Farewell Shangri-La

Undaunted, our merry crew assessed the damage incurred by last nights onslaught of expensive cocktails and made their way down the coast to Wolongong.  Despite our weariness, we pulled off a rocking opening set and were well received.  The drive time was about 4 ours there and back for a 45 min. set.  Cheers to Bobby, our driver for delivering us back to Sydney whereupon we embarked on yet another night of cocktailing and merriment.  The club we had visited the night before was happy to see us back!

The club on the 36th floor of the hotel was the starting point for last night's adventure. Great view of the city.  $20 cocktails.  Typical city rates.  Upon checking out, I was made aware of the expense of using the room phone.  12 bucks for two local phone calls.  What?????  Farewell Hotel Shangri-La!  Great accomodations, but in the future, beware of hidden expenses.  Off to Brisbane!

Hi-Fi Bar

We played our first show at a club called the Hi-Fi Bar in downtown Melbourne.  The opening act was a three piece led by Josh Owen.  They are comprised of acoustic guitar, bass and percussion.  They delivered a tasty set of original acoustic rock.

The audience at the Hi-Fi bar was exuberant!  They dug our two hour set or rockin' blues!

Sydney!

This one goes out to Rusty, Richie, Tom and the rest of the Road/Tech crew without whom none of this happen.  Hats off to these guys who show up early and set things up.  They are often faced with adversity, such as moving road cases like this:

up staircases like this!

Did I mention that "Blue Again was nominated for a Grammy?

We had a day off in Sydney, so I had a chance to check the place out.  The first stop was Allen's music.  It was sort of a Kmart of music stores, but still much larger than anything on Maui.  I always enjoy hanging out in these places.  Often times you will hear someone trying out an instrument and playing something really cool.  Sometimes not, but in a large city like Sydney, which hosts a conservatory, it is likely that there are some very skilled players around!

The next stop was the Australian Museum for some culture.  On the way there, I spotted my first Ibis.  They were just hanging out like pigeons in the park waiting for handouts.  How strange they appear.....

A statue of the infamous Captain Cook graces Hyde Park.  In Hawaii he is not the most popular character...

Mick and Rick by the harbor with the Opera House in the backround.

The water taxi took us across the harbor to a place called Doyle's.  The trip took about 15 minutes and provided an excellent perspect ive of Sydney and it's surrounding coastal communities.  Australians love to be outdoors and especially on or near the water.

At Doyle's we dined on Sydney rock Oysters, calamari and fish and chips.  The food was excellent, the view down the harbor toward the city was surreal. Thanks Mick!  The giant fruit bats came out at dusk and swooped around a large fig tree.  We were astounded by their enormity and their freakish vocalizations!  I must get those photos!The return trip was fantastic with the illuminated skyline ahead of us.

While at the museum, I learned of the Johnstone's Crocodile.  It is a rather harmless fresh water animal found in the Northern regions.  They tell me it's good eatin'.

Today we are off to Wollongong which is about a 90 min. drive from Sydney.  We will play our 45 minute set with Michael MacDonald and Boz Scaggs to follow. 5 down, 7 to go! Hello Cleveland!

Down Unda!

After a good wave session at Kuau and a margarita at Milagro's in Paia, it was off to points South!  Way South!  First a stop at Sammy Hagar's bar at the Kahului Airport.

Air New Zealand is the best airline I have flown on thus far. The planes are clean, with plenty of leg room, and the attendants are on it! They served dinner and breakfast, both of which were of above average quality as far as airline food goes. They offered us beer, wine and champagne. The VIP lounge at the airport was also outstanding.  Good food and drink.  A beer at 9AM?  It's 9 AM somewhere! Cheers!

Our journey to Australia brought us through Auckland and then on to Melbourne. After about twenty-two hours of flight we checked into the Crown Hotel. The hotel is across the river from downtown Melbourne and features a casino.  Rick and I went to grab a bite to eat at one of the many riverfront eateries.  The weather was sunny and warm.

Mick is recognized worldwide.  Here he stops in the airport to sign an autograph and chat with a fan.

Keep a walkin'!

The Yarra river runs through Melbourne.   Designated as the Sri Chinmoy "River of Peace," it reminds me of the Charles River in Boston with all the rowing teams in training.   A pedestrian bridge takes you across the river to the downtown area which is an interesting blend of older architecture and newer skyscrapers.  The river represents the peace which flows from one's deeper self out into the ocean, which is the world.  I like that.  Bummer it looks so polluted!

The exchange rate is nearly 1:1 between the US and Aus. dollar.  The prices, however, are a bit higher.  With a thirst for some local brew, I dropped into a liquor store and was blown away by the price of booze.  Beer prices run about double what they do in the States.  I picked up a 6-pack of Cooper Ale for about 15 bucks.  I had been told that the Aussies really enjoy their drink, but I wondered how they could afford it.  The liquor store attendant informed me that many folks spend their whole paychecks on booze, which doesn't seem hard to do!  He was amazed that we only spend a little over a buck a beer for a decent libation.  Looks like a good time to go on the wagon!  Hmmmm.

Tip of the day: Don't bother asking for an "Americano" at the cafe'.  Just say "Strong Latte" and  they will know what you mean.

Today we have a tech-rehearsal to make sure everything is in order for tomorrows gig at the Hi-Fi bar. http://www.thehifi.com.au/events/mick-fleetwood-7631/

Thanks to Tad Craig for lending me his point and shoot!
www.tadcraigphotography.com

Grammy Reflections

We returned home from the Grammy's with a suitcase full of memories, but nothing for the trophy case. Yet!

We did show some face on the Red Carpet however...




To be nominated is in itself an honor and one must acknowledge all of those who work relentlessly at their chosen endeavor and are never recognized.  In my case, I feel as though it is a signal that I am indeed headed on the right track.  Music is a central part of my being and I am among the blessed who are given the opportunity to pursue it as a career.

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"  Seneca  5BC-65 AD

I also view it as a mandate to continue ahead.  As Mick said in an interview, "it is an affirmation that what you are doing is worthwhile."

We are looking ahead to the Australia/New Zealand Tour which commences on 2/17.  We will   be traveling in Eastern Oz mostly and on both NZ isles.  Part of the time we will be sharing the bill with Michael MacDonald and Boz Scaggs!!  I can't wait to hang with those cats!

http://www.vectorarena.co.nz/index.cfm/PageID/2/EventID/121/Event/Boz+Scaggs,+Michael+McDonald+The+Mick+Fleetwood+Blues+Band+/






Ramblin' Jack Elliot received the Grammy in our category and certainly not without merit.  This was his fifth nomination.  A contemporary of Woody Guthrie and an big influence on Bob Dylan, Jack received his award in true rambling fashion.  Here is a tune I have always enjoyed from his record.  It's an 8 Bar Blues.

Check this out.  We were seated in front of Taylor Swift when she was called up for her first Grammy.  Watch closely.

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