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Marcel's Journal 2010
I HAVE TRIED TO KEEP THIS UP TO DATE BUT SOMETIMES THE DAYS AND WEEKS GET AWAY ON ME. BEAR WITH ME IF I"M A FEW DAYS BEHIND!
Sunday 28th Feb
It's been a busy week - gearing up for this weekend, lots of teaching and songwriting as we prepare for another recording session soon. This weekend I played with X- Factor at the Ranfurly Art Deco Festival. Friday night was the cabaret which was a great success. Saturday I spent relaxing and checking out the Festival itself. We also set up on the stage for the street party which started for us at 5pm. While I was there I checked out the Silverstream Country Music Club's band featuring one of my students Bevan on drums. He played really well and his big new Sonor drum kit sounded great.
We hit the stage at 5pm and had Austin Powers tribute artist Gary Brown with us who went down well with the crowd. We then welcomed Suzanne Prentice to the stage. She's a delightful person and an awesome singer and I throughly enjoyed being in her band for the set. We played a little after she finished and wrapped up at 8pm. We all then went across to the hotel, where Bill had arranged food and drinks for everyone. Was a great way to wind down and after a couple of hours I returned to our accommodation, a really nice house walking distance away.
Feb 22nd
Had a great weekend. Friday night we had Dave Picard guest with us at Isis. He's a great guitar player who I played with in the 90's with the band the Rockdaddy's - now that was one great band! It was great playing with him again. Saturday morning at 11am, I was off in thge Mini bus to Queenstown with X-Factor. We played at the lovely Jacks Point Golf club for a function. Great fun gig, we had dinner in town and drinks back at the motel after the gig. drove home on Sunday morning and the rest of the day revolved around family and football.
If you want o hear some of our new music - check out the new Music page. Not quite uploaded in its new format, it is there for you to check out. The Menu itself is about to get a tweak as its getting very full. Feel free to email with feedback. catch up soon... Marcel
Feb17th
It's back to some sort of normality now after the Argus shows. Today was a rehearsal with X-Factor which was really good. Then head to the studio for an Argus de-brief meeting to evaluate how it went and what we would do next time or if indeed there is a next time. We never know when we do it next, if it feels right and the opportunity is right we do it. We'll wait and see. While I'm here I'll make this last Argus comment and then i'll put it behind me. Thank you to all of you who came and enjoyed our two gigs. We've had awesome feedback from the fans and we really did enjoy the opoprtunity to play for you. Thank you for supporting it.
Feb 15th
Well what a weekend! Wed and Thurs last week were Argus rehearsals. On Thursday night Chris, our guitarist had a show at the Muso's Club playing his own original songs. Was a good night and they sounded good. Then on Friday we all packed up and left for Invercargill. Arriving at the Invercargill Workingmens Club we found Gordy and Errol from Strawberry Sound had set up a great production. We soundchecked/had dinner with band/crew/sponsors at Devil Burger cafe, owned by one of our sponsors, Reece from radio station More Fm. Checked into the Quest and then off to the gig for a 9.45pm start. Was a great show and band and punters had a great time. After show we all went out for a few wines and got to bet at 3am.
Saturday is was a big band breakfast at 11am then off back to Dunedin and later to the Cook hotel for soundcheck. Dinner at home and then back to gig at 10.30am for an 11.15pm start. It was a fun gig and I like to think we blew this gig and the Invercargill gig apart. It was a lot of fun. Home at 2am and no after show party this time, though someone mentioned the Octagon for drinks but I was a bit tired.
Sunday we all checked out of the Cook, and had a lunch in town. Hit the Cook at 4pm to see the Jack Nicholson Trio, featuring Rob Murphy, John' Hodgey' Hodge and the one and only Jim Taylor. They were great. Got home at 7pm and had the whole band over for dinner. It has been a great weekend - who knows when we'll do it again. It's all up in the air.
Feb11th
Argus has taken up my week this week - thank you to all my students for understanding me being out of teaching action Wed and today, Thurs. It's much appreciated. We have been working hard trying to get it all together and it's been fun and also tiring. Tonight one of our guitarists, Chris Davies, had a gig at the Dunedin Musicians Club, featuring his original songs. He brought over Greg Aspinall, his drummer from Melbourne, but formerly Dunedin. He also had Peter Dickson from Argus on guitar and the one and only bass playing king, Robin Murphy. They sounded good and was a fun night and lead up to our big weekend.
After the club I went to Isis to farewell our young gifted guitarist Jacqui who is leaving Dunedin to study at the Jazz School in Wellington. There was a good crowd to say goodbye to her. I played the last 30 minutes with her and was a great night. We wish her well and I know she will become a great success.
Feb 7th
Well what a week. I've had rehearsals,have been teaching, played Isis on Friday night which was great - just the three of us - was fun. Dougie kept us on our toes with interesting versions of songs. Had a planning meeting for Argus - playing the Cook this saturday around 10pm - 10.30pm. Looking forward to that. Tonight I have played with X-Factor at The Masters games village - a few thousand people showed up for a rocking gig - I had a great time and they loved it. Lost a few kilos of sweat as the weather has been great.
Grabbed the wetsuit and went down for a quick swim at St. Kilda beach after sound check at 5pm. God the water was cold, even with a wetsuit - but once I warmed up I really enjoyed it. I have always loved the beach and the ocean and because of the cold weather in these parts I don't get into the water as much - not like Australia - but today was beautiful!
We're in Argus mode this week so will keep you up to date. Tickets at Rock Shop, Beggs and Alibi in the Octagon. Goodnight!
Feb 2nd
A great few days. Played at the Masters Games on Sat night with a troup of tribute artists - Austin Powers, Joe Cocker, Blondie and Neil Diamond. Was a fun night with a few thousand people. They made a lot of noise and it was also the debut gig of my new Pearl drum kit. It was wonderfu to play, I love it! Today, Tuesday I have just done a second gig there - was much quieter and we were just a three piece band - was enjoyable and laid back.
Today I also played a short stint in the Octagon - the centre of town - backing 50's NZ rock'n roll legend Johnny Devlin, who is also here for the Masters Games tomorrow night. He was welcomed to the city by the Mayor. Have also been finalising my timetable for the studio - been a bit hectic but great.
Have also been working on some business/music seminars coming up and songs for our album. it's been busy but everything is bearable when the weather is good. I'm lovin it but just can't seem to get out in it.....till next time, take care.
Jan 29th
Well the last few days seemed to have returned to some form normality. I have been rehearsing shows, teaching, learning songs, re-configuring some admin stuff, going for walks, running, going out to the odd BBQ, hanging with my boys, looking for cars for Harley, working on songs for album, writing in my book, reading, cooking dinner, drinking wine, playing and working on my new drums, working on Argus shows, playing Isis which was dead tonight, watching a little bit of TV, but generally, getting back into work mode....you can cram a lot in a couple of days...and I' m still feeling great!
