Vol. 1 No. 1 (March 1, 2003) Page 2

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FAN PROFILE: JAIMESON

Jaimeson has graciously agreed to be the subject of the SERENADE's very first Fan Profile. Each profile will include some basic information about the fan and follow-up questions about their BTE and related experiences.

Name: Jaimeson Parkin
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Age: 20
Occupation: Music Production Student
(www.iprschool.com)
Favorite CD: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Favorite Song: ???
BTE Shows: 12

Jaimeson Parkin

How and when did you become a BTE fan?
The first time I became a BTE fan was in 1995 when Good was "the song." After that my music tastes were all over the place. Until I picked up "How Does Your Garden Grow?" in August of 1998 and a BTE album hasn't left my CD player since.

Where was your most memorable live show, and why was it so good (uh-huh)?
I would have to say the most memorable show was the first Christmas show in 2001. It was great meeting Ezralites from around the country. And it was really cool to finely see BTE play with the horn section and play "Use Me" and "Merry Christmas Eve."

What's the best live BTE song? And your favorite cover?
My favorite live show pretty much is whatever is being played that second at the show I'm at (if that makes any sense?). But as far as songs I would love to hear again live? I would love to hear "One More Murder" again live I think the only time I've seen that live was back in 1998. And as far as covers go, "Use Me" is such a fun song live. And it's cool that I got to see it. But after that I love Laid in Rosealia.

Are you a bootleg collector? What's your favorite?
I collect whatever I can, I pretty much have the same things as anyone else out there. I would love to start recording shows myself.

Which BTE opening band would you recommend and why?
I really enjoyed Soul Rebels, and I would love to see BTE take them outta NOLA, they have a really great, unique live show that embodies New Orleans that you can't find up here.

Been on any outrageous road trips?
BTE shows have taken me to New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Marshall, MN. The most "outrageous" trip I would have to say was NOLA, for the 2001 X-Mas shows.

Do you hang with other Ezralites?
Here in MN, I've been known to go to a few shows with Evelyn (not just BTE....Kangaroo too!). But outside of MN.. EnglishDave and I hung out one night in New Orleans.

What other bands do you really like?
Mason Jennings, Semisonic, (Dan Wilson, The Flops,) Sigur Ros, Badly Drawn Boy, Jude, Weezer, Ben Kweller, Cowboy Mouth, Jude, Phantom Planet, Flickerstick, Our Lady Peace.

Anything else you'd like to share with your fellow Ezralites?
As far as life advice? Recycle, Respect, and Read... do any of those 3 and you'll feel better about yourself, do all there and everyone will love you. (yes including me!)

Thanks Jaimeson!

Editor’s Note: If you would like to suggest a fan to profile for future editions (a profile of yourself included), please email your suggestion to ED@streetserenade.com.

GLOBAL BTE: BETTER THAN EZRA'S BRAZILIAN CONNECTION

Renata Meets Kevin Griffin, Summer 2002

Editor's Note:  From time to time the SERENADE will feature articles highlighting BTE fans around the globe.  In this first feature, Renata, a Brazilian Ezralite, tells in her own words about her life in Brazil, how she first heard of the band, and about meeting the band while working in the U.S.A.

My name is Renata. I am 26 years old. I work as a Translator. I love my job, but I still have goals to achieve in my career, like translating subtitles for movies and novels. One day I hope I will be able to follow this profession as respects the two great passions of my life – movies and books.

I live in the city of Sno Paulo. Brazil is a great country, with a tremendous diversity of cultures, views, animals and plants. We Brazilians are known for our hospitality, and happiness, as well as for the economic and social problems found in our country. In my opinion, all these characteristics are found in Sno Paulo which is one of the biggest cosmopolitan cities in the word.

I just love it here. Everything is open 24/7. You cannot find a better gastronomical city in the world. You can find any kind of food here, including our own cuisine that is incredibly rich. In many respects, it is not unlike the Cajun/Creole food I encountered in New Orleans.

But let's talk about the common bond I share with all of you – music. My favorite music styles are alternative rock and classical music. I know these types of music are very different from each other, but maybe this says something about my complex personality! I like REM, Coldplay, Semisonic, Ben Folds Five, etc. Recently, I have also discovered the beauty of Bonerama and Graham Colton, but my favorite band is Better Than Ezra and my favorite album is "How Does Your Garden Grow?"

You might be surprised to know that I got to know BTE here in Brazil. One day I was bored and watching MTV. Nothing good was on. I wasn’t even watching the TV and was about to go to bed when I heard this great melody followed by a powerful voice and lyrics. The song was "King of New Orleans" and I was hooked right at that moment. I ran to get a paper and a pen so I could right the name down of the band. The next day, before leaving for college, I heard the song again on the radio. And, when I got to college, I asked one of my friends if he had ever heard of the band, and he said, yes and they are great. A few months later this same friend gave me "Friction, Baby" which is band's only album sold here in Brazil. After that, I heard the band again once when I was watching Jay Leno and they were playing "At the Stars." This is one of the most amazing songs ever. The next day I went to the record store and asked them to get the album from the US.

When I went to the US to work, one of the greatest things that happened was the opportunities I had to meet the guys. Watching them live, and talking to them just made me admire and respect them even more. I also got to meet some amazing Ezralites, not only through IM and emails, but also in person. This made me realize that all of us Ezralites make part of an amazing community. Should I go even further and say that we are a family. Sure, from time to time problems arise among fans, but like all families we share a common bond.

Thanks for the great article Renata!