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.