I LOVE

Saturday March 12 2022

Waking up around 1 p.m. It’s super nice to be able to sleep in real late after driving so much yesterday.

We’re here in the River City Casino in St. Louis. Grabbing a Bagel and Tea downstairs.

Setting up the stage in the events center room, which is honestly a bit of a step down from all the beautiful theaters we played recently. But we manage to get everything together. It’s a tighter space and the morale isn’t very high during sound check. Nigel’s tweaking things with the lighting people. Kevin’s trying to rush us through the songs. Jimmy Wiseman is mad about his monitor mix. It seems like one thing after the other.

Later on, I grab a Fish n Chips from the restaurant nearby but they get the order wrong. It’s a whole thing but the ladies are super nice about it and let me keep the mess up order – I give it to Edwin.

Trying to get into a better headspace up in my room.

Back downstairs in the concert hall – the show is sold out. The band as a whole is in a much better mood and ready to put on a show – so am I. Gotta put on that performer face and roll into the music. There’s such an energy in this show that makes it special. Afterwards, we do a meet and greet – it’s chaos cause we have no merch people helping except for Jimmy the Greek. We all try to help out as much as we can while simultaneously signing autographs and shaking hands.

Afterwards, everyone corrals to the nearest burger joint around the corner (all this being inside the casino) but everything closes at weird hours and they stopped serving people in line – Rebecca got the last milkshake! We try to avoid the smoky casino room. Upstairs hanging out in Rebecca’s room. The others get drunk/high in the party room while her and I just chill on the bed watching and analyzing footage from tonight and having existential conversations about everything – mostly complaining about things in the band, all the different dynamics between everyone, and how we can improve. I joke how our “parking lot” conversations have upgraded to “bedside” conversations. But it’s all platonic and innocent.

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At some point Casey makes her way from the “high” room and I stumble off to bed.

Friday March 11 2022

Waking up bright and early at 9:30 a.m.

We hit the road in the rental leaving the Holiday Inn behind.

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

Ron takes the wheel and drives us through the sunny but cold Iowa plains. Passing an endless field of wind turbines – we later find out from a gas station cashier lady that the energy produced from them gets sent to New York City.

About 3 hours later we arrive at Kansas State University. Setting up in the McCain Auditorium, a massively tall theater with a maze of corridors and doors to navigate.

Setting up everything on stage – sound check – dinner (Chicken, Potatoes, Salad, Veggies).

Before show time I try to get in a better head space – I’ve got a headache and just not feeling enthused. But after the first few songs in the set performer mode kicks in for all of us and we put on a stellar show as usual.

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Doing the meet and greet afterwards talking with all the fans and signing autographs. Then, we gotta pack it up and get out of there.

No local hotel for tonight – most of our crew decides to drive all the way to St. Louis. With Casey, Ron, and Rebecca in our Kia rental. Casey drives the first half and late Rebecca drives the rest of the way (about a 5 hour drive or so). I sit in the passenger seat queuing up songs and keeping ourselves awake through the night.

Finally we all arrive at the River City Casino – it’s a whole ordeal just finding our way to the hotel room registration and parking the cars. But eventually we make it to our semi fancy rooms.

Thursday March 10 2022

Waking up around 10:34 a.m. (Midwest time) in the hotel room in Iowa.

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

Catching up on things at the computer.

Rebecca and I grab some Culver’s for a quick lunch down the street from the hotel.

Cod Fish Sandwich with Fries.

15 minute drive to the venue – Iowa Western University theater. We have a couple new road crew guys with us this time, Edwin and Andrew. Sipping on coffee and setting up the stage and scoping out the place – there’s always so many hoops and things to hop through to get everything in working order – setting up cameras, instruments, miking everything, dealing with merch things, etc.

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Sound check goes smoothly – running a few tunes and making sure the lighting crew gets all the important spotlight moments.

Outside I catch a beautiful sunset – a nice break to the hustle and bustle backstage.

Catering for dinner tonight is one choice only: Pork Shoulder with Brown Rice and Veggies. Even though I shy away from this kind of meat you can’t be picky on tour sometimes.

We go on stage and do the two ELO sets – considering we didn’t have any practice in between the last tour and now we didn’t do half bad. The crowd wasn’t as lively but their shows still show awe and appreciate.

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Afterwards, we do a meet and greet with people at the merch table – this one little boy with a cowboy hat is super enthused – his dad says they own a farm and this was his first concert.

We pack up and load out as efficient as we can.

Back at the hotel we try to corral as many as we can for a hot tub party. A few of us make it down and enjoy the hot soothing water. I sip on a mineral water while Ron and Leon nurse a couple bottles of beer. Rebecca, Anne, and Casey hang too.

After the nice pool man politely kicks us out I shower off all the chemical water and reconvene in Rebecca’s room. Lying on the bed watching through some of the footage from the show – laughing at all the comical moments and sorting through things we could improve with the band. It’s just nice being able to talk one on one without any worries or concerns. I end up just falling asleep at some point after my eyes become heavy.

Wednesday March 9 2022

Waking up bright and early at 7:40 a.m.

Gotta catch a flight – the ELO band has a tour this weekend. Mike drives Rebecca and I to the airport. Linking up with Jimmy, Nigel, and Ron on a flight in route to Omaha. And thus begins the day of travel – a full day dedicated to traveling is key when performing a string of shows like this.

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Breakfast Bar. Tea.

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Layover in Atlanta. I brought a PB&J and got a Coffee from Starbucks for lunch. Rebecca and I sit somewhere at one of the less crowded gates and eat – she relays her side by side conversation on the previous flight with Nigel.

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Back on a plane – this time they put our whole group in the absolute back row by the lavatories. There’s not even a window to slide open but we make fun out of it – you just have to block out the insanely loud hum of the airplane. To pass the time Rebecca and I skim through the Broadway video edit that Bobby recently did and jot down some notes for him.

