October 31st, 2003
Home at last! Thinking about a show at Pennsauken. Great kids, however the first group at the middle school was a little rowdy. They settled down and eventually we really connected…but it was still kind of a weird show with a lot of doors opening and closing and chatter. It was hard to evaluate the effect and feedback. CUT TO END OF DAY I was walking back to my car feeling like “What could I have done better…blah blah blah” and this young teacher says…”hey you’re the guy that just did that show…All my students were raving about it…They said it was so funny and that it really made them think. They were really moved….thanks for coming to our school”
So you never know.
BTW That teacher encounter was the equivalent of the Mean Joe Green Coke commercial I remember from when I was a kid. When she said “thanks for coming to our school” it was the equivalent of mean Joe tossing his jersey…’Hey kid…Catch….WOW..Thanks mean joe”
Corny alert just went off on my mac. Must be time to sign off.
October 28th, 2003
I was thinking of a conversation i had with a student. We were talking about some deep stuff. Abuse victims. Rehabs. Unbelievable that people who have only been on this earth for 16 years and many times have done nothing but been born into horrible situations…can face life with such strength and determination. Probably why they connect and inspire me. Totally affirms the old man in the show that states “young people have it 10 times harder than we did growing up. Its students and conversations like that which stick in my head.
Strange how people who suffer together
have stronger connections than people who are most content.
I don’t have any regrets, they can talk about me plenty when I’m gone.
-Brownsville Girl By Bob Dylan
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They’re quite aware of what they’re going through
-Changes by David Bowie
October 28th, 2003
Today I was at New Milford HS in Northern Jersey. Crazy traffic up here. Nice little town. They had a starbucks so it was all good. Did two shows. First show at 9 and the second a little after. What an amazing bunch of students. It never gets old watching students come in to the auditorium expecting to sleep and then being psyched as they realize that this is not a “typical” assembly.So quiet and respectful. So helpful setting up. Special thanks to Joel for the AV help. Dr. Moncrief for letting me use the bathroom. The only principals office I been in where there was smooth jazz playing. And a big shout out to Officer John O’Malley. A man whose been working in the trenches as a cop for over 20 years and who has earned the respect and trust of the young people of New Milford.
Did a little extra improv during the show. Had a chance to make some shadow puppets while playing the “stoner” Jayson character. Anyone who knows me knows my affinity for cracking people up with stupid shadow puppets. It was fun. Met some really cool kids afterwards too. Big shout out to the awesome “deadhead” teacher and his students. Stick with the guitar Ian and believe in your talents.
Heres a quick email from a student I just got:
hi there, you recently did a show at my school. i go to new milford high school in new jersey. i just wanted to tell you that i thought your show was excellent, it was very funny and at the same time got the message across. my friends liked it too!
That’s all for now. Two shows in the morning.
October 25th, 2003
Well the moment has arrived. The Blog begins as I attempt to capture the daily experiences of my “dirt” tour. Sometimes banal. Sometimes my own attempts to process the life changing experiences with the most amazing people and circumstances. I’m not sure what kind of life this blog will have. Thanks for checkin it out.
