Jaki on the Road

Dr.Manhattan Tour Story

Jaki on the Road Pt 1
By: Jaki Herrington.


Anticipation built heavily as the weeks slowly trickled into days which then started evaporating quicker and quicker until countdown finally ended. Moments were replaying in my mind of past experiences with my kind friends as my normal life carried on. The feeling of this reality still hadn’t sunk in completely, and I wanted to burst out and tell everyone I see as if I had just received that shiny new bike from Santa. I was to be graced with the joys of getting to ride along with my best friend and 4 other guys in an Economy Van for 6 days. Not your average Joe’s idea of a good time, but to a teenager involved any way with the music scene I had hit gold.  This is the story of my first tour.

Over the past several years I have been lucky enough to befriend several bands, and through a series of connections and good times shared I ended up traveling on the road with one; That band being Dr.Manhattan. I met them when I was following my good friends in Fear Before (the March of Flames) around Florida on the Stay Weird tour. The few great days I spent with all of them still reigns as one of the best weeks of my life. I instantly could feel a connection with the guys that make up ‘Dman.’

Dr. Manhattan is a four piece from Wauconda, Illinois that is the combined power of Matt Engers on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Adam Engers on bass, Andrew Morrison playing the keys, floor tom, adding his own ‘Woos!’ to songs, and last but certainly not least Nick Vombrack on Drums. The kooky combination of musicians that make up ‘Dman’ all carry their own stage presence and sound, but somehow pull it all together to make some of the most natural and original sounding pieces of music.

These high spirited lads got their name from the graphic novel “Watchmen,” but once you meet them they are far from being the giant blue superhero. The energized sensation of greatness just pulses off them as if it were steam in a shower. Candid moments I’ve witnessed at their shows while looking around as the smiles and head nods start to infect the crowd. Dr. Manhattan has been described as being a ‘Party on stage’ and that is just it. The live fast paced heartfelt performances they put on every night just makes you want to be their best friend. But once you get past the sweatiness, self done haircuts, and corny jokes the guys that make up your next favorite band they are four of the greatest guys I have ever got the chance to meet. Small town boys with big city dreams, and even bigger hearts.

The courage it took to ponder up the right words to say to them asking if I could join them on the road was one of the biggest anxieties I have ever dealt with. But once Nick replied with the “Ok” it was absolutely the best feeling in the entire world. The tour was a short trip compared to most these days, but it was the biggest eye opening experience I have ever ventured out on. The other touring bands were Foxy Shazam and The A.K.A’s, and together we traveled from Tampa, Fl to Little Rock, AR with many cities in between. The most notable being Waco, TX at a venue called ‘Art Ambush’ which was half a tattoo and piercing shop and the other the venue. The kids in this city were so humble and appreciative for their new music scene that developed due to the opening of this venue. The show also happened to fall on Valentines day and in the spirit of the occasion many of the local kids brought baked treats for the bands. Simple gestures that remind you there is still good out there was reflected perfectly in the pink sprinkles on top of the icing covered cupcakes. The show that evening sold out as well, and I would say that everyone went home with a smile and an everlasting memory of what they witnessed that night.  


Those nights are why bands continue to make the sacrifices they do. Even though touring is one of the best experiences, the pay isn’t the best for most. Many of the nights we found ourselves at a rest stop or a local Wal-Mart parking lots and just ended up sleeping in the van. The glamour is gone once you leave the stage. But the flip side to it is that you make these spots into the most convenient places on the road. They are also the greatest places for some of the best conversations and memorable moments to occur at. One time while at a Wal-Mart in Houston we had to stop and get our oil changed. So during the intermission Matt pulled out his acoustic guitar and started to play it in the parking lot. Attention was then turned to him from the workers in the service area, they crowed around as Matt started to play one of their songs “Gunpowder: A Ballet.” The hard case for the guitar just also happened to be left open and they started to tip, and they were also really getting into the song. A couple of them actually bought Dman’s CD and offered to do album artwork for their upcoming release.

Once sleep was tackled the next biggest issue that comes to mind was food. Three of the four members of Dman are vegetarian, so it slims down the places to eat by more then you could imagine. I honestly think we ate at a subway everyday on tour, $5 foot longs become your best friend. Me, being a meat eater, really tried just out of respect to adapt the vegetarian lifestyle. It really isn’t as hard as you would think though, but I’m sure after several weeks of it I would start to feel the malnutrition set in. But to counter the lack of nutrients the van was stacked with fresh fruits and peanuts, which I now love because of the trip. But to just add to the stereotypes many tacos and burritos were also consumed as well.

