New digs!

Summer is truly upon us! We had a crazy heat wave here in Chicago, but luckily things have cooled off a bit. I've finally had some time to settle into my new apartment, which is awesome. My buddy Justin moved to New York so I swooped in and took his room, now I live with two of the coolest cats in the world. They're hairy, a little messy, and they really enjoy bellyrubs and hiding under beds. Oh yeah, my human roommates are great too. Here's my new address:
1940 N Kedzie Ave Apt 3
Chicago, IL
60647

Last month was my 5-year college reunion, so I decided to head up to Maine and see the old gang. Needless to say, it was a phenomenal weekend. I hadn't been up there since 2007, and initially it was a little strange being back, but it was so great getting to hang out/dance with everybody.

The campus was as beautiful as I remembered, especially when it never stopped raining. But we had lots to do inside, so no complaints from my end. In addition to all the lobster I devoured, the real treat was seeing my former professor Shende playing with his 80's cover band, Racer X. They even dedicated a song to me!! I've never felt so honored.
I've seen some amazing concerts, from my friends playing in a dive bar to the one and only HIVES! This was the fourth time I'd seen them, and they did not disappoint. They played some tracks from their new album, but their old hits really got the crowd going nuts. Much like at the Andrew WK concert I saw earlier this year, I was drenched with sweat. Lots of jumping and screaming and pushing and craziness all around me. I go to so many shows where people will quietly drink their beer and sway to the music or bob their head, it's nice to see a show where people just go insane and scream along and have a blast. If you're ready, here's a taste.
Last time I saw them, in Indianapolis, I magically got to shake their hands and compliment them as I was exiting through the alley right by their tourbus. This time I jumped higher than I've ever jumped and successfully snatched a drumstick as it was flying through the air, maybe they recognized me and intentionally threw it in my general direction. I will treasure it forever!!!!

Bricklayers Foundation has returned to the studio, we've recorded six songs so far, and will soon go back to mix them and record some more. It's gonna be a great record whenever we finish it, hopefully we can put some tracks online before our gig on the 20th!
And of course there was the 4th, a nice day off to relax, see a movie with my human roommates, and watch fireworks from the roof of an abandoned building.
Yesterday I saw Mahler's 6th Symphony performed outdoors at Ravinia (Chicago's Tanglewood) and it was truly beautiful. I think all classical concerts are better when you can lie down on the grass, bring a picnic and gaze up at the clouds as the music washes over you. Plus all symphonies should include hammers.
The month ahead is going to be out-of-this-world. Next weekend I will be attending/playing the piano for my college buddy Daryl's wedding in New York. Two weeks after that we have a week-long family vacation on the Cape, and I will get to meet my brand new nephew Jackson Briggs, I mean Curtis Jackson, I mean Jackson Curtis! It's gonna be a great summer, my wonderful niece Addie cannot contain her happiness!