We were caravaning to San Simeon. The whole lot of us in a formation driving down the 1. Billy led the way in his car and behind him there was Ed in his rental, Bobby and I, Matt, and Jeff in Jeff's car, Stevie behind them and Tom in his car. Al and Maryann bringing up the rear - way back. It was a very beautiful drive I have to say having now seen it in the daylight. Very wind-ee tho. We stopped as we got into San Simeon at the beach with the Elephant Seals on them. These are ginormous animals and all they do is lay in the sun, throw sand on themselves or play in the surf. It was fun to see. We were all out of our cars watching them. I even had a big fat squirrel come up and beg for food. I had never seen that before. Obviously they get so many people there that he's used to being fed when there is.
Once we were done observing we got back in to the cars and pulled up to Hearst Castle. Actually the Dairy Barn. Its not really a dairy barn though. Its a barn converted to a party venue that was quite stunning in all its wood richness and decor. It was so far away from the Castle you couldn't even see it from where we were. The Hearst family did own 40,000 acres so its not surprising. The barn was also quite hot and humid and while they all unloaded the boys were sweating away. There to greet us was Dewey Bunnell from the band America. I'm sure I met Dewey before but its been a number of years. He had his wife Penny with him and her friend Kelly. They were super cool ladies! I could tell I'd have fun with them later on at the party! Dewey was a super sweetie too. He was so happy to see everyone he hadn't seen in years. He and Bobby were sharing memories left and right. Dewey was going to sit in with Al on a number of the new songs plus he was going to perform a couple of America hits.
It was another long soundcheck afternoon and I took some photos but also helped Maryann put some special stickers on the cd's they were putting on the tables for the very high society guests. This event we were attending was for the Preservation of Hearst Castle society. Very high and mighty with some celebrity clientele.
Once soundcheck was over, we jumped on a shuttle bus and got to be taken on a short but VIP tour of Hearst Castle. I had never been there so I was excited to finally get there and see a few things. Especially the Neptune Pool. Everyone wanted a chance to dip in it, but we just wouldn't have had the time. The tour was very stunning. A lot of old artifacts and stunning views but we had only hit a scratch of what was all there. I got a great shot of some of the boys posing with the statue of David in the indoor pool gallery. Marnie had been wearing her bathing suit under her clothes and was determined if she got one chance she was going in that pool. She did get her chance and she was in and out in 5 minutes! Billy told her as long as she made it quick he would let her go. We had some snacks and drinks and then had to get a move on to our hotel which we all had yet to check into.
It was a Best Western hotel but sitting right on the edge of the ocean and we were all privelaged to have these spectacular ocean views with the sunset. Also sitting on our tables in our rooms was a nice bag of swag from the presentation people. Fun stuff inside especially for the girls. The guys wee all moaning later at the gig that it was mostly for the girls. (true, perfume, makeup, pretty stuff..we all were happy!) We all carpooled back to the gig that night where we were to eat supper and then the band played. Well we were there for nearly an hour before supper was served and this bunch of guys were starving. I've never seen men jump on h'orderves (sp?) like they all did, but I also had to remember that they hadn't eaten since we had breakfast in Big Sur that morning. Meanwhile I was feeling nice and toasty with my two glasses of wine. On a empty stomach. Wow was I having fun then! The food was really great and the spirits flowed freely that night. Penny Bunnell and her friend Kelly were feeling as good as I was. By the time the boys breached the stage I was a very happy person. I danced while they played, and I NEVER do that. (too embarassed) but Penny pulled me up and we bopped around. The band sounded wonderful and most of the crowd was up dancing around including actress Fran Drescher who was the host that evening.
We left about midnight or so. Bobby and I rode with Marnie and Adam and they were next door to us at the hotel. The four of us decided to go out to the firepit on the beach and drink some more wine and tell stories. We were eventually joined by Matt and Jared who was feeling so good he dropped both his cell phone and his camera in the fire pit. No word yet on if he ruined them..lol.
About an hour after that Maryann, Al, Drew and Robbie all joined us too and I poured Maryann and Al a glass of wine from the bottle I seemed to be carrying around with me. Feeling no pain and talking way too much,as I do at times - Bobby made me go to bed. Probably a good thing because the next morning I was in a lot of pain. Breakfast sounded absolutely awful but we had to check out anyways. We ran into Dewey and Penny in the parking lot packing up and gave them goodbyes and promises to keep in touch. Also Marnie and Adam who were hanging out a bit longer and Al and Maryanne who asked us to come to their room to pick up some goodies. Al was cleaning out the barn and gave us some old Family and Friends t-shirts and a couple copies of Postcards cd's and some real postcards for the release. (mail them out to everyone!)
All in all it was a super spectacular trip. I hope they do make it an annual event like them mentioned up in Big Sur. I would do it again every year. I sure love these guys!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Big Sur Part 2
We arrived at Henry Miller Library at 2pm all fighting for a good parking spot as spots were at a minimum. The place is compacted against the redwood forest and about a handful of parking was available in front of the venue. Bobby refuses to walk far (Lordy) and we got the last spot on the end. Adam and Marnie ended up parking behind us using what was left of the dirt spot to get their car in there.
The setting was beautiful. Think of an expanded front room out in the woods - I think it was the best setting I've ever seen. My favorite venue Al's played in. Marnie and I sat on the wooden deck across from the stage while the band got their equipment set up. Adam was on the phone making sure his boat was ok. Seems they had a mishap a week ago with the propeller and he was worrying about his baby. Adam LOVES his boat. Marnie and I were joined by my friend LuCindi who was sneaking in to see soundcheck and the venu patrons were going to ask her to leave. Marnie and I talked her into staying and she sat with us to watch what would become a 3 hour soundcheck. Al was determined to get it right. This show was really important to him since he was debuting live a lot of the new songs and he was in his hometown. Most of the new stuff was covered in soundcheck several times over. It was due to the multiple plays of San Simeon and Lookin Down the Coast that I became very fond of these songs. Al wanted them done perfect. Stevie Kalinich came and sat with Marnie, Lu, and I for awhile and he chatted about all the fun he had at Adam and Marnie's wedding in Italy a few years before. Stevie doesn't get on well with over the counter drugs and had a cold while there and got a major buzz on the cold medication.
The people at the Library are super nice - and a bit stuck in hippiedom. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I'd just never seen anything like it before.
It was after 5pm when the band got off stage and everyone was ravenous, and starting to get a little cranky because of it. We had to be back at the venue at 7:30 so there was no time to go up to Nepenthe like we had planned and we drove back to the lodge to have dinner there. It wasn't too bad and Tom Jacob joined us as he was just checking in having just driven up from LA prior to soundcheck. So now we had Tom, Billy, Adam and Marnie who were checking in after the show, and us now at the lodge. We were all scattered too. Bobby and I were at the far end of the grounds - Billy and Tom were in the same complex and Marnie and Adam were down the road from us a little ways.
We were all rushed to get to the show, and again get some parking. Bobby and I rode with Billy that night as we were all trying to do as much carpooling as we could. We squeezed the car up as close as we could to the stage and managed to get two more cars in there. Al's car was already in there from soundcheck earlier as he had ridden home with sons Robbie and Drew. The backstage was the deck behind the actual library and it was decked out with all kinds of yummy lager, some very bold wines and lots of snacks. The only drawback the long lines to the restroom back there. All but Billy and Bobby were dressed for the show so all the guys were using it to get changed in.
