Today was a day to relax. Even though I woke up early and felt I had to get some booking work done, I still was feeling pretty lazy - and I was all right with that. Denver has been a good place to relax. It feels familiar - I know my way around the streets close to my cousin's house, the people around town are friendly, the sun shines bright and the air is dry - all things that I enjoy.
Last night I went out and walked to a coffee house close by - St. Mark's. I was feeling the need to walk - and it was chilly out but it still felt good. I had my coat on and an umbrella since it was supposed to rain at some point. I listened to the radio broadcast from earlier in the day and I was pleased with what I heard - we sounded together and like we had been playing together for a while - which we have. So I'm looking forward to getting together again and playing some more shows where ever.
This morning the house emptied out early and I spent some time alone - getting some cereal, and then later went back and walked over to St. Mark's for some more tea. I was thinking about the show that my cousin and I booked for later in the evening (and where I am writing this now). It was a place that my cousin had found in the neighborhood, just east of downtown. I was going to head out and make my way to Grand Junction, but I decided to stay and play.
Coffee at the Point is the name of the place and it's in the 5 Points area of Denver. I got there early and could see that it was going to be a coffee house gig, with not too many people listening - most of the people were doing work on their computers and so I sort of knew what to expect. Chris showed up with his kids and we set up and got ready to play. His wife Catherine showed up with baby Jude - but Jude quickly went into melt down mode and so they weren't there for too long. We went through one set and had some people from the neighborhood show up - and overall it went well. We played a muted set - not wanting to be too loud, but there was something cool about toning it down - Chris thought so too.
Now I'm about to head back to the house and get ready for the drive to Las Vegas in the morning. I'm playing at a place called the Freakin' Frog which is on the south side of town by the airport. It's going to be about an 11 hour drive - but I feel ready for it. So if anyone knows anyone in Vegas, send em' out to the Freakin' Frog. I'll start playing around 9pm or so.
Then Thursday I head down to Tucson, Friday up to Phoenix, Saturday - maybe Tucson again, Sunday - Cave Creek, Monday - Tempe at the Sail Inn, then Tuesday maybe start the drive back to the West Coast - and Wednesday back at the ol' Cinema Bar with Holly Long.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Radio and goodbye's... - Day 45
This evening, things are quiet. The kids have gone to bed, as have my cousin and his wife, and now it's me and the dog, Bella down stairs. There's a cold drizzle outside, a dog barking in the distance, and soon I'll getting ready for sleep too. But before that I need to write about the events of the day.
It started early since Lauren had to be up and on the clock working (as she has been doing on the road) at 8am Nashville time. Also the kids all get up around that time - and there's just the typical morning rush in the house.
We were set to play up in Fort Collins on the KRFC Live @ Lunch show. I've played it a couple times before, and so has Lauren, and it's an hour long show that showcases live in the studio artists. Just like the radio show in Knoxville, they like you to be there at least an hour early so you can get everything set up for the live on-the-air show - and in this case and in many cases now days - streamed over the web.
The drive up which is about 65 miles was the fastest I've done yet - usually I hit traffic along the way - but we made it up there quick. We picked up some coffee and then to the studio to set up. We met the host - a nice guy named Phillip and the sound guy - who did sound for me last time I was there in August, Dennis. Last night we got our set list together and so I took it out and we looked it over and we were ready when the clock hit 12.
The show went smoothly and I felt good about it. I think it was definitely the best one out of the three so far. I think it helped that I had gotten rest over the previous days - not like the first time when I pretty much drove straight to the studio from Nashville when I was moving back to LA - I was pretty beat that time. This one though we played our songs, and talked to the host and before I knew it the time was up.
I packed up the car again, picked up a copy of the show on CD, and went out to lunch. Even though I've had a lot of burgers over the past several days, I decided to get another one - and it was good - definitely one of the better ones I've had on this trip so far. From there we stopped by the New Belgium Brewery right down the road, but it was closed on Mondays, so we settled for Odell's Brewery right around the corner. Lauren did some work there, since we had some time to kill before we had to go to the airport so she could catch her plane home to Nashville.
