Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 277

Year 3 - Day 99 – June 15th 2011 – Philadelphia PA

Let me preface this list with a quick story then we'll get into it straight away

I have a twitter page http://twitter.com/boywonderocks

I've never really used it for much other than show promotion and the occasional Random ass thought. I never got why people tweeted so compulsively until I came across the trending topic #NameAsongAndAddWithMyPenis. For some reason I found this funny probably because inside I'm still around 10. I was floored at how easy it was to come up with some really funny ones that kind of made sense. So in between all my work stuff yesterday I kinda went nuts. So for your viewing pleasure here is my complete list of

Name A Song And Add With My Penis


Oops I did it again With My Penis
Pleasure Pleasure With My Penis
Slow Dancing In a Burning Room With My Penis
"Let's Do It" (Right This Time) With My Penis
Ten Years Gone With My Penis
Finally Got It Right With My Penis
Tea In The Sahara With My Penis
No Sleep Til Brooklyn With My Penis
(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!) With My Penis
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin With My Penis
A Moment Like This With My Penis
U Can't Touch This With My Penis
Play That Funky Music With my Penis
Let's Go Crazy With My Penis
I Kissed a Girl With My Penis
She Will be Loved With My Penis
Massive Attack With My Penis
Heal The World With My Penis
Sittin on The Dock of the Bay With My Penis
Ain't Too Proud To Beg With My Penis
Who's That Girl With My Penis
Come out and Play With My Penis
Dj got us Fallin In Love With My Penis
Party and Bullshit With My Penis
Wind Cries Mary With My Penis
Under The Bridge With My Penis
I Hope You Dance With My Penis
Kung Fu Fighting With My Penis
Rolling In The Deep With My Penis
Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely With My Penis
Under The Sea With My Penis
Ease On Down The Road With My Penis
A Whole New World With My Penis
What a Feeling With My Penis
Back In Time With My Penis
Walking On The Moon With My Penis
She Came in Through The Bathroom Window With My Penis
Across The Universe With My Penis
Bad Romance With My Penis
I Saw Her Standing There With My Penis

It wasn't long till others joined in the fun here are some of my favs from others

Karley Cohen

Learn To Fly With My Penis
Take It Easy With My Penis
Hand In My Pocket With My Penis
Wild World With My Penis
8 Days A Week With My Penis
Since You've Been Gone With My Penis
Hella Good With My Penis

Jake Dean

I Don't Dance With My Penis
I Drink Alone With My Penis
The Way You Make Me Feel With My Penis
Lay Down Sally With My Penis
Uncontrollable Urge with My Penis
Whip It With My Penis
Satisfaction With My Penis
Give Me Shelter With My Penis
Street Fighting Man With My Penis

Zach Dean

Norweigan Wood With My Penis
Keep The Car Running With My Penis
Mean Mr. Mustard With My Penis
Simple Kind Of Man With My Penis
Twist and Shout With MyPenis
Hard Days Night With My Penis
I'm Only Sleeping With My Penis
P.Y.T. With My Penis

Joe Bisirri

Come Together with My Penis
You Can't Always Get What You Want with My Penis
Salute Your Solution with My Penis

Brian Fitzgearld

Yah Mo B There With My Penis
It's Not Easy Bein Green With My Penis
Bad Moon Rising WIth My Penis
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic With My Penis

And Finally Some New Ones

Mama Said Knock You Out With My Penis
Fur Elise With My Penis
Beautiful Day With My Penis
On The Floor With My Penis
The Show Goes On With My Penis
Endless Love With My Penis
Dancing on the Ceiling With My Penis
Hard To Say I'm Sorry With My Penis
Say Say Say With My Penis
We Built This City With My Penis
How Do You Talk To An Angel With My Penis
One Sweet Day With My Penis
Truly Madly Deeply With My Penis
Livin La Vida Loca With My Penis
Say It Right With My Penis
Love The Way You Lie With My Penis
The Lady In My Life With My Penis
A Long Walk With My Penis
Heard Em Say With My Penis
Something's Missing With My Penis
The Space Between With My Penis
Don't Speak With My Penis
Simple Kind of Life With My Penis
That's What You Get With My Penis
Brick By Boring Brick With My Penis
The Harder They Come With My Penis
Everybody Hurts With My Penis
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now With My Penis
Killing Me Softly With My Penis
Walk On The Ocean With My Penis
Be Good To Yourself With My Penis
Keep On Loving You With My Penis
I'll Be There With My Penis
I Wanna Be Where You Are With My Penis
Sittin Up In My Room With My Penis
It's Gonna Be Me With My Penis
This I Promise You With My Penis
Smooth Operator With My Penis
Separate Ways With my Penis
Bittersweet Symphony With My Penis
What More Can I Say With My Penis

Anyways I had a lot of fun, just taking a day to get a little silly so I don't go a lot crazy. Maybe we'll do this again sometime with something else...I promise I'll be serious tomorrow

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 276

Year 3 – Day 88 – June 4th 2011 – Chicago, Illinois

I wake up in a hotel in Minneapolis, I'm exhausted.

