Dream come true time.

I went to see one of my favorite artists of all time of ever in the universe ever, Patty Griffin, at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in 2003. The venue is literally blown out of the side of a mountain. The backdrop of this outdoor stage is all jagged rock, and rock steps and huge trees. Breathtaking.

Then i started seeing ANY show there just so i could be in that space. Under the stars. In that community. So beautiful.

It was then that I visualized myself playing there. My dream venue. I wanted to be able to look at the visual every day.

So i ripped a piece of looseleaf paper out of my notebook and grabbed a dull sharpie. (not my choice writing implement, just the first thing i grabbed in a moment of instant inspiration)

I drew (you should excuse the expression, as i am THE worst art artist)… i drew a stick figure version of myself holding a stick figure guitar with a stick figure Marquis that said, “Jackie Tohn – Live at the FORD Amphitheater”. I drew some puffy trees and clouds and taped it to the front door of my house; the inside of the Front Door, of course. Had it been on the outside, inclement weather would have destroyed my masterpiece in minutes.

I have relocated residences twice with this piece of sharpied looseleaf paper in tow.

Now, on August 21st 2011, 4 days before our birthday, I will be playing the FORD AMPHITHEATER.
I WILL BE PLAYING ON THE STAGE OF MY DREAM VENUE.

Join me on this monumental day. It’s an ineffable feeling to have a super specific dream and have it come true. I should do more of that.

Here are the details:
08/21/11 Los Angeles Ford Amphitheater United States

Time: 6:00pm. Admission: $20 – $100. All Ages. Box office: (323) 461-3673.
Address: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E. Venue phone: (323) 461-3673. Koffeehouse present its 5th Annual “Evening of Independence” charity music night featuring the most talented emerging artists and special guests, including TYRONE WELLS, last season’s America’s Got Talent Winner MICHAEL GRIMM, the Austin-based indie duo with a Southern twist JAMESTOWN REVIVAL, Hits Magazine’s #1 “Artist to Watch” of 2011 ALLEN STONE, MTV’s “A Band to Know in 2011″ OF VERONA and one of LA’s most exciting new power pop rock bands SATELLITE. 100% of the evening’s net proceeds will benefit music education by supporting the Fender Music Foundation (www.fendermusicfoundation.​org). This event is ALL-AGES and don’t forget to bring a picnic and wine and enjoy the music on the Edison Plaza stage from Riverside-based indie rocker MOI, Aussie indie singer songwriter SCOTT MELLIS and “Platinum Hit’s” JACKIE TOHN and JES HUDAK 6PM and 7:30PM. Tickets are NOW on sale! General Admission ($30 door; pre-sale $25) and VIP tickets ($100) are now on-sale through http://koffeehouseford.eventbrite.com/ or through the Ford Box Office by calling (323) 461-3673. EVENT SCHEDULE (subject to change): Doors: 5:45PM Edison Plaza Stage: 6PM – 7:30PM Main Stage: 7:45PM