As August begins, the 10-week run of After Hours Theatre Company’s multisensory production of The Last Five Years is coming to a close. It’s been a fantastic run as part of a terrific band. Janel Parish and Scott Porter (as well as their alternates Nicci Claspell and Travis Leland) have been magnificent to watch every night. Even at this late point in the run I still get choked up at least a couple of times a show. Sad to see this one go, but I’m grateful to have been involved.
To recap another awesome past experience, at the end of June I was on the East Coast for two and a half weeks for a couple of different gigs. I had an amazing week in Tampa, FL playing for the workshop of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ new ’70’s rock dance show “Whiskey & Rye” (coming soon to a cruise ship near you!). I loved getting to jam on some CLASSIC rock songs with my old friend Elmo Zapp (bass) and new friends Jordan Rose (drums) and Dan Garmon (keys/MD). Soooo fun! And after a week in Tampa (and a very delayed flight) I was in New York City for an additional week and a half. Besides seeing a bunch of great friends and great shows I had an awesome week of rehearsals for Selda and Derek’s show at City Winery. It was another great night onstage with a cookin’ band in NYC.
The fun hasn’t stopped since getting back to LA though. I’ve been getting ready to play guitar (and mandolin) for 3-D Theatricals’ production of Shrek The Musical, which opens August 9th. I saw a different production last December (featuring my good friend Trent Mills in the title role!) and am thrilled I get to play this hilarious show for three weeks in a big, beautiful theatre.
I’m very excited to be making my debut with For The Record for their Brat Pack show at Break Room 86 this month too. I’ll be playing the nights of the 3rd and 23rd and am very excited to be a part of this John Hughes-inspired spectacle.
Player Hater Productions is restaging its version of A Walk To Remember the Musical at the Three Clubs for three nights only: August 14th, 21st, and 28th. I’m excited to revisit this fun playlist of Switchfoot and other ’90’s classics with a great cast and band.
Finally this month (in addition to a few church gigs at the Loft in Westwood), I’ll be returning to John Burroughs High School to play for their Alumni Pop Show. My first gig with Burroughs was their Alumni Pop Show in 2015, and I’m glad to still be a valued member of the family four years later. My parents happened to be in town for that show in 2015 and they were blown away. Hoping to blow them away this month as well, as they’re coming to town from Chicago again, and their visit coincides with performances of Walk To Remember, Shrek, AND Brat Pack! Excited for a full, fun month!!
