Another beautiful day in sunny California. Got a phone call from our stone sculptor mate in Ventura about noon and said a band pulled out of the Stoneworks Arts Festival and asked if would like to play. Our starting time was 8:00pm. Of course we said yes! So, a lovely 2.5hr. drive down the 101 to the even more beautiful 154 to Ventura, CA. The most spectacular scenery and a beautiful lake on the 154. We stopped at the vista point and took some photos that we will post sometime. On the way to the 101 again we were followed by the State Troopers so we set the pace to do the speed limit and do nothing wrong. I hate being followed by the Troopers even if we did not need to worry about anything. More Troopers at the bottom of the hill before we hit the the 101 again. Must be a place where people tend to speed.
We get to our mates place and where he lives is a really cool arts center and stone supply place. They supply marble and stone from all over the world to sculptors as well as finished product. So.. we get ready to head on over to the festival maybe four blocks away and I started to smell that burning plastic smell and thought oh shit..... I got a block away from the festival and the power steering went and the battery light came on. I pulled over and thought it must be the belt. Well, it was the belt but I reckoned there must be something more that made the belt come off. I managed to get the car the extra block and parked it and we got the gear out to get ready to set up. The organizers offered us their car to go to the auto parts store and get a new belt, so I did. This was about 7:00pm and we were on at 8:00pm. After the band who was already playing was finished we set up and played to a most appreciating crowd of about 200 or so. There was some amazing stone carvings by Michele Chapin and paintings by various artists on display. After the gig I had a look at the car and found that the pulley on the belt tensioner had disintegrated. So... nothing to do till the next day and deal with it. The organizers Michele and Guy kindly put us up in one of their display rooms and put a futon down with blankets, pillows and flannel jammies. When we turned off the lights and lay down to go to sleep we heard this huge rumble on the ceiling like something was chasing something else at a great rate of speed! This went on for about fifteen minutes and then stopped. Later we found out that the noise was racoons! What a day..... car still on my mind.... we are in a strange town and we have a gig the next night.... what to do??????? Go to sleep...
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First gig in Templeton tonight, found out the Pour House will be changing location after June as Firestone who own two blocks have decided that their new bar & restaurant does not need any competition so Will the wine maker and Shawn from The Pour House are searching and seeking new locations. The Pour House is the local so to speak and has a reputation for bringing in some great acts like us. So we get to catch up with old friends and new and it feels like we just came home. Half way round the world and friendship abounds. It's a great feeling, the sun is out,blue skies, looking forward to shooting the breeze and having a beer with the boys & girls. Tell you about the gig tomorrow as it might be a little late tonight. Lots of good wishes to all xxxxx Okay here I am so the Pour House looks a little different pool table on the side of the room where it wasn't. Got our sound happening, the aussie contingent arrived it was good to see familiar faces. Had a really good gig shame that the Pour House won't be there after June. Hope for Shawns sake and the locals that he finds a new place. Lovely to catch up and we met some new folk and somebody did a portrait for me of me. Love that stuff it's a buzz. Day off tomorrow then Linnaeas Saturday night and Sculpterra Sunday afternoon. Talk again soon Sleep well xxxx
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Yoshi came up from his abode and we decided to change the mattress on the bed as backs were beginning to complain loudly. A further important fact do not sleep on bad beds. Another mattress was discovered and the boys put it on Yoshis trailer and brought it up to Riggs. Lugged the other mattress down the stairs,exchanging it with the new one.Oh yes relief no aching backs. Riggs has a flu all 7 foot of him so he is staying in bed. We need to go and say hello to Aussie Kev at Trader Joes. After a couple of hours rehearsal we head into Templeton. There is Kev manning the cash register and we meet & greet. Meeting the manager nice lady then off to 15C the local gourmet wine bar. Hoping to see Michelle,she is not there but we discovered Stewie is next door. We wander in Stewie is engrossed on the phone I slide my hand across the table in front of him and he looks up in stunned amazement grinning broadly. We ordered a couple of Chai teas and sat down. He gets off the phone and its a very warm welcome home. Then his lovely wife Michelle walks through the door another round of hugs and welcome. There is a photo shoot at Wind Fall an amazing Horse stud farm it cost 28 million back in the 80,s and is over 460 acres so we troop out to have a look. Very impressive and events are now being staged out there, gorgeous grounds and super cool stalls for the horses all wrought iron custom made doors and swing feed containers. Money it sure is a rich mans world that we have a birds eye view of. Stewart & Michelle staged a wine makers event there and it was a huge success. The tent which is an Aztec Tent from California is huge and is the star of the shoot looking like it was the site for jousting knights. We head back into Templeton back to 15C for a wine or two a very nice bottle of Sapnish white for the ladies and a beer for the boys. Much chatter then its time to go. We need some bread and bits and pieces and Stewie & Mischa have a dinner appointment. Finall y back at Riggs around 8.00 ,he is still upstairs most unwell as I make dinner. Eat and then its bedtime. Taking all my flu pills and homeopathic remedies I send Riggs back to bed and we get a great nights sleep ready for the gig Thursday night.
