Brief CMJ Tour update....or, We Don't Know Why Our Mothers Worry, pt. 1
For example, at a show in Buffalo the other night, we loaded in at 7pm. First, Kaylan and I knitted (we're knitting scarves for the band this tour; she's working on Joe's and I'm working on Ryan's), Saul and Ryan played cards, Steven read, Joe talked to his girlfriend, and Shaul did a crossword. Then Kaylan and I continued to knit, Steve and Ryan read, Saul was lost in a maze in some choose-your-own-adventure book, and Shaul continued his crossword. Ryan and I played cards for a bit. Joe slept in the car for a while; Saul slept in a chair.
Then, Scott David Herman, who does a bunch of sweet websites, including the 826mi site, and with whom I correspond almost daily but have never actually met, showed up with his wife. He is awesome, and it was a huge joy to finally meet him and hang out.
Long story short, we changed into our Halloween costumes (did I mention the whole band is the Royal Tenenbaums this year?), and rocked the shit out. Drinks were on the house. You know.
In Rochester, we played LESTER, our new favorite game, until we were all giddy. We played at the Bug Jar, and they basically have a kitchen apoxyed to the ceiling (including dishes in the sink and food on the plates). After the show, Kaylan and I went to the bar to get a drink. Some guy came up and offered to "buy this round," and the bartender pointed to a gentleman further down the bar and said, "It's already been bought." I only mention it because shit like this doesn't usually happen, and it was pretty hilarious.
Assorted, because I have to get back to, you know, tour:
*Touring is about the best way you can spend your time. I don't ever want to come back. Hoo-rah for spending 24/7 with your favorite people.
*Saul is still eating weird.
*One night, we sold almost $200 in merch. Woo!
*Last night we played in an actual castle in Waltham. We also ate at a place called Joe Sent Me.
*In Providence, RI, some bars give away free hot dogs. These bars also have jukeboxes that play lots of Steely Dan, strong drinks, and horseradish mustard.
*RISD has a sweet art museum.
*4am is going to bed early.
*Highlights: eating at OCB, trying to throw things into one another's drinks, apologizing to Kaylan almost contantly for our crassness, Saul "stalling for time" on stage last night, signing a CD for a 10-year-old girl, convincing Saul that the van was towed, Ryan cutting some fat bastard off to get a sweet parking spot, talking too much about gross things (will not repeat in print). Oh yeah, also: every minute of every day.
*Headlights are very, very nice.
*CMJ is right around the corner, where we will get free shoes and see tons of awesome bands!!!
Also, it should be mentioned that earlier today, Steven PICKED UP A DIRTY LEAF OFF THE SIDEWALK, SHOVED IT IN MY MOUTH, AND PHYSICALLY FORCED ME TO CHEW ON IT. Unrelatedly, he later said that because I'd chosen the band over Revenge of the Book Eaters, he would never mention the French fry incident again. I have a witness. (A collective sigh of relief goes up. He's started mentioning it on stage.)
Alright, I've got people I'd like to hang out with. Bitches got our drink on before the show tonight. Saul's lovely lady (hi Sarah!) specifically asked that I try to blog from the road, so I'm doing the best I can...
And that's the weather, kids, from the mystral planes of endless skies, the skyless ends of earth in flames! (I didn't write that.)
- Amelia
