Portland
Posted 10/22/2007 by Vagrant_Admin
This was the type of show that this tour was designed
for. A tiny room set up like the
good old VFW halls that we came up playing in (once we’d graduated from the
basements). It is the kind of room
that causes you to sweat before you have played the first note (this is a thing
that I like by the way). I am
still a hair under the weather even as I write this. I think I have a couple more days before I can stop needing
to rely on the crowd to kick in my adrenaline. Last night I needed that from the crowd. They delivered in spades. I was even adding in songs I hadn’t
planned to play because I didn’t want to let go of the audience.
It had been a while since we had been to Portland and I
regret that. What a scene. Great small coffee shops, book stores,
bicycle shops, record stores, comic book shops, sneaker spots, Nike
headquarters. Its hip and the
hipsters there are actually hip. The girls are gorgeous and the guys seem happy
because of it. I know I was!
Augustana played a song that I had never heard them do
live. I was listening to them
rehearse in the dressing room before the show and I was so impressed. It was already apparent to me that all
the guys in the band can really sing.
That is what made me a fan even before I heard that Boston song on the
radio. Dan is such a talent and
that shows to even the most casual listener. But listening to that rehearsal I couldn’t believe what
great singers each of these guys are.
I honestly got chills listening to it.
I saw John Ralston play his set from the front of
house. I had gone out to watch and
decided to sit at the merch table (on it actually). I got to meet many of the crowd while sitting out there. Locals and folks who had traveled
hours, even crossed boarders to be there.
I met a guy who had me sign his license plate that read 4U2NTCE. I tried to remain under the radar and
not distract them from watching John.
It is something to watch somebody you believe in, introduce themselves
to an audience who has never seen them play. I am a big believer in Ralston and I find his songwriting to
be an inspiration to me. I am glad
I get to help him share that with you on this tour.
I hope that if you were at the Portland show, you will
remember it as fondly as I do. I am looking forward to the next tour, even as I
am only half way through this one, because of the nights I have spent with you
all on this tour and the memories they have made. It has been a pleasure to play in your towns and cities. It
is a pleasure to call you all friends.
I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thanks for inviting me.
For those of you in cities that I haven’t gotten to on this
tour yet, I look forward to seeing you and I will bring what I have learned
from all these shows and share it with you there.
Chris
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