I always pee when I'm at Soundcheck, mostly just so I can see these awesome toilet seats. It's the little things, y'all.
This bus was even nicer than the last one. It still makes my belly feel all fluttery when I think about it- I'm touring with a band on a bus?! I'm so, so blessed.
Thursday, June 6
Thunder on the Mountain
Ozark, Arkansas
Lineup and another laminate!
I didn't have to sell merch for this festival, so I just followed tour manager Ryan around all day and learned more about the ten million things he does for every show.
Not gonna lie, I kinda loved standing on the stage and looking important. I'm totally not, but all those people didnt know that.
Sturgill Simpson on one of the other stages, rocking his Austin City shirt.
Randy Houser on the main stage.
Big and Rich, from back stage. Once again, I love being a pretend important person. Meeting cool band and crew guys, hanging out on other artist's busses (cough cough randy houser- not that I even really care about him, it's still kinda cool) and watching Game of Thrones and Napolean Dynamite, listening to bigger bands play and learning how this whole circus works on a bigger scale-- such am amazing, entertaining life.
Friday, June 7
Brazos Nights
Waco, Texas
This bus didnt have windows in the bunks- which, I'm not gonna lie, caused a few moments of crazy strong claustrophobia that almost caused me to puke, so I had to get up and go to the front or the back to see where we were each morning. Thankfully, we were parked right beside a sign that filled me in.
The show was outside by the river, and was so beautiful. I've said it ten million times, but I'll say it again, I love Texas.
So Holly Tucker or something (or something like that) sang (or something's me that) a few songs to start off the show, and then had meet and greet right afterwards....right beside the merch tent. So this is what I got to look at before Ryan saved the day. The people start here....
And keep on going here...
And go all the way down past that van. And the line lastes for hoursssss. I don't get it but whatev.
Jonathan Tyler and the Northern lights played before us, and I was so excited to see them. I'm a fan, and they def didnt disappoint. Plus I got to sell their merch so I got this sweet shirt!
Love it times ten million. Thanks again!
The super nice Waco Parks & Rec people gave us these shirts too.
I get bored and was having a good hair day, so....
After the show we went to a bar to see Jason Boland play. It was legit the Texas bar of my dreams- two stepping to red dirt music--ahh, love. I told the boys they had to help me find a husband, but they talked me out of that and bought me drinks instead. Which worked. Plus, I realized I made myself look as unavailable and unapproachable as possible, surrounded by some combination of six guys at all times. Oh Texas husband, I will find you someday and we can two step off into the sunset.
Jason Boland
Saturday, June 8
Waylon Birthday Bash
Whiteface, Texas
We had to stop at WayneBo's-- the liquor store for people with speech impediments.
It was right across the road from the party house. Specific type of party unknown.
You know what I love? Hotels with mirrors I can see myself in as I pee. Thumbs up to you, holiday inn express levelland!
Oil rig things (I don't know their actual title and am too lazy to google it at the moment. They were everywhereeeee. Like windmills in the midwest, only less terrifying.
This was when I was 90% certain that my combo of red bull and 9000 degree heat inside the trailer I was selling merch from was going to lead to my untimely death.
Drinking straight from the bag of wine. God bless Texas.
People, people everywhere. Real sweet people. Though i was a bit weary at first. Especially when right before I get off the bus I'm told, with an evil laugh, "they're gonna love you here!"
I'd been wanting a Waylon shirt for a while, and I finally got one there!
The lineup.
So, i got to see my first wedding at a shooter show that night. Right there on front of the stage, officiated by the mayor of Whiteface.
Let me just say- Texas is just as redneck as Kentucky. And I love it.
Another badge to add to my collection!
Not sure why this still makes me excited. But it does, so picture.
The view from my merch trailer.
I went out into the crowd to take this, and sold a shirt to a guy complaining they cost too much by saying I'd deliver it to his seat. Boom. I win.
Whey Jennings singing "Outlaw Shit" with the band.
After the show we drove all night and all the next day to get back to Nashville. That night Little Wing got an intro to Jazz by Anti-Ringo and Johnny, who also needs a nickname. It was the most I've laughed in a long time. (And I'll never look at cheese crackers the same.) So much fun. I'm so lucky to not only once but twice to have found bands of genuinely great guys to work with. I already feel like I have seven new big brothers and I love them to death. People always are shocked that I'm the lone girl with a bus full of guys, but I love it. I am so, so lucky to be living a life I've dreamed of for so long.
The next day, on the way home, we watched Django on the bus. I was simultaneously horrified and amazed. I recommend it.