Tickets for the Legends of Rock fearturing Stash, Noah, Prometheous and Argus at the Cook Sat Feb 13th - available from NZ Rock Shop, Beggs Musicworks, the Cook. We would love to see you there.
Jan 27th
Well it's been a good few days. I've been teaching a little, gardening a little, cooking a little, running a little, drinking a little - I have been playing my new drums, working on a new set up/tunings and getting the feel of them. working on songs, watching football and generally picking up the pace a little. Working on Oxo's stuff as well as rehearsing for Master Games gigs.....felt like summer today. I'm still having a good time but am looking forward to ripping into the year full blast soon.... there's lots to do and lots to achieve.
Jan 23rd
Had a great week - did some teaching which was good, played Isis which was ok and finally took delivery of my new Pearl drum kit which has just come from Japan. I'm loving it. I have played Brady drums for 25 years and now I am back to playing Pearl. I used to be sponsored by Pearl in Australia so it's nice to have a relationship again with NZ Rock Shops and Pearl Drums in NZ. Am looking forward to giving the drums a good workout at the NZ Masters Games this coming weekend.
Spent Wed with Denis in Owaka working through a shortlist of songs to be included on our first album with our producer Ross McNab at Sweetway Studios. So now plans are in action to get songs to Melbourne for our third partner, Jack Parker to get involved. It's all going great and it's quietly exciting.
January 19th
A good couple of days..am looking forward to welcoming my students back and have already been back teaching at the studio this week on a skeleton timetable and had a couple of good sessions. Teaching won't kick in full time till Feb so have been doing admin, album stuff, hanging with my boys which has been awesome as they've been away for two weeks, helping Lynn with her incredibly busy schedule...she's doing so well. I've been doing Argus stuff and preparing for my teaching sessions....I'm having a good time...hope you are too wherever in the world you are...more to report soon...it's late... goodnight!
January 16th
These last few days have been really good. I've pottered around the studio, I've read my book - currently Ronnie, by Ron Wood, I spent yesterday having some meetings regarding Argus at the Cook in Feb. I recorded a radio ad for Argus in Invercargill - Denis and I tried out some guitar effects units at Rock Shop, we sorted through more songs for the album we're about to start shortly, went to a BBQ before Isis which was really enjoyable - the barbie that is. Isis was fun too - we mixed it up a bit. Played Isis thursday night to fill in for Steve who was rehearsing with the Ebeling Brothers. That was a fun night. I've had a really good week - nothing too hectiic and it gave me time to reflect and take things easy.
January 12th
Am having a great time this week doing heaps of things. Am taking it easy though and enjoying the space and time to get a few things done. Writing book, music, admin catch up at the studio, web stuff, home stuff, preparing for next term when I kick back in - cooking a few dinners, a few drinks and generally doing things at a very relaxed pace. Am really enjoying the quiet time.
Have two Isis gigs this week. That's ok though - there's no real pressure there. The drummer at the usual Oxo Jam night every Thursday is Steve Hudson but he is away rehearsing with Bilyl Ebeling, who's doing shows here shortly, so I'm filling in this Thursday. Then there's my usual Friday night stint, but have no idea who the lineup is yet. I can see why you need a holiday - I'm loving it so far, weather aside!
January 9th/10th
Sunday I got up at 8.30am and had a lovely quick breakfast at that very good cafe on the main wee strip there in Cromwell.Great coffee. Drove home in pretty much more of the same crap wet weather. Bloody awful. Had a good book though so that was good and also worked on my own book with my laptop. It's a great way to kill time on a road trip. Craig and I stopped at Ra Bar for a coffee with owner, Beth, when we got back to Dunedin. Spent the rest of the day cruising at home - caught up with the family, watched a bit of sport and did some admin stuff. Very cruisey, just the way I want it to be at this time.
Sat was quite good - I was working again today. The Oxo Cubans had a gig in Gibbston Valley at the Winehouse and Kitchen which is just by the A&J Hackett, Kawarau River bungy bridge. The venue was still feeding diners for lunch when we arrived and staff were'nt quite ready for us, so we headed off to Arrowtown for coffee and a snack. Very nice it was. Went back to set up and then back to the beautiful Carrick Lodge in Cromwell to our accommodation. Back to the gig for an 8pm start which became 9.30pm and finished at 11.45pm. It was a great gig - the punters got right into it so it was really enjoyable. Back to the Lodge at 1am or so and then a couple of red wines to wind down and finish the night.
January 8th 2010
Well I've had a few more days off and I must say it's been great, but trying to get outside and do a few things around the house has been so hard with the bad summer weather. I hate this stuff! It's meant to be summer but it's actually cold and hailing and raining. Pathetic really. Sometimes I wonder why I'm not back in Australia and that's the truth. Still, it's good here I suppose, apart from the weather. Ok that's my weather whinge out of the way....
These last few days I have been collating stuff for my book and been enjoying revisiting my history. It's been awesome fun... the things I have found!! I've worked on my laptop, I've worked on stuff for our album which is coming up soon and spent today in my studio with Denis, gathering all our old demos for a pre-production session.
I played Isis tonight - the first night for a few weeks. I really enjoyed it. Great lot of people in to see us including one of my students and his family, thanks for calling in guys and staying so late....and also Myles, a musician friend who is over from Sydney and who I have not seen for years and years. He was influential to me when I was a 14 year old would be drummer. He got up and sang three songs with us and it was the first time that he and I had ever shared a stage. It was so cool and man, he can still sing! It was a real buzz.... tonight I'm not listening to musical chants but am listening to Idan Raichel Project before I hit bed. Wicked.
Oh... and Libby... thank you so much for the coolest message. It would be my absolute pleasure and delight to work with you again in 2010. Just let me know when you're ready!
January 5th 2010
Wow! It's holiday time. I have worked all year up until NYE and now I'm finally off! I can't quite believe it, to be honest with you. It's a great but weird feeling. Today was a neat day. Lynn had to go back to work so I cleaned the inside of her car, polished, wiped, dusted, windows etc The boys had taken it to Lake Hawea and it was very dusty. Then later in the day I did the same tio mine. I wrote in my book, I listened to music, I did three loads of washing and got it all dry. I watched the Pakistani's take it to the Aussie cricketers on Sky this arvo...loved it! Had lunch, more book stuff, read my other book which I'm loving - I AM OZZY, by Ozzy Ozbourne. Such a great read if you can hack the language, the drugs and stories only he can tell. Bloody funny. There are many things I can relate to in that book, though his is extreme to say the least, no, make that dangerously extreme!
