This is an open and unfiltered diary-style journal
on the life of James Robert Smith.
This blog will contain sometimes graphic experiences (both beautiful and ugly),
sometimes stark insight, and all honest and factual documentation of dreams, diet, activity, and thoughts.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Running errands. Dismantling this heavy ass shelf at the
storage unit.
Eggs. Kale. Biscuits. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, talking with Rebecca in depth about ELO and
other things. She’s been in a very pessimistic and hopeless state the past few
weeks. I’ve found it really hard to help ring her out of it but most things
involving the band are out of my control.
Black Beans, Brown Rice, Veggies, and Garlic Bread.
Watching They Cloned
Tyrone (2023).
Back at the studio late at night trying to record some
harmonies – mostly just tossing around ideas cause my voice seems to be going
out.
Rebecca and I ride out to Nigel’s house for a meeting with
him, us, Casey, and Ron to discuss all the money issues in the band and all get
on the same page. I think this was important and somewhat productive. We still
don’t really arrive at any immediate solutions to help with the band debt owed
to all of us. But Ron and I are gonna be stepping in to offer consulting.
I drive the bus from Nigel’s to my neighborhood.
Running some errands.
Eggs. English Muffins. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips.
Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
At the warehouse doing a few things and troubleshooting the
electrical on the trailer connected to my truck.
At Music Makers I meet with a lady named Jordan Garrett, a
potential new teacher. We get to know each other a little bit and talk about
Music Makers and everything that goes on. Super knowledgeable and passes the vibe
check.
Catching up on some business.
Running errands.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Blueberry Muffin. Coffee.
I drive out to the Norfolk Smartmouth for Norfolk Day. A few
of my friend’s bands are playing: Pet Name, The Lazy Dangers, and Ana’s solo
project Grass Maiden. It’s nice hanging with friends I don’t always get to see.
Aaron’s working the beer counter and slings some beers Josiah and I’s way.
Grabbing a dog from Ghost Kitchen.
Back home. Organizing things.
Chilling in the living room. I end up falling asleep on the
couch while Elvis knocks his mouse feeders around.
Waking up around noon after dreaming of dirty toilets.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Driving over to Nigel’s. Ron and I meet with him briefly to
discuss some finance changes and other issues in the band. Then Ron gives me a
lift to pick up the bus.
Eggs. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. English Muffin. Coffee.
The rest of the day is cleaning day! I take on the
downstairs and upstairs bathroom – cleaning the toilets, shower, and sink.
Then, doing another load from the storage unit.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Running errands. Dropping by the trailer place to inspect
the truck for potentially pulling the trailer with it temporarily. Then,
picking up some premature checks from Nigel’s house. I catch him in the middle
of a hold on a phone call with the phone people to ask about replacing his
phone.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
There’s been a lot of financial unrest as of late, and
especially within the ELO band. We’re trying to plan a meeting later in the
week to address these issues.
Black Beans, Salmon, Kale, Carrots, Brown Rice, and Garlic
Bread.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business and scheduling.
Allyson is sick today so I come in to work the front desk at
Music Makers – I only had one lesson anyway and just moved it.
PB&J. Coffee.
After work, I drive the bus over to the truck fleet shop. On
the way I witness the most beautiful and unique sunset I’ve ever seen. It looks
like one of those 80’s sunburst pictures.
...
I recruit Roxanne to give me a ride. We stop by Mr.
Shawarma’s for a quick dinner, as a favor. We talk about negativity in life and
how to combat it. She’s been living out of her van during the week. It’s been
kind of cool hanging with her the few times I have.
Back home. A lot of cleaning and organizing ensues – mainly
in Taha’s old bedroom. Downstairs I reorganize the living room to make room for
his black futon couch. Ana’s boxes of stuff had to move also. It really opens
it up in here.
Waking up off and on throughout the morning on the tour bus
– every now and then I shake around – bob and weave while Bob is rocking the
steering wheel sweeping through the windy roads of our route back home.
We eventually arrive at the warehouse in VB – unloading the
trailer and saying our goodbyes. I drive the bus back home – lugging all the
crap back inside. I’m happy to see Elvis.
9 a.m. bus call this morning. Leaving Lakeside, Ohio. We all
pile into the bus and van.
Banana and tea. Then napping in the back.
...
Getting some computer things done.
