We drove out there (some of us took the train), and arrived nice and early to set up. We got hear JM sound checking to the empty theater, with the water and sky as a backdrop and the sun shining, which was really cool to see.  We could do this because we had the luxury (I think our first time, or one of the only few times) of having a sound man set up our stuff (granted on a much smaller stage), which he did very well. His name was Steve. He was awesome and made us sound good. Thanks Steve!

Doors opened at 6:30 and we proceeded to rock, trying to attract as many of the 15,000 passersby to stay in front of our stage as possible before filing into the main amphitheater. We did pretty well, and met lots of fantastic people. Thanks for sticking around, those of you that were there!

We had a lot of fun playing, and afterward we got to see Train and John Mayer play. Both were fantastic. It was a wonderful day at the beach. It was pretty cool that our first time at Jones Beach, we were ”playing” Jones Beach, even though we weren’t actually “playing” Jones Beach. One day perhaps. But playing in the concourse before the show kinda counts right?

Regardless, we had fun. It was a real honor and we look forward to doing it again next week! Here are some photos, good and bad, of us and of the wonderful evening. Enjoy.

Therefore the wise embrace the one
And set an example to all.
Not putting on a display,
They shine forth.
Not justifying themselves,
They are distinguished.
Not boasting,
They receive recognition.
Not bragging,
They never falter.
They do not quarrel,
So no one quarrels with them.
Therefore the ancients say, “Yield and overcome.”
Is that an empty saying?
Be really whole,
And all things will come to you.
- Lao Tsu (translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English)

We are very happy to share that Tom and the band will be playing the Side Stage at Jones Beach Theater this July 21st and 27th, supporting two of their favorite acts. You can see more about those dates and who those acts are, as well as how to get tickets, at www.jonesbeach.com.

Following those fantastic shows, everyone will be heading down to the St.Barth’s Summer Sessions, a wonderful and dynamic music festival taking place from August 5-15 on the island of St.Barthelemy.

We’ll hope to see you at these events, and if some other summer extravaganza is already occupying your schedule, stay tuned for photos and video after the jump.

I’ve played a couple sweet gigs the last week or so. Last Friday night we played at our beloved Rockwood Music Hall in NYC to a good crowd. It was our first official trio gig (I think), and it went off pretty smooth, even without all the glittery additions that come with extra players.

My good friend Jonothan and I stood on the street corners for a few hours each day passing out CD’s and fliers, harassing anyone who might listen. I think one or two of them showed up….500 fliers for 1 person is a bad conversion rate. But hell, you gotta do what you gotta do.

I went up to Boston the following Saturday morning at 6 am, on last minute notice, to open for Kina Grannis at The Red Room at Cafe 939. It’s a great venue, the second time I’ve played there. There were 200+ people (for those of you that weren’t there) and everyone rocked, and I did my best to rock too. With an acoustic guitar. Kina rocked as well, and it was good to meet her and play before her.

We are rehearsing this week for the show Sunday night in the Hamptons at the Stephen Talkhouse, and we are really looking forward to it.

See you there!

Tom

We’ve been working like mad to get this beautiful new website up and ready for you, and finishing up all the EP odds and ends.

We also recently went into Avatar studios in New York and cut a track. It was extremely fun, and we had the whole gang there. It was a great time.

We worked for 14 hours straight and loved every second of it. We cranked it up loud and had fun with sounds and the whole bit. Everyone involved was extremely talented, and it was truly a blessing for me to work with such amazing individuals. I pinch myself all the time, amazed at how I’m so lucky to work with some of the finest musicians in the world. All of them true talents.

We’ll post some video soon of the Avatar sessions, but for now here are some photos for your enjoyment.

Enjoy the new site and single, and I’ll be back with more soon!

Tom

The gang at Avatar Studios

Our parents and generations before us have shaped the world in which we now live. This is a time in which we are faced with a lot of responsibility, not just to lead good lives, but to be conscious of how we shape the world for the future in our lifetimes.

There is also a growing consciousness I find, one of presence and respect for our surroundings. We are starting to realize more fully that this world isn’t ours, we’re a part of it. We have just as much a right to be here as everyone and everything else, but no more.

Personally, I’m always juggling my lifestyle desires with how to give adequately to make the world a better place. The good thing is that as opposed to simply asking the question, “How can I make a lot of money and live my desired lifestlye?” more and more young people nowadays are actually asking themselves the question, “How can I make enough money to lead my desired lifestyle, and make a positive difference in the world?”

Through GOOD, I came across this great E-book, prepared by one of the contributors, that sets out to provide insight into how to best do that in today’s world.

You can get your free copy of it HERE.

Good luck on the path to goodness.

- Tom