Exciting Times

The life cycle of a local band is completely dependent upon whether or not the band in question has the ability to change, adapt, and to create an entertaining show that is fluid and exciting.  It'd not type easiest thing in the world, but it is a fun and challenging for the band and their fans.

Signal 8 is no different.  

We have added the phenomenal Katie Hightower at vocals and guitar and the aggregate result has been nothing short of wickedly awesome.  Katie's passionate voice is clear, concise, and she is spot-on where understanding what audiences like.  With Cal Wagner on drums, Merv Long on bass, and Ron Black on guitar, Signal 8 is not just a local band; it's an experience.

Come join the fun at the Aloha Tavern, Sunday September 25th at 4pm as Signal 8 makes their new and improved debut!    

And A Good Time Was Had By All

Friday night was the 1st Annual Sand Volleyball tournament to benefit Jesus House, and it was a lot of fun.  There were some seriously competitive volleyball being played, but most of all, the teams enjoyed themselves.  It was a free event to come and watch, and I'm sure next year, there will be at least double the amount of people participating, but it worked out well for a first outing.  

For the band, it was truly an honor to get to play some music and meet some of the coolest people on earth and to learn more about the issue of homelessness.  For example, for each and every homeless person/family (excluding the chronically transient), there is a church, mosque, or synagogue.  In other words, if each church brought in a homeless person/family and provided them with transportation, work, and shelter, homelessness as we know it we cease to exist.  

It would be something our children would read about in textbooks.  

It's tough to maintain neutrality as a band where deeply political or religious endeavors are concerned.  Our guitar player used to the be afternoon drive guy on Supertalk 930, WKY, so he is steeped in political hooplah.  There just so many people in our community who are struggling - not just musicians either.  When there is a chance to come together as a community to help the least among us, THAT is when the mettle of a band is tested,

It was a true honor to be a part of the event and we look forward to next year!

Signal 8

New Head Nurse for Signal 8

Being in a band is a lot of fun, but it's a lot of work as well.  More often than not, people tend to forget the hours of rehearsal that go into putting on a three or four hour show.  For the musician, it's a blessing to be able to do so and it's also a great feeling when things just seem to come together.   It has happened with us at Signal 8 more than we deserve, but we're thankful.  Not only have we been given a great opportunity to entertain for an event that is absolutely amazing - the 1st Annual Jesus House Sand Volleyball Tournament up at Lighthouse Fitness.  It's a great non-profit and kudos to Lighthouse Fitness for donating their space.

We have a huge development in the madness that is YOUR Signal 8 Band.  A young lady by the name of Casey Renea Sherwood has graced us with her presence and is now tackling the vocal duties along with our dynamic drummer, Dean- and making sure that the rest of the Signal 8 band members get their medication on time.  Casey comes from a Country background, but has always wanted to mix it up a bit with rock and country and whatever else we decide to play.  She's a trooper, that's for sure, and we're damned glad to have her as a part of the Signal 8 team!  

And by the way, your Signal 8 Band is working on some new merch for you all and you are flat out going to love it.  

Stay rockin' and stay with us.

1st Annual Jesus House Sand Volleyball Tournament

Sand volleyball has been around for a very long time, but until it became an Olympic sport, there was little hype and it wasn't a household word.  Today, sand volleyball is enjoyed by countless people across the country as an excellent form of exercise as well as a great way to gather friends, family, and colleagues together.

This time, the gathering is for a great cause - October 2, and 3 - Lighthouse Fitness 3333 W. Hefner Road.

Jesus House in Oklahoma City is one of those unique facilities where needs are met, comfort is given, and love is handed out freely - without making the participants "dance for their dinner."  Jesus House meets the needs of people who are hungry, homeless, addicted, and even those dealing with mental illness.  In the 1980s, public mental institutions were virtually shut down and forced to release patients because there was no longer a place for them.  While it may have save the government a few pennies, it costs our culture a whole lot more by having some folks out on the street who should be under the care of a mental health professional.  