As I write this I'm listening to a musical Buddhist chant off youtube. Don't worry, I'm not loosing the plot - I find these things incredibly calming - the music is beautiful and the vocal chant peaceful. If you ever want to slow down your brain, slow your mind and body, let me know and I'll send you the link. You don't have to be cosmic - as you know I'm not - it just relaxes me. Inspirational. Cooked a wicked lamb and salad dinner washed down with a good Australian red wine. Then we went for a walk till 10.30pm - a lovely night. A dear girlfriend of ours rung from Western Australia - so good to catch up with her...finished the day writing this....I so love summer!
January 4th 2010
Well we are back from our Queenstown NYE jaunt and back at home. We spent two days at a cool B&B in Alexandra to recover from NYE and to chill out. Went to Omakau Races and won $20 on first race. The boys, our sons, are away working out of town with Andy B, a member of the national All Whites soccer team, at football training camps being held in Oamaru, Queenstown, Wanaka and Dunedin. They are working as assistant coaches. Jackson did it last year and Harley is doing it this year too. They love working with Andy and they have both been Otago football reps since they were both 11 years old. We are enjoying the space at home. Today while the weather was crap, I have been working on my book - there's lots to do - it's a big job and will take me some years to finish - but am thoroughly enjoying the challenge. Have been at it for some years now and it's never ending, but I love it. One day, i will have it finished and ready for all to read, but there are still some years left.
went o Esplanade Bar at St Clair with friends and then had them over for drinks. Bed at 1am - but had a great day off.
Jan 2nd 2010
See my News page
Tuesday 29th December
Off to rehearsal at 9.30am but paid some bills first - don't ya hate that! Rehearsal started at 11am after a false start at 10.30 when everyone demanded coffee first. It was a big day and to be honest by 5pm I was well over it. That is, we have worked hard and after drumming for many hours today I was naturally tired. We sorted gear and then went home for a badly needed whiskey! One of my students parents game me a bottle for Xmas which was so very kind of her - I've just about done it already, with help of course! Had dinner at home and chilled. Busy day tomorrow with getting organised. Gotta do my hair, my nails, do my washing, pack a bag!!!.. ha..as if! See you tomorrow.
Oh....and check out the photo of the NYE band lineup on my Gig Photos page, taken this afternoon and to be published in the Mountain Scene Queenstown newspaper tommorrow.
Oh.. and don't forget to send me an email anytime to say hi.....
Monday 28th December
Hope you all had a great Xmas! In Dunedin the weather got to 32C, pretty much unheard of in past Xmas days in the city. My Xmas day was filled with food, family, friends, wine, a game of BYC - back yard cricket - it was a great day. The next few days were the same - family and friends etc and on Sunday night had friends from Sydney over, who were passing through town for the night. It was great to catch up with them. Today rehearsals carried on for NYE concert in Queenstown. We have taken over the South Dunedin Town Hall - have all the gear laid out like it will be at the show - and starting at 11am we started running through songs. We worked with breaks till 5pm - then I went home - had dinner, went for a walk which was nice - then sat up and chilled for a while.... have to run off all the Xmas food and chocolates soon... hope to run on Wednesday which is a bit of a free day.
TUESDAY 22nd December -There's not much to report now - work has finished - rehearsals have finished till Monday and now it's just family time - last minute Xmas shopping - will finally get a chance to stop properly after New Year's Eve - can't wait! Even now I still seem to be flat out! So I will be back to you just after Xmas with more reports...till then have a wonderful, safe and happy Xmas.
Monday 21st December
After a quiet family weekend with no gigs it was back to normal today. A 6km run through the Botanic gardens, a bit of Ross Creek, a bit of street running was a great way to start the day. From there it was off home and delivered a few of Lynns Real estate pamphlets - a short but nice walk in the sun. Then it was lunch and and off to my studio for a three hour Oxo Cubans rehearsal for NYE - it's going to be a good gig with a good variety of rock/pop songs. Home from the reahearsal and home to meet Steve, a tree surgeon who's going to trim a large tree for me - then it was off to Bill's house for the X-Factor Christmas party - a BBQ which was great - good to catch up with everyone - nice food and wine. Nice way to end the day
Friday 18th December
Today started with a run thriugh the Gardens, the cemetery, the Uni - two steep gutbuster hills and back to uni - hard but I loved it. Lunch at Bennu with my friend Bernie, to the office for some admin, a couple of phonecalls, home for afternoon tea with my mum and then I took her to the new Wall St mall where I picked up a CD - home for a great fresh fish dinner and salad then off to Isis. Had a really good gig with the bigger band - last one for the year. Home at 12.40pm for supper and a wind down.
Was a good first day of my break. Rehearsals for NYE start again 28th Dec at South DN Town Hall where we take over the whole place for two days... I'm off till then..yay.
Thursday 17th December
Had a busy day today but also had time at home. Was off to the physio this morning for a quick appointment and from there to a meeting with Rob, who is organising the weekend at the Captain Cook in Feb at which Argus is playing. Then home for lunch to studio for my final day teaching for this year. I had four students today and I was spoilt with some lovely Xmas gifts from my clients. So kind.
Harley and Lara cooked dinner which was great then Lynn and I went for a walk - it was a beautiful still night. It was a great day and though I love teaching at the studio, I'm glad that I can have some time off.
Tuesday 15th December
Another run started today. We're trying to fit three runs in this week and my Mother's here tomorrow so I can't run. We did Ross Creek but instead of our normal drinks break at the tap, we challenged ourselves to go all the way up the hills to Tanner Rd and then back down and returned to the tap on our way back for our first stop - was great - those hills are a challenge for sure - 4.57km till there and ended up being a 5.8km run. Loved it. Home for a freshen up then to studio for two meetings - one re Argus posters for Invercargill which look great and the other a local young drummer, who's really great.
Then had a break, had two final classes, worked on one of my songs - and went home to cook dinner for the troops - made this dish in the crockpot today so things would be easy tonight - a type of meatballs, by the time I got to it, it was so cooked it turned into a mince stew, but I might add - it was bloody good! It was a good day - busy - just when I'm trying to slow down - but hey - I love being busy - it's what makes one get up in the morning!
Monday 14th December
Started today with a run around Uni, the Botanical Gardens, the Woodhaugh gardens, back to Uni - approx 7km - loved it. Back for food/shower/emails and then to studio for some afternoon classes - home for dinner then back to studio at 7.30pm for a rehearsal for NYE with The Oxo Cubans - sounding good - home late - catch up with family - a quick wind down end of the day wine - supper and bed.
Sunday 13th December
Up at 9am and get ready to take gear to the Oxo Cubans Santa parade float. Loaded that at around 11.30am. Ducked home for lunch and a re-group - back there at 2pm for soundcheck. Our float was the first to go by itself to give the parade a more musical flavour. The first time round I played percussion with a band from Nations Church as the main band and played Christmas carols. Once we had done that run, the truck took us back to the back of the parade and rejoined it in our usual position as the last float before Santa. This time we had the full Oxo Cubans line up with all the extra singers and musicians - was a fun day andI spotted lots of people and friends I knew in the thousands who lined the street. Once the parade was finished we went to the Mannequin Bar and Cafe in North Rd for a good friend's 50th party. Was great to be there and was a great wind down after the parade....it's always fun but is a big day.Home around 7.30pm for dinner and a very lazy night.
