing Vocals
Tilford J. Jackson - Synthesizer, Backing Vocals

Show Date: Saturday - January 14, 2006
Set Length: 6 songs (1/2 hour)
Set List: Angela, Still She Believes, Regular Guy, Lonely Life, Sarahnede, Rose Coloured Glasses
Stage Time: 7:30 PM
Capture: [x] Still Photography [ ] Live Recording [ ] Video
Promoter: Cam of Jam Productions (Jaclyn Strong)
Venue Name/Location: Aura Nightclub, Studio City, CA USA
Venue Capacity: 200+ All ages until 9PM
Venue Purpose: Bar, Dining, Live Music, Private Parties

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