Loads of photos were taken and then we made our way to the stage. Stevie was the opening act doing some reciting to the music of the cello. I didn't get to see much of it as we were walking through the crowd at the time and there were loads of people there that night. The place was overflowing with happy locals and Beach Boys fans anticipating this intimate setting. Some were even laying out on a lawn rug placed in front of the stage. LuCindi met me by the side of the stage and we pretty much stayed there throughout the show. I was able to video some of the show - mostly the new stuff, Sail on Sailor and Runaway. And I'm not the best videographer as I tend to focus mostly on Bobby..biased maybe? Lol.
Once the show was done, and to a roaring applause and standing ovation we were all going to head over to Fernwood for the after party that Magnus set up. It was pretty much a bar placed in a motel but it was definitely the place the locals went to hang out. The place was packed and the bartender was actually not very happy about it at all. He was quite rude to the band when they ordered drinks and even denied Jared what he was asking for. We did manage to have some fun though. Bobby and I were still riding with Billy so we got to have a few drinks and not worry about the drive home as Billy doesn't drink. Al and Stevie even had a pint with us and Billy was out on the dance floor with a pretty lady doing some line dancing type moves.
We left when Hinsche left and come to find out later that the bartended got so fed up with all the people there he closed the place down at 11:30pm and made everyone leave! Adam and Marnie with their two friends and neighbors came down to our cabin about midnight and stayed til about 2am while we drank and laughed much to the annoyance of our neighbors I'm quite sure. We were quite loud. Good thing we didn't have anyone else next to us on the other side.
I behaved that night. I let Bobby have all the fun but boy was he going to pay for it the next day with an aching head. We had to drive from Big Sur to San Simeon that morning for the next gig and he was probably in no shape to do it, but he was a trooper and was going to make the effort since I was still too traumatized from the drive up. (at least he got to do it in the daytime!) We were all going to try and meet for breakfast first. We wanted to attempt to eat at Deetjens again but they had already told us the big room was occupied ( I think they just didn't want our noisy party there..lol) so we stopped at the Loma Vista Bakery. Insane prices, but the food was actually fantastic. Jeff Peters had the biggest pancake I had ever seen in my life. Bobby and I had a most awesome omlette with a breakfast salad, which I've never had before. Everyone including Al and MaryAnn joined us that day although they had already eaten. Adam and Marnie were the only ones who missed out and I think it was because they had stopped at Deetjen's. Al when he came out to see us all sitting at a picnic table made the remark "Looks like the last supper here with the Endless Summer Band".
End of Part 2....part 3 next...
The setting was beautiful. Think of an expanded front room out in the woods - I think it was the best setting I've ever seen. My favorite venue Al's played in. Marnie and I sat on the wooden deck across from the stage while the band got their equipment set up. Adam was on the phone making sure his boat was ok. Seems they had a mishap a week ago with the propeller and he was worrying about his baby. Adam LOVES his boat. Marnie and I were joined by my friend LuCindi who was sneaking in to see soundcheck and the venu patrons were going to ask her to leave. Marnie and I talked her into staying and she sat with us to watch what would become a 3 hour soundcheck. Al was determined to get it right. This show was really important to him since he was debuting live a lot of the new songs and he was in his hometown. Most of the new stuff was covered in soundcheck several times over. It was due to the multiple plays of San Simeon and Lookin Down the Coast that I became very fond of these songs. Al wanted them done perfect. Stevie Kalinich came and sat with Marnie, Lu, and I for awhile and he chatted about all the fun he had at Adam and Marnie's wedding in Italy a few years before. Stevie doesn't get on well with over the counter drugs and had a cold while there and got a major buzz on the cold medication.
The people at the Library are super nice - and a bit stuck in hippiedom. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I'd just never seen anything like it before.
It was after 5pm when the band got off stage and everyone was ravenous, and starting to get a little cranky because of it. We had to be back at the venue at 7:30 so there was no time to go up to Nepenthe like we had planned and we drove back to the lodge to have dinner there. It wasn't too bad and Tom Jacob joined us as he was just checking in having just driven up from LA prior to soundcheck. So now we had Tom, Billy, Adam and Marnie who were checking in after the show, and us now at the lodge. We were all scattered too. Bobby and I were at the far end of the grounds - Billy and Tom were in the same complex and Marnie and Adam were down the road from us a little ways.
We were all rushed to get to the show, and again get some parking. Bobby and I rode with Billy that night as we were all trying to do as much carpooling as we could. We squeezed the car up as close as we could to the stage and managed to get two more cars in there. Al's car was already in there from soundcheck earlier as he had ridden home with sons Robbie and Drew. The backstage was the deck behind the actual library and it was decked out with all kinds of yummy lager, some very bold wines and lots of snacks. The only drawback the long lines to the restroom back there. All but Billy and Bobby were dressed for the show so all the guys were using it to get changed in.
Loads of photos were taken and then we made our way to the stage. Stevie was the opening act doing some reciting to the music of the cello. I didn't get to see much of it as we were walking through the crowd at the time and there were loads of people there that night. The place was overflowing with happy locals and Beach Boys fans anticipating this intimate setting. Some were even laying out on a lawn rug placed in front of the stage. LuCindi met me by the side of the stage and we pretty much stayed there throughout the show. I was able to video some of the show - mostly the new stuff, Sail on Sailor and Runaway. And I'm not the best videographer as I tend to focus mostly on Bobby..biased maybe? Lol.
Once the show was done, and to a roaring applause and standing ovation we were all going to head over to Fernwood for the after party that Magnus set up. It was pretty much a bar placed in a motel but it was definitely the place the locals went to hang out. The place was packed and the bartender was actually not very happy about it at all. He was quite rude to the band when they ordered drinks and even denied Jared what he was asking for. We did manage to have some fun though. Bobby and I were still riding with Billy so we got to have a few drinks and not worry about the drive home as Billy doesn't drink. Al and Stevie even had a pint with us and Billy was out on the dance floor with a pretty lady doing some line dancing type moves.
We left when Hinsche left and come to find out later that the bartended got so fed up with all the people there he closed the place down at 11:30pm and made everyone leave! Adam and Marnie with their two friends and neighbors came down to our cabin about midnight and stayed til about 2am while we drank and laughed much to the annoyance of our neighbors I'm quite sure. We were quite loud. Good thing we didn't have anyone else next to us on the other side.
I behaved that night. I let Bobby have all the fun but boy was he going to pay for it the next day with an aching head. We had to drive from Big Sur to San Simeon that morning for the next gig and he was probably in no shape to do it, but he was a trooper and was going to make the effort since I was still too traumatized from the drive up. (at least he got to do it in the daytime!) We were all going to try and meet for breakfast first. We wanted to attempt to eat at Deetjens again but they had already told us the big room was occupied ( I think they just didn't want our noisy party there..lol) so we stopped at the Loma Vista Bakery. Insane prices, but the food was actually fantastic. Jeff Peters had the biggest pancake I had ever seen in my life. Bobby and I had a most awesome omlette with a breakfast salad, which I've never had before. Everyone including Al and MaryAnn joined us that day although they had already eaten. Adam and Marnie were the only ones who missed out and I think it was because they had stopped at Deetjen's. Al when he came out to see us all sitting at a picnic table made the remark "Looks like the last supper here with the Endless Summer Band".
End of Part 2....part 3 next...
In Big Sur with the Endless Summer Band
Its been a week so I better get this all written out or it will fade away in my head and never be remembered again! This is why I keep a journal of things because getting old you remember things a whole lot differently than you did at the time of it happening.