Saturday 12th December
Was a lazy day - went into town for coffee at the new Marbecks (great store!) in the Wall St mall. Delgirl, one of Dunedin's best bands were playing live in-store - well just outside in the mall at midday, so went in to see them. I know them all so it was great to catch up. They are so good. I sat with Harley and my friends Ross and Jude from Owaka, drinking coffee and listening to a great band. In the afternnon it was off to Mitre 10 to buy some new bathroom bits - cooked a good stir-fry for dinner while Lynn chased up some clients. After dinner we went to a friends place in St Clair for Xmas drinks - a party actually which was great - caught up with a few people I knew but had not seen for some time - it was a great night!
Friday 11th December
Went for a run with Dave through Ross Creek again - it was a stunning, warm morning for a run. Was a bit tired at first from a few late nights but after a wee while I started to get into it and by the end was powering up the hills!! Home for shower/food/emails and then into studio where Errol from Strawberry picked up the Gretsch kit for the Parachute Band, who used it for their gig last night. From there to Bennu for lunch with Denis and then together to the studio for four hours of sorting out songs/new guitar sounds/ideas/ as we work on getting ready to tackle the album in the new year. can't wait for that. Went to town after that with Lynn and had coffee - shopping a little for Xmas - well looking anyway. Then dinner and Isis which I enjoyed. Caught up with some muso friends which was nice. Gig was good - home at 1am. Was a good day.
Thursday 10th Decemeber
Today was basically the last day for many of my students so the day had a wee bit of a Christmas feel about it, which was nice. I still have a few students to finish off next week. Have had a cousin over from Holland this week staying at our house, who had a sick husband stay here in hospital in Dunedin. They had been traveling around the South Island. It has been a hectic week as doctors both here and in Holland tried to determine what caused his illness and they worked hard to get him fit enough to fly back to Europe and a good result meant they left town today. While the circumstances were a little difficult it was really great to have her spend that time with us and we had a lot of laughs. Had teaching till 6.30pm and then went home for dinner and crashed on the couch with a wine - felt like I hadn't sat down for a long time like that.. I really must do that more often.
Tuesday 8th December
A really busy day today - Denis and I and Murray drove to Invercargill for a one hour meeting with radio/business sponsors and venue management and checked out the venue for an Argus show in February. The support for the band down there and for getting a show put on is amazing, so we are all all excited about it. Check out my news page soon for more info. Got back at 3.25pm in time for a 3.30pm start at studio! Worked till 7pm then home for dinner. I have a cousin over from Holland staying so its been good c atchingup with her. It was a good but hectic day.
Monday 7th December
Had a busy day today - met my cousin Yvonne for lunch at Mash, in the Octagon - she is over from Melbourne visiting her family. She's a great lady and it was great to catch up. Had a busy teaching day - till 7pm then a full blown Oxo rehearsal for NYE. It's sounding good and I'm really enjoying it.
Home for dinner and a wine late but feeling ok - bit tired but my spirits are good. Off to Invercargill tomorrow to evaluate a venue for a show in Feb.
Sunday 6th Dec
Up this morning to load out of Lion Arena and grab gear for the Santa Parade - drive down to the truck stage - set up and then be told parade's been cancelled due to wet weather damaging floats as well as people's spirits - disappointing but Ok as I went straight to Carisbrook to watch Otago United play Waitakere - we lost 2-1 but was a good game. Had BBQ at my brother in law's place after that which was great.
Saturday 5th Dec
Started today with walk for around 1.40 hours which was really enjoyable. Had lunch and helped the boys change their rooms around home - shifted furniture and stuff - was fun. Had a gig at Lion Arena which was good - got up and played guitar for one song while Rachel played drums... she really is good. Got stopped by Police breathalyser again - on the way to the gig at 7.30pm by the same offficer who stopped me last night after Isis. Same result - had a fun night and made a racket!
Friday 4th Dec
A great day - lots of activity - lots of work on songs for the album, a teaching lesson, a hook up with a colleague a gig in town re a meeting about a nostalgia gig in Feb at the Captain Cook Hotel - if you're local check Saturdays Prestor John column in the ODT - Argus will be playing at it. Went into the city around 6pm - had dinner there and then went home and ready for Isis gig which was fun. I really enjoyed it - we had the bigger band and the band played well - interesting first half with a solo performer playing a ticketed fundraiser for Plunket - she ran late so we started late - was a fun night. Stopped by police breathalyser on the way home and passed with flying colours - after 3 wines in 3.5 hours. Normally, only have two ! Waiting to play there was not much else to do except have a wine and chat with friends. Still one always needs to be vigilant. See you Sat.
Thursday 3rd December
Another good busy day - a morning run through the bush was fabulous. Then to town for an appointment, then to office for work and lunch. After lunch teaching started at 2.30pm - and finished at 6.30pm. After that went to Craft bar for some drinks and home around 9.30pm. Was a fun night.
Wednesday 2nd December
Started with some work, then at 11am I went to see a female singer friend for a vocal session, swapping melodies and vocal lines on some of our songs which was fun. Am looking for a female voice for some songs. Though I know lots of female singers - the right voice has to suit the right song.
From there I had a meeting with Rob, Hodgey,Robin, Denis and Ian and Stu from the Captain Cook hotel re a gig in February - this was good and news will be made public soon on the event. Then to lessons at 1pm then a meeting at Alibi with Rob, one of the organisers of this gig - then lunch - and teaching till 6pm. In between I went through some more old song ideas - for possible selection for the album... there's lots of work ahead of us but can't wait to get stuck in.... home for dinner etc.
Tuesday 1st December
Can you believe it's December. How fast has the year gone!! Today was a busy day - 9am run through Ross Creek... bloody marvellous!Then two classes at midday - banking/accountant's/lunch/ teaching at 3.30pm. Also fitted in some more song idea searching for the album through old cassettes...it's a big job. There are years worth of ideas and bits all over the place! At 7pm I went to the Noodle Hut and ordered a Teriyaki chicken and vegetables - was good, washed down with a chardonnay. Back to studio to eat it and wait for the band to arrive for our first rehearsal for Queenstown concert New Years Eve. Sorted out a medley, and who's doing what. I enjoyed it - was good to get back with the team. It's going to be good. Home at 10.15pm after a big day - but sat up watched Nightline and had some supper... and now I must go, my bed is calling me.... see you tomorrow!
