This is going to be a short note. We were up late and then had the alarm go off early so we could hit the road and make it to Knoxville by 10:30 eastern standard time - which meant we lost an hour. Everything went well - we had a good set that was broadcast out over the airwaves and the web. So now after 7 hours of driving for the day, we're getting ready to head into town and play our show tonight at the Hideaway Saloon - then sweet sleep.
- J
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tired - day 26
Last night we weren't planning to stay out until 2am - but it just sort of happened. We had a good set at The Basement here in Nashville - but it was also the last set of the night. Then there was the downpour of rain just past midnight and running downtown to see some old and new friends - and just like that - it was 2am - which wouldn't really be all that bad but Lauren had to wake up for work at 7:30am and since I sleep on a fold out bed in the same room, I woke up and stayed up also.
In the afternoon yesterday I was really nice out - the skies were fairly clear, and it was t-shirt weather out. But as the evening came, the clouds rolled in and covered the sky and the temperature dropped a bit. We got ready for our set - I got everything tuned and we ran through some songs and then headed across town.
One of the positives about this town is being able to get from one side to the other fairly quickly. When I lived here, I used to live about 15 miles from work - which was from one side of town to the other. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes to do the drive. In LA it probably would have been double that - and depending on the hour - longer. The traffic here was never terrible - well besides when I drove in to town last year right when the floods were happening - not too long after the water stopped rising. That time getting around the city was a little chaotic - because everyone was feeling a little chaotic - or more in some cases. So dealing with a little more traffic was all right to me.
We made it to the club and checked where we were on the list - see, the New faces Night is a night of 20 minute sets mostly for newcomers - and you don't know the lineup until about 7:30 that night. We were hoping to go earlier but when we saw the list we knew that wasn't going to be the case - we were last. We sent out messages to our friends and I posted on FB about the approximate time - and we were hoping that our friends that were already there would hang out and wait for our set.
We saw several good acts - one was this duo from Ireland who were in town recording an album - The Lost Brothers - great harmonies and great guitar playing. There were others too, but I can't remember their names - quite a few were touring acts - passing through town just like me. The night kept rolling along and thankfully, we have very patient friends and they waited until it was our turn to get up and play.
We made it through our four songs - Lauren switching from mandolin, to harmonica, to banjo - while I strummed the sounds out of my guitar, hoping to not break a string. At the end, Mike, the soundguy that night and co-owner of The Basement, said - Well since there's no one after you guys and it's pouring out, why don't you play a couple more. So we did - and felt good about the set when we were done. There were several people still there which I was happy about - you never know - especially when you're the last ones on a long night of music.
The Lost Brothers were still hanging out with one of their friends who had talked about heading downtown to Broadway and checking out Robert's Western World - which is a more classic country - sometimes rockabilly kind of place. It's a place I don't mind hanging out in. I also knew that my friends Dave Gleason and his wife Dawn were across the street at a place called The Wheel where Dave was playing guitar. Dave and Dawn moved to Nashville from LA in September and we had talked about meeting up at some point while I was in town. So we stopped by and said hello and listened to a couple songs - and it was great to hear Dave play guitar again. We met up with the guys at Robert's and heard the band there until 2 and then knew we had to go.
Now, as 6pm is coming up, I'm pretty damn tired - and tomorrow is going to be an even earlier day since we have to be in Knoxville at 10:30am and it's a 3 hour drive - plus we lose an hour due to the time zone difference. Hopefully I can get a nap in at some point - even if it's just in my car with the seat tilted back - we'll see.
OK - it's time to figure out what's for dinner -
Dave Gleason on the left playing guitar at The Wheel
yours truly - on my way back to Nashville
In the afternoon yesterday I was really nice out - the skies were fairly clear, and it was t-shirt weather out. But as the evening came, the clouds rolled in and covered the sky and the temperature dropped a bit. We got ready for our set - I got everything tuned and we ran through some songs and then headed across town.
One of the positives about this town is being able to get from one side to the other fairly quickly. When I lived here, I used to live about 15 miles from work - which was from one side of town to the other. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes to do the drive. In LA it probably would have been double that - and depending on the hour - longer. The traffic here was never terrible - well besides when I drove in to town last year right when the floods were happening - not too long after the water stopped rising. That time getting around the city was a little chaotic - because everyone was feeling a little chaotic - or more in some cases. So dealing with a little more traffic was all right to me.
We made it to the club and checked where we were on the list - see, the New faces Night is a night of 20 minute sets mostly for newcomers - and you don't know the lineup until about 7:30 that night. We were hoping to go earlier but when we saw the list we knew that wasn't going to be the case - we were last. We sent out messages to our friends and I posted on FB about the approximate time - and we were hoping that our friends that were already there would hang out and wait for our set.
We saw several good acts - one was this duo from Ireland who were in town recording an album - The Lost Brothers - great harmonies and great guitar playing. There were others too, but I can't remember their names - quite a few were touring acts - passing through town just like me. The night kept rolling along and thankfully, we have very patient friends and they waited until it was our turn to get up and play.
We made it through our four songs - Lauren switching from mandolin, to harmonica, to banjo - while I strummed the sounds out of my guitar, hoping to not break a string. At the end, Mike, the soundguy that night and co-owner of The Basement, said - Well since there's no one after you guys and it's pouring out, why don't you play a couple more. So we did - and felt good about the set when we were done. There were several people still there which I was happy about - you never know - especially when you're the last ones on a long night of music.
The Lost Brothers were still hanging out with one of their friends who had talked about heading downtown to Broadway and checking out Robert's Western World - which is a more classic country - sometimes rockabilly kind of place. It's a place I don't mind hanging out in. I also knew that my friends Dave Gleason and his wife Dawn were across the street at a place called The Wheel where Dave was playing guitar. Dave and Dawn moved to Nashville from LA in September and we had talked about meeting up at some point while I was in town. So we stopped by and said hello and listened to a couple songs - and it was great to hear Dave play guitar again. We met up with the guys at Robert's and heard the band there until 2 and then knew we had to go.
Now, as 6pm is coming up, I'm pretty damn tired - and tomorrow is going to be an even earlier day since we have to be in Knoxville at 10:30am and it's a 3 hour drive - plus we lose an hour due to the time zone difference. Hopefully I can get a nap in at some point - even if it's just in my car with the seat tilted back - we'll see.
OK - it's time to figure out what's for dinner -
Dave Gleason on the left playing guitar at The Wheel
yours truly - on my way back to Nashville
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Good Weather - for now... Day 25
After that crazy weather over the weekend in St. Louis, it felt good to get back to the clearer, warmer weather down here in Nashville - although there is supposedly a storm moving in. Right now and last night, it feels like spring here. We got the grill going last night and I made burgers - a little more rare than I would have liked but it had been a while since I cooked out in the dark. Looking forward to another shot at it.
Tonight we get to play at one of my favorite places - at The Basement. It's located beneath Grimey's Record store which is an amazing record store. It's not a big place but they have the best packed into the area there - CD's, DVD's, vinyl - just so much good stuff. The Basement also isn't big, but they get a good crowd in there and some of the best names of rock and indie rock, Americana and singer/songwriter - so I'm very glad to be playing there tonight.
I like coming back to town. It's a slower pace than Los Angeles or a big city and it does feel good to slow down - although I do have to sort of flick a mental switch in my head. I don't think I realized that for a while - and that caused a problem when I lived here for that year - I couldn't get the big city out of my head to really enjoy it. But now I enjoy returning and relaxing and seeing all my friends here.
This Thursday we'll be on the WDVX Blue Plate Special out of Knoxville, TN. Here's the link:
http://www.wdvx.com/webcast.html
The show starts at 12pm Eastern Standard Time - so listen in if you can.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tonight we get to play at one of my favorite places - at The Basement. It's located beneath Grimey's Record store which is an amazing record store. It's not a big place but they have the best packed into the area there - CD's, DVD's, vinyl - just so much good stuff. The Basement also isn't big, but they get a good crowd in there and some of the best names of rock and indie rock, Americana and singer/songwriter - so I'm very glad to be playing there tonight.
