It's late over here - just past midnight - but it feels later than that. I don't think I've caught up on my rest just yet - and I'm wondering when that will happen. Since I've gotten to Denver we've had days of rain - more so than normal so it seems - from what the locals are saying.
Last night at KJ's went well - we had a good intimate crowd - not as crazy as last time - but it was still a fun night, and we played well. During our set a good down pour happened, and some thunder and lightning - it was good to see - even though I seen quite a bit of that over the past week - from St. Louis to here in Denver.
Today we BBQ'd another pork shoulder and it came out great. My cousin Chris also made a salad with stuff straight from his garden - plus some potatoes - it was a good meal and everyone felt full for a while.
This evening one of Chris' neighbors was having a party so we wen t over there and ended up playing some songs - right until it start raining again. Still it was a fun gathering of people.
I'm planning on staying until Monday and then I'll continue west until I get to Las Vegas on Thursday, and I think Phoenix on Friday for a show - that has yet to be confirmed.
Sleep sounds good now -
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Traveling West - Day 36 and 37
Again - I apologize for not writing yesterday - I had planned to when I reached my destination here in Denver, but a good storm passed though and knocked out the power at my cousin's place, so there was no internet access. Today it has cleared up after raining until the early hours of the morning, and it should be perfect by the time we head over to KJ's Coffee and Wine Bar right around the corner.
Yesterday morning I woke up late after finally getting a good night of sleep. At my cousin Mike's place I slept on his futon which wasn't the best and most comfortable, so finally getting into a real bed was amazing. Tracy Huffman has a good size farm style house out in the country, and when I woke up, I sat down to a cup of coffee and talked to Tracy's wife, Beth. They're both warm and welcoming, and from that area, and I told them about my traveling days, and we also talked about the rising Missouri River which is where St. Joseph lies next to.
After some good blueberry waffles and another cup of coffee I gathered my things and started out to the road through some rain. I decided that I was going to take a smaller highway, the 36, which is pretty much a straight line across the top of Kansas and not too far from the Nebraska border. It's the old Pony Express road and it seemed better to do that than to drop down to the main Interstate 70 highway. I was ready to pass through a bunch of small towns along the way - just like I had when I drove through the back roads of Texas.
As I rolled along out of the St. Joseph area the skies cleared up and I followed cars and trucks and we traveled along. People were friendly out there - many waved from their vehicles as I passed by - which I hadn't really seen before. I passed by so many farms - lots of corn fields and cows, horses and tractors. The towns along the way all had a similar feel to them - nice folks who would also wave as I drove by, small Main Streets, lots of trucks. Then there were also many towns that had closed up stores, vacant gas station remains, broken down motels, and silent restaurants no longer open. I have seen it a lot in my travels over the past year - and I wonder where those people are going.
As I crossed into Colorado, my cousin Chris called and left a message saying that a major storm had rolled through and knocked out the power - also that there were high winds and some tornado warnings. So I knew what to be on the look out for as I got closer and closer to Denver. I looked ahead and saw the dark sky which spread wide across the horizon - and where I was heading straight into - after a few miles of hills and then onto the I-70. I could see and feel the wind, and soon drops fell from the sky. As I hit the highway, the rain fell harder and harder - and I cruised along cautiously. Still though, the storm wasn't as bad as the one I encountered as I drove out of Memphis on my way to Nashville a few weeks ago.
I was happy when I finally saw my exit and made my way through the streets to my cousin's house. The power was still down, so candles were lit and I sat down and relaxed. It felt good to be done driving for the day - and I was very glad that I decided to drive that day and not the have to have done it all the following day (today) and then rush and have to get ready to play. I was exhausted and ready for sleep after a good shower by candlelight.
I slept in again today - and this evening Chris and I are going to be playing right around the corner again at KJ's tonight. It's a nice little place, well supported by the neighborhood - and I do enjoy playing there. Then it's a few days of rest before heading west again. After tonight the next show is in Las Vegas in Thursday, then I think Friday in Phoenix, and then back to Southern California.
After this trip I have no real plans to tour like I have for the past year and a half. I need to get back to work and get some money so I can eventually head out again next Spring - so after I get back it will be the end of these hardcore traveling days - which I will miss, but it will be good to be in one place for a while, sleep in my own bed, eat better, and exercise - which I haven't been doing much of at all - but soon.
That's all for now,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
from Tuesday - as I drove over the Mississippi River from Alton, IL.
That's Tracy Huffman at Magoon's in St. Joseph, MO.
