Spirits are high!
Being told this one one of the best shows yet. Was quite worried at first due to a late start on loadin, a crazy crosspatch, and a crazy crazy mix position. The board was on a platform suspended from the roof and accessed by a 20 ft high, railless catwalk. But Joe rocked it and everything sounded great.
In the heartland now
Another massive day of driving and we’re in Omaha. Of course we arrive at 7:30 pm, load in was 4pm, soundcheck was 6pm, and doors are at 8. But Jay the soundguy had his system running perfectly and we were up and running by 8:30. Amazing system amazing show and we’re off to the next town.
A small string section (it’s allways the cello).
Get to sleep in tommorow.
Driving.
The word has a whole new meaning. Today we did a 9 hour drive then came to the venue and did a show. Next time you see artists on stage consider how they got there.
There are a large quantity of tv and inside jokes. And inside jokes about tv. This appears to be the only means of survival.
Exciting road signs and the scrambling to take photos that shortly ensues.
Another 220 miles and we’re in salt lake city.
Some attempts at spreading out
Long car rides lead to some interesting sitting techniques.
There was a rock show
And there was packing up a rock show.
Now it’s time for 18 more shows in a row.
Ah, the excitement begins. I use these days to catch up on blogs, emails, and everything. This time I get shotgun and hang with Geoff as he drives. Rolled out at 11am. Saw some sights.
Much sleeping occured on the van… Not enough though apparently.
We found a turtle
And some more sights
By the healthy hour of 2:30am we found a hotel
Where this is now being written in prosponement of sleep.
My brother is here! Came out for load in and helped unload us. Not an unconsiderable feat given the lack of elevator and state of the loading dock.
Once inside, the venue looked pretty cool. Great basment vibe. Good place to hang out.
Seattle is one of my favorite cities. A serious contender for a post tour place to settle down. But it’s far to early to think about that. Also every day I’ve spent there has been deceptively sunny and warm. I hear that that weather is not usual.
But before you know it, time to pack up and go home.
We’ve been using portland as a hub. Comming back to it each day. Eugune was about a hour and a half drive.
That’s Monica and Geoff, our wonderful trailer, and our wonderful view.
Eugune was a great town. We roll in and there’s a giant festival of sorts going on with lots of tents selling craft items. We find the venue and there’s subs behind quilts and homemade wooden speaker stands. The system sounded great and the people were really nice and helpfull.
And yes, the A.K.A.s really are everywhere.
Oh, and it rained.
Found out at lunch today that at some point last night I pointed at the ceiling and said “violence throughout the house.”
Leasurely morning, pizza for lunch, then vegetarian chineese for second lunch. Arrived at the coolest venue. Been looking for a bar like this in LA ever since I got there. Too bad it was 900 miles north. Great soundsystem, one of the nest so far, great soundguy who every thing laid out amazingly well and great refridgerator full of pabst in the dressingroom.
Opening act Soriah was etherial. Throat singing with airy guitar and keys.
After the show we proceeded to drive back and forth to each motel 6 we could find, finding ours on the third try. In bed at 3am and another day done.
Left San Francisco in the morning and drove, drove, drove, drove. Oregon is far away. Couldn’t imagine driving to Seattle. Colder up here, with snow banks still hanging out. Not much room in the van so was quite interesting to see everyone arrayed out. Finnaly got to a hotel at 5am.
Friends old and new
City yellow and blue
Ok go shoots black and blue
And parents (my stinky brother too)
