Lessons Learned
Taking a 10 day tour with my friend and fellow songwriter, Drew Kennedy, I learned quite a few things. I also enjoyed myself thoroughly. When Drew picked me up in the southeastern tour Battle Cruiser (Honda Element) two Thursdays ago, I didn’t know quite what to expect on our journey, but soon found out everything would work out just fine. We both share a love of NPR, bad sports radio, and sarcasm. I made a lot of friends along the way and learned the following
1. In Oxford, MS, they drink Rumple Minze and not just because of its minty refreshing taste and accompanying minty after-burps. Turns out that this is an economically based choice. Bars in Oxford close at midnight and Rumplemintz is 100 proof, thus it’s all about efficiency.
2. The Huddle House and the Waffle House are most certainly not on an equal playing field. So next time you’re out on the road and you can’t locate a waffle house and your buddy’s like “Screw it! There’s a Huddle House – Let’s just eat there. I’m hungry and they’re basically the same thing!”, drive on sir! If you don’t heed my warning, expect to wait a minimum of 45 minutes between ordering and eating. Enough said.
3. The McGuffies in Jackson, MS are the nicest, most giving family in America.
4. Not all showers are created equal.
5. Sometimes having a night off on tour is actually better than playing a morale-killing event where you’re simply looked upon as a novelty at best.
6. I appreciate being looked in the eye. Even if you have more money than me, when you look me in the eye, it makes me feel like I’m a person and more than a light fixture of flower arrangement.
7. Flavored Copenhagen is gross.
8. Do not drink Drank. As promised, it does indeed “slow your roll”, but what it doesn’t tell you is that you’ll wake up with a F’ng face hangover. Steer clear, friends.
9. Graceland Too is amazing on the outside. I only wish the proprietor was available when we stopped by so that we might have taken the tour. Drew was one visit away from being a life member.
10. Savannah is a beautiful city – regal and historic. Go to Kevin Barry’s for shepherd’s pie and a pint. It’ll set you free.
11. Raleigh, NC is my favorite city in the southeast. I’ve made a lot of good friends there through the years and it’s really starting to feel like home. Thanks Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill friends.
12. When hanging with “The Band” in Richmond, VA, Pants-Optional Sunday is not really optional.
13. South Of The Border on I95 is a blessing from the Lord.
Thanks to everybody I met along the way this time out. I felt welcomed and blessed for having the opportunity to have spent time with you. For further thoughts and wrap-up head over to www.drewkennedymusic.com.
Cheers,
AC
