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catching up
Posted on February 12th, 2009 at 2:30pm
As promised, just because I'm now twittering doesn't mean I'll stop blogging. Twittering = fewer words more often; blogging = more words less often. It's all good, as they say. If you want to follow me on twitter, start here: http://twitter.com/curtsmith.
So, the first two shows at The Standard Hollywood are now behind me, I hope those who have been there (hello Eileen, Sheila, Hermest, Justine, to name a few) will agree a good time has been had by all. Some Twitterers (tweeple?) came all the way from Las Vegas to see the show last night - that would be Mike and Danny - and there was even somone there who had been at the NOTP show in Cologne! Anyway, if you took pictures and want to share, you can send them to us at csow (at) curtsmithofficial (dot) com and we'll put them online. We prefer 800x600 (or 600x800) and 72dpi (in other words, web resolution).
There are two shows left, on the 18th and 25th. The room tends to fill up so do call The Standard to book seats if you haven't already. The number is (323) 650-9090 x2921. If they tell you the Cactus Lounge is all booked, that's okay, ask for a seat on the deck which is lovely and you can see and hear just fine from there. And sometimes people cancel at the last minute so you're able to move to a seat in the Lounge after all.
The set list last night was the same as the one Arlene posted for the first week, although I did add Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" (thank you for the suggestion Yara) to the beginning of the second set. We had literally only rehearsed it moments before, during the break between sets, but as it was fresh in our minds I was prevailed upon by Charlton and Doug to give it a try. It went rather well, if I do say so, and may be a keeper. We got a request for "Snow Hill," but both a shortage of time and the fact we hadn't rehearsed it meant we weren't able to work it in. Maybe next week...
There seems to be quite a buzz about the planned TFF West Coast tour this summer. This is NOT an official announcement, as contracts haven't been signed yet so far as I know and therefore things are subject to change. So with those caveats in mind, here are the likely dates:
July 10 - Seattle, WA
July 11 - Portland, OR
July 14 - Santa Rosa, CA
July 15 - Saratoga, CA
July 17 - Costa Mesa, CA
July 18 - Las Vegas, NV
July 20 - San Diego, CA
We'll probably also play in Vancouver either July 9 OR 12 - not clear yet. When everything is confirmed I'll post the news here. Before you ask - I don't know when the on-sale dates will be, you'll need to contact the respective venues/ticket agencies for information about when and how to get them.
In other news: those of you who frequented my previous website may remember that along with the lyrics, I included short stories about "Perfect Day" and "Halfway Pleased" as well as explanations of the lyrics. They're now rightfully restored to place here, along with the previously unpublished story / explanation for "Coming Out." Just go the pages for those tracks (in the "Music" section), the stories and such are beneath the lyrics if you scroll down.
Bella has been gone at puppy boot camp and will return shortly, more pictures of her once she's back. The house has been very quiet without her, but she was allowed a "home leave" visit the other night and the skills and control she's attained in a very short time away are remarkable.
I'm thrilled as you can imagine that Manchester United are atop the Premier League. I'll be glued to the screen as usual when they play Fulham next Wednesday (luckily, it won't conflict with my show). Hm, perhaps a good reason to rehearse "Snow Hill"...
Until next time.
EZEZ
Papa S.
Comments
Posted by MightyAni on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 10:54.
Happy Square Root Day, everyone!
Posted by swetbabo on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 09:20.
Money is the BIG problem with me...very serious, uncertain job future...I am very afraid =(
I am 100% sure I won't be there this year.
Curt and Roland. PLEASE make an old lady (me!) happy and do it again next year. =)
Even the west coast again would do.
Or Mohegan Sun!! (I could handle the Sun, this year!!) =)
Donna
Posted by Celeste on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 09:05.
Awe Corinna. :(
Money is an issue for most people here, me included, and well, there's always next time. :)
Tears For Fears Fan, www.blogyourjourney.com, My fan website, Weblog #1, Weblog #2, Weblog #3
Posted by IdeasAsOpiates on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 20:08.
I assume you mean east coast (unless you mean the west coast of florida)...
Doesn't look like that will happen at this point. You have a short tour here, that all equip can be trucked from stop to stop pretty quickly from Curts home base in Los Angeles, and not overly impact things on the home front. Seems like what they want to do at this point.
Posted by Allison on Sunday, February 22, 2009 - 09:20.
Curt, on your Twitter, you say "happy to report that Gwen Stefani really is as sweet as she appears."!!! HOLD UP!!! GWEN STEFANI IS MY IDOL SINCE I WAS 10 YEARS OLD, DID YOU MEET HER?!??!?!?!?!?!! MY LIFE GOAL IS TO SOMEDAY MEET HER! Did you see her out and about in LA? Was she with Gavin and Kingston and baby Zuma? OMG, please do tell, she is a huge inspiration to me.