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Rehearsal, rehearsal those cover songs and we will be playing a Bob Dylan Tribute for Songwriters At Play,gosh he had so many songs that I forget are his. Feet firmly back on the ground and here we are. Important facts for on the road,eat well,sleep well and no getting hammered till the run of gigs is complete. Don't fall behind on the blog teehee.
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Well the mountains are a lot cooler than Los Angeles who would have guessed? Now I regret not having put a pair of jeans in!!!! It's Spring so its misty of a night and still some snow winds. We set the gear up in the studio had a run of all the songs and back to the grindstone it is. Its still beautiful and absolutely majestic there were four hawks just catching the thermal updrafts and tooling around.. Its pretty special. Gigs start Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Okay xxxx
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Woke up, warm & sunny. Time to hit the road we have a three hour drive up the Californian Coast. Farewell to our hosts Kate & Brent and a huge thank you for hooking us up with Cameron, having us perform and giving us a place to stay. See you when we come back down. The road is long and winding, the weather is perfect saw four pelicans flying in formation along the beach...amazing. They are such big birds. Ran into fog in the middle of the afternoon Steven Kings novel The Fog was set where we are traveling through. Unbelievable then we glide out of the mist into brilliant sunshine and our destination awaits. Food is a priority as I will be cooking for seven so the supermarket Food for Less a warehouse and shop. Dos Equis beer, of course then salads and veggies you know the drill. Forgot the code for the gate my dyslexia rears its head, saved by the angel Gabriel and Kevin, the gates open and we are afforded entrance to paradise. A tiny deer crosses, rolling hills and a light breeze as we wind our way to Riggs. It was so good to see the boys, two amazing sculptors who have been in Cambria for a Sculpture Symposium, classes with some great sculptors over the last week. Gabriel hails from New Mexico, Kevin lives in Ventura both great craftsmen. Big hugs and warm welcome as we stretch our legs after a 200 mile day.Unpack the groceries, check the refrigerator grab a beer and laugh. Nice to be back amongst good mates. Its so gorgeous hawks flying free on the air currents and mountains. A hot green vegetarian curry with pasta and great company. We finally met Yoshi & Leica. A clean kitchen, a fresh start thanks to Lisa, wonderful lady. Off to bed. xxx xxxxx
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Slept well, had a croissant for breakfast, our hosts are having their guest room wall papered its gorgeous. We need to be at the playhouse for sound check so we head out. Its a variety show and we are the World Music segment. Monster Music Playhouse is hosting performances from their students in a pretty cool space. We get done with sound check and Cameron Datzker from LA TALK is there. He proudly tells us that we got the most hits on his show email responses, over 200 likes and questions where to buy the album and people wanting to hear more of THE SIGN woohoo. That is a great feeling. The show is re-run all week so another five days. We head back to the house to get changed, it's hot.... One of Paul's best buddies lives pretty close so we visit before we need to be at the Monster Music Playhouse. It was a great reunion Mark, Gary & MacGruder.... funny fellows. They come to see us play then we all head back to Marks' place to party. Lots of laughter, a few beers, some playing on the black resonator suddenly its 3.30 in the morning. Home to sleep. I finally met the Miller Brothers. Atascadero Riggs Gigs here we come after some sleep.
