These American Times

The show in Lubbock was an unexpected success. After the van died we didn't think we would make it there at all, but thanks to Mr. Wolf we arrived in time, and in high spirits. The show was at a coffee shop called Sugar Browns Cafe. A small little place. From the outside it looked like the kind of place I might avoid. Although Lubbock seems to generally look that way to me. We got our gear set up and waited for show time. By the time we stared, the cafe was full. I thought they must have been there because it was there regular hang, but when we started playing every person in the room was quiet and looking at us and smiling. I was shocked. The longer we played the longer the line got and everyone was started joining in on the energy of the room. The vibe was perfect. We played an acoustic set which I was somewhat dreading, but it was perfect for the room and for my energy.

I've found that it doesn't matter what you're playing or where, but it can never be the same. A musician must seek out the energy of the moment with a focused intensity, and sit in its' pocket. That takes skill and constant effort every second that you play. Another approach may be to create your own energy that is appealing to the audience and invite them into it, but this will never be the same, or as satisfying to the group as the former. This night seemed a perfect example for this.

After the show a friend of a friend there whom we didn't know, lent us his apartment for the night, even though he was out of town. This fell inline with the theme of the day. Strangers reaching out to help us. We hung out with a group of people from the show, laughed and talked, and then headed there for some sleep.

The next morning I began calling every number I could find looking for a vehicle to rent to get us back to Dallas. There was nothing available. Nothing that could tow a trailer and be returned in a different city. David's Dad had offered to drive his Jeep Commander from Houston to dallas for us to use for the rest of the tour, so we just needed to get to it. A friend named Richard offered to drive us and our trailer to Abilene. It only took one call and Bill Spellman volunteered to drive the Jeep to Abilene to meet us.

On the way to Abilene we stopped back through Snyder to clean out the van and put it in a safe place. Mr. Wolf offered to let me leave it in his field until I can figure out what to do with it, so there it sits.

7 hours later we were back in Dallas, with a new and able vehicle ready for the next leg of our Journey. I'm humbled by the events that took place to get us there. I'm humbled by the generosity of everyone we interacted with. Thank you to James Wolf, Richard, Bill, David's Dad, the guy that lent us his apartment, and everyone who made Lubbock such a great night for us.

After a burgers and beer at The Old Monk, and a nights rest at Joel's apartment we were off to Florence, AL.