Tour Diary from Supporting Wilco
Fantastic shows, espresso machines, and magical moments
Below is the tour diary of my time on the road supporting Wilco.
10/18/2023
Last night was the first show of my 8 date run supporting Wilco. I have to tell you, I walked into the Paramount Theater feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm used to a more compact, smaller world. Wilco World is much grander, but as soon as I walked into it, I was surrounded and welcomed by all its citizens who let me know I'm supported and I belong. Even my complicated dog who can't help yelling at some of them was welcomed. I will always be nervous before every show, but it makes all the difference to be surrounded by good folks. Thank you Wilco!
10/19/2023
I had the genius idea of bringing an espresso machine on this tour for Tami and myself. 2 mornings in. It's been a game changer! BUT...the pods! We need more pods. So I've been spending all morning trying to order pods. If we could just drive up to any shady corner and exchange cash to a pod dealer for goods we'd be set, but I'm stuck on the hamster wheel troubleshooting site glitches with chat agents and it's getting ridiculous. So maddening that I'm now writing to all of you and laughing hysterically at the level of frustration I'm feeling over this luxury item that now seems like an absolute necessity. The show cannot go on without these pods!
10/22/2023
I was luckily enough to get invited to play a very special show at the Bross Hotel last night. Paonia is definitely my kind of town. The innkeepers, Suzanne and Mike, do an amazing job of hosting a night of music. It was a dream gig - beautiful surroundings, welcoming people who love music, excellent food and a fantastic room at the Inn! Nothing's better than finding a new favorite place. I will definitely go back to Paonia and visit my friends at the Bross Hotel.
10/25/2023
Five shows in on this Wilco Tour, and it's been a fantastic experience! Wilco audiences are incredible - quiet and listening. The stage crew is generous - always there to help me with anything coming on and off the stage. I'm feeling more and more comfortable on these enormous platforms, but I'll always love the intimacy of the smaller ones. It's good to strive and dream for something grander as long as I keep aware of all the unique and incredible experiences I can only have on those smaller stages - Bristol for example. Good to always appreciate where you are!
10/27/2023
Last show on Wilco tour! It’s starting out fantastic! Walked into the hotel and saw this creative idea someone had for extra towels, so I added to it. Evelyn my goddaughter will be here tonight! Very excited to see her!
10/29/2023
Tami and I (mostly Tami) have been driving West - Bentonville to Burbank. Very flat and very brown with the occasional tumbleweed, that's our view. Tami said at one point "We're driving through a train set". This tour has been a stellar experience. The last show was special. My guitar had a slight issue right at the start of my show and the Wilco stage crew, like lightning, whisked my guitar off stage and handed me another one of theirs to play! I'll miss those guys. They made those very nervous moments in the wings, right before jumping off the cliff, more enjoyable.
I mentioned this in my last email, but I’ve made new music with Jeff MacLeod under the name Jolie Laide.
We’ll release our self-titled debut album ‘Why I Drink’ on November 17th, 2023 via Oscar St. Records (the artist-run independent record label based in Victoria, BC founded by Kathryn Calder of The New Pornographers and Frontperson).
New song ‘Why I Drink’ out now (above).
No one likes to feel bad; although, there’s a comfort in sadness or even being locked in an unhealthy pattern if these things are familiar. Avoiding pain altogether is hard work. I don’t think it’s possible if a person still wants to feel happiness. All things do eventually catch up and come into consciousness. I’ve never gone through the struggle of addiction myself, but I do know why I drink.
Order or stream it here.