Monday 30th November
Had a great weekend and even today was good - worked at home all morning - had lunch and went to studio via the Lion Arena to grab some drum bits for teaching. Did some more work there and spent some time sorting through song ideas /old cassette/and notes for our first album.. see News...started teachin at 3.30pm and had a good afternoon - home for dinner... was a good day.
Saturday 28th Nov
Woke up feeling ok considering it was a late night. Had to be at soundcheck at 11am!! Whose idea was that! Went over a few show bits as well then home for lunch. Had a pretty lazy afternoon in a way... wasn't really in the mood to do too much. Went back to the venue late afternoon to fine tune my set up then diinner and the gig at 8pm. Was a fun night - around 600 people and the band was pretty good. Spoke to some people after the show who I hadn't seen for years and years - a lot of good compliments from the crowd. Finished at 12 and home around 1am after a wine backstage with friends Alan and Kay and Bridget.
Friday 27th November
A good day - no teaching but loaded my gear to Lion Foundation Arena for tomorrow's gig with X- Factor. Had lunch with Ross and Jude my friends from Owaka, at Ra bar which was nice - back to the venue for finishing touches then home to get ready for Lynn's work's function at Glenfalloch. Dinner and band was good - it was a fun party and home around 2am.
Tuesday 24th November
A glorious morning for a 9am run through Ross Creek with Dave. This time Jackson came with us - he did well - we ran approx 7km through the bush - what a stunning place! Back for lunch time lessons, then some admin and went through the Oxo Cubans set list for NYE - starting work on that now. Worked one of our new songs which I'm enjoying. Lessons from 3.30pm then home for dinner - was a great day really.
Saturday 21st November
I enjoyed today - a chill out morning with Saturday's paper, lazy breakfast then we went to the Farmers market - hadn't been for a while and enjoyed it - over to Ironic cafe for coffee then we went home and got stuck into cleaning and changing rooms around - it was fun. That took us till dinner - an early dinner for us as both boys were in - then after that we went to the late screening of the Michael Jackson movie of 'This is It' What a fantastic film - I'm so glad I went - even though it was rehearsal it left me in no doubt what an unbelievablly unique, creative and artistic artist he was. It was a great insight and....well I thought it was awesome.
Friday 20th November
Today was quite busy but really enjoyable - got up at 7am and after breakfast got some admin stuff ready for my 10am meeting with the accountant. Then caught up with one of my past students who had a session with me at 11am. Off to the Octagon to meet a friend to throw around some Argus ideas some people have, then salmon sushi for lunch and back to studio for a recording session - which was great. Recorded a new song which is sounding great. Then to Lynns work for drinks/dinner/Isis which I quite enjoyed - we had a real listening crowd which was good. I'm tired now and off to bed. see ya.
Thursday 19th November
I like Thursdays - I really like my Thursday afternoon people and teaching schedule - I like Thursday nights - always a good night to go for a drink after work - gets you ready for the weekend - today started with a run at Ross Creek - Dave and I were both tired - me from Queenstown gig and not much sleep and him from not enough exercise. Still we ran 6km through the bush and I always enjoy it regardless! Did admin stuff at studio - paid bills, and started teaching at 3.30pm. At 7pm I grabbed some of nmy gear from the Qtwn gig then went to Filadelphios restuarant and bar, Andy Bay, for after work drinks - then home about 9pm. Was really enjoyable. A really nice wind down. Big day tomorrow, meeting with accountant, lunch with a colleague, two classes and a recording session then Isis at 9pm. No real pressure though as I love Fridays. See you tomorrow then...!
Tuesday 17th November
It's an early start and off to Queenstown at 9.30am. Good easy trip - took my laptop - did some work on the way up. Arrived at 2pm and loaded into the Prime Restaurant and Bar, after which we had to rehearse for nearly two hours with the four singers from Auckalnd we were backing - they were all cabaret tribute singers who had all appeared on Stars in Their Eyes TV show this year and last. We had Blondie/Annie Lennox, Joe Cocker - he was great, Neil Diamond, Meatloaf aka our own Andy Gilmour - he does a great jiob - with the event hosted by Austin Powers. It was a really enjoyable gig - but we started late and finished at 1am. Then it was back to the Novatel for a wine and food so very late to bed..was a big day but enjoyed it. I only took a couple of photos for the gig page as I was too busy with the rehearsal etc I forgot about it.
Monday 16th November
Started with a rehearsal for the Queenstown gig tomorrow at 11am till 1pm - then to studio for a promo photo shoot for the Oxo Cubans NYE show also in Queenstown. Teaching from 3.30pm till 7pm then home to cook dinner and chill with the troops. All good.
Sunday 15th November
A day spent around home - Sunday papers/coffee/ did some studio work at home in the arvo while everyone was out - that was good - no interruptions. Still enjoying the aftermath of the football!Chilled out and watched a little TV - watched the All Blacks replay till it got so boring and dull I had to get up and do something else - crap game! A real day off!
SATURDAY 14th November ALLWHITES GO TO WORLD CUP!
Not much to say except I spent all day- while gardening- going to the tip - thinking about the game and couldn't wait for 7.30pm. Dinner and a few wines and lots of yelling at the TV during the game. Had a ball ! What a game. It was riveting to watch. Went up to Bill's for a post game World Cup party to celebrate - had a great day and an even better night! We won!
Friday 13th November,
This was a good day. After a power of rain and wind during the night I thought my chances of a run through the bush would be off limits but no, by the time 9am came, the sun had come out and it was actually really nice running weather. I loved it. Back home and to studio for catch up admin stuff, and then Denis and I worked on recording our new RPG song which is sounding good. Had a lesson at 3.30pm and carried on the admin. Left for drinks at 6pm and did the Chinese takeaway for dinner and Australian Idol on TV. No Isis gig tionight as there's a private function on. Happy to be in for a change.
Hey, see you tomorrow! Cheers
Thursday 12th November
Did some admin stuff in the morning - went to studio to tidy up paperwork and more admin stuff- worked with my web designer Bob McNeil of Broad Bay Music Wellington, working on uploading my videos to the web - check the Video page for three new videos. Had a good afternoon teaching - I like my Thursdays. Had an early finish - cooked dinner with a wine and chilled out.. was nice. Am rapt about finally getting to share my old band music clips with you all.
Wednesday 11th November
Started this morning with a run at Ross Creek with Dave, Oxo's guitarist. Was the the first time we had run there for months as after my Achilles injury we both just got out of the routine. It was great to be back there in what is a beautiful part of the city - through the bush reserve. Felt good for making all the hilly tracks and it was a great start to the day. From there it was two lunchtime classes at the studio and then a lunch break, sorted out my merchandise and teaching from 3pm to 6pm. Went home and cooked a lovely dinner and chilled the rest of the night. Was a good day today which I really enjoyed.
