05/14/05: North Central College: Naperville, Illinois
Why do they call it the "Windy City?" Now we know and we might tell you, later. So this was the last show of our 4-month excursion and the only show we had to fly to (which is really exciting/extremely frustrating & exhausting if you're a band traveling with instruments). People who work at the airport freak out when they see guitars, not to mention a cello, that by the way we do have to buy a seat for and a wooden box that we tell them is a drum). We survived the transport only to be faced with the most physically challenging show of all time.

We've now experienced quite a variety of weather conditions at shows. The Naperville show was a big one - a festival with Blessid Union of Souls headlining. All day we kept thinking it might start raining at any moment. It didn't rain, but the most chilling and fierce wind storm kicked in exactly when we took the stage (and ended when we left it). We had to duct tape stands and drums to the stage (which barely stayed grounded), our hair flew everywhere, and our hands were totally numb. In true Raining Jane fashion, we made the best of the situation, this time by pretending we were in a video shoot taking place in the Arctic.

Thank you to Jill Zambito and her crew, and to Matt & Lisa for making the trip!


05/07/05: Linfield College: McMinnville, Oregon
Spring Fest #6: We've been looking forward to seeing and playing with our friends, the talented and wonderful Jason LaVasseur and Amadan. As the students rode the mechanical bull off in the distance and the cotton candy machine worked overtime, the bands took turns on the stage. It was a day filled with good fun and good attitudes. And the hospitality room? Forget about it! We've never seen anything like it. Besides having every snack we could have possibly craved, they had Ms. Pacman and a gigantic TV with HBO! So good to us!

Thanks to Dan and the crew at Linfield who took care of us.


05/06/05: Boise State: Boise, Idaho
Spring Fest #5: A great line-up of music which we were stoked to be a part of. We got a great spot, playing between The Clumsy Lovers and Reel Big Fish. The Taco Bell Arena (yummy) filled in as the day went on and before long the whole floor was mushing and moshing, especially when we played "Wyoming Sky." Ha! Our segment of the event was highlighted by the amazing Saunders family and friends who drove (6 hours) from Utah and surprised us! They win "Most genuinely enthusiastic, honestly kind and wonderful, loving, adventuresome people of our lives." AND they brought us homemade cookies! We ended the night at Opa with our dear friends who made us love Boise in the first place. The acoustic duo: Red Fish, Blue Fish was jamming away and Mona got up and wailed on the djembe with them for a bit. Boise, you made us love you again! Thanks to all for all the love!


05/05/05: Idaho State University: Pocatello, Idaho
We played two shows here at ISU. They put us up in a guest room in the student union, which proved to be awesome. We were conveniently located in the building where both our AM and PM shows were. There was a computer lab down the hall, and we got lots of studying done! During sound check, we sang/played pieces of as many Mexican songs as we could (Cinco De Mayo!Viva Mexico!) including "La Bamba" and "De Colores!" A highlight was the on-campus movie theatre, which was showing "The Life Aquatic."

Thanks to Jeff Brown, the wonderful sound crew who hung in there with us ALL day!


05/03/05: The Bevington's: Utan, Nebraska
Our dear friends, Matt, Lisa and Cooper deserve their own journal entry for three reasons:

1. We called them TODAY and asked, "so, what are you doing tonight?" and they knew what state we were in, where we were heading and figured they should probably invite us over (who knew our friends, somewhere in the middle of America, would be right on the way to anywhere).
2. They are the most wonderful, kind, hilarious, hospitable and deliciously cute (Cooper in particular. He's 16 months old) people.
3. The following story...

Now, we must share this story because it is Top 5 funniest of the trip. We stayed with the Bevington's in their beautiful home just outside of Omaha. They graciously welcomed us into their home, gave us the tour, stating which room was which (this becomes important later) and then we all hung out into the early hours of the morning eating, drinking and playing music. It was unbelievable! Then... some people (Mai and Becky) retired for the evening. Apparently Becky was not paying attention during the house tour, she might have been distracted by the kitty-cat. It turns out the bed she chose to retire to was actually the master bedroom. Mai suspected that this was a wrong move but trusted Becky’Äôs insistence that it was okay to sleep there. A few minutes later, our hosts came into their bedroom and began disrobing - oopsies!! Before things could get too embarrassing, Matt & Lisa realized what happened and left the room laughing, giving Mai and Becky a chance to stealthily relocate to the guest room as if it never happened. Much laughing and apologizing ensued the next day.


05/02/05: Rock Valley College: Rock Valley, Illinois
We woke up early this morning to find our van had been vandalized. Nothing too harmful, just a little window chalk saying, "GO TEAM" in girly writing. We all looked at each other confused but too tired to talk about it. We headed to Rock Valley where we were greeted by Tito (it sounds like a lie, but Tito exists), his fabulous students and his rockin’Äô band. They opened the event with some hip-shakin' grooves that lit up the room. Enthusiastic students filled in the seats, and were an excellent audience until 1pm when they all had to go to class. Thanks to everyone for coming out and thanks to those who stuck it out until the end. Who needs class anyway!


05/01/05: Mississippi Music Festival: St. Cloud, Minnesota
We are grateful that we survived this day! The Weather Channel said it was going to snow... and it did! Hooray!? Let me paint a picture: beautiful park by a river, trees, vendors cooking fresh corn on the cob and hot dogs, coolers full of beer, picnic baskets with fresh baguettes and stinky cheese, lots of people and... SNOW! All the aspects of a perfect spring festival were in place, but with the most fickle, indecisive sky we’Äôve ever seen. Apparently Minnesota didn't get the memo that winter ended. Pellets of snow (like that crazy "Dot" ice cream) came pouring down, horizontally, and even up at times as it bounced off the ground. But the show did go on (despite our Californian belief that we should all go cuddle up someplace warm like say, a hot tub). We apprehensively started pulling our gear out of the van, rushing it to the "stage" area (the stage was mobile with wheels), frantically covering everything with big plastic tarps. We kept waiting for the people in charge to call the whole thing off, but no such luck. We are stronger for having lived through this day and we can now say we've played a show in the snow (come on! have you?).


