Coming out on stage

[Kendra]

I have a background in classical music, violin since age six.  In the year 2000 a rock band formed when I lived in Roslyn, Washington State.  If you remember the 1990s television show Northern Exposure the Brick Tavern is there.  "The Runner Stumbles" was also filmed in Roslyn.  It is a lot of fun - I run an electric violin through an obnoxious guitar amp and create whatever I feel like.  The band has been the same people 17 years, plus a few others who joined occasionally - we are great friends. 

I dressed female on stage twice but that didn't count, it was Halloween.  First time was a red dress, nice boots and back then I had to wear a wig. The first time I did that the keyboardist I'd known for a decade told me they were waiting for the violinist before they could start.  He had no idea who I was. 

We have a band gig this weekend.  It isn't a holiday and I am going to show up as my true self - as Kendra.  I haven't told anyone in the band.  I am not on that thing called Facebook.  Roslyn has less than 1,000 people, everyone talks and I have a weekend home there.  It's possible a few people in town might freak out but I don't care.  I am looking forward to the combination of being myself and playing music any way I want - loudly.  At that point there will be no turning back for me, at least not in that town.

If you look on the map Roslyn WA is located where you might assume problems with prejudice but I have found that isn't the case at all.  The town elected the state's first African-American mayor in 1974. 

And an unexpected result from starting HRT.  My sensory perception changed in so many ways, and another change is I now have this urge to get back into classical music on stage.  I don't plan on leaving the band but I am thinking about spending time with my acoustic violin - it's mostly sat parked since I was sixteen.

[steph2.0]

Go Kendra! I wish I could be there to give a standing ovation!

How about a YouTube video?

Steph

[Bari Jo]

Kendra, seeing this post makes think we are sisters.  I have been playing violin since I was 6.  Unlike you though I was never good.  That didn't stop me from going to strings camp, even as an adult though.

In answer to your question, dress as your true self.  Believe me, people that like music like that it's music.  They won't be questioning your gender, even if they knew you from before.

BTW, I play a Jordan custom 5 string electric, and a gliga Gama. My aunty is a boss, that I have on my belt, and and is a GenzBenz.  What's in your arsenal?

Bari Jo

[Kendra]

I think videos sometimes get posted to the band's Facebook page but I don't have an account.  I dont like Youtube videos because the sound quality from a phone recording is always horrible.  I'll try to get a decent photo of the band this weekend and will post it here.  I'll check with everyone in the band first, I'm almost certain everyone is fine with sharing info here. 

The band's name is Free Beer.  Or the complete name Free Beer at Exit 80.  Yeah I quit drinking years ago but that was after the band formed.

I bought a Yamaha electric violin in 2000, upgraded to a newer Yamaha and hated that, went back to the original through a Fender Twin Reverb and have always run wireless for less distraction on stage.  More recently bought a transparent 5-string and also a 4-string from Ted Brewer in London, frankly sounds same to me as the basic Yamaha but I love the looks.  My main bow is a carbon fiber CodaBow Joule, more sensible than using a fragile acoustic bow in a bar.  This weekend I'm trying out the new amp and effects setup I just bought, Line 6 V-412 and V-240.

[Laurie]

 Hi Kendra,

  I think it's a great idea. That part of "At that point there will be no turning back for me, at least not in that town.
" can be a bit of a stumbling block but not insurmountable. I also think it will be one of those "Big steps" for you too. You're already a wonderful woman so why not live it? Just one more step down that road on your journey to who you are.
  Free Beer at Exit 80 huh? I think I have a CD by them... Go for it girl.

Hugs,
  Laurie

[Bari Jo]

Kendra, if you have the option to try, try a string amp pickup system.  When I win the lottery, I will buy a new electric with one of these.  They sound just like an acoustic.  Plus the technology is damn cool.  Anywat, sorry to hijack your thread, just so happy another girl is a violinist!

Bari Jo

[Kendra]

String amp pickup - I'll look into that, thanks for the tip.  And I bet you are being modest and are gooood. 

[HappyMoni]

I know how to turn on a radio and I did have an 8 track player once. Oh and there is too much violins on TV. Well, on that note...
Moni
Sorry, I wanted to participate.

[Devlyn]

This could be a good comma lesson, too.

Coming out on stage.