The most random moment of the entire trip occurred in Metairie, LA. The setting was at this venue called ‘The High Grounds’ and it was the day before the start of Mardi Gras. The streets were starting to fill with floats and purple and gold decorations for the following nights festivities. Once passing these, and entering the venue Nick noticed a flyer on the wall for that nights show. It  held our tour line up but with the addition of Watchout! There’s Ghosts! And I Set my Friends on Fire. Now, even I will admit I did giggle a bit at the idea of it, but once the bands arrived they were really awesome guys. I actually spent most of that evening chatting with Matt from Ismfof.  Their band actually puts on a really good live show (and an even better one now with the addition of a drummer.) It was these moments that really defined the trip for me, and all the good people you meet and befriend along the road make these the times that you treasure forever.

You defiantly grow from being on the road, and the term ‘Band’ takes a whole new meaning. Its no longer just a bunch of dudes who play instruments but it actually is a family. Nearly every aspect of their lives are somehow affected by the band. Decisions were made as a whole, and consequences were also felt amongst everyone even if it was a single persons issue. You spend nearly all of your time together, and if you can somehow not be at each others throats in the process, you are for sure doing something right. The guys in Dr.Manhattan along with the members of The A.K.A’s and Foxy Shazam all showed me the best time on the road. They held out completely open arms in welcoming a new comer out to see the country. The hospitality was shown amongst everyone, and I know I got the fulfillment of what a real tour experience should be. I respect and hold a big part in my heart for all the members of the bands I shared times with along the way, and cannot wait for the future with them and many more. Check out Dr.Manhattan, The A.K.A’s, and Foxy Shazam who are all recording their next full lengths at the moment. And look out for me on the road and in your town!

I was really blown out of the water when I first listened to Lady Radiator. My Californian buddy Spencer was avid for me to check them out, and I was instantly hooked. With similar attributes that remind me of the fellow New jersey band Thrusday mixed with the writing style of Duck Duck Goose they instantly found them self on repeat on my iPod. They are a four piece made up of Ken, Adam, Jono, and Trent. Each diverse in their looks, but overall a pack of cuties. Their debut was release in November of 2007 on Emerald Moon Records and they had much success right off the bat. The future is an exciting front for Lady Radiator and I am majorly anticipating their latest release “Party with Villains.” Keep an eye out on this band.

http://www.myspace.com/ladyradiatormusic

Day 5

A good majority of the time on this trip I find myself being the first to wake, this morning being the earliest at sometime around 6am. I walked into the Wal-Mart to stretch my legs out and try to get in a good mind set for the evening.  Once everyone awoke we drove over to the auto shop they have and checked in to get an oil change. This left for more time to just aimlessly wonder about the Wal-Mart stores, which are becoming our 2nd home. Matt was out side playing guitar when Tyler and I joined him. Matt was teaching Tyler how to play Gunpowder when some of the shop workers walked over. They wanted to hear Matt play something, he froze so I suggested he play Gunpowder, then the tips came rolling in. The group was growing as the song carried and after they even bought a cd. One of them got Adam’s number and texted him saying he was going to draw up their next album cover.

It was then time for driving, & it was a calm drive. I don’t remember if I slept of what but it seemed to be really short. When we arrived at the venue the temperature dropped drastically. The Venue was called ‘Art Ambush’ it was a Hybrid between a tattoo shop and a venue, and was one of the coolest venues I’ve ever been too. Everyone that worked their was extremely nice and accommodating, I even got paid tonight. I was talking with some of the locals and this is the only venue in their area, they are really appreciative of it. Their was an opener called ’Cute as a Button’ and even though they were a dueling hardcore band, I actually enjoyed them. I could pick up influences from Fear Before, The Number 12  looks like you, and The Jonbenet. They had a pretty good size following as well. But none were as loyal as the dman shows.

Their were numerous fans who brought Dman goodies on this Valentines evening. They received a batch of brownie cupcakes, sugar cookies, and a heart shaped cookie cake with a sentimental note iced on top. This was the most people I have seen singing along to dman, and one kid actually drove from Tampa to Waco for the show. Some other kids also came from Houston as well. They had a really good set, besides Nic breaking the head on his snare.

Foxy didn’t do anything too out of the ordinary for them this evening, besides the accidentally now intentionally adopted move that Loruen does. He was trying to figure out what was wrong with his cab, and I guess got frustrated and just knocked it over and started dancing on top of it I believe at Java Jazz, and he did it again at Art Ambush at the end of their set.

