1.26.08: Tampa, FL: St. Pete Times Forum

Yesterday, I met a security guard outside our dressing room. He was just sitting there, calm and meditative. He was an old man with dark, spotted skin and thin gray hair; he was wearing a red Hard Rock jacket, and looking down at a book from time to time after gazing into an empty hall. His book was on Rafael Alberti (a Spanish poet of the "generation of '27.") Next to his book was a pamphlet on the rosary, and next to that, a picture of Fidel Castro.

I approached him and asked how he was. He was soft spoken and kind. In no time, we were talking about his homeland of Spain, the greatness of Rafael Alberti, Castro and Cubans, the poor and illiterate, socialism, and high taxes in Florida. Wow! what a change from the usual mindless security guards in clubs, but then, again, this wasn't a club venue, and Reynaldo wasn't your average security guard. Thankfully.

After the show (which went relatively well considering we started at 6:30pm and a lot of people hadn't yet arrived), we were able to talk a bit with Rob Thomas, Paul Doucette, Ryan MacMilliam (the new drummer), Matt Beck (hired extra aux player), Cedric (Alanis' bassist), and various others whose names I haven't quite mastered yet. The point being that we were able to meet a lot of great people, all very nice and complimentary, and it's confirmed to me that this tour will continue to be amazing.

Apart from the show, we've brought a mini-studio on the road and have been continuing to write and develop the songs for the new record. This I am most excited about, and can't wait to play these new ideas live. Hopefully, I'll get some time to take some pictures and videos soon.

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