Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 299

Year Four

July 9^th 2012

St Paul, Minnesota

Escape is nice. I was able to escape the very harsh reality of the van being stranded in Danville Illinois for at least one night. To do what I came here to do, keeping the dream alive for one more night. We woke up coming off a victorious show at Amsterdam, a win I desperately needed and now we're headed back to Danville.

Called ahead. They say the van won't be ready till tomorrow. That means an extra day (or more) in Danville freakin Illinois we have to put our gear in the car rent a smaller vehicle and stay here. Bloomington's out at this point and I basically just want to go home. 

Danville, Illinois

We go to make our presence felt. I tell Andy to do that talking because frankly I have an attitude problem. Big picture I understand what's goin on and that there are other cars in the world than mine, but in that moment, the spoiled child in me was seeping out. And of all the places to be stuck, I mean jeeze lol.

You really can't help but laugh, there's been more laughter on this particular tour than any other, I suspect it's to keep us all sane. If anything we are bonding. I love these boys, I just wish we were playing and not sitting here. 

Champagne, Illinois

As of this moment I'm at the super 8 in Champagne IL. The boys and I are gonna go out and blow off some steam. I doubt I'll remember anything that happens.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 298

Year Four

July 8^th 2012

Stillwater, Minnesota

Knock Knock Knock

Me: We don't want anything

Knock Knock Knock

Me: We're fine, we're sleeping

The door opens

Housekeeper: Housekeeping!

Me: I said we were sleeping.

Housekeeper: You don't want clean

Me: NO! Please go away!

Housekeeper: So no clean.

Me: For the Love of God!

Admittedly not my best moment. But after last night's insanity all I wanted to do was sleep. We got about 6 hours in and around 2 or so we were ready to hit the venue.

St. Paul, Minnesota

This would be our first time in St. Paul. We've rocked it's neighboring city Minneapolis 4 times in the past 3 years and they have always shown us a good time...aside from Philly it's my favorite city to play in. Tonight we're opening for Interscope Recording Artists The Knux a hip hop duo comprised of two twin brothers. Whenever we work with Ben Brueland I never have to worry about anything. He's a great guy and an excellent booker.

San Dimas and Xavier Marquis played spectacularly and it was time for our set. After yesterday I needed a win and I was hoping I'd find it on stage at Amsterdam.

There's nothing like watching people file into a room to see you play when you're halfway across the country. We have people that have literally not missed a show since we've started playing here. I decided to take those good feelings on the stage with me and turn my amp up real loud. 

Set List

Ex-Girlfriend

Superhero

Slowdance

Surrender

Sexy Machine

I Don't Dance

Feels So Good

Swim

Psycho

In the beginning it didn't look so good. The Crowd was pretty thin and as I looked out people were just kind of standing there. I was ready to give up, finish this thing, and get out of here. But I looked up and I saw something I hadn't seen all week. People...dancing like hardcore. So I decided I oughta snap out of autopilot and enjoy this. As usual, good crowd, they get sweaty, we get sweaty (we tend to get sweaty anyway)

I decided to try out swim solo tonight. This would be the best opportunity as this crowd is here to listen to the music as opposed to drink and ignore me. It was a nice moment. They were clapping to the rhythm midway through, determined to keep it upbeat and dancy.

We were well received, people singed our mailing list and bought CDs and some are even asking me when the new record is coming out. Making the decision to get here at all costs was totally worth it. What a great night.

We got some drinks, watched the knux, got paid, talked to some old friends and new fans and left the club.

We made a late night Run for the Border and went to bed...we got a 10 hour drive to Danville to pick up the car .

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 297

Year Four

July 7^th 2012

Louisville, Kentucky

We get up and we're out of this Popsicle stand, mainly because a popsicle stand would melt in this heat. Leave it to me to book our summer tour during the hottest week of the year so far, I mean jeeze lol. We've got a day off so we can have some time in the Twin Cities before tomorrow's show. Minneapolis /St Paul is like a second home to me...it's the place (besides Philly) that has been the most receptive to my music and our band. Long story short all of these people have been nothing short of amazing since the day we've met them.

Danville, Illinois

Andrew: The Car's Overheating

Rob: Let's Shut the Air Off

A Few Miles Later

Andrew: Do You Smell That?

Me: Yeah...Pull over

We stop

Me: The Car is Smoking...This isn't good.

