We are in the van again en route to Arizona. We are in good spirits. We are revealing songs ordinarily carefully concealed in the depths of our ipod libraries. "I would walk 500 miles" "Breakfast at Tiffany's"...haha. It's a good day.
We awoke to coffee cake and a basket of pigs-in-a-blanket, juice, coffee, tea, the works. We are being treated so well.
----------------------------------------------
nighttime update!
We just played a really weird acoustic show to no one but Rob's family and the coffee shop staff lol. We sounded fine but...we could've done that in their living room. oh well.
We are in Arizona. But not for long. Looks like we're going to drive through the night. weee are off to LA!
Takin notes and keepin tabs on the road with Balmorhea from 2008-2013. Check out the archive for Aisha's previous European and American tours.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Day 3 - Night of the Show! - Winning Coffee
DAY 3 - AUG 8 - THE SHOW!
I don't know if you noticed, but yesterday was 8-8-08. That's only gonna happen once people. I hope you made the most of it and celebrated the day appropriately. Megan suggested saying 8-8-08 eight times fast. I think that counts,
So the show was as at a coffee shop called Winning. We cleared the tables and chairs and a good number of people filled the space. Lots of high school kids showed up for whatever reason and loved the show. The sat on the ground pretty near to us, some literally at my feet (sometimes actually kicking me...a little too comfortable I'd say). Anyway, I thought that was cool. I like when the divisions between musicians and audience are broken down. There are so many ideas that are communicated simply in manner that concerts are set up. The lights tell you where to look, who to pay attention to and when. Putting musicians on a platform literally above everyone else creates this feeling that they hold some power over listeners...And I'm not sure if that's true. It's definitely a symbiotic relationship. Distant crowds make performers feel awkward just as much as uncomfortable musicians can spread their unease. Two way street.
Anyway, I'm rambling again. The room was packed and the crowd was into it, however the PA system wasn't great to say the least...It wasn't capturing the low end of things very well at all and the strings were sort of muffled beneath guitars, drums and a scrambled piano sound. But despite that, we stayed together well and definitely did the best with what we had. Annnd people liked it. The grey Balmorhea shirt was beginning to look like a uniform of some sort, I kept seeing it around so much.
After we played, I walked down the road to eat dinner with Alex Dupree, Austin Dupree, and Sara Dyer! I was so glad to see them! I was feeling a little weird right before we played and seeing those guys turned that around. It's fun seeing friends from home when you're far from it.
Friday, August 8, 2008
More of Day 3 - Aug 8
I am writing you from a coffee shop in Albuquerque near the university. It is hott. yes, two t's were necessary. There are also flies everywhere. We stopped at a gas station and left our windows cracked (as we have no air conditioning). After grabbing some snacks and filling up our two gas tanks, we returned to a fly infested van. It was gross.
Taylor has this trick about killing flies. You wait until they sit down somewhere, then you slowly move your hands above it and clap. He says that they always take flight upwards first and your clap will catch them. I thought it was crazy but it worked.
We are about to grab some dinner. Five bands playing tonight and we don't start for a good while.
I'll update some more laaaater.
-Aisha
Taylor has this trick about killing flies. You wait until they sit down somewhere, then you slowly move your hands above it and clap. He says that they always take flight upwards first and your clap will catch them. I thought it was crazy but it worked.
We are about to grab some dinner. Five bands playing tonight and we don't start for a good while.
I'll update some more laaaater.
-Aisha
The Story So Far
I guess I should establish a few things first.
The Cast:
Balmorhea is:
Mike
Rob
Travis
Taylor
Nicole
meee
+ Megan
Bexar Bexar = Brian
Alright, where do I begin in explaining what's gone on in the past 2 days.
WEDNESDAY morning we met up at Robs, loaded up the Van and then had breakfast (you probably know where). The only proper way to say goodbye to Austin is by the fine patio dining of El Chilto. haha. After picking up Brian, we were off: Destination, Balmorhea, Texas. After 6 hours in our van, we arrived. Tiny little town. We stopped at the Balmorhea State Park to swim in San Solomon Springs. It's not as cold as Barton Springs, but its probably twice the size and twice as deep (40ft. to be exact).