Northern Kansas along the Pony Express Trail
Heading into the storm front
Yesterday morning I woke up late after finally getting a good night of sleep. At my cousin Mike's place I slept on his futon which wasn't the best and most comfortable, so finally getting into a real bed was amazing. Tracy Huffman has a good size farm style house out in the country, and when I woke up, I sat down to a cup of coffee and talked to Tracy's wife, Beth. They're both warm and welcoming, and from that area, and I told them about my traveling days, and we also talked about the rising Missouri River which is where St. Joseph lies next to.
After some good blueberry waffles and another cup of coffee I gathered my things and started out to the road through some rain. I decided that I was going to take a smaller highway, the 36, which is pretty much a straight line across the top of Kansas and not too far from the Nebraska border. It's the old Pony Express road and it seemed better to do that than to drop down to the main Interstate 70 highway. I was ready to pass through a bunch of small towns along the way - just like I had when I drove through the back roads of Texas.
As I rolled along out of the St. Joseph area the skies cleared up and I followed cars and trucks and we traveled along. People were friendly out there - many waved from their vehicles as I passed by - which I hadn't really seen before. I passed by so many farms - lots of corn fields and cows, horses and tractors. The towns along the way all had a similar feel to them - nice folks who would also wave as I drove by, small Main Streets, lots of trucks. Then there were also many towns that had closed up stores, vacant gas station remains, broken down motels, and silent restaurants no longer open. I have seen it a lot in my travels over the past year - and I wonder where those people are going.
As I crossed into Colorado, my cousin Chris called and left a message saying that a major storm had rolled through and knocked out the power - also that there were high winds and some tornado warnings. So I knew what to be on the look out for as I got closer and closer to Denver. I looked ahead and saw the dark sky which spread wide across the horizon - and where I was heading straight into - after a few miles of hills and then onto the I-70. I could see and feel the wind, and soon drops fell from the sky. As I hit the highway, the rain fell harder and harder - and I cruised along cautiously. Still though, the storm wasn't as bad as the one I encountered as I drove out of Memphis on my way to Nashville a few weeks ago.
I was happy when I finally saw my exit and made my way through the streets to my cousin's house. The power was still down, so candles were lit and I sat down and relaxed. It felt good to be done driving for the day - and I was very glad that I decided to drive that day and not the have to have done it all the following day (today) and then rush and have to get ready to play. I was exhausted and ready for sleep after a good shower by candlelight.
I slept in again today - and this evening Chris and I are going to be playing right around the corner again at KJ's tonight. It's a nice little place, well supported by the neighborhood - and I do enjoy playing there. Then it's a few days of rest before heading west again. After tonight the next show is in Las Vegas in Thursday, then I think Friday in Phoenix, and then back to Southern California.
After this trip I have no real plans to tour like I have for the past year and a half. I need to get back to work and get some money so I can eventually head out again next Spring - so after I get back it will be the end of these hardcore traveling days - which I will miss, but it will be good to be in one place for a while, sleep in my own bed, eat better, and exercise - which I haven't been doing much of at all - but soon.
That's all for now,
yours truly,
Jeremiah
from Tuesday - as I drove over the Mississippi River from Alton, IL.
That's Tracy Huffman at Magoon's in St. Joseph, MO.
Northern Kansas along the Pony Express Trail
Heading into the storm front
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
On The Road Again - Day 35
This morning I was up fairly early, so I could get all my things together and get headed down the road. I had been in St. Louis almost a full week - and it was fun, but it was time to start the move back to the west. I had a good time hanging out with my cousin Mike at his new place, playing music, and breaking in the grill out back - plus the Fourth of July.
I checked all around to make sure I didn't forget anything, all my chargers and bathroom stuff, DVD's, and my bag of mesquite wood that I bought in Texas and that I used some for smoking the pork on the 4th. But before leaving town I headed over to my aunt and uncle's place to get some laundry done and take a shower - since I was desperately in need of both.
Right now I'm about 20 miles outside of Kansas City - it's a very easy drive to get here from St. Louis - only about 4 hours across Interstate 70. This evening I'm going to be heading up to see my friend Tracy Huffman who lives just outside of St. Joseph - which is about 45 minutes north of here. Tracy is an awesome singer/songwriter who used to live in LA and I used to go see him play shows around town. He's from this area and a few years ago he and his family moved back to the midwest - and he hasn't really been back to the West Coast to the dismay of his friends.
