Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends Midwest Tour 2024

June 26, 2024Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

Including a Hometown show in Sioux City and Caterwaul 2024

I had a great time reuniting with my bandmates Conan, Tony, and Dusty for a short Midwest run of shows. I also made many new friends including Loren, who played second guitar on the first 3 shows.

Late in the evening, after a long day of travel, I arrived in Omaha NE and met up with Conan, and met (literally lol) Loren. As usual Tony’s flight was delayed, so we got some food at the ever famous midwest late night diner… Perkins. Living classy. The diner drama we were entertained by while indulging in our fancy fried feast included the overnight waitress being a no call no show, and the one server on the floor was moments away from snapping. The tension from the kitchen radiated out into the dining room.

That night was a hotel night, and we awoke to a sweltering hot midwest morning. First things first, we had to rehearse. Our one and only practice was the morning of the 1st show. It was at the Omaha Guitar Center, which was super accommodating and friendly. After a few hours of rehearsal we hit the road to my hometown of Sioux City Iowa.

I gave the band a warning that Sioux City smelled, but they were still blown away by the stench of the air as we rolled into the city limits. We stopped at Floyds monument for some Sioux City photos, and then took a nice break from the heat at The Siouxland Conservatory of Music.

The show was amazing, it was at a very cool coffee shop/art gallery. It was all ages so I got to see not only my friends and family, but also all their little ones. So many good friends showed up, and I also got to spend some time with my Dad. We did a late night La Jua’s dinner, and then stayed with my BFF’s Sam and Jenny, who made sure we were cozy and comfortable.

The next day was a 7 hour drive across the monotonous state of Iowa to Madison WI. Iowa isn’t quite as boring to look at as Nebraska, but close!

The Madison show was fun, and the green room looked like it hadn’t been changed, or cleaned, since the 70’s. The whole room had a yellow tint from years of smoking. The next day, Milwaukee had a similar time capsule green room, complete with a rotary land line phone.

Milwaukee was an afternoon show, and we played promptly at 4. Tony had a flight to catch which departed at 530, so we were on a time crunch. He had an uber waiting and was off stage and out the door before the feedback of our last song subsided. It was a very rock n roll exit, and he did make his flight.

I had the next day off in Milwaukee and got some much needed alone time. I went to a cool bio-dome place to look at the plants and habitats, got a haircut, took a walk by the river, and had some coffee with Loren. Oh, and of course did my laundry.

We were up and out the door at 7am, to make it to a radio interview at 8. I was so tired, any questions they directed to me were all one word answers lol. Then a few hours drive into Louisville to grab Tony and Dusty on our way to Cincinnati.

Yeah…..Cincinnati was the bummer show of the tour. The rest were pretty good but this one was so off. We played to no one, didn’t get paid, and the local bands lacked proper band etiquette. On the bright side we played a killer set, super tight! We then drove like 2 hours back to Louisville where we had a killer Air B+B waiting for us. I got my own room and bathroom, yeah! We got to sleep in too.

The next day was the Louisville show, so we had a free afternoon with no driving. We got a fancy breakfast and then did some of the tourist stuff. We went to see Coronal Sander’s grave, and a super sweet hotel from the 20’s where Al Capone had a bunch of secret rooms and passageways.

The show was great! The venue was Planet of the Tapes, and had so many cool things to look at. It was our first night with Part Chimp, and they are a killer band and solid dudes. I also have friends in Louisville and it was nice to see familiar faces. To top it off there was even a storm!

Next day we were off to Chicago. After a semi long drive, (longer than it needed to be thanks to traffic,) we stopped by a cool music store where Tony fell in love with a white Flying V custom bass. We ate some amazing Thai food, and I really needed a vegetable so that was great. I swear we stopped at a gas station rest stops where the only vegetable in the whole store was a pickle, ugh.

Chicago was for me the best show, both playing wise and all around great time. Huge crowd, every band was good, the bartenders were a blast, made new friends, and probably got too drunk…almost. The drive to the hotel I had to hold the new Flying V, since it didn’t have a case yet. In return I was allowed to name it and went with Paddington V.

Friday was a drive day, Chicago to Minneapolis for the 1st day of the 4 day Caterwaul fest. Dusty’s band was playing, and Conan runs the fest, so they were both a bit on edge. I just got to sit back and enjoy the day…as much as you can in a van for 8 hours. The bar on Friday night was cool, but I was worn out and my ears needed some silence. Tony and I were going to uber back to our swanky Air B+B (another room all to myself for 3 days…yesssss….) However, it was like 50 dollars so we decided to walk the 3 miles. It was a nice night and good exercise after a day in the van.

