Heartbreak Hotel

Saturday: MB went out early to the farmer's market in Union Square. I got up, web, shower. Was about to go down basement, when she returned. I ate some breakfast, and we hung out. Some phone calling with Terry arranging the logistics of getting down to Lupo's. Talked to Wnd briefly as well. MB headed out around 12:30, driving down to RI to see her friend V and new baby G. Brief sitting. Touch-up-painted the wall leading upstairs. (Always seems to get bumped.) Morning practices. Wnd stopped in for a brief visit. I got on the road by 3:30.

Made good time. Got to the Bonanza bus station, and then figured out that Tony must be coming in on the Greyhound. Drove to that station, and gave him a call on the cell, just to be sure. Realized I'd left my wallet at home. Some walking around, taking the lay of the land. Hot out today. Tony arrived about 5:10. We decided to try to just nose around and find Lupo's rather than following the directions. Good thing we did, since it turned out to be only a couple blocks from the bus station.

Dropped off Tony and found parking. When I entered, Terry was already there. His girlfriend lent him her car. Some reconnoitering. Check-in with RF. This club was a much different venue than the Somerville Theater. It's used as a nightclub as well as a performance space. They just bring in chairs for concerts, and change the stage around some. Stripper poles and dancing cages were available, but we did not wind up making use of them. Terry, Biff and I went to find food. We picked a Cuban place near where I'd parked the car. Terry and I had the veggie wrap (essentially a bean burrito). Yerba Maté Soda. Plantains. Back to the club. We stood in our spots as the doors opened, about 7:05. RF gave us a little bit of a challenge, by sitting out at the mixing-board. I hovered, trying to make sure no one would bother him. One guy tried to ask a question, but I turned him away. I was asked to let the house security guys know they didn't need to stand by the steps leading onto the stage. MB arrived.

The show began on time, and had a similar format to the previous night. I stood near the bar, and did my best to split my attention between the music, and keeping an eye on things. I felt more uneasy in this venue. Most of the audience was very well behaved, but I sensed disruptive element in the air. One guy sat way in the back of the club with his arms folded, giving off hostility. People were drinking and stumbling around. The best question of the night came from a nine year old: "Do you imagine things while you're playing?" The casualness of the club atmosphere helped move from the speaking portion back into the music. After the show, the three of us (Thirds Maintainers, I guess) stood around not knowing quite what to do. I had the thought that I wanted to make sure no one was sneaking up the stairs to the dressing room, so I went back stage. Tony and Terry followed, and we wound up going up and having our "Fisting for completion." An old acquaintance came in to say hello. We were given some tuna salad, cru-de-te, and mint tea to take home (I think Terry wound up with all of it). Back downstairs, we found that someone had stolen the DAT tapes of the evening's performance. What a bummer. I felt responsible for this, in that, I led Tony and Terry away from the floor, by going backstage.

We headed out, passing RF, who was sitting in a car waiting to leave. He thanked MB for letting me come out. We said goodbye to John and Biff. On the road, and good conversation with Tony.

Back home, we got Tony settled, then all sat around drinking some tea, and eating a little pie. And, when I say "a little pie," I mean a little pie. I think it was probably 6 inches in diameter. I stayed up trying to complete a few things. Cut it short when I found myself profoundly sleepy.