Monday, March 7, 2011

Home from the road! Finished the second leg of my tour with Martin Sexton!


Whew - what a whirlwind tour, but it was great. I came down with the flu at the end of the tour, but at least it held off until the END of the tour! What an amazing ride it was and thanks to everyone for all their support!

This go round we started in Bozeman, Montana.  Loved the Bozeman crowd! It's a great town and home of the original Ted's Montana Grill located in Bozeman's Historic Baxter Hotel. (Of course I had to go there to eat a delicious bison burger.)
The Baxter Hotel in Bozeman, MN
Our gig was in the amazing theater space at The Emerson Cultural Center. The center is just a few years old and is beautifully designed with courtyards, sculptures, unique works of art, etc. This was such a great theater to perform in with their state-of-the-art lights and sound. 

Next we moved on to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, passing through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Gorgeous scenery and some Bison sightings! I fell in love with the charming little town of Jackson Hole tucked right into the middle of the massive mountains. 
Jackson Hole, WY
Great theater and audience at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.  Thanks guys for being so into my music!

Next stop, Colorado.  We had three shows in the state, the first being in Steamboat Springs.  We played the Ghost Ranch Saloon.  Steamboat Springs was another beautiful mountain town.  So picturesque!  I also really enjoyed seeing some friends at that performance.  It is a real treat to see a familiar face in the crowd when you are on the road, doing so much travelling.  Thanks Cory and gang!
My friend Cory
Steamboat Springs, CO
Loved performing at Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado. Amazing space and sound! Really nice light/sound crew!! Thanks Mike, Jay, Sam and Kyle!  Check out the pic of this beautiful club below.
Belly Up Aspen
Performing at Belly Up Aspen
All right, gotta keep moving because our next gig is in Breckenridge, Colorado at Three20South.  Our drive from Aspen to Breckenridge took us through Vail,  and we saw lots of streams, and of course, snow covered mountains mixed with evergreen groves. It inspired me and reminded me of what a beautiful country we live in. 
Downtown Breckinridge, CO
Loved the town of Breckenridge, this was one of my favorite stops. Performed at Three20South  which was a little different than some of the other venues because the audience is standing right up close to the stage. Loved all the great energy! I also had friends come to the show here and again, it was so great to see them. Thanks Breckenridge and thanks to Shirley and friends for being there! 


From Breckenridge we drove (9 hours, yuck!) to Omaha. Nebraska.  The scenery changed quite dramatically. No more mountains. lots of flat, desert-like open spaces.  After recovering from our drive I spent some time walking around the Old Market District in downtown Omaha. There are many restored 19th century brick warehouses and buildings which are now home to great shops and restaurants.  
Old Union Station in Omaha, now a museum
The Diner in the Old Market District
Our performance was booked at the Holland Performing Arts Center. We had another packed house, and another great audience! Thank you Omaha!! 


After the 9 hour drive to Omaha, we just couldn't bear a 13 hour drive to Cleveland, Ohio so we flew there. Definitely the way to go! Loved Cleveland and had a chance to visit the amazing Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.   Our gig was at the Beachland Ballroom and it was a perfect way to end the tour.  Great room and a great Cleveland crowd!


All in all I have to say - what an exhilarating experience!  Martin Sexton is an amazing performer and I was thrilled to be touring with him.  Many thanks to my two great guitar players, Freddy Shehadi on the first leg of the tour and Carl Allocco on the second half.  I couldn't have done it without you guys!!!


Thanks also to my incredibly supportive family, friends and fans - I'm so grateful for you all.
One of the many bouquets of flowers sent to
my many dressing rooms from my sweet husband!
Thanks for checking in and I'll keep you posted on my plans for the spring!
Joanna

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