So we're on the side of the road as I attempt to call Allstate to get us a tow. It's hotter than hell outside, so obviously I'm not a happy camper. I know nothing about cars other than what my dad said. “If it's the water pump you are screwed”

A kindly police officer drives by

Officer: So are you guys taking a break or just breaking down.

Andy: The car is smoking might just be over heated.

We were picked up by the lovely folks at Carnaghi Towing. The tow truck driver looked excatly as one would think (a stock fellow with “chew” stained teeth) We weren't sure what we'd find upon arrival as we sat there and waited to see what was wrong.

Repair Guy: Well guys it's the water pump, not an easy fix. It would be monday before we could work on it.

Clearly this man doesn't realize I have s how with The Knux tomorrow...what do you mean you can't work on it till Monday​?

I am clearly devastated and now I have to make a decision, do I want to find a way to play this show or do I pack it in. Either are valid reactions to this situation I don't think anyone would blame me for packing it in right now. But this show was the reason we're out here, we're opening for a major label act in front of our friends and fans. This could be the biggest show we've ever played outside of Philadelphia so I wasn't goin to let this stop me, I vowed to do whatever it took to get to St. Paul tomorrow.

Me: Excuse me sir is there a car rental place here

Repair Guy: Closed

Me: U-Haul?

Repair Guy: Closed at Noon

Me: Really?

Repair Guy: Welcome to Danville.

The good news was after all of us (including the repair guy) calling around we were able to find a car rental place in Champagne, IL the bad news was it was a $90 cab ride to Champagne. We wait for 45 minutes and the cab arrives a young brother drivin, good sign.

Cab Driver: What kind of music y'all listen to.

Andy: Whatever.

Cab Driver: I was listenin to DMX when I pulled up.

Me: That Works

And we're off. We drive past the exit that we were stranded at with the van earlier that day.

Cab Driver: So I was tellin this bitch I was like I need to stop and get the jack and spare tire but she sent me out on this bull shit.

We hear a flopping sound

Cab: What the fuck is that?

Rob: Sir it seems as if you have a flat tire.

He goes outside

Cab Driver: I got a munthfuckin flat tire

Me: COME ON!

Clearly I'm frustrated, the unexpected expense of the cab ride the repair and the rental and the cab taking us to the rental car gets a flat tire. I mean jeeze lol.

Cab Driver: I wanna know which one of y'all muthafuckers is comin to get me...Listen guys someone's gonna come get you and take you to the airport...I'm sick of you muthafuckas fuckin wit my paper.

Five minutes after he hangs up another cab driver arrives and takes us to the airport, we rent the car and take it back to the dealership and manage to pack just about everything in the car and head towards St. Paul.

Stillwater, Minnesota

We arrived at the hotel around 6 AM and man am I tired. Our room wasn't clean when we arrived, they gave us new keys but they didn't work, but once we got everything squared away I was able to shower and sleep.

Can't wait for Amsterdam tomorrow...or today...I don't even know anymore

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 296

Year Four

July 6^th 2012

Louisville, Kentucky

We left in the dead of night, a dubious start to (or in my case continuation of) tour. I have some concerns about the ol girl (van) we've had some issues with it overheating so I wanna drive at night seeing as it's the hottest week of the summer so far with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees. We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon. This is our first time here, we played here mainly because my brother is here and the ability to draw a crowd here would be greater than any other city nearby, at least he'd be there.

As we arrived to the venue (this city's Hard Rock Cafe) I was blown away by all the activity on fourth street where the venue was located. It seems as if all of the activity in Louisville was concentrated in one place. There was a cover band playing on the street (which was blocked off) and there were restaurants and night clubs on top of each other, quite a sight to see.

We had dinner and I notice the people singing at the table next to us, a whole family and as I looked around I noticed that there were quite a few people signing, come to find out that there's a sign language convention is Louisville this weekend, meaning that half the crowd in the Hard Rock Cafe is deaf. Interesting to say the least. My brother arrives shortly before showtime. It's good to see him as I haven't seen much of him since he's been here. We chat as the show starts, we've got a while since we don't play till 1.

We were treated to great sets by Field of Kings, The Winston Hours, and one of my all time favorite bands Hero Jr. and then at around 1 it was time for our set.

Set List

Ex- Girlfriend

Superhero

Slowdance

Surrender

Sexy Machine

I Don't Dance

Feels So Good

Psycho

As were playing I'm realizing I'm waay to tight, I'm doing things wrong, and those thoughts are like quicksand, the more you think them the deeper you go. My voice works though and seems to be compensating. But as the people sitting and having dinner seem to be turning around and people seem to not be looking at their watches I seem to think that we're going over pretty well.

