University of Richmond

Time: Oct. 5, 1996

Place: The Cellar at the University of Richmond

What's up with us playing in basements and cellars? Actually, the Cellar is the University of Richmond's on-campus bar. And it rox! It's in their student union which is on a lake. I don't mean on the bank; I mean ON THE LAKE! There's a man-made lake that's in the center of campus. The student union (including a mess-hall and several recreation areas) is ON/IN the lake. Donít ask me how they did it, but itís cool. All the windows overlook the water. Very cool. The bar itself was a restaurant bar that reminds me of Cheers.

We were nervous about having to play for so long. As it turned out, we didnít have to. (Thank you!!!) The place was a lot of fun, and the wait staff, bartender, and student manager were all EXTRA COOL!

In fact, everything about the place was cool--except that (like all school-sponsored entertainment stuff) the students have to under-utilize it. About half of the people in the bar were friends of mine. Corey, Mike, Betsy, and crew (as faithful supporters) were in the front row, egging us on. Another friend from high school (David J. Kupstas) made a heroic entrance. Strangely enough, I guess we're developing some kind of following...too bad it's so far from home.

The gig went well...with the notable exception of Brian's kick drum. He funked a hole in it about 1 hour into the show. Of course, we had no spare heads. So a quick break and few pieces of duct tape later, we were back at it. This time, I started making a point of trying to funk his kick drum to death. It worked. The head broke a second time...this time almost beyond repair. Soooo......Brian borrowed a pizza box and some more duct tape....we decided to try it again.

We played about 3 or 4 more songs before the bar closed. Apparently, the head broke again with about 2 songs left...Brian held up the pizza box with one foot and worked the pedal with the other.

Youíd think he was trying to show off or something.

Thanks to all of you who came out to see us perform. We had fun. It was great to see Amy and Keith...and David J. and...well everybody. I have to thank Corey--we really appreciate you letting us crash at your new pad.

Lowest moment of the trip:

Sneaking out of town before Corey and Mike woke up. We left a note....I know; I know... we feel like cheap hoís too.