Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Spring Tour part 1


So tons of things have been going on lately and I've honestly been too lazy to post anything in a while. This last month has been filled with suprises to say the least. I'm so happy to finally start touring a bit. I think touring is the only thing that keeps me sane right now.

This last weekend I was lucky enough to be accompanied by some extremely talented musicians. Joshua James and Benton Paul played amazingly at The Grind and The Electric Theater. Both I know are going to be very successful in what they do. Its pretty crazy how 3 people can do so many different things with just their voice and a guitar.

The Grind ended up being a pretty "stripped down" show. We all just played acoustic to a crowd of about 80 people or so. This was the biggest cedar city show I have ever headlined. There were some people singing along and making requests. I played a lot of songs I hadn't played in a very very long time. The lighting was spectacular and the sound was even better. I love that venue. Dave Kreitzer opened the show with a three peice(The Embrace) and it really tied together the whole night.






set list: Starlight(Muse Cover), Look Out(new song), Seventeen, the Brightest (Copeland Cover), Clovers, Parades,The Sound (new song)With or Without You, Golden


The Electric Theater was a tough one to play. I received word my grandfather died about 20 minutes before I went on. I have never played a show where I had so many things stirring up inside me. A lot of people said they never have seen me play a show like that before. The whole thing was pretty much a blur to me. I got through it though. We had the same amazing openers and I know people really loved them. The night wasn't over yet. Benton and I drove down to Vegas afterwards. I love it when you come to the point where you first see the lights of Vegas on the horizon...theres nothing quite like it. I slept in the van once we got to Henderson and fell asleep to "Walk The Line" blaring on the tv in the background.


set list: One More Day, Summer is Over, Without Warning (new song), Medley, Keep Driving, With or Without You, Ever So Sweet(Early November Cover), Golden



The Estring was an amazing venue to say the least. Perfect for the type of music we play. It was a combination of a music store, bar and venue. The light and sound were pretty awesome. Benton and I played for a High School Choir earlier in the day and we actually brought over 100 people out that night thanks to the hard work of his family. I am so thankful for that family and for their hospitality. I was happy not to sleep in the van every night. Vegas is kind of hot. I got to play with Benton on a few songs which really made the night for me.


set list: Seventeen, Wonderwall/Boulevard of Broken Dreams(Oasis/Green Day Cover), Promise, Land Slide (Fleetwood Mac Cover), Medley, With or Without You

with Benton: Fields of Gold (Sting Cover), Where are You (Bentons Single)


Benton and I took off yesterday around noon, after getting some In and Out Burgers and a lot of driving we got home around 8pm. Good Times. I have a few big shows before it and I have tons of more news too...I will try to get better at writing on this thing.






3 comments:

hurleyman said...

Hey john,
I love when you put stuff on this blog. Its so great reading from your point of view. I made the st. george show which you know from the e-mail ;)but i still wanted to post somethin here. It was really great. I always feel so good after your shows. Even though it was hard for you. I just listened to the going away demo. It was amazin. Do you think you will have a going away show before you leave?after the covers release? that was be just incredible.
love everything you do.

Benton Paul said...

Hey J.A.

There's nothin but love for the mini tour.

Cravin' some In&Out right about now.

skirknv said...

John,
It was a pleasure to have you in our home. Your show was awesome.
Your welcome back in Vegas (Henderson) anytime.
Sincerely,
"That Family"