What a first day!!! For not even having ‘officially’ started, we are spurring the band into a hard gallop. The gig at the Crowne was spirited, we had Roger Kellaway sitting in riding the piano, man he swung us into some new spots along the trail. David Jackson came and hung, sang, played and brought his special brand of general jollification. Noah and Gabe--the youngsters--held in there, taught us a couple of things and I look forward to what we get into as the groove deepens.

We arrived in Long Bach last night a bit harried, a long drive from Big Sur, and if you haven’t navigated a trailer through LA freeway traffic, then I suggest you leave it to others. One thinbg I leanrnedl: Don’t use your turn signals, now I know the guy who taught me in traffic school is cringing, might even want the diploma back, but hey, when you use those things down here, all it does is give the other drivers the idea that you’re on to something, and they race to fill it in before you do. I’m serious!!!

We got to the hotel and all the parking spaces were full so with a team effort we disconnected and wrestled Dinah into a small area next to the ice machine…ha, the usual road grind. I got up early to do an interview at KKJZ, it was a lot of fun, once the coffee kicked in.

We downsized temporarily, leaving the trailer behind at Luther ughesHHuuHughes’ (JMW Regional Director, LA), we had rooms for this gig, thanks Merle Kreibich of In-House Music. It’ll be nice to sleep in a cushy bed…sort of fattening us up for who knows what? 

Monique Bourin, (JMW Events Coordinator, Spiritual Guru and Mercantile Consultant) has come down, says she’s in for the whole trip…we certainly hope so. She makes it possible to keeps everything together, is a positive spirit and makes a big difference in so many ways. What did we do without her?

Tomorrow is the ‘official’ start date, I hope the guys don’t put up too much of a fight when I ask for their money stash…hey, I’ll give it back!!

Of course the real reason we’re doing this, to ensure that the living legacy of music and playing is treasured and protected. Our workshops have proven how important and effective the mere act of sharing your passion for life and art can make for a young life, and I ask all of you to consider supporting us with a contribution so that we can continue to do these trips and expand the workshops.

Until then, keep a swingin…or better yet, come down and caravan  along, I’ll do my best to leave that tracker on.