I had an early start to head up north. I was told it would be about a 5 1/2 hour drive so I figured I had plenty of time. I got on the 5 freeway and drove stopping at a couple stores on the way and then had some dinner before I got off the main road on the 46. BIG MISTAKE. Had I known how my drive was going to be in the blackness of a northern California evening on HWY 1 I would have left at 6am to get there instead of when I did. Let me explain it to you in detail. Just me, little ole 5 foot nothing me in my little Jeep Compass, on a 60 mile stretch of two lane road that winds in and out of these large mountains jutting up from the sea. Yes I'm sure if I could see in daylight I would see plenty of sea beyond my tires because in a lot of areas it went straight down. Now its pitch black and your rolling down a hill at times getting up to about 45 or 50 and eeek, last second you have another curve to go around that says 25 miles an hour and they aren't kidding cause if you don't, you will either hit the person coming around the other side of you or into the nice black ocean below. You can't see far enough ahead to know where you are and there are no lights from nearby homes until you get to Big Sur. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a light twinkling in a window before in my life!
I found the lodge actually pretty easy and having found the cabin Bobby and I were assigned all the way in the back of the compound next to a large bunch of redwoods I literally fell out of my car and jumped for joy. Bobby having no Television or radio to keep him occupied (this place had no modern conveniences for entertainment. Au Naturel baby) he was looking out the window constantly for my arrival. We unloaded the car and Billy Hinsche drove up from his ride into town. (Not really a town, but the local where he could get wifi) and gave us the lowdown on what he called the massacre of the Big Sur Lodge. We were all supposed to stay at the Lodge but in the last hours it was only Billy, Bobby and myself who were there. Al put up Matt, Jeff Peters and Stevie Kalinich at his house. Magnus, the gentleman who was running the Henry Miller Library was putting up Ed Carter and Jared Dalley at his home. We dubbed them the odd couple Ed and Jared. An unusual pairing to put up together. Adam stayed home.
I could NOT wait to pry open a bottle of wine and pour out my nerves in a couple glasses (more like half a bottle) and relax. We had a wonderful wood burning fireplace in our room and Bobby lit a fire that we kept stoked most of the night to keep it warm and night lighted.
Bobby and I entertained each other by laughing and telling stories we've probably rehashed over the years many times but after a few glasses of vino were funny again.
On Friday morning Billy told us the band was getting together for breakfast down at Deetjens Big Sur Inn. I had passed it the night before and it was one of those places I was happy to see some lights at. It has the tiniest parking lot ever, and Bobby and I were the first there. A very charming little eatery greeted us with all kinds of antiques and woodsy decor. Although the woman who seated us was a bit overbearing she relented finally to give us the main dining room as we were a bit louder and more obnoxious than everyone else in the place. After everyone arrived they even shut the doors on us to keep the volume down. Billy, Jared, Jeff, Stevie, Matt, Ed, Bobby and myself. Matt asked us at breakfast if we wanted to go down to the beach and do a bit of sightseeing. Always up for some sightseeing we all agreed. The only one who passed was Billy as he had some calls to make down at Fernwood or Nepenthe. (Only places anyone could get a signal.) We caravaned over to Al's house and parked at the barn where for the first time I was taken into this reallly fabulous place. It was hard for me to not stare at the walls at all the things Al has accumulated over the years with the Beach Boys. I was the last one to drag myself into the recording studio where Al was sitting strumming his guitar getting ready for the night's show. He told me how happy he was that I finally made it up to Big Sur and that he would love for me to take a walk around and take all the photos I wanted. Well, no need to tell me the photo queen to take photos more than once. I had a field day in there snapping away. We all drifted around for about an hour or two before Matt offered to take us all on a field trip down to the beach. We stretched our legs and got moving down the long driveway and down the 20 minute walk to the beach. Ed and I chatting about health issues and vitamins and such. Ed always has such a beautiful outlook on life and what things are important. Maryann Jardine joined us on our walk and gave us the story of the land on the walk down and some local gossip and such. We stayed down at the beach for about another hour or so playing with the washed up sea kelp and watching Matt and Jared climb the hills so they could get cell reception. We found out later that Jared found out the sex of his baby that is on the way while he was up there on the phone.
We walked back up to the Ranch where we were taken into the vast garden by Maryann and encouraged to pick some goodies. Bobby and I loaded up the car with apples, pears, cilantro, lemon and strawberries from Maryann's garden. There was a sign to look out for Pot Bellied pigs, but I didn't see any but little porkchop, Al and Maryann's dog that looked like a little pot belly..he was adorable.
We visited with Al back in the studio before packing up all the cars to head over to Henry Miller Library for soundcheck...
end of part 1..
I had an early start to head up north. I was told it would be about a 5 1/2 hour drive so I figured I had plenty of time. I got on the 5 freeway and drove stopping at a couple stores on the way and then had some dinner before I got off the main road on the 46. BIG MISTAKE. Had I known how my drive was going to be in the blackness of a northern California evening on HWY 1 I would have left at 6am to get there instead of when I did. Let me explain it to you in detail. Just me, little ole 5 foot nothing me in my little Jeep Compass, on a 60 mile stretch of two lane road that winds in and out of these large mountains jutting up from the sea. Yes I'm sure if I could see in daylight I would see plenty of sea beyond my tires because in a lot of areas it went straight down. Now its pitch black and your rolling down a hill at times getting up to about 45 or 50 and eeek, last second you have another curve to go around that says 25 miles an hour and they aren't kidding cause if you don't, you will either hit the person coming around the other side of you or into the nice black ocean below. You can't see far enough ahead to know where you are and there are no lights from nearby homes until you get to Big Sur. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a light twinkling in a window before in my life!
I found the lodge actually pretty easy and having found the cabin Bobby and I were assigned all the way in the back of the compound next to a large bunch of redwoods I literally fell out of my car and jumped for joy. Bobby having no Television or radio to keep him occupied (this place had no modern conveniences for entertainment. Au Naturel baby) he was looking out the window constantly for my arrival. We unloaded the car and Billy Hinsche drove up from his ride into town. (Not really a town, but the local where he could get wifi) and gave us the lowdown on what he called the massacre of the Big Sur Lodge. We were all supposed to stay at the Lodge but in the last hours it was only Billy, Bobby and myself who were there. Al put up Matt, Jeff Peters and Stevie Kalinich at his house. Magnus, the gentleman who was running the Henry Miller Library was putting up Ed Carter and Jared Dalley at his home. We dubbed them the odd couple Ed and Jared. An unusual pairing to put up together. Adam stayed home.
I could NOT wait to pry open a bottle of wine and pour out my nerves in a couple glasses (more like half a bottle) and relax. We had a wonderful wood burning fireplace in our room and Bobby lit a fire that we kept stoked most of the night to keep it warm and night lighted.
Bobby and I entertained each other by laughing and telling stories we've probably rehashed over the years many times but after a few glasses of vino were funny again.
On Friday morning Billy told us the band was getting together for breakfast down at Deetjens Big Sur Inn. I had passed it the night before and it was one of those places I was happy to see some lights at. It has the tiniest parking lot ever, and Bobby and I were the first there. A very charming little eatery greeted us with all kinds of antiques and woodsy decor. Although the woman who seated us was a bit overbearing she relented finally to give us the main dining room as we were a bit louder and more obnoxious than everyone else in the place. After everyone arrived they even shut the doors on us to keep the volume down. Billy, Jared, Jeff, Stevie, Matt, Ed, Bobby and myself. Matt asked us at breakfast if we wanted to go down to the beach and do a bit of sightseeing. Always up for some sightseeing we all agreed. The only one who passed was Billy as he had some calls to make down at Fernwood or Nepenthe. (Only places anyone could get a signal.) We caravaned over to Al's house and parked at the barn where for the first time I was taken into this reallly fabulous place. It was hard for me to not stare at the walls at all the things Al has accumulated over the years with the Beach Boys. I was the last one to drag myself into the recording studio where Al was sitting strumming his guitar getting ready for the night's show. He told me how happy he was that I finally made it up to Big Sur and that he would love for me to take a walk around and take all the photos I wanted. Well, no need to tell me the photo queen to take photos more than once. I had a field day in there snapping away. We all drifted around for about an hour or two before Matt offered to take us all on a field trip down to the beach. We stretched our legs and got moving down the long driveway and down the 20 minute walk to the beach. Ed and I chatting about health issues and vitamins and such. Ed always has such a beautiful outlook on life and what things are important. Maryann Jardine joined us on our walk and gave us the story of the land on the walk down and some local gossip and such. We stayed down at the beach for about another hour or so playing with the washed up sea kelp and watching Matt and Jared climb the hills so they could get cell reception. We found out later that Jared found out the sex of his baby that is on the way while he was up there on the phone.
