Saturday June 8 2024

Waking up hot and early in the New York apartment. We all slowly arise after a long night of late night drinking. Carrying all the stuff down the flight of stairs – loading up the Pilot.

 

Grabbing some Egg Bagel Sandwiches down the street – meanwhile, there’s a pride festival going on all around us.

...

Bobby drives us through the city – in search of this special French bakery that sells Linzer shortbread cookies. Then, dropping off Wes and Timmy to their WRV van.

 

The pressure is on to make it to Philly in time for Porch Fest.

 

There, it’s absolute chaos on the street – people walking everywhere – bands on every block blasting music off porches. It’s pretty cool actually. We make our way into the big house where 7 people live. Bands get on and off. Eventually, we plug into whatever amps are available and play! We garner a pretty good crowd from the street.

 

 

Chilling out with some of the people on the porch afterwards. Then, walking down the street to eat at Saad’s Halal, the best Mediterranean food where the line is long but worth the wait.

 

We part ways with Wes/Timmy while Bobby, Josiah, and I grab an AirBnB at this North Philly spot with this kind of a faux new look to it, and not in the best part of the neighborhood but it was cheap and there’s comfy beds to sleep in. Cleaning up and relaxing.

...

Then, we drive out to the water – the park is unusually crowded for night time. Seeing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and snapping a few pics. Then, grabbing some really nice cocktails at Lloyd Whiskey Bar – it’s nice to just hang with the boys without any stress of anything. Chatting with the bar tender about Richmond bands and about this Water Damage song playing on the stereo, which has a literal 20 minute drone on E.

 

 

Back at the B – snacking on pastries and watching the footage from yesterday – critiquing and such.

 

Friday June 7 2024

Waking up bright and early at 9 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Linking up with Bobby and Josiah to start our little Ladada weekend tour.

 

Josiah takes the wheel – the three of us cooped up in his Honda Pilot headed up to New York City.

...

We all keep the conversation alive – laughing and picking on each other.

 

PB&J. Coffee.

 

Arriving at Alphaville right in the heart of Bushwick in Brooklyn – dive rock n roll bar with a small stage room in the back. A few of our NY friends make it out – Alan, who mixed and mastered our 4 new songs – Wes shows up in his WRV van with Timmy (both of them looking straight out of a surf magazine.

 

 

Enjoying a Burger and shoestring Fries – filling up on plenty of good drinky drinks.

 

 

Loving all these bands we’re playing with – Fire Motel, Cold Mess, and Zebedee. We do our 30 minute set to a pretty lively crowd in this musty damp dark room. Sound guy though is awesome and really does care about how things are mixed.

 

 

Afterwards, drinking and getting into deep political and cultural discussions with Alex at the bar. I haven’t seen him in a long time – he used to play with us back in the 2000’s in VA.

...

Strolling up the block to meet up with the boys – we loiter out in front of a bodega – filling my belly up with an Everything Bagel. We take turns shooting our foil wrappers into the corner trash can. Noticing how much different and pleasant New Yorkers are especially after hours at night. It’s not the kind of aggression you experience at the oceanfront. There’s just a general connection that I can’t explain.

 

Later on, Bobby drives to Alan’s apartment where we got air mattresses and such. I plop down on my foam mattress topper and drift off. Meanwhile, Josiah stands in the kitchen chugging water in the dark lol.

 

 

Thursday June 6 2024

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Walking to my truck parked at Music Makers – discovering it needs a jump for whatever reason. Making a few phone calls while I wait for Rebecca to come help me jumpstart my battery.

 

Over at the warehouse – organizing a few things – chatting with Haze, the renter, about potentially buying a few audio racks.

 

Eggs. Spinach. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Hanging back to clean up the room for the weekend – meanwhile, chatting with Rebecca about stuff going on.

 

Back home. Doing some chores. Catching up on work. Later on, Rebecca comes over to rummage through all the Broadway storage boxes we have – rehearsals start in a few weeks.

 

More  chores and packing for the trip.

Wednesday June 5 2024

Waking up at 11:20 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

Was supposed to drive out to Nigel’s but instead just a phone meeting. He’s really jacked up on something today.

 

Visiting with Mike to pick up Josiah’s guitar – he repaired some things with it.

 

Car was giving me a little trouble – just needed more coolant.

 

Eggs. Salad. Tempeh Bacon. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Leftovers for dinner – Pasta with Baby Broccoli and Garlic Bread.

 

At Ringo’s for a Ladada practice without Wes. Bobby, Josiah, and I run the set we have planned for New York / Philly this weekend.

 

Back home. Catching up on chores and stuff.

Tuesday June 4 2024

Waking up just before noon.