Thanks so much,
Allison
Posted by Allison on Saturday, February 21, 2009 - 19:30.
The remake of the movie "Sybil" is on right now on Lifetime. In this one, Jessica Lange plays the psychiatrist. Since learning about its connection to SFTBC, (the one with Sally Field), I have been really interested in this story. Wow, this one is really good. Great acting. I hope she mentions her "big chair!"
Posted by eva elena on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 21:25.
Rocketdave ~ I'm not in the Bay Area but I am familiar with all three venues that you mentioned.
I think, in comparing the Santa Rosa event with the Saratoga venue, it is acoustics over the 'experience' of the evening, shall we say.
The Wells Fargo Center (formerly the Luther Burbank Center) is a very well-designed facility...originally a church...with wonderful acoustics and a seating arrangement that places the furthest seat at only 75' from the stage. Thus, visibility is quite good, as well. It is, however, strictly indoor and located immediately on the freeway and doesn't offer very much in the way of ambience.
On the other hand, the Saratoga venue...Mountain Winery...is an outdoor facility on the winery property established in 1852. (In fact, the stage is immediately in front of the original winery building.) You are experiencing the performance surrounded by the vineyards and 200 year-old oaks and as it is a rather small venue, there are no bad seats....you're going to see the performance. Also, the winery offers a restaurant with a lovely dining terrace so that you can enjoy dinner and wine and simply walk to the theatre.
My opinion is this: when you are spending a summer evening in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, why would you want to be under a roof?
Go to Saratoga, Dave. If you can spend the night nearby and then drive back to Vallejo in the morning, it would be very worthwhile, I think. And your 7 yr. old would really enjoy the outdoor concert experience.
Posted by yara on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 17:36.
Wow everyone..I'm so touched by your responses about my friend Michelle with cancer. She is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from here and I am going over there in about a week to see how she's doing! I haven't heard back yet how her surgery went, so I've been worried about what's going on. We had lost touch for a quite a few years after I moved and she moved, so my only connection with her has been on facebook. I just have to pray the chemo will zap it out before it spreads anymore.
It was just weird, on the same day Michelle brought up her cancer situation to me, I found out one of my 26 year old clients (a mom of 3 children under 8 years old) died of an accidental shooting. I was emotionally messed up that day.
On a lighter note, gotta run and sell beigneits at my Rotary's Mardi Gras Block party here in a 1/2 hour. I have been really busy but I wanted to make sure and say thank you to everyone for their support.
Posted by Celeste on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 13:13.
I'm not sure if this is a good time to post this but this just came into my you tube inbox. These paintings are just so beautiful, albeit a little morbid, but beautiful.
Tears For Fears Paintings By Melinda
I was just watching this video and the paintings are really well done all to the tune of Watch Me Bleed.
If you're offended by this then I apologize but I just had to share it with everyone.
Celeste
Posted by swetbabo on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 20:50.
Yara, sending prayers to yuor friend.
My BIL (a member of our family for 49 years), was just diagnosed with lung cancer, terminal. He and my sister live in Santa Barbara. I was going to try and to see them. I would have to go soon.
For that reason, I don't think I can handle 2 major trips this year.
I am so sorry Curt and Roland. Maybe next year?
Donna
Posted by Rocketdave on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 17:40.
Hi Eva Elena.
I too am thinking the Wells Fargo Center. I have never been there though. I saw them in Saratoga, but that is quite a drive from here. It seems like it took hours to drive there. I grew up in Napa and moved to the lovely bankrupt city of Vallejo eight years ago. TFF also did a concert at Mondavi Winery a few years ago but I missed that one. Are you also a bay area local?
Posted by Celeste on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 15:43.
Yes she is ratscatsangels. Curt says she's away at a puppy training boot camp.
Tears For Fears Fan, www.blogyourjourney.com, My fan website,My Twitter Page
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12:38.
Love the idea, but it's cost prohibitive. I've been looking at prices for Vegas or Costa Mesa, but if I did to Santa Rosa, a plane ticket for just me is going to run about $400 round trip, and then there's the hotel stay. Even packaging them on Priceline or Travelocity still would have it run about $1,000 for the family and that is definitely not a doable option. Though my husband would like the driving school idea...and I'd LOVE to see 2 shows!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by Rocketdave on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12:07.
Suzanne, why don't you make it a family trip? Fly up to San Francisco, tour the wine country, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf,etc. Infineon Raceway (for your husband and son) is a short drive away, as is Santa Rosa and Saratoga. You could even sign your husband and son up for Jim Russell Racing Driving School. You and your daughter could catch two TFF shows that way. Hopefully where there is a will there's a way.
I am hoping to make it to the Santa Rosa show with my 7 year old daughter who just loves them.
