SPARKSY'S BLOG

Wednesday, 21 July 2010

Truckers and a free lunch

Last night was special because of the company I was in, but could have been more so had Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers not cancelled their gig. But there was to be something of a compensation for that.

I met up with old friends, Sam, Jeff, Mark and his wife and after a great meal in a bar of the Westside of Cleveland, we went to the other side of town to visit another hostelry that had a choice of pinball tables.

I think there should be a call to bring those back into English pubs!

Jeff, being a music journalist, is a man in the know. He heard that a ‘secret gig’ was taking place at The Beachland Tavern. Jeff and Mark were up for a late night.

We arrived at around 11pm to find the night’s entertainment coming to an end in the main arena.

The three of us did some research on the bar before venturing next door where there is a smaller stage.

The gig was with a band called The Drive-By Truckers who have been supporting Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on their tour.

The word is that they were ‘phoned by the venue to ask if they would play, and initially declined. But, a few minutes later, the call was returned when one of the band members said: “You know? We’ll do it!”

So, instead of performing in front of around 15,000 people last night, they played before an audience of approximately 150. Thanks to Jeff, I was one of those 150.

A local cop was on hand at the door to ensure only those with a special ticket could gain admission but, despite that, there was a long queue of people hoping to get in.
If you can't see the small print of the notice on the door, it reads: Sorry ... yes, that means sold out ... like no tickets left ... for real ... thanks.

Not big in England, but pretty well-known in The States, I loved their music and from their style could understand why they had been chosen to support Tom Petty.

The beer made sure I got a good night’s sleep. My hotel is like no other I have stayed in before. It is in an arcade, of which the ground floor is a retail area. The colonnade style upper floors contain the rooms.

Today has been spent wandering around Cleveland. I am biased, and in this no way puts down the other great cities I have visited in The USA, but because of previous visits here, Cleveland is special to me.

It’s the city that Americans like to mock. Maybe there’s a similarity here with Plymouth. The sports teams have been starved of success and the big story here has been the departure of LeBron James from The Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.
The guys here know I have a LeBron shirt in my case – they want to burn it tonight – just like many Cavs fans burnt their shirts and other memorabilia when he recently left town to sign for Miami.

The sports shops have Lebron Shirts at knockdown prices. I asked one assistant if they are still selling, and she said just a few.

They say there’s nothing as a free lunch. Wrong! I had one today.

I was making my way down to the waterfront area to the stadium of MY team, The Cleveland Browns. Just along the way is The Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. It’s a beautiful location, just north of the main downtown area and on the shores of Lake Erie.

I noticed a number of tents and a large crowd. A local radio station was giving away free lunch as a promotion.

So after queuing for a hot dog with great onions and mustard, it was to the ice cream stand for dessert and then a drink to round it all off.

Others were queuing for various games that were taking place, one with prize money of over $100,000.

This evening, I am meeting with the guys who I spent a great night with last night, and a few others as well.

Just call it community service – saving the Great Lakes Brewing Company’s beer from going off!

Tuesday, 20 July 2010

Tom Petty - he did back down

This morning was time to leave another city like those I have visited previously have had many things of interest to see and friendly inhabitants throughout.

When thinking of the problems in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday, people I talked to around the town – on discovering I was a foreign visitor to their city – could not apologise enough. Even though I did not witness the shootings that occurred, I felt I got a real flavour of Indianapolis and, as news broadcasts were reporting, the trouble was caused by a very small minority of the 100,000 people that were visiting for the weekend event that was taking place.

With Indy disappearing in my rear view mirror, I was back in the car for a 320-mile drive to Cleveland. Even though I left at 9am, the road was being well used, but not a rush hour jam and everything was free flowing as I joined I70 West.

On leaving the State of Indiana and into Ohio, the speed limit was reduced from 70 to 65mph as the I70 took me back to Columbus. From there it was north in the I71.

Just north of Columbus, I managed to tune into the only commercial music radio station worth listening to. There are a number of interesting sports talk stations, but when it comes to music, I am biased as I know one of the DJs, but it is still locally owned, plays the music it wants to – not what most commercial stations tell its presenters to play – and there are no limited playlists where the same records are played on rotation.

