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June 23, the show I've been wanting for years to do - in Bethlehem PA, the opening night of the NearFest weekend - a high point of
the year for fans of progressive rock.
I'd been offered a spot on the bill, with my band, a few years ago, but couldn't take advantage of it because of other tour commitments. This time we were free, and,
opening for Hatfield and the North, we played Friday night, the concert titled "Progressive Legends Showcase"
You know right off you're not at the usual gig when you see a sign like this on the dressing room door!
A bow and quiver of Stick... that's got to be unique!
And, as when I'd played here with the California Guitar Trio, the promoters had invited in a coffee expert, machines and all, to provide superb espresso for all the
musicians on site!
But, you know by now... that stuff is fun for me, but the real treat is the show, and the great audiences.
My camera was having an off night, but I've done what I could to bump up the contrast... here are some shots:
Also seen at the after-show signing, one gentleman who had heard of the show at the last minute, from my MySpace blog (proof that it's at least a little useful!)
And this trio of young men with a striking t-shirt theme - probably bought before they were born!
A great show, great audience, and maybe the best sounding of the tour, with the nice acoustics of the auditorium.
But, though we'd like to stay for the weekend of shows in Bethlehem, next night - our home town show, in Woodstock!
June 24, Bearsville Theater, one of our favorite venues, and the one we'd rehearsed at way before the tour started.
We all live locally, so no need for venue providing food - I brought the backstage necessities myself!
June 25, so, our Summer U.S. Tour almost over, we drove a short way to Teaneck NJ, to play in a club I hadn't been to before, called Mexicali Blues.
(Ironically, our next show will be in mid-July, in Mexico City - should we compare the enchiladas?)
A smaller turnout than the last two nights, but then, it's not a theater, and it's a Sunday night. We had plenty of fun - starting with seeing this gracious young man who asked
that we sign his t-shirt.
And, a great treat, present for the show was Vinnie Bell - the famed guitar player and designer. We must have done a hundred albums together back in the 1970's when everyone came
to New York to record their albums.
So... this tour diary will quiet down for a bit, until before our July 22nd show in Mexico City (I'll fly down early for promotion and in the past that has made for some quite
colorful diary updates - I seem to remember a tv show with host dressed like a clown, who surprised me on camera by having his "secretary" stand behind me, looking
somewhat like a stripper!)
And that show will be a very special one - the Mexican audiences are awesome.
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