Amber’s tour diary
Genitti’s Little Theater
January 26, 2003
Today we played at Genitti’s Little Theater, a restaurant with a great theatre attached. We didn’t know what to expect as it was Super Bowl Sunday, but the Genitti family welcomed us warmly, and to our delight we had a large group of people come out to see the afternoon show. We felt really good about the show and loved the intimate feel of the theatre. We all commented that the performance had moments of a workshop feel. During the break the audience asked us questions, from songwriting queries to what guitar company is our favourite. When we finally finished we packed up in a hurry as the big screen TV was the next act in line, the MC for the annual Super Bowl bash the Genittis host.
We are now cozy at the home of the Kaufmans, friends of ours from Home County Folk Festival, who are hosting us for the week. We are looking forward to our performances tomorrow and are already gearing up for the Ark on Tuesday.
Johnny’s Speak Easy house concert
January 25, 2003
Johnny’s Speak Easy is not your everyday house concert. The performing area is a "wine catacomb", a cellar nearly 200 years old. It was actually the cold starage for the home next door, which still stands today. In the 1900s the cellar was topped with a residence, and by the 20s the cellar had been converted to a bar, and was used as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Needless to say this space, hand crafted with field stone and mortar, is unique and a joy to perform in. The ceilings are suprisingly high at 15ft, and the accoustics sing as a result. Though our crowd was small due to the Ann Arbour Folk Festival running in town, we had a very special evening! Johnny invited us back tomorrow morning to perform for his Special Needs class, and we are eagerly awaiting our return to the lovely cellar and to meet Johnny’s students.
WDET radio
January 25, 2003
The next stop on the itinerary was the WDET radio station for a spot on the "Folks Like Us" show with Matt Watroba. It was great to see Matt again and we were pleased to be on the show to share our new music and talk up the US tour. Our only complaint is that our visit with Matt was too short because as soon as we were done, it was back into the van to drive to Johnny’s Speak Easy, a house concert in Ann Arbor.
Kingsville house concert
January 24, 2003
Our tour began late Friday afternoon when we all met at the "Sirens Clubhouse" to pack the van and head out to Kingsville for our first tour gig, a house concert. We got off to a late start (what’s new!) but were all enthused to be finally on our way after all the planning, preparation, and packing of all that stuff into the teeny tiny van. When we finally got to the home of Barb and Gord, we set up in record time and began our first performance on this road trip. We soon discovered that our audience was not just forgiving of our tardy arrival, but warm and responsive to our music!
The room we performed in was newly added to the home, and was perfect for hosting an event such as this. With cathedral ceilings panelled in wood, a fire place and room to seat 35, it was a treat to christen the room with the concert, and of course with the jam session that followed. Barb and Gord were our hosts for the night and then it was off to the border.
Going through customs at the border was smooth and remarkably quick. We were sent on our way only after leaving the times and places where we were performing in the area! We are hoping to see some of our border guards at the performances we listed for them.