Before 2020, I was playing 70-80 shows a year and traveled far out of state to perform. As I began pursuing musical opportunities this year, I had to ask myself: Am I still that person?
My route for the weekend.
Between April 21st and 24th, I drove 350+ miles across the Commonwealth to play shows in Richmond, Dayton, and Huntly.
This run of shows was significant to me because it was the first time since the start of Covid that I traveled overnight to perform in multiple venues. I intentionally avoided booking in 2020, really limiting it only to a few outdoor venues when I was offered. In 2021 I was still a bit wary, but started venturing out a little more. Still, I wasn’t really actively pursuing a lot of performance opportunities the way I had done before the shutdown.
Compare this to 2019, when I played 83 shows and traveled a few times far out of state to perform in the Northeast. This was a particularly exciting point in my life, driven by passion, belief, and a newfound sense of freedom. As fondly as I look back at that time period, the long gap made me a lot more anxious about getting out and doing it again. As I began pursuing musical opportunities this year, I had to ask myself: Am I still that person?
My three shows from April 22-24 would put this to the test. Though all three were in Virginia, I would be overnighting away from home and driving long distances to shows. On top of that, I also had to work during this period, which would help me determine if I can still play music on the road and maintain my work commitments. The stakes were a little lower because even though I was traveling extensively, I had family I could stay with for each show. Regardless, I feel as though I was able to test whether I still enjoyed performing on the road.
In the end, I discovered that I still love the travel. I had the time of my life. Though sleep-deprived and running on fumes, I was still giving it my all and having a blast. Seriously, I was so tired Friday night that I don’t know how I was able to keep going. Somehow everything worked out.
More shows on the road are in my future, and I don’t mean just in Virginia. I’ve been dying to get back to New England to perform, and I intend to go play everywhere from New York to North Carolina. I want to book gigs in parts of this vast country that I’ve never seen before. This mini-tour gave me the energy and confidence back that I needed. I just need to sit down and plan it.
And if I play my cards right, soon I'll be driving one of these horror-shows to gigs!
Until then, I’ll share a few highlights:
Richmond, VA: I’ve been talking about this gig for months because of how personally significant it felt to me. I haven’t performed in Richmond since 2019, and have been itching to get back ever since. Strangeways Brewing was an incredible host. Even more fun than the performance was the fact that I got to spend time with friends and family that I don’t often get to see, which really made the whole trip worth it. I got to drink PBR and watch Planet of the Apes (the original, of course) in a dive bar with my college friends after the show, which is essentially my ideal Friday night. Safe to say I enjoyed the whole experience.
Dayton Redbud Festival: I’ve been performing at this local festival since 2018 and have always had a great time. I debuted a new song this weekend, and I had a fellow approach me after my performance to talk about it. After a brief conversation about philosophy, he presented me with a drawing he had created based on some of the lyrics. This was a first for me, and the fact that it came at only the second time I had performed this deeply personal song really reaffirmed to me that I had written a good tune.
The gap also presented the opportunity to overnight in Woodstock and spend time with friends and family. I enjoyed myself a little too much at the Spring House.
Rappahannock Cellars: This was a great way to wrap up the weekend. Rappahannock Cellars was totally new to me, and I’m already scheduled to be back on May 29th. The grounds at this Huntly, VA vineyard are absolutely beautiful, and it was the perfect afternoon to be out. There’s no nicer feeling than sipping wine and strumming guitar on a nice spring afternoon. Shoutout to my child dance crew that was way too into “Back on the Horse.”
I’ll be back out for three more Virginia gigs May 6-8 in Monterey, Maurertown, and Mount Jackson, so catch me for some more action on the road!
A new song I premiered this weekend. The working title is “Nighttime Song.”