04/26/05: Eastern Washington University: Cheney, Washington
It was the most beautiful, and by far the hottest day, of our 3+ months on the road. We played a 1 hour and 30 minute set without our usual break. The vibe was right, and we just had to keep playing. We refer to this as: "perseverance con heat-stroko." We tried our best to sunblock it up, but still got burned. Even brown Mona got a little more golden, like a sweet and freshly baked apple pie. (I wonder who insisted that line be included in the journal?). Outdoors baking and rocking = exhausted! We probably need a vacation! I wish some hot guys would take us out on the water! People, sometimes, you get what you wish for (seriously, read on).

During our show, two tan, buffed guys in bright orange life vests carried paddles around the quad promoting outdoor adventures. After we played Chaska walked up to them and said, "so... we goin’Äô out on the water?" The guys were awesome and enthusiastically agreed to take the band on an adventure. They were from a school group called "EPIC" (Experiential Programs Inspiring Confidence), and as it turned out, we were going river rafting! An hour later, we caravanned to Safeway to pick up sun block, beverages and sunglasses straps.

We never could have anticipated the beauty of the Spokane River. What could be better than a nice, relaxing little float down an idyllic waterway such as this? Once we were in the 16-foot raft, floating along, "Captain Sean" gave us a safety briefing including tips such as, "if you are ejected from the boat and are put through the washer (tumbling around head over feet in the water), spread your arms and legs out making your body as big as possible and you will EVENTUALLY resurface." You should have seen the looks on our faces: pure, unadulterated, take-me-home terror. 10 miles later (roughly 1.5 hours), we were elated and inspired. It was the most amazing and mind-altering adventure we have done as a group. We decided to make the crew dinner to show our gratitude.

On the menu:

Mona's Magic Turkey Burgers© (By "magic" we mean "delicious")
California-style guacamole (The best!)
Fresh garden salad (Probably the most exotic dish. I joke.)
Mai’Äôs Homemade Strawberry Shortcake¬© (Side note: she had to barbeque the shortbread because the oven was broken. Resourceful lady. We now refer to her as "Mai-gyver").

After dinner, Captain Luke pulled out his fiddle and suddenly we were in the foothills of the Appalachia. Mona was asked to paint a picture in exchange for a plant. Mona loves plants and thinks that bartering is a wonderful idea. She was handed some acrylics, a canvas and went to work. So, now there is a peanut butter jar full of plant vines taped down to our dashboard. Thanks for the trade, Mark. Next time maybe you can trade us something more practical like some sand bags, a mule and one million dollars. Just a thought. Thanks to the wonderful folks of EPIC, specifically: Sean, Kevin, Angie, Luke and Mark. We will never forget your kindness and the fact that you didn’Äôt let us die.


04/23/05: Whitworth College (am): Spokane, Washington
Washington State College (pm): Pullman, Washington
We woke up in Walla Walla, drove 4 hours to Spokane, played an outdoor show for their Springfest, loaded up the van and drove another 2 hours to Pullman for their Springfest! Two Springfests in one day?! How did we get so lucky? Good thing we like the spring or these massive festivals celebrating the season would have been a total bummer. Hooray for Whitworth for having us back at their always-successful festival!!

That night, we had the amazing privilege of sharing the stage with Maktub and Citizen Cope at the Beasley Coliseum on the WSU campus. With VIP badges in tow and a rad dressing room to boot, we couldn't help but feel tremendously grateful. After dancing to the headlining band, we ended the night at Denny's (would the Lord please provide us with some alternative late night dining establishments? Maybe I will open a chain called "Not Denny’Äôs" and serve good food. First item on the menu: "Suns Under My Rooster," not to be confused with "Moons Over My Hammy."

Special thanks to the beautiful Colette Reid, Nur Farnik, Jenn Mazzotta, Precious Liz and the amazing SEB crew!


04/22/05: Whitman College: Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla: the land of beautiful people, wheat fields, and delicious onions (to be bitten into ala an apple). Whitman was our first ever out-of-state show in November of 2003. But to see the campus in the springtime is a whole new world (magic carpets abound). Blooming flowers, waddling ducks, perfectly plump clouds... Mona yelled from the car, "I want to go here!" The town was buzzing with youthful energy (and maybe a few bees). We were so incredibly happy to be back at Whitman. There was only one problem: we totally forgot our tuxedos and beards. Hello! Ladies! It’Äôs DRAG-fest!! A week full of fun!! We played two sets to an amazingly wonderful crowd of students and friends, and then packed up, got a quick lesson on how to tie a tie (thanks to Dave who lent them to us) and headed to the ballroom for the headlining band, United State of Electronica. They’Äôre #1 in Japan! By the end of USE's set we were all on stage (Chaska playing the tambourine) along with about 100 Whitman students dancing our booties off. It wasn't a drag at all. (I know, I know, sometimes puns hurt).

Thanks to George & Mike Theo, Gary Ford, Elizabeth, Kavita, Annica, Brooke, Dan and Jesse. Also Dani "Aloha" Chang, Dave Koch and Bree Edwards for making the trip.


04/21/05: North Idaho College: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Back in beautiful Coeur d'Alene!! We reminisce about our show last year, most notably marked by a dramatic act of indecent exposure performed by a woman in her 50's. During our show, this lady ran on stage and took her shirt off! But, that’Äôs another story... (You have to pay for that one, go to www.superdroopers.com). The best part of that experience was that all the press after the show that read, "Woman Exposes Herself at Raining Jane Concert." Hooray! Finally some press we can use to accurately describe the music!

