Can You Hear Me Now?

Last night was simply amazing. “Amazing” is an overused word (by me, anyway), but I don’t know how else to describe it!

I just need to post about it quickly to get that awful post about my awful week out of the way!

I arrived at the Ironwood around 5:00, where Rob and Mike had just arrived from Lethbridge. I gave Rob a huuuuge hug and Mike a *little* hug, because, you know, it was our first time meeting. They set up and did their soundcheck and then we ordered some food. I haven’t been to the Ironwood since the new owners renovated and everything. It’s a classier looking place now, and the menu is ama–um–incredible!

Rob gave me a CD - Jeremy Fisher’s Goodbye Blue Monday. (Please click the link and listen to that song, soooo cool and highly addictive!) “You want that, right? Isn’t your birthday coming up?” Ah!! What a SWEETHEART!!

We ate and talked and ate and talked for several hours. Michelle arrived with a large group of people from her Culture Club, and my friends Jay and Katrina came. I haven’t seen them in AGES, I’m so happy they made it! Mike hit the stage around 9:00 p.m. I have never seen him before, but have heard a few of his songs on MySpace. He played for about an hour and was great. He is such a cutie too, I must add that in.

After a short break Rob played his set. He was simply phenomonal. Just… phenomenal. As usual, he didn’t play long enough. I really have to do something about that next time. After his show the owner came over and thanked me, and I asked “for what?” and he answered “for bringing him here!” I said “I didn’t, his agent did…” but then Rob interjected and said “no, you did… you started it all in Calgary for me”. Yay, ME!! He’s been getting some decent press on this tour so he’s pretty happy with me

We hung out until the wee hours with a few people, and then once everyone was gone and the bar was closing, we headed out to flag down a cab. Mike and Rob are touring across the country in a Toyota Tercel, so with all their gear and everything there isn’t room for another person and a walker! Rob and I took the cab while Mike followed us to my place.

Once inside, Rob re-acquainted himself with Pita and Pepper while Mike met them for the first time. He loves cats, and they loved him. Which is a good thing, because I can never guarantee that visitors will not be trampled by them in the middle of the night. I was in bed by 2:30 and left those two in the living room fiddling with their laptops to fight over decide who got the couch and who got the floor.

I woke up around 8:30 (internal alarm clock… the guys set their alarm for 9:00, and I wanted to get the bathroom before them!) and got dressed. Then the guys showered and stuff, we drank our favourite hot drinks (me a latte, them hot water and fresh lemon. What is with all these healthy musicians?) They packed up before we headed over to the Smitty’s in the mall for breakfast. Not my first choice, but since we didn’t have a vehicle that could take us all, they could walk while I rode my scooter.

They couldn’t help but comment on the prices. They were surprised that eating out in Calgary is so much more expensive than… well… anywhere. Usually (unclassy located in the mall of ‘da hood) breakfast joints have a cheap special, right? Not this place. 8 bucks for your basic bacon and eggs. Anyway, we had a decent breakfast and good conversation.

Mike Alviano and Rob Szabo at breakfast, the morning after a smokin’ hot show

Then it was back to my place for final packing up, big hugs, and long goodbyes. They needed to be in Edmonton before 3:00. Mike gave me his latest CD, Vagabond Songs. What a SWEETHEART!! By the way, I didn’t pay for anything last night or this morning, those guys took good care of me. *Hugs*

So now, I am on my own again after several days of being surrounded by people. Tonight I’m staying in with a movie and going to bed early. Hope you’re having a nice weekend! Rock on and all that.

Here’s a little Rob Szabo to take us out. (I know it looks funny because the video is out of sync with the sound when uploaded to You Tube!)