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Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Journey Revisited's 'Just the Same Way' video montage highlights July 18 benefit gig at State Theatre



We put together a montage of unreleased Journey Revisited video footage from the March 20 Covina and May 30 San Bernardino County Fair gigs, along with photos to accompany the band's spot-on rendition of "Just the Same Way" for you. It's for the upcoming benefit at the State Theatre in Modesto, CA. The guys are going to kick it for a great cause on Saturday night! Rock on, Jeff, Val, David, Michael, and Kevin...


Journey Revisited - State Theatre Gig Promo Montage - Just the...
Journey Revisited - 7/18/2015 State Theatre Gig Promo Montage - Just the Same Way. JR Videos, stills and information to highlight the benefit for the Center for Human Services at the State Theatre presented by the DB Project. Montage, vids, pics by Pam Spaulding of Team JR.Tickets are $25, purchase online: http://tinyurl.com/JRatStateTheatre; or call the State Theatre box office at 209-526-1476.
Posted by Journey Revisited on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Journey Revisited is:
Jeff Salado, Lead Vocals
Val Popovic, Lead Guitar & Vocals;
Kevin Jachetta, Keyboards, Keytar, Guitar, & Vocals;
Michael Gonzales, Bass & Vocals;
Dave Hawkes, Drums/Percussion.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Watching the mane go bye-bye...thanks methotrexate.

I'm grateful for the medications I take for rheumatoid arthritis that allow me to continue to work and be productive -- and in manageable pain most of the time. And I definitely feel the difference when I skip methotrexate and Orencia. After about 4 days I start to slow down, all my joints hurting, the fatigue is incredible. It's like night and day.

Methotrexate is a drug cancer patients are given, but is taken a much reduced dose for those battling RA. It's pretty toxic and many cannot tolerate it, but it does reduce inflammation. I had terrible trouble with the oral version. Since I moved to injectible, I've had fewer tummy side effects, but both versions did a number on me.

For all the positives in controlling pain, the one side effect that is demoralizing and humiliating is watching my hair thin and fall out. My locs, which I've been growing since 2000, have been a source of comfort and pride, having cultivated them from two-strand twists and locked and maintained them on my own (no, I wasn't going to pay anyone to do what I could learn to do myself!) for all these years.

What I couldn't stop was the horror of locs simply dropping out in the shower, and my hair thinning. I cried numerous times. What is happening to me?

I always liked wearing hats, it was kind of part of my look, but now wearing hats became a necessity. The only time I didn't wear one is if I had my hair up in a pony tail and had a headband on, which helped hide the thinning...a bit.

On the left - you can see how thin it is today; on the right with a hat and single pony.
And in the middle, the lush locs of the past (2011).
But here we are in 2015, and it's just grinding me that the medicine that keeps me able is taking its toll...on my vanity. I'm actually not that self-conscious otherwise, for whatever reason. For instance, I've been on a health regimen that has resulted in a weight loss of over 50 lbs so far (30 more to go!), but I was not shy about being a plus size fashionista at times, lol. The weight loss is obviously something I feel good about, since I feel better and look better overall. But for all that, losing my hair I don't have much control over and it vexes me.

I guess self-acceptance at any size, and with any beauty deficits is something to ponder. Is my hair that important in the scheme of things? Could I shave it all off again? I had a short natural back in the 90s (see the slideshow for a pic from that era), but I would feel naked without my locs. Would I start them over again? Who knows.

I just know it hurts to lose them, and a part of me mourns every day I try to style them knowing what "used to be."

But my health means more.



Slideshow of the various lengths and thicknesses of my hair during its loc phase...



Related:

* My hair journey (all those styles!)

Friday, July 3, 2015

Spend the 4th of July Weekend with Journey Revisited in Livingston and Marin County!

Why not rock out on Saturday and Sunday with Journey Revisited and you'll get fireworks and a slamming gig of classic Journey songs by the best trib in the business!

First up on Saturday is the Livingston 4th of July Festival, 2600 Walnut Ave, Livingston, CA 95336. JR will rock the house starting at 10 PM. Carnival Tickets are 50% in Advance. Unlimited ride wristbands are $20 in advance. FOR MORE INFO CALL 209-394-8830.

JOURNEY REVISITED VIP TABLE $250 Table for 6 includes 1 Bucket of Beer...

If you want a cool souvenir of the Festival, T-Shirts are available, and Journey Revisited's listed on the back!

***

On Sunday, we have great news -- a last-minute addition to the calendar -- JR got the call to open for Aaron Neville at the award-winning Marin County Fair. Now in its 74th year, the Fair reflects Marin County in all of its colorful traditions and innovations.

The show is at 3:00 PM PT, at the Island Tent. Address: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903.

TICKETS: Advance: $15 Adults 13–64, $12 Children 4–12; $12 Seniors 65+. At the gate: $20 Adults 13–64; $15 Children 4–12; $15 Seniors 65+. Reserved concert admission is $50 per person and includes Fair admission and reserved seating in a special section.

A little taste of JR from its recent gig at the San Bernardino County Fair in Victorville, CA:


Journey Revisited - Separate Ways - Victorville 2015
JR rocks Separate Ways at the San Bernardino County Fair, May 30, 2015.
Posted by Journey Revisited on Thursday, June 11, 2015