Greetings from the bus, everyone. We pulled into Minneapolis' Fox 9 news station dark and early today to sing on their morning news, which was a good time, albeit slightly groggy. One particular highlight was Charlie getting the OK from the anchors to slowly make his way into their shot from off-screen with a very confused look on his face. Since our TV appearances last year, it's been a dream of his (and ours) to see this come to fruition, which it did today much to our half-awake collective delight. We'll see if we can get video of it up somehow (I think Walt shot it with his FlipCam). The coffee mug he held and perfect slack-jaw appearance were classic Charlie.
We're spread across the city right now; some of the guys are taking (much needed) naps back at the hotel, some on the bus in the cozy cave-like darkness of our bunks, and others taking it easy on the bus (like myself) outside of the venue. Big football day today (fantasy and real alike). I have Brett Favre on my team and am slightly disappointed that the Vikings are on a bye week the one time we're rolling through the Gopher State this tour. Hey, at least the Colts are about to be on TV soon! I'll take a slice of home anytime I can get it.
Last night's show in Milwaukee at the Potowatomi (paht-uh-WAH-tuh-mee) Casino (kuh-SEE-no) was a good time. We've never sung in Wisconsin before and the stage crew & casino staff were very friendly and made us feel at home (not to mention the five-star array of cheeses, fruit, Twizzlers, and peanut M & M's...all five major food groups). Note to future self: when given a Wisconsinite casino meal voucher that permits one to order an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert, only order an entree. I was physically distressed halfway through our dinner last night. As Charlie, Randy, and Randy's parents can attest, The Smoke Pit restaurant at the Potowatomi Casino has some seriously good food, but I think our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Fantastic corn and shrimp chowder, for the record. Even better after the show. This blog is making me hungry. Onto other important topics of conversation...
It's funny - to me, at least - that both Minnesota and Wisconsin's state nicknames have to do with furry, oft-grumpy, woodland critters. (Badgers and gophers and dairy, oh my) After this recent run of shows in the northern Midwest, I'm waiting for Michigan or one of the Dakotas to follow Wisconsin and Minnesota's leads and change its official nickname to The Varmint State. That's a state quarter that I'd hold onto for sure. I hope the picture below would be engraved on the back.
Seriously, if someone brings a live gopher to tonight's show (preferably on a leash or wearing a University of Minnesota sweater), I will buy them a copy of Christmas Cheers and an SNC hoodie.
http://www.funis2cool.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/fighting-gopher-01.jpg
They look a lot like prairie dogs to me. Could a Minnesotan out there please chime in for clarification?
Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, 8 PM tonight. See you there.
Ryan
Comments