We rolled into town a day early and dispersed to get some air and do business. Chaska started hanging out down by the lake, hoping and praying she could get out on the water. And she did. The fabulous Captain Max offered to take her out for a spin in "Eagle," a speedboat meant for chartering celebrity guests. Good thing Chaska looks like Jennifer Garner/Queen Latifah... Otherwise, that little ride may never have taken place. (All apologies for identity theft. She really needed a ride). We had a positive, high-energy show and went out to eat with the awesome student and staff crew from NIC. No old lady breasts were exposed this year, but we do have a picture of the advisor Alex showing us his precious pecs!

Thanks to Dean, Alex, Krista, Megan, Lisa, Phil and the rest of the student board.


04/19/05: Gonzaga University: Spokane, WA
A great show with a great student activities team! Thanks Gonzaga! (We think Becky misses her Cat...)


04/18/05: Arianna Stoltz House Bed & Breakfast: Spokane, Washington
Bless the sweet people (Briana) who put us up at this amazing bed and breakfast. We arrived a night early and the dear woman running the establishment welcomed us in and gave us each our own room!! For 3 months and 1 week of this tour, we usually cram 4 to a room. This was (literally) huge. We rolled in late night to be greeted by hot tea, cookies, chamber music mysteriously emanating from somewhere and a house to ourselves. Oh me gosh. We enjoyed this luxury, together sitting as far apart as possible, and sipping tea in our robes. We then retired to our personal dwelling quarters (each decorated a different color) and shut our doors. Good night fair children.


04/17/05: Western Montana: Dillon, Montana
We got to see an old friend from UCLA, who is now the Dean of Students at this university. Nice promotion. Nice town!


04/16/05: Carroll College: Helena, Montana
The best espresso drinks ever at General Mercantile in downtown Helena. Here you can also find people playing checkers, chess and various card games in dimly-lit nooks and crannies.


04/15/05: Montana State University-Northern: Havre, Montana
People warned us about Havre. We were also advised not to run around making "woowoowoowoo" sounds. What to believe? P.S. we are learning that all the Montana cities like to talk trash about other Montana cities.


04/14/05: Rocky Mountain College: Billings, Montana
Where to begin? Firstly, our hotel was next to the Women's Prison and on the other side there was a funeral chapel, so things felt weird right from the start. We were scheduled to play outside, but received a call from the organizer saying the weather looked shady so they were looking for an indoor venue. We arrived at 7 pm, two hours before show time as usual, and the stage was set up on the Rocky Green, a beautiful lawn the size of a football field. So... we looked at the sky, said a little prayer to the dark clouds in the distance and got to it.

Now, the stage must be mentioned because it was unbelievable! Imagine a huge semi-truck with the entire length of the body opened up and side wall horizontal to the ground, creating a diorama-like stage. Speakers and sub-woofers were built in to each end of the truck and the sound was HUGE. Apparently this was a new rig and the guys were doing their best to get it all working... so sound check was a little grueling and we started about 20 minutes late. But the students were sitting patiently on the lawn, sipping hot chocolate (lucky them), wrapped up in blankets provided by the event programmers (it should be mentioned that it was about 40 degrees and our fingers were freezing!).

We finished the first song and Stephanie Lee (the bomb event organizer) came over with a very serious look on her face and said, "we're done. There have been too many noise complaints. I'm serious. We're done." HUH?? We looked to the side of the stage where two police officers were looking at us, um, not smiling. Without discussion, we said, "we'll just play acoustic," in unison. After a little convincing and explanation of what "acoustic" meant, the cops agreed to let us play on, but threatened, "if there are anymore noise complaints..." while shaking their fists in the air. So, we asked all the students to come up close for the campfire sessions. If only there was a real fire, we wouldn't have been so cold. We sat on the edge of the stage with our acoustic guitars, cello, the cajon, some shakers and our good attitudes. It turned out to be a great night. We have to thank the students for being so awesome (and quiet) as we shared our music, a record number of dirty cajon jokes and a can of whipped cream. You had to be there.


04/12/05: Montana State University: Bozeman, Montana
We arrived in time to catch a bit of the Emerson Drive sound check. The six-piece, all-male country band is the boy band of the country world. Hot. We had the pleasure of opening for ED in the Shroyer Gymnasium, and being called the Dixie Chicks for the better part of the show. Sweet. At least by the end they were saying we were "better than the Dixie Chicks." Don’Äôt lie, but we still love you Bozeman!


04/11/05: The Van (Pegasus): On The Road Again
Driving through Vegas twice within a matter of days and not stopping? It’Äôs just cruel! Mona managed to sneak away while we gassed up to play one hand of black jack. She lost. She cried. We left. We made it back to Salt Lake City today (12 hours from LA).


04/10/05: HOME! Los Angeles, California
#1 priorities:
Becky: "See family, friends, the ocean and pet my kitty-cat."
Chask: "Coffee Bean soy vanilla latte: extra hot, no foam."
Mai: "David and ice cream cake."
Mona: "Sleep in my own bed, watch some OC on Tivo."


04/09/05: Whittier College: Whittier, California
Whittier's Spring Sing 2005 MC's are Raining Jane? Oh, you betcha! We set up in the Romanesque amphitheatre in beautiful, sunny So-Cal. This is the homecoming you only dream of. Our families and friends showed up to watch the talented Whittier students, see us improvise as hosts and get a little sun burned.

Thanks to Megan, Chris, Su, Josh and the rad students of Whittier.


04/08/05: Southern Utah University: Cedar City, Utah
Still in Utah! We were fired up for this show not only because we had a great time here last spring, but also because immediately following the show we jumped in the car to drive home!


