New York, got the ways and means ...

Well, we had a heck of an interesting Saturday excursion for the band as we travelled south from Boston down to New York City for our first gig at BB King's Blues club in Times Square.

The East Coast was being lashed by the former Hurricane Noel, but that didn't deter us from loading up the gear and driving through the storm, which fortunately was already leaving New York by the time we got close. Somewhere in Connecticut, the skies began to clear, the rain abated and it turned out to be a beautiful night.

Of course, unloading all the gear and hauling it inside the club while illegally parking in the bus lane out front with the flashers on is an interesting experience ... but we had ample help (thanks, Ben!).

There was a Mexican ska band booked into the main room before us; they went on at 8 pm, and had, it seemed, about 30 band members, all milling about backstage, so we piled our gear up where we could and found something to occupy ourselves until 11 pm, when we could get set up, order our complimentary dinners and prepare to play.

Unfortunately, our timing couldn't have been worse, because all 30 Mexican musicians came streaming offstage at the exact same moment our dinners were arriving, and they lost no time scarfing down our pulled pork and turkey club sandwiches. Apparently, the servers have to be more specific when they say "These are for the band," as in *which* band. But the club was quick in re-ordering everything and we didn't have to take the stage starving.

And let's just say no one should have to witness what the backstage dressing rooms look like when there are 30 musicians plus their guests back there before you ... but the club staff took care of that swiftly.

With daylight savings time working in our favor, we took the stage at 12:15 am; played two nice long sets, finished up at 4:15 am. We had a great crowd, about 750 people. It's always a high-energy show playing in the city, and this was no exception. We got to meet a lot of cool new people.

My favorite moment was after the show, when a woman approached me with a terrific smile, and said she was Jerry Garcia's chef for eight years, and she knew ol' Jer was up there somewhere with a big smile on his face. "I've seen every Grateful Dead cover band out there, and then some," she said, "and you guys are by far the best I've ever seen." Now that is a serious compliment!

It was extra fun for me, because some of my old high school friends were in attendance, and some of Brian's buddies were there, as well. The club was thrilled with the turnout -- thanks for the assistance, Phil, it helps when Mr. Lesh is playing right around the corner. They assured us they will have us back soon.

The ride home was slightly crazy ... we loaded up on coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts and hauled ass back to Boston. Now it's time to sleep all day Sunday.

And, as always, I can't tell you how much it means to the band to see some of our regulars in the crowd, no matter how far we stray from home. We love you guys.

Thanks for checking in!

Vic