I like coming back to town. It's a slower pace than Los Angeles or a big city and it does feel good to slow down - although I do have to sort of flick a mental switch in my head. I don't think I realized that for a while - and that caused a problem when I lived here for that year - I couldn't get the big city out of my head to really enjoy it. But now I enjoy returning and relaxing and seeing all my friends here.
This Thursday we'll be on the WDVX Blue Plate Special out of Knoxville, TN. Here's the link:
http://www.wdvx.com/webcast.html
The show starts at 12pm Eastern Standard Time - so listen in if you can.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Monday, March 28, 2011
Back to Nashville - Day 24
This morning I woke up after a late night - though not as late as Saturday - and packed up my things and headed back to Nashville. It's only a five hour drive and it went by fairly quickly - which is just how I like my drives.
I'd like to thank my cousin Mike for his support this past weekend. We had a good time and I'm looking forward to playing a show with him again on April 9th at Pop's Blue Moon in St. Louis.
Tomorrow night Lauren and I will be playing at The Basement here in Nashville.
I'm feeling pretty exhausted now - after making some dinner tonight and not getting enough rest over the weekend
so it's about time for bed I think -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
I'd like to thank my cousin Mike for his support this past weekend. We had a good time and I'm looking forward to playing a show with him again on April 9th at Pop's Blue Moon in St. Louis.
Tomorrow night Lauren and I will be playing at The Basement here in Nashville.
I'm feeling pretty exhausted now - after making some dinner tonight and not getting enough rest over the weekend
so it's about time for bed I think -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Post-show/late night - Day 23
After a late night last night, my cousin Mike and I had a very mellow, relaxing day. We went to an after show party right around the corner from the Way Out Club here in St. Louis and then came back and had some food and started watching a movie around 5 am. So that's the reason for our unambitious day.
Yesterday the snow started around 2pm. It didn't stop until about midnight. It came down in big, fat flakes - clumps almost. It quickly built up and it was strange to see the newly blossomed trees covered in snow. Overall it was about 6 inches - it was piled up on my car which had been sitting there the whole time. I also realized that the weather would most likely affect the turnout to our show that evening - which it did.
Before the show we were going to rehearse again with Dan who was going to be sitting in on bass while Mike played drums. Dan and Mike are also in the band the Homewreckers who were the headlining band that evening. I was surprised by all the snow which kept coming relentlessly down as we drove around the town.
We hit O'Connell's on Kingshighway before the rehearsal which has one of my favorite burgers. It's cooked to order, has a great fresh meaty taste, and needs very little, if anything, extra at all. It's a great deal - $5.50 and $5.75 for a cheeseburger. Whenever I'm in St. Louis I always try to go there.
The second rehearsal went well and I knew it was going to be a good time on stage. It's been a while since I've played with a band where we had rehearsed. But as we took a break and I looked outside to all the snow that had fallen and was still falling I knew that it was going to probably be a light attended show.
When we made it to the club we were told that there was going to another band added to the bill - JP & the Gilberts. They're from Brooklyn and were also on tour and had a show lined up down the street somewhere that ended up getting cancelled - so they were able to get on the bill there. They were awesome - sort of blugrassy, country/rockabilly - great musicians - bass, drums, accordion, lead guitar player who was incredible, and lead singer/acoustic guitar player. Overall it was a great set full of good songs and I was more than happy to trade them CDs.
We were up next and felt that things went well for the set. There were a few sound issues since the sound guy didn't really seem like he knew what he was doing - feedback here and there - way too often in my opinion. The other bands hung out and seemed to like the sounds - and so I'm looking forward to heading back to St. Louis in a week and a half to play some more band shows.
A band called Dinofight played next and it was a trio - sort of a punk band - girls on bass and guitar, and a guy drummer. They were good too - loud, but I enjoyed their set. They played a great version of Bad Reputation. The Homewreckers finished off the night playing with a country/indie rock feel. I had fun hanging out listening to everyone.
A girl at the bar who was friends with the New York band invited everyone back to her place which was close by for an after party gathering. Mike and I thought what the hell and went to check it out. It was cool and I was able to talk a bit to everybody. The night ended with Mike and I eating a frozen pizza in the early hours while watching 24 Hour Party People.
Tonight my aunt made dinner - green beans, ham, and potatoes mixed together - and an arugala salad - very good. Now we're back at my cousin Eric's apartment watching movies - first was Air Guitar Nation - which is an amazing and fun documentary about the first US air guitar championships - directed by my friend Alexandra Lipsitz - I highly recommend it. We're now watching, which I think will close out the evening, Stop Making Sense - the Talking Heads concert movie which blew me away the first time I saw it several years ago at the Arclight in Hollywood as part of AFI's music series.
Tomorrow I head back to Nashville where Lauren and I will be playing the New Faces Night showcase at The Basement on Tuesday night, then on Thursday we're heading to Knoxville to play the WDVX Blue Plate Special show and then Louisville later that night. On Saturday we'll be in the Cincinnati vicinity at the Southgate house.
If you would like to donate and contribute and help fund the tour - contact me here at Jeremiah125@hotmail.com
thanks,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, March 26, 2011
More Snow - Day 22
This afternoon I went out for coffee - right at the same time that the snow started really coming down. By the time I made it down the road about 2 miles or so my car was covered - as were all the surrounding areas - in the white stuff. I made it back to my cousin's apartment safely - but I heard that not too long after there were several accidents close to where I was.
Tonight we get to play - with Mike on drums, his bandmate Dan playing bass, and me on guitar and voice. We rehearsed last night and it went well - Dan picked up everything really fast and so I'm looking forward to playing even more so. I'm hoping to record it somehow - maybe just setup my laptop again and do it that way.
So we have lot to do this afternoon - a trip to Guitar Center, food, a quick rehearsal, then head out to the gig - which I guess is Way Out. So hopefully the weather doesn't keep people away.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
PS: after reading some of the past posts I realize that I've made some writing errors which I hope you'll forgive me for. I've been doing my best to catch my mistakes but I know things sometimes slip through the cracks. Thank you for your understanding -
Tonight we get to play - with Mike on drums, his bandmate Dan playing bass, and me on guitar and voice. We rehearsed last night and it went well - Dan picked up everything really fast and so I'm looking forward to playing even more so. I'm hoping to record it somehow - maybe just setup my laptop again and do it that way.
So we have lot to do this afternoon - a trip to Guitar Center, food, a quick rehearsal, then head out to the gig - which I guess is Way Out. So hopefully the weather doesn't keep people away.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
PS: after reading some of the past posts I realize that I've made some writing errors which I hope you'll forgive me for. I've been doing my best to catch my mistakes but I know things sometimes slip through the cracks. Thank you for your understanding -
Friday, March 25, 2011
snow in St. Louis - day 21
This morning as my cousin Mike went off to work, I got up and looked out the window and saw the ground all around covered in snow. I was told earlier by my family that St. Louis went through the same weather change that Nashville went through - it was warm and spring like, and then a storm cam through and the temperatures dropped.
As I drove up the roads yesterday I could see the grey skies - growing darker as the evening came on. I also noticed how the temperature stayed around the 40 degree mark and was wondering if snow would be coming our way. Still, I was a little surprised with I saw everything covered in white. A lot of it has melted away, but it remains chilly out there.
Last night I went out with Mike over to an open mic - it was this bar called Fred's Six Feet Under which is in a basement below a restaurant called the Iron Barley - which is a BBQ/grill place that smelled amazing. We had a bit of some lamb stew which was pretty damn good - the meat just sort of melted in your mouth. We're thinking of going back there tonight - or O'Connell's which has one of my favorite burgers - we'll see. But the open mic was decent - I really liked the room - small, low ceiling, decent sound, but a good feel and great owner/bartender. I am looking forward to going back.