One by one, we--well they--dove off the diving board. I was a wall flower. My swimming skills are pretty horrible. It's weird to know that dogs and small children can fare better in the water than I... After swimming, we drove a little longer till we reached Marfa, Texas, another tiny little town with an arts community. We ate at a place where the cheapest entree was a $10 burger...it was one of two restaurants that was still open at 8pm. Our free stay in the hotel was really nice. Modern looking rooms, cool little lounge, cable TV with DVD players. fancy. I capped the first night sitting outside talking with nicole, taylor and travis in the coolest texas summer nights i've ever felt.
THURSDAY
So I woke up nicely, still giddy from the night before. Took a shower and then made a mistake that has left me with a fear of razors. I reached my hand into my duffle bag trying to find clothes. Instead, the tip of my middle finger was aggressively introduced to my Gillette razor blade.
yeah. UGH.
I'm pretty thankful that its on my right hand. I've got bandaids around it. Hope it heals soon...Anyway. then, our shower water decided not to turn off haha. so for about 20 minutes our bathroom became a water-wasting sauna. weeird. Brian, Mike and Rob went down the road to the local public radio station for a 45 min. interview. The show was heavily promoted, a few recorded tracks were played, and i listened to my friends on the radio while eating Dairy Queen with Nicole.
Despues, we had a very thorough soundcheck and some practice time before our private tour of the Chinati. I finally got to see Donald Judd's installation of aluminum boxes, probably 4 by 3 feet each. There are over 100 of them spread out across two large rooms, each one a little different. We saw a Flavin light installation that he never lived to see. We took some cool pictures that I'll post hopefully. Anyway, I'm tired of talking about everything in extreme detail. The show was really fun. We played a bunch of new songs and ended with Settler, a.k.a the clapping one. A guy also named Rob did an awesome light show for both sets. Its crazy to have professional lighting that changes throughout the set. The sound was great. The crowd was receptive. FUN night.
We went back to the hotel and sat around for hours playing songs on guitar and singin with the people who put on the show. I swear we sang "Look at Miss Ohio" ten times. That's the song everyone wants to hear when they're sober and the song they really wanna hear after they've collectively finished a stupid amount of free beer. lol. I was coerced into singing it solo. Apparently it was pretty good, haha. That was flattering. It kinda shut people up, even the most vocal of individuals. And with that, I was ready for bed...at 3:40am... :)
-Aisha
The Cast:
Balmorhea is:
Mike
Rob
Travis
Taylor
Nicole
meee
+ Megan
Bexar Bexar = Brian
Alright, where do I begin in explaining what's gone on in the past 2 days.
WEDNESDAY morning we met up at Robs, loaded up the Van and then had breakfast (you probably know where). The only proper way to say goodbye to Austin is by the fine patio dining of El Chilto. haha. After picking up Brian, we were off: Destination, Balmorhea, Texas. After 6 hours in our van, we arrived. Tiny little town. We stopped at the Balmorhea State Park to swim in San Solomon Springs. It's not as cold as Barton Springs, but its probably twice the size and twice as deep (40ft. to be exact).
One by one, we--well they--dove off the diving board. I was a wall flower. My swimming skills are pretty horrible. It's weird to know that dogs and small children can fare better in the water than I... After swimming, we drove a little longer till we reached Marfa, Texas, another tiny little town with an arts community. We ate at a place where the cheapest entree was a $10 burger...it was one of two restaurants that was still open at 8pm. Our free stay in the hotel was really nice. Modern looking rooms, cool little lounge, cable TV with DVD players. fancy. I capped the first night sitting outside talking with nicole, taylor and travis in the coolest texas summer nights i've ever felt.
THURSDAY
So I woke up nicely, still giddy from the night before. Took a shower and then made a mistake that has left me with a fear of razors. I reached my hand into my duffle bag trying to find clothes. Instead, the tip of my middle finger was aggressively introduced to my Gillette razor blade.
yeah. UGH.
I'm pretty thankful that its on my right hand. I've got bandaids around it. Hope it heals soon...Anyway. then, our shower water decided not to turn off haha. so for about 20 minutes our bathroom became a water-wasting sauna. weeird. Brian, Mike and Rob went down the road to the local public radio station for a 45 min. interview. The show was heavily promoted, a few recorded tracks were played, and i listened to my friends on the radio while eating Dairy Queen with Nicole.