It wasn't the conversion of an entire city but it was a start, the person who booked the show and the booker at the Hard Rock likes us and wants us to return, I'll take it. I want to leave right away and head for Minnesota (Fairfield has been canceled) but the boys want to sleep. I'm really concerned about the car overheating but I'm pretty tired as well so we'll sleep now and leave in the morning.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musican 295

Year Four

June 28^th 2012

Washington DC

I've been doing more touring this year. After last summer's tour of the south my desire to be on the road had increased ten fold, I just like being out here. That desire has been coupled with a desire to find a way to be as interesting an act without the band and the volume as I am with them. Let's face it, I can play more if I can do both, and doing the switching back and forth keeps it fresh for me. This week I had two very important acoustic shows featuring Electric Six's Dick Valentine. Tuesday's Show was here at World Cafe Live, probably the biggest HYPE! Show we've ever done in terms of having a name perform, and Today at The Black Cat. I decided on both days to play with Bob Beach. For those of you who don't know Bob Beach he's a harmonica/flute player extraordinaire who has appeared on my last two albums and on-stage with me several times. He picked me up and in short order we made our way down.

The funny thing about this particular show is that I was just in DC this past weekend for my best friends wedding and walked past The Black Cat the morning of on our way to brunch.

We got there and I was excited we had our own dressing room, a free meal, and 11 drink tickets (it's the little things in life you treasure) and even more excited to be rehearsing Dirt in The Ground with Dick. I was going to join him on-stage during his set. First things first I had to play.

Set List

Slowdance

Hangover

Sexy Machine

I Don't Dance

Surrender

Baby One More Time

Swim

Dick Valentine (as usual) tore it up. The man is a true craftsman, my favorite part about Electric Six has always been the songs. They are always really well written and constructed and this solo acoustic album shows that off even more. We hopped up for dirt in the ground and it was pretty freakin cool.

I left the stage, worked the room, and sold some CDs. After that I burned through some of those drink tickets and we went home. As I nodded off in the car I thought to myself “I may be the only dude that's ever sang on stage with Dick Valentine and Adam Levine.” Pretty eclectic company.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 294

Year Four

April 21^st 2012

Los Angeles, California

Today was busy, once I realized I had to go shopping because Mary told me that we were getting dressed up for this. It was sort of a whirlwind from wake up to sleep and it's all kind of a blur at this point.

We arrived at Genghis Cohen and the plan was to go back and forth sort of like a songwriter's circle but with two people. Mary would play and then I would play with Melinda. I was pretty confident that it would go well and I was very pleasantly surprised to see people file in for me. As a booker (and to a lesser extent a promoter) of shows back home I always try to hammer home to the other bands and artists that you absolutely cannot rely on anyone else but yourself to bring people if you want them there. Anyone else bringing people out should be a bonus. But that's another conversation.

The back and forth worked out really well for both of us, with both of us bringing good crowds everyone was captive for the entire hour long plus presentation of two distinct singer/songwriters who have more in common than I even realized. It even included “Feel You” a song we wrote together the night before, and like most things in a flash it was over. People don't realize the amount of work and anxiety that goes into playing an hour long show. I was able to connect with some old friends and some family that have left Philly and moved to the LA area. It was really really awesome.

A celebration with Danielle and now I'm off to bed...I've got a long stint in an airport before a flight home. Full of food and wine I can't help but think about how incredibly blessed I am and how much bigger I want this to be.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 293

Year Four

April 20^th 2012

Los Angeles, California

Off Day....Sort of

With the Win that was San Diego behind me I had one more day between me and LA . No Gigs but plenty to do.

The Agenda

1. Lay Around All Morning
2. Meet Up With Melinda Rice at the Musician's Union
3. Meet Up With Mary for a quick writing session for tomorrow's show

I had no problem with one. Laying around meant I could take some phone calls, mostly from family members and friends. I have a lot of thoughts on my life recently and it was cool to share them with people I care about. Coffee was involved once I got my ass out of bed.

Step Two would be a little bit harder.