We walked back up to the Ranch where we were taken into the vast garden by Maryann and encouraged to pick some goodies. Bobby and I loaded up the car with apples, pears, cilantro, lemon and strawberries from Maryann's garden. There was a sign to look out for Pot Bellied pigs, but I didn't see any but little porkchop, Al and Maryann's dog that looked like a little pot belly..he was adorable.
We visited with Al back in the studio before packing up all the cars to head over to Henry Miller Library for soundcheck...
end of part 1..
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
A friend of mine
I wanted to remember a friend of mine today on his birthday. He's been gone now for close to three years but I still feel like he's around sometimes. He was so full of spirit and hilarity I sometimes wonder if it was just a dream of his passing.
My friend Mike Meros. I met Mike 28 years ago when I was 15. I was a giggly fan of the Beach Boys and he was their keyboard player. I had met some girls at a Beach Boys concert in Clarkston MI in 1982 who travelled around to see the band. I had dreamed for 3 years up to that point of meeting that band. I loved the Beach Boys! I asked constant questions on how everyone was in real life and what kinds of things they did when they met up with them all the time. I think they must have taken pity on me because they asked if I wanted to go the next time they came to town. YES! That was all I could think of. That August the Beach Boys came to Michigan to play the State Fair. The girls told me if I could get dropped off at one of the local girls homes I could ride with them. I BEGGED my mom to take me over there and reluctantly she did and plopped a little bit of money in my hand and told me not to ask for any more. She was a single mom after all and money was tight. I had enough to cover my part of the hotel and maybe get a meal. Well without going into too much detail about all that, more later..lol..that night after the concert arriving back at the hotel I met Mike Meros. The band was in our hotel and although I was searching out Carl Wilson left and right we ran into Mike several times that night. I only knew two of the backup band members at that time. Ed Carter - and my future boyfriend Bobby Figueroa. Bobby wasn't there that summer because he injured his back so I was clueless on who anyone else was. Meros was a treat that first trip because he was so nice and not a bit stand offish. My friend Kathy and I must have run into him at least 5 times that night. The next day he remembered me as the band all were checking out and I made my way around them all with my autograph book.
The next time I saw him was nearly a year later and he was just as kind and funny. We talked little bits but nothing to the extreme. That whole year after I met him we would occasionally run into each other during the 13 times we saw the band all over the mid west. By the end of that summer tour Mike and I were Pac - Man buddies. We would try to outscore each other and it was always a big competition. The year after that we saw the band 12 times and we were starting to chat a bit more. One of the girls I traveled with had a crush on him to the extreme that it sometimes made him uncomfortable. Still he would single me out and we would grab a coke or something in the bar of the hotel. (I was still only a teenager so couldn't stay in there past 8pm!)
By the third year of me around the band we had gotten to the point of having lunches and talking about family, love interests and so on. We did many weird trips. Driving to a brewery, taking a drive to find all the Drive In Theatres, stuff like that. Mike was my first REAL friend in the band. By the end of that year he would call on the phone to see what was new or to tell me his life up to that point. When he finally had kids and got married, (yes in that order! geesh) I was really excited for him. We still remained close friends and he even invited me to his wedding which I couldn't attend because I had a new job.
Over the next 20 years we always stayed in touch even when I started to take a leave from seeing the band for a couple of years. He'd always try and coax me to come, but for two years I didn't want to. He was the one to tell me that Carl Wilson was dying of cancer and to get my butt to the show the night they were in town. I was so glad because it was the last time I saw Carl again.
When Mike got let go from the Beach Boys I was sad for him but knew it was stressing him out too with his family. He wasn't meant to stay home however I saw. He was happier on the road being a touring musician. When Bobby and I started to date, I was curious to see if he'd stay my friend, and he did. In fact he and Bobby got to be closer when we did because they got to talk again without all the drama of what was going on in the band. The last time I saw Mike was in May of 2006. I had him come out to my Beach Boys convention and he had the time of his life. He and Bobby talked for hours and I was happy. Mike died of a Heart Attack a year later and I was so shocked because he was so healthy and spirited. I can still hear his laugh and his silly sayings. He will be so missed!
My friend Mike Meros. I met Mike 28 years ago when I was 15. I was a giggly fan of the Beach Boys and he was their keyboard player. I had met some girls at a Beach Boys concert in Clarkston MI in 1982 who travelled around to see the band. I had dreamed for 3 years up to that point of meeting that band. I loved the Beach Boys! I asked constant questions on how everyone was in real life and what kinds of things they did when they met up with them all the time. I think they must have taken pity on me because they asked if I wanted to go the next time they came to town. YES! That was all I could think of. That August the Beach Boys came to Michigan to play the State Fair. The girls told me if I could get dropped off at one of the local girls homes I could ride with them. I BEGGED my mom to take me over there and reluctantly she did and plopped a little bit of money in my hand and told me not to ask for any more. She was a single mom after all and money was tight. I had enough to cover my part of the hotel and maybe get a meal. Well without going into too much detail about all that, more later..lol..that night after the concert arriving back at the hotel I met Mike Meros. The band was in our hotel and although I was searching out Carl Wilson left and right we ran into Mike several times that night. I only knew two of the backup band members at that time. Ed Carter - and my future boyfriend Bobby Figueroa. Bobby wasn't there that summer because he injured his back so I was clueless on who anyone else was. Meros was a treat that first trip because he was so nice and not a bit stand offish. My friend Kathy and I must have run into him at least 5 times that night. The next day he remembered me as the band all were checking out and I made my way around them all with my autograph book.
The next time I saw him was nearly a year later and he was just as kind and funny. We talked little bits but nothing to the extreme. That whole year after I met him we would occasionally run into each other during the 13 times we saw the band all over the mid west. By the end of that summer tour Mike and I were Pac - Man buddies. We would try to outscore each other and it was always a big competition. The year after that we saw the band 12 times and we were starting to chat a bit more. One of the girls I traveled with had a crush on him to the extreme that it sometimes made him uncomfortable. Still he would single me out and we would grab a coke or something in the bar of the hotel. (I was still only a teenager so couldn't stay in there past 8pm!)
By the third year of me around the band we had gotten to the point of having lunches and talking about family, love interests and so on. We did many weird trips. Driving to a brewery, taking a drive to find all the Drive In Theatres, stuff like that. Mike was my first REAL friend in the band. By the end of that year he would call on the phone to see what was new or to tell me his life up to that point. When he finally had kids and got married, (yes in that order! geesh) I was really excited for him. We still remained close friends and he even invited me to his wedding which I couldn't attend because I had a new job.
Over the next 20 years we always stayed in touch even when I started to take a leave from seeing the band for a couple of years. He'd always try and coax me to come, but for two years I didn't want to. He was the one to tell me that Carl Wilson was dying of cancer and to get my butt to the show the night they were in town. I was so glad because it was the last time I saw Carl again.
