Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 300

So This is Happening On December 1st

Living Colour w/Special Guests Boy Wonder at World Cafe Live

The guys and I are going to be opening for the Legendary Living Colour Downstairs at World Cafe Live. You might be asking yourself, What's the big deal? Why is this particular show more significant than the others?

Okay, let's start at the beginning.

When I was 5 or 6 I fell in love with Rock Music when I heard The Police Greatest hits (I'm sure the EVH solo on Beat it was the gateway) it didn't sound like anything anyone around me was listening to. It was loud, it was driving, it was energetic, perfect for a kid who sometimes just ran into things.

Most of my life I listened to it in secret, tapes in my Fisher price tape player, or my walkman/discman later. When caught I was often made fun of or chastised, usually different variations of "Why you like that white music?" then this came on my TV Screen



I see one black guy, then wait, they were all black! Mind blown! They were a rock band, but they looked like me. I didn't know who they were, I didn't know what the song was about, all I knew is they were rocking pretty hard. I wore Vivid out, It made me feel okay with that part of myself. That if they could do that I could listen to (and later play) whatever I wanted.

They're an amazing band, and even though they weren't necessarily doing a soul thing, they had it in spades. You won't find many singers better than Corey Glover, or many guitarists better than Vernon Reid. I've (unfortunately) never had the opportunity to see them live. 

As much as my music has been influenced by the artists and bands I talk about all the time (The Police, Prince etc.) Living Colour really helped me what was possible in terms of mixing all the stuff I liked about music together to make my own thing. Living Colour made it okay for me to be myself as far as music is concerned, so to have gotten tot he point as an artist where I could even be considered to be on the same bill with these guys is pretty freaking cool, it's more than that, it's a milestone, a dream come true.

On December 1st Boy Wonder steps onto the stage at World Cafe Live, we'll play some music (there may be another band) and then Living Colour will play after that. I hope everyone can make it out, I'll be freaking out for the next few months making sure we are at our very best.

Side note I think these kids might be playing too


We're a long way from the Vaudeville

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

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 287

Year Three - Day 228 – October 22, 2011

The Road

I didn't sleep a wink until I heard from Jake.

Jake had a show with The Parachuting Apostles back in Philadelphia tonight so he had to catch a flight back. Once I got the text that said everything was cool I rolled over and caught a few winks. I got the room to myself tonight...which is always rare and wonderful.

It's a rare moment to be alone with my thoughts which can sometimes be a dangerous thing. I'm a dreamer with an analytical brain, I often take everything apart and over analyze and it drives me crazy. I did eventually get to sleep though, I'll deal with the questions in the am.

I woke up with the sun, cold symptoms lingering so the sleep wasn't amazing. I'm a little hungover, cause Minneapolis always gets me I scoop Andrew from his room, the slight rash has now engulfed his entire body and he's itchy from head to toe. we scoop Rob and after a quick visit with Flip we've hit the road to head back home.

As we journey back home the ride is quiet for the most part leaving me alone with my thoughts again...dangerous lol.

I'm basically of two brains about the immediate future.

Boy Wonder wants to keep going. That part of me loves the van, the hotels, the bad food, and most importantly bringing music to people. To perform night in and night out is a dream come to get paid for it is amazing. Opportunities keep popping up and I want to take advantage of every one.

Andre, the smarter/creative part wants to go home and rest, recharge, and write new songs. Everyone's heard the songs from Animated a bunch over the past year and some change. If you want the audience to stay there you have to keep it fresh and for me that means new material. You learn so much out here and I'm anxious to pick up the Pen and the Martin and throw myself into the process. There are 5 or 6 new tunes already, who knows what will happen in a week or a month.

The focus now is the show at Johnny Brendas on Wednesday. I was a bit more aggressive with the marketing for this show this time around, mainly because I'm excited to have the opportunity again. I want it to be bigger and better than it was before, I want Jake not to have food poisoning, I want to be seen in a more professional light, I want to feel better about the show, I want to slow everything down like we did in Minneapolis so I can enjoy it. To be completely blown away by two Killer Bands in a 5 day span also intrigues me.

