Tales From The Road: The Sequel

From our bigger and better bus at one of our favorite KOA campgrounds in Joplin, Missouri, I offer a kind 'hello' while launching this blog series. 1,737 miles and 50 songs under our belts we've reached our first official day off. In so many ways this tour is 'the sequel' and in others it most certainly is not. By this time during our last tour we were already knee-deep in bus troubles, ready to chuck our GPS unit into the nearest lake and I had already earned a Master's Degree in the fine and intriguing art of duct tape repair.

So far, the new GPS has been refreshingly accurate and quite pleasant actually with our GPS voice choice: Emily- the quaint Brit. It's decidedly strange to be so far from home and to recognize so many people and places. We find ourselves in various states of deja vu as our 'road blur' begins to take hold. One quick stop found us standing in the very same Braum's in Amarillo. For those who don't know, Braum's makes the best chocolate malts on planet Earth and their ice cream cone logo, neon sign is nearly irresistible. The 'blur' has us second-guessing what the actual day of the week is and will certainly get worse as the tour progresses. Soon enough, we'll actually have to have lengthy discussions to try to pinpoint what day it is. That sensation is becoming more familiar...and that is weird.

Show #1 at Mooney's in Norman, OK was fantastic as everyone showed up wearing their 7k gear from last fall. We realized it had been six months to-the-day since we had rocked Mooney's. WOW! Many familiar faces came up to us smiling in anticipation of another fun night with 7k. Our new merch display bubbled with fans before the show and then it began- an epic show:
LITTLE BIT MORE
CALIFORNIA IS THE END
WHAT YOU DO
MY HIGH LIFE
DISPENSE WITH THE PLEASANTRIES
TURNIN' IT UP
TAKE IT OFF
THIS LOVE
HOLIDAY
BAD ROMANCE
DISTURBIA
TWIST & SHOUT
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY
LIVIN ON A PRAYER
AUTHORITY SONG
KISS
BILLIE JEAN
AMERICAN GIRL
ARE YOU GONNA BE MY GIRL
I GOTTA FEELING
BEVERLY HILLS
I KISSED A GIRL
WALK THIS WAY
SUMMER OF 69
I WON'T BACK DOWN
YOU REALLY GOT ME
STARLIGHT
USE SOMEBODY
SWEET HOME ALABAMA (OKLAHOMA)
YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU
I WANT YOU TO WANT ME
WHAT I GOT
LOVE SHACK
CLOSER
BROWN EYED GIRL
FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES
HOT IN HERRE
POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME
SWEET CAROLINE
TAKE IT OFF (AGAIN)

Show #2 at Joe Momma's in Tulsa, OK was also exactly six months later and it too was a blast. We shared the stage with good friends The Parakeet Chiefs right after enjoying the best pizza in Tulsa. Joe Momma's friendly staff treated us like kings and made our pre-show tummies very happy! Tulsa is a notably progressive and diverse lot and the downtown area buzzed with the start of their local Tulsa Drillers baseball season. After the game ended, folks poured into Joe Momma's for some grub and some rock n roll. We happily delivered on the latter:
LITTLE BIT MORE
CALIFORNIA IS THE END
WHAT YOU DO
MY HIGH LIFE
WRONG GIRL
REMEMBER ME
DISPENSE WITH THE PLEASANTRIES
TURNIN' IT UP
TAKE IT OFF

We pulled into Joplin this afternoon for some relaxation and weren't here ten seconds before an Olympics-style sprint to the showers. Certainly, a good hot shower remains the most highly sought after commodity on the road. After cleaning up, we bounced around, strolled through the beautiful campsite and marveled at the drop-dead-gorgeous spring weather. Tonight, dinner, a couple cocktails, laundry and a movie...........oh, and a trip to the fireworks stand next door. Last time we were here, we were chilled to the bone but this evening we plan to take advantage of a fun spring night.

Flip flops, sore muscles and shorts- this drummer's a happy camper. :)

Til next time,
Jeff, David & Corey