Hi Kids

It has normally been my custom to write about a stop on the tour after it's happened, but I felt I had to tell you about this stop as soon as I could.

In a word....wow. Santa Barbara...I'd have to say, so far this is my favorite stop (Sorry Toledo) I really could get used to a place like this. Santa Barbara, for those who have never been, is a beautiful, vibrant, small city right on the ocean, north of LA. It's main blvd (State Street) is lined with trendy shops for the well to do and hip little open air bistros where one can see and be seen. There are the prerequisite Mercedes' and BMW's galore but also you'll see the occasional Lamborghini or Ferrari. It's obvious there is lots of money here, but you are never far away from seeing the next homeless street-person with their crumpled little cardboard sign begging for loose change.

We're here for three days and we've been plunked down right in the middle of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. I'm told that there have been more than the usual amount of celebrities in town here and there. I haven't seen anybody myself...well, unless you count Kate and Erik and Lindsay. They're starring in the national tour of FOOTLOOSE...oh yeah, you knew about that already. I'm hopin' to take in a movie today, there are lots to choose from. So, if I see anybody famous, I'll let you know.

The Granada Theater is a grand old movie palace that has just had a five year, $52 million dollar makeover and it is absolutely stunning to look at. They have literally built an entire new basement (Dressing rooms, etc.) under the theater not to mention the incredible restoration of the theater above, which you will see in the photos. They have spared no expense in the updated facilities as well, all state of the art. Truly gorgeous!

The shows have been good so far although the first one felt a bit off for me, probably after having two days off. But I'm thinking it was more about the fact that we knew that Dean Pitchford and Tom Snow ( the writer and composer of the original show on Broadway.) were going to be at one of the shows, we just didn't know which. So, I probably was a little more self-conscious than normal. And wouldn't you know it, they came the first night. They called us all into a room after the show where we met with the two of them, somewhat nervously I might add. But all was well and they were both very pleased with the production. *phew* Oh, and we were told that Kenny Loggins (composer of the song "Footloose") had brought his son to see the show....cool.

I hate to say goodbye to Santa Barbara but tomorrow we're off to Carmel by the Sea, should be nice. Then it's on to Thousand Oaks for nine days straight. We're gonna feel like we live there!

Thanks Santa Barbara...you've been great!

Be back soon

Glenn