Knitting Factory - Front Room (Los Angeles, CA)

We woke up in San Luis Obispo yesterday morning. We started our van and realized that it stalling when it was shifting between gears. We knew this wasn't good, so we took it straight to a dealership. We got it looked at and we discovered that we were really low on transmission fluid. We got it filled up and we were good to go.

We were pretty late to our show in L.A., but we made it work. The L.A. show was the best show of the tour so far! Biggest crowd and what not. We hung out with our booking agent and some people from our label. It was a good time.

After the show, we went to the famous Mel's Diner. We then made our way to our hotel in Glendale, CA (like five miles from L.A.) We got to sleep in today, which was great.

San Luis Obispo, CA (Downtown Brew)

We played in San Luis Obispo on Thursday. The venue was called Downtown Brew. It was our first time there. The place was awesome! The hospitality was great and the venue was really good. The place was a micro-brewery, so we got to dry some different types of beers. I'd have to say that blueberry was my favorite.

After the show, we made the (1/2 mile) journey back to our hotel. Overall, it was a good night! San Luis Obispo is a really nice town. I hope we get to play there again soon.

OFF DAY (WA to CA)

Wednesday was a drive day. We were in the car ALL day. 9am to 3:30am. Good times. Ha. We were really stoked to finally get to our hotel in San Luis Obispo. We slept in the next day....it was great.

Seattle, WA (Chop Suey)

Tuesday's show was at Chop Suey in Seattle. We had played the El Corazon in Seattle once, but never Chop Suey. The venue was nice! I liked it a lot.

We had some time to kill before the show, so we all went out for sushi. It was good! This show was special because we got to see an old friend. Viper, our driver from the UK, was at the show! He was 'on holiday' visiting the states for a week. He just happened to be in Seattle the night we played there. Most of the guys didn't know he was coming to the show, so they were surprised.

We all hung out with him at the show. It was a great time. After the show, we drove three hours to Portland, OR and stayed with Matt's older brother, Chip. It was good seeing him. We hadn't seen him in a year.

We slept for a few hours, and then woke up and started our 17 hour drive to San Luis Obispo, CA.

DAY OFF (UT to WA)

We had Monday off. We used it as a drive day from UT to WA. It was a 13 hour drive. We got an oil change and ran some errands before we left UT. We got a hotel a few hours outside of Seattle.

Sandy, UT (Solid Ground Cafe)

We're about five minutes outside of Salt Lake City, UT tonight. We're at the Solid Ground Cafe in good old Sandy, UT. We've played Salt Lake City twice, but we've never played this venue. It's cool! It's just a little cafe, but it's nice.

The guys already played and everything went smoothly. Let me rewind a bit though. The eight hour drive here was actually pretty good! The scenery was great! It's nice to finally see mountains again. I swear, we need to get out West more often. I'm stoked for the scenery we're going to encounter on our drive from Salt Lake City to Seattle tomorrow (and Tuesday). I remember that drive last summer. Man, was it awesome. I never knew that scenery like that existed in the United States!

We're staying about forty minutes north of Salt Lake City tonight in a town called Ogden, UT. We met a new friend at the show who was willing to take us in for the night.

We've got an off day tomorrow. We're going to spend most of the day driving towards Seattle (where we play on Tuesday). In a few days, we'll be in Cali!

Denver, CO (Marquis Theatre)

Last night we were in Denver. Man, I love that city! Seriously, Colorado is awesome. I know I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I really mean it. So clean and so beautiful.

The show was legit. Good crowd, guys played well, etc. This was the third time we've played that venue. I look forward to going back there. It's always a good time.

We stayed with our good friend Matt. He moved into a new place, and it's awesome! We woke up early and made our way to Salt Lake City.

Kansas City, MO (Main Street Cafe)

I'm here at our show at The Main Street Cafe in Kansas City, MO. I have to tell you, this venue is awesome!! It's one of my favorite venues we've ever played.

This is the band's first time playing in Kansas City (as a full band). (Corey played here acoustic once...)

Ok, back to how sweet this venue is.....

We rolled up to the place this afternoon, and we weren't really sure what we it was going to be like. It was an older looking building, etc. Well, we walked in a realized that you can't judge a book by it's cover. The place is really nice! Really cool lighting, cool decor, etc. Oh, did I mention how great the hospitality is? The generous people working the show made all the bands a home-cooked meal. It was amazing!

