Tulare, CA – “Steve, The Hypnotist” – Tulare County Fair – September 12, 2000

We’re heading to LA after an unusual gig at a country fair. Picture this—a nearly empty venue and a shared trailer with a hypnotist named Steve, who tried every trick (short of hypnosis) to charm me. He was our opening act, and his performance was something to behold—convincing a woman she was a chicken and a man to hand over his wallet. Impressive.

Our stage was set in a red-and-white Budweiser tent, complete with 500 folding chairs. Yet, only 25 enthusiastic fans filled the seats, along with one notably inebriated gentleman who wandered onto the stage during our first set, pulled down his pants, and attempted to pee on our equipment. Thankfully, the authorities swiftly intervened.

The fair was bustling with cowboy hats and tucked-in flannels, but most people preferred to keep moving rather than settle into our audience. The allure of cotton candy, candy apples, stilt walkers, clowns on tricycles, dart games, and rides with flashing lights proved irresistible. I found myself distracted by the attractions beyond the tent, even as I performed.

During “For Kim,” fireworks erupted overhead. Initially startling, the burst of colors turned out to be a magical backdrop to our performance.

In the end, Steve gifted me a dazzling rhinestone belt and a hypnotism tape to help Soucy and me deal with our insomnia. While Soucy suspected it was a ploy to make us fall for Steve, we gave it a try and slept like babies. Of course, I couldn’t resist waking Chris up with a playful declaration, “Now, get up and help me find my long-lost lover Steve!”