Tuesday 10th November
Today was one of those days where not much happened. It was breakfast, teaching, lunch, teaching, then off to school prizegiving for the last time ever - which I enjoyed. That was about it....!
Monday 9th November
Had a good day around the studio. Also picked up new DVDs of some of my past musical performances and bands which will appear on my Video page soon. Worked till 7pm - had a nice dinner and worked on my laptop. Uneventful day really but nice after a busy weekend.
Sunday 8th November
The alarm went off at 8.30am and it may as well have been 4am - was jaded and tired but in good spirits. Back to the venue to load out - and then we hit the road for the haul home. Bloody long way in a van and we alll agreed flying is the only option for anything north of Timaru! Was a good trip though and arrived at 3pm. Lynn and I then went to Starfish at St Clair for coffee and catch up and a walk. After that it was home, shower, get ready to go to Arthur Daly's bar in Green Island where there was a farewell dinner of sorts for a family member going to Australia. Was a pleasant couple of hours then home. A good, busy weekend.
Saturday 7th November
It was up early this morning and ready to go to Christchurch at 9am! We drove this time in a rental van, normally we fly. In the van I worked on my book on my laptop, listened to music and read. Got there at 3pm and headed straight to the ChCH Convention Centre to load in. Found the huge room really well decked out with a space theme - a large rocket blowing smoke hanging in the middle of the room that during the night was launched during the gig. A huge Pink Floyd type circular video screen and two smaller screens showed footage... of diggers and graders! This was a roading contractors awards night and was really well put together. The band was good and the crowd enjoyed it. After the gig it was back to the motel for drinks and food - got to be at 2.30am.
Friday 6th November
Started at 11am at the studio where Denis and I worked on a new song idea - was great fun. Then went to lunch with Barry, a friend and work colleague, to Bennu restaurant and bar in Moray Place. I love Bennu. Argus have played four shows there over the years and it's been my city local since 2000 when I used to frequent it during my film and television days. I'm most comfortable at the area behind the bar - on a stool with a glass of red. After a nice lunch and catch up we went back to studio to carry on and then I had a new student start. After that I did banking and headed to Denis' place for a catch up with Lynn and also his family. We went home had dinner and then I was off to Isis. It was good but I was a little tired... but still enjoyed it. It was a great day.
Wednesday 4th November.
Did some grocery shopping around 9.30am. Had a two hour rehearsal for X-Factor till midday - we have a new member in the band and a big conference to play this weekend. After that I had a class at my studio then lunch at home. Then went back to the laptop shop and put the paperwork in to buy one tomorrow. Did some banking, checked out my drumstudio merchandise which is looking good. Classes from 3.15pm till 6.30pm then four of us went to Craft bar to catch up with a friend who was down from Christchurch for business and ended up at a Japanese restaurant for a quick dinner - I had Sashimi Bento - lovin raw fish! Home around 10pm. Was a good day.
Tuesday 3rd November
Went for a run at 7.30am - was great! Back for shower, breakfast, some home work stuff, and lessons at 11.45am. Lunch at 1pm - banking, checked out new laptops, teaching from 3.30pm to 7pm. Stayed back briefly and worked on new song - home for dinnerand relax. A pretty uneventful day but good all the same.
Monday 2nd November
Woke up in Roxburgh at 9am, leisurely breakfast, pack up and drive home to Dunedin. Lovely morning. Arrived 12.3opm - dumped off the gear at studio, met Lynn for coffee and catch up, went home, then back to studio for tidy up and teaching - starting at 3.30pm. Finished at 7pm - dinner, watched the Premier League review show then bed around 11.3opm. Was a good day.
Sunday 1st November
Had a lazy morning, did another hour or so tidying up the new garden - then had brunch and got ready to go to Queenstown. Went to studio, sorted drums, and got picked up from there and we hit the road. The band for the show was Andy Gilmour from X-Factor, myself and Ned Webster a great bass player from Queenstown. A three piece band playing classic covers for 500 women netballers. They went mad - had a great time - and the gig was all over by 10pm. It was the first time the three of us had played together - first time I had met Ned and three of us just clicked - by the time we'd finished we sounded like we'd been playing together for years! We all had a great time. After the gig Andy and I drove to Roxburgh and stayed at his house - arriving at 1am. Had a couple of nightcaps and chatted about our excellent night! It was an easy, seamless day and night - production crew and management couldn't have done enough to help and most of all, the punters loved it. Great gig!
Saturday 31st October
A great day that started with a lazy morning with cups of tea and the local newspaper. Then it was at least a 2 hour walk through the Tainui suburbs and streets delivering real esatate cards. Thoroughly enjoyed that. Weather was fabulous. Then it was lunch and coffee then off to the hardware store for some stuff and vegetable plants. Came home did gardening and got ready to plant tomatoes and veges. How domesticated!! I don't do this often enough so I really enjoyed it. Then at 5.30pm to a friends house for gin and tonics and pre dinner drinks.At 7pm we cooked dinner - in a fashion - my brother in law and his partner came over which was nice, one of the boys had all his mates come over for rugby and drinks and we left them for a party across town. It was a great party - two drum kits lots of gear - two bands - in the lounge room!! Great people - musicians/friends/industry colleagues, stayed till 12.45am - Had a great time. A wonderful day and night off - in bed at 2am! Queenstown tomorrow for a show...must get some sleep.... !.
Friday 30th October
Well I'm writing this at 1am. Usually I have my Isis jazzy blues gig on a Friday night but was booked instead to play at a private event. Was an easy night playing easy covers - caught up with some people I knew from years ago and generally was a fun night. Today was a mixed bag - started with admin catch up stuff at studio - then a lunchtime class - then lunch - then two more classes then Denis and I worked on another RPG song - in between I had a meeting with an advertising rep and did some banking. After our session I went to Salt Bar for a drink then home for shower, dinner then gig... and here I am. It was a good day and I achieved a bit. Roll on tomorrow - total day off and a cool party to go to tomorrow night...going to be fun....goodnight!
Thursday 29th October
Stayed home till around 11am then off to the studio for two sessions. Loaded in to the Mercure Hotel for a fundraiser - well it was only for about 50 minutes - played some cool jazz during the meet 'n greet as people arrived. Spent the afternoon teaching and at 6pm went to the gig. At 8pm we got Indian takeaways as Jackson was at studio rehearsing. Stayed in and watched some TV. It was a real patchy day - the cold weather didn't help but I did enjoy it.... even though I was a bit all over the place.
Wednesday 28th October
Took Harley to Polytech this morning then came home, did some admin stuff, cooked a curry for tonights dinner as we were all going to be away at dinner time. Had a lesson at 12.30pm then went home for lunch. Back at 3.15pm for classes till 7pm then had an Oxo Cubans jam at my studio. We are looking at songs for our first album, which will now be recorded early next year. Was a fun jam and Dougie brought along some good ideas to make a start. Went home for the curry at 8.45pm then watched the news channels for a bit then went to bed about midnight. Was a good day.
