8.30.2004
La Luna
Wow. What a strange weekend. I'm usually not one to reflect on the moon's mojo but there were a number of incidents that had me waving my index finger at the big cheese.
#1
Saturday night I had a dream about one of the sales reps at the art company I used to work for. I dreamt I was in my pajamas and I had a meeting with Bruce, whom I haven't seen in at least 5 years. I was upset about my attire and was trying to figure out how I could either change or hide. I can’t recall the rest of the dream but I distinctly remember Bruce. On the way to breakfast the next morning I told the girls about my dream and how random it seemed to dream about him. We pull up to the restaurant (one that I’ve been to maybe twice in the past 2 years) and who calls my name from the crowd of people waiting to be seated? Yup, Bruce. WEIRD. I mean, he doesn’t even live in Phoenix anymore. He lives in Atlanta and was visiting for the weekend. I laughed and told him about my dream and how crazy and wonderful it was to see him. We laughed and chatted for a while before saying goodbye and heading to our respective tables. I’m still thinking that one through.
#2
M: So what time should we meet?
J & C (simultaneously, at separate locations): In an hour.
#3
I was up late playing guitar when I heard Kiko growl and bark a couple times while looking out the upstairs window. Kiko hardly ever barks at night so it put me on edge and my imagination decided to cook up Go-Go Yubari carrying a slim jim (okay, I guess that's not too menacing) . Kiko darted downstairs and glared first at the front door then at the back patio door. I made a quick check of the perimeter and when nothing turned up, I looked up and frowned at the bright moon smirking in the sky.
#4
Laura Branigan died. Excuse me, what? You’ve got to be kidding me. One of my favorite childhood crushes passed away…at 47? I still can’t believe it. *cue the zippo* There will always be a special place in my heart for you, dear Laura. May you rest in peace.
#1
Saturday night I had a dream about one of the sales reps at the art company I used to work for. I dreamt I was in my pajamas and I had a meeting with Bruce, whom I haven't seen in at least 5 years. I was upset about my attire and was trying to figure out how I could either change or hide. I can’t recall the rest of the dream but I distinctly remember Bruce. On the way to breakfast the next morning I told the girls about my dream and how random it seemed to dream about him. We pull up to the restaurant (one that I’ve been to maybe twice in the past 2 years) and who calls my name from the crowd of people waiting to be seated? Yup, Bruce. WEIRD. I mean, he doesn’t even live in Phoenix anymore. He lives in Atlanta and was visiting for the weekend. I laughed and told him about my dream and how crazy and wonderful it was to see him. We laughed and chatted for a while before saying goodbye and heading to our respective tables. I’m still thinking that one through.
#2
M: So what time should we meet?
J & C (simultaneously, at separate locations): In an hour.
#3
I was up late playing guitar when I heard Kiko growl and bark a couple times while looking out the upstairs window. Kiko hardly ever barks at night so it put me on edge and my imagination decided to cook up Go-Go Yubari carrying a slim jim (okay, I guess that's not too menacing) . Kiko darted downstairs and glared first at the front door then at the back patio door. I made a quick check of the perimeter and when nothing turned up, I looked up and frowned at the bright moon smirking in the sky.
#4
Laura Branigan died. Excuse me, what? You’ve got to be kidding me. One of my favorite childhood crushes passed away…at 47? I still can’t believe it. *cue the zippo* There will always be a special place in my heart for you, dear Laura. May you rest in peace.
8.06.2004
Acoustic Tour 2004: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Friday, July 30, 2004 – Vancouver Pride, Alexander Bandshell
In order to make it to the show in Vancouver, Laney and I decided that we needed to get back to Seattle on Thursday night/Friday morning. After the Spokane show, we hopped into the car for a 4 ½ hour trip back to Seattle so we could catch a few hours of shuteye. It was a rough drive and Laney was a real trooper doing the majority of the driving. We arrived in Seattle at 3:30am and caught some zzzzzzz at a hotel on Mercer Island. About 7 hours later we were on the road again on our way to Canada.
It was the most beautiful drive of the whole trip. Ocean, large lush trees, quaint little farmhouses, agriculture for miles. Awesome. This being my first official trip to Canada, (not counting the 2 minutes I spent on a bridge in Toronto while in college…just to say I had “been to Canada”) I was anxious to check it out. What I discovered was a international paradise of breathtaking parks, (and lotsa them!) cultural treasures, beautiful people, and social open-mindedness – I felt the stress melt away.
That is, until I realized I had no idea where the Alexander Bandshell was.