The tattoo shop was then explored. I walked in to find Michael sitting in the piercing chair with 2 women glaring at him with gloves on. I didn’t know you could do it, but he was getting his ears re-gauged. He said he had 7/16th’s before and let them close up. He got all balled up before she was about to gauge them, so I offered my hand to comfort him. He stuck out his pinky and then the pain began. It was cute. A member from dman also got a little something done, but he wants to keep it a surprise so sorry.

There were some crazy fans that insisted on just hanging around and just be loud and obnoxious. They kept insisting that we join them at ihop but, we weren’t game. The night was closed out with high spirits of a great show, that sold out as well. It was the best show of the tour and the nicest venue, accommodating to the nearly every need of the bands. The owner of the venue was a super nice guy as well. We had to drive from Waco, TX to Little Rock, AR for the show the following day and decided to get on the road that night. We drove until 4:30 am then stopped at truck stop. It was a sight to see our tour van and trailer park amongst the numerous semi trucks.

Day 4

Day 4:
The Terrible nights rest I got was completely overwhelmed by the fun that I had. The long congested van ride to Houston was depressing due to the lack of an environmental change in scenery. Crossing the Mississippi river was a lot less exciting being an 18 year old as well. What I have noticed is that even though I am seeing a different side of the country a lot of things are constant. Every city has a million Wal-Marts, great Mexican foods, and their own stereotypes all live up, Texas is being the truest of them so far. Driving on the interstate just seeing huge blood red gates with someone’s last name followed by the word ranch. Cows casually grazing the rolling hills, while F350s zoom past them at alarming rates. I feel partially lost in this state due to my lack of never talking more than one year of Spanish in grade school. The signs of gas stations and eatery’s are draped with letters that I know form words, but can only stab at the meaning of.

After finally getting through all the traffic, we pulled into the back lot of Java Jazz. It seemed to be in old car garage that they revamped into a venue. It was a smart idea, that they executed very well. One thing that I have never seen before but found to be really smart was that on the spare walls they spray painted in large graffiti letters the names and dates of upcoming shows. The artistic sheen that it brought just lit up the room and made it a very comfortable place to be at.

The kids at the show were a colorful bunch of kids, they dressed as if they listened to strictly bands like Bring me the Horizon, but danced and smiled as if they were fans of Suburban Legends. The diversity of kids at these shows has really thought me to not judge anyone. I’ve met some really cool people over the past few days, people just as genuine and in love with music as I am. During just about all the bands sets the crowd did these group dance moves. During the A.K.A’s the lead singer Mike had the whole crowd sitting on the floor, then when he signaled they all jumped up and started to dance and move around. It was the first time I’ve seen them do it, and it really was a sight. The best one I saw was during foxy, their had to of been 30+ kids all jumping, but it had this water drop effect going. The middle of the pit was jumping the highest and then the outer edges leveled down.

Daisy, the bassist for foxy, this evening over did his act from the night before by smashing an old bass on stage during the last song. I’m so intrigued by their stage presence that seems to get better and better every evening. Even though some of the things they do and say each evening is some sort of the same thing, its still keeps my eyes locked on them. Alex this evening started playing the piano tonight as well, he’s so talented and such a positive addition to the band.  

After the show we all hung around for a while. I’m glad that there is no awkwardness between any of us now. Us and Foxy went to a local taco place called ‘Taco Cabaña,’ It was a really festive and good place. The cashier was super high and gave everyone free drinks and such, he also stated that he could eat 6 burritos. A stature that would be impressive, but would as well make you beyond ok to function. Some friends as Foxy’s came with us all, and they were really nice kids. We all got a group picture after the dinning was done.

The biggest disappointment of that evening came from Ismfof. They said the night before that they were going to get a hotel for us to stay at. So we got all fired up the entire day expecting somewhere other then the van to sleep at. I was texting matt from Ismfof nearing the entire day, and he kept saying come over but wouldn’t supply an address. Their sketchiness or just shear lack of brilliance ceases to amaze me. So we opted to sleep in a neighboring Wal-Mart parking lot with deemed it self worthy the following day.

The days are starting to wear into one, but the trembling fear of knowing the end is near is making everything just that much more precious. I’m captivating memories in my mind, and trying to live everything up even more then ever. There’s a quote from ‘Mother Night’ by Kurt Vonnegut that I have been reading on the drives, “We all have bad habits to the wrong things, And we start to cling too late.” I am one of those people who believe in the greater cosmic universe and that everything happens for a reason, I found this to be a wake up call as sorts. Tonight I am going to make great, I am going to not be shy like I have been for some odd reason. The regrets that I feel growing inside me are not going to be felt tomorrow. I am excited for this maturing.