I came out here to see him about 3 years ago - he has a regular Wednesday night gig at a place called Magoons. Then, I had planned a small tour across Iowa and Lauren was set to meet me in the morning - and I stayed with Tracy out at his place in the country which was nice. That night a big storm came in and the thunder shook the whole house and it was pretty spectacular.
I've been trying to see him out here for the past year or so. Every time I it set up, something in my plans would change, and so I would have to send him a note saying next time. So, I'm pretty happy right now that I'm only bout 45 minutes away, and it's a Wednesday night - so it looks like it's finally going to happen.
Tomorrow I continue the drive west - heading to Denver. I was thinking going up to see Eddie in the Omaha area, but I think that it's too far out of my way, and I do want to get to Denver - also so I don't have to do all that driving on Friday - and have time to relax before playing that night - but of course - it could change.
It's still hot and humid out here and today it felt good getting clean.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
I checked all around to make sure I didn't forget anything, all my chargers and bathroom stuff, DVD's, and my bag of mesquite wood that I bought in Texas and that I used some for smoking the pork on the 4th. But before leaving town I headed over to my aunt and uncle's place to get some laundry done and take a shower - since I was desperately in need of both.
Right now I'm about 20 miles outside of Kansas City - it's a very easy drive to get here from St. Louis - only about 4 hours across Interstate 70. This evening I'm going to be heading up to see my friend Tracy Huffman who lives just outside of St. Joseph - which is about 45 minutes north of here. Tracy is an awesome singer/songwriter who used to live in LA and I used to go see him play shows around town. He's from this area and a few years ago he and his family moved back to the midwest - and he hasn't really been back to the West Coast to the dismay of his friends.
I came out here to see him about 3 years ago - he has a regular Wednesday night gig at a place called Magoons. Then, I had planned a small tour across Iowa and Lauren was set to meet me in the morning - and I stayed with Tracy out at his place in the country which was nice. That night a big storm came in and the thunder shook the whole house and it was pretty spectacular.
I've been trying to see him out here for the past year or so. Every time I it set up, something in my plans would change, and so I would have to send him a note saying next time. So, I'm pretty happy right now that I'm only bout 45 minutes away, and it's a Wednesday night - so it looks like it's finally going to happen.
Tomorrow I continue the drive west - heading to Denver. I was thinking going up to see Eddie in the Omaha area, but I think that it's too far out of my way, and I do want to get to Denver - also so I don't have to do all that driving on Friday - and have time to relax before playing that night - but of course - it could change.
It's still hot and humid out here and today it felt good getting clean.
yours truly,
Jeremiah
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Fourth of July - Day 33 and Day 34
So it has been a little bit of a pain not to have internet access at the house, but oh well. Today I'm back at the local spot, Nora's - enjoying a mellow post-Fourth of July morning. The temperature has come down quite a bit and I'm definitely thankful for that. There were several storms that rolled across the area on Sunday and even a few yesterday - lots of lightning and thunder - the fair activities that were happening downtown by the Arch had to be cancelled - but we still went ahead and did some grilling.
Yesterday was pretty fun - I got an early start since the plan was to smoke a pork butt - and that usually takes about 5 or 6 hours. So I went to the store to get the rest of the supplies and I got the fire going, soaked some mesquite wood that I bought in Texas, seasoned the meat, and got it cooking. Several of Mike's friends came by, including his brother Eric, and we had a good time. By about 5pm everything was ready to eat, and man, it was good - definitely worth the wait. So I think that Mike's grill has been sufficiently broken in.
Today I need to cross over the river and go see family in Illinois and pick up a rocking chair that has been in the family for a while and my mom would like to have it. It's an easy drive and I think I'll wait until Mike get's off work.
Tomorrow I start the drive west and will eventually get to Denver for a show on Friday. Maybe to see my friend Tracy Huffman in St. Joseph, Missouri, and maybe to meet up with Eddie in Iowa on Thursday - but we'll see.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
The new set-up
The stage at the Three Kings Public House on Saturday night.
The pork butt being smoked - it was close to being done at that point
Yesterday was pretty fun - I got an early start since the plan was to smoke a pork butt - and that usually takes about 5 or 6 hours. So I went to the store to get the rest of the supplies and I got the fire going, soaked some mesquite wood that I bought in Texas, seasoned the meat, and got it cooking. Several of Mike's friends came by, including his brother Eric, and we had a good time. By about 5pm everything was ready to eat, and man, it was good - definitely worth the wait. So I think that Mike's grill has been sufficiently broken in.
Today I need to cross over the river and go see family in Illinois and pick up a rocking chair that has been in the family for a while and my mom would like to have it. It's an easy drive and I think I'll wait until Mike get's off work.