Despues, we had a very thorough soundcheck and some practice time before our private tour of the Chinati. I finally got to see Donald Judd's installation of aluminum boxes, probably 4 by 3 feet each. There are over 100 of them spread out across two large rooms, each one a little different. We saw a Flavin light installation that he never lived to see. We took some cool pictures that I'll post hopefully. Anyway, I'm tired of talking about everything in extreme detail. The show was really fun. We played a bunch of new songs and ended with Settler, a.k.a the clapping one. A guy also named Rob did an awesome light show for both sets. Its crazy to have professional lighting that changes throughout the set. The sound was great. The crowd was receptive. FUN night.
We went back to the hotel and sat around for hours playing songs on guitar and singin with the people who put on the show. I swear we sang "Look at Miss Ohio" ten times. That's the song everyone wants to hear when they're sober and the song they really wanna hear after they've collectively finished a stupid amount of free beer. lol. I was coerced into singing it solo. Apparently it was pretty good, haha. That was flattering. It kinda shut people up, even the most vocal of individuals. And with that, I was ready for bed...at 3:40am... :)
-Aisha
Day 3 - Marfa in Short
DAY 3 - Aug. 8
Ok. so i restarted my day count. I decided the day we left became day 1 and this, Friday, is day three. we are leaving Marfa, Tx, which has been great to us. I'm in the car, waiting to find an internet connection. so here are some highlights:
the show was awesome.
taylor played with bexar bexar.
We had a private tour of the art gallery called Chinati Foundation,
established by artist Donald Judd.
they put us up in a preeetty sweet hotel called the Thunderbird.
they made us dinner.
we had a greenroom with movie star lights.
rob and mike were on the local radio.
After the show, the gave us a ridiculous amount of beer.
And then a group of 15 + people came over to the hotel to help us finish it.
If you were thinking that that sounds pretty rock n' roll, so was I.
In short, we've been spoiled.
and i'm typing with only 9 fingers.
no, i didn't loose one. Reached into my bag yesterday annnnnd had an unfortunate encounter with my razor.
luckily, it was my right hand but man, its still a huge annoyance. I'm having to bow mostly with three fingers. Tis interesting.
we are listening to fleet foxes, marveling at the endless green fields. Nothing but open land. So much beauty in the bareness.
Next show, Albuquerque!
-Ish
Ok. so i restarted my day count. I decided the day we left became day 1 and this, Friday, is day three. we are leaving Marfa, Tx, which has been great to us. I'm in the car, waiting to find an internet connection. so here are some highlights:
the show was awesome.
taylor played with bexar bexar.
We had a private tour of the art gallery called Chinati Foundation,
established by artist Donald Judd.
they put us up in a preeetty sweet hotel called the Thunderbird.
they made us dinner.
we had a greenroom with movie star lights.
rob and mike were on the local radio.
After the show, the gave us a ridiculous amount of beer.
And then a group of 15 + people came over to the hotel to help us finish it.
If you were thinking that that sounds pretty rock n' roll, so was I.
In short, we've been spoiled.
and i'm typing with only 9 fingers.
no, i didn't loose one. Reached into my bag yesterday annnnnd had an unfortunate encounter with my razor.
luckily, it was my right hand but man, its still a huge annoyance. I'm having to bow mostly with three fingers. Tis interesting.
we are listening to fleet foxes, marveling at the endless green fields. Nothing but open land. So much beauty in the bareness.
Next show, Albuquerque!
-Ish
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Send off - Aug. 5
Hey and hello!
Yes, it is 2:49am and yes, I will be waking up early in the morning to leave for tour. So yes, I should definitely be asleep by now. But this is what happens to me every time I've got something exciting/big to pack for--I wait until the very last minute, every time. You guys should start placing bets on it.
I also decide that there are a billion little things I should do, like wash dishes, update my ipod, get rid of embarrassing music so it doesn't come up shuffle, take a late night shower, pack snacks, switch books...it goes on and on...for hours. I am a meticulous packer. I am always trying to stow away the optimal combination of outfits, shoes, entertainment, food, etc., so as to not be dissapointed with what I chose down the road. It's ridiculous, really.
