Thursday, January 26, 2006

How Will The Wolf Survive? Eat At Boomtown.

Hey Soul Mates,
I've returned from a visit to Florida. And you didn't even know I was gone. It was a really relaxing trip to see family. On the trip eastbound, Los Lobos were on board the plane. I immediately recognized them, while waiting to board in Ontario. No more LAX, if I can help it. And I highly recommend the Park 'n' Fly there. When we disembarked in Houston, I had a chance to meet the group. Cesar Rosas was particularly kind and he talked to me about their short visit to Texas for the weekend. They were scheduled to do some acoustic performances around Austin. He seemed surprised that someone should recognize them, but they do stand out. Los Lobos, while never a favorite, is still an inspiration. They struggled mightily to get their major-label deal. We haven't played any birthday parties or quincinieras. Most people only know them from La Bamba (which hit #1 in '87). Like that's a bad thing. Plus they've got Grammy hardware and that's never anything to scoff. The core of the group has played together since highschool; 30 years and counting. That's impressive.

Florida was entirely rejuvenating. Everything was done at a leisurely pace. Oh! I have to really recommend a restaurant for those of you visiting Jacksonville. It's called Boomtown in Hemming Plaza adjacent to the new public library. Go for the Boom-Booms, an appetizer made of honey soaked dough fried in curry powder. Zow. For dinner, I ordered the Cajun blackened honey tilapia. The name says it all. It's the second time I've been there and the food is always super; the chef fears no seasoning or spice! Boomtown's underground ambiance is singular for Jacksonville. Lots of folk art, local art and a small stage surrounded by comfortable couches. And the staff is engaging, all theatre-types... or at least theatrical.

After visiting my grandmother in Vero for a couple of days, I got to spend a day at my Mom's. My best friends from highschool, Mike and Mark came over for a brief visit. They are the my original band mates, and I love them. Before it was time to wing back to LA, I got to lounge in the old front yard and the overwhelming sensation was "timelessness." It could have been 1988. Certainly it was the same humidity.

Well, we did not get accepted to the SXSW music festival. It's a disappointment, but we soul-dier on (That's for Rocco in Chicago). I'm hoping to have some colossal news about Rush Hour Soul in a few days. So be ready for it! Any moment now, our new single will be available to add to MySpace pages. Per fan requests.
Have a great Wednesday, y'all.
Love, Power, Peace