I agreed to show up at my high school classmate and friend Melinda Rice's violin class to talk to them about music. At first I was like “Well what the hell do I know all your students probably read better than me” when she explained she wanted me to come in and talk to them about my life as a musician to this point I was like “Well I can probably do that”

I've always thought working with kids in some capacity is important to do. None of us shall be here forever so it's important to pass on whatever you think you know to the next generation so they don't make the same mistakes you did. Admittedly I was nervous. I wasn't sure if they would be receptive. Kids are smart for the most part and you can't really get anything past them and truthfully it was a little rough at first. I basically condensed this blog into a five minute introduction and then we chatted about music for a bit and I wondered how things might be different had I been exposed to music in the right way at that age.

Melinda and I also went through most of the set for tomorrow's show in front of the class and she basically taught them about how to interact with chord progressions as she and I basically rehearsed. I gotta say that I love the way she plays, she's not stiff, she gets what's happening, I can go ahead and add her to list of genius musicians I know. Then she asked the kids to play a long with Ex-Girlfriend. So there I am in the middle of this class with like 12 kids and Melinda playing along as I play my acoustic guitar and sing. It was an epic moment. I brought some CD's and they sort of all ran to grab them and they asked me to sign them. All in all it was a pretty amazing experience and I probably learned more from them than they did from me. I left not only having enjoyed myself thoroughly but pretty confident that tomorrow's show would be good.

Step Three involved me leaving towards the parking lot to meet Mary Scholz. Mary's an old friend from Philly with whom I have any stories. She's good people and we've done quite bit together show wise in the past year or two. So when I asked her if she could set something up for me in LA this weekend and she said yes I was over the moon.

Whenever we do shows it's customary that we pick a few songs to sing/play together. Normally they are covers but since we couldn't agree on anything we decided to write something together. Generally I hate working with people cause I've never found the right person to write with. I never found my Lennon or Garfunkel or Oates. But Mary and I are like minded in the sense that we like to get stuff done and the most important thing is that the song is good so I figured that this would work.

It was an interesting window into someone else's songwriting process. There are certain things she does that I picked up on and will likely incorporate. I love that she follows her instincts and kind of knows what the stuff should be about. Def be interested in doing that some more.

3 hours later there was a song an hour after that I was asleep.

LA Tomorrow

Get Excited

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 292

Year Four

April 19th 2012

Los Angeles

I've been here about 3 days or something. Staying with my cousin and her room mates. Still not used to the time change. Going stir crazy, you need access to a car out here to do anything really which I would have if I were licensed to drive. The past few days have been relaxing to say the least to deprogram my brain from worrying about stuff on the home front was a lot easier than I thought it would be. But as the days/weeks leading up to this mini-west coast run flew by I realized that I was burnt out for two main reasons

1)Not enough time devoted to my own music. I went the non conventional/day job route so I could focus on making music and see how far I can take this and frankly I've been spending more time working with other bands/artists then doing my own stuff.

2)A lack of creative focus/direction. The only thing more frustrating than not being able to write, is being able to write and not thinking the stuff you're doing is any good or it not painting a clear picture as to where you wanna go.

I decided that I would leave all the home stuff at home (frankly there's but a few things in Philly that I miss this week) I had set everything up to that the clubs I work at would have stuff and my house was in order and even if something went wrong in Philly, there's nothing I can do about it 3000 Miles Away.

It's amazing what a change of scenery can do. To be in a place like this full of driven people. I've even been able to crash a few of the ASCAP Expo events. But I can't spend more than a couple of days sitting around and doing nothing. Tonight was San Diego and I was very excited.

Tours, even super short ones, are my favorite part of this whole music thing. To be out for a week or month or two and not have to worry about anything other than playing the gig is liberating. I've been doing a lot of solo touring in 2012 so far trying to round out that aspect of my game so that I can always hit road if I want or need to. It's gonna make me better as a performer. I can't afford to bring the band out here yet, so I'm basically out here trying to establish a West Coast Foothold so that I can bring California the full show shortly.

Danielle (My Cousin) and I left for San Diego around 5...and it took us an hour to get out of LA because of the traffic. But it was good to use that time to catch up with her and get focused. I had to sort of come out of vacation mode and be clear about the task at hand. The objective here is to come and play well. My friend Ashley J had booked me tonight, I had people coming, and Lestat's is an important club for people at my level, so no missteps, no bad notes, no fooling around. I have 30 minutes to convince everyone that gettign on the Boy Wonder train's worthwhile. And Then I saw it. As we pulled into San Diego and drove by Lestat's I saw something that I rarely see.

