directions.htm

Well, here's the first update from the Laurel Aitken/Allstonians tour. We're currently chugging west on I-10, headed for Tallahassee.

As Grant was picking up Laurel before the show, there was the irony of two young ladies passing Laurel in the hotel entrance, one wearing a Less Than Jake t-shirt, oblivious to the fact that the Godfather of Ska stood but a few feet away from her. Show openers Late for Work turned in a highly charged set in what was thought to be their farewell appearance. Next up, the Allstonians gave the audience a fond farewell, playing their last set with Nigel and Steve! until their return from this tour 5 weeks later. Finally, the time had come. Back in the States again, Laurel took the stage, starting off with "Hey, Bartender" and never looking back. He played a set full of crowd-pleasing numbers, as well as some rare gems which he unveiled for the first time live that night including "Latin Ska.". After a three song encore, we finally had to stop for the evening, even though no one really wanted to go home quite yet.

Next day, it was time to head down to Wellfleet and the Beachcomber. Dan & Company at the ?Coma treated us really well, and we had a great time going through a set of Allstonians material followed by another scorcher from Laurel. This time, we had to pack up and head out right away, but not before we managed to track somewhere near 50 pounds of sand into the van. Several hours, one detour and one diner later we arrived at the hotel in lovely Manhattan.

It was time for a bit of rest before heading out to the Central Park Summerstage for soundcheck. This was going to be some show!!! A huge stage, tons of equipment and lots of seating. It turned out to be a real treat, with plenty of NYC ska fans turning out to cheer Laurel through the set. After the show, Laurel had the chance to reason a bit with Vinnie Nobile and King Django before everyone headed out for a night of relaxation.

Next day, we managed the excruciating drive from Midtown to the Wetlands, and got set for that afternoon's Moon showcase. One big highlight was seeing the Porkers on their final US date this tour. Great tunes, great show, great fellas. I had ton keep telling them they'd damn well better come back to the East Coast again soon!!! I think they will. If course, Laurel turned in another hot set, this time doing a lot of dancing to help fire up the crowd. After dining on some Polish soul food at the Odessa, we headed out of town for the overnight drive to Savannah.

After check-in and a bit of a nap, it was off to soundcheck at the Velvet Elvis. Though it took a while, the sound was finally right, and we took the opportunity to catch up with some friends who had come to see the show. We again had a riot playing the show, and somehow managed to weather the hot, sweaty, muggy conditions in the club without getting worn out. It must have been a good show, because Grant and I saw a building called the "L. E. Aiken Fellowship Hall" on MLK Jr. Blvd. in Savannah the next morning!!!