My 2009 West Coast Tour
It was my one city, two show west coast tour, and it was a blast. I had the pleasure to meet and play with guitarist Marcus Ruffalo, performed at both the Relay for Life and at Michaels' On The Lake restaurant, and even got true rock star treatment. More on that in a moment.
It all started at 5 AM on the east coast through two long flights to Phoenix and then to Spokane. From Spokane a rental car to Moses Lake, where it's kind of like a desert but with a big lake. First show, the Relay for Life. I met up with Marcus for the first time in person, having only communicated through email until then. We had an impromptu rehearsal then performed at the Relay that night. I closed with "Every Candle Has A Name" for the Luminaria ceremony.
The next day, after a welcome extended sleep, it was over to Michael's on the Lake, where Sam the bartender created the All Fruits Ripe Martini, named after my song. Marcus and I setup and did a sound check courtesy of Dale Roth (DJ, soundman, and good friend) and had some food. I made a quick stop back at the hotel where I was picked up by a limo (herein lies the rock star treatment). It was quite fun, riding with key members of my official Northwest Fan Club, including Terry, Don, Donna, Al, Samantha, and "Mom," and turning some heads at the restaurant.
Enjoying several AFR martinis, I played with my man Marcus from about 6:30 to past 10. Michael's is a wonderful place, and we got to play on the patio overlooking the lake. Many thanks to Jordan and all the good folks at Michael's for an excellent time.
Anthony and Terry were kind enough to videotape and post several songs out to YouTube. Click here to see All Fruits Ripe (Live) on YouTube. You can also download the All Fruits Ripe (Live) video here. For those of you who subscribe to my podcast, this should automagically download to your iTunes and iPod. I hope you enjoy it.
The next morning began the long trek back to Atlanta. I feel so fortunate to have so many friends out in the middle of the beautiful state of Washington, and I'd like to give a particular shout out to my new friend and fantastic musician, Marcus Ruffalo. Check out his stuff on MySpace. He's a true professional with years in the business out in LA, but more importantly a terrific person with an incredible story. Here's to you my friend, and to everyone who made my west coast tour such a success.