Tour Journal 2009

‘As I See It Summer Tour 2009’ ended tonight as the lights dimmed and I walked off stage at Malibu Pizza.  We had numerous ‘firsts’ tonight. !) There was a telephone solo in the middle of the show. 2) Snapple bottle and knife were used for rhythm looping.  3) Freddie the server rap/sang a freestyle […]

Mendel made me some fresh popcorn for the drive to Davenport.  Yummy!  The drive was a bit confusing as the interstates seemed to be going through a triple bypass surgery!  Notice the ridiculously large pen that one of the servers is sporting.  After the show, I was treated to a gorgeous lightning display on the

My brother Mendel woke me up today and said I had 5 minutes to leave for a mystery journey.  This journey ended up taking us through the back roads of Eastern Iowa.  Our first stop was the Sutliff Cider Company.  We enjoyed samples, a tour of the facility and a fresh, delicious bottle of Hard

I’m not sure the adults in Cedar Rapids were prepared for live music in a traditionally wing, sports, and beer driven venue.  The kids however, couldn’t stop dancing.  I really enjoyed watching the kids leave their tables and jam out in front of the stage.  Perhaps in another year, the parents will be ready to

The drive to Coralville was really peaceful.  In my opinion, Iowa will certainly maintain its position as a leader in alternative energy.  The fields  of windmills certainly will have a positive impact on the state and will hopefully inspire other areas to jump on the alternative energy bandwagon.  I stopped at the Williamsburg outlets to

I really enjoy hanging out at Cellar 19 each year.  Jon’s wine bar is a hidden jewel tucked in the rolling fields of Council Bluffs.  As always, it was a treat to see old friends that have been coming to shows for more than a decade, and it’s a true pleasure to return to the

  I almost missed visiting with Steve King today.  I was stuck in the traffic that his staff was reporting on.  Fortunately, I made it with 2 minutes to spare.  I enjoyed returning to perform on Steve’s show.  I’ll be posting a link to the mp3 of the segment as soon as it is available.

On the way from Manhattan to Lincoln, I stopped in at Amigo’s in Beatrice, NE, my once a year location for the infamous “Cheesy Burrito.”  I order this cheesy mess of goodness wrapped up in a flour tortilla, and cover it with their signature spicy cheese sauce.  Although they refuse to share the recipe, I’m

There is a certain amount of pride I feel when I have the opportunity to perform for those who have served our country.  Sacrificing time, energy, and in many cases their lives, our armed forces put so many things on the line each day to protect our country.  It is very satisfying to play at

Steve and I drove back to Cobden for more Shawnee Wine Trail fun today.  The weather wasn’t quite as amazing, but the rain held off until we finished playing.  This was our first time visiting Rustle Hill, and what a sight it was.  The grounds were spacious with a large amphitheater, small pond, and plenty