First thing a.m. (all right, around 10:30) we tried to get back on the tee at Aliso Creek and play some more, but the golfers weren't going for it. Hey man, let us play through!

Back to reality. I'll admit it's been a while since our last trip down Route 66, so I was rusty when it came to the 'instant hits'. I tried to teach the others how to spot a likely place: plenty of people, ample space to play, no TV or loud music, and most corporate-owned places have rules about that kind of stuff (yikes) and we need to talk to someone who can say yes or no. Well, we tried a few, no luck, and frankly I thought I'd lost my touch and was a more than a bit concerned. I know they say inflation is under control, but try and buy breakfast for five, and look at the price of gas (although we don't need it yet). OK, I was worried. But alas, we moved into Palos Verdes and found a cute place called Kelly's Corner, an old post office, deli and tack store (nice combo, tailor-made for Cow Bop), and I talked them into a set.


Lots of people went by and stopped to hang out with us. They threw down enough to replenish our stash, I could feel it, the magic was back! We even got some horse-ridin youngsters to sit in on the box...swingin,

This cardboard box-drum thing is a bit of a signature for the band, I think Mikey is working on an endorsement (all you beer companies need to send samples if you're interested, he requested that they arrive full so he can road test them all). Kelly's treated us to the tastiest root beer floats I think I ever came across, of course the heat and humidity might have had something to do with my opinion. We played at a party in Andy Patman's backyard, lots of supportive folks contributed to the fun and the program. Andy & Kathy set a splendid table and the merriment flowed freely into the late evening. Don & Sue Miller showed up all the way from Phoenix, they run the Paradise Valley Jazz Party (and how I met Andy & Kathy in the first place) it was really great to see them. The band is picking it up a notch, just goes to show when you hit the road and live for playing (in this case literally) it takes the level of commitment to a higher level and effects the music in great ways. Music, live in front of folks makes it all work and the JazzMasters Workshop method was in full view...just play man! I know we have some converts and I hope we can set something up in this area, Tomorrow is an empty canvass, but I'm sure we'll be fillin it up with lots of swingin grooves and plenty of eighth notes. In any case, it'll be in the moment, which is where I hope all of you are, it's a wonderful world out here, come on out and join us. PS> Any ideas of places to visit or play along Highway 1 (use the tracker to find us) are extremely welcome, just comment to the blog or email from the site, I'll get it. The trailer awaits, I bid you all fondue