WONE 97.5FM is based in Akron, and I was delighted I could pick it up a good 50 miles south. With 30 minutes without commercials, it was playing great rock ‘n’ roll and the DJ I have met a couple of times in previous travels (not only in the studio, but shared some good beer with), TK O’Grady was on air.

One of the commercials was presenter read. For a beefburger company, the tag line made me laugh:“If it ain’t on your face, you ain’t eatin’ it right!”

But then, as I approached Cleveland, TK gave out an announcement that would soon make me forget the commercial humour.

I was due to see Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers this evening at the Blossom Music Center, just south of Cleveland with a couple of old friends from previous visits.

But on Sunday, guitarist Mike Campbell collapsed during the outdoor concert at St Louis which saw temperatures at around 105 degrees. Doctors had advised complete rest for a few days, and TK’s announcement added that tickets would good for a future date to be arranged.

Can’t see Marble Office (the boss) letting me have a couple of days off to fly back for the gig.

As the city of Cleveland approached, there was something comforting about the fact that I knew the road well north of Akron, and then the familiar skyline came into view.

Going to meet up with Mark and Jeff as planned anyway, and maybe save from beer from going off.

Monday, 19 July 2010

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog about the Children’s Museum. Couldn't resist posting one of the photos I took there of the dinosaurs that I was quite happy with.

Today, I have been exploring the fact that there is more to Indianapolis besides anything to do with motor racing.

Among the great number of museums is the Eiteljorg Museum, dedicated to the history of American Indians and Western Art. There are totem poles, wigwams and plenty of other exhibits that can be classified as fine arts.

On the lower level is an interactive stagecoach exhibit. I was quite happy strolling around having a look at everything, but one of the guides insisted I climbed aboard to get an experience to what it was like to ride one of the oldest forms of transport.

Inside, there was no video or audio (which I was expecting as the ‘experience’ of riding in the carriage). But as I sat down, the lady walked around the back to vigorously shake the carriage, making it rock.

On another hot day, being by the water would be a good way of keeping cool.

I headed for the White River State Park, and found it hard to believe that such a place was just a 10-minute walk from the downtown area. Some lovely fountains act as the entrance to a vast park that stretches for many acres.

After enjoying that area, I walked back towards the city, but followed one of its’ hidden gems – hidden, that is for those who may frequent the shopping area only.

Following the water pathways lead you around external pieces of art and through to the Central Canal.

The large blue building is a new hotel which is due to open next spring.

One way to use the pathway is by hiring a Segway (spelling may be incorrect). With a platform to stand on between two wheels, they are motorised by battery power. I am sure that when these were invented a few years ago, part of the development was done in Plymouth – rings a bell!

The canal stretches for a couple of miles and goes under a number of bridges where the traffic heads into the main area of town, while on the water, several people were easing their way around by pedalboats and canoes.

Took some time to do some shopping this afternoon. Prices of clothes in America compared to home are ridiculously cheap. If only I didn't have to bear in mind the 50lb limitation on luggage when I get to the airport.

I write as I prepare for my final night in Indianapolis. I think I could be tempted to return to the Slippery Noodle to enjoy a beer and some live blues music. I have had solids - and possibly the most unhealthy meal since being in The States. A double steakburger, fries, and a side dish of chilli that was filled to the brim with beans.

Maybe I should return to the mall and look at larger waist sizes.

Tomorrow morning I hit the road for a 320-mile drive back into Ohio, but this time to the north as I head for Cleveland.

Sunday, 18 July 2010

On the track of the Indy 500

Navigation around most American cities is usually very easy, and although I had a few miles to cover to reach the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was just two turns on the drive to the edge of town.

The tour of the racetrack is done on a bus, and the line of the day from the guide revealed the fact that cars do around 230 mph on the racetrack - we're just going to manage around the 30 mark.

The scale of the place is amazing. When you consider that it can take well over 400,000 spectators, it may be surprising to learn that the privately owned venue only holds three races each year.