Saturday was our day to play at the fest. It was an outdoor stage at Palmer’s bar. A full day of bands, and we were on in the middle. I kinda felt like a rock star with workers who unloaded the van and set everything up. I will say it wasn’t my best set of the tour, the only one I really made an mistakes. I believe because I mistook a THC beverage for just CBD…and it hit right as I was on stage lol. It was still a kick ass solid set.

After that my duties of tour were done. I had Sunday as a day off in MN, where I did laundry and took a long walk by the river, and then hung out at the fest. My flight home was Monday morning at 6am midwest time, so by the time I got to LA I was so jet lagged. Took a nap, but my band BFF’s Lung were in town and staying at my studio. So it was one more night of music before my ears got a day of silence. It was great seeing Lung, I love that band. Some of the coolest and realist people I know.

So, that was my tour. People ask how was your tour, and there is so much to it I can’t really answer in one word, even one sentence. Very up and down, good shows and bad. Cozy beds and crappy beds. Long drives and easy days. The cool thing about touring is it keeps me grounded and in the moment. You never know what the day will bring and have to be able to go with the flow no matter what obstacles come your way. I love touring, and it also makes me appreciate my home life, apartment, and cats. It is like I get to live 2 different lifestyles. Road life and home life.

A few songs from our Chicago gig at The Liar’s Club.

Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends March tour with mclusky!

March 23, 2024April 2, 2024Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

I hit the road for a quick 4 show tour with my friends Conan, Dusty, and Tony (aka Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends) at the beginning of March. We did a couple shows on our own in Newport Beach and Bakersfield, and then opened for our friends mclusky at The Echoplex in Los Angeles, and The Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco.

Lots of good times, although I wish it wasn’t such a short tour! We were just getting warmed up! Good news though, we are doing a longer tour in May! That tour will be starting in my hometown of Sioux City IA on May 17th!! Going to be seeing you soon midwest friends!

Scroll to the bottom for a video of our Echoplex Soundcheck of a new unreleased song, “Who Dares!”

mclusky and the Secret Friends (📸 by Monmarphotography)

Conan Neutron and The Secret Friends October 2023 Tour Photos

December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

Tour Blog of My Time Drumming with Conan Neutron and The Secret Friends.

With all the obstacles and grief this year as thrown my way, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go on a fun West Coast tour playing drums for Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends on their “Adult Prom Tour” with the band Lung.

Lung and Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends on the last day of tour.

When Conan first messaged me about playing drums on this 9 day tour, it was the night before I was leaving on my Yosemite National Park vacation with my hiking buddy Jazmin. I was like “Yes…well I mean probably yes, but I have some questions, but I can’t talk for like 4 days. Can you hold my spot til then?” Thankfully he did and after nice chat it sounded like it would be a good fit and I said OK.

I did a “practice” show with Conan and bassist Tony in Kentucky in September. That was a fun experience, although there was very limited practice time together as a band. I mostly studied and learned the songs alone, and we got one long practice in the day before the gig. It was a bit rough, but I was able to make notes on the parts I could improve on, nail down the tempos, and be even more prepared for the tour.

The first show of the tour was in Phoenix, and I flew in the day before. Conan picked me up and we went to meet Dusty at her job at Fender Headquarters. This was the 1st time I had met Dusty, but it was instantly apparent that she was a genuinely sweet person who was also a badass musician and super knowledgable about guitars. Getting a tour of Fender HQ was awesome, I don’t think I have ever seen so many guitars at one time.

Due to Tony’s flight being delayed, the only practice we got together as a 4 piece was 5 hours the day of the first show…in the 100+ degree heat of Phoenix. A small reminder that being a drummer is an actual “job” and very hard work that takes focus and discipline.

The first show went pretty smoothly and the four of us jelled well together. It was also my first night meeting the band Lung. Three super down to earth and kind people. Daisy is the drummer, Kate plays electric cello and sings, and Rochelle does all the art. I had checked their music out before the tour and loved what I heard. It was even more impressive live!! I was so excited for the LA show and for all my friends to catch them.

The second show was Los Angeles. I was only in town for about 15 hours. I did get to sleep in my own bed though, and lots of good friends came to see us! The rest of the tour included San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno, Eugene, Portland, Bellingham, and Seattle.