 

Oatmeal.Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Running errands. Finally figuring out how to fix my purple car. I replace the radiator hose and cap – now all is well...for now.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Grabbing a few things at Target.

 

Egg Noodles with Veggies and Garlic Bread.

Watching The Brothers Sun (2024).

 

Getting all the docs in order on the Google Drive for Broadway.

Monday June 3 2024

Waking up a little before noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business at the computer.

 

It’s kind of a hot and beautiful day.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Tempeh Bacon. English Muffins. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Towards the end it starts pouring down rain like crazy. At the front desk Rebecca and I get a lot of Broadway stuff sorted out.

 

Black Beans, Tuna, Kale, Quinoa, and Garlic Bread.

Watching The Brothers Sun (2024).

 

Ice Cream.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Chores. Relaxing.

Sunday June 2 2024

Waking up like usual.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Over at the warehouse meeting with Doug Nicholson and his tech friend Brian to show them all these old synths and audio racks they may be interested in buying. We take down a bunch of stuff – plug them in – test them out. We have a little fun in the process. Mike is also here enjoying the conversation – he takes Josiah’s guitar to fix up too.

 

Getting groceries.

 

Letting in this Filipino band that’s renting the band room for practice. They’re all really nice – the drummer buys a t-shirt.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Tempeh Bacon. Chips. Coffee.

Watching Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023).

 

Catching up on chores, business, etc.

 

Later on, I walk back to Music Makers to clean up the band room. Rebecca and Brittany were in 104 recording video tutorials for Broadway. I clean up in there also while chatting with Rebecca about our days.

 

Dinner: Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread.

 

More chores and stuff at the computer.

Saturday June 1 2024

Today is Recital Day for Music Makers.

 

I drive Rebecca and I out to Norfolk at the First Lutheran Church off Colley Avenue. Getting there early enough to get things set up and situated. There’s always so much to take care of.

 

We host two performances, one at 3:00 and another at 5:30. Very proud of all the students that performed of course. So many nerves for some of the beginners here and there. One of Rebecca’s almost had a meltdown on stage but we encouraged them to get through it. Others just flat out impressed with ease.

 

Packing up and loading out of there. Ryan, the music director there, is always so hospitable to us.

 

Rebecca and I decide to grab some much deserved pizza from Cogan’s down the street before leaving Norfolk. We catch up on stuff over delicious saucy cheesy goodness. Watching comedy videos. Then, getting back to VB.

 

I spend a lot of time packing up and organizing at the studio.

 

Relaxing at the house.

 

Friday May 31 2024

 

Waking up around noon. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

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.

 

Pineapple.

Thursday May 30 2024

Waking up around 11:20 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

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.

Watching Leave the World Behind (2023).

 

Catching up on work at the computer.

Wednesday May 29 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

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.

 

Back home. Taking care of chores.

Tuesday May 28 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

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.

 

Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

 

Catching up on business and chores.

Monday May 27 2024

Waking up after noon – it’s thundering and raining out.

 

Granola and Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on things at the computer.

 

Running errands.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Tweaking a few things around.

 

At the front desk after everyone leaves Rebecca and I talk in depth in preparation for Broadway stuff coming up in a few weeks.

 

Mackerel with Black Beans, Brown Rice, Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.

 

Working at the computer – design stuff mainly.

 

Pineapple and Yogurt.

Sunday May 26 2024

Waking up at 11:40 a.m.

 

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

 

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.

 

Pasta with Salad and Garlic Bread.

 

More work at the computer.

 

OJ. Relaxing.

Saturday May 25 2024

Waking up around noon. Cuddling with Elvis.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Chores – vacuum therapy.

 

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.

 

Friday May 24 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Chores. Cleaning. Vacuuming.

 

Catching up on business.

 

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.

 

Practicing songs with Josiah at Ringo’s.

 

Pineapple with Yogurt.

Thursday May 23 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Cereal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business.

 

Brushing up on a few old Ladada songs.

 

Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Pasta, Salad, 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.

 

Ice Cream and Popcorn.

Wednesday May 22 2024

Waking up around noon.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Catching up on business and stuff.

 

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.

 

Back home. Catching up on stuff. Snacking.

Tuesday May 21 2024

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

 

Granola Cereal. Tea.

 

Cleaning part two of the bathroom upstairs.

 

Running errands.

 

Eggs. Tempeh Bacon. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.

 

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

 

Sticking around to practice some guitar songs.

 

Dinner: leftover Chicken Rice Soup with Peas, Salad, and Garlic Bread.

Watching American Fiction (2023).

 

Chocolate.

 

At the studio practicing more songs – trying to finish lyrics to this original.

Monday May 20 2024

Waking up around 11:40 a.m.

 

Oatmeal. Tea.

 

Cleaning the shower and tub.

 

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.