Her plane was to leave at 7pm, so by 4:30 we figured it was time. The ride down was again smooth, and soon we were at the airport. Since she didn't want to check any bags, there was a lot of cramming stuff into any space possible and I had to sit and push down on the bigger one to make sure it closed. And then it was time to say goodbye - after a month of running around the south, Texas, and Colorado. Plans are being sorted out for June, to get me back to Nashville, play some shows around the area - and then I'm not sure - haven't decided just yet what to do after that - we'll see.
Well thanks to Lauren for her support on the road - sharing the car and the stage - and being a good friend - I look forward to doing it again.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
It started early since Lauren had to be up and on the clock working (as she has been doing on the road) at 8am Nashville time. Also the kids all get up around that time - and there's just the typical morning rush in the house.
We were set to play up in Fort Collins on the KRFC Live @ Lunch show. I've played it a couple times before, and so has Lauren, and it's an hour long show that showcases live in the studio artists. Just like the radio show in Knoxville, they like you to be there at least an hour early so you can get everything set up for the live on-the-air show - and in this case and in many cases now days - streamed over the web.
The drive up which is about 65 miles was the fastest I've done yet - usually I hit traffic along the way - but we made it up there quick. We picked up some coffee and then to the studio to set up. We met the host - a nice guy named Phillip and the sound guy - who did sound for me last time I was there in August, Dennis. Last night we got our set list together and so I took it out and we looked it over and we were ready when the clock hit 12.
The show went smoothly and I felt good about it. I think it was definitely the best one out of the three so far. I think it helped that I had gotten rest over the previous days - not like the first time when I pretty much drove straight to the studio from Nashville when I was moving back to LA - I was pretty beat that time. This one though we played our songs, and talked to the host and before I knew it the time was up.
I packed up the car again, picked up a copy of the show on CD, and went out to lunch. Even though I've had a lot of burgers over the past several days, I decided to get another one - and it was good - definitely one of the better ones I've had on this trip so far. From there we stopped by the New Belgium Brewery right down the road, but it was closed on Mondays, so we settled for Odell's Brewery right around the corner. Lauren did some work there, since we had some time to kill before we had to go to the airport so she could catch her plane home to Nashville.
Her plane was to leave at 7pm, so by 4:30 we figured it was time. The ride down was again smooth, and soon we were at the airport. Since she didn't want to check any bags, there was a lot of cramming stuff into any space possible and I had to sit and push down on the bigger one to make sure it closed. And then it was time to say goodbye - after a month of running around the south, Texas, and Colorado. Plans are being sorted out for June, to get me back to Nashville, play some shows around the area - and then I'm not sure - haven't decided just yet what to do after that - we'll see.
Well thanks to Lauren for her support on the road - sharing the car and the stage - and being a good friend - I look forward to doing it again.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Day Off in Denver - Day 44
AFter a week a running from one town to the next, today I get to actually enjoy a full day off - and so far it's been incredibly nice and just what I've needed. Over the past week I've covered well over 2,000 miles - and I've been pretty exhausted over the last couple days - trying to recover from that insane drive from Dallas. Tonight my cousin Chris is smoking some ribs and I'm looking forward to a mellow evening.
Friday night, it felt so good to sleep and lay down in a bed - and then to wake up in the glorious mountains, not too far from the entrance Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a little cold out and the bit of snow was blowing down in the wind. We didn't have to be down in Denver for a few hours so we drove around town for a bit, checking out the amazing scenery.
we had lunch downtown and I had my first elk burger - which was really good - meaty, not too gamey, seasoned and cooked perfectly. The burger the night before at Mary's Lake Lodge and this one had definitely made up for that bad one in Dallas - which I'm still shocked about. After lunch we went up to the Stanley Hotel where they filmed the exterior for The Shining - and it's really a remarkable place - a grand old hotel - not so scary as the movie depicts - but just a classic, historic feel to it.
We made our way down the mountain and back to downtown Denver to meet up with a friend of Lauren's - I thought about the last time I was down there for the St. Patrick's Day parade just last month. There was a Rockies game that afternoon and the places and the streets were crowded with people dressed up in baseball gear. After hanging out we headed over to my cousin Chris' house so we could get ready for the gig that night around the corner at KJ's Coffee and Wine Bar.