Anyway! Tonight we played at the Hideout Theatre with Bexar Bexar and This Will Destroy You. Twas a good show all around. Lots of friends came. Lots of strangers too. The room was pretty packed. Day one of this summer tour is in the bag! I'm gonna try to sleep now so I don't hate myself in the morning. I'm getting that feeling like I forgot to pack something though...I'm not brining my running shoes...I could wind up regretting that...
until tomorrow,
Aisha
Yes, it is 2:49am and yes, I will be waking up early in the morning to leave for tour. So yes, I should definitely be asleep by now. But this is what happens to me every time I've got something exciting/big to pack for--I wait until the very last minute, every time. You guys should start placing bets on it.
I also decide that there are a billion little things I should do, like wash dishes, update my ipod, get rid of embarrassing music so it doesn't come up shuffle, take a late night shower, pack snacks, switch books...it goes on and on...for hours. I am a meticulous packer. I am always trying to stow away the optimal combination of outfits, shoes, entertainment, food, etc., so as to not be dissapointed with what I chose down the road. It's ridiculous, really.
Anyway! Tonight we played at the Hideout Theatre with Bexar Bexar and This Will Destroy You. Twas a good show all around. Lots of friends came. Lots of strangers too. The room was pretty packed. Day one of this summer tour is in the bag! I'm gonna try to sleep now so I don't hate myself in the morning. I'm getting that feeling like I forgot to pack something though...I'm not brining my running shoes...I could wind up regretting that...
until tomorrow,
Aisha
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Get Ready
Hey friends,
I'm baaack! No, I'm not posting in nostalgia. As of this time next week, Balmorhea will be in full touring action! On Aug. 6 we leave for our tour of the American West with Bexar Bexar, and of course, I'll be blogging every step of the way. If you were hoping someone would chronicle every night with an unnecessary amount of detail and add a little (ok, a lot of) editorial commentary, well, you rubbed the right lamp, because that person is me!
...But until then, check out the dates below and get excited!
-Aisha
AUGUST 5
HIDEOUT THEATER
AUSTIN, TX
W/ THIS WILL DESTROY YOU
I'm baaack! No, I'm not posting in nostalgia. As of this time next week, Balmorhea will be in full touring action! On Aug. 6 we leave for our tour of the American West with Bexar Bexar, and of course, I'll be blogging every step of the way. If you were hoping someone would chronicle every night with an unnecessary amount of detail and add a little (ok, a lot of) editorial commentary, well, you rubbed the right lamp, because that person is me!
...But until then, check out the dates below and get excited!
-Aisha
AUGUST 5
HIDEOUT THEATER
AUSTIN, TX
W/ THIS WILL DESTROY YOU
AUGUST 7
GOODE CROWLEY THEATER
MARFA, TX
AUGUST 8
WINNINGS
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
W/ BRAILLIST, THE FERTILE CRESCENT
AUGUST 9
THREE ROOTS
PHOENIX, AZ
AUGUST 10
PEHRSPACE
LOS ANGELES, CA
W/ SIGNAL HILL
AUGUST 11*
CAFE DU NORD
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
W/ LAZARUS, TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 12
LIL RED LION
EUREKA, CA
W/ TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 13
DOUG FIR
PORTLAND, OR
W/ GROUPER, TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 14
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY
ANACORTES, WA
W/ TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 15
Q CAFE
SEATTLE, WA
W/ HOQUIAM, TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 16
EMYPREAN
SPOKANE, WA
W/ KARLI FAIRBANKS, TINY VIPERS
AUGUST 17
CRYSTAL THEATER
MISSOULA, MT
AUGUST 19
URBAN LOUNGE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
W/ PURR BATS
AUGUST 20
LARIMER LOUNGE
DENVER, CO
W/ KAL CAHOONE, ELIN PALMER
AUGUST 22
MONKS
ABILENE, TX
W/ MOM, VOICES & ORGANS
AUGUST 23
EMOS
AUSTIN, TX
W/ MOM
* BEXAR BEXAR WILL NOT PERFORM ON THIS NIGHT
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