It's all over.  For the moment at least, this week we leave for Chicago and a few midwest dates.  BRRRRRRRR!  Not exactly looking forward to that weather.  The tour closed out with quite a bang and lots of drama.  We didn't get to play the Costa Mesa show due to massive fallout with the promoter who was a total sleaze and tried to dick us over at every turn.  Dealing with him was by far the most stressful thing on the tour.  So we had to bid a bittersweet adieu to Manuok after a consolation drink or two.  Hopefully we'll meet up with them again in the not-too-distant future:  they're a great band AND a fabulous group of guys. 

We crashed early and then headed up to Santa Barbara for the last show.  Ugh.  Driving from Orange County through LA to SB the day before Thanksgiving = the worst traffic EVER.  So, we get to SB, where we're playing a venue called Soho.  It's kind of a random place, but many famous names have actually played there.  It's a restaurant/bar sort of deal.  The bill was ummm.... interesting.  We didn't fit with the first two bands at all, but were excited about playing with Carmen Rizzo after us.  The show went off great for us, but unfortunately, some crazy drama ensued later involving dumb musicians with zero manners/sense.  It was not the best way to end the tour. 

All in all, I'd say the tour was a success.  We were very well received and played some great shows to a lot of people.  I think we made a good impression on all.  The best part was getting to know my bandmates better, sharing such small quarters for a rather long time.  Learning what sexual perversions are OK, and where they draw the line.... minus the poop!!!!  That goes for all of us, I think.  :)  Getting delirious on long drives, scary birds fighting in trees; doing round-offs and cartwheels and made up dances at rest stops; riffing on comedy jingles; pushing each others' buttons.  Wondering why Bakersfield smells like burning peanutbutter in a toilet (according to AL, at least); Going boy crazy with AL.... mmmm salty backs! Serenading the front seat with "Part of Your World" when Disney's legacy was questioned.  Extreme peeing situations, random quotes about peeing:  "When I see the desert, I want to pee on it."  You can also substitute many other things for the word desert.  We used many.  Drinking the most expensive tea ever in San Francisco.  Outrageously expensive.  Tea, by the way, is not a great thing to drink on road trips.  I'm just saying.  It goes right through.  And last, but not least:  PINK POCKETS!!!!!!!! 

Stay tuned for the next installments when we head East......