I was in Akron OH for a year one week and the local band turned out to play for us when they got a call. The percussionist was in an accident. They were a 5 piece band with a 3 drum big stand-up bongo thing, some other assorted stuff, sticks you drag on gourds etc. Someone from my hometown let's the cat outta the bag, "Conley plays almost anything" so there I am in a Hawaiian shirt, my white painter pants, sandals, shades and they fix me with a sombrero and I'm the guy. I laid back for a few songs, asked for some Parrot head stuff, got into it, and at the first break the head guy comes over and tells me 'jeez you really have a lot of experience". I go, um ..
"Bass drum..Marching Band"
"Triple drum..Marching Band"
I burned the 'Bells or xylophone" it was always outta tune.
"Baritone..Marching Band"
"Piano 25 years"
but I'm new to this ..na..

Later when the free booze flowed I got better, really , no really, I INSIST. I did...much....

The next day I woke up and that Shirt was gone and it says "We love you Cheryl and Jane" in magic marker on my chest. At least it wasn't a tattoo.

They always fished me into the marching drum line when someone was missing. Cause I acted up with the kids on parade and it's hard to do that with a baritone bell in your face....

John Conley
Musica est vita