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.
Catching up on business at the computer – a lot of Music
Makers stuff.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Avocado. Chips. Coffee.
At the studio meeting with all kinds of people – rehearsing
a few songs for the recital with some of the teachers – printing programs – planning
and getting all our ducks in a row for tomorrow. Rebecca and I discuss a ton of
Broadway stuff – trying to get ahead before rehearsals even start.
Organizing stuff at the studio.
Black Beans, Mackerel, Kale, Tomatoes, Brown Rice, and
Garlic Bread.
Watching Five Nights
at Freddy’s (2023).
Back at the studio printing flyers and packing up some
things.
Driving out to Norfolk to meet with Ryan at the First
Lutheran Church – setting up the mixer and prepping some things in the
sanctuary for our recital coming up this Saturday.
Then, driving to MOCA to inquire about renting their
auditorium for Broadway.
At DMV trying to obtain car tags that never got mailed to
me. I thought I was gonna be sitting around in here forever but they gave me an
express ticket – a pleasant surprise.
Eggs. Bagel. Tempeh Bacon. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Helping out Modern Day Warrior with their band practice here
and there while also talking with Addy and Rebecca about recital stuff.
Back home. Pasta with Kale, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
Over at the Lutheran church next to Chanticleer meeting with
a nice lady, Pat, who shows me around. We’re looking at utilizing their space
for some Broadway rehearsals.
At the warehouse I meet with a dad and his son to sell some
gear. They’re interested in these plastic cases of Mike’s. I help them get
situated.
Eggs. Spinach/Broccoli. English Muffins. Tempeh Bacon.
Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Meeting with Rebecca and Addy to go over some recital stuff
and get the program in order.
Mackerel with Rice, Veggies, and Garlic Bread.
Wes drives us out to Ringo’s for Ladada practice. I share
some Strawberry Ice Cream with him. We work on constructing a set for our
little tour next weekend.
Driving over to Nigel’s to meet with Ron and him –
discussing travel plans a few months from now. Then, we get into a chaotic
debate with Nigel about money – how he owes a ton back to the band account. We
differ on opinions how to allocate – it grows into a heated argument where we
keep running in circles. It feels like I’m talking to a brick wall or an insane
person half the time. It’s like there’s no logic whatsoever.
My whole afternoon is gone now. Back home cramming a
PB&J Bagel with Coffee.
At Music Makers teaching lessons. Then, doing various things
to clean up and organize. At some point chatting with Rebecca about the band
and all the turmoil. When I go to say goodbye for the night I point out how
beautiful she is – giving adoration for her hair and whatnot.
“You know I’m still crazy about you right?”
“I know,” She replies with a smile.
I’m still longing for something with her again but I know
she’s not ready for that.
At Music Makers watching the front desk while Jake teaches
and Rebecca teaches. Catching up on all kinds of stuff in the notebook –
checking accounts and emails.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee. Chips.
Watching Atlas
(2024).
More work at the computer.
Linking up with Clarence – he helps me retrieve the Broadway
steps from the warehouse and get it into his garage. I hang out with him for a
while meeting his bunnies, cat named Disney with a peanut butter smear, and his
jovial dog.
Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffins. Coffee.
Catching up on business and getting ready.
Driving out to Norfolk for the show at Chicho’s. Twin Bee
(Rusty and Daniel), Grass Maiden (Ana), Captive Birds, and kind of Ladada are
playing. Enjoying the company of friends, pizza, and beer. Drew, Ana’s
boyfriend, is running sound too. He always does a good job mixing and caring
about how everything sounds. I get up to do a few original songs with Josiah on
the drums (goes over pretty well) – Josiah keeps dragging the tempo though haha
cause he’s drunk. Then, Ladada does a few old songs with Bobby on the drums.
Good times.
...
Mingling and meandering afterwards outside on Granby in
front of the venue. Sasha walks up out of nowhere – haven’t seen her since last
year.
Later on, I drive over to Taphouse to wish Aaron an early
happy birthday – I buy him a few beers. Lily and Josiah hang too. Somewhat awkward
moment out on the patio where Brandice and Jon Reynolds are chilling. There’s
always been weird juju between Josiah and him – and then Brandice kind of
ghosted me as a friend a while back but I’m not fretting anything about it
anymore.
