Vale That Poster–Collector’s Item!
The Spanish word vale (pronounced VA-le) literally means “it’s worth it” but Spaniards use it for OK, agreed, good, whoo-hoo, and a bunch of other stuff. Vale That, the name of our new rock-n-roll band, plays on this catch-all word–half Spanish, half American–as in “Roger that” or “10-4”.
Soul Sisters
The conception of Vale That, like many things in life, was accidental. In mid-January, while having coffee with a friend at a neighborhood cafe/bar, the owner mentioned that a live band would be playing that weekend.
“I think our band should play here,” I said in Spanish, a joke since at that moment “our band” consisted of Todd (my brother-in-law) teaching me an occasional song on the guitar.
“Vale!” Juan responded and whipped out his calendar. “How about February 22nd?” I stuttered in Spanish for a second, wondering how to explain that we didn’t really have a band, then thought, what the hell? “No problemo!” I replied.
In Action (courtesy Sharon Minkoff)
With a month to come up with a musical miracle, Todd–an experienced guitarist–conscripted his buddies Mike (an awesome drummer) and Matt (a dentist at the nearby Naval Base and expert karaoke singer) and Stephanie started learning bass guitar. I practiced so much on Todd’s old acoustic guitar that thick callouses formed on my finger pads. Pretty soon, we were covering tunes from Born To Run to Boardwalk and making lots of noise. “You should call yourselves We Suck,” said Ethan after a particularly awful practice session.
Ethan’s Fan Club
But we didn’t suck at show time–at least not too badly. My voice was hoarse from overuse, Mike had blood blisters on his hands, and our instruments–all slightly rusted equipment that Todd has had for twenty years–didn’t exactly stay in tune. But our friends showed up, one tossing her black bra up on stage and the others cheering as Steph and I harmonized the way my mom taught us. Some of the kids (here in Spain, children are allowed in bars late night) sang backup to Taylor Swift’s Love Story, having at least as much fun as the adults.
Little Rock-n-Rollers
The future of Vale That is murky. With more pure enthusiasm than raw talent (and not a lot of time to practice) we’ll probably return to singing in the shower rather than head out on tour. Still, the effort put into becoming one-night rock-n-rollers was worth it. Trying something new–something I knew was going to be less than perfect–would have been off the table in my old life, but now this girl just wants to have fun. Vale that, my friends.
To see a short video– including black-bra toss– click here!
Rockin’ Out (courtesy Sharon Minkoff)
No you didn’t suck at all…It was GREAT!. And good for you guys for taking up the challenge. Monkey Week next???
No video came across?? Glad to see your all having a blast. You are overdue for some good times:-)
Enjoy:-)
Freakin’ awesome!!
Love it! I just painted this on a canvas yesterday (one of my fave quotes):
Use what talents you possess;
The woods would be very silent
if no birds sang there
except those that sang best.
–Henry Van Dyke
So great. Looks like you had a blast. Go for it!!!
Suzanne – what can I say! You put a smile on my face and inspire me with your gusto for living. Lots of love!
What a great time you all had. Chalk that up as a peak experience. Vale That! I love it, it’s so catchy you may have added a new phrase to the lexicon. 🙂
Too Much Fun!! Want a Gig at My Wedding??? Just loved it!!
BRAVO….Vale That! Loved it. Mrs McCalister from jr high choir would be so proud! Keep it up as I want an encore in June!! xoxo to all
Oh, this is hilarious, and soooo courageous. And so good– for raw amateurs.
No wonder you don’t have time to write!!! Love, Tante Heide
Loved the post and video! I really enjoyed listening you guys practice. Although, sometimes there were struggles along the way…You guys made the best of it. I truly wished I could’ve been there. Next time?
You are amazing!! Looks like so much fun- I am so happy for you having all these persona and soul stretching moments….
Somebody get this band booked at the Hollywood Bowl!!! Partly because you guys ROCK but partly because we miss y’all and just want to see ya again before the boys get their drivers lic.:)
So inspiring the way you guys live life to the fullest. Carpe Diem!
You are so incredible. I bet your bucket list is getting small. See you in a couple of weeks! XO
Hi Stephanie and Suz,
You guys are so beautiful and fun! I loved this …
Thanks. 🙂
Thinking about you often and enjoying following your adventures in Spain and surrounding countries.
XO
Peggy