On top of that, this place has a shower and bedrooms. We weren't sure where we were going to stay tonight, but our problem is now solved! Awesome.

I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty tired. We woke up in Chicago and made the drive all the way to KC. We passed straight through Springfield (our hometown). I even passed the exit to my little town of Rochester. Ahhh so close, yet so far away. We're still out on tour for another three and a half weeks. It's all good though. We're having a good time!

Well, I'm done rambling. I hope we make our way back to KC sometime soon.

*Thanks to all the people at the Main St. Cafe for being so kind. This type of hospitality is rare for bands of our size. We really appreciate it!

Tinley Park, IL (Mojoe's)

I'm sitting here manning the merch table at our show in Tinley Park. Nightmare of You is on the stage right now. They're tearing it up like always. I probably haven't proclaimed it yet, but the bands on this tour are really good! I really enjoy hearing all of them every night.

This is a nice change of pace from some previous tours. The venue here in Tinley Park is called Mojoe's. We were just here about a month ago on the Mayday Parade tour. The venue itself is decent. The sound is shotty. Oh well...what can you do?! Ha.

We're staying in Chicago again tonight. I feel like we can almost legally claim residency in Chicago by this point. We've been there for about four days straight. It's cool though because I love that city. I could definitely see myself living there at some point down the road.

We're waking up real early tomorrow and starting our trek to Kansas City, MO. We've never actually played in Kansas City. We've played Lawrence, KS (about forty five minutes from KC) a few times. I've got some family coming out to the show. I'm excited to see them.

After Kansas City, we're making our way out West. We've got a string of LONG drives ahead! It's going to be intense, but I know we can handle it. We're pretty conditioned by this point.

Chicago, IL (Subterranean)

Tonight's show was at Subterranean in Chicago. This is a newer venue that we hadn't yet played. The show ended up being solid! There were over a hundred people through the door. The guys played well and sounded good,

We're now back at our buddy's apartment (where we've been staying the last few days). We're probably just going to lay low tonight, which sounds good to me!

We're in Tinley Park, IL (Chicago suburb) tomorrow night. We were just there a few weeks ago. Hopefully it's good!

Chicago, IL (DAY OFF #2)

We had our second day off in Chicago yesterday. It was a pretty relaxed day. We hit up some thrift stores on Belmont. I picked up a new bookbag that I'm stoked about. It fits my computer and all my other stuff. Score!

We went out for a while Tuesday night. It was a good time.

Overall, good off day.

Chicago, IL (DAY OFF)

Yesterday we had a day off in Chicago. It was great! We went downtown and hung out. We all picked up some new clothes at H&M. We went to Grant Park, Milennium Park, and Navy Pier. It was awesome.

After that, we went to our friend's apartment and unloaded all our stuff. After that, we went out to a bar for a little while. All in all, it was a good night.

Detroit, MI (Magic Stick)

Last night's show was at the Magic Stick in Detroit. This was the third or fourth time we've played this venue.

The show was pretty decent. There's a bowling alley on the bottom floor of the building, and I wanted to hit that up all night. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. It's all good though....I'm sure we'll be back there sometime soon.

After the show, we drove all night to Chicago. We rolled into the city around 5am.

We have the next two days off in Chicago. It's 11:30am right now, and I'm going to start the day. A few of us are going to go downtown and sightsee. I'm stoked to have some time to hang out in the city!

Buffalo, NY (Xtreme Wheelz)

Tonight is the first night of our tour with Nightmare Of You, Paper Rival, and Edison Glass. The show is at Xtreme Wheelz in Buffalo, NY. We played this venue about six months ago on the Spitalfield farewell tour.

The show is looking to be pretty decent! I know the Buffalo scene has gone downhill in the past few years. There's a decent crowd here. Our guys got cut short a song (because other bands played to long), which makes me mad. I didn't find out they were getting cut short until after the fact.

Nightmare of You is playing right now. They sound good! I really think I'm going to dig the bands on this tour. Their music is a lot different than most of the bands that we've previously toured with. This style is more down our alley (as far as personal preference goes).