PB&J English Muffin. Tempeh Bacon. Kale. Chips. Coffee.
Later on, at Music Makers there’s a lot going with other
teachers doing lessons. Meeting with Caitlyn and Rebecca to go over this
Waterloo song. Then, Rebecca and I end up talking for a long time catching up
on the business of the week – Addy joins later.
Making a quick dinner at home: Japanese Style Fried Rice
with Eggs and Garlic Bread.
Meeting up with Josiah to run the few songs of mine then
Bobby links up to run old Ladada songs. We’re all pretty stoked on the last
minute set for Saturday’s show.
Driving over to Mike Mosgrove’s house – he helps me tweak my
telecaster – some of the strings buzz on certain frets.
Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Mr. Shawarma’s for dinner – grab and go to eat while I drive
out to the Ringo’s storage unit. Meeting with Josiah to try rehearsing a few
songs with him on drums and I on guitar. We do what we can then Bobby walks in
– we all get inspired to play old school Ladada songs. We come up with the plan
to do this arrangement at the show this Saturday.
Running errands. Happy that Chartway is finally depositing
my band checks immediately without holds!
Rushing over to Nigel’s for a business meeting with him and
Ron. We go over money stuff and tour plans. Of course I’m getting frustrated
cause it’s difficult getting money from Nigel.
Eggs. English Muffins. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Then, at the warehouse letting a renter in – chatting with
Mike Mosgrove about our grievances.
Dinner: Pasta with Kale and Garlic Bread.
Watching Pig
(2021).
Catching up on business.
Later on at the studio practicing some guitar songs.
Taking the bus and trailer to Elevation 27 for 2:30 load-in.
It’s a dreary rainy day. Getting everything onto the floor and setting up the
stage for The American ELO.
Anticipation is high for a local show.
I’m running back and forth from Music Makers to grab music
stands then home.
Most things go well for sound check. They feed us Fried
Chicken and the works.
Dressing up and hanging out back stage. Then, show time!
They had everyone seated for the most part until after Do Ya people start
gravitating towards the front and dancing. Show goes pretty well.
Everybody piles into the tour bus at 7 a.m. We tried to
sleep beforehand for a few hours.
...
Carlos drives the huge building on wheels up the Eastern
Shore while we all try to sleep through the bumpy ride.
Arriving in Bel Air, Maryland at Harford Community College.
They have a mini Mohegan Sun sized arena here. Loading in and setting up the
stage.
PB&J Bagel. Coffee. Fruit.
After setting up I get the staff to open up the auxiliary
gym nearby for Antwan and I to shoot some hoops for a bit.
Sound check.
Dinner: Chicken, Rice, Veggies, Rolls, and Soup. It’s hit or
miss on who likes the Peach Cobbler tonight but overall a good meal.
Getting on the stage putting on a good show – the light
director tonight really did a fantastic job on lights. Everything felt good and
the energy was tight.
Packing up and loading out.
Carlos takes us back down Eastern Shore. Of course
meanwhile, everyone is snacking ravenously. Then sleep.
We arrive at the entrance to the Bay Bridge – everyone
departs while I drive the bus/trailer to home. Finally getting into a real bed
and to sleep after 6 a.m.
At the studio meeting with James Graves – he brought a few
drum pieces he’s been practicing on so I help add a few more things like a ride
cymbal and a tom. I’m glad he’s been learning the drums from scratch on his own
– giving him a few pointers.
Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffins. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching a few lessons.
Carlos picks me up to help retrieve the bus – it’s always a
bit of a drive to the shop. Then, hooking up the trailer and getting the bus to
my neighborhood. He details and cleans inside the bus while I troubleshoot the
cameras – looking for loose cables or a blown fuse.
Cleaning up a few things at the studio – putting one of
Rebecca’s drawers into her room. She’s been slowly revamping her lesson room
little by little.
Back home.
Tuna, Kale, Tomato Soup, Naan Bread.
Watching The Iron Claw
(2024).
Packing up and taking care of things.
I drive the tour bus and trailer with Rebecca to the Park
& Ride – we decided to just park here to sleep until the 7am departure time
for everyone else.