Friday 23rd October to Tuesday 27th October.
It was a long weekend in NZ this weekend. Started off in Christchurch with after work drinks at a bar with Argus singer, Brian Seque and mutual friends Wayne and Peter. Then flew on to Wellington and drove to the Kapiti Coast to spend two nights with my family. Had a wonderful time! On the Sunday we were taken to Wellington city where we checked into the Quest Atrium hotel on The Terrace. We got ourselves ready and walked down to the Mary of The Angels Catholic church for the wedding of X Factor singer, Kat Stanley and Mike. It was really good and from there it was across the road to a inner city bar for drinks. Nearly all the X-Factor band were there with wives and partners, plus other friends from Dunedin. From there it was off to the SOI restaurant for the wedding reception. Had a fabulous night. Following morning we all met for coffee at the Inntercontinental Hotel where our close Dunedin friend,s Alan and Kay, were staying then brunch at the Bavarian Beer Bar. That was a great breakfast.
Lynn and I then spent the afternoon at a couple of art galleries including the City Gallery where Yahoi Kasuma had an awesome exhibition of dots. The queue to get in was quite long but was well worth the wait. Her avant garde displays were amazing! Bac k to the Quest for gym and swim then pre dinner drinks. From there we wandered down to Queens Wharf to Shed 9, an awesome bar then to Protofino Italian restaurant with Kay and Alan. Great foodand lots of laughs! Back to their hotel for a couple of nightcaps then home. It was a wonderful day off! Tuesday was travel day and that was that. It was just the weekend I needed - four days no work, no commitments and just family friends and laughter. Bloody good!
Thursday 22nd October
Busy morning - had a haircut booked at 10.30am - worked on and RPG song for an hour ay lunchtime, putting some guitar down on a track - had a one hour Xfactor rehearsal at 1pm - started teaching at 2.30pm till 7pm. Took the RPG track after that to Radio Otago More FM where engineer Barry McConnachie took the song off our deck. Home at 8pm for dinner. Fun day, few laughs at teaching!
Wednesday 21st October
Started today with a 5km run at 7.30am. Was really good but my hands were really cold from the wind. Couldn't find my gloves. Coming up Bayfied Rd is always hard but I did the run in really good time. Back for breakfast, the paper, admin stuff, then off to a walk delivering more of Lynns real estate cards, was a good long walk - another 5km I reckon - and the sun warmed the place up - it actually got hot.
Back for shower, teaching at 12.30pm. Meeting at 1.15pm with two different people, then lunch, then teaching from 3pm till 6.15pm. Off to Kavanagh College for the Sports awards, at 7.30pm then Filadelphios restaurant in the North end for a quick family bite to celebrate Jackson's sporting success then home at 10pm. Was a great day... roll on tomorrow...!
Tuesday 20th October
Drove one of the boys to school, came back did some admin, had breakfast - then lessons at 11.45am.
At 1.30pm had a Oxo Cubans meeting till 3pm which was great. Then more teaching till 7pm - came home - cooked dinner - chilled out on couch for a bit and went to be early for a change. Not an exciting day but still pretty good.
Monday 19th October
Woke up at Ross' in Owaka feeling a little sludgey from the last whiskey at 2am in the studio! Still, all good though - had a great country cook up breakfast and left there around 11.30am. Got home at 1pm - and went off to the studio for 3pm teaching start. Worked till 7pm then recorded a new RPG song to send to Jack in Melbourne. Sounding good and Jack will add his magic to it. Got home at 9pm - had dinner, watched TV. It was a great day and night but was very happy to crawl into bed at 11pm
Sunday 18th October
A nice lazy morning after another late night playing at a 21st. It was a good giig. Spent the morning around home - went to the studio - dropped my gear off - tidied up a bit. Came home had lunch and then got ready to go to Oawka for dinner and show with the band Delgirl. They had redcorded their new album with Ross McNab at Sweetway Studios in Owaka and the band was doing a show at the Lumberjack Cafe. Ross was hosting the band pre and after the show. We had a great night - tI was fortunate enough to be asked to play one song with the band which I loved. Their album is called Porchlight and should be in everyone's record collection if you like folky, bluesy, rootsy, honest music made by a local band of three women. They're vocals and multi intrumental playing is awwesome.
Check out my links page and go there.
Saturday 17th October
Woke up feeling pretty good considering I had a late night. Lazy saturday morning breakfast and newspaper was good. Then went for a walk, delivered some of Lynn's real esate promo cards which I enjoyed. Great to be out walking. Had lunch - did some domestic stuff around the house then went and watched one of the boys play football for Otago United, warm up game. I enjoyed the time by myself sitting in the stand. From there went to the gig to load in. Played at a private function with the Oxo Cubans. Was a really enjoyable gig with a crowd of great people. Got home at 1.15am. Was starving so had food and a hot drink. Bed late! I've had a great day and night. Feeling good.
Friday 16th October.
Up and atom and out of the house at 8.30am to studio. Final University assessments today at 10am at Albany St studios. This went till 4.30pm then I was out of there and back to my studio for an RPG meeting with Denis, planning our next full recording session. It was my last day forever as a University tutor as I have resigned my position for next year. While it was great, I'm really happy for that to not be part of my working life next year. Time to move on and more time to concentrate on my business and other things I want to achieve in the music industry. After our meeting I went to Salt Bar at St Clair with some of Lynn's workmates for a wine. Met up with legendary Dunedin rock star guitarist and friend Jim Taylor, down from ChCh for gig tomorrow. From there to Chinese takaway and off to Isis for a good night. Wasn't overly busy but friend's were there so that helped. Loaded out as we have gig tomorrow. Home at 1am.
Thursday 15th October
A 10am start at Uni where I had two catch up classes. Popped over to Lynn's work for a sandwich, then went to the University Union lawn where one of my students was playing in her band at market day on the lawn. They were very good. Had a coffee there and went to the studio for the afternoon's teaching starting at 3.30pm. Finshed early at 6pm which was good. Went home cooked dinner, went for a drive taking one of the boys to his girlfirend's house and then a little TV and bed. Pretty good day really.
Wednesday 14th October
Went for a run before beakfast this morning, the first in two weeks. Was too wrapped up in Argus last week to get away for a run, there was always something on. I really enjoyed it this morning and at some stage soon I want to get back to Ross Creek. From there I went to Uni for a class at 10am - am making up a couple of classes for while I was away at the Silver Scroll last month. Went to studio after that for a lunch time class and then lunch. Murray Stevens, organiser of the Argus gig came in with copies of the Taieri Herald which has a review and photos of the Argus show. Started on my Uni reports and continued teaching till 7pm. Went home, cooked a great pasta, - helped one of the boys with his school music assignment which was fun, watched late night news and bed.