Arriving in Omaha, Nebraska. It takes a while to clamp down the rental cars I reserved. But eventually, the nice people behind the Budget counter get everything figured out. Meanwhile, Nigel is marching around by the tall glass windows explaining stage placement to Rebecca and Ron.

Getting settled in at the hotel – my room window shows the Missouri River and apparently, the Nebraska/Iowa state line rides right along.

We all link up at a Texas Roadhouse down the road. Ron is stoked cause we discover a Culver’s next door, one of his favorites on tour. Inside we hole up in a booth and enjoy the unlimited sweet rolls. Meanwhile, the employees clap their hands to celebrate so many birthdays in the restaurant. I actually enjoy a Steak with Baked Potato and Veggies. Nigel offers to pay for the group meal, except I have to take care of it with my card cause we’re still waiting to get a deposit from a venue.

Back at the hotel we try to corral people into the fitness room to work off all the calories from dinner. With Rebecca, Mike, and Ron doing calisthenics, treadmill, etc.

A bunch of drunk dudes finally make their exit from the pool/hot tub then Rebecca and I take a dip. I can’t remember the last time I swam honestly. We chat about hauntings (she has this special paranormal sense), and whatever else we feel like talking about. Again it’s nice to just chat with her without worrying about time constraints.

Tuesday March 8 2022

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Dropping stuff off at the tailor. Yi, the Korean lady, always has some kind of Korean soap opera playing on her laptop while she sews. We talk about how it’s uncommon for her to call customers by their first names cause in Korea they do not.

At the Rec getting some cardio in.

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Coffee. Blackberries.

Watching Kimi (2022).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Picking up Gringo’s Fish Tacos for Ana and I’s dinner – she’s off earlier than usual.

Packing up my luggage for tomorrow’s trip.

Trying to get to bed as early as I can.

Monday March 7 2022

Waking up around 11:45 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Flax Seed, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business. Meanwhile, Ana comes into my room really distraught about us. Later before I leave the house I make sure to comfort her.

Running errands.

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers. After the day of lessons is over I talk with Allyson and Rebecca about the day’s doings.

Dropping off some stuff at the warehouse.

Cooking some freshovers for dinner: Pasta with Tomatoes, Peppers, Jackfruit Sausage, and Garlic Bread.

Catching up on business. Chores.

Ana and I chill in the living room watching an episode of I Love Lucy. Meanwhile, Elvis looks for cuddles.

Sunday March 6 2022

Waking up just before noon.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

At Music Makers coaching 3 MMLIVE band rehearsals with the help of Andrew and Rebecca.

PB&J break at some point with Coffee, Crackers, and a Banana.

Grabbing some stuff at Target.

Quick dinner at home: Egg, leftover Veggies, and Rice/Quinoa.

Catching up on all kinds of business.

Chores.

Pita and Hummus. Pineapple. Corn Tortilla Chips.

The weather got really warm today so I take advantage and go for a late night bike ride – it’s been way too long. Doing these really saved me last summer.

Saturday March 5 2022

Waking up real late around noon.

Cereal with Banana, Blueberries, and Almond/Oat Milk. Tea.

Meeting up with Anne Thow at Music Makers – I’m helping her get this Wall movie onto her iPad so DEJA can practice – I’m gonna help corral some kids together to perform at this particular show. During our meeting she vents to me about the frustrations of working with other musicians in the area and how overwhelming it can be at times. She also talks about how whenever DeeGee and her drive by the studio they’re always grateful that they handed over the business to me cause of how much it’s grown.

At the mall, a place I don’t like to go too often, but I’m in search of some new dress shirts and socks at H&M and Express.

Linking up with Ana – we grab some late lunch at Zeke’s. She’s still dressed in her horse farm attire including this brown cap with a horse on it.

Egg and Tofu Rice Bowl with Pour Over Coffees.

Later at the studio I go through the effort of moving the upright piano out of the purple lessons room and into 104. It’s quite the endeavor to do alone but I manage with two little dollies. Organizing more.

Back home. Ana cooked dinner: Beans, Sardines, Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower, and Quinoa.

Watching an episode of I Love Lucy.

Back at the studio organizing some more and playing piano.

Friday March 4 2022

Waking up around 11:30 a.m. next to Ana. Elvis plops down next to my leg – then Ana and I make fire – it’s been a while.

Breakfast Bar. Tea.

Catching up on business.

At the Rec working out.

Vega Protein Shake.

Dealing with stuff at Music Makers.

Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach Salad with Tomatoes and Beets. Coffee.

Watching The Weekend Away (2022).

Doing the accounting – long overdue.

Grabbing some groceries.

Cooking dinner for Ana and I: Pasta with Vegan Bolognese Sauce, Kale, Carrots, and Garlic Brioche Buns. Watching an episode of I Love Lucy.

More work at the computer.

Thursday March 3 2022

Waking up around 11:25 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.

Working out with Vlad at the gym.

Vega Protein Shake.

Grabbing some groceries.

Spinach Salad with Tomato, Egg, Beets, and a PB&J. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Meeting up with Aaron for dinner at Aloha Snacks – Chicken Wrap with Fries.

Dropping off some dinner to Ana at Smartmouth afterwards where her band is having a meeting. She’s thrilled and offers me a piece of Chocolate Cake.

Letting Aaron and Zach into Music Makers so they can rehearse Mae songs. Over at 104 Rebecca is testing out these off-ice skates she got that look kind of like rollerblades.

Then, Wes and I are off to Ladada practice in Norfolk. We finish ironing out the structure to this new song and have a good “guy” time – throwing popcorn everywhere and plucking guitar strings.