Waking up around 11:45 a.m. still feeling sick but well
rested.
Cereal with Blueberries, Banana, and Almond Milk. Tea.
My nose is running like crazy and the sneezes abound.
Staying at the computer doing some design stuff.
Chores.
Eggs Sandwich. Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Chores back at home. Making dinner: Black Beans, Tuna,
Spinach, Carrots, Brown Rice, and Garlic Bread.
Watching Arkansas
(2020).
While working at the computer suddenly the power goes out
and it’s quiet as a mouse. It’s barely raining outside so not sure why. I light
up candles around the house and hope it comes back on later on.
At the studio working on a few things here – Rebecca texts
me Chanticleer has the power working again. Our neighborhood was literally the
only place around without power.
I’m still sick with a sinus congestion – constantly blowing
my nose and such.
Waking up around 11:30 a.m. Elvis tries to nudge me out of
bed.
Oatmeal. Tea.
Driving the bus out to Colonial Ford. Ron and Nigel are
supposed to retrieve me but they run into issues with directions lol. So I work
on stuff at the computer on the bus till they arrive.
Then, at Nigel’s we continue meeting and discussing band
problems and money stuff.
Running errands.
Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffins. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, Rebecca and I clamp down a design for Summer
Broadway using Canva.
Getting lots of work done at the computer – catching up on
Music Makers business.
Running errands.
Egg Sandwich with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Chips. Coffee.
It’s Mother’s Day so of course I’m thinking of mom. I sift
through some photos I have to make a post – it’s always weird to see them and
feel like she’s right there on the screen. Also, Ana is in a lot of these. She
always loved and adored her – a gem in her life.
I call my dad and talk to him for a little.
At the warehouse doing some housekeeping – finishing the
drawers for the merch cubbies and tweaking with the wardrobe.
Leftovers for dinner.
Watching Unfrosted
(2024).
Working on some logo designs for Music Makers programs and
catching up on business.
Waking up off and on for gas stops. Carlos continues to
drive the tour bus towards home.
Arriving in Virginia Beach at around 10:30 a.m. Unloading
and unpacking.
It always takes forever to get settled in back home it seems
like.
Eating Cereal with Tea.
Showering up then napping.
Running errands – getting groceries.
At the warehouse working on some merch bins for the cubbies.
Later on, Rebecca invited me to eat some dinner at her
place. I was kind of surprised. She almost never initiates a hang compared to
me but I feel special. She made Split Pea Lentil Soup with Garlic Bread. We
enjoy small servings at the couch while the kitties run around. It’s nice just
to hang out with no pressing issues or major things to do.
Later, I get to the studio to clean up some things.
Awakening at a few truck stops. At some point Carlos has hit
his limit driving and I take the wheel the last 45 minutes into Woonsocket,
Rhode Island.
Arriving at The Stadium Theatre. Takes a few minutes to back
the trailer strategically onto the loading dock. Loading in and setting up the
stage.
I take a walk down the street to explore the city. It’s an
interesting industrial New England vibe here. There’s little pockets of rundown
portions of town and some really cool spots. Locating a coffee shop for some
cold brew and bringing back Rebecca an Iced Chai Tea Latte.
Taking a shower and cleaning up.
Sound check. Leon, the drummer, is extremely late but we
manage to get through a few songs without him – I hop on the drums for fun
causing Ed to hop on keys – we just have a jam time.
Dinner is served downstairs in the hospitality room. The
team of people serving us are super nice and accommodating. Peach Cobbler with
Ice Cream is a hit!
We get on stage and do our two set show – it’s a pretty full
house tonight – first time really in Rhode Island I think.
Packing up and loading out. Piled into the bus – reflecting
on some of the minor changes we made to the show, some good and some bad. Of
course, we’re all ravenous after a show – I snack on everything I can muster
out of my snack box.
The bumps on this bus going through New York and Jersey are
horrendous – it’s hard to actually get to sleep.
At the warehouse loading up the trailer and cleaning up a
few things.
PB&J Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Immediately after, Carson gives me a ride to retrieve the
tour bus. Unfortunately, the shop did absolutely nothing to it except check the
oil. But oh well. We’ll get it in next time.
Finally home – making a quick dinner for myself: Black
Beans, Kale, Tempeh Bacon, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.