Our buddy Matt (from Erie, PA) is on this tour (doing merch for Edison Glass). We also know the drummer from Nightmare of You because he used to drum in a band (that we previously toured with) called Permanent Me. I'm glad we're going to get to hang out with these guys again!

This tour will keep us out until mid-June. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I'll keep you updated!

Green Bowl, OH (Howard's Club H)

We picked up a last minute show yesterday at Howard's Club H in Green Bowl, OH. We had never played this city before.

The show ended up being a bit of a bust. There were only a handful of people there. We did get free food and drinks, and a little money to put into the gas tank. If nothing else, it's another pin to add to the map (of places we've played)!

We did our best to make sure we had fun. Everyone was pretty laid back about it all.

Toledo, OH (Frankie's)

Thursday was the last show of our little headlining run. It was at Frankie's bar in Toledo, OH. We'd played Toledo a few times before, but we had always played at Headliner's. This was our first time at Frankie's. I have to say that I prefer Frankie's over Headliner's. It's a small venue, but the sound and lights are better. For a band of our current size, Frankie's was perfect.

The show was a good time. It was pretty small, but the crowd was good!

After the show, we said goodbye to everyone in 1997 and made our way back to our friends' apartment in Toledo. We stayed there for the night.

We were supposed to have the next day off, but we picked up a last minute show in Green Bowl, OH (about thirty minutes south of Toledo).

Overall, the headlining run went pretty well! I think we all learned some things from it. Hopefully the next time we do a headlining run, it will be on a much bigger scale!

Rochester, IL (HOME - DAY OFF)

Last Wednesday, I got to spend a quick 24 hours at home. It was awesome. I caught up with friends and family, did some laundry, and got a good night's sleep.

It went by really quick, but I'm glad that I got to do it. I won't be home for another month...

St. Louis, MO (Rockstar Nightclub)

Tuesday's show was at Rockstar Nightclub in St. Louis. The show ended up being pretty good! The venue was brand new. There had only been one or two shows there.

The sound and lights were solid. The venue was located in sort of a weird part of town, but I'm sure if they have a lot of shows, people will get familiar with it.

The guys played well and they had a pretty good turnout. I had some St. Louis relatives come out to the show. It was great seeing them. I always love seeing family when I'm on the road.

After the show, we caught a ride back home. We had the next day off, so all of the Springfield guys were going to spend it at home. We were more than stoked!

I love when the guys play in St. Louis. I hope we get to go back there soon.

Alton, IL (DAY OFF)

We spent last Monday in Alton, IL. We had a day off, and it was glorious. Hah. We slept in until mid-afternoon. (The overnight drive always took a lot out of us.) We stayed at Corey's girlfriend's house. It was great.

We had a big BBQ that night. A few of my friends (from the area) came over. It was great to see them.

This was one of the best off days we've had in a while!

Papillion, NE (The Rock)

Last Sunday's show was at The Rock in Papillion, NE (right outside of Omaha). We had a feeling that this show might not be amazing.....and we were right :o) It was the smallest show of the tour. We were all anxious to get the show over with because we were driving to St. Louis (Alton, IL) right after it.

The show ended and we made our way to Alton, IL. It was about a seven hour drive. Well, part way through the drive (at about 4am), we stopped to get gas in a small town in Missouri. We accidentally left the headlights on for a few minutes, and the van battery died. We spents about 45 minutes trying to get a jump. We ended up calling the local police and they helped us out.

We arrived in Alton at about 8am and crashed out until mid-afternoon.

Minneapolis, MN (The Loft @ Barfly)

Last Saturday night's show was at The Loft @ Barfly. The venue was in downtown Minneapolis. We had never played here before.

The venue was basically a big open room. The show turned out to be alright. It was an early one....we were out of there by about 10pm, which was great.

After the show, some of the guys hit up a bar for a few minutes. Max and I walked to find ourselves some dinner. We then drove a few hours to Des Moines, IA and crashed with a friend.

Minneapolis is always a cool city to play in. I know we're coming back there (to St. Paul) on the Secondhand Serenade tour. It should be a good show!

La Crosse, WI (The Warehouse)

The next show was at The Warehouse in La Crosse, WI. We just played this venue literally like about ten days ago. The show ended up being decent.