I was so excited about the Seattle show. For one, my best friend Joe Ross came and I got to stay with him and have some nice catch up time with one of my oldest friends! It was also a festival and the stage we played was in the middle of a roller rink. We also got to play with a long time favorite band, Big Business!

This tour was such a fun experience with some kind and supportive people. It was a much needed escape from the challenges and grief I have been facing. I am excited to play with Conan, Tony, and Dusty again in the future, and I can’t wait for the next time I get to rock out to Lung.

Follow Me on Patreon!

June 22, 2022December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

https://www.patreon.com/Mindeejorgensen

Hey friends! I started a Patreon account, and would love it if you checked it out!

This will be a great place to support me on my drumming journey. You will have access VIP video blog posts, longer drum clips, full song drum covers, and watch my progress as I learn a new instrument, keyboards!

There will also be a section just for students! If you enjoy my mini lessons, you need to check this out. I will give longer, more in depth video lessons, take lesson requests, give lessons on full cover songs, and also offer my student supporters a chance for one on one drum chats!

See you on Patreon! Thanks!

Rescuing Rosie

July 31, 2020December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

Rescuing Rosie

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I was out walking our dog Elvis. Earlier that day I thought I had heard a kitten meowing across the street, but paid no mind to it. This time I heard it again, but louder and more desperate. I glanced across the street to a rehab home and some of the residents were standing by the fence. They saw me looking and yelled to come over, there is a kitten trapped in a bush.

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There is a huge bush just outside the fence. The residents explained they were not allowed to leave, but had been listening to this kitten crying all day. They asked if I could try to see it. One resident said she heard it crying the night before.

The bush was thick and gigantic. Probably 7 feet tall 6 feet wide. It was thorny and I couldn’t reach in. I could hear the sad cries of the kitten up toward the top.

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I went inside to get a flash light and saw. I told my boyfriend Manny what was up. He came outside to help too. We looked hard but couldn’t see the kitten. We could hear her though and she sounded so scared.

The residents handed us some tools through their fence. Garden shears and a shovel. I had a mini saw. We trimmed and hacked and spent two hours as the sun started going down, not even able to see her. We would hack where the sound was, and then the cries would move to the other side.

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As the sun went down, the residents were shining their phone lights to help us, and cheering us on. We were covered in sweat and painful scratches from the thorny bush.

Finally, just as we were going to give up, I got my first glimpse of her! The tiniest little kitten, all black with icy blue eyes reflecting back at me!

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Seeing that kitty gave us hope and we kept cutting.

Around 10pm the residents were called inside, we were tired and defeated. We couldn’t even get close enough to touch her. She could move around in the twisted thorny branches enough to stay out of reach.

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We knew we had to go inside and go to bed at some point. We brought out a towel, a little bowl of water, and an open packet of our dog’s wet food. We left it where she could reach it and hoped it would get her through the night.

We hardly slept. I just kept thinking about her thin tiny body and crusted blue eyes. I hoped she would make it through the night and we could get her help in the morning. Manny went and checked on her in the early morning hours and she was still alive, still crying for help.

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The next morning I called the animal shelter. They took down my name and number and said due to Covid they were short staffed and someone would call me when they were on the way. We kept trying, and her cries were sounding weaker.

We got a friendly neighbor who loves cats. We told him what was up and he came out. With his help, we were able to scare her to a cut area of the bush and I was finally able to get my hand on her! Manny came over and helped pry the branches apart so I could slide her out of the thorny maze.

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She was thin with crusty eyes and a runny nose, barely the size of a hand. We fell in love, she needed our help and we decided to keep her. We couldn’t let her go now.

I got kitten formula and read up on how to care for the tiny kitten. Her eyes were bright blue, and she was still wobbly. We figured she was 3 weeks old. She weighed less than a pound. Poor girl had fleas, worms, a cold, and conjunctivitis.

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That evening and for the first few weeks, she was clinging to us like Velcro. She insisted on sleeping nestled under my chin every night.

I took her to the vet a week later and he said she was so small he couldn’t give her any shots or vaccines yet, I had to get her to 2 pounds.

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She is now a healthy and happy 10 week old, exploding with energy and personality. We chose the name Rosie.

Her and Elvis are cuddle buddies, but she does get on his nerves sometimes with her bursts of energy.

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I wanted to share her story along with all these cute photos. We didn’t want a cat. We were not looking for a pet, but sometimes a pet needs you. She needed help and we were the ones who answered her cries.

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My Quarantine Thoughts and COVID Theories

April 24, 2020June 14, 2020Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

God I hate snow. God.

Remember people, human life CAN exist without money.

