Christmas Gigs

!n the good old days, the days when a lot of musicians seemed to be working, my agency began concentrating on the Christmas business, specifically the Shopping Malls.

The work was very plentiful, especially the day of Santa's arrival.  The Malls (usually about six weeks before Christmas) had Santa "arrive" as part of their Holiday program. This show of marketing splendour was to officially announce the start of their season.  Unfortunately most of these opening days turned out to be the same Saturday. However, right up to Christmas we were extremely busy doing these cheerful events.

It was normal for the malls to try to out do each other as to how Santa would arrive. Sometimes he came on a sleigh pulled by elves. Or a horse might pull the sleigh (outside the mall).  However, a parade was always part of their program and Santa eventually was directed to his "throne" just outside of his erected Castle.  

This is the spot where he listens to children that wish a special gift or gifts on Christmas day.   It is also the place where these kids might be photographed and the pictures might be sold to the parents as mementos of the visit. These programs have the same theme and intent in mind and that is to get you and your kids into the mall to spend money.

Fair enough because we (the musicians) were party to this inducement.  It was a busy time for the Malls (merchants) and it was also a busy time for us the musicians. These jobs required a substantial investment on my part, in red and white costumes (sweaters) scarves, white pants and hats to look the Christmas part. Not only did we look good but we sounded great.

This particular day, St. Nick's arrival was held at the Oakville Mall.  He was arriving in a helicopter no less. Wow, this was something special. I remember having put together a five-piece group for this special occasion. The guys came at least a half hour before the start (enough time) so that they could get into the uniforms I provided and be ready to play at the designated starting time. They all had white pants as they had done many of these parades for me before.

There is always a first time for everything, and lo and behold I had forgotten the uniforms. Horrors! I can't believe I did that. All I can say is that I must have had a lot on my mind to forget something of that importance. Kicking yourself wasn't going to solve the problem.

The way the musicians looked when they came was pretty pedestrian with their assorted sweaters and shirts.  I was really in a panic. The appearance of the group was more important than how we actually sounded. Marketing people are big on the "visual." However, there was just enough time to initiate a solution but luck would have to be on my side.   I said to the guys, "Get your instruments ready because this is going to be tight."

I then rushed (ran) out into the Mall to Sears a large department store.   I ran to the men's wear section and grabbed three large red sweaters and two medium sized sweaters.  I quickly put these on my credit card. Fortunately there wasn't a line-up at the cashier's counter.  I was thinking "so far so good."

When I got back to my crew I said, "Put these on quickly but don't take the price tags off." Well, the parade and the festivities went splendidly. Every one was happy.   After the parade I calmly took the sweaters back and said to the cashier that the sweaters were of fine quality but weren't exactly what I was looking for.   Without any argument and true to their "money back guaranteed policy" the sales girl credited my account.

Wow, that was close. Sometimes things work out in spite of your intentions and apparent lack of planning.

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