I didn't think this was going to be a problem because I was sure we'd find someone who knew where it was. (Hah! Silly little girl...) It wasn’t going to be that easy. You see, the bandshell turned out to be one of those structures that people know exist, but not by name. The following is what transpired during the most stressful ½ hour of the whole trip:
Sound check was at 7pm. My watch read 6:30pm. This was troubling since I usually make a point of arriving at new venues at least one hour ahead of time to familiarize myself with the stage and setup. I was starting to panic. After inquiring around North Vancouver for a half hour, we still had nothing to go on. 6:45pm. I am now hysterical. For all the meticulous planning and scheduling, we find ourselves placing bets on which way to turn. “Let’s go right!” Delaney floored it towards the Pitch and Putt golf course. I jumped out and asked the nice box office guy where the Alexander Bandshell was. He paused (for what felt like f-o-r-e-v-e-r) and replied, “Well, now, let’s see…there’s a bandshell about 3 – 4 minutes down the road.” I jumped in the car and pointed out the way. 6:49pm. No bandshell. Cuss words spill from my mouth as I imagine an empty stage and a furious event organizer looking at his watch, “She’ll NEVER work in this city AGAIN!” 6:55pm. I finally spot a bandshell-ish building around the corner covered with sponsor banners. “THIS IS IT!” We made it. And just in time, as my watch read 6:57pm. My panic turned to into elation. I turned to high-five Delaney and she responded with “Good thing we found it ‘cause I was about to strangle you.” (Bless her heart, she had been dealing with my stress and anxiety for the past 2 weeks) She hurried me out of the car and went to look for a parking space.
Carl Austin, the entertainment director, greeted me with a big smile and handshake. “Welcome!” He was such a friendly, mellow guy (nothing like the event promoter I cooked up in my paranoid melon) just kicking back with his friends who were helping him. He had everything set up and ready to go, totally prepared and relaxed. I did a quick sound check then chatted with the other performers Lesley Hoyles (amazing angelic voice), Jerome Mandrake (smooth funkadelic voice) and Jerome’s guitarist, Adam (strong rhythm and solid style). Finally it was time to perform. I took to the stage with enthusiasm and a bit of sadness since this was to be my last performance on tour. The audience was great and it all came to a beautiful close as the sun set in the background. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. Laney and I loved the city so much that we began discussing how cool it would be to move there. But alas, the caffeine buzz subsided and we accepted the reality of returning to Phoenix - afterall, we missed the Pitties (puppy + kitties).
I heart Vancouver. Thank you so much for a wonderful visit!
Check out the pics here.
In order to make it to the show in Vancouver, Laney and I decided that we needed to get back to Seattle on Thursday night/Friday morning. After the Spokane show, we hopped into the car for a 4 ½ hour trip back to Seattle so we could catch a few hours of shuteye. It was a rough drive and Laney was a real trooper doing the majority of the driving. We arrived in Seattle at 3:30am and caught some zzzzzzz at a hotel on Mercer Island. About 7 hours later we were on the road again on our way to Canada.
It was the most beautiful drive of the whole trip. Ocean, large lush trees, quaint little farmhouses, agriculture for miles. Awesome. This being my first official trip to Canada, (not counting the 2 minutes I spent on a bridge in Toronto while in college…just to say I had “been to Canada”) I was anxious to check it out. What I discovered was a international paradise of breathtaking parks, (and lotsa them!) cultural treasures, beautiful people, and social open-mindedness – I felt the stress melt away.
That is, until I realized I had no idea where the Alexander Bandshell was.
I didn't think this was going to be a problem because I was sure we'd find someone who knew where it was. (Hah! Silly little girl...) It wasn’t going to be that easy. You see, the bandshell turned out to be one of those structures that people know exist, but not by name. The following is what transpired during the most stressful ½ hour of the whole trip:
Sound check was at 7pm. My watch read 6:30pm. This was troubling since I usually make a point of arriving at new venues at least one hour ahead of time to familiarize myself with the stage and setup. I was starting to panic. After inquiring around North Vancouver for a half hour, we still had nothing to go on. 6:45pm. I am now hysterical. For all the meticulous planning and scheduling, we find ourselves placing bets on which way to turn. “Let’s go right!” Delaney floored it towards the Pitch and Putt golf course. I jumped out and asked the nice box office guy where the Alexander Bandshell was. He paused (for what felt like f-o-r-e-v-e-r) and replied, “Well, now, let’s see…there’s a bandshell about 3 – 4 minutes down the road.” I jumped in the car and pointed out the way. 6:49pm. No bandshell. Cuss words spill from my mouth as I imagine an empty stage and a furious event organizer looking at his watch, “She’ll NEVER work in this city AGAIN!” 6:55pm. I finally spot a bandshell-ish building around the corner covered with sponsor banners. “THIS IS IT!” We made it. And just in time, as my watch read 6:57pm. My panic turned to into elation. I turned to high-five Delaney and she responded with “Good thing we found it ‘cause I was about to strangle you.” (Bless her heart, she had been dealing with my stress and anxiety for the past 2 weeks) She hurried me out of the car and went to look for a parking space.
