The story of
Once upon a time, my good friend Jimmy Mann convinced me it would be fun fun fun to drive to Tampa, Florida from Washington, DC. It's cold in DC, and he PROMISES me warm sunshine & good times in Tampa (good times, yes, but man was it cold & damp). Plus, says my good friend, we should take his sister AND his two crazy, large, anti-social dogs. So we all pile into my 1995 Ford Escort station wagon and head to Florida. Since we're driving (ok, really I did all the driving) we have lots of time to listen to tunes....Joyce, Jimmy's sister & one VERY cool chick, slowly starts to introduce me to Rockabilly. Now, I've got to tell you, I'm pretty stuck on singer/songwriter/power pop....but I think all of my Dad's 50's records that I ruined as a child are resurfacing in my mind.....
Two days later we arrive at Ronnie's house. Ronnie is fabulously interesting story all by himself....maybe if you see me out at the 9:30 Club, or Black Cat, and I've been drinking, I'll tell you....maybe not.....
The four of us have many adventures in Tampa & St Pete over the next few days. Yes, alcohol is involved (often), nights out in Ybor City, a trip to the Salvador Dali museum, and bizarrely, the Insane Clown Posse & their fans also play a major role in the adventure. But the most fun I have is a concert Joyce just happens to have tickets for. The band---The Reverend Horton Heat. What can I say? I have never been in a club with so much energy, such amazingly fun music, so many cool & unique people! And I have been to HUNDREDS of shows (managing 9 record stores in 7 years will get you lots of free tickets!). Needless to say, I'm hooked.
After returning from Florida (2 more days of driving w/friends & dogs), I buy all the Reverend Horton Heat cds I can get my hands on, get a ring of flames tattoo'd around my ankle (it's done in Jimmy's kitchen, and NO alcohol was involved that night), start collecting 50's & 60's clothing, and become COMPLETELY obsessed with designing glasses that are covered in flames.
So now you know. More info than you probably ever wanted. And it only took about three years for me to be happy with the results!
see what all the fuss is about....
