How I got on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

[f3lix]

The extremely concise version is I play in a gig band for high end clubs in Las Vegas for big music stars when they perform live. We played for one of the rappers (Kardinal Offishall) two months ago and he wanted us to back him up when he performs Monday on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I'll be playing sousaphone.

The longer story involves the single connection known as Clinton Sparks. Clinton is a internationally recognized DJ who asked UNLV to perform for his entrance into a club, which has segments that show up on E! Daily 10. After he didn't want to fork over the large cash request, he went to Craigs List to find musicians. A fellow UNLV student found the request, called me to play and we put together a 7 person band. We play the hooks for numerous pop tunes in a glorified entrance for Clinton Sparks and whatever major recording artist happens to be in town during these performances.

Earlier this week, I get called by my gig-leader asking if I'd play for Kardinal Offishall on The Tonight Show. I accepted. They offered to pay for the flight and room for a Sunday-Monday rehearsal-performance gig. After another member of the group demanded to be paid more for needing us for 30 hours, a few communications broke down, we replaced him and another player, and upgraded to pros who play for Vegas shows. We'll be driving instead of flying due to high plane costs this close to the performance date. All is good again and I should have quite an addition to my resume in a few days.

What shows up on E! can be found here

YouTube - Clinton Sparks @ Body English July 6, 2008

YouTube - Clinton Sparks @ Body English July 6, 2008

Part of one of the gigs can be found here

YouTube - Kardinal Offishall Performing in Vegas - Video Blog

YouTube - Kardinal Offishall Performing in Vegas - Video Blog

[SittinOnDubsWGW]

Dude, thats sick.

[Orgazmo]

Quite badass. Congrats. Don't fuck up.