04/07/05: Weber State University, Main Campus & Mojo Cafˆ©: Ogden, Utah
The last minute show at Mojo was off the hook. Hats off to the fine people of Salt Lake (HYRUM!) who made this happen. In a matter of 1 day, Mojo's (which is normally not open on Thursdays) was booked with 3 bands and 3 solo musicians. Our dear musician friends, Sam Davarnia and Secily "Sicily" Saunders joined us for this special impromptu night. Chaska sang a song with Secily and Mona and Becky accompanied Sam.


04/06/05: College of Eastern Utah: Price, Utah
There was a fog machine and rockin' audience on a Wednesday night! Enough said!

Special thanks to Ms. Kim White, Jonathan for driving down, Phil (master of the universe, Wendy, Rikelle, Josh and the rest of the awesome program board. Also, thanks to the great sound crew.


04/05/05: Salt Lake City Community College, Redwood Campus: SLC, Utah
Oh, it’Äôs BBQ time! We feel so blessed and spoiled to keep coming back to the unbelievable SLCC schools! The students are always so attentive and supportive. We got to a hit up a crazy little lunch spot called the "Singing Cricket" with the students! Oh, grasshopper, it was delicious!


04/04/05: Salt Lake City Community College, South Campus: SLC, Utah
Back in Utah and the western U.S. of A!! Oh, it feels good. We arrived at 9 am to set up for an 11 am show. Rock and Roll baby! We are immediately reminded of how good life is by the Ben & Jerry's station (umbrella and all) being set up in the room where we were playing. Free scoops for everyone!! On that day we also decided that "ice cream" is the new official food of Raining Jane!

Thanks to the SLCC crew: Peggy "Pegasus" Hoffman, Kathleen, Lisa, Kurt, Mindy, Cassie, Whitney and the rest of the homies, for "The Alchemist," PF Chang’Äôs and taking care of us always. Special thanks to Jack on sound, and Sam at The Marriott.


04/01/05: Utah State University
APRIL FOOLS!! Show canceled.


03/31/05: Central Michigan University: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Opening for Vanessa Carlton... what a dream! We even got to have her grand piano in the middle of the stage during our set!!?? Her fans were amazing and gave us a standing "O" (that might sound awkward, but it is sooo good). We felt so loved after the show and can't thank everyone enough for taking the time to talk to us and have us sign all sorts of random things (bare skin?). We signed autographs (yes, weird to us too) for about two hours non-stop. The prolonged exposure to Sharpie fumes finally went to Mona's head. She started signing as "Salma Hayek." We want to thank Vanessa for the things she put on her rider, but did not use or take: six scented pillar candles, two crates of water, purple towels and nag champa incense. The candles are on our dashboard and the Nag Champa is coming in handy. (Hello stinky van).

More importantly, we'd like to send a special thank you to the amazing program board for a fabulous, full day of fun (hooray for ice cream!). We LOVE you! Jack, Trixxxie (and her mom), and Jamie Brown!


03/29/05: East Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is for lovers! Which includes our dear friends Ruba and Jamil, who are engaged (congrats!!) and will soon reside in a darling house in this darling town. Lucky for us, the house was empty (except for Jamil's hunky med school roommates) and we happened to need a place to stay. Jamil, we thoroughly enjoyed cooking it up in your kitchen, sitting by the fire playing music, soaking in your delicious hot tub and of course borrowing all of your clothes. Mona is still wearing your weight lifting belt. P.S. Don’Äôt tell your roommates we ate their marshmallows. P.P.S. Hunky roommate # 1, Sean, modeled all of the Raining Jane men's shirts in the updated merchandise page. Check out those pecs/shirts!


3/27/05: Easter
On Easter we drove to Detroit to spend the holiday with Becky's cousin and his family. They prepared an extravagant gourmet home-cooked meal, which we savored every bite of. Dinner was followed by a faux egg hunt and the rest of the evening took place in the basement. It started with us performing a few songs acoustically. Then everybody else took turns performing; it was a mini talent show. Eventually the lights turned down (low), the strobe light came on, and for about 30 minutes we had a nonstop Bhangra dance party. We learned a lot of new moves, none of which have proper English translations. At some point that day or night (it's all a blur), we ended up doing yoga together. We tried thinking of some other stereotypical Indian activities to take part in but decided we were too tired to work on math problems or design computer programs.


3/22/05: St. Mary's of The Woods: Terre Haute, IN
All-women's Catholic school... who knew it would be one of the best crowds on the tour yet? Women lovin' women instead of hatin'. (Did I sound gangsta' or what?) What a beautiful thing. Everyone in the room came out to share music and have a good time, which made it that much more fun of a show for us. After the show we headed to Denny's for a late night "Moons over my Hammy" (sans the hammy) with a big crew of students. The lovely women of SAC (Student Activity Council) put us up in the campus guest house (imagine Grandma's house: white comforters, hand-knit afghan throws on the lazy boy made by the school nuns, crucifix on the wall...) Mona was told by students that the house was haunted, which she kept to herself until we left (she's nice that way. You know, protecting us from ghosts and what not). The nuns who live on the campus are totally self-sufficient and make their money knitting clothing and blankets from alpaca wool. The alpacas live on campus and look like a cross between a Llama, a sheep and a camel. Soft. Cute, No humps. Now that's a good lookin' animal (see picture). We think we will officially make the Alpaca our new mascot. Let's recap the St. Mary's College of the Woods experience: Alpacas, all ladies, moons over my hammy, Jesus, and the nicest people on earth. That's why we do this, for the food.


3/19/05: "Historic Chestertown": Chestertown, MD
What makes a city Historical? Brick Buildings? Old People? Just a question to think about. We really wanted to see a movie in a theater today. Choices are: "The Pacifier," starring the elusive Vin Diesel, or "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," which just seems a little racist. I don't know, call me conservative. We couldn't find an open restaurant at 4 p.m. so we stopped at the local natural food store to pick up some organic stuff, like frozen burritos, and decided we would rather watch a bad movie on TV instead of the quality theater choices. Winner = "Sphere." So bad it hurt. (So bad it inspired us to request a late checkout from our hotel just to watch the end)!


