The Illinois State Fair
I was playing bass in a 50's showband (think "Sha Na Na"). We had this gig for 12 straight days, at the state fair in Du Quoin, Illinois. Miller beer had hired us, along with 2 country bands, to play the Miller Beer Tent.
The music went every day, Noon to Midnight. Each band played 4 hours, and we rotated each day. Since we were doing costume changes, we had our 24 foot truck backed up to the back of the stage, and used it as a dressing room. Had some black plastic stuff hanging down, and it formed a curtain, so the audience couldn't see in there.
The stage was huge, and about 5 feet high, so we set up a party room under it, complete with electricity, lights, stereo, fans, sleeping area, chairs, and coolers full of Miller beer, which they graciously provided for free. We would have wild parties down there, while the other bands were playing literally right on top of us. Several times, we partied all night down there.
I will never forget this particular night. We had done the 4 to 8 shift that day, so we were partying with some girls we met in the audience at the Night Ranger concert (they were playing the main stage). For some reason, we were on on the back of the truck/dressing room, behind the curtain. I still remember the band that followed us that day. They were a very hot country/jazzabilly band called "Special Blend", and they were playing right then, around 11 PM.
Special Blend was playing to a very enthusiastic crowd of about 500 or 600 folks. They were very good, and had the crowd really worked up.
Now, we had convinced these girls we were partying with, to go topless. So, we were hanging out in there, telling jokes, drinking beer, and dancing with these topless chicks. All while there was a concert going on just a few feet away.
Our drummer was not with us right then. Apparently he had been looking for us, since we weren't in the usual place under the stage. So, he barges in and throws the curtain wide open, and says, "I been looking for you guys". The whole audience sees what is going on in the truck. It was a sound like I have never heard before, and probably never will again. 500 people shrieking in shock, followed by the most thunderous laughter I have ever heard.
Miller beer: Free
Black plastic curtain: $3
Getting busted partying with half naked chicks by 500 strangers: Priceless
