Well, we're fresh off the boat from Oregon and Northern Cali, where we played some good times. good times. The people of OR were ultra-wonderful and the venues we played at were not only hip but soooo accomodating...a rarity! Lisa, our manager, hopped on board for the run and made things run that much smoother...not to mention the fact that another female on board never hurt this rudegirl ;-)
The tour kicked off with a warm adieu from our local fan-base, joining us at DQs for a sincerely sweet Solstice show. My co-workers from the elementary school I work at came out to represent...3rd, 4th & 5th grade teachers DO know how to party...especially when on spring break! ;-)
Friday night we headed up to Berkeley...thanks to Karuna and crew for the love and to NewBlue and John Staedler for warming up the stage. I got to wear my new Adidas Missy E's for the very first time. Mi Like. And man, did I look cool...
Saturday we played Dunsmuir for the very first time, which is a small town near Mt. Shasta. Not only did the people there eat up our merchandise, but they cut a rug, too. Good times. We stayed at Louie Dewey's resort for dirt cheap and hiked 1/2 mile (this is what the locals will tell you...it's actually about 2 miles) up the river to Mossbrae Falls...incredibly beautiful...can't wait to head back in the summertime and let them falls crush my dome.
Sunday was Easter and we leisurely made our way to Ashland, OR, to a BBQ at our friends...Matt, Unity and Banyan. Banyan is their 4 year old son and I think the Rudeboys are now experts at making domino courses thanks to him. Jenga, Apples to Apples, and Wii are also now addictions, thank you ;-)
Monday was a shocking packed house at Alex's restaurant in Ashland, where I am convinced people just don't have day jobs...or night jobs. Karen Lovely sure made my night. She is a local blues singer that just freakin wails! And it was a super treat to have her come up and sing on 'Crazy Mama'...This mama sho' taught this mama a few things that night....It was so good to see Jeni Larsen from Earthdance there, too, as well as Ambur Rose, who we met at Dreamtime Festival last summer ;-) This was also the night of our manager, Lisa's, 30th B-day. Let's just say that after the owner of the venue "made her" drink a shot, she tried to collect our money not once, but twice. hey, at least she remembered to collect it. period.
Tuesday we played a Benefit show for the Corvallis Environmental Center at Fireworks Venue...Ocean, the owner, made our night! Not only were we fed all organic gourmet food from a clay oven, but he recorded the show and streamed it live from their website!
www.fireworksvenue.com. Met some lovely talented people there that night and I got to enjoy the company of my high-school friend, Joy, who is expecting her 2nd baby. Thanks to Holly, too, for hosting us!
Wednesday we made our way to Portland. We've been collecting money for the World Action Foundation, which is an all-volunteer org that brings relief and aide to the street children of west africa, starting in Ghana. One of the men behind the scenes is Bill, who we had the pleasure of meeting at our show that night. What a treat. He and I started brainstorming and we're hopefully going to start sending help to blind and deaf children as well! Very inspiring. Breakfast at 2AM was highly unusual and much needed. We went to Roxy's in the gay district with our new friends, Jaime, Sam and Melissa. Justin ordered the vagitarian omellette. no, that is not a typo. We stayed in Portland with Josh and Sarah and Josh played us blue-grass lullabies until we all passed out.
Hood RIver was our next stop and following the Colombia River there was just beautiful. It started snowing when we arrived which made the drive even prettier. you know, it's that snow-globe snow I'm talking about.
Friday in Bend was freeking cold but amazing to see my dear friends, Amy & Andy and their 2 year old Chloe. Chloe was enamored with the bus and we convinced her that "this is what all school buses are like." Amy was a true friend and came up on stage to dance Betty with me. She was amazing and sang the harmonies like she's been singing since the womb.
Saturday, our last night on tour, was perhaps the most sacred as well. In weaverville, there is a coffeehouse and music venue called Mamma Llama. The vibes there are so irie and Steve and his wife Donna are super chill. Their staff is amazing and the sound there was the BEST i've ever heard it anywhere!!!! no joke. The people of Weaverville were so stoked to have us and we were likewise so happy to play for such evolved souls. A perfect way to end the tour. And my spring break. Which is officially over. My first day back was today. It was good to see the kids. They've grown. One week packed with spurts.
When I got home from work, Johnny was the bearer of really sad news. My fav alpaca, Annie, died while we were gone. I never thought I'd cry so hard over an animal, but she was so special. She was the only alpaca on our farm that let you pet her. She brought so much joy to everyone she met...she'll be sorely missed...I love you Annie.
And I love all of you who read these journals and come out to our shows and support what we do. Hugs to you...hope to see you all soon!!!! Much love, Naomi