7 Random Thots of a Mini Midwest Tour
I cannot thank EPIC Arts Management enough for giving the opportunity to go on tour with them this past weekend! A great group of guys singing brillant music, providing top notch entertainment, and just putting on wonderful shows.
2. “Just us guys on this one.”
We had so many great laughs. One of the best ones was at the end of trip and in context (and out of context) I said “Just us guys on this one.” It was in reference to one of our amazing bosses that didn’t get to tag along on the tour. Maybe the delivery wasn’t the best in the world.
3. Wisconsin Rapids & Batavia
We had the pleasure to play in two high schools. The auditoriums that these high schools had were gorgeous, state of the art, and professional. They had staff that truly cared about everything, and tended to our needs to the fullest! These districts are truly blessed to have the support from their communities and school to reach their full potential every time they walk on stage. Wisconsin Rapids had a totally radical sound system, and Batavia lit our show beautifully. It felt like we were in a rock show.
Starbucks new name is now Bae.
I don’t think I have ever been in a bigger mall in my life! It went on and on and on. There were two food courts in there, and a Rainforest cafe! The only store we got to go to was Bae. Everything else was closed until 11am, which is when we had to head back to our hotel to check out. Next time we are there, we will have to do some major shopping, and eat in the Rainforest!
Gurnee is pretty famous for being the home of 6 Flags Great America. Associated with them is Key Lime Cove, an indoor waterpark hotel. A few years ago, they had an event there called Heatwave. I was lucky enough to attend this event for some much needed R&R. Though I am not very close with any of these people anymore, I am grateful that I got to experience this indoor pool dance party with them. Seeing the enclosed slide tubes that go outside, brought me back to that time.
One of Michael Buble’s famous songs is called Home. The three men that I heard sing this song three nights in a row covered it and created a magical experience each time. Each night I heard them sing it, it meant something different.
Wisconsin Rapids - During my time here I was visited by some special people in my life. My parents, sister, and nieces made the drive to come and visit me at our hotel. Not seeing them since Christmas, we got to enjoy some much needed family time. I was home.
Batavia - Leaving Wisconsin and heading into Illinois, there was a sense of, “yes this is home, and always will be, but you can more than one home.” I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel home and share art in the part of the country that taught me.
Waukegan - After we played our last venue, I sure was ready to get back to New York, see my friends at home, be back in the city that never sleeps, and get back to work at Roundabout. Don’t get me wrong, these guys are SPECTACULAR, and I will forever cherish our time together on this tour. I also would jump at any opportunity to do another show with them again. It was time to go home.
