I just returned home from my first ever cross-canada tour! Sure, I skipped any and every city between Ontario and BC, but that was the best that I could muster with my contacts and available time. I started the tour doing shows with a band called dUTERVIL around Southern Ontario. After that, I embarked on my solo journey across the country, which was quite it's own adventure … as always.

Once on the Coast, I met up with Meg 'O'Mally' Iredale and the strange sail-boating trio, Fish & Bird. We played a handful of shows on and around the Island. By the end of each night, all five of us would be on stage, picking and wailing and stomping our feet. It was a wonderful time and a great group to tour with.

My trip home was marked by surprisingly wonderful show in Thunder Bay and then a terrible rain storm which forced me to buy a plane ticket the rest of the way to Toronto just to make it there in time for my show. I wasn't looking forward to hitching that last expanse, so I shared some kind words with the storm and enjoyed my hour and a half trip that would nearly bring me home.

After the show in Toronto, regardless of my exhaustion and some serious home-sickness, I travelled to Guelph to rehearse with my good friend and occasional bandmate, Kelly McMichael. We were to do a short tour the next weekend. After four days there, I hopped on a rideshare home and completely crashed out for the handful of days I was allowed before I had to hit the road again.

The life of a touring musician involves few meals and a lot of miles. You really have to love it – none of this 'like' business. Remember friends, those hats being passed are your minstrel's bus ticket, meal the next day and rent (if they're a lucky one).

Love you long time. Hope to see you this summer.

Be well. Talk soon.
david.