I was going to go get a haircut on Super Tuesday when Supercuts had a sale…but I got distracted. Don’t put off what you can do today because tomorrow may never come.

How come no one is just telling Trump “No dude, it’s over.” Why are we not stopping this? There are people that could stop this. He isn’t going to understand that he is not the master of America, and he isn’t gonna magically get smarter. He can’t comprehend the constitution. Just forcefully carry him out of office and put him in a nursing home. Tell him he is the president of the TV room. He probably won’t even know the difference.

Our president is a delusional bully. He is not mentally fit to be president. Especially now.

The EPA rollback shit and the selling of government land is really pissing me off. Trump used his declaration of emergency power to overturn some important regulations and is doing some pretty shady shit when it comes to the environment and public land. The Earth is healing right now, let’s keep that ball rolling.

Now would be a perfect time to transition our national electric grid and automotive industry to greener options. Wind, solar, hydro, ect.

We could also use hemp to make paper, plastic, ect, and end some of some of that deforestation.

All you oil fucks are already filthy rich and living way higher qualities of life than most people. Just let us battle climate change, now is the time. There will always be a need for some oil, your children will still inherent millions, quit being greedy dicks and sacrificing the planet.

NASA plans to go to the moon in 2024. I hope the crisis won’t slow their plan down too much.

COVID-19 doesn’t have a super high mortality rate. It’s danger lies in that it is highly contagious, many people are asymptomatic and it incubates for around 2 weeks.

Everybody dies someday. We need to quit living in fear, and we don’t have to panic.

Just follow the science based orders and do what you can to minimize the risks to yourself and others.

Please don’t inject disinfectant, that is not science based. Trump in general is not science based.

I don’t like the term social distancing, it feels very isolating. Can we please call it physical distancing?

Fear can make you addicted to bad news and makes you search out only the information that affirms the anxiety based beliefs you already hold, and disregard anything that negates it.

Scientific evidence outweighs opinion 100 percent of the time.

This is a new virus and the scientific community is still in the process of collecting data and testing theories. Many things being presented as facts are just theories and opinions.

Many people need to learn how to tell the difference between an opinion (personal belief,) a theory (educated guess based on current evidence,) and a fact (scientifically proven.)

The First Covid-19 death in the US has recently been updated to February 6th in California. They did not travel abroad and would have been infected mid to late January through community contraction.

MY THEORY- Is that as we do more postmortem testing of suspected deaths we are likely to find it was in the US earlier than previously thought. Also, that it made the jump from bat to human earlier than previously reported. As we do more antibody testing we are likely to find that more people have already had the virus and it has a lower mortality rate than it currently appears.

Details of the virus’s emergence are still being traced. Certain genetic mutations needed to happen for it to be so stealth against our immune systems, and I am interested to see if some people contracted the virus previous to these mutations, allowing it to evolve undetected in the earlier stages of human infection.

Tracking the genetic mutations of the virus is like watching Darwinism on a very small scale.

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Here is the scientific source and explanation of this graph. This is a timeline of the genetic mutations of the virus made from genetically sequencing samples of the virus. Cluster A is genetically closest to the control bat virus. Cluster B is where the pandemic was gaining momentum in China.

I love how the scientific community is coming together like never before to fight this virus. The amount of data sharing and international teamwork is incredible.

I kinda wish I would have been a scientist and not a drummer right now lol. I’d still have a job, and more excitement.

I wish before this happened…that I had gotten new shoes. I was about to go shoe shopping. My shoes are very worn out now. My feet are aching. Personal problems. From now on I will have 2 pairs of shoes.

I wish I would have had Elvis’ nails trimmed right before quarantine, or I had taken a full training course on how to trim a difficult dog’s nails.

So, I do personally disagree with one aspect of the quarantine, and that is the lack of access to nature and trails. I admit this is mostly a selfish opinion because I hike and run trails for my own mental and physical health. Not being able to run while breathing in the fresh air is hard on me and making my depression worse. Plus staying away from people in nature is a secret skill of mine…I was a stoner in Sioux City Iowa.

Seriously though, I really do, think access to nature is important for human health and our immune systems. You can still go outside while quarantined

Even so, of course I am not one of those whiny assholes protesting!!! Shut up and take one for the team! If you hate your hair so much, just quit looking in the mirror.

Understand that during this crisis we are at a point in history where we need to make personal sacrifices and put the greater good above individual freedoms. This is bigger than our temporary inconveniences.