Later tonight we're rehearsing for the show. Mike is going to play drums, his buddy is going to play bass, and I'm on guitar and voice. It's been a while since I've played with a full band so it should be fun. There's also a slight possibility that Lauren might show up, but she wasn't sure about it.
Here are some photos:
A mellow Nashville evening - the evening before the storm
Tommy Womack at the Family Wash in East Nashville
This afternoon on my cousin's porch - the remnants of last night's snow fall
yours truly,
Jeremiah
As I drove up the roads yesterday I could see the grey skies - growing darker as the evening came on. I also noticed how the temperature stayed around the 40 degree mark and was wondering if snow would be coming our way. Still, I was a little surprised with I saw everything covered in white. A lot of it has melted away, but it remains chilly out there.
Last night I went out with Mike over to an open mic - it was this bar called Fred's Six Feet Under which is in a basement below a restaurant called the Iron Barley - which is a BBQ/grill place that smelled amazing. We had a bit of some lamb stew which was pretty damn good - the meat just sort of melted in your mouth. We're thinking of going back there tonight - or O'Connell's which has one of my favorite burgers - we'll see. But the open mic was decent - I really liked the room - small, low ceiling, decent sound, but a good feel and great owner/bartender. I am looking forward to going back.
Later tonight we're rehearsing for the show. Mike is going to play drums, his buddy is going to play bass, and I'm on guitar and voice. It's been a while since I've played with a full band so it should be fun. There's also a slight possibility that Lauren might show up, but she wasn't sure about it.
Here are some photos:
A mellow Nashville evening - the evening before the storm
Tommy Womack at the Family Wash in East Nashville
This afternoon on my cousin's porch - the remnants of last night's snow fall
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Chilly St. Louis - Day 20
It's amazing at how fast the weather has changed. It happened in Nashville yesterday - there was rain and tornado warnings - then it got chilly. The last couple days we had been sleeping with the windows open and the fan on - but not last night.
This morning I packed up my things and said my goodbyes, and got ready for the drive. It's an easy drive that I've done many times before and after a cup of coffee from Bongo Java in East Nashville I was ready. I cruised along, making sure to keep within 10 mph of the speed limit so I wouldn't get pulled over (it worked) and crossed from Tennessee to Kentucky into Illinois, and lastly, over the Mississippi River into Missouri.
Along the way I saw purple blossoms in the trees which stood out since most of the trees all around were still bare. I crossed several rivers: The Kentucky, the Tennessee, the Ohio, the Cumberland and all were high due to the rain fall from the day before. I know it probably makes lots of people weary from all the flooding that happened last year - and I can see why. I saw all the water last year in Nashville - water where there shouldn't have been water - houses and businesses destroyed - a very surreal sight to see. Luckily, nothing like that this time.
Last night the pizza came out good and it looks like I'll be making some here in St. Louis at the request of my aunt - and I'm more than happy to oblige.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
This morning I packed up my things and said my goodbyes, and got ready for the drive. It's an easy drive that I've done many times before and after a cup of coffee from Bongo Java in East Nashville I was ready. I cruised along, making sure to keep within 10 mph of the speed limit so I wouldn't get pulled over (it worked) and crossed from Tennessee to Kentucky into Illinois, and lastly, over the Mississippi River into Missouri.
Along the way I saw purple blossoms in the trees which stood out since most of the trees all around were still bare. I crossed several rivers: The Kentucky, the Tennessee, the Ohio, the Cumberland and all were high due to the rain fall from the day before. I know it probably makes lots of people weary from all the flooding that happened last year - and I can see why. I saw all the water last year in Nashville - water where there shouldn't have been water - houses and businesses destroyed - a very surreal sight to see. Luckily, nothing like that this time.
Last night the pizza came out good and it looks like I'll be making some here in St. Louis at the request of my aunt - and I'm more than happy to oblige.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pizza and rain - day 19
Yes - pizza and rain are what's happening today - although it took it a long time to get around to raining. It seemed like it was going to happen earlier - the sky grew dark and the wind picked up, but then it blew away and the sun came out. Now though it's back to dark skies and rain. A flash of lightning and a crash of thunder just happened, followed by some more. It's kind of nice really.
Earlier I made it out to get the ingredients for pizza - so glad I made it out before the rain came - although people here can drive in the rain - not like LA. It's been a while since I've made pizza but it's not too hard to do and the dough has been steadily rising slowly and soon it'll be ready for the oven.
Tomorrow I'm heading up the road for St. Louis for a show at the Way Out Club on Saturday night with Dino Fight and the Homewreckers. I'm looking forward to playing - it'll be a week since my last show when we get to Saturday.
Finally - any contributions to support this tour would be greatly appreciated - since my Kickstarter project to fund this tour failed to reach its goal. I have a Paypal account connected to my e-mail address: Jeremiah125@hotmail.com
I can send out CD's and arrange for a house concert - something.
thanks - I'm gonna go enjoy the post-rain evening,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Earlier I made it out to get the ingredients for pizza - so glad I made it out before the rain came - although people here can drive in the rain - not like LA. It's been a while since I've made pizza but it's not too hard to do and the dough has been steadily rising slowly and soon it'll be ready for the oven.
Tomorrow I'm heading up the road for St. Louis for a show at the Way Out Club on Saturday night with Dino Fight and the Homewreckers. I'm looking forward to playing - it'll be a week since my last show when we get to Saturday.
Finally - any contributions to support this tour would be greatly appreciated - since my Kickstarter project to fund this tour failed to reach its goal. I have a Paypal account connected to my e-mail address: Jeremiah125@hotmail.com
I can send out CD's and arrange for a house concert - something.
thanks - I'm gonna go enjoy the post-rain evening,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Down time - Day 18
It feels good to be here in Nashville. I've definitely needed some time to relax and rest and have no real plans. The last 17 days have been pretty action packed - lots of driving, lots of music, lots of running around various towns. So it's like the calm after the storm over here. It seems also like I've brought with me some good weather - instead of how it usually is where I bring storms and floods, tornados - bad weather usually surrounds my tours more than not.
The sun is shining which everyone around here seems very happy about. I heard it was a pretty cold winter down here - a couple days there was some traffic paralyzing snow that practically shut down the whole town. I thought it was cold when I was here for that year, but I guess it was worse. Now, I'm happy for the mellow weather - it's a little humid, like Austin was, but still pretty nice.
Last night I was able to cook which I hadn't done for this trip yet - besides some broccoli as a side dish in Austin one night. I made some pan-fried salmon, some Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes - which all came out like I had wanted them too. Cooking puts something in my mind at ease and it's something that I really forward to doing. I'm a fairly simple cook - nothing too elaborate - basic seasonings: sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper - those are my mainstays - and I feel like I do a pretty good job. I feel confident in cooking beef (steaks, burgers, and tri-tip - working on my brisket), chicken and fish - certain vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Then there's pizza and I love spending the time to make homemade pizza - because it's so much better than delivery and better than most places - if I say so myself.
This evening I'm going to get the grill going and cook some chicken that I started marinating yesterday. Also I have some red and yellow bell peppers that will also go on the grill. Then lastly maybe some mashed sweet potatoes - I haven't decided yet. It's funny coming to the South because there is a difference between barbecuing and grilling and people will correct you and tell you what's right.
Barbecuing is is a process of slow cooking - using wood preferably - and then cooking tough cuts of meat like brisket or pork ribs for hours until the heat breaks the meat down and makes it easily edible (that's an oversimplified explanation I know but all that I can recall off the top of my head). Grilling is where you're cooking things quickly over a hot fire - like burgers, chicken, tri-tip, vegetables - that kind of thing. I'm definitely better at grilling, mostly because it takes time to BBQ - minimum 7 hours or so and it's been hard to plan that. Also, I don't have the right set up. I need a good Weber grill.
