Ugh... Had an outdoor gig yesterday almost ruined by a gust of wind. I'm just now able to post about it. For those not inclined to read thru long posts, I'll tell you it ends reasonably well

This was at a popular pub/grille located on a small local commuter airport. Nice outdoor tables and Bar area literally 100' from the runway. Usually there is a stage set up, but as I was the first act of two that day, there was none. Eventually I was provided with a 4 x 8" x 18" high "stage" from which to work. Here's where Ill mention that yesterday was a beautiful day here in NJ after several days of clouds and rain. I was surprised how many people were out at 1:00pm...almost all tables full and several at the bar.

Anyway, I set up the stage short side to the audience so I would have room behind me and not fall off backwards. I put two B1's down side by side with a Model 1 on top of them stage left. I set up my Compact, with one extension (my preference), on a sturdy milk crate type box, also on the ground, not on the stage. As I was setting up the T1, etc., I noticed a few unused table umbrellas and commandeered one for shade... it was pretty warm even with the building breeze

Just as you'd guess, a sudden gust came up and tipped the umbrella, heavy cast base and all, and on it's way down it took out the Compact... all while I watched helplessly, from the front of the stage. It fell straight back onto the tarmac almost in slow motion. I had all connections made but no sound up at this point. Assessing the damage, I saw that the power cord was sticking out at a funny angle and the top of the array was scuffed up, but the whole thing stayed put together. So I powered down, repositioned the compact base on the back corner of the stage with gaffer tape holding it down, powered up and all seemed okay. After taping down all stands and a new umbrella with a bigger, heavier base I rather shakily began my set.

About three songs in i start hearing a buzzing on certain vocal notes and also on some e. guitar notes coming from the Compact. I had my tracks and a little vox going to the Model 1 with the main vox and guitar carried by the Compact. As the set was building, the buzzing got worse - it sounded like blown speakers so I figured I either toasted the array or a connection somewhere. Again, the T1 saves the day as between songs I was able to quickly switch from my "dual" scene to my normal solo scene which throws everything to the Master out feeding the Model 1. What a tool (me )

The rest of the day went great with an appreciative crowd and great sound by all accounts. Still, in the back of my mind I know there is a repair bill and a damaged Compact to deal with. This morning I hooked up my fallen buddy and can easily replicate the problem with an acoustic guitar - wicked buzzing in the higher frequencies. Dang! Then I noticed that the speaker grill had popped out a little bit. I reseated it but still had the buzz. I removed the grill and still had the buzz. So I took the array to my workbench where there's good light to examine the little speakers and they look fine. I could feel a little play in the top cap of the array, the part that took the hardest hit, and located the screws that hold it tight. I removed the cap... no broken bits inside... replaced it, tightened the screws and replaced the grill. Guess what?? It sounds fine! I still have to deal with the power cord connector but at least it's working again and I've learned a valuable lesson about taking precautions outdoors with valuable gear.

Time will tell if I've escaped serious damage, and if so, I'll take my lumps and have it fixed. But I'll tell ya, the little bugger can take a hit!