Bubble Burst

My bubble was exposed yesterday by an innocent question posed by an innocent young man. "What's gospel music?'

I don't assume everyone knows the music I know, but I also never consider that they don't. You mean someone might not actually know what gospel music is, or who its practitioners might be?

I stumbled for an answer, as I was not prepared to have my bubble penetrated at that time and place.  I later sat in my car and thought, oh, I should've said it's the Bible set to blues music...although blues was birthed from gospel, in my replay of the conversation I get to assume he knew what blues music is...or maybe it would've landed another blank stare.

So I said, "here," and handed him my newly acquired business card (the location for this conversation) and if curiosity should allow he could go to the website and hear some gospel music.  He said, "right on."

As per all my design relatd needs, the cards where designed by Douglas DeMuth

Ames Progressive, Ames, IA
Friday, April 9

It was a bust.  5 people, 4 not including Jonathan, who opened the show, and the 4 people were his friends.  So, in all actuality, no one came. 

This doesn't really surprise me, it mostly reaffirms that all age college venues are not for me.  There are a few exceptions, but very few.  I think back to my late teens/early twenties and I didn't like all age college venues then either.  Musical differences we'll call it.  Now I know that some people can bring blues, gospel, folk, etc., to an all age audience and do it very well.  I've just never been that guy.  After 14yrs I know I'm not that guy. 

Ames Progressive is actually a cool space.  It's an office space that converts into a music venue on nights that music is booked and they host a variety of other community related things.  Friendly people.  Cozy space.  There was a Parot in the pet store below.

Supposedly there is a podcast...I dunno.

Homers, Kansas City
Saturday, April 10

I've played Homers a few times in the past 2yrs.  It's actually in Overland Park, just outside KC.  I was looking for a Christian coffeeshop to play in KC and remembered there being a few but all have closed except Homers.

It's got a great stage, nice sized room and it sits right on a main street so you get lots of walk in traffic in addition to the locals who come and support music.  All of my shows at Homers have been good, but this was the best.

I played with the Hallelujah Cowboys.  Their drummer died about a yr. ago and they took time off to re-adjust.  The keyboard player became the drummer (if I remember correctly) and this was their first show back at it.  The two founders have played together for 24yrs which is amazing.  I asked how they can stand each other and they said, "That's why we stand at opposite sides of the stage."  Jokingly of course.

I was a little worried because I only made $20 in Ames and KC can be a crapshoot but they did the most gracious thing.  It was a packed house, all because of them, and they don't usually pass the hat at Homers, but the band said they were gonna pass the hat and give all the money to me to cover the travel expenses!  I was blown away. 

They asked me to join them on their last song, which they've played at every show except for 2 in their 24yr history.  So I joined them on resonator for "Will the Circle Be UnBroken".  It was super fun.

It was a great trip.

Where the Folkheads at?

Friday, April 2
Second Street Bistro, Ashland, Wisconsin

This was my third show (I use the term loosely) at the 2nd Street Bistro. We played there twice as a band and it didn’t make sense to come back as a group since they are lacking in 2 key areas: money and audience.  I would say collectively I’ve played to about 30 people combining the 3 visits.

It’s odd, it’s a great room, good food, real nice staff and the owner is a super nice guy also. They have music on Wed/Fri nights so it’s a regular affair. Apparently if you’re a local artist it’s a packed house, but if you’re an out-of-towner, it’s a crapshoot…nothing new.

I really, really like this venue and even more so the town, which sits straight east of Duluth. The scenery is amazing with National forests on all sides. Northland College is also in the town, but the bistro doesn’t seem to be an attraction for them.

They have a folk festival in the summer, which leaves me wondering where all the folkheads are at…might be a tourist event rather than supported by the locals.

I drove all over the town thinking, “There’s got to be an angle on this town”. My mind drifted from the attempt to crack the Ashland code as I gazed on a most miserable looking Easter bunny sitting on a bench with kids clamoring all around on an extremely windy and cold afternoon. I’m sure he would have happily traded the attendance of my previous nights performance to the one he was now enjoying.

I will be back at the Bistro on Friday, June 11.
2ndstreetbistro.com