3/18/05: Washington College: Chestertown, MD
Up until we started playing our first song, the campus center was just us and Jarret (our host & sound guru). We thought of it as a great chance to really connect with our audience (of one) and to try out some new material. Our dreams of a private show were crushed when people actually walked in, heard the music and stayed to listen to the show! (Don't ever do it again). We enjoyed a post-show freestyle jam with the students (i.e. the cajon, vocal percussion, and dance/rap). These peeps were crazy. We crazy. That's why we liked each other. Special Thanks: Jarret on Sound & Hospitality, Gizmo "Valentino" Yeldin, Bob Hooey, and the totally rad friends ("punch yer face") we made at WAC!


3/10/05: Cornell University: Ithaca, NY
Scary drive from Utica to Ithaca. Our windshield literally started freezing and for some reason we hadn't filled up our wiper fluid with the blue anti-freeze stuff that every gas station and rest stop is selling. Becky got us safely to the shoulder and Mai poured water on the windshield (picture her haphazardly throwing an Aquafina bottle toward the windshield: she was also wearing a white tshirt) while using our handy-dandy brush/ice-scraper to wipe away the dirt and snow. However, it was so cold, the water she was dumping on the windshield was freezing! We pulled off and picked up some of the blue stuff and it worked!! Our show at Cornell was awesome. We played in the Memorial room of William Straight Hall, a.k.a. "Hogwarts." It really looked like the dining hall from Harry Potter. We played a 1-hour set, which the student photographer for the school paper missed. Since he wanted some pictures for an upcoming publication, they asked us to play a few more songs so he could shoot us "live." We agreed of course (any opportunity for a photo shoot! Wait, do I look good?). Special love & thanks to: Daniel Rubenfield for bringing us to Cornell and showing us around Ithaca, David Bell, Peter and Co. on sound!


3/09/05: SUNY-IT (State University New York Institute of Technology): Utica, NY
A university with 90% men...hmm. There was a survey displayed at our show. It was a board you could write on to mark which activities you want the leadership board should bring to campus: music, comedy, novelty. The students had hand-written a column for "Women." The response was overwhelmingly, but not surprisingly, 90% wanting more women. The guys (and five women) hung out for the entirety of our two 45 minute sets. Thanks to: Tristan, Kris, Dave, Chris, Erica, and Tom on merch.


3/08/05: Western New England College: Springfield, MA
Basketball was invented here! Who cares, there's a blizzard! Seriously. We're not even being dramatic. It started rolling through as we rolled up... we'd never seen snow swirl and blow completely horizontal. They refer to this as a "white out" because all you see is white and... your eye balls are burning. Becky exclaimed, "it looks like the Sahara!" Then Mona bellowed, "Are you looking at me or the snow?" Then they hugged. We had a crazy-long, fun-filled day at Western New England:
1pm: "Teaser": Meaning we played 2 songs acoustic during the lunch hour to "tease" the students walking by to come to the actual show later that night. Some of the students didn’Äôt like to be teased. This effort may have backfired. I joke.
3pm: "emotional check-in"
4:30: email home
5:30: load-in IN the BLIZZARD
6pm: radio spot on WNEC
7:30: sound-check
8pm-10pm: show!
Thanks: Molly, Ian, Johanna on merch and all of the good people who braved the blizzard and came to the show.


3/05/05: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: North Adams, MA
This might be the cutest town we've seen yet! Nestled in the Berkshires, (just south of Vermont and about 10 miles east of New York) the history of North Adams was apparent immediately. We rolled in on a Saturday night around 5pm and the little town was quiet, besides us singing/belting out "Little town, it's a quiet village. Everyday, like the day before..." We seem to always pull out a little Beauty & the Beast during our drives. "Be our guest, be our guest...Tie a napkin round your neck Cherie..." Weird? No? Yes. We dropped our luggage at the hotel and went out in the cold, in search of the venue...which by the way was not an indoor pool, although that was the first place we walked in to (picture us loaded up with guitars, drum throne and raining jane banner and boys in speedo's all looking at us confused: workout music)? Alas, we found the cafeteria, where our little stage was all set up. After some furniture rearranging and lighting adjustments (we have found it best, in these situations to turn off ALL the lights. And put on cloaks), the mood was set. This mood was enhanced by the music of "Planetary Amusement" (imagine the music playing while waiting in line for Space Mountain at Disneyland), which our amazing sound techs (Don and Aaron) were playing before the show. This inspired an intro unlike any other before and one that is unlikely to ever happen again. The ladies of Raining Jane did a free-style, spirit evoking, melodic-comedic jam. Does it get any better? Yes. But, it is these little moments that keep us truly inspired. Thanks to: Kevin Sullivan and our totally planetary sound guys, Don & Aaron.


3/03/05: Southern New Hampshire University: Manchester, NH --- University of New England: Biddeford, ME
Yes. You read it right. Two shows, One day, two states. I'm 2 tired to write. Ok, (yawn) I'll try. First of all, the Southern New Hampshire University show was booked last night! The advisor for the activities board came to our show at New England College, called her students during the show and by the time we had packed up it was set! We played a noon time show in the pub, with the help of the amazing Jarod on sound and the love of the wonderful Heather and her crew! Thanks to: Heather & Tim Lorenz, Jarod and Matt.


