Nicholas David West Coast Tour ’13: La La Land.

After Mesa we had a few days off.  We made a ba(n)d decision to spend one of those nights in Las Vegas.  In a nod to Hunter Thompson, and in consideration of our budget, we stayed at the Circus Circus hotel.  We got in too late to see the live circus performers, but this whole city is a circus, so it seems redundant.  Maybe that’s why they repeat circus in the name.  Nicholas had success at the penny slots, utilizing various hand gestures and victory dances to influence the machines.  We fit right in.  I went off of my diet and went to an insane over the top Vegas buffet.  I also lost $20.  I don’t have any pictures of Las Vegas because I’m trying to forget.

The Shrine Auditorium

The next day, we headed through the desert to Los Angeles.  I stayed at a long-time friend’s house in Burbank.  It was nice to not be in a hotel with a checkout time.  I was able to feel like I had a home for a brief moment and it was nice.  I caught up on some work, met with a few clients, did my laundry and ran errands.  It felt nice to get back to domestic life for a little bit. 

Judd Apatow

We played at the Shrine Auditorium.  This is a huge old theater that used to host the Oscars, American Music Awards and any other kind of event or concert you can think of.  It is a beautifully kept remnant of old Hollywood.  There were a lot of familiar faces from television, film and music in the crowd and backstage.  Although most of the band is not star crazed by celebrities, a few of us had private geek out moments at the Shrine.  Dylan had his with Rick Rubin, and I did the same with Judd Apatow.  As an aspiring comedy writer, I wanted to hug him, but decided to take shitty cell phone pictures from afar instead.  I knew I would have nerded out on him so I saved the embarrassment. 

Acting goofy in our dressing room.

We performed well, and the crowd loved it.  There were some important eyes and ears in the crowd, so I’m glad we had a good show.  It is easy to forget that this music thing is supposed to be fun, especially in the heart of the music industry.  Luckily that isn't a problem with this group.  We've finally become used to playing together, and have gained the ability to anticipate and read what one another will do next.  We are both tight and elastic at the same time.  This allows us great freedom to expand the songs and have fun with them.  Tonight during a solo performance of Villain, Nicholas donned a bear hat that he purchased at a gas station in Denver.  Imagine a stuffed animal recreation of a bears head atop of Nicholas’ giant-bearded head.  It was a silly and wonderful moment. 

The Avett Brothers put on a great show yet again.  I do not envy their schedule while they are in L.A. They are definitely putting in long hours in advance of their new album.  I think most people don’t realize the amount of effort that goes into a major label release.  It is grueling.  Despite this, they put on an amazing show.  True professionals.

Tomorrow we play outside at the Santa Barbara Bowl.  I’m glad we’re leaving L.A.  I always seem to have this feeling here.  I’m always ready to leave.