Sunday, June 8, 2008

arizona


This was my first time touring through Arizona and it was an interesting drive to say the least. My friend Jared from a great band Forgotten Charity came along to play and so did our promoters buddy Ford. They both hopped in the van around 7pm and we were on our way. I drove 8 hours through the night getting to Flagstaff around 4 in the morning. Occasionally dodging deer and steep cliffs. Finally we got a hotel room to recharge our batteries. By noon the next day we were already in Mesa. We met up with our Promoter and our friend Darren. I think this photo shows that Jared knows him a little better than I do.


It was around 100 degrees when we got there. Its pretty crazy how much the climate can change in just a few hours drive. We ended up taking frequent cat naps the rest of the day, crashing on the couch and watching "The Count of Monte Cristo"(which is one of the best movies of all time)
As we got too the Freestone Amphitheater later that afternoon, I took the time to admire my surroundings. Hugging palm trees, while drinking mountain dew and watching the sunset. Then we set up for the show. It ended up being a really intimate setting and despite a few technical difficulties it ended up being a great show. I wish they had parks like this in utah. It was awesome to meet new people and share the stage with such amazing guys like Jared, The New Nervous and Mike Moss.


The next day we got up early to experience the awesome deliciousness of Dunk N Donuts. They don't have these in Utah and they should. Its a shame. It had been about a year since I last had some. It had been way too long. Words cannot express the joy I felt sinking my teeth into a luscious glaze donut and consuming a large vanilla coolata.

The next night Jared and I played a house party and it ended up being one of my favorite shows I've ever played. The crowd was beyond welcoming. I would have to say that Arizona might be one of my favorite places I've played on tour. The Barnes girls(including rebecca) had a beautiful backyard and we set up next to their pool. Even the neighbors got into the show. Yelling out from time to time in between songs.

On our way back it got up to 107 degrees. It started to cool off the more we got up North. Oh and of corse we passed through the grand canyon as well. It was beautiful. The scenery was pretty amazing and made the trip go by really fast.

I hope to come back later this Summer to the Arizona area. Hopefully it will cool off a little before then. I highly doubt it though. Thanks to Darren, Ford, The Barnes Family and Jared this was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

2 comments:

*The Johnson's* said...

Hey I saw you for the first time at the Grind in Cedar City. I think you're pretty amazing...don't ever stop playing.

chels said...

That was the best concert and most amazing performance I’ve ever been to! The fact that we got to sit right by you and sing along to every song was awesome... It was so personal. You should be very proud because that was the best way to go and a fantastic last concert for you. :) I’m also depressed that I had to leave during your last song ‘Time After Time’... I was hoping to end the night with a hug or something. Haha I feel so close to you through your music that it’s hard to think you’re really leaving. But I’m definitely looking forward to all of your upcoming music! And I promise you’ve made a difference in so many people’s lives... I’m glad you didn’t ever give up. Promise you’ll come back soon because I know that I already miss you! And thank you for answering all of my silly questions before, I’m sure there will be more. Ha I wish you the best of luck!