On Thursday I head up to St. Louis to get ready for a show on Saturday at the Way Out Club with my cousin Mike and his band the Homewreckers. I like St. Louis and I feel like I know the town well. I have a bunch of family on my mom's side in the area - and we lived close by across the river in Alton, Illinois for a few years when I was growing up. It was nice having so much family around - there was always someone to play with. So it'll be good to get back there and then in a couple more weeks I'll be heading back to play two more shows. But before those there will be a lot more happening.
So for now I think that's it - it's about time to get cooking
yours truly,
Jeremiah
my buddy Nando
The sun is shining which everyone around here seems very happy about. I heard it was a pretty cold winter down here - a couple days there was some traffic paralyzing snow that practically shut down the whole town. I thought it was cold when I was here for that year, but I guess it was worse. Now, I'm happy for the mellow weather - it's a little humid, like Austin was, but still pretty nice.
Last night I was able to cook which I hadn't done for this trip yet - besides some broccoli as a side dish in Austin one night. I made some pan-fried salmon, some Brussels sprouts, and mashed potatoes - which all came out like I had wanted them too. Cooking puts something in my mind at ease and it's something that I really forward to doing. I'm a fairly simple cook - nothing too elaborate - basic seasonings: sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper - those are my mainstays - and I feel like I do a pretty good job. I feel confident in cooking beef (steaks, burgers, and tri-tip - working on my brisket), chicken and fish - certain vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Then there's pizza and I love spending the time to make homemade pizza - because it's so much better than delivery and better than most places - if I say so myself.
This evening I'm going to get the grill going and cook some chicken that I started marinating yesterday. Also I have some red and yellow bell peppers that will also go on the grill. Then lastly maybe some mashed sweet potatoes - I haven't decided yet. It's funny coming to the South because there is a difference between barbecuing and grilling and people will correct you and tell you what's right.
Barbecuing is is a process of slow cooking - using wood preferably - and then cooking tough cuts of meat like brisket or pork ribs for hours until the heat breaks the meat down and makes it easily edible (that's an oversimplified explanation I know but all that I can recall off the top of my head). Grilling is where you're cooking things quickly over a hot fire - like burgers, chicken, tri-tip, vegetables - that kind of thing. I'm definitely better at grilling, mostly because it takes time to BBQ - minimum 7 hours or so and it's been hard to plan that. Also, I don't have the right set up. I need a good Weber grill.
On Thursday I head up to St. Louis to get ready for a show on Saturday at the Way Out Club with my cousin Mike and his band the Homewreckers. I like St. Louis and I feel like I know the town well. I have a bunch of family on my mom's side in the area - and we lived close by across the river in Alton, Illinois for a few years when I was growing up. It was nice having so much family around - there was always someone to play with. So it'll be good to get back there and then in a couple more weeks I'll be heading back to play two more shows. But before those there will be a lot more happening.
So for now I think that's it - it's about time to get cooking
yours truly,
Jeremiah
my buddy Nando
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday morning in Nashville - Day 17
Just after midnight last night, we rolled into Nashville and landed safely at lauren's house. It was a good 14 hour drive - and with the exception of the first hour - which was a very slow drive as we drove north out of Austin due to a very bad wreck on the highway - we cruised along nicely. We made a stop for BBQ just east of Dallas - which was all right - and kept going.
I was very glad to have Lauren as my co-pilot which hasn't happened for a while - since I've done most of my traveling since last summer alone. So I was glad when she took over driving and I was able to catch a much needed nap. She also had snacks for us - carrots, sandwiches, drinks - so I was very happy about that. From Little Rock I drove on, with another quick pit stop in West Memphis. The nap really helped and I felt good as we crossed in Tennessee and drove on beneath the bright moonlight.
Austin really was fun - although we heard about some troubles through out the town during the festival. It has just grown and grown and there are so many people that come to town (us included) but some just show up for the free beers and food and to party, than to go out and hear and discover music. We stayed away from the craziness as much as possible - with the exception of me going to see The Strokes and walking in when the gate was pushed down - but the shows we saw were fun.
The Lost Highway/BMI show on Friday really was awesome - Black Joe Lewis played some high energy soul, followed by Hayes Carll who rolled forward with a great band and amazing songs - as did Robert Earl Keen who was also incredible. Lucinda Williams closed out the night and I was so glad I was there to see it. Her set was a good one - old and new songs - an awesome band - and she sounded wonderful. I was so glad that Lauren was able to get us in to the show and into the VIP section- where we sat center stage and able to enjoy the whole night.
On Saturday morning I rushed out to see my friend and new Austinite Mikaela Dewar - who just moved to town from Nashville. The place was north of town and I was able to catch her friend (and now mine) Jackie Bristow as she finished her last songs. Then Mikaela played a good set of songs - some that will be on her forthcoming CD - which I'm looking forward to getting.
That evening we had a show out at Sam's Town Point - but before we went down to South Congress to catch the Mother Truckers at the Continental Club. Our friend Mark Gonzales is the manager so we were able to catch up with him while the band played a rocking set. We were also able to hang out with Todd Kivi again who we knew from LA and the Cinema Bar and who we had seen at Maria's the day before, and at the Lost Highway/BMI show. He's been coming to SXSW for 14 years and it's always good to hag out with him since he seems to know everyone.
Now we have to wait until next year, until the next SXSW - and hopefully we'll take another step up like this year, and the year before that.
It's a nice mellow day here in Nashville. Soon after getting a much needed shower I'll head out and check out the town.
Lauren and I post show at Uncorked on Saturday night
Mikaela Dewar at the Lakeline Farmers Market
yours truly,
Jeremiah
I was very glad to have Lauren as my co-pilot which hasn't happened for a while - since I've done most of my traveling since last summer alone. So I was glad when she took over driving and I was able to catch a much needed nap. She also had snacks for us - carrots, sandwiches, drinks - so I was very happy about that. From Little Rock I drove on, with another quick pit stop in West Memphis. The nap really helped and I felt good as we crossed in Tennessee and drove on beneath the bright moonlight.
Austin really was fun - although we heard about some troubles through out the town during the festival. It has just grown and grown and there are so many people that come to town (us included) but some just show up for the free beers and food and to party, than to go out and hear and discover music. We stayed away from the craziness as much as possible - with the exception of me going to see The Strokes and walking in when the gate was pushed down - but the shows we saw were fun.
The Lost Highway/BMI show on Friday really was awesome - Black Joe Lewis played some high energy soul, followed by Hayes Carll who rolled forward with a great band and amazing songs - as did Robert Earl Keen who was also incredible. Lucinda Williams closed out the night and I was so glad I was there to see it. Her set was a good one - old and new songs - an awesome band - and she sounded wonderful. I was so glad that Lauren was able to get us in to the show and into the VIP section- where we sat center stage and able to enjoy the whole night.
On Saturday morning I rushed out to see my friend and new Austinite Mikaela Dewar - who just moved to town from Nashville. The place was north of town and I was able to catch her friend (and now mine) Jackie Bristow as she finished her last songs. Then Mikaela played a good set of songs - some that will be on her forthcoming CD - which I'm looking forward to getting.
That evening we had a show out at Sam's Town Point - but before we went down to South Congress to catch the Mother Truckers at the Continental Club. Our friend Mark Gonzales is the manager so we were able to catch up with him while the band played a rocking set. We were also able to hang out with Todd Kivi again who we knew from LA and the Cinema Bar and who we had seen at Maria's the day before, and at the Lost Highway/BMI show. He's been coming to SXSW for 14 years and it's always good to hag out with him since he seems to know everyone.
Now we have to wait until next year, until the next SXSW - and hopefully we'll take another step up like this year, and the year before that.
It's a nice mellow day here in Nashville. Soon after getting a much needed shower I'll head out and check out the town.
Lauren and I post show at Uncorked on Saturday night
Mikaela Dewar at the Lakeline Farmers Market
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Up early - preparing for the drive - Day 16
Sunday morning - and we're up early after a late night. I'm feeling pretty good, although still I don't really want to spend the whole in the car traveling. Tonight we're due in Nashville where Lauren lives - and where I did for a year.