Part of me is (and will always be) still haunted by the voices of the people who laughed when I said I wanted to do this for a living. There are a lot of people who would like to stick a finger in my face and tell me I'm no good, who'd prefer that I'd be quiet about the things I'm doing. People are really nasty about it sometimes. But as a I ride in the front seat of my Dad's 1993 Blue Dodge Ram I get over it real quick.

I like who I am and I'm proud of the few things I've accomplished. No one knows better than me exactly where I stand in the grand scheme of things. There are still people in my hometown that have no clue who I am or what I'm doing. We tour in my Dad's conversion van that I'm not licensed to drive, the electronics don't work half the time (As rob smacks the Dashboard) we play to a few hundred people a night and get paid if we're lucky, I'm broke half the time, I live with my parents, there are promoters in town who hate my guts because I refuse to be taken advantage of, I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be. Can I be annoying? Sure. Even I wish I didn't have to be in people's faces as much as I am...especially lately. But when someone says “Hey we like you to play” or “Hey would you be willing to come on my radio show” or “Hey I think your band is awesome” I get excited and I wanna tell everyone I know, and even some that I don't because I know that without people in my corner I've got no chance.

Night falls and my tirade is over we popped for some cheap DVD's at a Best Buy in Wisconsin and I'll do my best to stay awake with Andrew as he drives.

Home tomorrow

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 286

Year Three - Day 227 – October 20th 2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Today's the day

The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.

Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.

Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.

Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.

We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer

“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”

I count it off and we tear into the set

Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho

This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.

But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.

Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 285

Year Three - Day 227 – October 20th 2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Today's the day

The show that I've been salivating to play since August. Boy Wonder, Jettison Juliet, Machine 22, The Morning Voice, and of course Vanity Theft in Minneapolis, MN. Andy has a few rash like spots on his arms and body.

Minneapolis, home of Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, and of course Prince has become a second home to us. Other than home in Philly we've played Minneapolis the most times in the past two years. This particular city has proven to be very fertile for us, our audience is growing and the gigs keep getting bigger and bigger, not to mention it's one of the strongest music scenes I have ever seen. People like music there which makes it easier for us.

Taco John's and Naked Juice made for an...eventful 7 hour drive to The Twin Cities. We check into the hotel and pretty much immediately get to the 400 Bar. Of course I am immediately intimidated by the size and the posters on the wall. And as soon as doors opened at 8 people were coming in...the place was getting crowded pretty quickly. Brue is a helluva promoter, best I've ever seen. All I could think of was “Man I hope I don't screw this up” A text from Nichole Lynn calms my nerves.

Jettison Juliet was on first...they were really good, as they wind down I venture into the green room to do vocal Warm Ups, I do the same ones I learned from the Bang Camaro Vocalists pretty much to a T. I feel better than I did last night but we'll tune down to e flat just to make sure. I have the butterflies but I'm ready to go.

We approach the stage and when you've got a few nerves the worst thing you can do is look out into the crowd...so of course I looked out into the crowd. All my friends/supporters from the twin cities are here so I feel a bit better. I look back at my crew and I'm confident I can pull this off, but just in case I pray a silent prayer

“God keep me upright for 45 minutes and I promise I will take my black ass back to the hotel and go to sleep”

I count it off and we tear into the set

Slowdance
What's My Name
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Never Gonne Give You Up
Psycho

This show is probably us at our loudest. As I skulk around this stage doing my best Rock God impression I begin to notice something. I'm not in a rush, I'm taking my time and I'm enjoying it more. This all used to go by so fast, and now it's starting to slow down, I'm aware that you don't get moments like this very often so I want to enjoy every single second.
We're playing like a well oiled machine quite different from how we sounded on Wednesday Night at Home. I don't really want this to end but sadly it has to. I just have to work harder to make sure we play like this as often as possible.

