Hi gang,
I'm thinking of taking a "working vacation" this winter. My parents are Philly-2-Florida snowbirds, and they stay in St. Augustine from New Years day until Easter ... sooooooo, I'm thinking that it'd be nice to take a leisurely drive down I95, and work as many places as I can along the way. I'd love to know who I can visit along the way from the Zone! If Gary isn't sailing, he'd be my first stop ... maybe some of you along the eastern coast can throw me a lead or two for where a visiting performer could sing for his supper?
It's just a thought at this point. I have no definite plan, but I DO have a great friend in Jacksonville who can provide me with some duo work with her, for a few days ... maybe longer.

So, my friends - any ideas? Anyone need a musical partner for a night or two in February or March?

After Gary Dave stop by Don Masons a bit off course but well worth it,.....
then double back to see Eddie Shoemaker, Bernie Akerman, Diki, Scott Langhoff,and a few others I cant remember now..have fun. Pictures videos too !

I think my Louisiana trip will have to wait for my West Coast trek!
I'll see Don, Boo, and the rest of the middle states!

I'll likely be here this winter, Dave, unless something drastic happens. I would love to see you again - it has been several years. I'll be more than happy to burn you a fillet mignon on the grill as well. Tony Mads can attest to my culinary skills.

There are lots of folks to see along the way, including Bill from NJ who now lives in Bluffton, SC, then, if you wish to make a short detour off I-95, you could slide into Atlanta and see Chas, then back to I-95 and south to Stuart and see Eddie Shoemaker, but Eddie is south of Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine is a neat place to visit, lots of nice things to see and great restaurants.

If you decide to head across the state and take a dip in the Gulf Of Mexico, Scott Langholff lives in Pensacola. Nice place to put your Toes In The Water and Your Ass In the Sand. Farther south on the west coast of Florida in Punta Gorda is where you will find Charlie Ohram (Rattley), who collects keyboards and vintage organs. He has so many organs he can hardly walk through the house. It you get to Punta Gorda, get Charlie to show you the oldest banyon tree in the nation - that thing is massive.

From Scott Langholff's place to Don Mason's is a 12 hour drive, and the drive back home from Don's took me three days. I'm too damned old to drive those distances straight through anymore.

I've made the east coast trip by car at least 25 times, and twice by boat. I prefer going by boat, and you get to see lots of things you would never see in a car, but Carol does not want to live on the boat for a month to reach the Florida Keys. Additionally, with her health issues, I can no longer leave her alone for months at a time, so this winter, I'm relegated to the land of brutal cold, freezing rain, snow and ice. I envy you, young man.

You're gonna have a fun trip,

Gary

I'M HERE....I'M HERE....dateless and desperate, too!


Russ

Oh hush! I already made the trip to Kentucky! You're on the Midwestern trip!

Better hurry before Russ runs out of toothless redheads!

UD, you (and any other Synthzoners) are more than welcome to visit for a few days. It's just the wife and me in a 6 bedrm, 5.5 bath house in a VERY scenic part of north GA on Lake Allatoona (just off 75/575 @ 30 mi. north of Atlanta). Kinda boring around here BUT, I've got tons of musical stuff (including three (3) organs and about 10 other keyboards and modules), a great pool table, a well-stocked bar, a big grill and a freezer full of steaks. Then there's the bonus of being able to describe me to Donny and Fran . In any case, I'm a lot closer than Diki.

chas

Georgia is on the way! Thanks, Chas ... Can you hook me up with some work too?

Now, you two guys would enjoy spending time together. If it happened, I'd get in my new Miata and drive down...about 6 hours, I think.

BTW, Chas...how much for the KYMCO? What is the year?


R.

Yeah Russ, the Olive Garden where we had lunch (on your dime ) is only about 25 min. away - 75 and 575. I cranked up the Kymco today; ran a little rough (from sitting) so I added some fresh fuel and fuel injector cleaner (I have no idea if that stuff even works) and let it run for a bit. I'll check it again tomorrow to see if it did any good. It's an '08 with only 4k miles. I paid 3400 for it @ 3-4 yrs ago but bought the Burgman a few months later and consequently never rode it much after that. It had new tires when I bought it and I put a new battery in. Always garaged and never been down as far as I know. Haven't checked ebay or Craigslist, but they're probably going for @ 2500. Yours for $1500 but YOU clean the carb if needed. You'd also need a UHaul bike trailer (14.95 for 1 day - probably more for 1 way). I also have a ton of vintage gear, stringed and electronic, in my storeroom that you can pick through and take what you want or can use (free, of course).

Dave, as far as work is concerned, I'm kinda out of the loop since I stopped gigging about a year or so ago, but I still have some working musician friends and I'll ask around. You could probably also check with Jim Eschelmann (sp), 'The PRO' who I believe lives in nearby Kennesaw. He is probably more familiar with the local clubs as most of my experience has been in the jazz clubs in Marietta, Decatur, and Atlanta. Anyhow, hope you get a chance to stop by for a visit (and we'll hold Russ to his promise .

chas

Yesssssssss!