[B]aron’s Blog - Texas Reflexis
[B]aron’s Blog.
Today’s topic: The last four days of the Texas Spring Tour.
One month back from the tour, and I reflect.
Travel is the Leveler. The greatest, purest mirror. The five of us learned more about ourselves, individually, and also about each other. Thirteen sets in twelve days. Two great indicators of character to me: How you handle yourself under stress/pressure, and How you handle hospitality and kindness.
Dors blogged about a good bulk of the trip already. For me, the last four days were magic. Faced with financial disaster due to high rental car prices (we needed something for five people, with two weeks-worth of luggage, plus instruments, plus CDs and t-shirts), we jumped into the last four situations with a very ready attitude: it was time to Kick Ass.
Wursthaus on Thursday in Lake Jackson was a Huge Success. We got generous hospitality and also a song request (an original song!) from the owner Richard. We found some fellow Avett Brothers fans by performing an obscure cover, whom we saw Again on Saturday afternoon at the bait shop gig.
Friday night at Ronnie's ice house was one of those where everyone looks you up and down on your way in, and the bartender asks "ya'll are not a rap group, are ya?" But we won 'em over with a high-energy three-hour set, and Megan Cronin was a star.
The next afternoon, outside of Bridge Bait in Freeport, a truck pulled up and two guys hollered "Hey, ya'll are the band from Ronnie's! We loved it! Have some shots!" And they pulled out a half gallon of canadian whiskey and started pouring shots…from their car. Then, we went into the bait shop, where we knew there was an opening, but we weren't actually booked…and they agreed to give us a chance. Our Wursthaus friends showed up to cheer us along, and we rocked that bait shop. Hard. Check out K8npdx's photos for proof!
Saturday, The Local in Lake Jackson was very hospitable, and had a Killer menu. We were very grateful to be given a chance to perform there! For our Portland fans, it was kind of like Prontobella (Clackamas) meets Sauce Box (downtown). The bartender there is very talented.
Sunday, we finished out at Dido's, just like last year. We rocked our tired bodies for about three hours, unplugged; we caused a rainstorm by stomping barefoot in the middle of "Searchlights In Mexico"; and finished the tour out in intimate fashion by singing "The Beacon" to each other in a circle in the middle of the patio. We were given succulents by the owners.
I miss Texas already. I always have a Great time there, except that one time five years ago. Remember Will Downing. And, while you're at it, don't forget that Huge Sally still exists!