Carl Austin, the entertainment director, greeted me with a big smile and handshake. “Welcome!” He was such a friendly, mellow guy (nothing like the event promoter I cooked up in my paranoid melon) just kicking back with his friends who were helping him. He had everything set up and ready to go, totally prepared and relaxed. I did a quick sound check then chatted with the other performers Lesley Hoyles (amazing angelic voice), Jerome Mandrake (smooth funkadelic voice) and Jerome’s guitarist, Adam (strong rhythm and solid style). Finally it was time to perform. I took to the stage with enthusiasm and a bit of sadness since this was to be my last performance on tour. The audience was great and it all came to a beautiful close as the sun set in the background. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion. Laney and I loved the city so much that we began discussing how cool it would be to move there. But alas, the caffeine buzz subsided and we accepted the reality of returning to Phoenix - afterall, we missed the Pitties (puppy + kitties).
I heart Vancouver. Thank you so much for a wonderful visit!
Check out the pics here.
8.03.2004
Acoustic Tour 2004: Spokane, WA
Thursday, July 29, 2004 – The Spike Coffeehouse
This was the day Mari and Johna had to head back to Phoenix *sniff sniff*. They have been so fun and helpful on the trip keeping our sanity in check by turning the moments of stress into moments of laughter. We brought them too the airport and said our “see-ya-soons” then settled into our long evening of travel and performance.
The venue: Small brick coffeehouse nestled between buildings with amazing local art and very friendly staff.
New friends: Ashley (beautiful barista), Patrick (aka, The Dude, manager) Parker (of Spokane-based band The Side Project), Doug (webmaster for The Side Project)
Highlight: Hanging out with Patrick, Parker, & Doug
View 4 pics here (sadly, the camera battery died before we could capture more)
Acoustic Tour 2004: Seattle, WA
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 – Free day in Seattle
We had lunch at The Elliot Bay Café, a neat bookstore/coffeehouse/café in Pioneer Square area of Seattle. Went on Underground tour of downtown for a bit of history & mystery, then wandered down to the Seattle Aquarium where we got our fill of cuteness while watching the sea otters play. OMG, they are scrumptious little whiskered creatures – in my pocket you go!
View the pics here.
We had lunch at The Elliot Bay Café, a neat bookstore/coffeehouse/café in Pioneer Square area of Seattle. Went on Underground tour of downtown for a bit of history & mystery, then wandered down to the Seattle Aquarium where we got our fill of cuteness while watching the sea otters play. OMG, they are scrumptious little whiskered creatures – in my pocket you go!
View the pics here.
Acoustic Tour 2004: Seattle, WA
Tuesday, July 27, 2004 – El Diablo Coffee Comapny
The Venue: Located in Queen Anne – cheery, fun, joyfully painted interior serving excellent coffee and grub with a saucy Cuban flare.
Friends in attendance: Karen, Wayne, David, Leslie, Jodi & Kevin
New friends: Liz & Mindy the fantastic El Diablo Baristas!
The show: Such an attentive and patient audience:) I think I talked a bit too much (nervous habit) but sound was good and there were lotsa smiles.
Highlight: Stopping mid-song to save customers from getting parking ticket due to strange directional parking rule in front of café.
View the pics here.
The Venue: Located in Queen Anne – cheery, fun, joyfully painted interior serving excellent coffee and grub with a saucy Cuban flare.
Friends in attendance: Karen, Wayne, David, Leslie, Jodi & Kevin
New friends: Liz & Mindy the fantastic El Diablo Baristas!
The show: Such an attentive and patient audience:) I think I talked a bit too much (nervous habit) but sound was good and there were lotsa smiles.
Highlight: Stopping mid-song to save customers from getting parking ticket due to strange directional parking rule in front of café.
View the pics here.
Acoustic Tour 2004: Seattle, WA
Monday, July 26, 2004 – Mashiko
The venue: Sushi restaurant. A very GOOD sushi restaurant, at that! Casual and comfortable with a large sky light in the center of the room.
Friends in attendance: David, Leslie, Rupa
New friends: Hajime (owner), Chris (host), Miriah (sushi chef)
The show: This was my first gig at a restaurant so I was nervous about levels and diner reception. The people were great – so was the staff who fed me some killer nigiri (and David who snuck me some sweetly potent sake.
Highlight: Green Tea Tirimisu…one of a kind UH-MAZING dessert.
Post show: Pool at The Corner Pocket in downtown west Seattle.
View the pics here.
