Tea Leaf Green

Last night Jennifer and I went to see Tea Leaf Green and Galatic. I had heard on the radio they were coming this way and had some desire to go but wouldn't die if I missed them. I mentioned the show at work and one of the guys I know, a plumber, happend to know the management of the venue the bands were going to play. He offered to call and see if he could get me on the guest list since he has been helping them renovate an adjacent bar owened by the same people and knew the owner well. Low and behold next thing I know were in like Flint! Fast forward a few hours and we're(Jen and I) waiting outside in the cold to get in.Brrrrrrrr but it wasn't too bad. Not like we were in Wooster. Anyways we get in and found a spot on the right up near the stage. Crowd slowly grew and anticipation as well. The band made an unannounced taking of the stage. Picked up instruments and began a jam that was very nice. Solid playing by all four guys. They ended this and did a song with a little bit of a raggae beat and the keyboardist sang. Reminded me a little of Chris Robbinson of the Black Crows. The kid had a strong voice and played the keys like a banshee. Guitarist was rocking as well with some well placed riffs. Bass and drums driving home the point. I found myself dancing and liking what I was hearing. Thes kids were tearing it up!I only say kids because none of them could have been over 24 but who knows.... None the less it didn't take away from thier performance in any way,full of energy and vigor it only added to the excitement felt by all! They ended the set all too quick . The only thing I can say negative about the whole dealio was that I think they(or someone ) had it turned up just a wee bit too much. The old too much of a good thing addage applies here. Fun show!
We only stayed for about 3 of galatic songs and they we good as well but I really went to see TLG so we were out of there after that. Best thing of the night was that the bartender picked up our tab. You gotta love a free show with free drinks as well!!!!
Peace!!!

Miami 10/26/89

So I am sitting here on a Friday night listening to what I consider to be one of the best shows I ever attended. Listening to it brings back so many memories of that time. I really miss Jerry and Brent. Give it just a minute and it'll blow away....NOT. The only thing I really wish is that this is one memory I could share with Jen. I was shocked that night when they busted loose that Dark Star. It went on forever it seemed.It's hard to explain the feeling of that night to someone who wasn't there, not that she doesn't understand or blow me off about the importance of this show or others I sometimes bring up, it would just be different if she had been there with me. So long ago and a whole other world away it seems sometimes. I know she gets tired of me yapping about myself. Nuff said on that topic.
A New Year is just around the corner and here is hoping that everyone has an awesome one. May 2007 bring you all much joy and many Ratdog shows!

Can't wait for some more news about spring tour

I am so ready to make some plans for the spring. Unfortunately the West coast is out of reach financially this year. Especially with Christmas at our door step and a "just average" bonus this time around it makes it tough to justify. Flights are so costly to the promiseland compared to eastern air travel. NYC is nice but been there and done that and I dont feel like searching for a spot at the Beacon or paying 250 a night for the hotel either.Hopefully the additional spring dates will bring something durring March 16 ~March 27 (spring break around here) and provide us with an opportunity to see a weeks worth of shows or more. I am jonesing to make plans like a big dog looking at a pound of steak. Salivating at the very thought!!! Oh well , maybe soon. PEACE ON EARTH! GOOD WILL TOWARDS ALL!

Back in the loop

Well it has been an exciting fall.The end of the fall tour lived up to my expectations except not getting an "other one", but beggars can't be choosers. Well most of the time. My favorite moments sort of revolve around this statement.I will elaborate on this topic for a minute or two.Jen and I were headed to St.Pete right after the HOB Orlando show and I slipped in a lovely show from 89. The band bursts into Memphis Blues and I made a little woohoo and turned it up. It was a rocking version as so many of them were with the Dead especially during the "fast" paced 80's and it continued the feel good feeling we had going after the show. Jen was bouncing in her seat and singing along(which she never does...singing that is) and Bobby was going off with his "OHHH MAMA". I have to say that this will be one of my most cherished memories of any tour, but it gets better. The next day with Mobile still rolling around in her head Jen posted a simple little note on the dot org that went something like this... "I Want..." then inside it said "to hear Memphis Blues tonight" several comments were made but nothing really important. Later that evening during the second set I was dancing to a very nice Masters of War and as it was ending I couldn't believe what I heard....it sounded like the opening notes to Memphis. One more bar and I smiled and turned to Jen and said.."there you go..."she looked at me and said "what???" then she realized what was happening and smiled also and shook her head in disbelief and realization. Coincidence??? who knows but it was one of those moments when all you can do is smile smile smile. I was very happy for her. Thanks Bob
. Someone posted the first leg of the spring tour last night and it looks good. I would love to be able to go to the North West for cheap or to Vegas but right now flights look pretty damn expensive for Febuary 9th thru 17th. Just have to wait and see but I know a show in Vancouver,BC would rock the pants off any Beacon show...at least for me that is. Can't wait for someone to let the springs second leg slip so I can really make some plans. Sorry if I have been slack in updating this blog.Sometimes you get busy in so many other things that well you know the rest. And a special thanks to a special lady for posting a link to this blog on hers.Thank you Irenie!
Be NICE to others everywhere everyone.This is as much directed to me to as anyone else, because sometimes taking your own advice is the best thing you can do.