We were going to be playing as a trio that night, Lauren, Chris, and me - and when we got there just around 6:30 there wasn't anyone there. Hopefully people show up - we thought out loud as we set up our gear, and by the time we were ready to go at 7pm the place totally filled up - kids and parents all from the neighborhood - some of Lauren's family, Chris' family, other people that came to check out the music. It was funny just how fast people poured in. The show went well - it's also funny watching the kids get into it and start dancing and grooving. It does get a little chaotic but it makes it fun too - they serve ice cream and to watch their faces get covered and messed up and then run around - it's hard to keep a straight face sometimes.
One of my friends from LA who is in Denver for a class came out too - Cat Lincoln - who makes it out to the Cinema Bar a lot and to the Grand Ol' Echo too. So we talked and caught up. Afterwards a group of us headed out for some food - and then I started feeling worn out and ready for some sleep.
Today I ventured out to buy some guitar strings, and it's just been a lazy day. I was able to do some laundry - which was definitely a much needed task. I'm looking forward to the ribs that have been slow cooking since about noon. Then maybe some rehearsing for the radio show tomorrow up in Fort Collins. It's a show I've done a couple times before and thankfully they also welcome me back when I'm passing through town.
Here's the info:
KRFC Live@Lunch - from Fort Collins, Colorado
12PM Mountain Time
here's the link
http://www.krfcfm.org/programming/krfc-live-stream/
listen in if you can
thanks,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
The City Tavern stage in Dallas
gear
The 100K mark - just before Colorado Springs
The make-up burger at Mary's Lake Lodge - it was awesome
Mary's Lake Lodge - as the snow fell
The view from the lodge
The lodge is on the hill in the distance
The Stanley Hotel - Lauren is there taking a photo of a group of girls
Some animals just hanging out
Friday night, it felt so good to sleep and lay down in a bed - and then to wake up in the glorious mountains, not too far from the entrance Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a little cold out and the bit of snow was blowing down in the wind. We didn't have to be down in Denver for a few hours so we drove around town for a bit, checking out the amazing scenery.
we had lunch downtown and I had my first elk burger - which was really good - meaty, not too gamey, seasoned and cooked perfectly. The burger the night before at Mary's Lake Lodge and this one had definitely made up for that bad one in Dallas - which I'm still shocked about. After lunch we went up to the Stanley Hotel where they filmed the exterior for The Shining - and it's really a remarkable place - a grand old hotel - not so scary as the movie depicts - but just a classic, historic feel to it.
We made our way down the mountain and back to downtown Denver to meet up with a friend of Lauren's - I thought about the last time I was down there for the St. Patrick's Day parade just last month. There was a Rockies game that afternoon and the places and the streets were crowded with people dressed up in baseball gear. After hanging out we headed over to my cousin Chris' house so we could get ready for the gig that night around the corner at KJ's Coffee and Wine Bar.
We were going to be playing as a trio that night, Lauren, Chris, and me - and when we got there just around 6:30 there wasn't anyone there. Hopefully people show up - we thought out loud as we set up our gear, and by the time we were ready to go at 7pm the place totally filled up - kids and parents all from the neighborhood - some of Lauren's family, Chris' family, other people that came to check out the music. It was funny just how fast people poured in. The show went well - it's also funny watching the kids get into it and start dancing and grooving. It does get a little chaotic but it makes it fun too - they serve ice cream and to watch their faces get covered and messed up and then run around - it's hard to keep a straight face sometimes.
One of my friends from LA who is in Denver for a class came out too - Cat Lincoln - who makes it out to the Cinema Bar a lot and to the Grand Ol' Echo too. So we talked and caught up. Afterwards a group of us headed out for some food - and then I started feeling worn out and ready for some sleep.
Today I ventured out to buy some guitar strings, and it's just been a lazy day. I was able to do some laundry - which was definitely a much needed task. I'm looking forward to the ribs that have been slow cooking since about noon. Then maybe some rehearsing for the radio show tomorrow up in Fort Collins. It's a show I've done a couple times before and thankfully they also welcome me back when I'm passing through town.