Our time here in Austin was pretty cool. We had four gigs total - and now that they're done I can say that I also didn't break any strings during our sets - which might be a first. We were well taken care of at all those places and we feel like we have taken a step up from last year - so we can say that this SXSW was successful - and I guess look forward to next year.
In Nashville this week I don't have anything planned so I can catch up on writing when I didn't have time to early this week. But for now here are some photos:
Mike Stinson at B.D. Riley's on the Ides Of March
Amilia K. Spicer also at B.D. Riley's
Tim Easton at the Sin City Social Club show at Maria's Taco Express - whose guitar we heard was stolen from a club later that evening
Shurman - with John Popper joining in at Maria's Tacos
Hayes Carll starting off his set alone at the Lost Highway/BMI showcase
Lucinda Williams closing the show - I think she was the highlight for me this trip
Sam's Town Point - just beyond the county-line - our escape from the madness for a few hours
All right. Think it's about time to get everything in the car - then some coffee down the road and we'll be good.
So long Austin,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Our time here in Austin was pretty cool. We had four gigs total - and now that they're done I can say that I also didn't break any strings during our sets - which might be a first. We were well taken care of at all those places and we feel like we have taken a step up from last year - so we can say that this SXSW was successful - and I guess look forward to next year.
In Nashville this week I don't have anything planned so I can catch up on writing when I didn't have time to early this week. But for now here are some photos:
Mike Stinson at B.D. Riley's on the Ides Of March
Amilia K. Spicer also at B.D. Riley's
Tim Easton at the Sin City Social Club show at Maria's Taco Express - whose guitar we heard was stolen from a club later that evening
Shurman - with John Popper joining in at Maria's Tacos
Hayes Carll starting off his set alone at the Lost Highway/BMI showcase
Lucinda Williams closing the show - I think she was the highlight for me this trip
Sam's Town Point - just beyond the county-line - our escape from the madness for a few hours
All right. Think it's about time to get everything in the car - then some coffee down the road and we'll be good.
So long Austin,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, March 19, 2011
final hours of SXSW - day 15
So yes - it's all over here - well for us anyway. Tomorrow morning we get up and start the long drive to Nashville. I am looking forward to being back in that town, seeing friends - although one of my good friends there just moved here to Austin. But still, it'll be good to get away from this craziness that overtakes this city for several days. I longing for a full night of sleep, since lately we've been staying up to the early morning hours chatting away.
The 2 shows today went well. At 6 this evening we played out at Sam's Town Point which is south and out of town a ways, but worth the drive. It has a very laid back feel to it and that was perfect after the madness of the main part of town. I had some minor technical difficulties during the set - but we figured it out and continued on. The second one was at Uncorked and was a prefect setting to end our shows here. It was outside and the patio where you play is right where you can see the whole downtown. It was very nice to see it all - and also the weather was great - it did get a little chilly but it was nice overall.
There was more that happened during the day but I need to get some sleep and get ready for the drive in the morning.
So - so long to Austin, for now, and I'll see you next month.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
The 2 shows today went well. At 6 this evening we played out at Sam's Town Point which is south and out of town a ways, but worth the drive. It has a very laid back feel to it and that was perfect after the madness of the main part of town. I had some minor technical difficulties during the set - but we figured it out and continued on. The second one was at Uncorked and was a prefect setting to end our shows here. It was outside and the patio where you play is right where you can see the whole downtown. It was very nice to see it all - and also the weather was great - it did get a little chilly but it was nice overall.
There was more that happened during the day but I need to get some sleep and get ready for the drive in the morning.
So - so long to Austin, for now, and I'll see you next month.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
another late night - day 14
Tonight was a good one - well from the afternoon on. From Maria's Taco Express to the Lost highway/BMI - lots of amazing artist - but it's late and I can't think straight now. So tomorrow I'll get it down - with photos.
but before here's something about SXSW:
yours truly,
Jeremiah
but before here's something about SXSW:
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Thursday, March 17, 2011
the Annual Feast - Day 14 (just took a recount and I'm actually on day 13)
I can't believe that I've reached day 14 already - well sometimes it seems like a lot longer than that and other times it seems like just yesterday that I left from Southern California.
Today has been a pretty mellow day here in Austin so far. The weather is warm - a little muggy - but overall nice.
In the morning Lauren and I met up with her godparents, who we had stayed with last May when we were visiting. The meeting place was Matt's El Rancho on South Lamar St. It's right next to Maria's Taco Express and it's place that Lauren and her family used to go to when they lived here when she was younger. 3 Years ago we accidentally pulled into the driveway and she recognized after not being there for many years - she knew it was familiar. So we came back the next day and feasted on Mexican food, which I had been craving at that point since that was when I was living in Nashville and that town lacked good Mexican food. So we began a tradition of going to El Rancho whenever we're in town for SXSW. Usually it's on Saturday but the godparents could only squeeze us in today early.
The early part was a little difficult since we were up late after our set at the Waterloo Ice House. The manager was a really nice and cool guy and we talked to him for a while and he kept giving us souvenirs to take with us. We had played a good set and we talked about the future and the possibilities until late. But I was ready when my alarm went off and got up to face the new day.
For this evening we're heading downtown - Lauren to the AMA show, me to go meet up with my friend Mikaela who just moved to Austin from Nashville, and Jim ot another show. I'm ready for another good night on the town.
photos from yesterday that for some reason didn't get sent from my phone:
Syd Straw at the Conqueroo Party
Michael Des Barres rocking the same party
Randy Weeks, with Jess Klein, and Will Sexton at the Waterloo Ice House
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Today has been a pretty mellow day here in Austin so far. The weather is warm - a little muggy - but overall nice.
In the morning Lauren and I met up with her godparents, who we had stayed with last May when we were visiting. The meeting place was Matt's El Rancho on South Lamar St. It's right next to Maria's Taco Express and it's place that Lauren and her family used to go to when they lived here when she was younger. 3 Years ago we accidentally pulled into the driveway and she recognized after not being there for many years - she knew it was familiar. So we came back the next day and feasted on Mexican food, which I had been craving at that point since that was when I was living in Nashville and that town lacked good Mexican food. So we began a tradition of going to El Rancho whenever we're in town for SXSW. Usually it's on Saturday but the godparents could only squeeze us in today early.
The early part was a little difficult since we were up late after our set at the Waterloo Ice House. The manager was a really nice and cool guy and we talked to him for a while and he kept giving us souvenirs to take with us. We had played a good set and we talked about the future and the possibilities until late. But I was ready when my alarm went off and got up to face the new day.
For this evening we're heading downtown - Lauren to the AMA show, me to go meet up with my friend Mikaela who just moved to Austin from Nashville, and Jim ot another show. I'm ready for another good night on the town.
photos from yesterday that for some reason didn't get sent from my phone:
Syd Straw at the Conqueroo Party
Michael Des Barres rocking the same party
Randy Weeks, with Jess Klein, and Will Sexton at the Waterloo Ice House
yours truly,
Jeremiah
gig #2 - Day 13
Made it back safely to Jim's house on the east side of Austin where Lauren and I are staying for the time we're here after our second gig. It was a good one and a late one, but there were still people there, hanging out and listening, and we did our thing.
Earlier, after we did some rehearsing, we hit the Conqueroo party at the Dogwood and made it just it time to see Syd Straw's set which is who I had wanted to see. She was great and glad we had made it down there in time. We also saw some of Michael Des Barres set which was really good.
But for now that's it. It's late and I need sleep because we have another big day tomorrow.
Will write more soon,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Earlier, after we did some rehearsing, we hit the Conqueroo party at the Dogwood and made it just it time to see Syd Straw's set which is who I had wanted to see. She was great and glad we had made it down there in time. We also saw some of Michael Des Barres set which was really good.