When Mike got let go from the Beach Boys I was sad for him but knew it was stressing him out too with his family. He wasn't meant to stay home however I saw. He was happier on the road being a touring musician. When Bobby and I started to date, I was curious to see if he'd stay my friend, and he did. In fact he and Bobby got to be closer when we did because they got to talk again without all the drama of what was going on in the band. The last time I saw Mike was in May of 2006. I had him come out to my Beach Boys convention and he had the time of his life. He and Bobby talked for hours and I was happy. Mike died of a Heart Attack a year later and I was so shocked because he was so healthy and spirited. I can still hear his laugh and his silly sayings. He will be so missed!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wasn't public
I guess I didn't have my profile set for public. Ha ha..have a lot to learn yet on how to do this blogging stuff. Don't worry I plan to get good at it. I like to write and I have nearly 30 years worth of journals to prove that. Though I do have a problem keeping at it excessively. For example, I haven't picked up my current journal in nearly 3 months. Some of the most fun stuff has happened in those three months too and I'm slacking!
I started on Father's Day this year, June 19th and with my boyfriend in tow I left Michigan with my jeep packed to the gills. We spent the next three days heading west as I was moving into his California home. We stopped in Chicago, Lincoln, and some little town in Wyoming before stopping in Northern Utah to stay with Ricci Martin. That was 3 fun filled drunk days. We stayed in Ricci's guest cabin which is about about 20 feet away from the main house. Its where his mom stays when she is in town..its GORGEOUS. All woods and raging river outside the windows. We bowled, we drank, we skyped Wayne Tweed, we drank, we ate, we sang..you get the picture? We were exhausted when we left Ricci's and then just increased the fun by staying the next two nights in Las Vegas. I had my first drive through the desert. Not impressed after all.
I've already been to Palm Springs where Bobby played with Al Jardine - his boss too, since I've been here. I've gotten my job within a relatively quick period of time, and I've constantly been on the go since being in CA. Way different from my life in MI.
So now that I have run out of things to say for today..(the posts will get better, I'm just being monitored by my job at the moment)..so if you haven't run off bored yet..I hope it gets better!
I started on Father's Day this year, June 19th and with my boyfriend in tow I left Michigan with my jeep packed to the gills. We spent the next three days heading west as I was moving into his California home. We stopped in Chicago, Lincoln, and some little town in Wyoming before stopping in Northern Utah to stay with Ricci Martin. That was 3 fun filled drunk days. We stayed in Ricci's guest cabin which is about about 20 feet away from the main house. Its where his mom stays when she is in town..its GORGEOUS. All woods and raging river outside the windows. We bowled, we drank, we skyped Wayne Tweed, we drank, we ate, we sang..you get the picture? We were exhausted when we left Ricci's and then just increased the fun by staying the next two nights in Las Vegas. I had my first drive through the desert. Not impressed after all.
I've already been to Palm Springs where Bobby played with Al Jardine - his boss too, since I've been here. I've gotten my job within a relatively quick period of time, and I've constantly been on the go since being in CA. Way different from my life in MI.
So now that I have run out of things to say for today..(the posts will get better, I'm just being monitored by my job at the moment)..so if you haven't run off bored yet..I hope it gets better!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Test Ricci Martin Blog
Ok..this is the unedited blog I just wrote for Ricci Martin...any critiques would be appreciated. Not that I will change it mind you, but go ahead and give me your opinion.
Bobby and I arrived and are greeted by this swanky art deco hotel lobby and feel we’ve had enough of each others company for a few hours (wow that didn’t take long!) and go to our own rooms. I sat for about 30 minutes running through every channel on the TV I could – as back home I don’t get the remote long enough to know what’s even on TV any more; before I was bored and ready to go exploring. I know when Bobby Fig lands he will want a nice big beer cooling in a big old ice bucket so that was the next task. Deciding to brave the humidity I walked across the parking lot of the hotel next door to us and to the gas station on the corner scouring the fridge sections and what do I find – no beer! I then walked across the very busy intersection to the gas station on the other corner ( I think this deserves a luggage tag by now – no?) and again, no beer! Thinking I’m in a dry county by this time (but isn’t this the Beer Capital of the World?) I finally decided to ask someone at the gas station where is the nearest place to get some, they directed me to a place a mile down the road and I passed. As much as I love these guys, I will not walk 1 mile in 95 per cent humidity carrying a case of beer! (just lost the luggage tag rights on that I guess?)
A few hours after arriving at the hotel I went down to the pool to take advantage of the hot tub and pool. Mind you it is about 93 degrees in the pool area but the water is like 40 degrees. And it never warmed up the entire time I was in it! Amazing how they can do that. Z is already down there when I arrived working out in the gym. I could see him through the glass walls from the pool area. I managed the ice cold temperature of the pool for about 30 minutes before I felt like frostbite was going to set in. Z when he was done working out in the health club managed to get into the pool for less time than I did. He preferred the hot tub but since it was already a balmy 93 in the pool area we opted to sit and watch the others nearby. One of my favorite things to do is people watch and when I’m around these guys I get to do a lot of that. So if you ever run across me on one of the tours, I am watching you and yes you could end up in the blog one day! Bobby Z sat a couple chairs down from me and we had a laugh at the guy across the pool from us who was wearing a purple Speedo and trying to get a tan from the sunshine coming through the window. I think he’s with one of the other bands that are staying in the hotel. The girl at the front desk said the hotel was full with Festa acts.
Once 2pm did come and the beer stands beckoned the band’s name towards them we lost Jerry and Jimi. Jerry’s friend from the band Ambrosia (who was also playing at Festa tonight at the same time we were playing on another stage!) lives here in Milwaukee and had invited him to his recording studio downtown. Jimi, who always wants to see new things in town, went along for the ride too. We were just down to me, Bobby Fig, Bobby Z and Ricci now and off we went to the beer stand. I got to have my first “Blue Moon” brewski and I have to say I’ve become a fan. Especially of the little floating orange slice that they put in the cup to enhance the flavor! I was the only one who went for that option and the other guys were jealous and curious because I got the bonus of having the floating orange.
On our way back to the hotel this afternoon Mitch, police officer extraordinaire , excellent driver and new friend to the band gave us the history of the large highway bridge that loomed behind our stage. Rumors or speculation have it crumbling soon and they will have to replace it. Hopefully the crumbling will wait until we are all out of there and long gone! It’s such an imposing thing when you stand underneath it, which you have to do when going into the Festa Italiana. Ricci asked if I would take a photo of him with Figgy and Z to show the magnitude of the thing. In order to get this shot I had to crouch on the ground and shoot up. Yes folks on my knees on the cement taking a photo of a picture that may not even make it into the blog. If it shows up now you all will know the sacrifice I had to make so you could see it!
My days as a recording engineer are numbered after the show tonight. We had plugged the recorder Ricci brought into the PA system but it picked up nothing. Seems Ricci’s little recorder was way more advanced than the PA system for the fair. My job officially dissolved I am back to band photographer.
July 16th, 2010
Thanks to Officer Ed who was there tonight in uniform and was so helpful to me in taking care of the band and anything we might need. Ed and Mitch are going to replace me one day I can see it!
The meet and greet tonight was spectacular. We got it in before the fireworks went off and met some really great people.
Sunday July 18th, 2010
Today is our last full day in Milwaukee. We sure have had fun and wouldn’t you know it the last day was probably the most fun. I had the guys come down early to the lobby before we left for the show so I could take group and single photos of them for the Cd. We changed backgrounds many times eventually finding the wall behind the check in desk to be the most effective with the Red paint. Thanks to the girls at the Crowne Plaza for letting us crash your work area! The red looks stunning in the photos!
