Driving Day (Day Off)

We got our A/C fixed this morning. It cost way too much, but it had to
be done. We were supposed to have a show in Albuquerque, NM tonight,
but we dropped off the bill. We couldn't make the show in time (because
of the repair this morning). We've been driving since about noon
today.

We're driving about 2/3 the way to Dallas, TX tonight (that's where
tomorrow's show is). We're going to drive for another three or four
hours and get a hotel. We'll finish the drive in the morning. Overall,
it's been a relaxing day. I hope Texas treats us well...

Tempe, AZ (Day Off)

Today was our day off in Tempe, AZ. We had a laundry list of stuff to
get done. Our main priority was to get our van's A/C fixed. Matt, Tim,
and I went to the repair shop early in the afternoon. We knew we had
blown a hose, and we thought we were looking at about a $400 repair.
Well, we were WRONG.

We had also blown out the compressor and some other parts. We are
looking at a $1400 repair. BUMMER! We're getting it fixed in the
morning. We're supposed to be playing a show in Albuquerque, NM
tomorrow. Unfortunately, we're going to drop off the bill because we
won't make it in time (due to the A/C repair).

Tonight, we're just going to relax and try not to let this A/C repair
get to us.

Tempe, AZ (The Clubhouse)

Last night's show as at The Clubhouse in Tempe, AZ. It ended up being a
good show. The sound was awesome. I think this was the best mix the
guys have had yet on this tour. They sounded amazing! They killed it,
but the crowd was pretty dead.

The lights were really cool. They were complicated to run, so I let the
light guy do his thing. We did decent on merch. Overall, pretty cool
venue and pretty good show.

After the show, all the bands went to our friend's house for a party.
It was a decent time. I was really tired, so I didn't really too crazy.

San Diego, CA (Soma - Sidestage)

Last night's show was at Soma in San Diego. We stayed at Jared's
brother's apartment the night before. We slept in late and then decided
to get groceries for lunch (instead of eating fast food like we always
do). It was refreshing!

The show ended up being really good! There were over 300 kids there.
The guys played well and got a pretty good reponse. I got to run
lights, which is always fun. The venue was really cool. I believe it
was an old movie theater that got converted into a venue. We played on
the sidestage (the smaller of the two rooms there). The sound was good
and the employees were real nice. We did pretty decent on merch.

Part of the show's solid turnout was due to the fact that it was in My
American Heart's hometown They drew the majority of the kids. It was
Larry's 20th birthday. (He sings for My American Heart.) He seemed to
be having a good one.

After the show, we went to In-N-Out burger. (I told you we love that
place!!!) Then we went back to Jared's brother's apartment and watched
'Planet Earth.'

We're now on our way to our show in Tempe, AZ. California was good to
us. I can't wait to go back!

Anaheim, CA (Chain Reaction)

Tonight's show was in Anaheim, CA at the Chain Reaction. This is a
really popular venue that I always hear about. It was great to finally
play a show there. The show was really good! It ended up selling out
(400 kids). It took the cake for the biggest show on tour (so far).

We went to In-N-Out Burger with our booking agent (Andrew) and his
girlfriend before the show. As always, it was excellent. Dick also came
out to the show with his girlfriend and his niece. Corey bought a 12
string acoustic guitar at a shop next to the venue. He got a good deal
on it, so he was really stoked about it.

The guys played pretty well. Corey is almost fully recovered, so that's
good. There were a few notes he struggled to hit, but he'll have them
by tomorrow or the next day. I was really bummed about the sound during
the guys' set. Corey's vocals weren't loud enough and Matt's vocals
were too loud. I talked to the sound guy, but he wasn't very
cooperative (or helpful).

The guys got a good crowd reaction. They played a few songs acoustic in
the parking lot after the show. They had about 50 kids crowded around
them. We did well on merch. We're now driving to San Diego to stay at
Jared's (bassist) brother's apartment. We're hoping to hit a beach
tomorrow before the show. It should be a good day.

West Hollywood, CA (The Roxy Theatre)

Yesterday's show was at the Roxy in West Hollywood (Los Angeles). We
got there right on time for load in and did the normal routine. The
club was pretty cool.

The guys opened the show. They played pretty well and got a pretty good
crowd response. There were around 100 people there when they played,
and more came in throughout the night. The sound was decent. We did ok
on merch. I never expect to do to well on merch in L.A. It's often
times industry people and such at shows.

Our booking agent (Andrew) and a guy from our label (Dick) came out the
the show. It was great to see both of them. They seemed to enjoy the
set. We also got to see a good buddy from back home. He moved out to
L.A. a few months back. It was great catching up with him.

We got 2 parking tickets (toward the end of the show) while parked
outside of the venue. Bummer. In West Hollywood, meters run until 2am.
It's stupid. I guess that's how they make their revenue - parking
tickets.

After the show, we went up to Dick's place. He lived in an awesome
'work space/living space.' It was really cool. We slept there.

This morning, we woke up, showered, and Dick and his girlfriend made us
breakfast. It was great! We're now at the venue (Chain Reaction in
Anaheim, CA). Tonight's show should be great!

San Francisco, CA (Bottom Of The Hill)

Last night's show was at a venue called 'Bottom of the Hill' in San
Francisco. We got into town a little early and hung out around the
venue. Then we did the normal show routine (load in, etc.).

The venue was pretty cool. They had a board with their monthly
schedules of shows (dating back to 1997). We found some pretty awesome
bands on there [Third Eye Blind, Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie, and
even our hometown buddies in Park (R.I.P.)]. It's always cool to see
that some of your favorite bands have played the same venues as you.

The show ended up being amazing! There was a good crowd (~150) and they
loved The Grad's set! They were one of the most responsive crowds I
have ever seen (for The Graduate). The guys played really well too.
Corey's voice is back in full swing, which is great. It's nice to see
them back at their 'A game'. The sound at the venue was pretty good as
well. We killed in merch.

We're now at a hotel part way between San Francisco and L.A. Our show
tonight in L.A. should be excellent. The pre-sale is already over 100
people, which is a great sign. I'll be back to let you know how it
goes!