Arriving at The Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio. We just
played here nine months ago – they loved us so much they booked us again.
Loading in and setting up the stage. Only problem today is there isn’t any
muscle capable stage hands except for a few helpful older guys.
Sound check goes a little better than yesterday after we
ironed out all the kinks.
They feed us a wonderful homemade pasta filled with veggies
and chicken.
The first half of the show goes pretty well. But somewhere
during intermission Kevin starts losing enthusiasm. Ron and him are talking it
out in one of the dressing rooms. Even though he’s been drinking that’s not the
root of the problem – it’s a mismanagement of money, mainly how Nigel handles
everything.
...
Somehow we get on the stage for the second set but not
without a few hiccups.
The load out and pack takes a bit of extra work on Carlos
and I’s part but we get it done with everyone else’s help too. Out in the alley
we all bid our farewells cause everyone has an overnight drive tonight.
Attempting to sleep in the back of the bus while Bob drives
us through rocky terrain – I think I’m actually getting airtime lol.
We all pile into the bus and van. Driving into Lakeside
Marblehead, a gated community of tightly woven neighborhoods – absolutely
beautiful and quaint.
Loading into the Hoover Auditorium – a vast room with giant
ceiling fans and a tabernacle feel.
...
Things are somewhat stressful today cause it’s been a long
time since we’ve done an ELO show and the whole system needs to be rewired and
lines checked – so everything takes longer than expected. Plus, Nigel wanted us
to dress up for sound check to capture some video footage we don’t normally
have the opportunity to get.
Walking (and some golf carting) over to Lakeside Hotel, a
place built in 1876, for dinner. We ordered ahead of time. They put us at a long
family style table.
...
Then, ice cream from a shop nearby.
...
We talk to a lady walking her dog – she explains how open
the whole area is they have a trust system where nobody uses a bike lock and
barely locks their doors.
The show goes pretty well considering how long it’s been.
Carlos and I take the lead on the trailer pack – we get a
lot of help from stage hands.
Back at the hotel gathering in the mess hall – sharing
snacks on footage.
Driving the bus over to the warehouse to link up with the
ELO crew. We’ve got a couple shows in Ohio this weekend.
I haven’t slept yet so I crawl into the bottom bunk and
attempt to nap through Bob’s driving and all the bumps that make you feel like your
liver just popped out. It’s really, really hot in here. Our AC functions
perfectly when idling but not when driving whatsoever. We’ve all got fans
galore running and sweating profusely.
One Sheetz stop after another. At one in particular Bob cuts
a corner at the pump a little too close to someone’s car and it nicks the side.
As much as we love Bob he really doesn’t have spatial awareness with this bus
(even without it towing the trailer).
At some point we make it to Lakeside, Ohio at a Quality Inn
– right next to Lake Eerie. While Nigel finagles with the front desk to get us
checked in I grab some ice cream from a shop next door and scope out the lake
with Micah, Ed, and Casey. It’s a stunning body of water. Everyone is watching
the sun set right next to a nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, a corgi peaks our
interest.
Later on, I drive Ed, Casey, and I to a nice restaurant
called JJ’s about 10 minutes out. It’s one of the only places open late and boy
did we make the right choice. These plates are to die for along with these
peach margaritas.
Back at the hotel – I sip on some green tea and sit on a
white lawn chair overlooking Lake Eerie. The stars are bright and the water
quietly ripples below the rocks. I can’t help but eavesdrop on the conversation
between a guy and girl just nearby (they don’t know I’m even over here cause
it’s so dark. He’s going on about how he used to do meth and coke back in the
day.
The van/trailer arrives after 2 a.m. Rebecca was with this
crew along with Mike, Ron, and Peter. I show Rebecca the stars and we catch up
on the events of the day.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business – doing accounting – running
errands.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Stopping by the stores.
Back home. Roxanne pops by to retrieve her cooler. I show
her a tour of the tour bus and help with some ideas on troubleshooting things
with her van camper.
Warming up some Eggplant with Tuna and Garlic Bread for
dinner.
At the warehouse – not having practice – but rather
organizing gear and things – making sure we have everything for the tour this
coming weekend. Mike and Ron are here – also Rebecca counting merch. I stay
pretty late working on things.
Waking up. Running errands – buying some things for the cast
party today.