A Marquee with my Name On It! Even the most jaded and well traveled of us get a little giddy when we see something like that. When I saw my name in lights I knew it was going to be a good night. My fan club files in filled with (oddly enough) many people that have recently moved to the area from Philly, a little piece of home so far away. People here takes the pressure off...a little. The Orange Pickers play a great set and then it's my turn.

Set List
Get Me To California
Slow Dance
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Never Gonna Give You Up
Psycho
Swim (w/Ashley J)

'Twas a strong outing. The only things I felt were wrong were things only I (in all my anal retentive glory) would notice. There was a lot of love in the room, people that came felt it was worth their time and Ashley's people seemed to like it. All Good Things. After coming off and watching Ashley's Set I jumped up and did a couple of songs with her...Mainly Toxic and Super Bass.

After the show was over we jumped in the car and headed towards LA. I have some stuff to do in preparation for Saturday's show but other than that not much on the agenda. I have a feeling that LA's going to be good but they've got a lot to do to top San Diego Tonight. Truly one of the best nights of my life.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 291

Year Three - Day 304 – January 4th 2012

New York, New York

I don't feel very professional today.

I woke up coming off what I felt like was a B+ (at best) performance in Northampton and was ecited for another crack at it in New York. Then I got the email, the one saying that I had gotten the dates wrong, that the show was January 5th (Tomorrow) and not January 4th (Today) the day that I would be arriving in NewYork. Tomorrow I have a show at World Cafe Live, meaning I can't play at Vivaldi. People are pissed, but no more pissed than I am at myself for doing something like this.

Professionalism is something that I value. Everybody can't be talented, everybody can't be proficient musically, everybody can't draw huge crowds, but everybody can be professional. All it means is showing up on time and doing what you were brought in to do. It's not pro to forget the date you're playing. I mean who does that? Fumble, Fail, Epic Fail, etc. This shit matters to me. I wanted to play this show, I was excited about it. I won't get to do it...probably ever now and I have no one to blame but myself.

As I beat myself up with one hand, on the other I realize I am a man with two choices. I can either go home or try to make the best of a night in New York City, a city that I count the good experiences I've had in it on one hand. I was able to find a fe places that would have me...Thank God for the internet.

First up R Bar

We park in a lot, we roll around the corner, R Bar is Closed.

Let's try this again shall we.

First up Paddy Reilly's Music Bar.

I hit the stage at 7 or so.

Set List

Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
How Can This Be Love
Take on Me
Surrender
(I Think We Should) Breakup

It was a lot better than last night. I felt stronger, better, etc.

Well received in that New York kind of way. People pat you on the back and let you go about your buisness. A friend from Philly, Michelle, managed to find us where we were.

We met What The Fuck Man (yes that's his name) and he knew where to find the next spot.

Second Stop Artica Bar
What The Fuck Man, the superhero of rock, donned with a yellow hoodie, a utility belt armed with a light saber, phone, and capo, a guitar and sick songs, showed us an open mic at the Artica Bar nearby. I'm like why not. This would mean technically I'd play here twice tonight. The four of us had dinner first. The crowd's a scoach more upper crust then at Paddy's. It's two songs but I feel like I can do it

Set List

Slowdance
Never Gonna Give You Up

Crowd was good. I noticed that no one seems to have the contempt for open mics here like they do in Philly. New Yorkers just seem to ignore shit they don't like.

Bottom line, a bonehead move by me could have tanked an entire evening but it turned out to be cool. Hopefully this sin will be forgiven and I can return to rock New York the right way. I'll be a taste tester on Fear Factor before I ever let something like this happen again

I still have fire, I'm hungry to succeed, these are all good things.

Philly Tomorrow

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 290

Year Three – Day 303 – January 3, 2012

Northampton, Massachusetts

Getting out of here seems to be the craziest part of being on the road. I knew we had a long drive so I was able to get Philly business done in the car.

Tonight was the first night of my first real acoustic run. I'm giving it a shot because it's a new challenge, something I've never really done, I can tour more if I can do both, and ultimately it will make me a better performer when I play with the band. I'm still not as comfortable alone on stage as I'd like to be. So this would ultimately be a good experience for me. Just me, Andrew and The Road.

I love being on the road, just watching the trees go by fills me with a joy that I rarely get doing anything else. Home is home but I feel like I'm actually doing this for real more often when I'm out here.

