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Today is tour prep day!
To sum up I eat food and handle getting a new trailer with Nigel – figuring out the new pack at the warehouse.
Doing some chores and more organizing.
Picking up the bus from the shop – the RV guys worked late into the night to get all the things done.
Working more at configuring the pack. There, very late into the early morning.
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Today is all centered around the MMLIVE show at The Bunker.
As usual it takes a lot of time to set up and transport gear. Also, as usual I am very proud of all the bands – we had five this time, all with their own layers of talent.
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Rebecca and Reid help me big time getting all the gear brought back into Music Makers.
I’m home finally catching up on everything – doing chores.
Settling down.
It’s about 9 a.m. and I just dropped off the rental after an all night drive.
Home. I clean myself up and attempt to nap for a half hour.
Granola with Banana. Tea.
Then, at Music Makers we have three final band rehearsals before the big show tomorrow.
PB&J. Coffee.
Talks with Rebecca about her qualms with the ELO band how she hates all the things outside of performing.
Eggs. Black Beans. Quinoa. Kale. Garlic Bread.
Watching Barry.
At the warehouse. It’s after 11 p.m. and it’s pouring rain but I’m here to help the van people unload the trailer and touch base with Nigel about a few things. Mike drops by and we chat about everything.
Back home. Feeling super tired. I try to get some work done as much as I can but I have no choice but to konk out.
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Waking up bright and early at Mohegan Sun in Montville, Connecticut. August drove the Tahoe all through the night.
Checking into the rooms and napping as long as we can till it’s time for load in at 11 a.m.
Meeting the stage hands and getting everything on the stage.
Eating a nice lunch at some point and scoring some free Starbucks coffee.
Setting up takes a bit longer since it’s such a big arena stage – many, many moving parts.
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At some point I leave the chaos and shower up in my room – taking a much needed nap. Meanwhile, August is there but goes out to explore the casino.
Back at the stage for sound check. Nigel of course is unintentionally causing chaos trying to set up go pro cameras while simultaneously knocking my vocoder over. We play through about 5 songs for Phil the FOH. Then, dinner back stage.
I retrieve more of my belongings from the hotel room and notice an enormous line formed to get into the arena. Little do we know the original 7,000 in attendance show would turn into a 10,000. Security is upped because of it.
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It’s wild to be up on that stage seeing the sea of people out in the arena. During our performance whenever they cheer it’s a monstrous roar. Everything goes great – even Edwin – he’s filling in on guitar for Mike.
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Doing a meet and greet, which requires an escorted secret passage to merch. It’s kind of odd though cause people just stand there taking pictures of us but at some point they start leading fans to us to sign autographs.
Then, we have to high tail it on the stage packing up the gear. It’s of course chaotic with all the venue crew doing various things around us. But eventually, we hit the road in our Tahoe rental. August drives me, Rebecca, Ron, and Chris all the way home to VB. I try my best to sleep in the back but it’s always tough in a moving vehicle.
Waking up at 11:30 a.m.
Granola with Banana and Almond Milk. Tea.
A couple things on my agenda this afternoon. I walk the hot and pollen filled streets of Hilltop to Enterprise to pick up the rental. I was hoping for a minivan but we get a big fat white Tahoe instead – still spacious and nice.
Then, meeting one of the parishioners at the Galilee church to talk about an upcoming recital we wanna do for Music Makers.
Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Immediately after, coaching Alexa’s band rehearsal – this is their final one before the show this Sunday. I ordered pizza for me and the band.
Back home. Packing up a few things for the trip tonight.
Meeting at the warehouse. Last minute I recruited August (AJ) to drive our rental to Connecticut. Also in tow is Jimmy, Rebecca, and Ron. I stay up in the passenger seat working on computer things. Some old alt folk songs come on periodically – nostalgic emotional triggers here and there – thinking about where I was a year ago – can’t believe how much of a blur it’s been.
After a gas stop I slip into the back where the futon is and try to sleep till Mohegan.
Waking up around 11:30 a.m.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
Pineapple.
At the studio setting up the 104 space for official MMLIVE band rehearsals
Running errands.
Eggs. Bagel. Salad. Chips. Coffee. Vegan Breakfast Sausage.
Teaching lessons.
Then, coaching Olivia’s band rehearsal.
Tofu Pad Thai for dinner.
