You can purchase a lexan (allegedly "unbreakable" plastic) cutlery set at your local camping gear outfitter. BTW, I've managed to break 'em. It's tough, but it CAN be done! They are usually sold in a set (fork, spoon and knife), but it's the spoons that are best to use on a frottoir -- in a low-volume setting. Whether that's acoustic or just, let's say, the "dinner" portion of a private party gig. When they're done eatin', ya crank up the PA and switch to the paint can openers!
The plasticware is also great in rehearsal. I rehearse with a drummer that has electronic drums (for rehearsals only) and my rubboard player will use the lexan spoons on the rubboard so we don't squint as much!
Thanks Guys -that's cleared up all my loose ends. Now I can sleep at night!
Joe Chavis will be backing Leon this weekend. The rest of the band are some very competent Brits - yes, there are some! Actually, I do the bass player a dis-service. I think it'll be Vera van Heeringen, from the Netherlands.
Getting back to the reggae discusion for a minute, I saw Horace Trahan last year at the Blue Moon saloon for Mardi Gras and they did a few reggae tunes which I thought were awsome. They really had the place jammin and the political basis on some were right on. It may have been a turn off for some, expecting different Horace style , but I thought it was great to have in the set. I would consider buying an album with some of that on it if he would put it out.