Thursday, August 27, 1998 – 12:10 am

Alfred State College - Alfred, New York

(Were you at this show?  Please introduce yourself!)

Been here once before last Spring.

It’s this real quiet room with cushy couches.

Like a library without the books.

Nothing but couches and two microphones for us.

Last time, only 10 people came or something and it was kindof awkward. I felt like we should have been chatting together like it was a living room instead of pretending it’s stage and audience. But this time there were 50 people or so which is good for that room.

Right before we started, a long-haired girl walked in with a guitar. She saw a sign that said "coffeehouse" and asked if it was open mic. It wasn’t supposed to be, but I thought it’d be fun.

So… Ellen Oakes got up & did some songs! It was cool. She was great. I liked her originals better than her cover songs. Keep going Ellen! If you’re reading this drop me an Email and say hi.

Anyway – ‘twas a fun gig. Best part (wish we had a picture of this – I had just run out of film!) – was when the crowd were all up dancing to a Prince song, then Blister in the Sun, then Aiko Aiko. EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the room was dancing except one guy who refused (that would have been me if I was in the audience! Let’s hear it for the rebels!) But at Aiko Aiko Deanna Vatan led everyone in this soul train around the room, which eventually turned into a bunny hop. Pretty cool, considering what a quiet library-like atmosphere this room usually has.

So – anyone from Alfred State reading this – thanks for being such a cool crowd. Sorry we didn’t have any CDs left for you. Keep in touch.