On With The Show

Well to say the least.... I had a blast in Geneva! Awesome show with a wonderful set list. I guess Bob was saving that Victim for Halloween .... the next night but the rest was ROCKIN'!!!
So now it's sit and wait time for the southern swing to happen. I am so looking forward to Atlanta and especially Jacksonville...where dearest Ruby hooked Jen and I up with the front row.
On Marks side at that! Right where we want to be. How nice was that?!!! I guess i appear excited about these upcoming shows and why not.... Any chance to see the Dog is pure bliss. One week to go...cant wait!

Look Out Geneva!

I can't wait for Monday to arrive ! I've never been north of Troy in New York State and it will be a wonderful experience I'm sure. The Smith Opera House looks like a wonderful venue as well. Still clean at this point and plan to remain that way in that I will not be able to begin a new job until January if it still happens. I do miss smoking the herbage sometimes but don't miss the hacking. I cough about 1000% less LOL. I wish I had been able to go to Milwaukee with Jen but she deserves her space away from all the everyday crap including me . I know she had a good time so that is what counts. I just wish I didn't worry so about her and her safety.It's tough being married to such a good looking gal. I guess possessiveness plays a contributing roll in my feelings as well. I know she loves me just afraid she will find someone better than I. Silly isn't it.....oh well. Thats me sometimes...silly.

It is nice to see someone looked at my place here in cyber-land. Please say hello or comment with anything you wish if you like.I will write a review of the Geneva show when I return. Hopeing to hear Victim and a Bird Song. A Don't ease me in break-out would be awesome as well. The Smith has a low stage so I should get some good shots of Bobby and the boys. Looking to stand in front of MK but anywhere up there will be good with me. Hope to see Birdie and maybe Brad Z. as well. It will be nice going to the show and not having to stash the oney and herb. "No really, go ahead and search me, Please.Just let me in!!!" LOL
Peace to all and can not wait for the FLA shows.Btw my youngest brother will be attending his first Dog show in St.Pete(first dead related show of any type actually) so that will be outstanding. I still remember going with my other brother to the Omni in 89. 2nd set was a scarlett>fire>estimated>eyes which was insane.I know Bob won't do fire but a scarlett>estimated>eyes>JUST LIKE MAMA would be awesome for the both of us.
Again peace to all and be good to each other. P~

Clean 4 a while

Well I am trying something I have not done in a while....I quit smoking the green. It has been 5 days so far and I am doing ok but missing it. I have come to realize that I used it for many things,
but mostly pain management. Sleeping aid is another that I was not aware of until now. I have quit befor (from 1997 to 2000) but other than that a steady user since 1983. I must say that it is far easier to quit than cigarettes(quit Feb.19, 1993 after 10 years of consumption) and I feel a great sense of inner pride that I am able to control it if I wish to. My problem has always been I didn't wish to!! I have set myself some goals and rewards that I feel will meet my needs though. I have decided that while on Dog tour it will be ok to indulge some, just don't bring it back home. I belive this is a policy I can live with. I know other folks who only smoke on tour or just individual shows but leave it alone at home due to family and profession and the seperation between home and tour seems to be a good thing. Something else that has prompted me to do this is that I am starting to explore my options when it comes to employment even though I have been with the same company for a cumlative 12 years (leaving for 2 1/2 years in 95). A new job may require testing that I could not pass so in order to open the avenue to these other options it did seem like a prevelent thing to do. I am also aware that it is a lot of money going out of our household as well that could be saved or spent on other things. For the past few years I have maintained side work on a regular basis to provide us with the funds to go on tour as well as supporting my habit without interfering with monies earned which pay the bills etc. which is a good thing ,but I could have been saving those funds instead.
I will be the big 40 in March and I guess it is time to start growing again, so the seeds have been planted and I will try to nurture them. It can only be a good thing.