I’ve had a lot of requests for a Portland update after my “Open Letter to Portland” blog a few months ago. I also want to tell you about my most recent mini-tour in August, so I’ll keep this first part short and sweet:
Portland is amazing. I’ve been lucky enough to find a very supportive infrastructure fairly quickly, and musically things are starting to evolve exactly as I’d hoped they would. I’m playing shows more frequently than I ever have, and the reception that I’ve gotten has been nothing but positive. I’ve just started to put together a band, and our first show will be at the White Eagle on October 12th. To add to all of this, I just moved into a great place that overlooks the Willamette River (for those who understand my need to be near the water, you can appreciate how important this is) with two roommates who are incredible. I remember being told that when you follow the path that you’re supposed to be on, things have a way of falling into place. This has certainly been the case so far, and I’m confident that it will continue to be.
August tour:
I’ve been trying to get this blog down for a while now, but it’s eluded me for a couple of reasons. One, I’ve been extremely busy, and two, everything moved so quickly during the tour that it’s been hard to gather my thoughts into one cohesive story. To put things into perspective, it was five shows, four days, three states, and two plane rides. Needless to say, events start to blur a little bit when you live life at that pace.
Austin: August 18th – 20th
My first show in Austin was at the world-famous Threadgill’s. For those unfamiliar with Austin’s musical history, Threadgill’s is maybe the most famous venue in town. Artists such as Janis Joplin, Townes Van Zandt, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore made a name for themselves there, and being an Austin-raised musician it was an honor just to step foot on the stage. My set was short, but well received, and I was invited back again when I return to Austin in December. Can’t wait for that!
The big show for this trip however was at Lambert’s, which is probably my favorite venue in Austin. I’ve wanted to play there for a long time, and jumped at the chance when this show was offered. Everything about Lambert’s is great, from the food (downstairs is a BBQ joint) to the sound, to the selection of bands that play there seven nights a week. It had been six months since my last Austin show (or two days…if you count Threadgill’s), and I was excited to play with a full band, and throw out some new songs for friends and family. The Austin crowd is always so supportive, and as usual they helped spread the word in the weeks leading up to my show. The result was a great crowd, a great show, and overall a great trip home.
(Side note: This was my last show with Bubbles, the famous gender-neutral alligator. Bubbles had been traveling with me since February, and together we had visited some 16 states! Sadly, Bubbles was on loan and I had to give him back to his original owner. I can honestly say I never thought I’d miss a 3-inch, plastic, gender-neutral toy alligator so much. Let’s all hope he’s enjoying sunny California. Here’s a picture of him on the road in tribute.)
Indiana: August 21st
One of my favorite things about playing in Austin is that after every show my friends take me out to celebrate. Which is great…unless you have a show the next day…in Indiana…and your flight is at 8 AM. Curious how many minutes (that’s right, minutes) of sleep I got before my 8 o’clock flight? 0. I’ve never been so sad to hear my alarm go off. I did my best to sleep on the plane, and managed to show up at the Indianapolis airport looking only half dead. After a change of clothes, some food, and a splash of cold water to the face I was good as new, and ready for the show.
I had been invited to play the Otterbein Concert Series in Greenfield, IN by Rick Garrett and Holly Smith (check out their band Patchwork), two of the nicest, most encouraging people you’ll ever meet. Mark Alexander opened the show for me, and warmed the crowd up with a fantastic set. Greenfield is about thirty minutes outside of Indianapolis, and the Otterbein Concerts attract a dedicated and attentive audience. I don’t think I’ve ever played to a better listening crowd. Towards the end of my set I asked Holly to come sing “Long Black Veil” with me. She’s got a real knack for harmony, and can blend her voice beautifully – by far the highlight of the show.
Cincinnati: August 22nd
Anytime I’m in the Midwest I try and schedule a show in Cincinnati. Both of my parents grew up there, and we still have a lot of family in Cincy. It’s a good excuse to see them, and this show was especially important because it was the first time that my Oma (grandmother on my mom’s side) had ever seen me play. She’s 82, and as feisty as they come. She’ll shoot you…not kidding. The show was at a place called Paxton’s, which is owned by one of my uncle’s rugby buddies. The only thing more fun than playing for a bunch of rugby players is going to a bar with a bunch of rugby players…and I was playing for a bunch of rugby players in a bar. Awesome.
Admittedly the show started out a little rough. There were some serious technical problems with the PA, and I didn’t get going until almost an hour after my scheduled start time. Thankfully, once things got going a great time was had by all. There are two things in particular that stood out about this show: first was “Big Mike” starting a dance party during my cover of “Pink Cadillac.” He’s about 6’7”, with a personality that’s as big as he is. Once he got moving the whole place joined in. Second, I sell buttons at every show that say “Who the F$#! Is Reed Turner?” My Oma thought this was the funniest thing she’d ever seen. She wore the button for two days straight, and every time she saw me she’d shout “who the fuck are you?!” and burst into laughter. This coming from a woman who goes to church every Sunday, carries a Bible in her purse, insists that every person at the table join in a group prayer before meals (even if you’re eating out), and who I’ve never heard utter a profanity in my life. She’ll still shoot you though.
I stayed in Cincinnati for an extra day to spend some time with the family, eat some Graeter’s Ice Cream and some Skyline Chili, and then headed back to Portland. I was exhausted, I was full, and I was happy.
-Reed