I am looking at the positives of this worldwide pause. The Earth is healing. The science geek in me can not wait to see all the graphs showing how this moment in time is affecting smog, global temperature, water quality, ect. This is what the planet needed. It is a collective deep breath for the planet and everyone on it. Just a moment to rest and reset.

The future is unwritten and filled with potential. We need to figure out a system that works better for everyone, including the earth/climate.

Did you hear…

September 7, 2019December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

I have been busy with music, which is great! Working hard on my passion and reaching my dream of being a full time musician. I am super grateful for all the support I get from friends and family! Thanks to everyone who buys or shares my music, and to all my drum students!

The New Dangerously Sleazy EP was released 8/23/19. Grab a copy on Bandcamp or find us on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, ect…

We had a great time doing some shows to support the release! Our good friend Louie filled in for a show while Altair was busy seeing The Cure. He did a killer job and it was fun to jam with him again. Thanks Louie!

My first recording with The Dale Crover Band was released last month too! It is part of a split 7 inch with Conan Neutron and The Secret Friends for his Protons and Electrons compilation. I am still overly stoked and in slight disbelief that I get to play drums for one of the best drummers!!

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I have been getting some hardworking new drum students (and my veteran students are killing it as well.) My time slots are filling up quick, but I still have a few open! Do you want lessons, or know someone who would like to learn? Please send them my way! I am trying to fill 9:30-10:30 PM on Tuesdays, 3-4 PM on Fridays, and 5-6 PM on Fridays. I give lessons in person in East LA, or on SKYPE!

ModPods are almost done with the recording process for our next full length. The songs are spectacular and I am stoked on how this recording is coming along. We have been playing a handful of them live, and you can catch us on Saturday 9/14/19 at The Highland Park Bowl in Los Angeles. We are also playing the Joan of Rock festival in Brisbee AZ on 10/19/19.

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In other life news, I am searching for a mini van, hoping that a fine working and affordable Toyota Sienna appears in my life soon. I also want a new snare drum! I am getting ready to adopt a baby hamster and as always, giving Elvis the senior pup lots of love!

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New Album, New Interview, New Video!

August 4, 2019December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

Dangerously Sleazy has announced our EP release and Tour!!

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There is nothing I love more than playing the drums hard, fast, punk rock, in your face style! Dangerously Sleazy is where my drumming passion and power come out full force. So, I am extra super stoked that our new EP is ready to be released August 23rd, AND we are doing some shows to support it. If you haven’t taken the time to check out D. Sleazy, hit up our website and check us out now.

Dangerously Sleazy sleep apnea ... front

Our album “Sleep Apnea” will be available for download on bandcamp all over the globe starting 8/23/19, for those of you who can’t make it out to a show.

I was recently a guest on The Jyneration Nation Radio show! Jyn is a killer drummer herself, so it was cool to get to talk about our passion together.

Last week Sleazy played The Redwood, and our friend Deb Frazin took some high quality footage of our song “Green Powered Energy.” She also snapped some cool photos.

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Stay tuned for more Sleazy news, we have some interviews in the works to support our new release.

…AND don’t forget to hit me up if you need drum lessons!!!

PEACE FRIENDS!

Help me find a new Snare and listen to this interview!

June 16, 2019December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

I have a question for my drummer friends!! I am looking to get a new snare drum. The one I have now is the basic wood snare that came with my Yamaha Stage Custom kit. I am thinking I would like something metal? I play a lot of punk music, so something that has a lot of power and cut through. What are some of your favorites for playing this style?

My price range would be around 250. Send me some suggestions!

Tama Metalworks Snare Drum is one I saw at NAMM and really liked.

I was also looking at this DW Black Nickle Snare

Also!!! I was recently interviewed on The Trap Set with Joe Wong. It is one of the top drumming podcasts!!

The Trap Set Interview

It was a huge honor and I am grateful to be part of the list of amazing drummers he has had as guests on the show! Listen to the interview if you haven’t already, and check out some of the other interviews he has done with other great drummers! His episodes are always interesting and insightful.

We discussed a lot about my childhood, and my childhood trauma. Up until a few years ago, I rarely acknowledged what I went through or how much it affected me. I locked a lot of feelings and memories away. I started therapy a little over a year ago and it has helped tremendously. I feel less guilty, I have processed a lot of grief that was kind of just stagnant inside me, that I pushed away as I tried to be tough and pretend it didn’t bother me as much as it did.