This isn't the way I normally do things

This thing has grown to the point where I can't possibly do everything myself, I need help so I have to develop a new muscle...knowing the right people and surrounding myself with them. In this business you encounter a lot of mouth runners, folk that talk a good game and may even mean well but they can't get anything done. Unfortunately it's often too late before you realize who's just talking smack.

As we journeyed to Chicago I find myself still trying to call the guy that booked me for the show tonight. I've been furiously emailing him all week long and still nothing. Tis of course makes me nervous, I have a hotel booked, a van full of gear, and possibly no gig. I confirmed before I left but never heard anything about set times, opening acts, etc. and as we inch closer and closer to the Windy City I'm sweating bullets like a semi-automatic.

So finally I get the booker on the phone.

Me: Hey

Booker: What's up?

Me: We're on our way to Chicago and I'm just wondering when load in is and all that.

Booker: Oh! I've been meaning to call you and talk to you. I don't work at The Tonic Room anymore.

Me: Excuse me?

Booker: Yeah, but I handed off your information to the new guy

Hangs up

I call Booker #2

Booker 2: Yeah

Me: Hello?

Booker 2: I'm at a street festival what's up?

Me: Boy Wonder from Philadelphia, wondering about load in tonight.

Booker 2: Oh yeah man call the owner he'll be able to tell you when load in is and all that.

Me: Don't you know?

Booker 2: Nah not really.

My opinion of myself as a booking agent back home has increased exponentially after these two conversations. I may not be the best booker on earth (or even in Philly) but compared to these two I could teach a college course

I was able to get in touch with the owner and we were able to load in. He informed me that we were the only act scheduled to play tonight...Ugh. There were no other bands on the bill meaning there would be no one there outside of the few friends and fans I have in Chicago if they can even make it. Apparently the guy booked me in the room and quit the next day never informing me and basically hanging me out to dry. Who does that?

We set up the gear and a few people walked in and as I looked around I remember words that Bryn told me on my very first tour “Whether it's 3 or 300, you rock the show just as hard!” I basically decided that we were going to play lights out for the people that turned up.

Set List

Batman Theme
Superhero
God May Forgive You But I Never Will
Ex Girlfriend
New/Untitled Song
Surrender
How Can This Be Love
Always Givin Me The Blues
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Psycho

Encore
Walking on The Moon
Wasn't Supposed To Be This Way
Billie Jean
Ain't No Way
Baby One More Time

And much like the rest of these dates on tour (aside from Minneapolis) the place was packed as we were wrapping up our intended set. We end up playing for 30 extra minutes or so and by then end the crowd was dancing and when we were done they pretty much left.

I'm realizing more and more how good this act in it's current form actually is. I thought my playing and singing tonight was pretty strong (Jake and Rob are always good) I need to get it more exposed in these different markets. If I can get more people there I know we can deliver a great show and get a buzz going. I just need to find the right person to partner up with in each city. This is something I will be going over in my head for quite sometime upon my return home

We ended the night dancing the night away at a few clubs in Chicago. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the natives and see what it was all about. We had a great time and Mexican food for the 3rd day in a row.

Indianapolis is tomorrow, last stop, we'll finish strong.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 275

Year 3 – Day 87 – June 3rd 2011 – Minneapolis Minnesota

Quicksand

First one thing goes wrong (no matter how minor) and that's all you need. The more you fight, the more you sink until you can't breathe. You're drowning and there's no hope in getting out. It happens to the best of us, so it certainly happens to me.

My guitar stopped working properly in Des Moines, I hit the string and it pops out of place. I was worried about it all day long making me more nervous in terms of today's show.

Often Minneapolis is the peak of our Midwestern Tours. I work with a guy that knows what he's doing in terms of getting us with the right bands and promoting us, and it is by far our biggest fanbase outside of Philadelphia. Believers are hard to come by so we try to see them all as often as possible. We build these midwestern tours around the Minneapolis shows because we know we're gonna be taken care of, the scene here has really opened it's arms to us and often it feels like a second home. I always want very badly to give these people the best show they've ever seen but tonight my entire focus was on the situation with my guitar. I thought I'd dodged a bullet and that I would simply use my back up, but as I was tuning it it clearly refused to stay in tune so we had to use the busted one.

I needed to get my head in the game, it's easy to perform when everything's going perfectly but the challenge is can you still be the guy that you are when shit's goin horribly wrong. I decided to view it as a challenge to see if I could step up to the plate.

