This is an open and unfiltered diary-style journal
on the life of James Robert Smith.
This blog will contain sometimes graphic experiences (both beautiful and ugly),
sometimes stark insight, and all honest and factual documentation of dreams, diet, activity, and thoughts.
At Music Makers doing some front desk stuff while Jake
teaches a couple lessons – rearranging some gear.
Eggs. Vegan Breakfast Sausage. Spinach. English Muffin.
Coffee.
At the warehouse meeting with a new tenant, Zach, to start
officially renting out the office room. I’ve got to move a bunch of file
cabinets out of there.
Then, meeting with Megan at Music Makers to practice some
songs she’ll be singing and playing bass with me on at an upcoming gig.
Fried Rice with Quinoa, Kale, Carrots, Tuna, and Garlic
Bread.
Over at the warehouse Nigel and Kevin are rearranging the
live room for rentals. Ron and I help organize and move things around. Then, we
have a business meeting discussing travel plans for the upcoming shows.
Running errands. Helping Allyson at Music Makers decorate
for Halloween.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Watching The Flash
(2023).
While riding my bike to Whole Foods I notice Ana getting
ready to leave in the parking lot. I’m sure she notices me but she ignores me
as I give a wave. Then, as I walk into the store I can hear the song, “Don’t
Speak” start up on the radio. How timely is that? We used to sing that song
together. I’ve honestly been trying to move on I really have – but it’s moments
like this that get me jostled.
Waking up around 11:30 a.m. from a well rested sleep.
Rebecca and I have to get out to the Hunter House Victorian
Museum in Norfolk. They’re rehearsing this Edgar Allan Poe walkthrough that
Brittany asked us to volunteer for. Her, I, and a few others are going to be
narrators – reciting some of the poetry and escorting groups of people.
This place is really cool – lots of rooms and old things on
display. There’s a camera guy here filming some of the scenes but we mainly
sort out some of the details.
Waking up earlier than I’d like but today’s a big day!
At The Sandler Center loading in and setting up for the big
show tonight.
Many stressful moments trying to figure out the best system
to get Modern Day Warrior sound checked and all that. Leon isn’t getting in
till later so we have to shuffle around what we’re doing. There’s a lot of
anticipation for tonight it being a local show and all the promotion and
advertising that went into it.
I’m literally running from one point to another dealing with
all the little things – making sure the phone camera is set up – keyboard rig –
making sure all the kids have their stuff in order.
Modern Day Warrior opens up the show with their “Separate
Ways” banger – the house is full and really hype for them. I’m like a proud dad
for this band. They really brought the energy and talent to the big stage.
Then, The American ELO gets up there and we do a pretty
flawless performance. John Terrell really gave the live vocals a boost so it
sounds great.
Doing the meet and greet out by merch. A lot of our people
were here to see us. Signing autographs and taking pictures like rock stars.
Afterwards, getting everything packed up on the stage.
Trailer is packed. I gather my things and leave. My aunt Pansy and Peter got
stranded somehow outside the venue – her phone died and they couldn’t call an
Uber. So I help get them home. Thankfully enjoying a slice of Pizza from
nearby.
Getting rid of gear at the studio and clearing out the 104
space for ballet things tomorrow.
Linking up at the warehouse with the ELO crew. Making sure
we got everything packed up in the trailer and hooking it up to the van. With
Carlos, Carson, Kevin, Nigel, Nancy, and this new guy Patrick.
We pile in. I take a decent nap after eating a breakfast
bar. About 3 hours later we arrive at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia.
Loading everything in and setting up the stage. We got here
so early so there’s no stress. There’s so many venue people too.
PB&J and Coffee.
Sound check goes mostly well. Replacing a frayed xlr cable
on Leon’s drums – replacing Ron’s pedal board with the spare – fixing
frequencies on mics, etc.
Rebecca and I ride the elevator to the 11th floor
where the Starr Hill Brewery is – grabbing some quick food – meanwhile, there’s
like a thousand people hanging around on this top level. Making our way to
Wegman’s down on street level and enjoying some desserts with Ron, Mike, and
Leon.
Doing the show – it’s been about three months since our last
show so everything feels hype and fresh. It’s a really great show.
Packing up and loading out. We’re all eager to hit the road
cause the sooner we get home the better. I take the wheel of the van/trailer
and drive us through the nasty rain and wind – it takes about 3.5 hours to get
home.
Then, biking out to The Bunker for a show. It’s crazy how
many times I’ve been here in the past few weeks. I blame it on Josh for booking
some cool bands lately. Tonight I’m filling in on bass with Elliott’s band
Obscure Son. We open up right at 7. It’s quite a crowd too, mostly fans of Of
Montreal, which later on they really bring the entertainment. A few dancers
come up with many costume changes and a decent light show. It’s a good time –
drinking and dancing with friends. It’s weird cause I run into so many random
people – an old high school friend Richard who talks about how he still has
this button he keeps on his bag that I gave him – Brad the guy who built my
piano shell for ELO – and the usual crowd. Sasha made it out too – it’s always
good to see her.
Back home. Settling down and catching up on stuff.
Right afterwards, practicing bass with Elliott’s band,
Obscure Son in the 104 space. He bought us pizza and beer. This is a very last
minute thing me playing these songs with them tomorrow night for a show. But we
run through the tunes and discuss any issues.
Waking up around 11:45 a.m. Cuddling with Elvis for a while.
I had this crazy dream about a gorilla trying to break into
Music Makers – I recall the sound of his head banging into the windows while
Elvis and I try to stay hidden.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, and Almond Milk. English
Breakfast Tea.
Running errands. Doing stuff at the studio.
Chores.
Eggs. Kale. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Later on, at the warehouse for a full on band rehearsal –
even Leon is here on drums. There’s also a girl here (Aniela) that could
potentially be Rebecca’s understudy. We get through both sets with a little
discussion here and there.
Dinner: Pink Beans with Quinoa, Salad, and Garlic Bread.
Watching Atlanta.
Ice Cream.
At the studio organizing things and practicing some bass.
Running errands – picking up some pre-sale tickets from
Sandler for the ELO show – stopping by the thrift store.
Biking to the oceanfront to catch a highly anticipated show
at The Bunker. Deerhoof is playing with Community Witch and Curt Sydnor. I’ve
never had the pleasure of witnessing the frenetic energy of Deerhoof live so
it’s a treat for me tonight. And then CW opening makes it all that better.
Enjoying a Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Fries and lots of
Sour Beers.
We all hang around after the show – migrating to Duck Dive
over by 31st Street. It’s loud and dancey in there. With Shannon,
Josh, Chris, Jordan, and other friends.
...
After last call we eventually migrate over to Nicolette’s
apartment off S. Oriole. Her dog, Geno, is a gem of an animal. We all hang out
drinking, eating canned oysters, looking at Jupiter in the night sky, and
listening to music in the living room.
...
Josh and I end up crashing on the couch at some point.
Rebecca and I head to the warehouse for an interview with
WAVY TV 10. They’re doing a segment on the ELO band. We all get dressed up and
pretend to rehearse with a few questions from Regina Mobley.
Later on, at Rebecca’s we’re both tired.
Catching up on business.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Grabbing Mr. Shawarma’s for dinner – a VB spot just opened
up in Hilltop.
Then, Modern Day Warrior practice. I help get them geared up
for the Sandler show.
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