Farewell 2101
I just sold this item on eBay, and I will never see it again. Although beaten & bruised, it served me faithfully on many a gig, and I owe it much gratitude. In a way, it is part of shedding the One Drum skin, since I used this effects/preamp unit quite extensively for bass and guitar when I was in that band. Farewell, Digitech Studio Tube GSP 2101!
Students!
I now have about 8 students signed up, and I’m really enjoying teaching. To share my passion is very fulfilling, and it doesn’t feel like work. At this point, I don’t have enough students to justify quitting my day job. If this keeps up, however, there will come a point at which I will have to make a tough decision.
George’s Tavern
Waiting here at George’s Tavern in Racine, Wisconsin. We were supposed to be on 2 minutes ago, but there are some issues with the sound system, so we’re waiting ’til they’re ready for us.
Nice place. They (or someone near here) has free wifi, so I plugged right in, so to speak.
This is a sort of farewell gig for me and Holly, as we’re both departing the core group of the One Drum collective. What a sweet farewell it will be. This lineup features Cory Coleman (vocals, dundun & bass), Kristin Urban (vocals & percussion), Cecilio Negron, jr. (drums, congas, vocals), Holly Haebig (vocals & guitar), and yours truly on guitar and vocals. Poor sound guys. It’s 8:43 pm and they’re still fiddling with the system.
This is where the fans & the musicians both learn patience.
Mickey Hart
I had an interesting experience while waiting for Nicole’s flight to arrive: I met Mickey Hart, one of the drummers of the Grateful Dead. I was coming up the escalator, and he was looking at me, and I looked at him, looked away, looked back, and then walked up to him. He was on the cellphone, and I didn’t want to intrude, but I said, “Mickey Hart?” and he nodded. I shook his hand, and moved on. His hand was slightly callused, and reminded me of shaking Jahmes’ hand, which is far more padded. A few minutes later, he was joined by Mike Gordon, bassist of Phish, and an older gent I didn’t recognize. I didn’t want to be the annoying fan who spotted the celebrities, so I kept to myself.
What an interesting experience. It was somewhat surreal, seeing a guy I had only seen in concert, or on album covers and videos, standing right in front of me. I sent an sms to my buddy Ryan, and he told me the Rhythm Devils were playing in Milwaukee.
After I left the airport, I remembered I had read two books by Mickey Hart a long time ago, and had thoroughly enjoyed them both.
Even later, I was mulling over the notion that they were waiting for a late ride, and Mickey may have assumed I was the driver, which was why he was looking right at me as I got to the top of the escalator.
My devoted readers may note that I haven’t stopped thinking about this. Roman is starstruck. I shook Mickey Hart’s hand.
Guitar Lessons
I’m now offering private guitar lessons, for those interested. I will either do home visits, or have the student come to my place.
All Ages
Beginning & Intermediate
Styles: Rock, blues, Reggae, Pop, R&B, Funk, Folk, Latin
Curriculum customized to the individual
20+ years of experience
$20 per half hour