But for now that's it. It's late and I need sleep because we have another big day tomorrow.
Will write more soon,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Slow morning in Austin - Day 12
The last two days have been very busy - lots of driving and running around and preparing - and enjoying Austin. I was so glad when I finally made it here late Monday night, after that looonnnggg day and driving from Denver. Sleep came easy and I woke ready to tackle the events of the day (yesterday).
Since we had a 1pm show at BD Riley's and Lauren still had to put in some time for work, we had a short time to get our stuff ready, get organized - but we got everything together then headed out downtown and drove into the beginning of the craziness down on 6th St. We found a parking lot after a little searching that had an open spot - which surprised us a little bit that it was going to be so hard getting a space on the day before the official kick off - but we were happy we found something sort of close by. We carried our stuff down the street and made it there just as the other band was finishing up.
I saw Johnny Fargo, who I knew from LA since he used to run the open mike at Taix. I ran into him a couple years ago when Lauren and I stopped into B.D. Riley's for a beer and he was the bartender. He had put together an afternoon of music and we were very glad to be a part of it. Amilia K Spicer was on the bill, as was Mike Stinson, who I was looking forward to seeing. There was a good lunch time crowd there and the people there listened and paid attention to our set - which we were happy about.
Afterwards we relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon and the music - and food and drink which was on the house since we played. Several LA friends showed before Mike played - Suzanne, Debra, Peggy and her husband - and Mike played a great set with his band. They were really tight and brought out the best in his songs - which are amazing. It was a good day.
In the evening we came back and relaxed - and I was ready for sleep - and good nights sleep like I hadn't had for several days.
So that's where we are right now - well I'm still very groggy from getting over 9 hours of much needed sleep. Soon though we'll get going with the day. We plan to hit Cary Baker's Conqueroo party - then to the Waterloo Ice House for the Americana Roots Revival show case that we're a part of. We're closing the show down at 11pm tonight.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Since we had a 1pm show at BD Riley's and Lauren still had to put in some time for work, we had a short time to get our stuff ready, get organized - but we got everything together then headed out downtown and drove into the beginning of the craziness down on 6th St. We found a parking lot after a little searching that had an open spot - which surprised us a little bit that it was going to be so hard getting a space on the day before the official kick off - but we were happy we found something sort of close by. We carried our stuff down the street and made it there just as the other band was finishing up.
I saw Johnny Fargo, who I knew from LA since he used to run the open mike at Taix. I ran into him a couple years ago when Lauren and I stopped into B.D. Riley's for a beer and he was the bartender. He had put together an afternoon of music and we were very glad to be a part of it. Amilia K Spicer was on the bill, as was Mike Stinson, who I was looking forward to seeing. There was a good lunch time crowd there and the people there listened and paid attention to our set - which we were happy about.
Afterwards we relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon and the music - and food and drink which was on the house since we played. Several LA friends showed before Mike played - Suzanne, Debra, Peggy and her husband - and Mike played a great set with his band. They were really tight and brought out the best in his songs - which are amazing. It was a good day.
In the evening we came back and relaxed - and I was ready for sleep - and good nights sleep like I hadn't had for several days.
So that's where we are right now - well I'm still very groggy from getting over 9 hours of much needed sleep. Soon though we'll get going with the day. We plan to hit Cary Baker's Conqueroo party - then to the Waterloo Ice House for the Americana Roots Revival show case that we're a part of. We're closing the show down at 11pm tonight.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Travel day...(can't remember what day I'm on right now)
After a long day of driving, I finally made it to Austin - and I'm so glad to be off the road. It was about 16 hours. I'm about ready for bed cause tomorrow is going to be a big day: rehearsal, gig, Mike Stinson - good times...
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Ready for Austin and SXSW (still in Denver Though) - Day 9
Okay - so it just turned 12 o'clock here in Denver and I know I've technically missed writing for today - but I'm going to do it any way.
Last night my cousin Chris and I played at KJ's Coffee Bar which is right around the corner from his house on Franklin and 24th - we've played there a couple times before. It's small place but has a good neighborhood feel to it - and I was thankful a good group of neighbors showed up. I caught it on video and it's funny to watch because of all the little kids running around the place and going in and out of the front door.
Chris played bass - which was a very unique ukelele bass - small and compact but with the full sound of a bass - and his friend Grant came and sat in with us for the second set on mandolin. It was a good time - and I do look forward to playing there again - most likely next month on April 16th.
Tonight we played at a bar called the Rockaway Tavern, which is close to downtown and has a very punk rock feel to it. The jukebox has a whole ton of hardcore punk, plus some old school country, and some interesting mixed CDs - punk, post-punk, Steve Earle - some Toby Keith too (for those of you interested in Toby Keith), some Willie and Johnny Cash - over all an interesting mix. Grant came and played with us again and the set went pretty well - the people that were there seemed to like what we did and I was happy with that.
We hung out for a while with some people that had showed up to hear us- and then realized that it was later than we thought do to the time change.
And now - I need to get ready for bed so I can make the long haul to Austin tomorrow. I set my alarm for 6:30am. I'll be ready.
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Last night my cousin Chris and I played at KJ's Coffee Bar which is right around the corner from his house on Franklin and 24th - we've played there a couple times before. It's small place but has a good neighborhood feel to it - and I was thankful a good group of neighbors showed up. I caught it on video and it's funny to watch because of all the little kids running around the place and going in and out of the front door.
Chris played bass - which was a very unique ukelele bass - small and compact but with the full sound of a bass - and his friend Grant came and sat in with us for the second set on mandolin. It was a good time - and I do look forward to playing there again - most likely next month on April 16th.
Tonight we played at a bar called the Rockaway Tavern, which is close to downtown and has a very punk rock feel to it. The jukebox has a whole ton of hardcore punk, plus some old school country, and some interesting mixed CDs - punk, post-punk, Steve Earle - some Toby Keith too (for those of you interested in Toby Keith), some Willie and Johnny Cash - over all an interesting mix. Grant came and played with us again and the set went pretty well - the people that were there seemed to like what we did and I was happy with that.
We hung out for a while with some people that had showed up to hear us- and then realized that it was later than we thought do to the time change.
And now - I need to get ready for bed so I can make the long haul to Austin tomorrow. I set my alarm for 6:30am. I'll be ready.
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, March 12, 2011
A day in Denver - Day 8
After a long drive from Flagstaff yesterday, I safely made it to Denver, Colorado. I arrived at my cousin's house just before midnight - and was very happy to get off the road and into a warm bed. The drive was actually quite nice. The scenery is amazing throughout the whole drive - from the San Francisco Peaks that look over Flagstaff, to the Painted Desert and where old Route 66 still winds through, to the red earth of New Mexico. I was in Santa Fe as the sun was setting and it lit up the pine trees and the mountains that had bits of snow here and there beautifully.
As night fell I cruised carefully up the road into Colorado - keeping my eyes open for highway patrol along the way. Overall it was a nice easy ride - a bit long though. I found that after 12 hours everything starts to go downhill a bit - usually the perfect time for a break. So I was glad to get to my destination right before that point.
This morning I was up early, since my cousin has 3 kids and also since I was going to be joining him with a group of people for the St. Patrick's Day parade through downtown Denver. We were going to be playing Irish tunes in the back of a decorated truck through the crowds of people along the parade route. Since I'm no stranger to Irish songs I felt fairly confident about playing along with everybody - 3 guitars, including me, a mandolin, and a fiddle. My biggest concern was that I didn't have enough green on, I felt, to be in a St. Patrick's Day parade (which I know was being held on March 12th and not the 17th, but I figured it was so everyone could celebrate on a weekend) but I was able to find some green garland to wrap around my guitar strap and that worked for me.
