January 19, 2003 - Portland, Oregon

I was sleeping in the back lounge of the bus and Zach woke me up to let me know it was time to load in gear. I didn't realize how long I had slept. I must have needed it. We got everything set up and going pretty fast. We had a very short sound check and after sound check, Victor asked if I wanted to go to dinner with him and 2 of his friends. So we went to a place called The Todai Seafood Buffet - it was incredible. If you ever get a chance to eat at one of these restaurants, do it! We had good conversation at dinner - we mainly talked about philosophy and spirituality.

We got back to the Aladdin Theater just in time to get ready to start the show. The show was incredible! Derico broke a snare drum head on the second song! Victor called me out to do a solo and I played one that I felt really good about. After the show I got a chance to hang out with Brenda Trammel and Jonathan Chase, more "Wooties" from Bass Camp. They told me that they wish I had been more out front when I played. I responded that I purposely try to stay in the corner because I know people are mainly here to see Victor. Jonathan responded that people come and pay to see a bass experience and that I was as much of that bass experience as anybody else up there. That made me feel real good.

Because of the efficiency of Zach Newton (our sound engineer) and Ted Atwell (our lighting director) we had another great show without any glitches - and it's only our second day! Ya gotta' love that! Thanks guys!

peace,

anthony