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.