We headed out at 7:15 for Busch Gardens. We played three 45 minute sets in an outdoor pavilion. I remember the first day was really nice. We had a small trailer to warm up in, which wasn’t great. We got to wear the classy blue polo shirts that say Glenn Miller Orchestra on them.
We were provided access to the park, so Andy, Dan Gabel, Brent Marquez and I went and rode a wooden roller coaster after the second set, which was fun.
The park provided us with meal vouchers so lunch was free. I made a huge mistake and got the rib sampler, it was way too much meat and I remember sweating ribs and bbq sauce on stage for the last set.
Note to self: Meat sweats on stage-not fun
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday January 27th
This day was a well deserved day off for the band. I remember doing laundry across the street at this tiny Laundromat in a shopping complex with a Winn-Dixie. I was happy that our hotel had a grill and we were close to the Winn-Dixie, this means grilling out.
While I was doing laundry I took my Bible and my ipod. I read a lot about marriage in the bible and what God says about marriage in the Bible. I had been missing Christie a lot and I had a pretty good idea that she was THE ONE after she spent an entire week with me and my family in Georgia. I love her and my family is crazy about her, so after reading those passages, I pretty much knew that she was the woman for me.
I got back from doing laundry and I practiced a bunch and then I remember grilling out with Ron Mills and Andy Schlinder and how much fun it was.
While I was doing laundry I took my Bible and my ipod. I read a lot about marriage in the bible and what God says about marriage in the Bible. I had been missing Christie a lot and I had a pretty good idea that she was THE ONE after she spent an entire week with me and my family in Georgia. I love her and my family is crazy about her, so after reading those passages, I pretty much knew that she was the woman for me.
I got back from doing laundry and I practiced a bunch and then I remember grilling out with Ron Mills and Andy Schlinder and how much fun it was.
January 26th-Monday
Monday was spent on the road heading down to Brooksville, Fl. From here we would commute into Tampa Bay to play at Busch Gardens. When the bus stopped for a file stop they dropped Mr. Piper off at the airport. I can’t believe he didn’t last but 3 days.
We got into the hotel very late and paid our bill. Our room smelled awful, and we demanded they switch us to another room since we were in the room for 5 nights.
I am learning quickly that once you pay for your hotels, you don’t end up making that much money.
We got into the hotel very late and paid our bill. Our room smelled awful, and we demanded they switch us to another room since we were in the room for 5 nights.
I am learning quickly that once you pay for your hotels, you don’t end up making that much money.
Sunday- January 25th
We went down to Spartanburg, SC to play a double header on Sunday. We had a delicious meal here with Sweedish meatballs included. The gig went pretty well from what I remember. Afterwards the owner gave us all the free beer we could drink. Andy, Ron Mills, and I got a little tipsy and then staggered back to the hotel, which was within walking distance. The hotel was awesome, it was a Marriot hotel and very nice.
After this double header, the road manager told the new singer that he was no longer needed.
After this double header, the road manager told the new singer that he was no longer needed.
January 24th-Friday
Headed to the Grove Park Inn and Resort in Asheville, NC. This place is beautiful. Our rooms were amazing. The entire time I was there I kept thinking that this would be a great place to spend a weekend with my lovely lady.
We played a 4 hour dance. This was my first dance and there were a lot of tunes I had not played before on the gig, but I survived without any major catastrophes. The new singer did not do well at all. He does not know the words to the songs and I don’t think he had prepared ahead of time for the gig.
After the gig several of us guys indulged a couple of excellent beers from the local microbrewery.
The dinner and breakfast served at this place was amazing, I have never seen some much good looking food in one area. There was basically a room with nothing but deserts.
We played a 4 hour dance. This was my first dance and there were a lot of tunes I had not played before on the gig, but I survived without any major catastrophes. The new singer did not do well at all. He does not know the words to the songs and I don’t think he had prepared ahead of time for the gig.
After the gig several of us guys indulged a couple of excellent beers from the local microbrewery.
The dinner and breakfast served at this place was amazing, I have never seen some much good looking food in one area. There was basically a room with nothing but deserts.
January 23
Drove to Swainsboro, Georgia and played at Southeast Georgia College. Good crowd, and I believe we played Bill Bailey(1468) for the first time at this gig. We had comped rooms at a brand new Days Inn in Swainsboro. We picked up a new singer at the airport. A gentleman named Ben Piper.
Thursday January 22
We played in Jacksonville. I remember being really unhappy about my situation and really second guessing my decision to come out on the road. I remember the gig went well and that made me feel better.
As I look back the things that were tough for me wasn’t the schedule or the playing, though it was and still is tough. Being away from Christie and missing the simple things like sleeping in your own bed, having your own place to live was what was hard for me.
As I look back the things that were tough for me wasn’t the schedule or the playing, though it was and still is tough. Being away from Christie and missing the simple things like sleeping in your own bed, having your own place to live was what was hard for me.
January 14
Woke up around 8, started practicing, had lunch again at Chipotle, practiced more, then headed to the gig at Lake Mary HS. Really nice facility. Buddy Morrow and Dave Wolpe were in the audience. So it was a really cool gig, I still have a lot to work on but things are improving.
January 13
Woke up around 7. Talked to Christie, ran 1 mile, called Nana and read USA Today. Ate breakfast and talked to bus driver.
Practiced' till 11:30. Had Chipotle for lunch with Scott and Andy, the two tenors in the section. Really cool guys.
Practiced then met with Kevin for an hour to discuss parts, made dinner, practiced more.
Practiced' till 11:30. Had Chipotle for lunch with Scott and Andy, the two tenors in the section. Really cool guys.
Practiced then met with Kevin for an hour to discuss parts, made dinner, practiced more.
I'm Back!
Sorry to have taken so long to update my blog, I got busy trying to learn my book and adapt to road life.
I will be updating my blog with all the stories from the road in the upcoming weeks
I will be updating my blog with all the stories from the road in the upcoming weeks
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Christie
I gave her some pictures of us so she could put one up in her room at school and the others in her room at Grandma's. I also got her a really pretty necklace that looks gorgeous on her.
My family got her a lot of stuff and she was really happy. She's my girl and I really love her. We're planning to go to Florida for my break and hang with Carole and Tyler.
I am so happy that she got into grad school and I think it will be good for her!
January 12
Was woken up very early by severe leg and foot cramps, not fun at all. Called my girlfriend and talked to her, packed up and loaded the bus headed to Altamonte Springs, FL.
Arrived at Days Inn in Altamonte Springs, Florida at 5 p.m. Checked in, called parents and Christie, ate dinner, then practiced and listened to tunes for upcoming concert, then did a video call with Christie. She had trouble getting her webcam to work but she finally got it, and we were able to see each other. Even got to talk to Grandma Edna.
January 11
Clayton State University-Spivey Hall(Morrow,Georgia)
Got up to practice and work on the book around 7 or 8. Practiced a decent amount
1st concert went ok with exception of my music being out of order for one tune. The biggest things I have to work on are good in tune vibrato, and all the subtle nuances.
Got to see my parents and various family members after the first concert and they brought me more stuff to use on the bus. They have been very good to me and I am fortunate to have such a great family.
I didn't have much time to meet up with Christie, but it's ok. I'll make it up to her ;)
January 10
Spent the entire morning and afternoon packing and getting ready to meet up with the band.
Met up with the band at Super 8 motel in Atlanta. Had dinner with some of the band members, got the bus keys, the book, jackets and ties, and got help from the guys in the band.
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