Two more sleeps at home before I hit the road for the last dates of my first regional tour.
The vision for this tour came together at the end of January. That’s when I first reached out to Happy Nomad Booking. I had an itinerary in mind that I hoped would take me to places that used to be solid indie rock stops: places like Morgantown, WV, then over to Pittsburgh, then back down through Virginia, before heading south.
Morgantown never materialized. I did play Harrisonburg, then Friday night was a great gig in Raleigh, aka, “indie rock city.” I sing about it on “Out of the Mainstream.”
Played a small dive bar near downtown called The Night Rider. Funky space and amazing sound (low ceilings always help). What was cool is that the original act, a power trio that wasn’t a good match for me, cancelled. Cooper Uglow ended up being a last minute replacement. He was perfect, playing solo, opening my show. Got to talk some inside baseball with him and Joe, the terrific bartender for the night. I rarely get to talk music with people who get my vibe.
Crowd was small, but that didn’t keep both Cooper and me from rocking Raleigh on a Friday night. Definitely would play here again.
Tuesday morning, I’ll leave early and head for Murfreesboro, TN. Playing what sounds like it could be the best night on the tour. A DIY show at a place called The Shack. The four artist bill was put together by a local rocker who performs as Karate Chad. I love what I’ve heard on Bandcamp. Three of us play some version of the one-man-band thing, including Chad.
Wednesday I’m in Nashville at a small café. Then, Friday, it’s Huntsville, Alabama.
Thursday is an off day, so I’ll visit the Grand Ole’ Oprey, and see a bit of the city.
My setlist of newer songs and some older ones has been fun to play and the reception’s been positive. Friday night’s show at Copper Top Dive N Dine will be a longer gig, so I’ll pull out some covers and play my longest show of the tour. I’ve never been to Huntsville, so I’m jazzed to be playing and visiting a new place.
I’ve been thinking about how people that might be fans, or even followers could offer a musician like me some support on this tour, even if you can’t see me play. Obviously, buying the new CD would be awesome, whether you simple want to download it, or would like a physical copy. I anticipate I won’t have many left after the tour.
I’ve created a landing page for all my stuff. At the very top, there’s an online tip jar option. Five bucks would pay for some gas, help offset my lodging and food, and just let me know people out there are paying attention to what I post here and on my socials. If you are near a venue, come on out. Oh, and please sign up for my BandsinTown alerts, too.
Hitting the road, soon!