3/02/05: New England College: Henniker, NH
The drive from NYC to New Hampshire proves to be as beautiful as expected. Snowy landscapes all around us and thankfully the roads have just been cleared from the storm that blew through. We're passing through the states quickly now (5 in 3 hours: New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire). We've stopped getting out of the car to take pictures at the state lines and we need a new "border" song ("Borderline" by Madonna got old pretty quick). We gassed up in Vermont and Mai said, "it smells like maple syrup." Mona responded, "Yes, my sister, we are now in Vermont. They use it instead of gasoline." We're not sure what time we're playing tonight or where exactly for that matter. We also don’Äôt know what hotel we're staying at. I guess it's sleeping on top of each other in the van again ("Becky, move your elbow"). The students were so awesome and helpful (they loaded are things in and out through some stairs and a river)! We can't wait to go back to New Hamphsire. Thanks to: Erin Brooks and the amazing leadership team at New England College.


3/01/05: NYC: Waiting out the storm
The weather man says that a storm is coming! We will camp out here in NYC and "wait it out", i.e. go shopping at H&M, walk through The Gates (by Cristo) in Central Park and do RJ business. Side note: did anyone check out the saffron gates? There was quite a bit of controversy surrounding this $22,000,000 display (yes, that is millions). I heard someone say, "it looks like someone's hung their laundry out in the park!" We didn't feel the impact or significance at first. We were craving a deeper meaning to the 7,000+ gates made just for this 16 day exhibit. We could appreciate the masses coming out, from around the world to play and take pictures, but wanted to know, "what does it mean?" "why this color?" "why now?" "Am I hungry?" After walking through them ourselves, it made sense. The ladies respond:
"They were peaceful." Mai
"It was purifying; like a passage." Chaska
"I felt really powerful to me." Mona
"I was happy to walk." Becky
We believe that walking makes Becky happy. We hope she stops rolling and really starts walking more. Special booty thanks: Ruba for hosting us again! (you must really love us)


02/26/05: Radio Interview & Internet Interrupted: Selinsgrove, PA
We were interviewed for the Susquehanna radio station today. We will be aired on a show called "The Vent" with Ashley Boyer on March 13th. We played a few songs acoustic in the station and spent a while answering questions like:

Ashley Boyer: "What kind of music did you grow up listening to?"
Becky Gebhardt: "Weird Al Yancovic"

I love interviews like this, because we always learn something new about each other. Did you know that Mai's favorite color is white? Did you know that Chaska plays volleyball as a hobby (NO!). Mona's current favorite movie is "Coming To America." Where has she been?

We were supposed to return back to New York today, but decided to stay and do some RJ business because the hotel we are staying at has free Internet. It is funny how the Internet (yes "Internet" is supposed to be capitalized, why I don't know) has become so valuable to us on the road. It is our way to all connect. So, when we find a place that provides wireless for free we have to stay! Especially because 3 of us have laptops and all could potentially be doing business at the same time. I won't tell you which one of us doesn't have a laptop (that would be mean). But I will tell you that Chaska is usually at the pool. When we returned to the room post radio interview (how cool does that sound!) we found out that the Internet connection was down indefinitely at the Comfort Inn (frankly, not that comfortable) and that the only place that had free wireless around here was Kentucky Fried Chicken. Ah, fried chicken, corn on the cob and yahoo.com. We should have gone back to New York. I'm sure there is an Arby's in NYC with wireless. Now, roast beef and instant messaging: that makes some sense. Side Note: The Comfort Inn had this crazy plastic tree in their continental breakies area. Again, this did not make me feel comfortable.


2/25/05: Susquehanna University: Selinsgrove, PA
We drive into this small town, and this is what I think of when I imagine the East Coast. Beautiful little homes, snow capped roofs, horse & buggy!?! Pennsylvania! Amish country! Mai saw a real life Amish-person! (you should ask her about this). We played an evening show in the Dagenstein Theatre.Yes, theatre. It was elegant and professional. Just like Raining Jane. The audience of about 300 was attentive and responsive - an overall joy to play for. The "Faculty Lounge" band (3 professors, 1 dean & a hot student) headlined the night. They rocked the stage, accompanied by HI-larious videos of their adventures around the library. Inspiring. Faculty Lounge & Raining Jane ended the night at BJ's BBQ with some yummy cocktails and appetizers!

Thanks to the wonderful students of Susquehanna, Faculty Lounge and Steven Saterlee (director of student activities). We now have a special place in our hearts for Selinsgrove.


2/24/05: Widener University: Chester, PA
We rolled into Chester in the evening. After checking into our hotel, we headed to the Widener campus in a flurry of snow. All bundled up, we un-loaded into the lounge area with assistance of the wonderful people of CAB (campus activities board). After some serious technical "challenges" we had...sound!! No monitors, but at least there was sound. Yes. Just like singing with headphones on! We found out that the "O.C." was posing a major conflict with our show, as the promoters attempted to recruit students passing by. There was a big screen TV in the lounge, and Chaska suggested that we all watch the "O.C." and Raining Jane could play during commercials. They didn't go for it. The show was a success and some frat boys did ask us to marry them. Yes. I mean, NO. We couldn't accept, cuz, you know, we only have one night in town. We did accept an invite to the party at their frat house after the show. Life is good.


2/23/05: Crash Mansion: New York City, NY
New York is freezing. Somebody please hold me. Apparently this is a "mild" winter. Last night we played a club show at Crash Mansion on the lower east side. "The stage felt like a life-size diorama," says Mai Bloomfield. (See attached photo). Special guests included Mr. Dave Benson, Chaska's east coast cousins, aunties, great aunties and magnificent mom. Thanks to Kelly and Ron Mateo for booking the show and getting a baby sitter, so you could be there with us! "Surefire", a band of adorable young men played after us-best wishes to you guys.


