I’m getting picked up in about an hour, so I thought I’d
catch everybody up before I leave. That way, when I write from the road, I
won’t have to re-cap.
So…let’s get to it….
....
The Varsity
Hmmm….i have to say, that was an interesting experience
behind the scenes. But, as far as the show itself…
as usual, I love, love, love that venue. It’s so vibey. We
usually do the holiday shows there, but decided to do a non-christmas show
there, too.
After doing the CD release concert at the Guthrie in February,
I decided that I had two options: try to out-do it, or scale it down…I chose to
make it simpler.
So, it was me, JB on bass, Matt on drums, Dirk on guitar and
Kathleen singing back up.
(When we go back to the Varsity on December 3rd,
it’ll be the whole band PLUS all three backup singers, so not to fear!!!)
It was the first week that kids were back to school, and I
just had no way of knowing whether or not people would show up, but, as usual,
my fans are the best! It was packed and the ambience was loving and warm and it
just felt like everyone was ready to hear some good music!
We had a lot of laughs and some poignant moments, too. I
never get tired of playing here in Minneapolis. It’s like being home, but still
wanting to impress, y’know?
....
Behind the scenes, though, it felt like we were all dealing
with our own “situations”. Sometimes you get lucky and everyone is in a good
place in their lives at the same time. Other times…it’s not quite that easy.
But, after playing music with these guys for as long as I
have, I knew we’d pull it together and give it all we had. I’m so grateful for
my band. I missed Tommy, but am so glad he’ll be there in December.
....
I kind of feel like my band is a tiny sub-family. We go
through things. Sometimes we see each other a lot, other times we don’t. But, I
couldn’t imagine having to play with other people. I don’t want to. I love
Dirk’s dry sense of humor, and the way he’s the master of his instrument. JB
defines that smooth, just-get-into-it, presence, not to mention being a wicked
bass player. And Matt…well, Matt is one of the funniest, and to-the-core-good
human beings that you’ll ever meet. He works hard, makes you laugh harder, and
looks like a bad-ass when he plays the drums. Even though Tommy wasn’t there, there’s
not a flavor that he can’t find to add such a sweetness to whatever song he’s
working on. I’m a lucky girl to share the stage with these guys.
....
Now, I’m heading out on a solo tour (with my
manager/”bestie”, Laurie) to California. I’m excited. I feel like I need a brief
break from life here in MN, and there are worse places you could go than Cali!
Sun Country Airlines is flying us there and back and working it out so I can
actually bring my keyboard, so I am a VERY happy girl. I’m also bringing my
guitar for the first time. I won’t be playing it at any of these shows, but I’m
getting closer to that moment. I don’t want to take a week off practicing, so I’ll
be the girl lugging my suitcase, keyboard, and guitar around for the next 7
days!
....
Hope you guys have a great week, and I’ll try to keep the
journal updated while I’m gone……see you soon!