Quick update as I am about to be kicked off a computer here in southern Oregon. Last night was spent camping out in northern California. Another beautiful night. I have been arriving at the campgrounds too late, and leaving too early, for them to charge me a dime. Classic! I am set to embark on my NxNW journey in just a few minutes. First, I am gonna go see "The Woman Chaser" starring Patrick Warburton (of "Seinfeld" fame ... the dude who wore the Devils face paint). I will file a report tomorrow.
Slaid Cleaves was playing just south of my campground last night in Berkeley .. I found out too late. Damn he's good.
until then,
Lc.
9.20.2000
I just got done watching what may be the best movie I have seen in years. Please see the "reviews" area for more details.
'Tis a beautiful day here in San Francisco. I am on my way up north to catch the NxNW music conference tomorrow. I was planning on buying a badge so I could see Jerry Harrison and Barbara Manning speak, but decided that my 250 bucks could be put to better use (perhaps as toilet paper?).
Over the weekend, I was treated to an advance listening of Tim Easton's new record, due to be released in Jan. 2001 on New West (Peter Jesperson was recently brought in by them). The record features, in addition to Tim's outstanding songwriting and warm voice, the sounds of Wilco (minus Jeff Tweedy), who truly add a nice flavor to the mix. I think this one's gonna be well-appreciated (unlike Tim's first solo record, "Special 20," the best record of 1998 in my opinion).
CD finds today (all for 2 bucks): Nils Lofgren "Silver Lining"; Mary Karlzen; Energy Orchard (Bap Kennedy's band).
until manana,
Lc.
9.19.2000
Camping out at Joshua Tree last night was the experience of a lifetime. Wait, let me backtrack...first it was a few beers at the Joshua Tree Tavern. This place was SO honky-tonk. Listening to CCR and Hendrix in JT, CA was amazing. Arrived at the park at about 3:30am. Took me several hours to pitch tent in the hardened desert. Greeted by a couple of coyotes. Slept on a serious incline (only soft ground I could find) and was awakened by the blistering heat at 6am. Had to overnight Tim's keys to him.
Hit the thrift shops today and bought myself a classic pool cue for a mere 10 bucks. Headed out of JT at about 11am, headed for San Fran, which is where I sit. Beautiful town.
Hey, I didn't run out of gas today!
bye.
Lc.
9.18.2000
Got up EARLY today...6am. Slept like a rock, for about 3 hrs. I just got done snapping some photos up at Griffith Landing, where many scenes from "Rebel Without a Cause" were shot. Beautiful. I miss Chicago but damn it sure is fun being on the road. Everyone is so fit and gorgeous out here it's strange. I am going to camp out @ Joshua Tree tonight; unfortunately Mark and Victoria are touring right now. I will smoke a J in theirs and Gram's memory.
Wednesday, NxNW begins, featuring 2 of my all-time favorite artists: Tim Easton and Barbara Manning. I cannot wait. I am really excited about the music lying out there, waiting to be unearthed. Until next time, hasta pasta.
"May your regrets become memories."
Lc.
9.17.2000
Okay, here I sit in L.A., listening to some KICKass rock 'n' roll. Plans to hit Rte 66 have been scrapped; instead, I am going to attend the NxNW music festival next weekend in Portland. The trip out here was interesting, to say the least. I ran out of gas, TWICE. Damn fuel gauge. Over 2000 miles, over 30 hrs. Seems like it took 10 years, or is it 10 minutes??? Camped out in Elk River, NE and Green River, UT (how apropos).
Staying with Tim Easton in Thaitown, right near Hollywood. I think I'll hit Ventura Blvd. today, why not? Hopefully it has recovered from that awful America song. I have to say this has already been an experience of a lifetime. God only knows what the next week has in store for me. One last note: as I drove into L.A. last night, just as the sun was setting, the mix tape I had been listening to spat out the following 2 songs: Neil Young's "Out on the Weekend" followed by the Beatles "Follow the Sun." I shit you not. Unbelievable!! Oh yeah, California has a "fruits and veggies" checkpoint before they will let you into the state. I told the chap I had no fruits and veggies but I did have a huge J. He took a hit and waved me through.
Until layter, I am ...
Lc.