Sound Man Gets Off His Ass And Does Something
![Lester J. Jones](http://brownspotonline.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/Author/photos/Fat guy.jpg "Lester J. Jones is a renowned Chicago-based aural artist and critical analyst. In addition to his highly-acclaimed electro-acoustic exhibitions and his pioneering work in hyper-sonic muzak, Mr. Jones is also president of the American Foundation for Music Criticism. His forthcoming book, "Cram This In Your Ear Hole," is a collection of his writings for the Brown Spot.")
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Patrons and employees alike at the Lakeview-area concert venue Beat Kitchen were shocked on Thursday night to see sound technician Raymond “Ray” Augustan get off his lazy ass. Details of the incident are still trickling in, but witnesses report seeing Augustan physically lift himself off his barstool, step towards the stage and possibly even plug something in.
“At first, I thought he was coming up to complain about something,” said guitarist Ricky Winters, whose band Kaja Goo-Gatch! was setting up onstage at the time of the incident. “He seemed disoriented, and he kept mumbling about phase interference,” reported Winters, who was clearly shaken by the incident.
Several witnesses reported seeing Augustan take out the mini-Maglite that he keeps on his belt, twist it in his hands several times, and tap it against a microphone stand before putting it back in its holster. “It was almost like he was going to fix something,” said concert-goer Dominic Ponticello. “The whole thing lasted just a few seconds before the guy went back to the bar,” he said. As of press-time, Augustan was still on his stool, reading Mix magazine.
The International Brotherhood of Audio Engineers Local 47 (Chicago) released a statement cautioning against a rush to judgment. “While gross misconduct such as setting up microphones and adjusting monitors will not be tolerated, it is important that we do not jump to conclusions regarding Mr. Augustan’s behavior. Over the coming months, our investigation will seek to clarify the actions of those individuals involved.”
Experts speculate that the incident stemmed from the presence of Layla McGinty, the female bassist for Kaja Goo-Gatch! Brown Spot Sociology Editor Brian Costello explained, “While it’s uncommon, some sound technicians have been known to attract attention from female band members by pretending to know how to do their jobs. It’s like a peacock displaying its plumage.” McGinty was unavailable for comment, but her publicist denied any involvement in the incident.
Despite such a flurry of activity, patrons said that the Beat Kitchen sound system was still minimally-functional for the evening. “I dunno, maybe this was some sort of experimental avant-garde jazz, but I don’t think it was supposed to sound like that,” said Ponticello after the concert. He later bought the band’s CD and said, “I kinda like songs with hissing and popping sounds.”