The bus leaves the main entrace of the venue to head straight for the tarmac known the world over.

The scale of the place is amazing. When you consider that it can take well over 400,000 spectators, it may be surprising to learn that the privately owned venue holds only three races each year.

Although I would confess to not being the biggest of motor racing fans, it was quite a feeling to be between the seemingly endless stands and to be on the surface where the Indianapolis 500 is held each year. Each lap is two-and-a-half miles, which means each of the straights are over a mile in length.

The tour bus stops just ahead of the finish line so visitors can get off the bus and walk around the track and take photos of the famous brickwork that extends across the line.

Next Sunday, a NASCAR event is taking place and some of the teams have already started to arrive.

They are placed in an area called 'Millionaires Row' It is aptly named, as all the motorhomes there are worth well over $1million each.

After completing a circuit of the track, it was to the museum where many of the winning cars over many decades are housed. It was good to see the cars of British drivers such as Jim Clark and Graham Hill.

As I made my way to the car, I was relieved that the weather had held off for the tour as a thunderstorm began.

The drive back to the city took me to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

With five floors, there are many exhibitions which include a very popular section full of dinosaurs.

The exhibition that particularly took my attention celebrates 50 years of Etch-A-Sketch.

There were examples of the most intricate images completed by professional artists that took up to 80 hours to complete.

Bet they would have been upset if they accidentally erased their masterpieces when part way through!

Saturday, 17 July 2010

Columbus to Indianapolis

Interstate 70 West took me all the 160 miles from Columbus, and it was virtually a straight road all the way. It was getting to the point when I wished there was a bend in the road to add some interest to the drive, although it was an easy ride over very flat terrain.

Stopped at a rest area 20 miles from Indianapolis where a machine invites the user to push a button for a free map of the area. With the

temperature touching 92, there was a little more freshness in the air today as I headed towards Indianapolis in the State of Indiana.

As I crossed the State line, it became apparent that the local authorities don't take kindly to driving offences, as can be seen in the photo taken in the downtown area.

Also noticeable was the amount of people walking around the city, much more densely populated than Columbus. But as I returned from an afternoon walk, the TV news revealed the reason why. Over 100,000 people had descended on Indianapolis for the Black Expo Summer Celebration.

http://www.indianablackexpo.com/

I am writing this blog at 11pm, so imagine my surprise to learn of what happened 90 minutes ago just a couple of blocks away.

http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-ap-in--blackexpo-shootings,0,2573408.story

I had spent the evening in a nearby bar enjoying some good beer, nice food and great local music. A blues bar called The Slippery Noodle was recommended to me as a live music venue used by locals who are very knowledgeable about their music, and I soon got talking to some regulars who were only too pleased to talk about the acts that frequent downtown Indy.

At the time of writing, lightning can be seen in the distance. The teatime weather forecast was predicting - to the minute - where storms would strike. They were expected to miss Indy but were all around.

Just listening to the news channel. If the weather forecast wasn't good enough in predicting to the minute when certain towns would arrive, the weather man has revealed there has been over 7,000 lightning flashes around the city. I never knew there could be that many in one area in a short time, and never knew weather people counted them!

The hotel I am staying in is right across the road from the Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.

Already, a number of major sports stadiums have been seen on my journey, and tomorrow I will be visiting another that has its' own museum - and it has nothing to do with American Football, but a another sport that is legendary in these parts.

Friday, 16 July 2010

Gone to the dogs after a morning vodka

The day started well and my full day in Columbus, Ohio was fascinating.

Fantastic scrambled egg, Greek style, at a local eatery before a look around the city. Yes, it has skyscrapers but most of the city is low-level and very well spread out. It was also noticeable that, for a large city, there was no mad rush as everyone went about their business.

Visited a local vodka distillery with a difference, where the two guys who recently launched the business took a huge risk in that they had to have everything in place before a licence could be granted to distil.

Now, they have started producing OYO vodka, the name taken from the original spelling of Ohio.

