“Guess what? Sebadoh is playing New Orleans tonight and Birmingham tomorrow night,” my girlfriend at the time, Tara, exclaimed.

“Oh man!” I replied, “but we can’t see them, can we? What with the final dress rehearsal tonight and our first performance tomorrow. Well, I could maybe go tonight. I mean I’m not actually in the play, the set is totally finished, and my only other tasks are putting on your old age make-up and doing a few minor set changes. Someone else could probably pick that up for me.”

“If you’re going, then I’m going too. It’s not like I don’t know my lines or anything. I’ve got my little role down pat. They won’t even miss me. Do you think Stephen will be mad?”“Yeah, but he’ll get over it. What can he do, fire you?”

And with that Tara and I were off to find a way to New Orleans. We had a few minor obstacles to tackle. We didn’t know exactly where or when the band was playing. Then there was a little business about not having a car. It’s a 300-odd mile journey from Montgomery to New Orleans and we had to be there within a few hours.We decided to impose upon our friend and fellow Sebadoh fan, Devon. Maybe he could get some info and a ride. He was duly excited by the news, but had no information and was also automobile-less.

This was all pre-Internet, or at least pre-Internet for myself and the university, mind you, so we couldn’t do any fancy Googling to gather venue information and directions.We decided to hunt down Michelle, a student originally from New Orleans, hoping she might have a phone book, or at least friends she might obtain information from. She had nothing, but did add that everybody who is anybody plays Tipitina's when they play New Orleans.

In several hours we had managed to pick up an extra person, but had no transportation, no time or directions, and only a vague possibility of a venue.We found our other New Orleans native and drilled her for information. She was even more clueless than Michelle. She did, however, have a phone card (for there was no long distance plan on campus) and thusly dialed her friend who looked up the number for Tipitina's. Dialed again and confirmed the nights show.

Bingo, we had a venue! Some quickly jotted down directions and we were on our way.Well, on our way without a way to get there.

We leaned on our friend Green Day (thusly dubbed for his fandom of the band and our lack of knowledge about his real name) who amazingly agreed to go although he had never heard of the band and would have to work the next day.Wandering the streets of New Orleans after dark with only a vague idea of where you’re going is an interesting experience. From what I could tell, it was a beautiful city filled with tree-lined streets and a pulsating vibe even miles from any real scene.