Disappointed in Stanley at Last Show

Having been a Stanley Clarke Fan and admirer for 36 years now. I must admit that I was somewhat put off by Stanley (who was performing with George Duke at the Berkely Jazz Festival, Greek Theatre, Berkeley Ca. 2006).

Usually Stanley is very warm and welcoming to his fans and admirer's. Especially very cordial to the MeetUp attendees. At this event I had security pass on to Stanley one of my MeetUp Cards to explain that it was the San Francisco organizer with wife and 35 others in attendance. I usually am in attendance with backstage passes, but missed out on this event. Rather than look for me, Stanley & George looked at the card and laughed. The card included a photo of Stanley & George from the Clarke/Duke Project days. Fitting I thought since they were performing together again. And these were of the size (8X10) that I had passed out over 100 of to the public and at clubs, websites and blogged to promote this Jazz Festival and Stanley & George's perfomances. Then, as security once again pointed me out, I get a wave. That is all. Now I know that Stanley, George and the other band members were waiting to perform. I am in a band and play large venues such as this myself. But I know the importance of fans. Give them a moment of your time, even just a friendly handshake and hello excites most. Hell, after 40 years of performing I would have gotten excited and grateful just for this much courtesy.

I found this to be unuasual actions on Stanleys part. But, then star power is star power. Jamie Foxx is a good example of someone exploiting their gifts, Whether the talent level is there or not. Just because with his success he can. By the way, Jamie could use a few more voice lessons. Expand on his range if he can. Just a personal observation on my part.

While at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland November of 2005, Stanley was very gracious and friendly. Met the wife and other members of the MeetUp group, shook hands and signed a few autographs. This was so very exciting for all. And we appreciated Stanley taking the time to do so. I have seen Stanley Clarke perform live over 14 times. Usually Stanley is very Fan friendly. And I believe that he will continue to do so. Just that this one time was very disappointing.

Steve, if you or anyone else can. Could I trouble you for a signed autographed picture of Stanley Clarke? Include yourself if you like. I would be honored. Does anyone else have a similar experience? Or can we just hear about good experiences in meeting Stanley? This would be cool.

Sorry if I sounded off a bit. Still upset at the last meeting...

Gregorio, that must've been a tough pill to swallow. I've actually seen Stanley 50 or more times and have met him several. My observation is the larger venues are the ones where meeting him after a show can be a crapshoot. I think the chances of speaking to him before a show are slim. He might be in "a zone". I've also noticed if Stanley did come out, he often waited until the crowd thinned out. That's probably a good strategy. He could find out who really wanted to meet him and avoided getting overwhelmed.

I've seen Yoshi's. That's nearly as small as our Blues Alley in D.C.. It's easy to meet up with Stanley at places like that. When Stanley was last at Blues Alley, I mentioned The Meetup Group and you could tell he wasn't really aware of what it is. After a little explanation from me and one of his producers, he thanked us Meetup types for what we're doing.

I don't think he's unappreciative of us fans. It seems to me we "know" him, but he doesn't "know" us and doesn't always have the chance to acknowledge all of us. As many times as I've spoken to him after a show, we're to the point where he has said "hey I know you", but after meeting so many, I don't expect him to be familiar with me or the "Stanley advertising" I do with the Meetup group. Besides, some performers might seem better at reaching out to thousands at one time than others.

As for a "bad Stanley experience", I had one. It wasn't a meeting. It was a performance. The sound man was doing a terrible job at a show back in '86. A friend of mine was the drummer who said the sound onstage was awful. Stanley got so upset, he walked off stage during a song, came back, gave a few minutes of School Days, and left. I got over that and enjoyed years of his concerts since.

I'll be glad to have one of my photos shown in the "previous concerts" area blown up to 8x10 and signed for you. I'll be sure to ask him to make it out to you. That'll be after the Blues Alley show in March.

I don't expect this long note to leave you less upset. I can relate due to the memory of the '86 show. I simply suggest there are days these human performers might disappoint us and then "wow" us later. That's how it happened for me. I pray you soon get the same experience. Peace!

Thanks Steve. Your words do help. As a performer myself with my band I can relate. When we played at The Concord Pavilion (now called Sleep Train Pavilion) with The Brother's Johnson, Con Funk Shun, E.U., Average White Band, Cameo & Morris Day & The Time. We all shared dressing rooms and backstage. Plenty of time to chat and hang out. But when it came to the audiance members, we were pressed for time etc. Sound Check and so much going on. I also know that we got into our frame of mind for a turn on stage. Just as Morris & The Time, 5 minutes before stage, they huddle, held hands in a circle and said a prayer. Then as they were introduced, the show began. We did similarly with one arm on the shoulder of each other, prayed for a good performance, 1,2,3, go Funkanauts! Our bands name is The Funkanauts.

Again, Thanks. And I do appreciate your gesture with the picture. I look forward to it.

Gregorio Lonewolf.