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Left for Los Angeles. Airtime on radio show LA TALK with Cameron LA Sports & Talk. Got into Sherman Oaks with some time to spare,off to Hoggly Wogglys for ribs, yes I know meet the mmmeat. Did not consider that I would smell like ribs, sticky fingers for playing, so no more eating ribs before playing. Washing didn't seem to help. Marty Ingles (famous actor/comedian from years back) was on the show, we did not know what a fine surprise! Cameron was a great host, funny, generous and quick witted. 5 MILLION listeners and a captive audience. The Sign played IN YOUR WORLD live and it was a hit. We went out to Sollys Deli and had Matzos Ball soup, rye bread and me, well an Ice Chocolate Moccachino mmm. Shot the breeze, it was a fun night then we headed to the place with the view Amarito Drive. It's gorgeous . Our hosts Katie & Brent are lovely people with hearts of gold, they made us welcome, showed us our sleeping room and the bathroom. We take a hottub under the velvet California sky for a good forty minutes, relax, thank the powers that be for taking such care of us and head up to bed. Bella the gargoyle dog stealthily slips out of our room through the balcony door. As there are coyotes in these hills all small animals can immediately become prey, lucky for us she returned without too much encouragement Phew we would not have been welcome had she got eaten. Sleep glorious sleep
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So... jetlag arrived, thank goodness for a laid back day, barbecue and family. Windy night, the promise of rain but the desert is a jealous woman without tears.The gear works and the guitars settled. The corner of the amp is repaired and the buzz is happening.
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Okay loved playing at The Cactus reminds me a little of Crossroads except its a sea of sand and Steve wasn't there. But friends and family were there and we love their support. Anna & Johnnie lent us a couple of mic stands and we got to play a couple of hours in a pretty pleasant atmosphere. Now I feel like we are here, five days have vanished. We leave for LA in the early afternoon trying to cruise the traffic which we know is going to be horrid. Radio interview live to air at 7.30 then out to our accommodation a most beautiful residence in the Hills. Time to kick back before our show on Saturday night and we have four more dates in SLO that just arrived. Head for SLO Monday I think. Love and Peace Guys & Gals
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The Sign / Blog
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 14
Another beautiful day in sunny California. Got a phone call from our stone sculptor mate in Ventura about noon and said a band pulled out of the Stoneworks Arts Festival and asked if would like to play. Our starting time was 8:00pm. Of course we said yes! So, a lovely 2.5hr. drive down the 101 to the even more beautiful 154 to Ventura, CA. The most spectacular scenery and a beautiful lake on the 154. We stopped at the vista point and took some photos that we will post sometime. On the way to the 101 again we were followed by the State Troopers so we set the pace to do the speed limit and do nothing wrong. I hate being followed by the Troopers even if we did not need to worry about anything. More Troopers at the bottom of the hill before we hit the the 101 again. Must be a place where people tend to speed. We get to our mates place and where he lives is a really cool arts center and stone supply place. They supply marble and stone from all over the world to sculptors as well as finished product. So.. we get ready to head on over to the festival maybe four blocks away and I started to smell that burning plastic smell and thought oh shit..... I got a block away from the festival and the power steering went and the battery light came on. I pulled over and thought it must be the belt. Well, it was the belt but I reckoned there must be something more that made the belt come off. I managed to get the car the extra block and parked it and we got the gear out to get ready to set up. The organizers offered us their car to go to the auto parts store and get a new belt, so I did. This was about 7:00pm and we were on at 8:00pm. After the band who was already playing was finished we set up and played to a most appreciating crowd of about 200 or so. There was some amazing stone carvings by Michele Chapin and paintings by various artists on display. After the gig I had a look at the car and found that the pulley on the belt tensioner had disintegrated. So... nothing to do till the next day and deal with it. The organizers Michele and Guy kindly put us up in one of their display rooms and put a futon down with blankets, pillows and flannel jammies. When we turned off the lights and lay down to go to sleep we heard this huge rumble on the ceiling like something was chasing something else at a great rate of speed! This went on for about fifteen minutes and then stopped. Later we found out that the noise was racoons! What a day..... car still on my mind.... we are in a strange town and we have a gig the next night.... what to do??????? Go to sleep...
