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OCTOBER 1999
At first I thought it was the cruelest thing I'd ever heard. He said to me "when are you guys coming to Dallas?" I said I wasn't sure; that's not the cruel part. Then he said, "well we're really enjoying having the Stanley Cup." As you can imagine, I was not amused. But then I realized that since his city's claim to the prize was truly based upon an error of judgement, I had nothing to fear. My pride returned, knowing full well that Buffalo was the rightful heir to Lord Stanley's cup, and in the end we would be victorious. Peace, justice, and the Stanley Cup will be set right in the hereafter. What else could really matter? Well, okay, let's not bring up about those Superbowls.
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October for LOST AND FOUND was a great month, (the above temporary setback notwithstanding). We had lots of entries in our "THE-P.-J.-O'ROURKE-IS-FROM-TOLEDO-OHIO" contest. If you'd like to see the results you can click the title there. Lunch Day (October 2nd) was spent in Pella, Iowa. Those who know heavy machinery (and who doesn't), know that Pella is home to the Vermeer Corporation. Michael tried his best to look like the fellow on the Vermeer Corporation banner. We were at the Vermeer place to play for a fine group of young folks at a daytime rally followed by a concert that night. On our way out of town, I received the year's second speeding ticket. I believe my next ticket means I foul-out and Michael takes over the driving.
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Ol' Pepper Arm
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 The next night found us at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where we played in the snack bar and then did a couple numbers at their late-night praise service. In between we did a really fun interview at the radio station. That night we began heading east. We stopped at my house on the way and then arrived in Cabot, Pennsylvania, where we played for a fine collection of people and, unlike last time, I didn't drop any piano stands on my foot, meaning we didn't have to go through x-rays at the local hospital like we normally do after the concert in Cabot. From there we continued east and arrived in the New York Metropolitan area, or the Tri-state area, or the Megalopolis, or Bill Clinton's ATM.
| Our first event in the Northeast was a Sports Night lock-in on Long Island. We played some songs, and then they turned the young people loose to start in with various fun stuff. A fun time was had by all. Afterward, we were able to get a cheap rate on our hotel room by getting the convenience rate. The next day we hung around the city and found ourselves watching my nephew Walter knock around a few hockey pucks. Turns out he's really good and his Chelsea Piers team beat those thugs from New Jersey. From there it was up into Mass where we played in Gardner. We had a good crowd, especially considering we were up against the Patriots and the Red Sox. The next day we made our first trip into Maine, pal. We were so distracted at being in a new state that I let the van run out of gas. No big deal, since it was only pouring rain in the middle of the night when we were walking down the streets of Maine, pal. The concert itself was great fun, and included my playing a string bass we found backstage. From there we headed back south, playing in Arlington, Mass, where they have Trader Joe's stores AND Starbucks! Before leaving the Boston area, we did a little sightseeing, which brings us to this month's trivia contest. With your hands on the buzzers, for ten points, please e-mail us your answer to the following question: Can you name both bridges in this picture. (Hint: one of them is in the band, and one of them saved the country from a terrible autocracy. Extra Hint: neither of them is Chappaquidick.) |
knock off a few bucks!
Go Walt
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No tipping!
St. James youts
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Then we headed south and west and found ourselves in Connecticut, where we played for the people of Naugatuck. The next day we had the day off and spent it with our old pal Justin Vetrano. Michael took some time to open his hair salon, and used his hair skills on Justin and Kim's daughter, Sydney. On the 15th we got together with Justin's youth group, the fine folks of St James Lutheran Church. From there we went over to our second Sports Night of the month. |
| On the way, we stopped in Howard Beach, where I finally had the chance to visit my brother at the office. Before we played that night, we were once again treated to the fine sounds of the musical group "Pulse." One group of girls seemed to think that we were a college football team and decorated their faces accordingly. Their youth director got in on the act, though he was a little subtler about it. That night I began driving west toward Ohio, while Michael spent some more time hiding Teletubbies with Sydney. |
Pulse
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Pete gets a name
A picture, of a man, taking a picture, of a picture, of me, taking his picture!
Now THAT's planning!
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We had a few days off to rest up before I flew to Los Angeles and Michael and Pete and I drove down to San Diego where we were once more honored to provide a little music at the Youth Specialties Youthworkers Convention. At night, we provided some late-night entertainment with our friends CPR. Wait, I don't mean late-night like one finds on I-43 heading into Wisconsin, I just mean late-night as a timeframe. During our time on the stage, I noticed a fellow who was videotaping the videotape of us. The next morning we were invited to play at worship for the folks of Community Covenant Church of San Diego, or some nearby suburb. They do seem to use some curious elements for their eucharist. Then it was back to the Youth Specialties event to pack up and ease on down the road. Backstage we noticed that some of the other bands really plan things out and bring everything they might need. |
| From there I flew home that night and arrived exhausted in Detroit. The next day, Eleanor and I carved a couple of pumpkins. The next day, I got to see our daughter's Halloween school parade. Though Eleanor's never seen the movie, she insisted on being Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I began making arrangements to get a new van. I was successful and when Michael flew to Detroit we drove to our first gig in the brand new huge van. We played an intimate event after the football game in Brighton, Michigan. Then it was back to my house for the night, and then off to Chicagoland. |
A little accidental slicing
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We had a great time in Oak Lawn. However, that very night the digital camera suffered a breakdown, so the crowd photos of that night are, well, a little "different." If you'd like to see them, and the other crowd shots from October, you can click on Photo Phrenzy and take a peek, or a peak, or a pique.
Next month's letter will pick up on Halloween night. And in honor of that, I leave you with a photo of the handiwork from Eleanor and me.
Happy Reformation day to you all, and to all a good All Saints Day!
george
Read more of George's monthly newsletters.
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