I was extra hyped up about this NYC show, I think, and admittedly a bit nervous, because 6 pm is such an early time to play (no such thing as a 6 pm show in LA!) that I wasn’t sure anyone would make it. Rockwood Music Hall is known to be a very hip venue these days, and I always find hip intimidating. But Ken was very welcoming and the space itself is really lovely and warm(figuratively – though it’s always warm onstage!). It’s tiny and a really charming mix of brick, wood and windows, there’s great sound (again – go Ken), and a stage takes up a chunk of the room, with tables oriented towards it in a clear emphasis of what the room is about – music. Some of the tables are so close to the stage you can, as the performer, set your glass of water on the table and just reach down and grab it when you need. All of that seems to encourage people to be very, very quiet. This is definitely the first true ‘listening room’ that we’ve played on the trip, and it was jarring at first to have people indeed really listening to all your lyrics. But then, of course, that’s exactly what a songwriter really wants! It was great.
We did manage to fill the place up with some new fans (many of whom are photographers – I’ll keep you posted when there are some photos to check out) and some great old friends, some of whom I had not seen in years, and most of whom were my best friends right at the beginning of my decision to really play my music for people. Mike and I had a show at the basement black box theater of the Frieze Building at U of M in early 2001 – I don’t think they use it anymore – and that was the first real show we put together, and the release of my first CD. Seeing some of the same friends last night who had cheered me on then was a warm fuzzy trip down memory lane. Memory has definitely become more of a theme of this tour than I even realized it would be. I feel so lucky to know so many wonderful people across the country, and this tour has served as an ongoing reunion.
Today we’re in New Jersey packing up and taking care of necessary things we’ve been neglecting, like laundry. Shortly, we’re off to Danville, Pennsylvania for a show in another little venue that seems to be oriented toward the performer. The owner of Brews ‘n Bytes just seems to be very, very into music and has been very nice over email, so it will be good to meet him. The town itself and at least the outside of the venue is very cute; we drove by really briefly on our way to NJ because I was curious. We’re backtracking a tiny bit to get there, but it’s not too much of a drive. I’m looking forward to a nice low-key day and show. Then tomorrow we’re off to Boston for another show! Whew. We got a little comfy with our days off, but these next few days, show after show, is making it really feel like a tour. I think that’s actually better, because though tiring, it helps you get a rhythm. Each place and show feels a little different, which I love. Ok! I really do need to pack now!