There were two trucks for us in the parade - for the section of the neighborhood and garden that my cousin lived in. When we made it down to the staging area the trucks were decked out and covered with flowers, ladybugs, garland and banners that wrapped around the trucks - some garden equipment was attached to the front of one of the trucks, and they were to be followed by some people pushing wheelbarrows. Down there we were surrounded by the craziness of the parade. It's truly hard to describe all of it, but I liked the float of St. Bernards, the Star Wars with the Hoth set-up, the giant Jameson bottle (where I think they were giving out small bottles or shots of the Irish Whiskey). We were followed by a group of kids on unicycles.
After about 2 hours of waiting we were able to go - and it was so much fun. We had 4 songs worked out and we played those over and over as we cruised down the streets, surrounded by crowds of people - mostly dressed in green. It was fun to see everyone celebrating and enjoying the music we were playing - although the others did most of the work - I just followed along as best as I could. I was glad that I had made to town in time to take part in all this craziness. By the time we reached the end it had gotten cold - the sun had peaked out a few times and made things warm, but then the clouds blew in and it got chilly. I was glad to get back to the house and inside finally.
After resting and dinner, I made my way to the gig at KJ's coffeehouse and wine bar right around the corner from the house. I had played there twice before as was glad that we were doing it again. It's not too big of a spot, so we set up as best as we could out of the way, and at 7pm it was go time. I took video of it all and my cousin Chris was recording the sound so hopefully we can get that pieced together then share it on the web. Since it's a neighborhood place, people bring their kids and hang out - and so there's a lot of running around, in and out the front door - which is right next to where you play. It makes it fun overall - but hard to concentrate on playing at times.
For the second set, and after most of the kids had gone away, the mandolin player from earlier in the day, Grant, sat in with us. It was cool and I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing how it sounded. I was happy with the night as a whole and look forward to playing there at KJ's again.
Now I think I'm ready for bed.
I would like to thank Susan, Katrina, Deb, Kristi - and my mom for supporting this Spring Tour. You can too through my Paypal account which is linked to my e-mail address: jeremiah125@hotmail.com. Every bit helps out here on the road.
Thank You,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Flagstaff and the snow covered San Francisco Peaks
The I-40 through northern Arizona
New Mexico and Mt. Taylor in the distance
Waiting in the St. Patrick's Day parade staging area
Grant, Bob, and Chris getting warmed up
Cruising along the parade route
looking a little chaotic
As night fell I cruised carefully up the road into Colorado - keeping my eyes open for highway patrol along the way. Overall it was a nice easy ride - a bit long though. I found that after 12 hours everything starts to go downhill a bit - usually the perfect time for a break. So I was glad to get to my destination right before that point.
This morning I was up early, since my cousin has 3 kids and also since I was going to be joining him with a group of people for the St. Patrick's Day parade through downtown Denver. We were going to be playing Irish tunes in the back of a decorated truck through the crowds of people along the parade route. Since I'm no stranger to Irish songs I felt fairly confident about playing along with everybody - 3 guitars, including me, a mandolin, and a fiddle. My biggest concern was that I didn't have enough green on, I felt, to be in a St. Patrick's Day parade (which I know was being held on March 12th and not the 17th, but I figured it was so everyone could celebrate on a weekend) but I was able to find some green garland to wrap around my guitar strap and that worked for me.
There were two trucks for us in the parade - for the section of the neighborhood and garden that my cousin lived in. When we made it down to the staging area the trucks were decked out and covered with flowers, ladybugs, garland and banners that wrapped around the trucks - some garden equipment was attached to the front of one of the trucks, and they were to be followed by some people pushing wheelbarrows. Down there we were surrounded by the craziness of the parade. It's truly hard to describe all of it, but I liked the float of St. Bernards, the Star Wars with the Hoth set-up, the giant Jameson bottle (where I think they were giving out small bottles or shots of the Irish Whiskey). We were followed by a group of kids on unicycles.
After about 2 hours of waiting we were able to go - and it was so much fun. We had 4 songs worked out and we played those over and over as we cruised down the streets, surrounded by crowds of people - mostly dressed in green. It was fun to see everyone celebrating and enjoying the music we were playing - although the others did most of the work - I just followed along as best as I could. I was glad that I had made to town in time to take part in all this craziness. By the time we reached the end it had gotten cold - the sun had peaked out a few times and made things warm, but then the clouds blew in and it got chilly. I was glad to get back to the house and inside finally.
After resting and dinner, I made my way to the gig at KJ's coffeehouse and wine bar right around the corner from the house. I had played there twice before as was glad that we were doing it again. It's not too big of a spot, so we set up as best as we could out of the way, and at 7pm it was go time. I took video of it all and my cousin Chris was recording the sound so hopefully we can get that pieced together then share it on the web. Since it's a neighborhood place, people bring their kids and hang out - and so there's a lot of running around, in and out the front door - which is right next to where you play. It makes it fun overall - but hard to concentrate on playing at times.
For the second set, and after most of the kids had gone away, the mandolin player from earlier in the day, Grant, sat in with us. It was cool and I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing how it sounded. I was happy with the night as a whole and look forward to playing there at KJ's again.
Now I think I'm ready for bed.
I would like to thank Susan, Katrina, Deb, Kristi - and my mom for supporting this Spring Tour. You can too through my Paypal account which is linked to my e-mail address: jeremiah125@hotmail.com. Every bit helps out here on the road.
Thank You,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Flagstaff and the snow covered San Francisco Peaks
The I-40 through northern Arizona
New Mexico and Mt. Taylor in the distance
Waiting in the St. Patrick's Day parade staging area
Grant, Bob, and Chris getting warmed up
Cruising along the parade route
looking a little chaotic
Friday, March 11, 2011
Flagstaff - Day 7
Starting my day up here in Flagstaff at the Downtown Diner - it's a good place for a cheap breakfast - full of locals - and not too bad. There's still patches of snow on the ground and the San Francisco Peaks in the background still have a good amount covered. Once again I'm up here because I played last night at the Flagstaff Brewing Co., which is one of my favorite bars. It's right across the street from the old train station - and so it's a great place to watch the trains go by. I really do enjoy it up here - the air is clean and clear - there's a small town feel to it, but it also has a wordly feel to it because of all the people passing through town due to the Grand Canyon being only an hour away.
The show last night went well - played from 10pm to 1am. Lots of blues for this gig and not too much original stuff - it's what happens sometimes for bar gigs when people aren't fully listening. I slip into the blues mode. I met some new people - one guy was from England and traveling around the southwest for two weeks. Another guy was from California and in town because he did a lecture at the university NAU. FBC has always been a good bar to meet people in.
Today I head to Denver - through Gallup and Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Colorado Springs. Tomorrow I get to take part in a St. Patrick's Day parade with my cousin Chris.
Here's some photos from the last couple days - and sorry for missing another day - Wednesday was busier than I thought it would be.
David Serby and Ed Tree at the Cinema Bar on Tuesday
Janey's Coffeehouse and Bodega where I played on Sunday afternoon
The lobby bar at the Hotel Congress in Tucson
The view down into Camp Verde on my way to Flagstaff
All right - it's time to get moving
yours truly,
Jeremiah
The show last night went well - played from 10pm to 1am. Lots of blues for this gig and not too much original stuff - it's what happens sometimes for bar gigs when people aren't fully listening. I slip into the blues mode. I met some new people - one guy was from England and traveling around the southwest for two weeks. Another guy was from California and in town because he did a lecture at the university NAU. FBC has always been a good bar to meet people in.
Today I head to Denver - through Gallup and Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Colorado Springs. Tomorrow I get to take part in a St. Patrick's Day parade with my cousin Chris.
Here's some photos from the last couple days - and sorry for missing another day - Wednesday was busier than I thought it would be.
David Serby and Ed Tree at the Cinema Bar on Tuesday
Janey's Coffeehouse and Bodega where I played on Sunday afternoon
The lobby bar at the Hotel Congress in Tucson
The view down into Camp Verde on my way to Flagstaff
All right - it's time to get moving
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Back to AZ - Day 5
This is going to be another quick one. Lots of traveling in the past two days. I just made it to Tucson where it is beautiful. The mountains in the distance lit up brilliantly by the setting sun.