We then gathered at the hotel bar to have a drink and wait for our ride when we saw Micky Dolenz of the Monkees standing right next to us. He was also waiting for his ride to Festa where he was performing on the stage next to ours . Ricci went over and introduced himself and told Micky the story of how his sister Deana broke Davy Jones heart back in the 60’s. Micky actually got a chuckle out of it. The bar normally closed early on Sunday but they said if there were enough people in there after the show they would stay open. Ricci and Micky said they could arrange it that there were enough people in there.
One we knew who would not be in there that night was Frankie Valli who also was on a stage nearby ours. Mr. Valli arrived into the hotel on Sunday and didn’t have a suite waiting for him and was put in the room next door to Ricci’s. Well he wasn’t happy that he didn’t have a suite and asked the hotel to ask Ricci if he could share his parlor with him. Ricci’s parlor was small, and they would have been in each others’ way all the time so Ricci gently declined. I think ole Frankie won’t be a fan in the future!
We actually had a interesting show tonight. Too bad it won’t make the cd, but Ricci usually tells a joke during the show but this time he gave the punch line before the joke. Ahh memories, though he will deny this (Van Halen anyone? Those of you who have seen the show will know what I’m talking about!)
Our family of 3 from the previous two nights came back to see us again tonight with more family in tow! Also we saw again more faces that we had seen the first couple of nights return to the show tonight. Including the blonde in the striped shirt who really liked Ricci! We wished Ed and Mitch well as we knew we wouldn’t see them again for awhile. (Except for Jimi and Jerry who are getting a ride from them tomorrow back to O’Hare airport!) A shout out to Ed’s daughter Mia as well who stuck with us pretty well! When we arrived back to the hotel we went straight to the bar to make sure it was still open and Micky Dolenz and his sister were there as well as some of the other bands from Festa. Mitch and Ed had packed us up some dinners from the nearby food vendors to take back with us so we mowed down our dinners and had some very fun conversations with everyone else in the bar. Most of us have early flights tomorrow so it was a short night and we’ve been out on the road now for 5 days so I think we are ready! Great people here in the Midwest (as I knew there would be having come from the Midwest myself!) and we are definitely looking forward to coming back next year!
Milwaukee, WI.
July 14th, 2010
Here I am getting ready to board my flight from Ontario CA to Milwaukee. I’m actually a part of the crew this trip! While Bobby Fig and I visited Ricci at his home a few weeks ago he decided I should be an official tour member this trip. I get to be in charge of recording the new cd. Yes Ricci is actually entrusting me to this great task that all of you will hopefully enjoy for years to come. I will do my best. I’m feeling that now that I’m officially going on the road as a working employee or as Jimi calls me one of the boys, that I should get a luggage tag! Yes I did ask Ricci for one and he said I could have one but I think he was just trying to be nice and to get me to leave him alone. I’m still waiting Mr. Martin!
We are coming from all over this trip. Normally I would be flying out with both Bobby’s but Bobby Figueroa is coming from New York as he had a prior commitment there this week. I’m currently sitting here at the Ontario airport with Bobby Z at this awful hour of 5:30am. Actually quite pretty here in California at this early of an hour though I don’t want to make a habit of it! The rest of the guys, Ricci, Jimi and Jerry are all flying respectively out of Salt Lake City and Long Beach for a flight into O’Hare. They will be picked up in Chicago and driven to Milwaukee. So Z and I will be the first to arrive into Milwaukee today. Got to run for now as the flight attendants are not happy with me for typing as we are getting ready to depart the gate. Lets hope I have nothing exciting to note about this flight!…more soon!
Arrival in Milwaukee – Well , Z and I have arrived here in Wisconsin. We met at the baggage claim (as he had a much closer to the front seat than I had) to see if we could find our ride to the hotel. After much searching with Z toting around his B3 keyboard which is luckily on wheels (heavy!) we found our guy. Only problem is he is also waiting for one of the Four Lads who are also playing the Festa Italiana so we have to wait. Although how we are going to get anyone else in this van with all the stuff we have should be interesting. We waited about 10 minutes and out comes an older gentleman and woman and they are pushing an airport cart with about 15 suitcases on it. I wish I were kidding when I say that! Z and I are sitting in a 7 passenger mini van – with his B3 and both our suitcases packed for 5 days already in the back. There is no way all that luggage and those two were going to fit in there. Our driver asks the Lad if he can come back for them while he drops us off first. Lad isn’t happy about it, but has to go with that otherwise some of his 15 pieces of luggage are not going to make the trip. Z and I are secretly happy we aren’t the ones left on the curb!
Bobby and I arrived and are greeted by this swanky art deco hotel lobby and feel we’ve had enough of each others company for a few hours (wow that didn’t take long!) and go to our own rooms. I sat for about 30 minutes running through every channel on the TV I could – as back home I don’t get the remote long enough to know what’s even on TV any more; before I was bored and ready to go exploring. I know when Bobby Fig lands he will want a nice big beer cooling in a big old ice bucket so that was the next task. Deciding to brave the humidity I walked across the parking lot of the hotel next door to us and to the gas station on the corner scouring the fridge sections and what do I find – no beer! I then walked across the very busy intersection to the gas station on the other corner ( I think this deserves a luggage tag by now – no?) and again, no beer! Thinking I’m in a dry county by this time (but isn’t this the Beer Capital of the World?) I finally decided to ask someone at the gas station where is the nearest place to get some, they directed me to a place a mile down the road and I passed. As much as I love these guys, I will not walk 1 mile in 95 per cent humidity carrying a case of beer! (just lost the luggage tag rights on that I guess?)
A few hours after arriving at the hotel I went down to the pool to take advantage of the hot tub and pool. Mind you it is about 93 degrees in the pool area but the water is like 40 degrees. And it never warmed up the entire time I was in it! Amazing how they can do that. Z is already down there when I arrived working out in the gym. I could see him through the glass walls from the pool area. I managed the ice cold temperature of the pool for about 30 minutes before I felt like frostbite was going to set in. Z when he was done working out in the health club managed to get into the pool for less time than I did. He preferred the hot tub but since it was already a balmy 93 in the pool area we opted to sit and watch the others nearby. One of my favorite things to do is people watch and when I’m around these guys I get to do a lot of that. So if you ever run across me on one of the tours, I am watching you and yes you could end up in the blog one day! Bobby Z sat a couple chairs down from me and we had a laugh at the guy across the pool from us who was wearing a purple Speedo and trying to get a tan from the sunshine coming through the window. I think he’s with one of the other bands that are staying in the hotel. The girl at the front desk said the hotel was full with Festa acts.
The sun was setting a bit later on and I was wondering where everyone else was when Ricci called the room. He was meeting the others who already made it in down in the restaurant for a welcome reception. Bobby Fig arrived from the airport just as I was heading down to the restaurant so we dumped the bags in our room and went back down together. For once no one had any airport drama!
Donna was our server tonight. She could tell the boys were going to have a bit of a giggle at her expense and she caught them unawares at their own game! She gave as well as she got. Very fun loving but knows when to put her foot down. Ricci told her to come to tomorrow night’s show. We were sitting at a table near the bar and while we waited for our dinners to arrive I noticed some of the boys giving a gentleman near the bar a couple of second looks. Z and Jimi kept trying to place his name and eventually someone realized, and I can’t remember which one finally figured it out, but it was musician/comedian Pete Barbutti who had performed on the Tonight Show. Ricci, as I’ve seen him do many a time, went over and introduced himself along with the band. A couple of the guys I noticed had a bit of a star struck moment and I offered to get a photo of them with him.
