This is me. The goofy geologist and musician whose aim is to smile as much as possible, never wasting a single breath that I have been given. But sometimes we all need a break, even from the things we love (like touring). That's why I packed up my Subaru and drove to Utah with one of my best friends, Mr. Nick Steele.Nick and I met up with Miss Sonya Smith and her dad Craig for the Trans-Zion hike, a forty-something mile hike from one side of Zion National Park to the other. For me being the most out of shape in our group, this was quite an adventure and quite a feat! The main hike was a four-day, three-night trek where we packed everything on our backs including food and water.
The weather was perfect (minus a little rain) and as a result of the much needed break, I am feeling quite rejuvenated! I mean, sure I have a few blisters and a sunburn to boot, but that's a small price to pay to get out and truly live!
For stark contrast, this was me just three days earlier on tour in San Francisco, enjoying skyscrapers and overpriced coffee. What a trip that was too!But but before I get into detail about that, I should start from the beginning. My good friend and fellow songwriter Leify Green paid me and Reno a visit following his month-long tour across Australia. Leify's new EP The Red Onion Sessions, Vol. 2 had just been released and is already an international hit! But don't think you can find this online just yet, for the time being he is keeping them for live shows only...that sneaky devil!
That night, we rocked a packed house at The Grape & The Grain in Reno before heading off to play at Armadillo Music, a record store in Davis, CA on Saturday day. It was such a lovely day out, we even decided to play for passersby on the street for their famous "Picnic Day." But we couldn't stay long before taking the tour van to Chico for another show that night! I wish I could post pics for all of these shows, but isn't that what Instagram is for?! ;)
After we played The Maltese in Chico, my good buddy Logan showed us all a good time. Too bad we couldn't stay longer, but alas it was back to the road!The next night was Marilyn's on K in Sacramento with Martín Purtill. Pronounced "Mar-teen", this guy has one of the best damn voices I've ever heard in my life! We all joined in on each other sets and had a blast! I can't wait to make it back that way soon.
The next day I had to say goodbye to Leify and Hannah (Did I mention her earlier? She's awesome) after our late night jaunt to San Jose. West Coast Songwriters were hosting a songwriting competition in Berkeley that I was invited to and couldn't pass up. I didn't win, but I was a finalist and made some great friends there! (Keep an eye and an ear out for Andrew Castro ;))
At the end of my trip, I decided to spend a day (or two) in San Fran. Really, I had only planned to spend one day, but after a little mishap on the public transit I found myself in the wrong part of town and missed my bus home! What luck, eh? I turned them lemons into all sorts of delicious lemonade and made a day out of it!
This has all been the abbreviated version, and for that I'm sorry. Right now as I write this is am literally sick and tired, but I love what I am doing with my life and all the adventures I get to be a part of. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Cheers, and thanks for reading!
~Liam