But good for us the end of our set marked the beginning of Vanity Theft's. There are many words I can use to describe them but I'm only going to use two; Real Deal. An all girl band (which I love) from Venus or Mars or something. I dug the music and the show, they know exactly how to present themselves musically and on-stage, the perfect blend of sex and music. I'm sure when I have (imaginary) Grand kids I can tell them that I opened for Vanity Theft...who will likely be HUGE by then.

Then Machine 22 and The Morning Voice took the stage and killed it. All in all it was the best Minneapolis show so far. We hung out for a while with all the Minneapolis peeps and then dropped Jake off at The Airport. I close the hotel door and try to get some sleep.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 284

Year Three - Day 226 – October 20th 2011

Fairfeild, Iowa

Rob Saved My Life Tonight....But let's go back to the beginning

I awaken to the sounds of Watch The Throne Blaring in my ears, must have had it on while I was sleeping. Jake's mouthing words but I (obviously) don't know what he's saying. I take my ear buds out and the words are “Hey there's a Denny's. You wanna go there or do you wanna wait for Bob Evans?” I opt to wait for Bob Evans. When we see one we stop to get our grub on. The banter has already begun.

As we get back in the car I look around, mostly out of the window, I've always liked the scenery here. It's especially beautiful in the fall and summer (I won't come here in the winter to compare it...too f'n cold) We're not too far away from Fairfield I get a call from Zach, he's not home yet so we're gonna go to the Grocery Store and get some stuff to make Chicken Vegetable soup. I'm still sick and Andy (Tour Manager is Too) coughing up Lung Butter For Days, it's a s gross as it sounds. We stock up on food and meds and head towards Zach's.

One of the many benefits in having a band that can tour is that I see my friends who have (in the past couple of years) scattered across the country, Casey's in DC and Zach's in Fairfield, and they're a lot like crack...need a fix everyone in a while. I made soup and I got a phone call from Kruu FM, the solar powered radio station in Fairfield. Apparently the booker at Red Rock Tavern, the venue we're playing tonight set up some time for us to come in for an interview...awesome. Me and the boys finished our soup and rolled down.

I like to bring the guys with me on stuff like this. I could do the interviews myself but it's more fun with three people that can answer questions. Those guys are quick witted and they keep me on my toes . The interview is going along nicely I play a song on my guitar and it's winding down with no problem and then I'm asked a question about my band mates. Along the lines of what excatly they bring to the table I start off by saying;

“It's my vision and my songs but the other guys bring so much to the sound of the band and that I wouldn't be much without them”

Now the appropriate thing to say after a statement like that is...nothing. At least that's what someone with class would have done. What came out of my mouth was

“...Cause music is a lot like sex. Sure you can get the job done by yourself but it's better with at least two other people.”

Yeah...I know. I dropped that little gem on the radio...In Iowa. They'll probably never have me on again.

Everyone was really nice and we loaded into the venue shortly after. The task tonight is simple, play four sets in the hours between 9PM and 1AM, which is fine...we do that on a regular basis. We'd tune to e flat to make the songs easier to sing. I feel worse than I did yesterday as the aches set in. After aggressively combining several different cold medications together to combat different symptoms I said a silent prayer

“Dear God if you can keep me upright for the next four hours I promise I will take my black ass back to Zach's house and go to sleep!”


The dropped tuning seems to be working as I'm getting through the songs no problem. The people are packing in this place (Which I wasn't totally sure about, small towns are hard to judge) and they're dancing, mostly the girls, who are super cute, this brings a smile to my face. I like it when people are having a good time.

I can't begin to tell you how amazing this place was, the people were friendly, the people that worked there were Johnny on the spot with everything, and everything was handled in a professional manner. I recommend any band that is coming through the area to make a stop there.

People had nothing but good things to say and we were invited to a post show party at someone's house ...we oblige...so much for going to bed early lol.

I'm not used to places without streetlights, it was dark as hell going to this lady's house, like something out of a horror movie. We got lost and a cop followed us for a while, he left then we figured out how to get to the party spot.

