December 6, 2017 www.DesertMessenger.com 15
Band Scramble at QIA
planned for Dec. 12
By Jackie Deal
Can you imagine? You're a musician
and you have 15 minutes to practice
with five other band members you've
never played with before - then play
for cash prizes – before a live audi-
ence! That's what the Band Scramble
is. And it's a lot of fun for both the
musicians and the audience. Last
year's Band Scramble at Brenda was,
in old fashioned terms, a hoot! This
year at the Quartzsite Improvement
Assoc. (QIA) should be even better.
After musicians check in, their
names are put in a container accord-
ing to the instrument they play. There
are 6 categories, for example: guitar-
ists, fiddlers, keyboards etc. Last year
they formed 6 bands with 6 members
each. The hope is for more this year.
So musicians should be prepared to
sign in between 4:30 and 5:30p.m.
You must play an instrument. Conra
Marsh, who's in charge of the Scram-
ble cautions, "No singers only."
Newly formed bands are sent off-
stage and in 15 minutes they must
rehearse and prepare. Meantime
four judges, picked from the audi-
ence are given check lists; a variety
of points for each of the six criteria.
To name a few criteria: they must
chose a name, introduce band mem-
bers, stay within time limits, as well
as be judged on how good they play.
During practice times the audience is
well entertained. We're assured that
Aunt Minnie and Ethel, the Cleaning
Lady, will help polish things up (in-
cluding but not limited to, men's bald
pates!). Don't worry, the cleaning
lady is out of rehab' this year... Again!
"Tiny Tim" may visit. "Little Girls in
the Backseat" will be performed and
some good ole' hillbilly music.
Popcorn, ice cream and drinks will
be available .There will be three cash
prizes - that's why musicians and au-
dience all contribute a $5 entry fee.
The Band Scramble will be Tuesday,
Dec. 12, 6 p.m. at the QIA, 235 E.
Ironwood, Quartzsite. Don't miss it!