I was asked if I wanted a taste. It would have been rude to refuse. But first, I had to taste a 'major brand' vodka, so I could then compare the locally made vodka.

I usually take vodka with lemonade, but as there was none on hand, I sampled the OYO 80% proof and it was wonderful! Even at 11am. I know a local bar that serves it, so may well head there tonight.

From there, to the sobering confines of the Ohio Statehouse.

I found it quite amusing that on the steps of this grand and historic building, lunchtime concerts are held on Fridays.

Inside are where all the big decisions are made, from where the elected speaker oversees order as the representatives from each county within Ohio discuss and vote on State law.

I'm not sure if any Senators would frequent the place I went to for lunch.

Most main courses are $3 (around £2). The place was full. Everyone having a good time as they eat real hot dogs from an expansive menu that contained all manner of sauces, pickles, meats and chilli to go over the dogs.

Could you imagine a Senator saying: "Just popping out to Dirty Harry's".

Elizabeth, the owner, runs three other eateries in Columbus. She is bringing good, old-fashioned food to the masses.

I opted for the dog called 'Whoa Nellie!

It was crammed with meat. There was a sausage in there, somewhere. But there was so much meat I could barely see the sausage.

I knew this was going to be messy if my untrained hands picked it up. I must have stood out like ... well, an Englishman in America as I ate it with a knife and fork.

During the afternoon, met a very interesting guy called Dan Dougan. Dan is no stranger to radio in Columbus and also has had a big say in promoting and staging music events over a considerable amount of time.

Could have talked with him for hours as we discussed great gigs, the hottest bands and also the very strong local music scene.

The day out was completed with a peek at the first purpose-built soccer stadium in the country.

Columbus Crew are still at the top of their division, despite a recent dip in form.

The Crew are the reigning league champions but need to get back to winning ways as they face 2nd-placed New York Red Bulls tomorrow, who could overtake them with a win. The big news is that The Red Bulls have just signed Thierry Henry. It remains to be seen whether he will make his debut in Columbus.

Much as I would love to see Columbus win, especially if playing against the cheating Frenchman (who had the audacity to claim a 'handball' against an opponent in The World Cup), I will be making my way to Indianapolis tomorrow - after sampling a night on the Columbus North High Street.

Thursday, 15 July 2010

A hot day on the road.

After another great breakfast at the B&B (Muffins, fruit and stuffed French bread with cream cheese), there was time to visit a couple of attractions before heading west.

First to the Hershey Hotel. Of course, built by the great Mr Hershey, but recently added to with around $60million dollars worth of extended facilities. The outdoor leisure park was something else. Wish I had my speedos!

The on to experience the history of the Hershey dynasty on an interactive tour with items that were out of this world as far as technology is concerned.

It was then on to the open road to continue west.

After a short drive on Route 22, Interstate 81 took me to the Pennsylvania turnpike and onto I76 then to I70. That was the road that would take me all the way to my destination, so I reckoned it was a good time to stop for coffee. As I crossed the state border into West Virginia, the speed limit signs were set at 70 - they had been 55 and 65 all the way to this point.

As I pulled into a rest area, the lady said it was free coffee, as it was the bottom of the pot. Where would you hear that in England? Of course, I left a good tip, and then returned to Interstate 70. It was then I realised a problem. Coming up to 5pm - rush hour - and road works had closed the road ahead.

All traffic was being diverted off I70 onto I470. But the diversion was three miles ahead and nothing was moving ... for ages. 45 minutes later, the traffic crawled to the exit for 470 - it was now rush hour and the temperature gauge rising.

Eventually, the traffic started to move a little quicker. I kept to the speed limit, but others flew past me. Then one car got stopped by the Highway Patrol. Pulled over and no doubt a big fine.

260 miles down and 120 to go, the boards on the side of the highway counted down the miles. When Columbus came into view it was a welcome sight.

Checking in at the hotel, found a great place to eat and then a bar for, what I consider, to be a well-deserved couple of beers - first in two days.

Tomorrow, a day to explore the rich history that Columbus has to offer.