The stars were out though...and they were beautiful.

We enjoyed the company of some of Fairfield's finest. Most of these guys are into Transcendental Meditation, so they think differently than me, it's refreshing. They live in a world where just about anything's possible and often we as musicians are bound by the shackles of the “Real World” we forget about all the possibilities that can come from just deciding to live your life a certain way, there's much to learn from people like that.

After chillin for a bit the host, a lovely Scottish woman begins passing out glasses of Red Wine, I love red wine so I reach for a glass

Rob: Andre...do NOT Drink that.

Andre: Why? I like Red Wine.

Rob: It's got Mushroom Tea in it.

Andre: Like...Magic Mushrooms?

Rob: Yes

I quickly give the glass to someone who wants it.

And that friends is how Rob saved my life. Me tripping face off mushrooms, something I don't need to experience and the world doesn't need to see.

Soon, Zach's followed by jokes and bed. Minneapolis tomorrow...can't wait!

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 283

Year Three - Day 225 – October 19th, 2011

Philadelphia PA

Leaving for any kind of a tour run is always that hardest part. Not emotionally, this is old hat, I'm used to leaving, the guys I tour with are used to leaving and the people around us are used to us being gone. I mean it's hard from a logistical standpoint. Doing something like this always requires uprooting your life and in my case putting things in place so that things will be taken care of while I'm gone. We have always been grownups in the sense that we have responsibilities at home that need to be taken care of before we leave.

Before we do anything Rob and Andrew have to meet me at my house. We have to pack the van, pick up my guitars from the repair shop, grab Jake, re-pack the van (with his bass amp in the car) and head to Triumph.

I decided to do a tune up gig at Triumph Brewery, I figure since we're playing two very important shows this week why not start at home. We packed the car and headed down. We pick everyone up and pull into Triumph. As I walk inside I notice that I'm sick, the kind of sick I hate the most, congestion cough, runny nose, lungs (seemingly) covered with that green and yellow buttery stuff. I feel like crap, this presents a problem.

Set List

Slowdance
Get Me To California
Never Gonna Give You Up
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Psycho

I struggle to sing, my guitar refuses to stay in tune, I'm sluggish, it isn't pretty. The Most you can do at that point is hope that things end better than they started.

We end the night driving towards Farfield, Iowa I dream of terrain that is both foreign and familiar with the stars shining bright I go over the tour plans in my head one more time.

-Get To Fairfield
-Get Some Rest
-Radio Interview
-Play
-Sleep
-Wake Up
-Get To Minneapolis
-Rest
-Play
-Get Jake To The Airport
-Sleep
-Drive Home

If I can get all of these things done without my head exploding I'll consider it a successful week.

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 282

Year Three – Day 165 – August 20th 2011

Boston, Massachusetts

I wake up in the morning and I'm pretty pumped. Why? Cause tonight we're gonna play in Boston.

If you've been reading this blog over the past two plus years you'd know how important this particular city is to me. From the concert tour I didn't get to do in 8th Grade to ending up there as a singer for Bang Camaro, to our first show there a few months back. I have a special relationship with this particular place, mainly because it has treated us so well since I've started playing there.

Kyle's behind the wheel we go pick up Jake and off we go. I had some concerns about leaving so late but at this point I;m figuring as long as we get there on time to play none of the other stuff matters. The ride up was quiet, peaceful. Being able to deal with silence is such an important thing out here especially with solitude in such short supply.

According to Steve Marchion, the plans for Boston were drawn by a Drunken Toddler with Crayons on an Applebee's place mat. I'm startign tot hink he's right. When we got to the street that the club is on we drove around in circles for like half an hour before finding out it was actually down an alley.

The alley way had several bars lined up inside of it. It sort of reminded me of a mini olde city. Lots of scantly clad women out looking for some dancing and a good time. Something that I full intend to provide. We load into the bar and I run into an old friend Allie Carroll. She's someone that I flat out dig but I rarely see. It's her birthday today and she spends a lot of time up here, I didn't put two and two together to figure out that she would be up here this weekend. She had a bunch of friends with her...score.