Thursday - July 15th.
Today was hot! We all had breakfast with Ricci this morning in the hotel restaurant. It’s always amusing to see who is the last at the table. Jerry was the late comer today. Once we were done Ricci called to have Festa send a van over so we could all go to the fairgrounds early and scope out the layout of the stage and see where we could get the recorder set up. We made it a field trip for the whole band. Everyone had to go. Actually everyone wanted to go as its rare on the tours that they get to do some fun stuff together as a band. The Festival opened at 2pm today and we got there about 2 hours early. They did let us in the gates but none of the vendors were open yet. We are on the Harley Stage tonight a very different looking stage that had motorcycles hanging above and below each other on each side of the stage. I think someone mentioned it was the oldest stage in the park but also the biggest. I thought it would have made a great photo op for the band to all sit on one of the motorcycles with their tuxes on but no one was game. I guess the appeal of dangling from the scaffolding on a Harley 10 feet off the stage just wasn’t there. Still the stage was large and very accommodating. We met Paul and Rick the nice sound guys who were going to take care of them once the show began. As the day was still early there was no reason for us to go back to the hotel yet. We walked around the grounds a bit to take in some of what Festa had to offer. The lure of the beer stands was too much of a temptation for some! They had to wait until 2pm for the stands to open so we continued on our walk around the tents and more until it was time for them to clutch a cold one. As we strolled I got a shot of the band in front of a large Venice painting to make it look the they were actually in Italy. I’ll have to crop out the sidewalk that you can see plain as day below their feet to make it more realistic! Again we continued on our trek and were stopped by a gang of Italian maidens with lovely flowers in their hair and when they found out who Ricci was asked to have their photo taken. Surrounded by the pretty girls all decked out in costumes of swishing skirts of green, white and black Ricci and the girls took quite the nice photo!
Thursday - July 15th.
Today was hot! We all had breakfast with Ricci this morning in the hotel restaurant. It’s always amusing to see who is the last at the table. Jerry was the late comer today. Once we were done Ricci called to have Festa send a van over so we could all go to the fairgrounds early and scope out the layout of the stage and see where we could get the recorder set up. We made it a field trip for the whole band. Everyone had to go. Actually everyone wanted to go as its rare on the tours that they get to do some fun stuff together as a band. The Festival opened at 2pm today and we got there about 2 hours early. They did let us in the gates but none of the vendors were open yet. We are on the Harley Stage tonight a very different looking stage that had motorcycles hanging above and below each other on each side of the stage. I think someone mentioned it was the oldest stage in the park but also the biggest. I thought it would have made a great photo op for the band to all sit on one of the motorcycles with their tuxes on but no one was game. I guess the appeal of dangling from the scaffolding on a Harley 10 feet off the stage just wasn’t there. Still the stage was large and very accommodating. We met Paul and Rick the nice sound guys who were going to take care of them once the show began. As the day was still early there was no reason for us to go back to the hotel yet. We walked around the grounds a bit to take in some of what Festa had to offer. The lure of the beer stands was too much of a temptation for some! They had to wait until 2pm for the stands to open so we continued on our walk around the tents and more until it was time for them to clutch a cold one. As we strolled I got a shot of the band in front of a large Venice painting to make it look the they were actually in Italy. I’ll have to crop out the sidewalk that you can see plain as day below their feet to make it more realistic! Again we continued on our trek and were stopped by a gang of Italian maidens with lovely flowers in their hair and when they found out who Ricci was asked to have their photo taken. Surrounded by the pretty girls all decked out in costumes of swishing skirts of green, white and black Ricci and the girls took quite the nice photo!
Once 2pm did come and the beer stands beckoned the band’s name towards them we lost Jerry and Jimi. Jerry’s friend from the band Ambrosia (who was also playing at Festa tonight at the same time we were playing on another stage!) lives here in Milwaukee and had invited him to his recording studio downtown. Jimi, who always wants to see new things in town, went along for the ride too. We were just down to me, Bobby Fig, Bobby Z and Ricci now and off we went to the beer stand. I got to have my first “Blue Moon” brewski and I have to say I’ve become a fan. Especially of the little floating orange slice that they put in the cup to enhance the flavor! I was the only one who went for that option and the other guys were jealous and curious because I got the bonus of having the floating orange.
On our way back to the hotel this afternoon Mitch, police officer extraordinaire , excellent driver and new friend to the band gave us the history of the large highway bridge that loomed behind our stage. Rumors or speculation have it crumbling soon and they will have to replace it. Hopefully the crumbling will wait until we are all out of there and long gone! It’s such an imposing thing when you stand underneath it, which you have to do when going into the Festa Italiana. Ricci asked if I would take a photo of him with Figgy and Z to show the magnitude of the thing. In order to get this shot I had to crouch on the ground and shoot up. Yes folks on my knees on the cement taking a photo of a picture that may not even make it into the blog. If it shows up now you all will know the sacrifice I had to make so you could see it!
My days as a recording engineer are numbered after the show tonight. We had plugged the recorder Ricci brought into the PA system but it picked up nothing. Seems Ricci’s little recorder was way more advanced than the PA system for the fair. My job officially dissolved I am back to band photographer.
Not everyone could agree on whether to go downtown tonight. I think majority were up for a trip downtown, but a bit of tiredness prevailed and we went to the local steak house on the corner.
The “Branded Steer” became home to not only our small group but of just about everyone who played at Festa tonight. We saw the Four Lads there, members of Ambrosia and several others I am not yet familiar with. Definitely the place to be if you want an autograph from someone from the show.
The “Branded Steer” became home to not only our small group but of just about everyone who played at Festa tonight. We saw the Four Lads there, members of Ambrosia and several others I am not yet familiar with. Definitely the place to be if you want an autograph from someone from the show.
July 16th, 2010
Friday! And its hotter is seems today than yesterday! The Arctic pool is sounding like a great plan right now. However we are going to the fair grounds again this morning as we have to come up with some idea on how to get these shows recorded so we can put out a new cd. Jimi is a wiz and getting all the technical talk with these guys so we are going to let him do his thing!
I’ll let you know the results when we get back.
I’ll let you know the results when we get back.
And we are back! A very productive afternoon it was too. Especially the stop at the market we made on the way to the grounds. Yes we stopped before we went to the fairgrounds not after which would have made more sense. We couldn’t keep the grocery bags in the van since they didn’t know if they would need to make a run with it for another act. We had to carry all our bags to the hospitality trailer so they wouldn’t be left in the heat. Next time they will do their grocery shopping after our excursions to the fair! On a side note it was very amusing to see Ricci, Bobby F, and Jerry all running around the grocery picking up snacks and drinks for later on.
Back to the afternoon - AFTER we dropped off the groceries in the hospitality tent to keep cool we headed back over to our stage to see if Paul was there. Ricci and Jimi went into technical talk and Bobby and Jerry went to check on the musical equipment. I made myself useful and went over to the stage managers office and raided his fridge for cups and waters for tonight. We were a bit limited last night with the water and being as hot as it was and these guys wearing Tuxedo’s I wanted to make sure we were covered. I did get a kick out of handing the band their water last night that had little sponge bob square pants all over the label. I meant to get a photo of that tonight but it didn’t materialize. I have a feeling they will avoid the camera in that case!
It looks as if Paul had a solution to the recording problem but as I know next to nothing about that stuff lets just put it that things are looking up! We decided to spend another hour at Festa before going back to the hotel. We were piled in two golf carts and were carted around the grounds. That is definitely the way to get around there! It can definitely spoil one. Our first stop was the Mass Tent. Every imaginable Catholic artifact you could find was in there. We walked through there and then were taken to the Opera tent which was so warm the boys had beads of perspiration gliding down them! Seeing that everyone was in need of a shower we headed back to our hotel.
