This tour was monumental for a number of reasons. With out getting too wordy, EGRESS has been at the brink of new horizons since December. We released our second album "Mighty Seed" in May and shortly after our drummer, Mat had decided to leave the band to pursue starting his own business. Although everyone of us were happy that he had found his passion, it was very difficult to let go and even more difficult to figure out the logistics of working with someone new only 2 months before we were to leave on a 2-week national tour. It was almost as though the universe was taking care of us, like it was saying, you cannot stop, I will make sure things work, b/c lo' and behold, Chet came to us. He rose to the occasion, learned a repertoire of 30+ songs and fit in with the crew great. We were happy that his first show with us could be the kick off show of the train tour!
We started in Philadelphia at Dorians Parlor. It was a really really awesome show, it was great to have Chet with us and really awesome that our Philly family was so welcoming to him.
We got off in Pittsburgh and rented cars, drove an hour north where we went to a Primanti Bro's and had some famous sandwiches for our first band dinner of the tour. After many laughs we carried on to our hotel, crashed and then awoke in the morning to begin our drive to Detroit. This was our first taste of the taxi adventures of trying to load our gear. It was three bands, EGRESS a 5 piece, 2 of Frenchy and the Punk, 5 of the Cog is Dead and Brian and Emily. It was an estimated 19 suitcases 4 back packs, a tuba, three guitars, and an accordion.
We were all a bit anxious riding into Detroit with the stories about how the city was in decline. We got into town super early and found an awesome little lebanese place that had awesome food and raw juices and then went back to the venue and hung out a bit. Here is a shot of Toobie Doo and the Punk hanging outside the venue pre show.
The next morning we ditched our rental cars & headed to the detroit amtrak station for our first significant haul. Detroit to Chicago. So begun the GIANT task of loading us and our gear on the train.
The train ride from Detroit to Chicago was roughly 5 hours. It went very fast and I was overly eager to arrive. I had been wanting to play in Chicago for a very long time. I was supposed to go when I was a teenager with my best friend Amy. We had talked about it for over a year. I had never gotten to travel much when I was younger and I dreampt of the world out there. I was a small town girl with my sites set on bigger things. Unfortunately, before we could go Amy started dating a boy. When the time came, she took her boy friend. I was so upset we didnt talk for almost a year. Amy passed away a little over a year ago now. I miss her and think of her, every single day. This trip to Chicago was important to me on many levels. I felt as though I finally got my chance to go with her. I thought of her every step of the way. We had arrived in Chicago.
The weather was amazing and the venue was AWESOME, it was called The Wise Fool's Pub It was adorned with the most beautiful paisley fabrics, lush lamp shades and pictures of old pin ups in the ladies bathroom.
The most marvelous part was that we got to catch up with our dear friend Mary Robinette Kowal. Taylor and I met Mary on the first annual Steampunk Cruise. She is an amazing puppeteer and author and is based out of Chicago. She came out to support. The show was good, the room was packed and EGRESS was very well received. We had a great show and afterwards hung out and had a dance party to DJ, VOURTEQUE who was spinning some really awesome electro-swing. We goofed off in the streets before leaving.
We had a hostel in an amazing neighborhood near Lincoln Park called "The Getaway". It was quite wonderful and if you are ever in Chicago I would suggest staying there. We caught a good nights rest and a shower and I felt as though I was experiencing a little bit of what it must be like living in a dorm. We had four bunk beds which felt rather silly, we are used to being in hotels with two twin beds, where the odd man out has to sleep on an air mattress. I cant tell you how many times the rooms become a sea of mattress where you can simply walk in and its bed next to bed next to air mattress, lol.
It was a lovely lovely morning of catching up and seeing some of the most historic buildings still remaining from before the Chicago Fire in 1871. This was just another reason of why I love touring. Friends, feasting, history and amazing sights. We said our good byes and started the journey from Chicago to Denver.
