by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson
We're having bus trouble. It seems to be the radiator and we don't know, right now, how long it will be before we get moving.
Two hours later
The radiator is fixed and we can move. It promises to be a long drive, and a couple of us started getting antsy. But now, we can get back to our respective routines. It seems everyone has a ritual for long drives. For Tedo, Deep, Virgo and Dave, it starts with a spirited game of dominoes.
Sometimes Clyde, the tenor saxophonist, joins them. James, Gillie, Cecil, Stewie and myself are usually watching a music DVD and critiquing what we see and hear. A few hours later everyone except Mike is asleep. Mike usually keeps the driver company. Mike used to be a driver himself, some time ago, and it helps to have someone knowledgeable riding shotgun on long drives. We don't often say it, but I think we all appreciate Mike sacrificing sleep to basically help with the drive. 'Nuff respect, Drummie.
We finally arrive in Dana Point. We can't wait to get to our rooms. It's been hours since we left Santa Cruz, and people are aching to take showers and catch up on phones calls, naps, etc…
The venue itself is along the boardwalk, in a room that resembles a banquet hall. Acoustical challenges, for sure. It feels kind of strange…the vibe of the surrounding environment is like an amusement park. Somewhere, amongst the glitter and noise of arcade machinery, is a spot reserved especially for the town's reggae audience and the place will be Burning!!