Tomorrow I start the drive west and will eventually get to Denver for a show on Friday. Maybe to see my friend Tracy Huffman in St. Joseph, Missouri, and maybe to meet up with Eddie in Iowa on Thursday - but we'll see.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
The new set-up
The stage at the Three Kings Public House on Saturday night.
The pork butt being smoked - it was close to being done at that point
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Stormy St. Louis - day 32
3rd of July - it's been a very quiet day. Last night was fun playing down on Delmar at the Three Kings Pub - it went well - had a good crowd and some of my family came out.
Yesterday Mike bought a Weber Grill and we broke it in with some burgers, corn, red bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes - it was all good! This evening we did steaks and they came out just right.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July and I'm not sure what we're doing - but I'll write more tomorrow.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
Yesterday Mike bought a Weber Grill and we broke it in with some burgers, corn, red bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes - it was all good! This evening we did steaks and they came out just right.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July and I'm not sure what we're doing - but I'll write more tomorrow.
Yours truly,
Jeremiah
Saturday, July 2, 2011
MIdwest Humidity - Day 31
Yesterday was a hot one - and I know in other parts of the country it's even worse - but there's just an extra kick with that humidity here. The air seemed heavy - almost like you could see it - looking to the Arch to the east there was a haze that sort of just hung in the air - it almost made me wish I was back in the dry Arizona heat - almost - since today it's supposed to hit 117 degrees in the Phoenix area.
Yesterday Mike and I ran some errands around town after he got back from work. A trip to his parents house, a run to the Goodwill, the drum shop, some food, then back to rest for a while before heading to rehearsal - and all of this done in Mike's car that doesn't have air-conditioning. It was a good day and the rehearsal went well and I'm looking forward to the show tonight. I'm sure we're going to lose a bunch more of water weight - since it's just as hot today - although we're supposed to get some thunderstorms later tonight.
Since Mike doesn't have internet at his place just yet, I walk over to his neighborhood coffeehouse/cafe for my morning coffee and to get online and check things out - like right now. The place is called Nora's and it's a nice little place - very friendly staff and the food looks good. All that I've had so far is a breakfast sandwich on a bagel that tasted great, but the chalk board menu on the wall has a wide selection of sandwiches that sound awesome and I wish I could try them all. They also have salads and soups, and a kids menu too. Best of all though is that it's local and I do think that's important.
I've been seeing that more and more across the country - the whole buy local campaign - and I do agree and support when I can. When we played the farmers market in Austin there was a free magazine that was focused on the local farms - of all sorts - in the surrounding areas. The pictures and the words really made me want to go experience it all. I do enjoy shopping for foods and seeing the fresh products displayed - and I always enjoy shopping at farmer's markets - so it was great when Mikaela and I played at two of them.
Here in St. Louis I picked up a similar magazine - focused on local products - in fact they have it here at Nora's and I think it's a good thing that it's spreading. Also I've seen more and more people with their own gardens - either through community gardens (like my dad) or in their own yards - if they have the space. Before i moved out of Hollywood, I had a few things growing that I was proud of - a basil plant that was doing really well, and a mini poinsettia that was given to me - and I surprisingly kept it alive - and it kept growing until I left and moved to Nashville.
Well, now that I've had two cups of coffee I think I'm ready to start the day. I need to go get some guitar strings, Mike wants to go buy a grill - he's not sure about either gas or charcoal - and then some grilling supplies - food and such. Then load up later and head to the gig, which is just down the road.
I'll let you know how it goes,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Yesterday Mike and I ran some errands around town after he got back from work. A trip to his parents house, a run to the Goodwill, the drum shop, some food, then back to rest for a while before heading to rehearsal - and all of this done in Mike's car that doesn't have air-conditioning. It was a good day and the rehearsal went well and I'm looking forward to the show tonight. I'm sure we're going to lose a bunch more of water weight - since it's just as hot today - although we're supposed to get some thunderstorms later tonight.
Since Mike doesn't have internet at his place just yet, I walk over to his neighborhood coffeehouse/cafe for my morning coffee and to get online and check things out - like right now. The place is called Nora's and it's a nice little place - very friendly staff and the food looks good. All that I've had so far is a breakfast sandwich on a bagel that tasted great, but the chalk board menu on the wall has a wide selection of sandwiches that sound awesome and I wish I could try them all. They also have salads and soups, and a kids menu too. Best of all though is that it's local and I do think that's important.