I focused on what I did have, my voice wasn't broken, nor my playing, and not to mention I have the very best rhythm section on the planet that can carry me if need be.

Set List

Batman Theme
Superhero
God May Forgive You But I Never Will
Ex Girlfriend
New/Untitled Song
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Psycho

It was hard to tell how or if we went over well. The stage lights shined pretty far down in my face and it was hard to see. The Boys played great (As Always) and I just popped my string back in place whenever it fell out. After a while you just have to laugh it off because you simply can't control the problem or make it go away at that point in time. As always I had a blast.

The highlight of the night was of course seeing all of our friends and fans in the twin cities. I didn't feel like I personally gave them the best show possible but the love I get washes that feeling away if only for a night. The other thing that's always been an issue for me is grace after a less than perfect performance. A lot of people shook my hand and said “Good Show” because to them it probably was. My instinct is to say something like “Were we at the same show, I was awful” but if someone compliments you, you say Thank You, you mean it, and you save the self criticisms for another time, possibly a tour blog.

We hung out with 3 of my fav people for the rest of the night and we went back to the hotel. The tour marches on to Chicago tomorrow, we'll play the tonic room and get some Giordanos. There's a guitar center by the venue, maybe I can get my stuff fixed.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 274

Year 3 – Day 86 – June 2nd 2011 – Minneapolis, Minnesota

We rolled into Minneapolis around 7 but the dude behind the desk wouldn't let me check in without paying extra so I did what any other normal American would do, I waited till that guy's shift was over and sweet talked the new person behind the desk (a girl) into letting us check in early (Still Got It!)

We met up with Brue who kindly brought us Arby's and then headed downtown to get into some trouble...we were unable to find any.

I'm not good at off days yet...I'd rather be playing, but it's also awesome to rest the voice and have a few with the dudes every now and again

We are going to rock The Underground Tomorrow...I can't wait to play the show

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 273

Year 3 – Day 85 – June 1st 2011 – Des Monies, Iowa

Year One - Day 29 – April 9th 2009 – Clearlake, Iowa

We get back on the road and hit a bunch of traffic in Minnesota we finally get free and Rodrigo gets off of the road in order to stop for Gas and pee. Then I hear a sound, I don’t know anything about cars but I could kind of tell that it was a bad sound. Then the car stops moving…crap. We cut it off and restart it...nothing. It’s obvious that something has gone horribly wrong. We then thought that if we pushed it maybe it would start like Daniel’s mom’s car in the Karate Kid…nothing doing. We were able to push it off of the ramp and onto the side of the road. Someone called Triple A, Rod and Zach went to get transmission fluid, and I had to pee so I went to the bathroom.

Upon my return I saw a cop with a dog in the back and a cop questioning one of my band mates. All I could think of is I hope we’re not goin to jail, I am to small and pretty and will be passed around like a carton of cigarettes. They seemed to be assisting us. Then the cop drops a bomb

Cop: Everything looks in order

Alex: Thank you for all your help

Cop: No Problem

Alex: So where are we exactly

Cop: Clear Lake, Iowa where the music died.
Alex: Come again?

Cop: Yeah where Buddy holly’s plane crashed.

So um you mean to tell me our van breaks down where the music died? Great! Funny how everything balances itself out. The sheer joy of the past three days damn near negated by the van breaking down.

This was the night Bang Camaro was supposed to play at Vaudeville Mews, In Des Moines Iowa with Electric Six. Obviously with the car trouble we didn't make it and would catch up with them later on that week. So on that first trek around the country Vaudeville Mews was the only venue we missed, I didn't get a chance to play here...till tonight.

We hung out at Zach Dean's for a final day, a day that started off with a killer hangover. There's a reason I don't normally drink on the road...cause I feel like crap all day. Andrew, Rob and I went to McDonalds and I couldn't eat anything...booo.

We made the ride to Des Moines stopped at a German restaurant and drank beer out of a 32 ounce glass boot, it was pretty clutch, then it was off to the show.

As I walked into the venue the first thing that crossed my mind was, “How on Earth were Bang Camaro gonna fit on that stage?” Crystal City and The Half Hearts Rocked out like only they can. It was an awesome looking place, albeit empty. I had consigned myself to the notion that we may be playing for just the bar tender, the sound guy, and the bands tonight

Set List

Batman Theme
Superhero
God May Forgive You But I Never Will
Ex-Girlfriend
Untitled/New Song
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Body
How Can This Be Love
I Wanna Be Your Lover
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Private School Girl
Walking on The Moon
3000 Miles Away
Psycho

The place was pretty lonely until we were about 2/3rds through our planned set then there was a rush of people and they wanted to dance, so we kept it funky for the most part and grooved with them until I couldn't sing anymore. We went over really well with the few that were there, met some cool people, and played a great show...All in all it was a pretty good night and I think we laid an excellent foundation to return here later.