Thanks to Officer Ed who was there tonight in uniform and was so helpful to me in taking care of the band and anything we might need. Ed and Mitch are going to replace me one day I can see it!
The meet and greet tonight was spectacular. We got it in before the fireworks went off and met some really great people.
Saturday, July 17th, 2010
We gathered in Ricci’s room this afternoon so the guys could go over a couple things for the show and then stayed to watch several episodes of Animal Planet’s Whale Wars. (Ricci is addicted to this show and Cash Cab for all of you out there who wanted to know what’s on his telly) Otherwise it was a slow afternoon that Bobby Fig and I spent doing some swimming and having lunch in the hotel restaurant.
We are starting to get to know some of the other bands that are staying in the hotel. Seems the only time we can see them is here.
We got to have a police escort to the Festa tonight! Our buddies Ed and Mitch when picking up Ricci, Jerry and Jimi from the airport the other day said they wanted to give that to them as a special gift. I really didn’t expect them to pull it off. But surprise, surprise as we walked down to the lobby tonight we not only saw our van waiting for us but a nice shiny Milwaukee Police car with all its lights flaring. We met Officer Esteban (I hope I spelled that right!) who was kind enough to give us a escort to the highway but then had to leave for real police work! Believe me the guys were totally excited to have had that much! I know I was.
I got to chat a bit with the band that came on after Ricci’s show. They came last night too to see our show and I found out that they had once been Ricci’s sister Deana’s band in Branson. They were the Bronx Wanderers and had a really cool looking guy who looked like Elvis that I ran into many times backstage. Our audience tonight also had quite a few repeat fans! Many had been to the show the night before and had come back just to see Ricci again. One was a family with a young daughter who we were very happy to see again. Super great people!
After the Meet and Greet we were whisked back to the hotel were a very colorful Indian wedding was going full force and the lobby and restaurant were crammed with people wall to wall. We decided to change and have our driver who volunteered to drive us over to our new favorite place the Branded Steer so we could once more have another late night dinner. They know us all by name there already since we had been there every night since we got here. Ed and Mitch were supposed to have taken us downtown to do some fun stuff, but they both were saddled with commitments from the Festa. (boo)
We are starting to get to know some of the other bands that are staying in the hotel. Seems the only time we can see them is here.
We got to have a police escort to the Festa tonight! Our buddies Ed and Mitch when picking up Ricci, Jerry and Jimi from the airport the other day said they wanted to give that to them as a special gift. I really didn’t expect them to pull it off. But surprise, surprise as we walked down to the lobby tonight we not only saw our van waiting for us but a nice shiny Milwaukee Police car with all its lights flaring. We met Officer Esteban (I hope I spelled that right!) who was kind enough to give us a escort to the highway but then had to leave for real police work! Believe me the guys were totally excited to have had that much! I know I was.
I got to chat a bit with the band that came on after Ricci’s show. They came last night too to see our show and I found out that they had once been Ricci’s sister Deana’s band in Branson. They were the Bronx Wanderers and had a really cool looking guy who looked like Elvis that I ran into many times backstage. Our audience tonight also had quite a few repeat fans! Many had been to the show the night before and had come back just to see Ricci again. One was a family with a young daughter who we were very happy to see again. Super great people!
After the Meet and Greet we were whisked back to the hotel were a very colorful Indian wedding was going full force and the lobby and restaurant were crammed with people wall to wall. We decided to change and have our driver who volunteered to drive us over to our new favorite place the Branded Steer so we could once more have another late night dinner. They know us all by name there already since we had been there every night since we got here. Ed and Mitch were supposed to have taken us downtown to do some fun stuff, but they both were saddled with commitments from the Festa. (boo)
I forgot to mention yesterday that we did get to record the show via Paul the soundman! I also forgot to mention that I was reassigned in my duties! Ricci found it too difficult to see people when he went into the audience so it was up to me to go out and get the questions with the mike from the people. This would have worked well had I known certain technical aspects of the stage. Seems my swinging the mike back and forth and holding it upside down on occasions was giving off tons of feedback. They had to eventually turn me off and Ricci came into the audience. Once again fired!
Today is our last full day in Milwaukee. We sure have had fun and wouldn’t you know it the last day was probably the most fun. I had the guys come down early to the lobby before we left for the show so I could take group and single photos of them for the Cd. We changed backgrounds many times eventually finding the wall behind the check in desk to be the most effective with the Red paint. Thanks to the girls at the Crowne Plaza for letting us crash your work area! The red looks stunning in the photos!
We then gathered at the hotel bar to have a drink and wait for our ride when we saw Micky Dolenz of the Monkees standing right next to us. He was also waiting for his ride to Festa where he was performing on the stage next to ours . Ricci went over and introduced himself and told Micky the story of how his sister Deana broke Davy Jones heart back in the 60’s. Micky actually got a chuckle out of it. The bar normally closed early on Sunday but they said if there were enough people in there after the show they would stay open. Ricci and Micky said they could arrange it that there were enough people in there.
One we knew who would not be in there that night was Frankie Valli who also was on a stage nearby ours. Mr. Valli arrived into the hotel on Sunday and didn’t have a suite waiting for him and was put in the room next door to Ricci’s. Well he wasn’t happy that he didn’t have a suite and asked the hotel to ask Ricci if he could share his parlor with him. Ricci’s parlor was small, and they would have been in each others’ way all the time so Ricci gently declined. I think ole Frankie won’t be a fan in the future!
We actually had a interesting show tonight. Too bad it won’t make the cd, but Ricci usually tells a joke during the show but this time he gave the punch line before the joke. Ahh memories, though he will deny this (Van Halen anyone? Those of you who have seen the show will know what I’m talking about!)
Our family of 3 from the previous two nights came back to see us again tonight with more family in tow! Also we saw again more faces that we had seen the first couple of nights return to the show tonight. Including the blonde in the striped shirt who really liked Ricci! We wished Ed and Mitch well as we knew we wouldn’t see them again for awhile. (Except for Jimi and Jerry who are getting a ride from them tomorrow back to O’Hare airport!) A shout out to Ed’s daughter Mia as well who stuck with us pretty well! When we arrived back to the hotel we went straight to the bar to make sure it was still open and Micky Dolenz and his sister were there as well as some of the other bands from Festa. Mitch and Ed had packed us up some dinners from the nearby food vendors to take back with us so we mowed down our dinners and had some very fun conversations with everyone else in the bar. Most of us have early flights tomorrow so it was a short night and we’ve been out on the road now for 5 days so I think we are ready! Great people here in the Midwest (as I knew there would be having come from the Midwest myself!) and we are definitely looking forward to coming back next year!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Woo Hoo - not
Why do men always think what they say goes and they are always right? Case in point - my significant other ranted to me on the phone the other day while he was on tour because I was going out with his sister to his favorite restaurant. Why are we going when he's not there was what he wanted to know. Well because she had just gotten paid and we wanted a margarita! He made such a stink that he does all the cooking for dinners and lunches (not true at all..but he does do more than me but we go out more, and then I pay for it!) that he thought we were taking advantage of the situation. Meanwhile - he's in PA somewhere with the Ricci band having a nice dinner and staying in a fancy hotel..Hello?? Did I hear that correct? A band that I usually get to travel around with but since this wasn't a normal show (showcase for buyers to see the show) I couldn't go..so I was a bit bummed over that too.
I'm just venting but its so frustrating to be talked down to when I didn't even do ANYTHING wrong!
I'm just venting but its so frustrating to be talked down to when I didn't even do ANYTHING wrong!
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