After an unsuccessful show at National Underground, I took a break from performing. I had gotten hired by Guitar Center on Northern Blvd, and my clean face and Beatles-like Ceasar cut became my patented look during my time there. I had a show booked at Gizzi’s, but because I was still upset over the previous outing, I didn’t promote the gig. I remember, clear as day, bringing my acoustic guitar with me to work, inviting only two close friends to see me play at Gizzi’s. Both Chrisco and Thunder showed up, making this a private affair. Gizzi’s was fairly new to me, so I hadn’t yet built the relationship with them that would grow to have. In a nearly empty room, it became evident to me that night that while my support circle was small, it was strong. We laughed and enjoyed the night, as I played acoustic tunes from a step-high stage in the corner of this buried treasure of a cafe. Among all the tunes played that night, it was a single solitary moment, seeing our barista’s face as I hit Thom Yorke’s high note in Radiohead’s “Creep”, which would solidify this show for me as one of my favorites. The videos thankfully remained a fixture on Thunder’s YouTube channel; a place that would become a sanctuary for me to relive the past. I hadn’t yet quite understood the music business, but I knew one thing for certain: I loved performing. The simple nature of raw acoustic strings and vocals allowed me to stun those who took the time to appreciate the art, and I had no idea where it was going to take me.
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