This and That Tour
Day Ten –
Started the day with the FreshFM radio interview with Jon on the morning show. The This and That tour is on the airwaves – WOOHOO.
Last day on the ride. Oh so sad. Going into Nelson was reminiscent of our trip last year and we kept reliving memories. Into Nelson – meeting at the hostel, setting up Vic’s; seeing the boys; viewing the beach. Got to Trafalgar Square in Nelson. It was to the venue and remeeting Andrew (Smiley) and Pete from the airport and old friends. We all stayed at the Nelson Beach Hostel with Allen and Sharon Campbell – two of the best hosts ever. What a great couple and their son Sonny also.
Pete, our wonderful new friend and bass player, told us about their Maori tattoos. They represent the family lineage, where you grew up and other important family information. They are all unique and put on the men when they turn 21 as a rite of passage. He is also going to have one put on in the traditional manner with bone as the needle.
When we got to Nelson – we discovered a large write-up in the Nelson Mail for the new CD and pumping the gigs. We were really stoked to see Jon get his due and the large headline for Vortex Tribe. Yes – international press . . .
We had a wonderful gig – sold CD’s; had people on the dance floor; standing room only. They provided dinner and we had a great sound. So much fun, Everyone played themselves into the ground – The Engine with Steve and Ced were again off the charts and Pete stepped in and didn’t miss a beat. Jon was the star and had a huge following of guitar guys watching his every lick.
Day Eleven –
Went and got Blain from the airport. We all hung a bit in Nelson town and had lunch, etc. We then took Pete to the airport for his return to Wellington and opening support for Katchafire. We were so sad and actually cried – what an amazing thing music is when shared – Pete is now a member of our family and he has invited us to share his in Tanauki when we return.
It was now time to rehearse with Blain – again amazed at how well these gentlemen learned their parts and were prepared. It made everything so much easier. Blain is ‘sweet as’ and also an incredibly funky bass player.
To the club – Baby G’s with Jessica and Urna. Jessica is from San Francisco and the club was fantastic. It had the best reviews. Smiley came and set up the sound. A garden patio in the back was right behind The Engine so it ended up that all the drummers in Nelson were watching them from behind and all the guitarists/bassists were in the front ! We even had a flutist in the mix who was a new player. Hope I motivated him.
Great show and great night. The crowd was totally sweet as and the band played for 2.5 hours straight with no break. Blain did a great job in keeping up with the team and played excellent solos. Many many repeat customers from the gig the night before.