Packing up and cleaning up things – taking care of Elvis.
Linking up with everyone at the warehouse – time for a long
overnight drive to Rhode Island!
...
Rebecca, Addy, and I discuss some Music Makers drama. The
bus moves through the rain up Eastern Shore. At some point I lie down in the
back and get to sleep.
At the warehouse meeting with the movers for the Atlantis
production to transport all this gear for the shoot for Pharrell William’s
movie. Turns out this guy Chris Damos knows my band Ladada and knows Wes. Small world. I fiddle with things here
after they leave to work on the merch rack.
Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Wes and I ride out to Nigel’s to retrieve van – he’s letting
us borrow the van for our Richmond show tonight – then linking up with Bobby, Josiah,
and Bianca down the street at Bobby’s.
...
Bobby drives us all the way to the Fuzzy Cactus in Richmond
for the Ladada show. We’re playing with Mazarrati Star and Levitation Room (our
west coast boys we played with on a tour a few years back). This bar/venue is
pretty rad, as hip as they come. Enjoying Old Fashion’s and camaraderie at the
bar while we wait for burritos. Wes and I strike up friendly conversation with
two girls nearby, Emily and Sandra.
Feeling good and buzzed – grooving to the psychedelic tunes
– we get up there and rip it at some point – a lot of new listeners and some
good friends there. This place is a whole vibe!
I drive us all back to Virginia Beach. It’s late as all get
out. After getting everything in its right place I settle down for bed at 4:30
a.m.
At the warehouse trying to gather all this gear for Angie,
who’s helping the set coordinator for this Pharrell Williams movie being shot
in Richmond. They want to rent all these old road cases for a scene that’s
supposed to be in the 70’s. I’m here for a long while putting it all together
and doing other things.
PB&J Bagel. Coffee. Banana.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Talking with Caitlyn, one of the voice teachers, for a good
while about summer things for Music Makers.
Working on stuff related to this gear rental.
Pasta for dinner.
Then, at Ringo’s for Ladada practice.
Before going home I finish re-numbering all the cases for
ELO and clean up a few things.
Over in Rebecca’s back patio I help her dig up the weeds and
ground – she has plans to put in a garden of flowers and such to lure birds for
her cat’s entertainment. It’s hard labor digging up the turf into buckets and
hauling it to the dumpster.
Cleaning up. Running late night grocery errands.
Dinner: Beef Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.
Finishing Dune Part
Two (2024).
Meeting up with Mike at the warehouse – we have work to do!
Replacing the bar in the wardrobe – much easier with the two of us and how our
minds work. Then, I work on re-numbering all the cases.
Back in Chanticleer. I visit with Rebecca for a while – she
made Krispy Treats that are really good! We gobble a bunch of pieces down while
catching up on things. Her kitties provide plenty of entertainment.
At the studio watching the front desk while Jake and Rebecca
teach a few lessons. Getting lots of little things done with the schedule. I’m
here a long while – Rebecca and I chat about work when she’s done – there’s a
lot of planning yet to do.
Eggs. English Muffins. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.
Later on, back at the studio I recruited Clarence to help us
troubleshoot the water heater (we haven’t had this working for years since I
started working here). But with his expertise as an electrician we figure it
out.
Then, I’m at the warehouse troubleshooting the PA – cleaning
up some cabling and lighting. It’s just been a big productive maintenance
weekend for me!
Pineapple.
Back home late. Making dinner: Lentils, Quinoa, Kale,
Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
Dropping off some gear to South Beach for the gig tonight.
Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Bagel. Chard. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Then, immediately to South Beach for the Modern Day Warrior
gig tonight. They’ve got a full 3 hour show planned. It’s loud and rockin’ in
here – good crowd. Always really proud of these kids cause every time they show
professionalism and improvement.
Meeting with people at the warehouse – getting the new
tenant, Haze, set up in the office room – meeting with a prop master, Angie, to
potentially use a bunch of old gear we have lying around for a Pharrell
Williams movie – then Mike and I tweak with some things.
Eggs. Chard. English Muffins. Tempeh Bacon. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home.
Mr. Shawarma’s for dinner.
Watching Plane
(2023).
Catching up on business – working on some accounting –
emails.
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