2/18/05: Buffalo, NY
Here is the game inspired by our Late Night Players. Name any Cake & a Celebrity to boot --GO! This is what we came up with on our drive to Buffalo:
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE - Gwen Stefani
POUND CAKE - Martha Stewart
CARROT CAKE - Carrot Top
ICE CREAM CAKE - Bjork
GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE - Halle Berry
ANGEL FOOD CAKE - Chris Farley
MARBLE CAKE - Vanilla Ice
COFFEE CAKE - Katie Couric
CRUMB CAKE - Laura Flynn Boyle
BLACK FOREST CAKE - Wesley Snipes
BECKY'S PEPPERMINT CAKE - Santa Claus
BUNDT CAKE - Babe Ruth
POPPYSEED CAKE - Robert Downey Jr.
FRUIT CAKE - Ru Paul
CHEESECAKE - Jarod from Subway
TIRAMISU - James Gandolfini
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE - Tupac
UBE - Lucy Liu
MILE HIGH CAKE - Paris Hilton
CUPCAKE - Shirley Temple
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE - Don Ho
LEMON CAKE - Billy Idol
CRABCAKE - Hugh Hefner

Buffalo: We don't care if it's out of our way. When you're across the country, far from home, "out of the way" doesn't apply so much anymore. Thanks to the Pavicich family for a night of children, music, pizza & wings, comfy beds and a 5-headed shower!


2/16/05: Bourbon Street: Chicago, IL
Our friend Dave Tamkin (www.davetamkin.com) hooks up a last minute opening slot for the "Fabulous Janes" cover band. We had no idea that the southside of Chicago would be so tough (think: "you might die if you say something wrong"). Finding another band with the name "Jane" in it, so far from home - what a treat. Thanks to the band for sharing their gear and accepting the "Janes" of Cali into their wonderful, warm little town.


2/15/05: Boys Raid the Girls Tent
The Late Night Players spend the night. Details? Nope. www.latenightplayers.com


2/13/05: NACA Nationals: The Mainstage Showcase
The day of our mainstage showcase arrives. A full day ahead, meeting students and coordination the details of load-in, sound-check, load-out. We have prepared our 20 minutes of music, editing down 5 songs to fit the time requirement. In an attempt to give the students the full range and diversity of Raining Jane, we chose to play (in this order): Window Song, Wyoming Sky, Are You That Somebody- Aaliyah, Turn Your Lights Down Low- Bob Marley and Follow Me. We had IM Love in the set (instead of Aaliyah) up until two days ago, but we changed our minds! We were nervous, but performed well and by the end of the set we felt that we had made a good connection with the students. Apparently the highlight from their seats was the 2-minute-long close-up of Mona's crotch which spanned two 30-foot screens on each side of the stage! Yes, she wails on the cajon, but was that the best angle the camera guys could get? Probably. This may have been the reason for the standing ovation we got (mm, definitely). Following the showcase we had an overwhelming response in our booth at the marketplace. We left the conference with about 60 more college shows! Hooray for life on the road! We will be getting a copy of the video footage and can't wait to share it with you all!


2/11/05: NACA Nationals: Minneapolis, MN
We were greeted at our hotel in Minneapolis with boxes of new gear and flowers from our friends! Fender packages arrived and then kept arriving!! It felt like the combination of every holiday we individually and collectively celebrate -praise Allah, the Easter Bunny, Valentine's and Fender! And then Serena (Chaska's big sis') flew in for the week to be our manager/agent/make-up artist/tear-dryer/roadie. We set up our booth in the market place where we would soon be meeting students from 430 schools across the nation. Twinkle lights and our NEW teal panties made it clear that we meant business. The 4-day conference was kicked off with a showcase featuring Vanessa Carlton. We watched nervously, in the gorgeous Minneapolis Convention auditorium where we would take the stage the following night. NACA afterhours debauchery began immediately. Bar hopping in the snow? Oh, YES!

Thanks to: Faizal Kassamali, Lonnie Brooks, DalohaC, George Theo, Gordon Schell, Toire Passaguile Vince, Serena Gay, Dan Ferguson, Heather Madsen.


2/8/05: The Big Drive: Washington to Minnesota
On the road driving to Minneapolis. Weather has been favorable on the roads (thank the Lord). The most snow we have hit so far was along the Washington state pass (90) going from Auburn to Pasco. We drove across the entire state of Montana today and arrived in Bismark, North Dakota where we decided to stay. Little old Bismark. Who knew we would reach our coldest destination at minus11 degrees. Hmm, our faces hurt when we walked outside. Our waters in the car were frozen. Luckily our spirits were hot with the desire to keep driving.


2/7/05: Columbia Basin College: Pasco, WA
Back to Pasco. Columbia Basin is a great place to come back to! Great students & staff. There was a giant sign as we walked in to the performance area (middle of the student union) that read "Raining Jane, Girls Gone Wild, band style!" What does that mean? Maybe it means that Mona is going to put on their mascot head (the hawk) while playing the drums during the show? Yes. Or maybe it means that Becky will meet her idol, Chewbaca, and they will start dating? Also true.

Thanks to: George Theo for running the sound board! Mike Theo for opening his home and arms to us. Ookham, Michelle, Alice and Amy for having us!!


2/1/05: Everett College: Everett, WA
Sometimes life on the road is tough. You get tired. You smell bad. You don't want to load and unload anymore. Then again, sometimes the light shines down and you get to stay in a jacuzzi suite at the world's cutest hotel! Not only did this little gem of Everett (called "The Inn") hook us up with a private balcony with hot tub, they brought us free breakfast to our room. As they said, "Sometimes you don't want to get dressed up and sit next to strangers to have a muffin." We couldn't agree more. Hooray for muffins! More importantly hooray for Theresa & Donna!

Thanks goes to: Sheryl "the bomb" Copeland, Avanti Paranjpye (the prettiest nerd we know), The INN.


1/31/05: Green River Community College: Auburn, WA
Back to Auburn to see our good friends Dani & Sal. We were greeted at the venue by hand cut raindrops hanging from the ceiling advertising the show. Um, perfect. Apparently little rubber duckies with show info on their backs were thrown at students walking on campus. Good publicity never hurt nobody (except if you were pelted with the rubber duckie and you lost an eye. That would probably be bad. On a positive note: I think Mai would help you find your eye.)