Coming out, on stage.

Coming, out on stage.

<running away> 

[KathyLauren]

Go for it, Kendra!  I'm not sure if I'd have the cojones to come out to my bandmates at a gig, but I am sure you wouldn't be doing it if you weren't sure they'd by cool.

[DawnOday]

This could be a good comma lesson, too.

Coming out on stage.

Coming out, on stage.

Coming, out on stage.

<running away> 

Comma's are your friends. I, use them, even if, I don't have to.

[Laurie]

Sheesh 

All these jokesters running around loose. I jest don't know. Can't you all tell this is serious?

Besides, I want to hear her play Devil went down in Georgia.



Laurie

[Laurie]

This could be a good comma lesson, too.

Coming out on stage.

Coming out, on stage.

Coming, out on stage.

<running away> 

Comma, comma, chameleons?

Hugs,
  Laurie

[DawnOday]

I have three favorites. Jon luc Ponte and David LaFlamme from "It's a beautiful day" and Máiréad Nesbitt from Riverdance and Celtic Women. She is like a sprite on the stage.

[steph2.0]

Reminds me of the book about pandas entitled, "Eat, Shoots, and Leaves". (True story.)

As if honey badgers aren't bad enough, now we have to deal with armed pandas...

Steph

[Kendra]

The Devlyn went down to Georgia
She was lookin for a soul to steal
When she came across this fiddle player
And was willing to make a deal
So the Devlyn jumped up on a hickory stump
And said girl now don't you squeal
Now if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you
My punctuation ain't got no regrets and I know how to use commas too

[Bari Jo]

String amp pickup - I'll look into that, thanks for the tip.  And I bet you are being modest and are gooood.

Ha, no, I really am terrible.  I never learned vibrato, can barely read music too.  It doesn't stop me from loving the instrument though.  My favorite violinists are Midori and Vanessa Mae and Bond, in that order.  I'm glad I saw Bond before they broke up.

Bari Jo

[LizK]

The Devlyn went down to Georgia
She was lookin for a soul to steal
When she came across this fiddle player
And was willing to make a deal
So the Devlyn jumped up on a hickory stump
And said girl now don't you squeal
Now if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you
My punctuation ain't got no regrets and I know how to use commas too

I'm calling unfair advantage in the pun stakes....Kendra you are a professional at this  Good luck for you gig I hope you slay them

[steph2.0]

We have a band gig this weekend.  It isn't a holiday and I am going to show up as my true self - as Kendra.

So how did it go? We're all waiting breathlessly to hear!

I'll bet you knocked 'em dead!

Steph

[Kendra]

Frankly this couldn't have gone any better. 

When I showed up at band practice, almost no surprise at all (darn - sometimes I enjoy messing with people).  Nothing but support, I told everyone I started estrogen a couple months ago and haven't had to shave in almost two years, kept it all pretty casual and we focused on practice before the gig.  Band members were already offering to carry my heavy tube amp back into the trailer and I did mention yeah some things might get more difficult to lift in a few months.  And we joked around. 

At the Brick Tavern getting ready and on stage I was expecting a mixture of skeptics along with supportive people.  Instead, the entire time I was in this small town for the weekend - people I've known 15-20 years, and tourists, I saw nothing but 100% acceptance.  Not a single odd look or rude remark.  Same with breakfast in town the following morning with my boyfriend and girlfriend.  (I introduced them both to the band, and to several I've known in town - that all went well.)

During the set breaks and after, guys I already knew were supportive and those I didn't know didn't seem to notice or care.  What is unexpected is so many women were ecstatic to see me openly transgender - I had so many individually tell me they have never seen me happier and they think this is just great.  I know this isn't how things usually go but this is what happened.

One of our tunes is Devil Went Down to Georgia (yeah, the other Devil).  I play it a bit faster than the original recording, always an audience favorite.  Right before launching into that our keyboardist got on the microphone and said... well we used to have a great fiddle player, Ken, but he's gone.  Now we have Kendra and she's even better.   A bunch of people cheered out in the audience - a lot.  I couldn't believe it.

There are some things you cannot catch in a photo.  Burned into my memory is the way I felt looking across the violin fingerboard as I was playing, a pretty crowded room full of people dancing and having a great time, playing music any damn way I feel like.  I feel so free.