Jan from Austin took Traveling Monkbot on a whirlwind trip to the Big Apple last week to see the town, hear some rockin’ music, and to meet Taylor Hicks and other celebs of the Gray variety. Take it away, Jan!
Monkbot Takes a Bite out of the Big Apple
text and photos by Jan
Traveling Monkbot and I had a great adventure together in New York City. It was the first time either of us had been to the Big Apple. Here is MB jamming out on my iPod while we wait for the bus at the airport. He was listening to porterdavis – Live at Eddie’s Attic, which is my current favorite CD.
Traveling Monkbot jams
porterdavis – White Freightliner
What’s great about Austin is that there is live music everywhere. We listened to a band called “Stop The Truck!” while we waited for our flight. At one point, I held up the Monkbot and got a picture of them in the background and the lead singer said, “We just had our picture taken with a monkey!”
Traveling Monkbot and Stop The Truck
Monkbot decided to help them promote their merchandise since we all know how hard it is when you are trying to make a living as a working musician.
Traveling Monkbot and three shiney discs
We arrived in New York safe and sound and met up with EJ and Bigsis. The three of us headed out for a mini-tour of New York, but we only had a couple of hours before the Meet & Greet, so we didn’t get a chance to see much. We stepped into the Disney store for a minute and managed to lose Traveling Monkbot for a bit. The three of us finally found him chatting up the ladies.
Don’t Be a Playah Hatah
We wandered past Cartier, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockerfeller Center.
That’s all the sight-seeing we had time for since it was time for EJs M&G. Turns out that someone was unable to use their M&G and gave it to Bigsis. She graciously gave it to me so that Monkbot could meet the Supreme Monkbot. This was no small sacrifice on her part and both Monkbot and I will never forget that act of kindness. (Neither will Shelley…Thanks, Bigsis!…signed, Shelley)
While we were waiting around outside for the M&G, Boogie (Taylor’s bass player) came out and talked with EJ a bit. I asked him if he would mind if I got a picture of him with the Monkbot. He looked at me like I was nuts and said, “What is that thing?!” I tried to explain, but he still looked a bit unsure. EJ stepped in and said “It’s the mascot for one of the blogs.” He seemed to think that was okay and posed for the pic. I thanked him and let him know how much I was looking forward to the show.
Traveling Monkbot and Boogie
As I stood there, someone said “Look it’s Josh (Taylor’s lead guitarist).” I figured why not ask him, too. I went through my explanation again and he laughed and said sure when I asked for the picture.
Don’t Squash Josh
We went into the M&G and waited for our turn to meet Taylor. I hid the Monkbot behind my back so that he wouldn’t distract Taylor from his other fans. When I got to the table, Taylor said hello and put out his hand to shake mine. I felt a bit silly when I moved my hand from behind my back and I was holding the Monkbot.
I said, “I brought the Monkbot with me.” He looked at the Monkbot and smiled. I switched Traveling Monkbot to my other hand and shook his hand. I said, “Would you mind if I got a picture of you with the Monkbot?” He just smiled and had a bemused grin on his face. He said, “Sure.”
I handed him the Monkbot, and he looked at him and put the Monkbot in front of him, and then Bill asked if I wanted a picture with them and I said, “Sure.” I sat down and the deed was done. I thanked Taylor and told him that I was really looking forward to the show and headed out the door.
Jan, Traveling Monkbot, and Taylor
We headed back to the hotel, which was in the same building as the Beacon Theatre. We got our cameras and everything we needed for the show and headed back out. I was very pleasantly surprised when I walked into the lobby of the Beacon and there was Gray Charles himself hanging out.
I gave a warm welcome to Gray and told him, “I am on a mission from God.”
He said, “You mean Shelley?”
I laughed and then asked him if he would mind posing for a shot with the Monkbot and, of course, being Uncle Monkbot, he was delighted. I pulled the Monkbot out of my pack and he said, “Oh, it’s the actual Monkbot!”
I said, “Yes it is.”
Gray and Traveling Monkbot share some drinks and a few laughs
At that time a pretty young woman came up to me and asked if I was Jan and introduced herself as Ivoryhut. I gave her a great big hug and snapped a picture.
A shy Ivoryhut, Traveling Monkbot, and Jan
We went into the theater and saw one hell of an awesome show. Taylor performed “My Friend,” and it made me so dang happy! The whole show was sizzling hot. You could just feel the energy and excitement of the crowd as they stood for the entire show.
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Great write-up, Jan!
Everyone check back on Friday for Ivoryhut’s recap of the show!
(Use the Monkbots Give Back post below to discuss Idol…I voted 10 times…4 for Melinda, 3 for Blake, and 3 for Jordin.)
monkbot talk 