At the warehouse there’s chaos. Mike and I try to finish attaching the foam on my piano shell. Then Jimmy and I get the pack in order – labeling each case with numbers in order to which they go. Meanwhile, Rebecca, Brittany, and Chris replenish the merch case with shirts.
Finally home – snacking on popcorn and fruit.
Waking up around 11 in the morning.
Breakfast Bar. Tea.
At the warehouse with Mike and Rebecca – we were supposed to meet Nigel here for many reasons. In the meantime, Mike and I work on the piano shell.
Running errands – picking up some stuff at the bus.
Catching up on business back at home.
Eggs. Spinach. Chips. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Protein Shake.
Browsing Lowe’s for tour prep things.
At the warehouse cutting foam and configuring the piano shell case.
Back home after midnight making a quick pasta dinner.
Watching Barry.
Waking up at 11:30 a.m.
Granola. Tea.
Catching up on business.
Running errands.
Eggs. Spinach. Chips. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Protein Shake.
Meeting up with Mike at the warehouse to troubleshoot some things with the piano shell. Meanwhile, Rebecca is doing merch stuff.
Leftovers for dinner again.
Watching Barry.
Chocolate and Tea.
Catching up on things.
Trying to sleep in the back of the bus – it’s not proving successful but off and on I’m able to catch a few dreams.
Rick continues the long drive home.
We make it to Virginia Beach shortly before 9 a.m. We see Rick off at the China Bus station – he’s been such a joy to have around. Then, stopping by Nigel’s to drop more people off. Then, to the warehouse to unload trailer, clean out bus, and go home!
I unpack and get settled into my house.
Granola. Tea.
Taking a much anticipated nap!
Salmon Wrap with Pita and Hummus. Coffee.
Then, coaching two MMLIVE bands with Rebecca.
Enjoying some leftovers for dinner.
Doing chores and playing catch up on house stuff.
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Waking up bright and early at 7:00 a.m. Bus call at 7:30.
Rick, our driver, takes the wheel while most of us attempt to sleep on the bunks and futon mattress.
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A couple of Pilot truck stops and six hours of driving we arrive at the People’s Bank Theatre in Marietta, Ohio.
PB&J English Muffin. Salmon Wrap. Chips. Tea.
This venue is once again rich with history. One of the guys introduces me to the secret underground tunnel that leads to various places in the theatre.
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The dinner spread and hospitality is amazing. Swordfish, Veggies, Potatoes, and Rice on the menu along with Carrot Cake.
We do our show and I’d say third time’s a charm – it being third show and all. The room and the lights are great – audience is pretty energetic.
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Packing up and loading out. Sharing stories and thoughts on the bus as we eat our late night eats. Rick takes the wheel and drives us through the night!
Working at the computer for a while until I decide to attempt sleep in the back.
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We arrive in Flint, Michigan after a two hour drive.
Loading in and setting up the stage. Plenty of stage hands to help.
We were prepared for terrible water and a place rabid with crime but this is nothing like what we expected. As I walk around the block to the hotel I pass amazing murals on buildings. A local coffee shop called Krema Café provides steampunk Victorian vibes. Sitting down with Rebecca and Rick discussing some religious things. We’ve really gotten to know Rick a lot on this tour – he’s such an all around pleasant and helpful guy.
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The Capitol Theatre is one of the more beautiful venues we’ve played – ceiling twinkling with star lights and a blue hue.
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There’s some stress at sound check because they wants us to stop right at 5:00 when we’re used to having until 5:30. They call this a union show cause the workers are union – so they need a blacked out stage. This wasn’t advanced so we have to adapt.
I walk up the street to try out a few savory and sweet crepes from this crepe place and it’s perfect.
Then, getting dressed up and show time!
What an amazing energy from the crowd tonight – their roar every time we finish a song was overwhelming but in a good way.
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At the meet and greet it’s always nice to talk to the adoring fans. One lady hand painted a bunch of rocks with our logo on it and gave each of us one.
Packing up and settling back into the hotel, which happens to be only two blocks away
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Waking up at 11 a.m. in this amazing loft apartment in Lexington, Michigan. The whole band and crew are staying here right above the venue.
Rebecca and I take a stroll around the block to grab some coffee from a local spot. Breakfast bar to go with for me.
