In the heart of the UC Santa Cruz campus is the wonderful Quarry Amphitheater, surrounded by a forest of redwoods. We’ve played here before, and it’s special to return for the first show of this tour.

Our first show setup, and I’m enjoying seeing the local crew look on as the drum kit grows bigger and bigger…

Maybe it’s the Redwoods of drum kits! Here’s Ron, who is tasked with constructing it each day.

And Doug’s lookin’ good, setting up Steve’s guitars

The arrangement on this tour is that some VIP ticket buyers will be at soundcheck, so it’s nice to bounce the songs off a few people as we adjust levels. (And, frankly, at this stage of the tour, still practicing the pieces!)

An excellent show. And so… we’re underway. Glad to finally be playing the show and not rehearsing it. And, with 39 more shows booked, tonight’s will stand out as the first time this lineup was unleashed to the public.

More soon, from Napa, CA.