We link up at Mount Trashmore but the rain and thunderstorms
are menacingly approaching. Regrouping at Apex Entertainment Center in Town
Center. The rain falls in dramatic fashion. But we manage to get the pizza and
drinks inside. Some axes are thrown. Some “bumper tubes” are crashed into, and
pizza is eaten.
Cleaning up things at the studio.
Back home. Ramen for dinner. Meanwhile, Taha is in the
process of moving out.
Catching up on things. Relaxing. Snacking. Playing with
Elvis.
Today is the big day for Music Makers LIVE Broadway. At The
Bunker setting up everything under the sun – getting ready for the show.
Anticipation is high. Nerves are up. But the cast is ready
to go! I’m all Doc’d out with a mad scientist wig with Reid acting as Marty
McFly. The venue fills out quickly with some people not able to get seats. It’s
actually impressive and full of acting energy from all the cast members. Very
proud of this show.
Spending a lot of time packing up and getting stuff into
cars. Roxanne has been a big help. Her and I link up at Pelon’s with Rebecca,
Brittany Mahig, Jimmy, and Roxanne’s mom.
At Broadway dress rehearsal at the warehouse. We clean up
group numbers and get through the entire show. In between I got a Nothing Bundt
Cake to present to Rebecca in front of the whole cast. We incorporated it into intermission
with a surprise. There was much rejoicing.
Packing up things.
Afterwards, Rebecca and I grab some Italian for dinner at La
Bella Italia. I figured I’d treat her.
Later on, I manage to drop some gear off at The Bunker after
they finish their show.
Then, packing up more things at Music Makers in preparation
for tomorrow.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Picking up some gear.
At The Bunker for Broadway tech rehearsal. Working with
Edwin and Ian to get all the mics set up and working. Meanwhile, the cast piles
in. Sound checking and running the show. It’s a long afternoon but it’s well
worth our effort.
Packing up everything cause unfortunately they have another
show here tomorrow so we can’t leave things up.
I hightail it over to Elevation 27 where Modern Day Warrior
is opening up for this traveling family band called Liliac. Really very proud
of them – they sound so professional.
Later on, at Music Makers, Rebecca and Roxanne are printing
programs for Broadway. Meanwhile, Thomas is returning the drum set.
Back home – playing with Elvis and talking with Aluan for
quite a while about nature vs nurture and cat behavior.
At the warehouse putting together things for Broadway
rehearsal tomorrow.
Finally back home for good. Snacking and watching a movie.
Catching up on business. Working on show prep for Broadway
and scheduling.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Because of July 4th
there aren’t many lessons but at least we’re making some money. Cause things
have been real thin around here financially.
Back home. Chores.
Dinner: Black Beans with Vegan Hot Dog, Kale, Carrots,
Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.
Finishing Dark
(2017). Overwhelmed by the twisted time travel themes on this show. I really
can’t believe how they were able to tie everything together.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business and scheduling.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee. Salt n Vinegar Chips.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Healthy Ramen with Chicken Bone Broth.
Later on, Wes and I ride out to Ladada practice. It’s been 3
months and some change since the last time we linked up in this band – calling
it The Great Ladada Reunion of 2023. I don’t even think I opened my bass case
at all – instead we have a pow wow with each other and jam for a while. I found
the on switch to an organ that’s been sitting here.
At the warehouse for Broadway rehearsal. We’ve got
everything ready to go. We perform both acts of the show – pausing in between
numbers to make little changes here and there. Overall it’s a smooth run
through I’d say. I was nervous about Rebecca and I’s duet but it turned out
well.
PB&J and Coffee.
Packing up things and recapping with people.
Cleaning up things and cleaning up myself at the house.
Later, Rebecca and I grab some dinner at Freddy’s off
Lynnhaven for burgers, fries, and custard.
Then, at her apartment hanging out on the floor playing with
her new kittens – they are very energetic and playful.
After midnight the tour bus arrives from a Right On gig. I
have to give Carlos a ride to the warehouse where his car is parked.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Transporting some gear over to the Shorehaven neighborhood
where Modern Day Warrior will be playing later. It’s so very hot and I’m baking
in the sun as I place amps and keyboards in their positions.
Then, at the warehouse for Broadway rehearsal. I’ve cleaned
up everything in here – it’s all nice and ready for us to rehearse our show. I
stay as long as I can until 4:30.