What in the heck does any of that have to do with Signal 8 Band?  Well, we are honored and blessed to be on the scene Friday, October 2nd at 7pm or so to entertain, to play some music, and support a very worthy cause and of course, check out some fun volleyball.  This is kid-friendly environment, our drummer is a professional magician as well and will be having a few surprises in store for the kids!  We've already had people asking us if it is a tournament for homeless.  

No.

Teams are set up to participate and if you want to get a 4-person team together, simply hit the Jesus House website and let them know.  MORE INFORMATION HERE.

Y'all need to come.  We promise it will be a wonderful event!

Giving Back

There are a plethora of examples of how the rich and famous give back to their communities and most of the time, it's a sanitized-for-you-protection kind of gig that is created to make everyone feel noble, but often produces little or no result in the long or short term.  Local musicians and artists can do the same, but on a much more intimate and real manner.  

Even if it means just showing up to events that are locally-grown and provide assistance to worthy organizations, it makes a difference.  Particularly if you have some merch to donate and to wear proudly.  When even a handful of us come together to do something for our communities, it shows the unity and strength of the local music community.  You can't put a price tag on that value.

There are plenty of opportunities out there, brothers and sisters.  We just need to do our best to make ourselves available!

Attitude Over Technical Proficiency

If you're like us, you've gone to see one of your favorite musicians perform and though they were technically spot-on during the show, there was a feeling that the performer was just not "into it."  For example, while in the Navy, our guitar player (Butch) drove from Seattle to Portland to see Bob Dylan open for the Grateful Dead.  It was a long drive during the summer months and this was at a time when they hadn't thought much about radar detectors - instead, his shipmate rode with a pair of binoculars, searching for law enforcement.

It was hilarious.

Bob Dylan opened the show before a packed stadium - Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon.  Dylan didn't acknowledge the audience at all and just played three of four songs and walked off stage.  They had paid handsomely for those tickets and they really wanted to see a full show from Dylan.  Now, Dylan was technically perfect, his pitch perfect, his accompaniment was great.  But Dylan just wasn't "feeling it."

The Dead were awesome, of course.

Local bands can have that same problem.  One of our band mates went to a show put on by an Oklahoma Outlaw Metal band.  They were incredible to watch, their sound was beyond anything you'd expect from a local club, but during breaks and sometimes while playing, the guitar player just looked and acted like an aloof dick.  Sure, he was amazingly talented but he was an ass and the crowd noticed it and their applause wasn't quite what it could or should have been as a result, and then, the bar owner didn't make as much money as she should have that night.

Conversely, seeing a band that is talented, but who are funny, outgoing, friendly, and getting into the whole atmosphere is what people really want to see.  Audiences want recognizable, good songs, but they also want to feel as though they are part of the overall experience.

And that is a good thing.  The happier the audience, the more they will spend on drinks.  The more they spend, the happier the club owner.

Let's go make some noise together and not be asses about it.


Signal 8 Band

reverbnation.com/signal8band
facebook.com/signal8band

Email for booking info:  signal8band@yahoo.com

Festival Post-Mortem

Yesterday we were honored to be a part of a new, funky festival that is looking to be an annual event.  The Rockin' the Box Music Festival featured bands from Oklahoma, Texas, and I believe even Missouri.  It turned out to be a lot of fun - despite the heat. 

Signal 8 played a fun set including some ZZ Top, Zakk Wylde, Ramones, Joe Walsh, Puddle of Mudd, and Led Zeppelin.  There were some amazingly talented bands before and after us, and for a little while, we felt as though it wasn't the right festival for us - seeing how old we are and our set selection.  Of course when we started playing, the reception was warm and very enthusiastic. 

The promoters and creators of the event are to be congratulated because it went off without a hitch.  Friday, Saturday, and the bands on Sunday comprised a really cool lineup and again, we were proud to be a part of it.  We hope there are many others like it in the future.  The goal is to change the music culture in Oklahoma, to get folks to support local bands more.