The Great Battle

So last night, I was fortunate enough to play with Rozendal @ one of my favorite venues: The White Eagle Saloon. I love this bar. It's not the best sounding venue for either patron or player but I love it still.
It's dark and cozy and located kinda all by itself in a industrial part of town. It also has a long (long!) history as a rockhaus bar, brothel, and shanghai port.

The gig was ok. The sound was not quite up to the usual par of this venue and this can sometimes throw you off your game.

We played with the band On The Stairs. They were cool. Very dynamic. At times 70's rock at times quiet country. All good players.

The great battle was that across town at the Aladdin was Over The Rhine. I have to make two confessions: 1. I've never seen a show at the Aladdin. 2. I've never seen Over The Rhine.
I love playing out. It's why I play. But as much as I love playing out, I also love seeing great music. That is often the conflict with playing a lot of shows, not having time to see those that might inspire me. Even if that inspiration can sometime be wanting to go home, take all my drums out to the sidewalk and light them on fire! ; )

Tonight, I've got rehearsal with Fast Rattler and then it's off to Laurelthirst to see some of Portland's finest tackle Tom Waits.

Rock'n Roll.