Four days in Portland trying to cram in a month’s worth of lessons and classes followed by three days in a cabin at Lost Lake provided a nice little pallet cleanser for this music tour.
Last Thursday we woke up in the cabin then headed back into civilization and took interstate 84 to Pendleton for a show at a bar called 40 Taps. This was a classy locals style bar and though it was a bit noisy, I think we made some new fans. Despite the fact I was asked if I could play “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” I still count it as a positive experience.
Next day we headed back west on 84 to The Dalles to play at Rivertap Pub. The Dalles is the kind of place that I’ve driven by countless times but not stopped. Though I was once there years ago for a gig with a former band, The Tummybuckles. This Friday evening greeted us with 90 degrees and beating sun as we played outside at Rivertap. We were fortunate enough to be able to stay at our dear friend Dale’s mom’s house and Nora was spared from the heat there, enjoying a little alone time while we played.
We got up early on Saturday and had breakfast at the amazing Mama Janes in The Dalles, which I highly recommend! I ordered an eggless omelet, and no one batted an eye. Also, it is possible I had the best hashbrowns of my life at this cute little café.
Saturday night we played at Brown Owl in Bend. With a carnival happening across the parking lot from us and an endless flow of patrons, there was an air of celebration in the air. Nora definitely noticed it when fireworks started going off and we had to put her back in the van (she was first nestled on our outside stage) then felt it again when she escaped out the van window once the fireworks stopped and showed up uninvited on stage. We were surprised by a few familiar faces. A friend and musician that Chris and I worked with at New Seasons back in the day, one of Chris’s fans from Portland and our darling friend Addison! Addison is a fabulous musician. He lives in Texas but was on tour with his band, The Riverside, in the Bend area so we got to catch up with our bud from down south.
On to Four Graces Winery in Dundee on Sunday for an afternoon set with our low-end friend, Dale Jones (on bass). The drive from Bend to Four Graces was truly spectacular. Rivers, mountains, lakes, rolling hills and waterfalls marked our path as we hugged the curves of highways 20 and 22. Playing outside on the 80 plus day did give me a bit of burn/tan and I just wanted to sleep after the three hour set, but Four Graces was well worth it. Everything about this place would make any musician swoon. Enthusiastic and supportive staff and an attentive audience all while we sipped the best wines Oregon has to offer.
Monday morning, up early again (are you tired yet? I’m exhausted!) and we head to the coast to play at Oregon best kept secret, Yachats. Located between Waldport and Florence, this little coastal town is picturesque and has lots of heart. We played at the adorable Drift Inn. We were greeted by friendly staff and a majorly attentive audience as we played with sore fingers and maybe some dark under-eyes, but it was such a lovely place to be and share our music.
Ah, now we come to today. Tuesday, our one day off before playing four more shows until a much-needed respite in the redwoods. We find ourselves at Cape Blanco State Park a bit west of highway 101 at the westernmost point of Oregon.