Reply
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 13
First gig in Templeton tonight, found out the Pour House will be changing location after June as Firestone who own two blocks have decided that their new bar & restaurant does not need any competition so Will the wine maker and Shawn from The Pour House are searching and seeking new locations. The Pour House is the local so to speak and has a reputation for bringing in some great acts like us. So we get to catch up with old friends and new and it feels like we just came home. Half way round the world and friendship abounds. It's a great feeling, the sun is out,blue skies, looking forward to shooting the breeze and having a beer with the boys & girls. Tell you about the gig tomorrow as it might be a little late tonight. Lots of good wishes to all xxxxx Okay here I am so the Pour House looks a little different pool table on the side of the room where it wasn't. Got our sound happening, the aussie contingent arrived it was good to see familiar faces. Had a really good gig shame that the Pour House won't be there after June. Hope for Shawns sake and the locals that he finds a new place. Lovely to catch up and we met some new folk and somebody did a portrait for me of me. Love that stuff it's a buzz. Day off tomorrow then Linnaeas Saturday night and Sculpterra Sunday afternoon. Talk again soon Sleep well xxxx
Reply
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 12
Yoshi came up from his abode and we decided to change the mattress on the bed as backs were beginning to complain loudly. A further important fact do not sleep on bad beds. Another mattress was discovered and the boys put it on Yoshis trailer and brought it up to Riggs. Lugged the other mattress down the stairs,exchanging it with the new one.Oh yes relief no aching backs. Riggs has a flu all 7 foot of him so he is staying in bed. We need to go and say hello to Aussie Kev at Trader Joes. After a couple of hours rehearsal we head into Templeton. There is Kev manning the cash register and we meet & greet. Meeting the manager nice lady then off to 15C the local gourmet wine bar. Hoping to see Michelle,she is not there but we discovered Stewie is next door. We wander in Stewie is engrossed on the phone I slide my hand across the table in front of him and he looks up in stunned amazement grinning broadly. We ordered a couple of Chai teas and sat down. He gets off the phone and its a very warm welcome home. Then his lovely wife Michelle walks through the door another round of hugs and welcome. There is a photo shoot at Wind Fall an amazing Horse stud farm it cost 28 million back in the 80,s and is over 460 acres so we troop out to have a look. Very impressive and events are now being staged out there, gorgeous grounds and super cool stalls for the horses all wrought iron custom made doors and swing feed containers. Money it sure is a rich mans world that we have a birds eye view of. Stewart & Michelle staged a wine makers event there and it was a huge success. The tent which is an Aztec Tent from California is huge and is the star of the shoot looking like it was the site for jousting knights. We head back into Templeton back to 15C for a wine or two a very nice bottle of Sapnish white for the ladies and a beer for the boys. Much chatter then its time to go. We need some bread and bits and pieces and Stewie & Mischa have a dinner appointment. Finall y back at Riggs around 8.00 ,he is still upstairs most unwell as I make dinner. Eat and then its bedtime. Taking all my flu pills and homeopathic remedies I send Riggs back to bed and we get a great nights sleep ready for the gig Thursday night.
Reply
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 11
Rehearsal, rehearsal those cover songs and we will be playing a Bob Dylan Tribute for Songwriters At Play,gosh he had so many songs that I forget are his. Feet firmly back on the ground and here we are. Important facts for on the road,eat well,sleep well and no getting hammered till the run of gigs is complete. Don't fall behind on the blog teehee.
