Stories from the road

Oyan, Alberta

The Alberta Hotel

July 13th 2000

The hottest stage we've played on so far this tour. I think probably the smallest as well. The place is dark and filled with carnies from the fair happening on the weekend. The usual load in, eat, shower. On the stage is one power outlet already maxed out with a power bar filled with plugs a blacklight, (the only real light on stage), a strobe light, and a whole spaghetti-like mess of Christmas lights are all plugged into the same outlet that we have to use for all of our stuff. I'm not sure if you've ever played guitar and sung into a mic that isn't grounded well. ZAP! You get a shock every time you come even close to the mike. This poses an obvious problem. Luckily, Jai has a brand new pair of black socks. we put one over each mic to insulate them. This works great for the first three songs. Remember that this is the hottest stage in the world? Well, it didn't take long for the sweat to soak through the socks, and Zap!! Zap!!! Zap!!! Even if Michael stood at a distance from the mic, his wet hair would hit and Zap!! what a drag. The bar is shaped like an "L" and we are in the "bottom right of the "L" the bar patrons are in the opposite end. (except two guys, Mike and Todd. Our true supporters, so far). The rest of the people can hear us but we can't see each other. from time to time, the bar staff would pop their heads into view. our first set concludes with much protest from Todd

"No way! you're not done. Play!! Play!!"

We moved to where the people are and do the meet and greet. They do their best to convince us that they heard us and liked us. to avoid having to do 3 sets, (thanks again, Wayne. Dork!) Michael takes his acoustic in and plays some requests to keep the entertainment rolling. Next set, the people moved to where we were playing and we give them a high energy show. We dedicate our first encore to all of the carnies, musicians, and strippers in Canada. They go bananas!! soon it's time for us to join the party. Beers and merch sales. Having a great time with the carnies and locals. Turns out, this Mike fellow is a pretty awesome artist. He gives us an original piece and draws a second one just for us. We let him buy a cd. the night is nearing an end. This one young carnie decides that too many of the girls are paying attention to Michael.

'Fuckin' pretty boy"

This lady Val, (mama carnie), is telling him to shut up. she's as pissed as the rest of them. See, carnies like to police themselves (part of the Carnie Code. This has no effect on the young, grumpy carnie. it just escalates until the little prick is a total annoyance. The thing is, we can't take him outside and mess him up, 'cause the same the carnies that love you have to side with him. (Also part of The Code) all you can do is ignore it and let him have the attention he is craving. eventually, after a painful amount of time, the carnies drag him into the Carniemobile, kicking and screaming.

"I just want to knock out this pretty boy. blah, blah, blah..."

Don't let this destroy your opinion of carnies, They're great people and great to party with. The bar, empty and the van loaded, we get to sit in peace with the owner, Debbie. We spent an hour talking and helping ourselves to the beer. (thanks, Deb!!) Eventually we crash. 8 hour drive to Fairmont tomorrow. FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!!

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