This was our first over night haul. It was about 17 hours through the heart land where there was nothing but miles of plains and the bluest of skies. It was really wonderful to pass through tons of little towns. Heading through each station and seeing so many people with so many stories.
I won't lie, being on the train was nice and inspiring, until the night fell that is. We didn't have sleeper cars so we'd resort to sleeping in our chairs which reclined and had an ottoman of sorts. It was very difficult because I have to fall asleep face down. This was the first real obstacle. I woke in Denver, fairly cranky. The band seemed to have high hopes for Denver. Seeing as though we didn't sleep well, we got breakfast and went to the hotel to sleep. Joe's sister lives there so he went out and about. the promoter seemed cool at first, they picked us up from the station, built a train for the stage. Unfortunately, the event was poorly, poorly planned and the Promoter, Double Helix Entertainment, LLC did not fulfill their agreement on the guarantee and stiffed three out of town touring bands. I would not suggest working with them at all at any time.
We left Denver a bit deflated. The shitty show on top of the promoter stiffing us, had everyone a it down in the dumps. Emily, Brian's lady took care of us though the best to her ability and sent us home with cash. We were all greatly looking forward the ride through the rockies. It was over 24 hrs to california and the scenery was absolutely breath taking! I seriously cannot even describe it. We saw parts of the country only accessible by train. It was breath taking view after breath taking view. We entertained our selves in the evenings by playing games and Taylor and I would watch as the rest of the crew would get tipsy. Here is some of the beauty, in all honestly the pictures don't do it justice.
I think one of the things we got the biggest kick out of was all of the mooners on the Colorado river. I think the final count was 29. Apparently it is a giant tradition where many of the fisherman and rafters moon the passing amtrak train. We spent many, many hours laughing about this. It never seemed to lose its novelty, after all hineys are funny.
We eventually arrive in California where I got the chance to see my very best friend in the World, Mike. He picked us up and carted us around. He was a total trooper. We went into San Fran to meet up with My other friends Hethur and HAT where we roamed the streets, ate burritos and got caught up.
The next day we finally made it to our destination, Steamstock. The space was amazing and right on the bay. Mike, Hat, and Hethur came out and we all basically just hung out until we had to play late that night. We had some sound issues but the show went on. We were all really anxious because the next day started our 52 hour train ride back to Chicago to catch a connecting train to NOLA. Our tour manager, Brian had stayed in Cali. so us three bands were on our own. We woke up at the butt crack of dawn and went on our way. We had the same amazing views back through California, I really enjoyed Nevada and Utah b/c we didnt see them on the way down b/c it was night. We settled into the train and went on our way. Unfortunately, we had many issues, had to get towed by a freight engine and ended being delayed 8 hours. Needless to say we were all relieved when we got back to Chicago. We found a super cheap burrito joint, showered and went to bed. We had time to kill the next day and went to the Free Zoo. Everyone seemed to enjoy it for the most part, but Taylor, John and myself were very saddened by that jaguars living conditions so we left early and Taylor and I check our the botanical gardens which were beautiful. I was eager to return to New Orleans. Our train left that night. We were officially on our way to our last show.
It is no surprise that I love New Orleans, and this trip there only ingrained that city deeper in me. We arrive burnt out from riding the rails but were greetd by Cedric and the crew from Airship Isabella. They are some of the most talented, amazing, and kind people I have EVER EVER had the chance to meet. They carted us to the venue, put out a food and drink spread that was fit for a kings and were soooo considerate and welcoming. They are the definition of taking care of your own and southern hospitality. I cannot speak highly enough of them. I was also so excited to see our friend Judith Kali. She is just such an extraordinary performer and person and we have had thepleasure to have her perform with us on 2 occasions now and are going back down to NOLA in 3 weeks to be apart of her production called, Storyville Rising. I am soooooo over the moon about this. We also got to catch up with two friend we made during our last trip to the city, Shadow and Gwydion.
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| Sunrise over New Orleans Cemetery |
luv & sLoPpY KisSeZ
Lady E
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