Here's the info:
KRFC Live@Lunch - from Fort Collins, Colorado
12PM Mountain Time
here's the link
http://www.krfcfm.org/programming/krfc-live-stream/
listen in if you can
thanks,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
The City Tavern stage in Dallas
gear
The 100K mark - just before Colorado Springs
The make-up burger at Mary's Lake Lodge - it was awesome
Mary's Lake Lodge - as the snow fell
The view from the lodge
The lodge is on the hill in the distance
The Stanley Hotel - Lauren is there taking a photo of a group of girls
Some animals just hanging out
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Up in the Mountains of CO. - day 42 & 43
Yes - we pulled it off! We made the long drive from Dallas and made it in time for the gig up here in Estes Park, CO. It was quite an adventure and we went pretty much from stage to stage. I also crossed the 100K miles mark in my car just south of Colorado Springs. Sleeping in felt so good.
Thursday night we rolled up into Dallas from Austin and met up with one of Lauren's friends from college. The place we were playing was downtown called the City Tavern. It was a decent bar and had a small stage in the front right by the window. We set up and got to playing. But beforehand we ordered food and I chose a hamburger - which was a bad choice - it really was one of the worst burgers and was so surprised - you know being in Texas and all. I didn't even finish it all. But the playing still went well. Another one of Lauren's friends made it out and we had a nice little crowd to cheer us on.
I also knew that right after the gig we had to get in the car and hit the road to Colorado. When I had booked the shows I knew it was a long distance but as the days approached I started realizing it wasn't going to be easy at all. So right after midnight we had the car packed up, checked out the map and started driving northwest. Lauren was in the passenger seat and did her best to get comfortable so she could sleep. I picked up some coffee and settled in and we made our way up the highways of Texas.
It was extremely windy all across the Texas plains and I did my best to hold my car on the road. I heard later that there were storms to the east and was happy that we missed them all - just wind for us. We made a stop and I slept for a short spell right before dawn - then headed up to Amarillo - which is a stop I always make and that was going to be our switching point. We pulled into the Starbucks and it felt good to get out of the car for a moment.
Lauren drove north and got us finally out of Texas and I slept. I awoke as the wind was still rushing across the plains and we went from New Mexico in to Colorado. I was watching the clock too since we had to be at the gig at around 6 to start - or so I thought. By Denver we were both feeling extremely beat. Lauren has also been working from the road, so she had her laptop out and was finishing up her day. We hit traffic through Denver but broke free as we hit the road to Boulder and beyond into the hills and into the mountains.
The roads winded up and up and it was a stunning sight when we made into the Estes Park area - an opening in the mountains - a lake - snow caps all around - deer and elk cruising around the town - and we found our way to Mary's Lake Lodge.
It's a very nice place up on a hill that overlooks the the lake. I came in to check it out - one of the perks about playing here is that you get a room to stay - and we were both looking forward to sleeping at some point. We also found out after coming in and meeting the host of the night that we didn't have to play until 7pm which was about an hour a way - and we were happy about that so we could rest and settle down and eat - which we hadn't done for most of the day.
The room filled up with diners and we got to our set and had a good time. I did struggle for a moment trying to gather the energy to carry on - but we pulled it off.
The rest of the night we hung out and talked to the bartender and Dick, the host of the night who was a really nice guy. Then later came up and finally got to sweet sleep.
Today we're getting ready and going to check out the town before heading down to Denver where we're playing tonight at KJ's coffee and wine bar with my cousin Chris.
Well got to get cleaned up now and get ready for the day -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Thursday night we rolled up into Dallas from Austin and met up with one of Lauren's friends from college. The place we were playing was downtown called the City Tavern. It was a decent bar and had a small stage in the front right by the window. We set up and got to playing. But beforehand we ordered food and I chose a hamburger - which was a bad choice - it really was one of the worst burgers and was so surprised - you know being in Texas and all. I didn't even finish it all. But the playing still went well. Another one of Lauren's friends made it out and we had a nice little crowd to cheer us on.
I also knew that right after the gig we had to get in the car and hit the road to Colorado. When I had booked the shows I knew it was a long distance but as the days approached I started realizing it wasn't going to be easy at all. So right after midnight we had the car packed up, checked out the map and started driving northwest. Lauren was in the passenger seat and did her best to get comfortable so she could sleep. I picked up some coffee and settled in and we made our way up the highways of Texas.
