Brain Jail

First of all I hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend, that it was relaxing and safe for everyone who owns a grill and an ice chest. And while we didn't exactly get the chance to put either of these utensils to use, rest assured that our weekend was interesting and productive.

Lets start off with saturday, performing on the street in front of SLOW clothing store and the Vizzi Truck on Melrose Avenue. A special thanks to Melissa of Stop & Listen LA for setting everything up. We did run into couple of slight snags in the form of noise complaints during soundcheck. Nothing too major, though. And definately nothing that can't be fixed, apparently by moving the piano about 4 feet in one direction. But seriously, who moves to Hollywood expecting peace and quiet? I know just the place for these people. Its got great scenery, a similarly moderate climate, more parking, and ofcourse, less noise. Its called Outside of LA. We were, however, fortunate enough to have a surprise cameo performance (that we didnt even know about) by a sweet old lady blowing bubbles onto our instruments as we attempted to play through our confusion. Overall we had a lot of fun and made a few new friends there and just may possibly play around those parts again, hopefully in the near future.

No sooner than we were off the street had we temporarily retired to watch Kobe rain on the parade that is the Steve Nash foundation with an onslaught of three's, facing a vast variety of defensive challenges on the part of the Phoenix Suns. What a performance! Another special thanks to Melissa's Dad for the San Miguel and the wonderful hospitality.

That night we checked out a show at a large loft in downtown where I was to play bass for an Indian group called Lal Meri. The spot, appropriately named Downtown At Large was really neat and full of familiar faces. None more familiar, ofcourse, than our good friend Jason Morton, who Ive known and played with on many occasions for some time now. I was really impressed with the distinct acoustic sound of Voice On Tape as well as At Large venue in general. And as the night ended with a jam with me, jason and a couple other cool musicians, it was time to call it and head back to the area from which i reside, known as "east of east la".

Sunday was a new day. After coming home from Nigerian Church, It was time to rest up for the final performance of the weekend. I was beginning to get a little worn out. And while this would be Vibra's second performance over these two days (third overall), it was my 4th. Plus my lingering cough of the past two months and sore throat was beginning to flare up into a full blown hacking up of flem. But I can't complain. Bronson's chronic mesothemiolac cough has been with him for something like 3 or 4 years now. Come to think of it, man you really need to get that checked out again, and this time NOT with Dr. Nick from the Simpsons. Cause I agree with you that after a few years straight with the same cough, there could be a possibility that it may be due to something other than allergies....

Anyways this show at Room 5 on La Brea, was where we learned an important lesson: We need more songs. Our set was basically cut short when we... ran out of music to play. Now normally its in our nature, when life throws such a lemon, to improvise and jam for a bit till nearly everyone is pissed. But were trying a new thing here. Also we got a pretty weird reaction of dead silence, which im not used to. Applause is nice. Booing and Cussing i can take. Having a bunch of 15 year olds run up on stage and call you "sluts" in the middle of your song- not ideal, but I've lived through it. But dead silence? Now that was awkward. Not to say I didnt enjoy myself. And I'm ever so greatful to our friend Mitchell Schaffer for setting it up and having us there. I just didn't feel that people wanted to hear our Bob Marley encore this time.

We concluded the night with a plethora of much needed and appreciated advice on touring and etiquette in the music business by Mitchell, to be followed by drinks from some of Bronson's family who were visiting from Seattle.

Overall this weekend in the world of Vibra Optic '73 proved to be if nothing else, an educating one. We've learned not to burn bridges. We learned that you dont need a permit for street performance in Los Angeles. We learned from the bubble lady that school is "Brain Jail" and that Bronson is the "Snare Master Man". And most importantly we learned that we are not made of solid gold. Though we've had our share of "off" performances in the past, we figured, due to the nature of this band, that we'd always play with a sort of conviction that commands attention. This is not always true, and we must take it in stride and learn from it.

I want to thank one last time all of the people who helped us out or were there for us in one way or another by either booking us, feeding us, or showing support for us. To our family, friends, and new friends made, thank you.

-Christopher

Vibra Optic '73