Alex (Bang Camaro/Township) was the next person I saw, that dude can't really escape his rock starness, he has that intangible, that rock and roll spirit most of us wish we had. Star quality exudes from him even when he's sitting on a stool. I'm always happy to see him, my memories of him from Camaro and beyond always come rushing back, it's a relationship I'm glad I've maintained.

Mayte would be the last (but definitely not least) we're pretty tight and I'm glad she lives in Boston and not San Diego. That girls like 15 kinds of awesome. She's one of those people that if she says she's comin...she'll be there. Something that is always appreciated.

Danielle Ashley was playing when we arrived. It was hard to hear her over the noise but I can think of a few rooms at home she'd go over pretty well in. She does a good job at drawing you in once you start to pay attention, her cover of blackbird was especially striking. She stopped around 11 and it was time for us to set up. By 11:15 we were on

Set List

Slowdance
Get Me To California
Body
Baby One More Time
Ex-Girlfriend
Wasted
Private School Girl
Happy Birthday
Never Gonna Give You Up
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Billie Jean
(I Think We Should) Breakup
Hoochie Coochie Man
Psycho

By the time we hit the Funk part of the set the bar was PACKED and I was seeing Dance Moves from people I had never seen before. People were into it, I was a little afraid but a bunch of girl shakin their asses never hurt any one...especially the one who grabbed my mic stand, bent down and popped her but...this was very comical. For a moment in time we had whipped the crowd into a frenzy. When we were done being Funky a lot of the crowd left and we finished the set.

Then we were given shots by the bar tender and asked to play a few more songs...Sure.

Encore
The Way You Make Me Feel
Walking on The Moon
300 Miles Away

Everyone at the club seemed to like us a lot, they want us to come back and play regularly, which is awesome. There was an attempt to go to Bryn's birthday but that attempt failed epically.

Our adventures on the road are really giving me a sense of what people like and don't like depending on what we're playing. Suggesting a musical direction that I had not yet thought about. We've got one more run before I shut the caravan down for a month or two to write new songs. We've got some heat so I would love to use that creatively in the studio. I'll keep you posted.

I have two downstairs shows at World Cafe Live this week so I have to gear up and get ready for them should be an interesting close to the summer .

Boy Wonder: Professional Musician 281

Year Three – Day 163 – Thursday August 18th 2011

New York

Man we've been on the road a lot this summer. Tonight is New York and it's just like old times. Rob's behind the wheel and we're traveling three hours to get to a gig.

New York's always been tough. I have friends but historically hadn't been able to get them out but this year has seen a change of fortunes, finding venues and bookers that like us, pay us, and promote our shows. But New York is a major market and I can't completely ignore it. Playing regularly in New York if nothing else helps with perception.

Tonight's the Shrine in Harlem. We've played here before, we like it and generally there's a built in crowd to supplement the draw that we have here. So going up there and rocking is usually no problem. I look around the big blue van and marvel at how this has become old hat in the past few years. We've toured enough period and have toured enough together where every one's used to gettign in the car and going somewhere, playing great, and then going home.

We arrived and kicked it with the clientele. There was a girl next to me at the bar, Anya, not bad looking but I was completely turned off once she started talking. She was an actor you see, one of the bitter ones, New York does that to folks of the thespian persuasion. New York's and acting mecca and there just isn't enough work out there and that would make a person bitter.

Soundcheck, which didn't help, happened about five minutes before the show started. We played about an Hour

Slowdance
Get Me To California
How Can This Be Love
Ex-Girlfriend
Surrender
Sexy Machine
I Don't Dance
Feels So Good
Hoochie Coochie Man
Psycho

We had a nice little crowd at the front by the time we were done, the last show was better but The Shrine is still one of my favorite places to play in New York other than Santo's which I'm dying to get into.

We drove home shortly after and all I can think about is the Saturday show in Boston, who would be there and how hard I intend to rock it.