Megan rides with me to the gig. The band is already set up
mostly. I’ve got Ian Janes here running sound so I don’t have to, which is a
huge relief. It’s not as many people as it was last year but the band has a fun
time. There was a lot of pressure on Anna to learn guitar parts – and I also
had to pick up some slack as well as Megan. Still we managed to make a great
show. The tip bucket is full!
Packing up and getting out of there. I drop Megan off. Then,
organize all the gear back into place at Music Makers.
Back home. Eating some biscuits and playing with Elvis.
Over at the warehouse I set up things for Broadway rehearsal
– vacuuming and marking the stage layout with spike tape.
Pineapple.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
At Music Makers. Modern Day Warrior practice. Anna is
feeling a lot of pressure to learn a bunch of new stuff on guitar but we manage
to play through the entire show in preparation for tomorrow.
Ramen with the works and Garlic Bread.
Back at the warehouse finishing the room up – checking the
sound system and hanging up the curtain.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
In the tour bus vacuuming and cleaning up.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Taking the bus over to the warehouse. Carlos is here to
retrieve it for a Right On gig. I give him the skinny on everything new with
the bus. Of course, there’s a new leak in the back from the A/C. He takes off
then I stick around at the warehouse cleaning, organizing, vacuuming everywhere
in preparation for Broadway rehearsals this weekend.
Later on, Rebecca shows up to clean the bathroom and take me
back home.
Leftover Pad Thai with Salmon, Quinoa, Baby Broccoli,
Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
At the Princess Anne Rec for adult basketball. It’s one
court only today cause of some volleyball camp. I run up and down the courts.
Some hotheads get into an argument over the score.
“Less talk more rock!” I shout.
Catching up on business.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, meeting with Reid and Rebecca. I brought pizza
and garlic knots to share. We have to be quick cause Modern Day Warrior has a
practice immediately after. I’m trying to keep these kids in shape – most
pressure is on Anna cause she has to learn all of Billy’s guitar parts.
Back home. Chores. Playing with Elvis. Watching
rollercoaster videos on YouTube.
At Music Makers for Broadway rehearsal – we’re really
running the show now. It’s very cool to see all the solos and duets I haven’t
seen yet. Everything seems to be going smoothly all things considered.
PB&J. Coffee.
Afterwards, cleaning up.
I make some dinner for myself back home and catch up on a
few things.
Later on, Rebecca and I grab some ice cream from Lolly’s. We
get deep into conversation about ELO and reflect on some small issues I
observed at rehearsals – it gets a little personal but we talk it through.
At Music Makers letting Brittany in to teach a lesson then
Broadway rehearsal starts early. I run some errands first – getting groceries
at Whole Foods – then back at the studio we run through the show.
Afterwards, I take off to Smartmouth at the oceanfront.
Berries, Shagwuf, and Shormey are performing for the Party Wave Fest. It’s
great to get out of my routine and just enjoy a show without being the
performer. Tristan Stewart is here and other friends I haven’t seen in a while.
Its weird cause two of my ex-girlfriends happen to be here, Ana and Margot.
Margot has her guy here too, which they seem happily together but she’s
friendly with me offering a clove cigarette. Berries and Shagwuf kill it – very
impressed with Erwin running sound making all the bands cut through clearly for
an outside show. Enjoying pizza and a beer (I had a salad earlier before I left
the house).
Later on at the studio color coding mics and organizing a
few things.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Mike drives me out to Norfolk to brave the ultimate flood.
It’s pouring down rain and all the streets are flooded near the Truck Fleet
shop where we need to pick up the bus. Too bad we didn’t bring a canoe. I tough
it up and slosh through the water knee deep.
Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Coffee.
Then, picking up Nigel from Soul Haven Studios and meeting
up at his house to go over the rider and stage plot for ELO.
Impromptu, I link up with Elliott and Doug at the old Earth
Sound Studios spot in Chesapeake. They’re mixing some You’re Jovian songs. It’s
really nice to hang with these guys whom I haven’t seen in ages. We grab a bite
to eat at this new restaurant called Neat Bird in the Dollar Tree corporate
district – very interesting. We talk about music and movies over chicken
sandwiches.
Back home. Spending time with Elvis – playing and feeding.
I’ve noticed he’s developed a new play energy.
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