Reply
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 10
Well the mountains are a lot cooler than Los Angeles who would have guessed? Now I regret not having put a pair of jeans in!!!! It's Spring so its misty of a night and still some snow winds. We set the gear up in the studio had a run of all the songs and back to the grindstone it is. Its still beautiful and absolutely majestic there were four hawks just catching the thermal updrafts and tooling around.. Its pretty special. Gigs start Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Okay xxxx
Reply
Templeton USA Tour 2012 Day 9
Woke up, warm & sunny. Time to hit the road we have a three hour drive up the Californian Coast. Farewell to our hosts Kate & Brent and a huge thank you for hooking us up with Cameron, having us perform and giving us a place to stay. See you when we come back down. The road is long and winding, the weather is perfect saw four pelicans flying in formation along the beach...amazing. They are such big birds. Ran into fog in the middle of the afternoon Steven Kings novel The Fog was set where we are traveling through. Unbelievable then we glide out of the mist into brilliant sunshine and our destination awaits. Food is a priority as I will be cooking for seven so the supermarket Food for Less a warehouse and shop. Dos Equis beer, of course then salads and veggies you know the drill. Forgot the code for the gate my dyslexia rears its head, saved by the angel Gabriel and Kevin, the gates open and we are afforded entrance to paradise. A tiny deer crosses, rolling hills and a light breeze as we wind our way to Riggs. It was so good to see the boys, two amazing sculptors who have been in Cambria for a Sculpture Symposium, classes with some great sculptors over the last week. Gabriel hails from New Mexico, Kevin lives in Ventura both great craftsmen. Big hugs and warm welcome as we stretch our legs after a 200 mile day.Unpack the groceries, check the refrigerator grab a beer and laugh. Nice to be back amongst good mates. Its so gorgeous hawks flying free on the air currents and mountains. A hot green vegetarian curry with pasta and great company. We finally met Yoshi & Leica. A clean kitchen, a fresh start thanks to Lisa, wonderful lady. Off to bed. xxx xxxxx
Reply
Los Angeles USA Tour 2012 Day 8
Slept well, had a croissant for breakfast, our hosts are having their guest room wall papered its gorgeous. We need to be at the playhouse for sound check so we head out. Its a variety show and we are the World Music segment. Monster Music Playhouse is hosting performances from their students in a pretty cool space. We get done with sound check and Cameron Datzker from LA TALK is there. He proudly tells us that we got the most hits on his show email responses, over 200 likes and questions where to buy the album and people wanting to hear more of THE SIGN woohoo. That is a great feeling. The show is re-run all week so another five days. We head back to the house to get changed, it's hot.... One of Paul's best buddies lives pretty close so we visit before we need to be at the Monster Music Playhouse. It was a great reunion Mark, Gary & MacGruder.... funny fellows. They come to see us play then we all head back to Marks' place to party. Lots of laughter, a few beers, some playing on the black resonator suddenly its 3.30 in the morning. Home to sleep. I finally met the Miller Brothers. Atascadero Riggs Gigs here we come after some sleep.
Reply
Los Angeles USA Tour 2012 Day 7
Left for Los Angeles. Airtime on radio show LA TALK with Cameron LA Sports & Talk. Got into Sherman Oaks with some time to spare,off to Hoggly Wogglys for ribs, yes I know meet the mmmeat. Did not consider that I would smell like ribs, sticky fingers for playing, so no more eating ribs before playing. Washing didn't seem to help. Marty Ingles (famous actor/comedian from years back) was on the show, we did not know what a fine surprise! Cameron was a great host, funny, generous and quick witted. 5 MILLION listeners and a captive audience. The Sign played IN YOUR WORLD live and it was a hit. We went out to Sollys Deli and had Matzos Ball soup, rye bread and me, well an Ice Chocolate Moccachino mmm. Shot the breeze, it was a fun night then we headed to the place with the view Amarito Drive. It's gorgeous . Our hosts Katie & Brent are lovely people with hearts of gold, they made us welcome, showed us our sleeping room and the bathroom. We take a hottub under the velvet California sky for a good forty minutes, relax, thank the powers that be for taking such care of us and head up to bed. Bella the gargoyle dog stealthily slips out of our room through the balcony door. As there are coyotes in these hills all small animals can immediately become prey, lucky for us she returned without too much encouragement Phew we would not have been welcome had she got eaten. Sleep glorious sleep
Reply
29 Palms USA Tour 2012 Day 5
So... jetlag arrived, thank goodness for a laid back day, barbecue and family. Windy night, the promise of rain but the desert is a jealous woman without tears.The gear works and the guitars settled. The corner of the amp is repaired and the buzz is happening.
Reply
29 Palms USA Tour 2012 Day 6
Okay loved playing at The Cactus reminds me a little of Crossroads except its a sea of sand and Steve wasn't there. But friends and family were there and we love their support. Anna & Johnnie lent us a couple of mic stands and we got to play a couple of hours in a pretty pleasant atmosphere. Now I feel like we are here, five days have vanished. We leave for LA in the early afternoon trying to cruise the traffic which we know is going to be horrid. Radio interview live to air at 7.30 then out to our accommodation a most beautiful residence in the Hills. Time to kick back before our show on Saturday night and we have four more dates in SLO that just arrived. Head for SLO Monday I think. Love and Peace Guys & Gals
Reply