Posted by Alissa on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 10:08.
If I could win the lottery (I suppose I'd have to start playing it first!), I'd fly or train all our husbands and children to my house for a few days. They can watch the games, go fishing, my kids have plenty of toys and sports equipment they can share, all sorts of good stuff. Then I’d take all us wives to California and Vegas for a few days, too. Maybe catch a few concerts while we‘re. Got any in mind :)))) ?!? (of course!) We could even invite our single guys along for the trip too - platonically speaking :).
An no - it's not about “permission” in the least - never heard it put that way before :). It's a joint effort, you're decisions are a partnership that become one, that's marriage. I can HEAR my husband thinking I know him so well, just as he knows me. If I could get to Cali to catch a show, Todd would fully support it. But $$$ is just too tight right now. That, and the fact that my husband can’t cook very well. Even his Hamburger Helper, the noodles come out too chewy (can’t stand that), and by the time he’s done scalding my pan, that Hamburger Helper looks NOTHING like the picture on the box. He CAN make sandwiches though (applause!)
Posted by Sheila on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 09:12.
Yara,
Your friend is in my prayers!...I am hoping that I will be able to make at least two TFF shows....July is a busy month for our family, we have our annual family reunion after the 4th which my husband and I host a week of camping.......and just like everyone else, money is tight.....the easiest way for me to make some quick cash is to do some spring cleaning and have a yard sale.......hey, it help to pay for my son's wedding!
Sheila
Posted by SuzanneOlden on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 06:25.
Yara - praying for your friend. CK - whatever works for the one suffering through is what works. Prayer, meditation, visualization, support groups, a mentor - having been support for a very good friend whose husband was ill, I saw that finding what works and holding onto it is what the person fighting it needs. In this case a mentor to walk them through every step. So I'd pass along Leanne's mother's info - having someone tell you what to expect and what may be out there that the medical community doesn't tell you is a wonderful help. Leanne - glad you mom is doing so much better :)
As for my husband's reaction, no I haven't talked to him yet and yes, it's anticipatory. We will have been together 20 years this coming September (married 17 this coming May) and I know his opinion on all of it. He's never been a big fan of anyone and none of all of this makes any sense to him. He teases me about it (not always nicely) because he doesn't "get it". I have a few ideas - he's taken some trips to help a friend with his prostreet race car (a street legal corvette - it has license tags - that does a 6 second quarter mile) - my hubby's a gear head - and the trip he and my son are on now. I think it has mostly to do with why I'd go and going by myself - he'd flatly say no to me taking our daughter. My plan is once we know dates and I can nail down price, I'll talk to him - because he's taking yet another car trip next month. I don't mind him doing what makes him happy, so maybe that's my "in". So, just impatiently waiting for the contracted dates to get all my ducks in a row!
EZEZ
Suzanne Olden
Posted by envertigo on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 23:29.
God, Yara... If there's anything I can do to help her out, let me know. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer on Oct. 16th 2002, and spent the entire day in surgery on Halloween of that year. Came out of that and had 6 mos. of chemo and radiation treatment. And every day it was like "...is this going to work? What's going to happen?..." It was the most nerve-wracking and draining experience of my life, and I can't even get into how it effected mom. But even for being Stage 3, she celebrated her 6th year as a survivor this last autumn. She has to wear a wrap where she has a slightly noticable case of lymphadema in the arm where some of the nodes were removed, but she's (so far) still cancer free. I'm really, really hoping for your friend, and if she needs any kind of support, or even if she wants to ask about what to expect with the chemo treatment (weird things they don't really mention, like how your tastes change - mom couldn't stand to have milk that entire time, and would have tomato sauce with nearly everything - and to this day she can't stand the taste of peppermint), feel free to email me and I can put her in touch with mom.
It's a huge deal. It's funny that you mention the "life is short" thing - it's odd/funny/nice/sad that it took mom getting breast cancer and faced with the realistic possibility of not making it to get her to realize that there was so much more she could and should be doing. She finally started going on vacations, taking time for herself, relaxing, she finally started to let things go about her past, she realized she didn't have to constantly ask for permission for everything (on of the many fun side effects from 20 years of being married to a selfish, controlling jack@ss). She became a much better, happier person and I only hate that it took going through something like that to make it happen...
Anyway, my email is envertigo76@hotmail.com. Anything we can do to help, please feel free to get in touch. Your friend is certainly not alone : )
Recent Posts
| 1 Sep | psych airs tonight! |
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| 12 Jul | a few things |
Hey everybody, I wasn't too sure where I should post this comment, but does anybody know anything about indie-chic Filter magazine's tribute article on TFF in its current issue?! How did this fly under the radar?? http://www.filter-mag.com/index.php?id=18593&c=1