It was a good show at The Cinema Bar last night - then Tomorrow up in Flagstaff at the Flagstaff Brewing Company.
Will wrote more tomorrow -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
It was a good show at The Cinema Bar last night - then Tomorrow up in Flagstaff at the Flagstaff Brewing Company.
Will wrote more tomorrow -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Early Morning - Day 3 on Day 4
Yes - so I missed writing yesterday. I was up very early after a late night on Sunday. My friend Eddie has two kids and they get up in the morning around 6 or so - and that is what happened on Monday and today. I spent the rest of Monday groggy and wanting more sleep and was very lazy for the day - until the evening when I had to get ready to go out and play.
Last night's set at The Sail Inn was a pretty good one. I had a small crew of people make it out which I was happy about - especially for a Monday night. The people that run the Sail Inn are very cool and it's been a good place to play.
In a few minutes I'm going to be getting my stuff together and hitting the road again - back to LA and then later on playing at The Cinema Bar in Culver City for show #3 of the tour.
All right - time to get moving.
Last night's set at The Sail Inn was a pretty good one. I had a small crew of people make it out which I was happy about - especially for a Monday night. The people that run the Sail Inn are very cool and it's been a good place to play.
In a few minutes I'm going to be getting my stuff together and hitting the road again - back to LA and then later on playing at The Cinema Bar in Culver City for show #3 of the tour.
All right - time to get moving.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cave Creek - Day 2
It's almost 7 pm over here - the sun has gone down and my sets out here in Cave Creek are done. The last time I was out here at Janey's for a New Year's Eve show with my friend Eddie Elliot, who's been a great friend and a fellow singer/songwriter/ traveler, it was 27 degrees and we were basically playing outside - today was much warmer - no overcoat needed. Cave Creek is a little town north of Phoenix - about 45 minutes or so. A lot of weekend warrior bikers come out here, and then there's a little artist community too - so it has a unique feel to it.
The drive out here to Arizona was easy and uneventful - which is a good thing - a little bit of traffic on the way out of town. I was happy to cross the Arizona border and see the gas prices drop to 3.55 and then later even lower.
the view through Palm Desert
I met up with Eddie at the place that he works at and where he plays a couple nights a week - Kitchen 56 which is at 56th St. and Indian School. The kitchen was still open and I ordered the burger which ended up being a double, double thing - way too much burger. So I took off the extra patty and left it - there was no way I was going to finish it all. Overall it was good - cooked well - medium - nice and pink inside. So if you're looking for a good double burger at a great price, kitchen 56 is your place.
Tomorrow I'll be over at the Sail Inn in Tempe and hopefully get to see my cousin Lisa at some point. Anyway - I think I'm done here.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
The drive out here to Arizona was easy and uneventful - which is a good thing - a little bit of traffic on the way out of town. I was happy to cross the Arizona border and see the gas prices drop to 3.55 and then later even lower.
the view through Palm Desert
I met up with Eddie at the place that he works at and where he plays a couple nights a week - Kitchen 56 which is at 56th St. and Indian School. The kitchen was still open and I ordered the burger which ended up being a double, double thing - way too much burger. So I took off the extra patty and left it - there was no way I was going to finish it all. Overall it was good - cooked well - medium - nice and pink inside. So if you're looking for a good double burger at a great price, kitchen 56 is your place.
Tomorrow I'll be over at the Sail Inn in Tempe and hopefully get to see my cousin Lisa at some point. Anyway - I think I'm done here.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Hitting the road...day 1
So the time has come - my car has been packed up - guitars and gear, clothes and coats - soon will be all gassed up (at around $3.80 a gallon here in Southern California) and ready to head to my first destination and my first show of this Spring Tour - Phoenix and Cave Creek on Sunday. I've been planning this trip for a several months now and I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations - which I'm sure it will in one way or the other. Here's the list of dates so far - as you can see some are still in the works:
March 6th - Janey's Coffeehouse and Bodega - Cave Creek, AZ 3-5:30pm
March 7th - The Sail Inn - Tempe, AZ 9pm
March 8th - The Cinema Bar - Culver City, CA 10pm
March 10th - The Flagstaff Brewing Co. - Flagstaff, AZ 9pm
March 11th - The 51 North Grill (yet to be confirmed) - Phoenix, AZ - 9pm
March 12th - KJ's Coffee and Wine Bar - Denver, CO - 7pm
March 13th - The Rockaway - Denver, CO - 8pm
March 19th - The Icehouse (Unofficial SXSW showcase/Carolina Chickadee) - Austin, TX
March 26th - The Way Out Club - St. Louis, MO - 8pm
March 29th - The Basement - Nashville, TN - 8pm
March 31st - WDVX Blue Plate Special Radio Show - Knoxville, TN - 12:00pmEST
March 31st - The Hideaway - Louisville, KY - 9pm
April 2nd - The Southgate House - Newport, KY - 9pm
April 9th - Pop's Blue Moon -St. Louis, MO - 9pm
April 10th - Uncommon Grounds on Clark St. - Chicago, IL - 8pm
April 13th - The Hole In The Wall (yet to be confirmed) - Austin, TX - 9pm
April 14th - The City Tavern - Dallas, TX - 8pm
April 15th - Mary's Lake Lodge - Estes Park, CO - 6pm
April 18th - Live @ Lunch radio show - Fort Collins - 12pmMST
I know I never finished the 3rd part of my Summer Tour from last year - but it's still in the works and hopefully I'll get it finished before this coming summer.
Also - since my fundraiser on Kickstarter didn't reach its goal, I will be accepting contributions through Paypal through my e-mail address here: jeremiah125@hotmail.com
I have to offer CD's, song downloads, house concerts, BBQ - I'm open to negotiations.
I'll do my best to write every day here - I'm off to a good start.
thanks,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
http://www.reverbnation.com/jeremiahandtheredeyes
March 6th - Janey's Coffeehouse and Bodega - Cave Creek, AZ 3-5:30pm
March 7th - The Sail Inn - Tempe, AZ 9pm
March 8th - The Cinema Bar - Culver City, CA 10pm
March 10th - The Flagstaff Brewing Co. - Flagstaff, AZ 9pm
March 11th - The 51 North Grill (yet to be confirmed) - Phoenix, AZ - 9pm
March 12th - KJ's Coffee and Wine Bar - Denver, CO - 7pm
March 13th - The Rockaway - Denver, CO - 8pm
March 19th - The Icehouse (Unofficial SXSW showcase/Carolina Chickadee) - Austin, TX
March 26th - The Way Out Club - St. Louis, MO - 8pm
March 29th - The Basement - Nashville, TN - 8pm
March 31st - WDVX Blue Plate Special Radio Show - Knoxville, TN - 12:00pmEST
March 31st - The Hideaway - Louisville, KY - 9pm
April 2nd - The Southgate House - Newport, KY - 9pm
April 9th - Pop's Blue Moon -St. Louis, MO - 9pm
April 10th - Uncommon Grounds on Clark St. - Chicago, IL - 8pm
April 13th - The Hole In The Wall (yet to be confirmed) - Austin, TX - 9pm
April 14th - The City Tavern - Dallas, TX - 8pm
April 15th - Mary's Lake Lodge - Estes Park, CO - 6pm
April 18th - Live @ Lunch radio show - Fort Collins - 12pmMST
I know I never finished the 3rd part of my Summer Tour from last year - but it's still in the works and hopefully I'll get it finished before this coming summer.
Also - since my fundraiser on Kickstarter didn't reach its goal, I will be accepting contributions through Paypal through my e-mail address here: jeremiah125@hotmail.com
I have to offer CD's, song downloads, house concerts, BBQ - I'm open to negotiations.
I'll do my best to write every day here - I'm off to a good start.
thanks,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
http://www.reverbnation.com/jeremiahandtheredeyes
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