By Mike Morrison
THURSDAY: Hectic first day By the time we got into our rooms we had little time to waste getting our article done for the Post. Managed to catch the first half of Sol’s showcase at the Delta. Headed downtown to Calio’s to catch Fur Packed Action’s set. Saw about half before literally running back to the Delta to see Tommy Fidgen’s showcase. Walked in just in time to see a large sounding, tight set. Got right out of ‘er on the beer and roamed the streets of St. John’s accosting locals and delegates alike.
FRIDAY: Morning comes much too early. Checked out the buzz around the hotel and downtown by daylight. Returned to the hotel to plug out another article to send home. Completely missed the Cape Breton Night at O’Reilly’s but got reports that it tore the roof off. Fur Packed Marathon at The Edge. These guys must have been just warming up at Calio’s because they tore this place apart for three solid hours. Enjoyed a nice pint of Strongbow at the Ship Inn while catching Lizband in between Fur Packed sets. The place was jammed and the band was great.
I rarely get to see Lizband and they’re better every time. Got schooled in the importance of whateverness. Got right out of ‘er on the beer and stayed awake until it was time to set up for the tradeshow.
SATURDAY: My brain has been replaced by some kind of gelatinous and useless material. Set up tradeshow booth. Bailed on tradeshow to get some (two hours) rest. Saw my third Fur packed performance as well as a whole slew of other bands performing live on CBC’s Radio Sonic. Calculated that I had been approximately forty hours. Stayed away from the beer.
SUNDAY: Feeling refreshed after a solid six hour sleep. Hung around the hotel and watched everyone tear-assing around in anticipation of the big bash. Finished our last Post article in time to enjoy a leisurely walk to the Awards Show Gala. Got a new perspective on the whole deal by watching for the first time from behind the scenes in the media room. Lots of free coffee and water but no beer (and you call yourselves journalists). Had a nice quiet jam over beers in Scott and Carlo’s room before diving headfirst into the insane schmoozefest in the lobby of the hotel. Got right out of ‘er on the beer and the fungus and partied until my pants fell off, literally.
MONDAY: Isn’t it still Sunday? 9:00 am. The Final Meal – fishcakes and beans at Classics Cafe.. 10:00 am. “Just for the record, do you have the time? You guys are buying beer at 10 am.” Climbed most of the way up Signal Hill before everything went south. To my own disgust, we got a cab to drive us to the top for a couple of photos and then returned to the hotel. 4:00 pm. Made our way to the airport en route chez nous. 8:00 pm. Landed in Sydney in about six pieces, but still alive.