We climb in the van to go towards Minneapolis, I'm soaked in sweat, I'm tired, but I feel awesome, can't wait to see everyone in the Twin Cities tomorrow and Friday, it's gonna be amazing.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 272

Year 3 – Day 84 – May 31st 2011 – Iowa City, Iowa

It's been a while almost a year to be exact...back out on the road again. New Places, New Guy Behind The Wheel, Same Band. Since we talked last a few things have happened

Animated Unleashed - September 4th 2010

The CD Release Show Was Amazing! The bands were incredible and we had our logo projected on the back wall. All of the promo we did paid off and we played to a pretty packed house. To top it all off I was joined by Bryn and Alex of Bang Camaro for a rendition of Psycho. It was good to see the boys and Mayte. We partied all night.

Opening For Electric Six - September 22nd 2010

It was our first show at Johnny Brendas, It was the first time we'd ever opened for somebody major, Jake had food poisoning, and we still played a great show. It was an amazing opportunity and to this day there aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am. It was the moment where things finally crystallized for me in the respect that Boy Wonder in it's current form can hang with any band we share the stage with.

Show With Leslie – November 10th 2010

Leslie was on their way to Boston to open for Bang Camaro and I was fortunate enough to play a show with them in Philly. I had an amazing time, Sadler Vaden's def one of the best guitarists around and I learn so much every time I see him play.

Producing Moving On – April 2011

I've been producing Steve Marchion's first Album Moving On. Producing is another avenue of the musical spectrum that I've enjoyed and wish to pursue further. Helping someone reach their artistic vision is almost as satisfying as reaching your own. I like it to the point where I'm considering self-producing my next project. Look for the Release of Moving on in the Fall

First Boston Show – May 5th 2011

We played in Boston for the first time on March 5th at the Middle East. Rob had a previous engagement but Branden King of The Parachuting Apostles filled in quite nicely. We rocked faces off that night and Jaime Kent and The Options really did their thing.

I appreciated the support of my Camaro bretheren, between the show and the party I got to see everyone which really rocked. Hopefully I'll make it up to the next Bang Camaro show in Boston

Tour Launch Party – May 28th 2011

For the first time ever I decided to do a Tour Launch Party at World Cafe Live. The Trick to these Downstairs Shows is keeping them fresh (we do them a lot) and giving people a reason to come out. We shared the stage with Damien Anthony, Phunkyman and Jenna Andrews if you haven't heard her music you should check it out. Highlight of the night the choreographed dance number to surrender.

Other than that it's been shows and shows and more shows I've met lots of people and done lots of stuff. I'm broke but I'm happy.

Which brings me to today.

I woke up in Fairfield Iowa today to the sounds of rain fall and a roaring window fan. It had been blowing on me all night, I worry about my voice as always. We're at my buddy/Jake's brother Zach's house, it's become the official home base for the Iowa section of this tour. I'm grateful to have friends all around the country, we're able to see these places through the eyes of the people who actually live here as opposed to being wide eyed tourists. After some hours at Zach's on the internet sending out press releases and We went to this awesome noodle place and it was off to the show.

The Blue Moose Tap House is your pretty standard sweaty rock club. The posters on the wall indicate that this is the place to play in Iowa City, which made me pretty nervous. I wasn't sure if anyone would show up tonight because there was a dubstep party happening the same night that draws a lot of people. If anything I decided I was simply just going to have a good time and maybe see a good band

The Uniphonics did not disappoint. Blending Hip Hop, Jazz and Rock, The Uniphonics was the best pairing I've ever seen on tour. They brought it hard I can't wait to bring them to Philly one day soon.

The First Show (well second show officially) is always tough for me, I'm jittery and rarely in the right frame of mind but as the people started to file in I began to worry less and less. It's just another gig and I have the best rhythm section on earth Rob Starts Drumming and we're off to the races

Set List

Batman Theme
Superhero
God May Forgive You But I Never Will
Untitled/New Song
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
I Wanna Be Your Lover
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Psycho

We had to play longer than I thought but by the time we got to Surrender I felt like I had an already friendly crowd in the palm of my hand. The guys played well, which covered up for the fact that I played like crap, luckily for me my vocals were pretty much spot on. I know it will be better tomorrow and the day after and I chalked it up to getting the first show out of the way. I wasn't at my best but collectively it was a pretty powerful performance. The small crowd was enthusiastic and they danced to songs that I didn't think you could dance to. I had an incredible time.

We ended up at the dubstep party to drink and dance the night away...So far this is the best tour ever