Drumming really is what helped me overcome the pains of my childhood and awkward teenage years, my issues with my step mother, and my lack of self esteem. It gave me goals to focus on and work towards. It was an outlet for anger, pain, sadness and depression. It has been a driving force behind my path of healing from mental issues. I didn’t really expect to talk about this so much, but I am glad I was able to express some of what I went though and show how drumming has been such a positive in my life.

Super Sunny Christmas Tour with Red Kross and Dale Crover Band!

December 30, 2018December 11, 2023Mindee JorgensenLeave a comment

I recently returned from an amazing tour adventure. Playing drums for The Dale Crover Band!! This is still kind of mind blowing for me. He has been a favorite drummer and influence of mine for years. I am very honored and grateful to be a part of this band.

We did 12 shows in 15 days, opening for punk legends Redd Kross. Steve McDonald of Redd Kross also plays bass in the Dale Crover Band, as well as Toshi Kasai on keyboards and guitar. Dale plays guitar, and at some points in the set he plays a Tama stand up cocktail kit. I get to double drum with him which is CRAZY AWESOME!!!

The songs are great, and everyone traveling in the tour was a pleasure to be around. The most comfortable and drama free tour I have ever been a part of. I felt pampered sleeping in my own bed every night and getting to shower every day.

There is a link to a full Dale Crover Band set below….

https://youtu.be/JSvND-XmiQ4

We started in San Diego at The Casbah, a venue I have never been to but have heard so much about. It was a really fun night.

The next day, after a treacherous drive through dense fog in the the mountains, we rocked in Phoenix. I got to hang with my Sioux City homie Kim. She actually was the promoter who booked my first band’s first show ever! In the morning, Toshi hit his head on a tree and unintentionally decorated his jacket.

Next was Vegas, where we played the outdoor stage at the Beauty Bar. It was cold out, but I still wandered off to get myself some ice cream.

Ventura was a really great show too! My ModPods bandmates came out to that one. It was in a biker bar. Then we had a drive day and arrived at a lovely Air B+B that we stayed at for 3 days. A huge house, surround by nature. It was very cozy.

The next day we played in Santa Cruz. This show ruled because Roy McDonald, a former Redd Kross drummer, showed up and him and Dale did Redd Kross double drums on a couple of songs!

Dinner in San Jose. Photo from Jason Sharpio

Next was San Jose. Buzz of the Melvins showed up, which was a pleasant surprise for sure! We all went out to dinner, and I believe the Basil Chicken I had that night was my favorite meal of the tour (BTW, this tour was filled with long drives where we only had time for gas station snacks, and due to post sound check time constraints, lots and lots of pizza.)

The next day we were in Sacramento at Holy Diver. Earlier this year, ModPods played that venue opening for Melvins. So it was the one venue that I had been to before. In the summer, the back room was super hot. This time, it was a bit chilly.

We then had a two day drive up to Bellingham WA, where we stayed the night before heading into Canada to play Vancouver. Luckily we had a super easy time crossing the boarder, both ways. It is usually more of a hassle getting back into the US, but that went unusually smooth this night.

Then it was Portland!! This show was super fun, and a lot of people are big Dale Crover fans there!! The venue, Mississippi Studios, was really nice and comfortable, had great food, and the sound woman did a killer job! The whole Portland set is up on youtube for you to check out. https://youtu.be/JSvND-XmiQ4

At the hotel after Portland, we had a funny parking mishap, where the van/trailer got stuck around a car. We didn’t hit the car, but somehow the corner of the car was right between the van and trailer. A tow truck came and actually pulled the van and trailer sideways to get us free.

Redd Kross rocking a sold out show in Seattle

Seattle was next, and the show was sold out! I was very stoked to play here because I got to hang out with my best friend, and amazing drummer, Joe Ross! After our set, it was so crowded we couldn’t even get to each other through the crowd until the show was over. Luckily, we were staying right in his neighborhood, so he got to ride back with us and I got some quality hang time with one of my longtime hometown friends.

After another driving day we played in SF. It was my first time playing Slim’s and that venue is great. It is ran by the same people who run The Great American Music Hall, so we were treated very well. Lots of back stage room, snacks, and a great dinner.

The last show was in Tustin. Saw a lot of friends since it was so close to LA. My newest drum shredding student Heidi was there, and I also saw Tony and Meg from All Souls. Arrived back home at like 2am to my lovely boyfriend and dog Elvis.

It was such a good time, I just wish it could have been longer. It was filled with lots of great memories and new friendships! Looking forward to doing it again. For now though, it’s back to the day job….until next time!!!! I can’t wait to make music my full time career.