Tuesday 13th October
It was great to not rush out the door this morning - I had a Uni class at 10am for an hour then dropped my car at the garage for a warrant.From there a 10 minute walk to studio which was nice and the had two classes at 11.45am. Had lunch then went to the airport to take Chris and Pete from Argus who were flying to Brisbane. Had classes at 3.30pm till 7pm then went home and cooked steak diane for dinner. Now there's an 80's dish! Can't have too much cream these days but I had some - thankfully this doesn't happen very often! Answered a few late emails - and watched a little bit of TV - the first time I have actually sat down and done nothing for what seems like such a long time. It was great. I must make more of an effort to do that.
Monday 12th October
Woke up at 7am after a nine hour sleep! I never sleep nine hours! That was after a big weekend. I had to get ready for the Madonna medley at UNi at 9am. This lasted only an hour and then I was off to the studio for coffee and some admin/chill out/tidy up/ went home for lunch then to the Mosgiel venue to load out and sort out the admin side of the gig. Started teaching the new in the term at 3pm till 7pm - really enjoyed it. Had dinner at home, a great red thai curry then popped down to Denis' from Argus where Chris our Aussie guitarist was staying. There, with one and a half bottles of great Aussie red wine we went through the gig and discussed our original music plans for the future....it was a great end to a great week...bed at midnight..... it gets late early around here!
Sunday 11th October
Woke up at 10.30am feeling pretty jaded but actually quite ok. Didn't drink a great deal so wasn't hungover. Received texts and calls from friends commenting on the show which was nice. We then had the traditional post gig band lunch/de-brief at Filadelphios a restaurant and bar. This was great as we ate, drank and laughed at the goings on last night - both on and off the stage. After lunch I had to go to the studio and claen the place as it was a mess from the week's rehearsals. Also had to learn a Madonna medley for Uni tomorrow monring. Got home at 7pm - had dinner and went to be at 9pm pretty tired but feeling good after a geat five days.
Saturday 10th October.
Harley came over and we had the big cooked breakfast then I was off to the studio for a final run of a couple of things in the show and then it was load out and off to the venue for the Argus gig. Set up and soundcheck was done by 4pm. Home for a rest, our sons and partners were over for dinner and pre-gig drinks, which was fun. Ross from Owaka was up for dinner at home and the show. I was then picked up at 8pm by the Limo bus and we all went out as a band to the venue - it just saved us all worrying about transport and drink driving afterwards. Bus arrived at venue later than we wanted but still in pleny
Friday 9th October.
Had Uni assessments from 9am till 11.30am. Then got together with the band and had lunch at Bennu. After lunch went back to the sudio and rehearsed till 6pm. I then went home had a shower, sat on the couch and watched the news, had dinner and got myself together to play Isis lounge with the Oxo's. Was a good night, even though I was pretty tired - the boys from the band and partners came in which made it a good night. To bed at 1am
Thursday 8th October
I started at 9.30am at studio for Uni perparations for tomorrows tests. The band came in at 11am to start rehearsing. Sounding good. Had lunch the Denis and I went to the venue to check the stage being raised for the show - they've done a brilliant job. Back to rehearsal - more songs - more tea - more beers - then at 8pm we went to the Musicians Club - caught up with a few locals - I got up and jammed with some guys for four songs which was fun - then dropped Pete off and went home with Lynn and two of her workmates. Got to bed at midnight - getting tired - but ok.
Wednesday 7th October
Met at 10am at the studio for the first Argus rehearsal. It was great to get back in the room with everyone. we sorted out gear and stuff and had lunch and kicked off at around 1pm. Sorted through songs - drank coffee - played more then had a dinner break and re-grouped at 7.30pm and rehearsed till 9pm. Sounding pretty good for a first day!
Tuesday 6th October
Did some work at home in the morning - went to town dropped off some Argus tickets, dropped off leads to Strawberry, had a class at 12.30pm. At 1.30pm went to an Oxo Cubans meeting re New Years Eve concert in Queenstown this year.At 2.45pm I drove to the airport to pick up Pete and Chris from Argus arriving from Brisbane. Then it was straight to the Esplanade bar and cafe for "band meeting" which really was an excuse to have a few drinks. It was great to see my friends again and so we all ended up there for a few then went home dinner. Brian from Argus came up with a bottle of red after dinner and we chatted more - was a great day. Tomorrow we hit rehearsals hard. Looking forward to it.
Monday 5th October
Arrived at the studio to see two builders installing the new skylights which got damaged in high winds some months back. It has taken so long for insurance etc to go through but thankfully the place now looks a bit brighter. There is still a bit of a mess but at least the work has been done. Harley did a great job cleaning but now it needs another clean. No matter though. Worked at home till 2.30pm then had classes till 4.15pm. Went home, worked with Jackson on his school work then cooked a roast for the family.Had a great day.
Sunday October 4th
A quiet morning - did some domestics around the place - had coffee at Ra with my friends Ross and Jude who were in town for the day from Owaka. Watched the Tua fight on youtube - whipped down to the supermarket for some last minute dinner stuff - a few more domestic things - watched the NRL grand final - had a really good day off!
Saturday Oct 3rd
Saturday morning are usually lazy, with cups of tea, the Saturday paper, a big breakfast. But before that I went for a run which I really enjoyed. Harley came over and cooked up the big feed! Around 4pm Lynn and I went grocery shopping in town and then had a coffee at Nova at 5pm. We had a habit for a while of going to Nova around 5pm on a Sat for a pre dinner wine or bubbles but time has been the issue lately. We're a bit out of routine. All good. Had a great dinner in and watched TV. A very relaxing day.
Friday 3rd October
Back at the studio at 9am for the builders. Didn't get a deal of sleep so a bit jaded. Then I had four Uni classes till 3pm. Denis and I then had a meeting re RPG and evaluated some song ideas. Lynn, Jackson and I then went to the Esplanade on St Clair Beach for a wine and pizza dinner, then I went to Isis for the three piece gig. I really enjoyed the first two hours as we had a good group of people in,but the last hour dragged on a bit. Craig and I popped into the Bog pub, to see a band briefly, then I got home at 12.35am and watched the football with some food till 1.15am. It was a good wind down.
Thursday 1st October.
Today I was at the studio early as I had builders in to finally repair the skylights that were smashed in the hi winds some months ago. I did some admin work - some Uni work - Harley was in to clean etc - then 12.30pm I had lunch at Bennu with bass player and great friend bernie Cull. Went from there to an Oxo Cubans meeting at the acountants, then to load in and soundcheck at the Town Hall for the Oxo Cubans gig that night. Home for dinner and back to gig for a 10pm start. Gig was good, sound was average - it was important not be too loud so sound lacked a little punch. Home at 1am.
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