After about six hours we pulled into Bishops Lounge , it took us about 30 minutes to find it, mainly cause it was stacked on top of two other restaurants. The security guard was pretty awesome as I rolled into the room. The lights were dimmed you could only see the bandstand. It was a little on the small side but you could feel the energy. I felt more comfortable when the house band played. It was vibey, I could tell when Jamie (Kent) walked in and several musicians walked in after...that this was a place musicians came out to hang.

About half an hour goes by and they ask me to stroll up. As usual I didn't know what I was gonna play. If I'm lucky I know the first three tunes in any give solo acoustic set. I'm not as disciplined alone as I am with the boys , which is probably why I'm not as good by myself as I am with them. I walk up to the mic and say hello

Set List
Slowdance
Get Me To Califronia
Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way
Never Gonna Give You Up
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Hangover
Psycho

I was well received, people either dug it or were just being polite. Just in case it's the former I rarely dig deeper. Generally people don't like it when you argue with them when they give you a compliment so I just smile and say thank you. I simply think in my mind that I'll have another shot at Vivaldi. I'll be good tomorrow.

Did I mention it's UnGodly Cold outside. I mean these New Englanders are tough, don;t think I could function in 13 degrees on a daily basis. It pretty much sucks lol.

Jamie Kent of Jamie Kent and The Options was kind enough to give us a place to stay. The hosue was awesome and after a phone call or two I would sleep like a baby and dream of new york.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 289

Year Three – Day 233 – October 26th 2011

Philadelphia, PA

I rarely blog about shows at home these days but here we go

Today was a big day, (I've been having a lot of those lately which is probably a good thing) we're opening for Electric Six at Johnny Brenda's capping off a year where the boys and I have opened for bands and artists that are on major and independent labels. It's been a super crazy summer and fall I remember at this point last year thinking things couldn't get any better but the progression that my career has taken is definitely awesome, maybe I'm delusional, but I'm happy so shut up...lol

For those of you who haven't been reading my blog the past few years electric Six was the band Bang Camaro opened up for during my tour with them. We spent two weeks on the road with those guys and I learned just about everything I currently know by watching those dudes night after night. It was the best two weeks of the tour and we really got to know those guys well. They are by far the most professional band I've ever been around. So last year when an opportunity for me to open for them at Johnny Brenda's came along I jumped at the chance. We had so much fun that we asked again and they obliged us.

I didn't feel we put our best foot forward last year, Jake had food poisoning and by the end of the night I was trashed and way too focused on all the beautiful women, so I was glad to get another opportunity. Things would be different this time, primarily cause I'd have background singers. Graneville Automatic were kind enough to join me on stage for this particular show. I was nervous about it, I've never had much luck with background singers, but their pedigree is unparalleled, both those girls can sing just about anything.

Sound Check was awesome. They are one of the most sought after rooms in town for a reason. I left my shirt in the van and when I got it I realized it was the shirt that needed cufflinks, luckily my other had safety pins...why? Cause she's the best mom in the world that's why.

I like these 30 minute sets...less is more. We can rock solid and be on point. Nerves are always a part of the game

Slowdance
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup

The band played great, those five days on the road really helped I think. As usual Electric Six was very nice and complimentary as were their fans. I was treated to a good set by Kitten and an excellent set By Electric Six.

We sold some merch, chatted some people up and left.

Saturday is my last scheduled travel gig for a while...looking forward to being home for a lil bit and writing new songs.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 288

Year Three - Day 229 – October 23rd 2011

As I write this we're in Pennsylvania. The van's quiet other than a few sentences between the three of us. Room for Squares is on and we should be back in Philadelphia in a matter of hours.

Overall I'm happy with the experience this time around. We played two solid shows in markets that want us back. I'm excited about the possibilities. I wanna see my mom and dad, I guess this is what going away to college would have been like had I opted to go to USC or NYU instead of Temple. I'm excited to go to Triumph tonight and World Cafe tomorrow and Johnny Brenda's Wednesday. Going out makes being home that much sweeter.

I am also gross and in need of a shower...seriously.

If you're not doing anything on Wednesday Night you should come see me and the boys open for Electric Six and Kitten at Johnny Brenda's. It's gonna be a sweet show and we're pulling out all the stops. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to see everyone.

Lastly I wanna thank My Dad, Andy, Rob, Jake, Zach, John, Kibra, Lori, Kristin, Rachel, Roque, Brue, Flip, and all the other people we connected with on this run. It's your tireless support that makes all this worth it and I can safely speak for the band when I say we can't wait to see you all again.

That's all for now

See you soon