Asheville, NC - 09/18/09
Asheville, NC. What a tricky town. It rained on us the whole way down from Charlotte. We got to Asheville earlier than we needed to be so we headed downtown to grab some dinner at Rosetta’s. Downtown was crowded. There was a festival called “Downtown After Five.” Live Music, lots of beer, and wet people was the case. After struggling a bit to find decent parking, we trekked through the rain to the place with the “fake” food. Rosetta’s is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant and I actually think it’s a lot of fun trying out the menu. We all went all out! We all ate so much food that we got into the van afterwards, laid back the seats, and went into food comas for about 20 minutes. Shortly after, we loaded in The Rocket Club and began the usual routine. It’s been a challenge in Ashville for the band to build a loyal crowd. This was my second time with them here and the band’s sixth. Some of the shows have been good and some, not so good, but not many repeat customers, so to speak. This is pretty frustrating and we spent some time after the showing racking our brains as to what we should do differently. It’s funny how each town is so different and how there are so many of them. America is so large and expansive and to conquer every city as a DIY band is very difficult. But it’s not going to get done without trying. And so when each show’s all said and done, you can still feel good because you’re doing the right thing, or at least heading in the right direction. After the show, we were invited to stay with Keegan and Bryan in their hotel room. Hell yes we will! We goofed off for a while in front of the venue with Wakey Wakey before parting ways for the night. Keegs and his boy were already checked in when we got to the hotel. We were excited to have a slumber party with them but once we arrived everyone was tired and ready for bed. Not Josh and Me! “ We are definitely going to Waffle House!” And so we walked across the street for a late night dinner date. To keep the tradition of the day going, Josh and I went all out once more on the food. ‘Twas delicious! Josh was feeling extra “feisty” and decided to sleep in the van (there was limited space in the hotel room anyway). Tomorrow we go back home. We’re all excited to play 12th and Porter because we never have. All in all it was a good night. As Sam Elliot’s character put it in The Big Lebowski, “Sometimes you eat the bar and sometimes…well, the bar eats you.” I think that’s appropriate. Andrew Samples