I've been seeing that more and more across the country - the whole buy local campaign - and I do agree and support when I can. When we played the farmers market in Austin there was a free magazine that was focused on the local farms - of all sorts - in the surrounding areas. The pictures and the words really made me want to go experience it all. I do enjoy shopping for foods and seeing the fresh products displayed - and I always enjoy shopping at farmer's markets - so it was great when Mikaela and I played at two of them.
Here in St. Louis I picked up a similar magazine - focused on local products - in fact they have it here at Nora's and I think it's a good thing that it's spreading. Also I've seen more and more people with their own gardens - either through community gardens (like my dad) or in their own yards - if they have the space. Before i moved out of Hollywood, I had a few things growing that I was proud of - a basil plant that was doing really well, and a mini poinsettia that was given to me - and I surprisingly kept it alive - and it kept growing until I left and moved to Nashville.
Well, now that I've had two cups of coffee I think I'm ready to start the day. I need to go get some guitar strings, Mike wants to go buy a grill - he's not sure about either gas or charcoal - and then some grilling supplies - food and such. Then load up later and head to the gig, which is just down the road.
I'll let you know how it goes,
Yours Truly,
Jeremiah
Friday, July 1, 2011
Summer time - Day 30
Another St. Louis morning - out in a neighborhood coffeehouse - close to where Mike used to live. Lauren, Mike, and I came here after a night out - it has a good feel to it. Lots of locals, I presume. I remember the food being pretty good to. It's warm and humid out still and I had to get out of the apartment - also Mike left very early for work and I really didn't get back to sleep after that.
Last night after I made dinner - chicken, red potatoes, broccoli - we went out to an open mic that we went to a few months ago. I don't do many open mics these days - mostly because I have my own gigs now - but every now and then if I had nothing else to do and I know of a good one in a cool spot I'll go. Last night was one of those cool ones - at a place called the Iron Barely/Fred's Six Feet Under. The Iron Barely has BBQ and last night they were out back with their trailer/smoker cooking ribs - which smelled amazing. If I hadn't just eaten I would have gotten some - but I can wait.
Last night we all were out on the back patio - all the tables were almost full and we had to wait for a few minutes to find an open one. I signed up and waited. It was a good evening - still a little warm - but being outside felt good. The people that were there were enjoying themselves - eating and drinking - and the musicians and singers came and went to the stage - myself included. It was nice looking out and seeing people listen and pay attention when I played - it's always good to have people pay attention.
We realized it was getting late and knew we had to go since Mike had to be up early for work today. As we drove back, we passed the Budweiser plant and we could smell the beer being made - it's a unique smell - the cooking of grains which has sort of a warm scent to it. When I was up in Paso Robles last September at the Pour House which is located behind the Firestone Brewery I experienced a similar smell.
Today - it will probably be nap time this afternoon - and I won't be making the drive to Indiana. Then some rehearsal, some food too at some point - and just enjoying St. Louis - which isn't too hard right now.
Next show is at the Three Kings Public House on Delmar here in St. Louis
yours truly,
Jeremiah
mmmmmmm...BBQ....
Last night after I made dinner - chicken, red potatoes, broccoli - we went out to an open mic that we went to a few months ago. I don't do many open mics these days - mostly because I have my own gigs now - but every now and then if I had nothing else to do and I know of a good one in a cool spot I'll go. Last night was one of those cool ones - at a place called the Iron Barely/Fred's Six Feet Under. The Iron Barely has BBQ and last night they were out back with their trailer/smoker cooking ribs - which smelled amazing. If I hadn't just eaten I would have gotten some - but I can wait.
Last night we all were out on the back patio - all the tables were almost full and we had to wait for a few minutes to find an open one. I signed up and waited. It was a good evening - still a little warm - but being outside felt good. The people that were there were enjoying themselves - eating and drinking - and the musicians and singers came and went to the stage - myself included. It was nice looking out and seeing people listen and pay attention when I played - it's always good to have people pay attention.
We realized it was getting late and knew we had to go since Mike had to be up early for work today. As we drove back, we passed the Budweiser plant and we could smell the beer being made - it's a unique smell - the cooking of grains which has sort of a warm scent to it. When I was up in Paso Robles last September at the Pour House which is located behind the Firestone Brewery I experienced a similar smell.
Today - it will probably be nap time this afternoon - and I won't be making the drive to Indiana. Then some rehearsal, some food too at some point - and just enjoying St. Louis - which isn't too hard right now.
Next show is at the Three Kings Public House on Delmar here in St. Louis
yours truly,
Jeremiah
mmmmmmm...BBQ....
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