It was extremely windy all across the Texas plains and I did my best to hold my car on the road. I heard later that there were storms to the east and was happy that we missed them all - just wind for us. We made a stop and I slept for a short spell right before dawn - then headed up to Amarillo - which is a stop I always make and that was going to be our switching point. We pulled into the Starbucks and it felt good to get out of the car for a moment.
Lauren drove north and got us finally out of Texas and I slept. I awoke as the wind was still rushing across the plains and we went from New Mexico in to Colorado. I was watching the clock too since we had to be at the gig at around 6 to start - or so I thought. By Denver we were both feeling extremely beat. Lauren has also been working from the road, so she had her laptop out and was finishing up her day. We hit traffic through Denver but broke free as we hit the road to Boulder and beyond into the hills and into the mountains.
The roads winded up and up and it was a stunning sight when we made into the Estes Park area - an opening in the mountains - a lake - snow caps all around - deer and elk cruising around the town - and we found our way to Mary's Lake Lodge.
It's a very nice place up on a hill that overlooks the the lake. I came in to check it out - one of the perks about playing here is that you get a room to stay - and we were both looking forward to sleeping at some point. We also found out after coming in and meeting the host of the night that we didn't have to play until 7pm which was about an hour a way - and we were happy about that so we could rest and settle down and eat - which we hadn't done for most of the day.
The room filled up with diners and we got to our set and had a good time. I did struggle for a moment trying to gather the energy to carry on - but we pulled it off.
The rest of the night we hung out and talked to the bartender and Dick, the host of the night who was a really nice guy. Then later came up and finally got to sweet sleep.
Today we're getting ready and going to check out the town before heading down to Denver where we're playing tonight at KJ's coffee and wine bar with my cousin Chris.
Well got to get cleaned up now and get ready for the day -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Texas - Day 41
Ok - sorry but this has to be another short one. We had a good night in Austin at BD Riley's and now we're on to Dallas to play at The City Tavern.
talk more later,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
talk more later,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mellow Austin Day - day 40
After a very long day of driving yesterday, we made it safely to town at around 3:30 in the morning. We had some delays, but it was all right and I was so happy to finally lay down to sleep.
Tonight we're playing down on 6th Street at BD Riley's. It's Lauren's Birthday too so it should be a fun night. Tomorrow is Dallas, and then a crazy drive up to Colorado on Friday - but it has to be done.
Sorry for another short note, but I'm on Lauren's computer and she has to get back to work.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tonight we're playing down on 6th Street at BD Riley's. It's Lauren's Birthday too so it should be a fun night. Tomorrow is Dallas, and then a crazy drive up to Colorado on Friday - but it has to be done.
Sorry for another short note, but I'm on Lauren's computer and she has to get back to work.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Up Early - Day 39
Here's a quick one for you -
Up early so we can make Austin tonight. The car is almost packed - just a few more things and then Lauren and I hit the road - I-40 west and then turn southwest at Little Rock. ETA right now is 10pm - we'll see. Then we get to see Mikaela again and see how her new life in Austin is going. And it's also both Lauren's and Mikaela's birthday tomorrow - and we get to play downtown at BD Riley's on 6th Street. I'm looking forward to it all - but most of all just getting to Austin and out of the car.
That road yesterday was a long one - through small towns with stoplights. I should have taken the interstates. Oh well I made it here.
All right gotta go and get the rest of the stuff in the car.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Up early so we can make Austin tonight. The car is almost packed - just a few more things and then Lauren and I hit the road - I-40 west and then turn southwest at Little Rock. ETA right now is 10pm - we'll see. Then we get to see Mikaela again and see how her new life in Austin is going. And it's also both Lauren's and Mikaela's birthday tomorrow - and we get to play downtown at BD Riley's on 6th Street. I'm looking forward to it all - but most of all just getting to Austin and out of the car.
That road yesterday was a long one - through small towns with stoplights. I should have taken the interstates. Oh well I made it here.
All right gotta go and get the rest of the stuff in the car.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
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