After the show, we went to a girl from the show's house for a little bit. Her house was crazy! The entire thing was themed kind of like NIghtmare Before Christmas style. It was interesting for sure.

After hanging out there for a while, we drove a few hours to our hotel.

Aurora, IL (Doug's Rockhouse Grill)

Last night's show was at Doug's Rockhouse Grill in Aurora, IL. We'd never played Aurora before, but the show ended up being the best one of the tour so far. There were about one hundred people there. The show had two really good local bands that opened. Check out: They Found Me, They Named Me and Amrita. Both of these bands have a lot of potential.

Everything went smoothly with the show. After it was over, we drove to my friend's house in Rockford, IL and stayed there for the night. That's where we're at right now.

We're going to be taking off here shortly and heading to our show in La Crosse, WI.

Crown Point, IN (DAY OFF)

We had Wednesday off, so we went to Crown Point, IN to hang out with our friends in the band Asteria. It was a good time! We went and grabbed lunch at our favorite Crown Point burger joint, Schoop's. After that, we just relaxed for a while.

The evening was real laid back. We just hung out and visited. It was a good off day.

The next morning, we woke up and drove to our show in Aurora, IL.

Grand Rapids, MI (The Intersection - Front Room)

Last night's show was at The Intersection - Front Room. We had just played the big room of this venue like ten days ago. Crazy.

This show was decent. There were about fifty kids at this one too. The show was short and sweet. We were out of there by 9pm. Awesome.

After the show, we went to our friend's house and stayed the night.

We've got another day off today. We're driving to Crown Point, IN to see our friends in the band Asteria. It should be a good time!

Cleveland, OH (DAY OFF)

Monday was our day off in Cleveland. We spent most of the day running errands. My laptop was messed up, so I took it to the Apple store and got it all fixed up. We got an oil change and did a few other small things.

We tried going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but we got there too late. I hope we make it back there sometime soon.

After all that, we drove to Toledo and stayed with some friends.

Cleveland Heights, OH (Grog Shop)

Sunday's show was at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, OH. This is probably the fourth of fifth time we've played this venue. The show was pretty decent. There were about fifty people there. The guys had a lot of fun on stage.

The crowd was really responsive, which is always good. After the show, we hung out at the venue for a while. The guys were watching the Cubs vs. Cards game. There was an experimental show going on at the venue. It was pretty weird. It didn't sound like music to me, but hey, what do I know?! Hah

After that, we went to our hotel.

Syracuse, NY (DAY OFF)

We had the day off today. We stayed in Syracuse, NY with our good friends Caleb and Josh (from the band Long Since Forgotten). We go way back with these guys. It's been great catching up with them.

Tomorrow's show is at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights, OH. We've played this venue like four or five times in the last year and a half. I hope the show goes well!

Overall, today was great. I got some new clothes from H&M, relaxed, and hung out. Off days are good every now and then :o)

Syracuse, NY (Westcott Community Center)

Our headlining stint with 1997 began yesterday in Syracuse, NY. This was our first time in Syracuse. The show was decent.

We had vegan catering. It was pretty good! After the show, we hung out with our friend Caleb from the band Long Since Forgotten. We've know his band since we were in J.A.C.K. They always came through Springfield and played Breadstretchers with us. We hadn't seen the guys in years, but it was great to catch up.

We're now on our off day. We're staying at Caleb's apartment. I think we're going to grill out tonight. It should be fun!

Troy, NY (Revolution Hall)

The last show of the tour was at Revolution Hall in Troy, NY (right outside of Albany). The show was really good! Almost 400 people there. The sound and lights at the venue were excellent.

Corey came out during My American Heart's set and sang part of a song with them. It was pretty cool.

After the show, all the bands went to our hotel in Albany. There was a lot of 'last night of tour' shenanigans. It was a blast. I can't believe we didn't get kicked out of our hotel room. Ha.

This was definitely our best full tour to date. I had a blast. Great people, great shows, great tour!

Lancaster, PA (Club Chameleon)

The Lancaster, PA show was pretty solid. There was a good crowd and the guys played well. We'd never been to Lancaster, but I'd definitely like to go back.

We had some great burritos across the street from the venue.

After the show, we pricelined a hotel in Allentown, PA. We woke up the next morning and made our way to Troy, NY (right outside of Albany).

Good show. Good day!