Special Lovin': Dani "Aloha" Chang, Sal the Sound Genius, Tiffany Hayes, Brian Grover, Erin Massimino


1/30/05: EMP (Experience Music Project): Seattle, WA
A museum detailing the history of rock-n-roll, designed by Frank Gheary, to look like Jimmy Hendrix's broken guitar. It is a sight to be seen, inside and out. We found out that they host an open mic the last Sunday of every month, which we were there for! They provide the back-line (drums, amps, keyboard and basic sound), so we showed up with our guitars and cello. We played our two songs and made some new friends. Add that one to our list of venues!


1/27/05: Mud Bay Coffeehouse: Olympia, WA
Great little spot. We played totally acoustic to a really amazing & attentive audience. This picture really sums up the experience. Latte OR raining jane. I might pick the latte.


1/26/05: Evergreen Community College: Olympia, WA
What a gorgeous town! We felt right at home driving into the thick pines. And the people were absolutely fitting of this beautiful setting. The day after the show we woke up and ventured out to explore Olympia with some students (thanks ladies!) and discovered some real treasures. We ate organic food at "Traditions" and bought touch stones at "Radiance." Hippies-R-US! They also had "attitude adjuster" glasses that we had to try on and you know "adjust!" We wandered on and found a fabulous thrift store called "Dumpster Values" where Chaska almost bought a purple velvet coat with a faux fur collar. Alas, no more room in the suitcase. Instead, we all tried on our "dream coat" and just took pictures.

Thanks to: Greg Porter and the hot activities board!


1/25/05: College Tour Begins
First College show of the tour at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. Getting used to loading and unloading the van again. The 15 passenger van (affectionately referred to as "Lady Pegasus") is fully loaded to the ceiling. Every day a new way to pack her up is being tested (think: tangible tetris). We decided that we will start timing ourselves now (Mona brought a stopwatch -for fun) and we will chart the team progress throughout the tour. (These are ways we fill our time. I am sure you, too, are curious as to whether we will beat our current time. Updates to follow). The highlight of the show was a 5 year old girl named "Destiny," who got up on stage with us for a couple songs. She had a knack for the shaker, and tons of stage presence.

Thanks to: Dan Johnson and the wonderful LCC crew who made us feel at home on the stage and in their offices, at their desks, on their computers, wearing their clothes!


1/23/05: Santa Cruz (CA) CD Release Party: Cayuga Vault
Ah, The adventure begins! We spent all week, after our San Francisco CD release party, getting ready for the four month trek across the US of A! Everyone took delegated tasks and per usual Raining Jane style we stayed up all night before the tour started. (We had to make sure we had enough hair gel/underwear). First stop; Santa Cruz, California! We had an amazing CD release party at the Cayuga Vault. It was a perfect way to kick off the tour! The venue was packed with family & friends -so much love in the wonderful world of Santa Cruz! We love you all!!

Thanks to: Pete and Linda of The Cayuga Vault. Papa Dave Potter for his multi-instrumental accompaniment. Hal for working the door. All of you Santacruzians for making it such a special night.


1/15/05: San Francisco (CA) CD Release Party: Tongue & Groove
We had so much fun in LA that Josh Day and Eric Lynn were forced to join us for a fun-filled weekend in the bay area. We also recruited our dear friend Chad Joseph to be our tour manager-elect (just for the weekend. He runs a mean itinerary). In our co-ed van (finally!), we made our way north making our traditional stop in Corralitos (Santa Cruz County) for a night of gourmet food, hot-tubbing, music (thanks for joining in on the harp, Belle!) and good rest. Feeling nurtured and grounded, we drove onward to San Francisco. After dropping our things off at Serena & Milton's (we love family!!), we headed to the Marina district. We couldn't have been happier with the turnout! WOW! The bay knows how to bring it! After the show we loaded the van and began our drive back to Serena & Milton's.The 15-passenger beast stalled in the intersection. We were out of gas 20 feet from the entrance of the club!! Without panicking Mona (driving) said calmly, "We are out of gas, get out and push." All 7 of the passengers (Becky, Eric, Josh, Chaska, Chad, Veronica & Ivan) got out and pushed the van while Mona steered into the gas station at the corner of the intersection, just 30 feet from the entrance of the Tongue & Groove. Thank you to Chevron for being there when we needed you. While we were filling the tank, an unmarked lowrider Honda Civic pulled up and offered us gold chains and pens for sale. We decided we had enough gold and that we needed to go home.

Thanks to: T & G for having us! Rox for all the good grub and lovin'! Nancy for the beautiful flowers! Serena & Milton for hosting us. Josh Day and Eric Lynn for being such kick ass musicians. Samantha & The Rituals who headlined the night (www.samanthamusic.com).


1/9/05: Los Angeles (CA) CD Release Party: Temple Bar
"Oh happy day!" The album is done and in our little hands. The completed album with its gorgeous package (if we do say so ourselves. And we do. It took many brainstorms, countless hours in front of the computer, four ladies with good attitudes, two photo shoots and one professional graphic designer who we are blessed to have in the band) arrived the DAY BEFORE the show! Phew. We invited Josh Day and Eric Lynn, two amazing musicians who contributed to the record, to play the show with us in celebration of "Diamond Lane." How did this name come about? Well, we pondered, consulted our numerologist (really) and thought about the album and the process it took for us to get to this point in time. We weren't originally going to name the album one of our song titles. After all, how could one song encompass everything we felt about the entire album? Well, "Diamond Lane" means many things. Check out the CD insert for the definition of what it means to us. (That also means buy the album now! Hooray!)

Some album title runner¬â¬€ˆ†s-up: "Chocolate Shoes," "Miles To Go Before I Sleep," "Come Together".