Loading and setting up the stage at the Village Theatre. It’s a real nice intimate theatre. It’s a lot of work figuring out the system and getting everything ready.
PB&J English Muffin. Eggs. Pineapple. Coffee.
Sound check then getting ready.
We have to play two shows tonight, one at 6:00 and one at 8:30. They serve us dinner in between. Enjoying Salmon with Veggies and Fries.
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After the second show we do a meet and greet with the fans – there’s always so many compliments. People talk about how they saw the original ELO back in the 70’s and how we do the songs justice.
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Later on, back up in the loft, we all gather in the den and kitchen snacking and enjoying each other’s company. I encourage a game of Texas Hold’em. $5 buy-in’s. We play for hours. It’s a real good time. Chris ends up winning the pot at the end of the night.
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Everyone is fast asleep while I clean up the place and prep things for tomorrow.
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Stuck on the ELO tour bus – attempting to sleep off and on – trying to ignore the insane bumps along the way, which is almost impossible to do.
Protein Shake. Tea. Fruit.
The bus keeps trucking along – it’s so very hot cause the A/C is still not working at all. We put on a bunch of fans and sweat it out.
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PB&J English Muffin. Tea. Fruit.
Eventually we make it to Lexington, Michigan. We’re staying above the venue we’re playing at tomorrow, a spacious loft AirBnB style joint – so many rooms. They typically use this for weddings and events but they’re letting us house ourselves here for the next two nights.
Showering up and getting settled in.
Lake Huron is just a walk down the block. With Rebecca, Ed, Casey, Kevin, and Rick. We take a stroll along the rocky pier that takes you out on the water. Unlike the crashing waves of the ocean this body of water is silent and peaceful. I climb all over the rocks and we have a nice outing.
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Walking back up the block we find a place called Steis’s Village Inn, a local hole in the wall joint with a late night menu. We order martinis and pizza. Leon catches up with us after he gets into town.
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Back at the loft we continue drinking and socializing in the kitchen – juggling with the decorative balls – analyzing time signatures in songs – playing Heads Up – fiddling with cards. Honestly, this is the perfect way to start the weekend before we go to work.
Waking up at 11:30 a.m.
Protein Shake. Tea.
Meeting Kevin at the warehouse to load the trailer. Then, picking up the bus from the RV shop – briefly talking with Eli, the Moldavian mechanic there, about his life and all the issues on the bus.
It takes time to drive the bus from one place to the other. Running some errands – getting some last minute groceries for the road.
Eggs. Salad. English Muffins. Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Right after Rebecca and I have to coach Olivia’s band – they’re mostly ready to go but it’s a lot of fun.
Back home. Packing up and prepping the bus.
Dinner: Black Beans with Vegan Sausage. Salad. Rice. Naan Bread.
Linking up at the warehouse with everyone who’s riding in the ELO bus. Rick, our driver is here. We love having a driver – it’s been such a relief on the band/crew to not have to worry about the road.
We hit the road onward to Michigan. I stay cooped up in a seat working on computer stuff. Because of my night owl tendencies I keep Rick company for a while. Then try to sleep on the futon in the back.
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Waking up around 11:30 a.m.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Running errands.
Picking up the piano shell from Stage Right – Bobby painted a nice black texture on the outside. Over at the warehouse Mike and I brainstorm on the case and figure out how it’s going to fit securely in there.
Eggs. Baby Broccoli. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Chicken Wrap with Fries from BonChon – not very satisfied.
Over at the warehouse I tinker on things with the ELO rehearsal – mostly focusing on Ian, Edwin, and Jimmy A. working on guitar/bass parts.
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I stay behind working on packing things up.
Waking up around noon.
Breakfast Bar from Three Ships. Tea.
Catching up on business.
Running errands – fixing my phone screen for an old iPhone I have – cleaning up some things on the bus.
Eggs. Bagel. Chips. Chard. Coffee.
Watching Barry.
Back at the bus cleaning cables up and things – at the warehouse cutting some foam to put into my new piano shell case.
Dinner: Tuna with Black Beans, Rice, Baby Broccoli, Carrots, and Garlic Bread.
It’s weird cause it’s Easter – normally I might’ve done Easter related things like attended church with mom and Ana but both have gone from my life. I’m just by myself working through the day.
Chores – playing with Elvis.
