This was my first time at the Royal Dive, and it's a pretty cool place. Very divey, but in a friendly and familiar way. The strangest thing about the place is its location- the middle of an industrial park in Oceanside.

It's been almost a year since I saw the Tractormen play, but their folksy songs are just like I remember them.



They're not as serious as they look.



Jim is the chief songwriter with stream of consciousness tales about nightmares and stuffed animals. He's one of the most laid-back guys I've ever met.



Phil was my guitar player in my jazz-rock band up until last year when I chose to spend more time shooting shows instead of playing them. He's a great player with a funky Scofield sound and always knows how to play something that makes everyone else sound good. He also plays a mean mandolin.



Mike Brown was my drummer for five years in my heavy rock band, and the best man at my wedding. He also designed the flyer for my photo show, which will be up soon.



Jason, aka Glynnis Johns, is somewhat new to the band after moving to Seattle and back. Our bands used to play shows with his old band, and he was the best player in that old band. It's good to seem him back in town, filling out the sound.



In fact, it's good to see them all!










Catch their rare non-North County show on March 5th, and see my photos of them on the wall!