the World According to Ward

So I just played Athens, at Tasty World, one of the best named clubs ever, to tens of enthusiastic fans. There was a stupid frat party upstairs, and my cello was making funny noises. But the crowd was a lot of fun, and all in all it was good to be back playing. It’s a little humbling to play for so few people after being used to Jump’s crowds for so long…it’s funny, you always want more than you have. When I was with Jump, I always thought, “Man, I wish we were as big as Guster (or whoever).” Now that I’m solo, I find myself thinking, “Man, I wish I were is big as Jump.” I suppose it’s still pretty early in the game, and I don’t have a good handle on how to market myself yet. Anyone know a good manager? I’m not one, that’s for sure.
Speaking of Tasty, we went to the Grill afterwards and I got one of their awesome milkshakes. Yum. And Amanda Mae is graciously letting me use her couch and her internet tonight. Thanks, AM!
I’ll be heading up to NYC at the end of the month. My roommate is hunting for a place. I can’t wait to get up there! There’s a little chill in the air, and I’m actually looking forward to the cold and snow. Someone please show me this in late march when I’m sure I’ll be sick of it!
More blog tomorrow. For now, it’s Bret Easton Ellis time!

Tuesday night, Steve and I played at the Evening Muse in Charlotte, NC. It was fun, although a gremlin invaded my preamp and made it sound like a shit. Before the show, Sarah, Mary Anne and I ate at Cabo Fish Taco. Yum! I got the BBQ mahi taco, which was totally awesome. The show was fun. Again, the crowd felt slightly sedated, but people seemed to have a good time. After we loaded out, we tried to leave the same way we came in, but there was a ginormous train that is actually still crossing 36th st. as we speak. So we improvised and actually found I-277 south! and then we missed the turn at the last second. DAMN DAMN DAMN!! We got back on track and made it home, but after I dropped Steve off in Summerville, guess what was crossing the st.: ANOTHER TRAIN!! This one only lasted a second, but still….do y’all think that symbolizes anything? Leave a comment interpreting my train encounters, and if you interpret the omen correctly, you’ll win….the knowledge that you’re a psychic!

So we did a crazy early show in Atlanta on Friday Night. It was a fun little crowd, and I felt like it was the best duo show yet. People seemed to really enjoy themselves, and they also really enjoyed Steve Fiore. That kid can really write and sing a song. I wish we could have stayed in Atlanta, but I had to play my friend Amber’s wedding on Saturday and we had to go home. We almost didn’t go anywhere, cause the brilliant Ash left Steve’s van keys on the front windshield of the car beside the van!!! It took us a while to find them, and I’d like to thank whoever was driving that car for not leaving with Steve’s keys. Rock on, Ash!
Amber’s wedding was fun: the shortest ceremony I’ve ever seen. Literally 3 minutes, tops. Then we had good Barbecue and drinks. Then me, Angela and Heather went to Raval, Jimmy Buffet bought us a drink, and Angela almost got hit by nine cars. Now I’m at my parents house doing some laundry and resting before Metal Monday and my Charlotte show on tuesday. Hope to see y’all there!

So I think all 23 people at Local 506 had the time of their lives. I know I did. I’m having a good time playing this tour. I just feel more comfortable doing my own stuff now, not as stressed, and my voice is holding up better this time (Knock on Wood).
On the 8 hour trip to Birmingham, Steve bought some Vista Supreme Cheddar Cheese Crackers. He ate one, and immediately had an expression of abject horror on his face.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“This is the worst cracker I’ve ever tasted. It tastes like Play-Doh!” replied Steve Fiore.
I had to try one. I mean, how can you screw up a cracker? Well, let me tell you, the knuckleheads at the Vista Supreme Cracker company figured out how. Way to go guys! It really does taste like Play-Doh, only I remember Play-Doh tasting better.
We arrived at the World Famous Nick in Birmingham. The Nick has been in existence since 1974, but somehow, Jump Little Children never played there. A guy named Ron argued with me about this, assuring him that we opened for Marcy Playground at the Nick. I’ve noticed that I’m so non confrontational that I’ll sometimes agree or try to agree with someone even if they are totally wrong. I’m not doing that anymore, so I assured him that Jump never played there, even as he was insisting that we did. Then he beat me up. And I died.
After I was rescusitated (check that spelling: if it’s right, send me a quarter), I played a great country space rock show for all 16 people 794,209,888 staples in the Nick. Ever been to the Nick? Lots of staples in the wall. Lots. The Nick seems to have music leaking out of the rafters. You can really feel the history there. People had told me that it was a dive, and it is, in a charming honky tonk kind of way. I have to say, the sound was way better than I expected (Thanks, Danny). The club, as a whole, reminded me a lot of the late Rockafella’s, in Columbia. Wendy, Boog and Danny and everyone were really nice. And one couple even danced! And said “WOO” really loud.
I’m gonna read Less Than Zero and sleep!
WOOOOOOOO!!!!

So I’m sitting at the bar at Local 506 listening to the lovely sounds of Steve Fiore. I know I promised I’d blog more, so here goes:
Augusta was fun. Blue Horse Music Hall is one of the best venues around, and if you’re anywhere near Augusta, you should go see whoever’s playing, cause even if Scott Stapp did a solo show there, it would probably sound good just cause of the system and how nice everyone is there.
Charleston went really well. The sonic ninjas, my backup band, consisting of Ash Hopkins, Evan Bivins, and Lee Barbour were in top form and people were rocking out.
Columbia was okay…pretty sedated crowdwise. Ash and I hadn’t rehearsed, so maybe we weren’t in top form, which may have contributed to the sedation.
Chapel Hill doesn’t have tons of folks here, but I have the feeling that the rock is going to be delivered. Giovanna’s dad bought me some beer. Thanks Bob! So as long as I don’t have to pee in the middle of my show, things should go well. And Ash and I have rehearsed, so we totally are tight now. Leave me a comment, cause as of now, I’m only getting spam comments, and I don’t give a damn about stupid ringtones or viagra or whatnot.