Day 3

My word 2007 is not letting me access my stuff sooooo day 2 will come later

:p

Day 3:

We awoke at yet another rest stop, the brisk morning dew still clinging to the windows. The daily rise and shine happened, and then we were on the road yet again. We were heading to Metairie, LA. But before we could arrive at our destination we made a detour and stopped at the Bel-Air mall, which was somewhere around Mobile, AL. Matt needed to pick up a shirt for his valentines day project. He was infusing a long sleeve baby blue shirt then sowing on the collar, button, cuffs, and pocket of a plaid shirt he owned. The idea does sound a little crazy, but the outcome is actually pretty neat. I was happy to find a Chick-fil-a in the mall and pleasured myself to a sweet tea. Then we were back on the open road.

If you have ever read a book where the setting is in New Orleans or Louisiana in general, it is exactly what it sounds like. Everything having that old-timely feel; and the colors purple, green, and yellow gracing nearly every item in plain sight. But the depressing side of it is that as you get closer and closer to the city, the more devastation you see. There are still half blown away apartment complexes and office buildings that you can see from the interstate. Trees nearly all lifeless and bent and snapped in the way the powerful wind that ripped through. To think that Katrina happened 4 years ago, and these people still haven’t recovered completely.

When we got to the venue it seemed to be an old 2 story bar, or small warehouse. A one way road led to the back where the vans had space to park and unload. Then you became surrounded in beautiful graffiti that decorated the tall buildings . I became Dman’s photographer for a whole 5 minuets and took from pictures on them all by it. They turned out pretty snazzy, but once all the big timin’ was over we ventured inside the club and Nic notices the flyer for the show and to all of our surprise the bands I Set my Friends on Fire and WATCHOUT! There’s Ghosts! were both set to play with us that evening. They had played the previous night in Tampa, and I cannot even begin to imagine how their drive was. I had the chance over the evening to talk to Ismfof for some time, and they are pretty cool dudes actually. They are also big Fear Before fans, so that makes them immediately high up in my book. They are also playing in Houston tomorrow, so possible plans to hang are being made.

The venue ’The High Grounds’ has been my favorite venue so far on the trip, and yes it crushes the Orpheum. The sound quality was as crisp as it could be, the lights looked so sweet, and the kids were super into the show last night. Well for the most part, the opener Watch Out! honestly wasn’t that good. But Dman was there to follow and revive the gasping start to the evening. Everyone was really into them tonight, and a big group of boys choreographed some dance moves during one of their songs. The best part of their set, besides Andrew being a creeper in the rafters, was after they played Grogbase, it was the loudest roar I have ever heard them get before. It was really over powering, and slightly unexpected for me; But completely deserved. The rest of the show carried on nicely; Ismfof drew a pretty decent sized crowd, though Foxy again was the winner in crowd participation and overreactions. Their set was really strong, and their closing song literally was wild. Daisy hung his bass from the rafters and was just pounding on it, while Eric was hanging upside down on them, Alex leapt at Tyler and clasped onto him as he just screamed in his face, and Sky picked up his keyboard and was playing it above his head. It was the best live show I have ever witnessed by them.     

After everything was played and over with, had some more conversations with the dude’s in Ismfof and then departed on an epic quest to find beignets. We traveled to the one next to the venue, but to our distain it had closed 34 minuets prior to our arrival. But our dreams were not crushed, no sir not one bit. We then ventured to the heart of where Mardi Gras was to be held the next day. Pre-party festivities were already going on. As we were driving down the road slowly to make sure not to hit any inebriated pedestrians, one guys pointed into the drivers window at Nic and said “Hey, it’s Dr.Manhattan!” really random moment for none of us knew him or recognized the guy from the show. Then we scarcely parked and Adam and I got out on a beignet run. The streets reeked of a large assimilation of fowl, awful things. Stumbling street walkers gave crazed crooked faced stares at people as they past. An Asian man who liked to round up delivered us our freshly made deserts of Creole descent. The powder goodness soon filled our stomachs, and speckled everyone’s pants legs.

The next adventure was to go Foxy Shazam’s hotel room that they were nice enough to share with us. We arrived somewhere around the hour of 1am and to find 5/7ths of foxy all cozy and tucked in bed watching old basketball highlights. They had spread extra blankets across the floor for us to stay on. Nic, Tyler, and I were the only ones who actually stayed in the room, everyone else opted for the van. The sandman was no where in site for me, and it grew into a nearly sleepless evening. But once I did, it was nice.