Forest Ray update

Had practice the other night and aside from a few bad notes here and there, it was fine. I am feeling comfortable and confident with the songs and ready to go. Now it's the packing and planning aspect of things.

I've done a deeper dive on the travel and timing of things. We will be leaving on Wednesday, 6/28, with a show scheduled that night in Portland. After that, we have 5 more shows in 5 more locations, until a day off on the 4th of July, location TBD. Starting on Wednesday the 5th of July, it's 7 more shows in 7 different locations until I'm back home on the 12th. They have more shows after that, but I think their other bassist/s will play (unless they ask me for consistency's sake).

show dates and locations

I just plugged in all the dates and it seems a little daunting when looking at the calendar. 13 shows in 14 days. With travel in-between. It will definitely be interesting; I think the easy parts will be the actual gigs. The travel, downtime, sleeping and logistical side of things will be likely the most challenging.

I've made a bit of a packing list for what to bring. I need to check it out some more and hammer out some details with the guys. Sounds like we have more than enough room on the Econoline van, but I've never packed for 14 days out. Simon mentioned there is likelihood of doing laundry, and I'm thinking we'll have to find a laundromat on 7/4 to do just that. So with all that stuff, do I bring a suitcase? Do I bring extra clothes? With all the travel I did last year, at least I had a homebase every night (re: hotel). Van-life with these Gen-Zers will be interesting. They all seem cool and I feel like I can get along with them all.

The other day, Simon mentioned he'd been in the band since he was 23. I felt old all of a sudden! Reminded me of working at the Store days, where I was 40 and everyone else was early 20s. Good times. They mentioned getting life lessons from Eric (all of 43 years old), so maybe I can be that way to these dudes.

For gear, Peter will be bringing a Fender Bassman 100 combo amp, I think. I saw it and it looked tall and narrow, so we'll see. In the meantime, I've been playing through his Bassman 100 head and 215 (I think):

My POV at Peter's studio

As far as basses are concerned, I'm not 100% sure what to bring yet. I do know that whatever I bring, I'll have it in a hardcase for protection purposes. I've played the HOG at 2 rehearsals and took Goldie the other night. Either one would be a great option. Then today, I've been thinking about the ol' SB-2. Or, gasp, do I bring the P? Decisions, decisions.

More planning to occur, but now it's time for a run.