Jukebox

Directions Tour Journal - Part III

So, we drove back from Arlington last night after playing a show at the Galaxy Hut there, it was cool and I even bumped into a few people I aready know, what a small world?!

We have been in Washington DC recently playing a house party at Chris’ friends house and before hand playing our series of shows at Borders Bookstores. We met a guy who is going to serve in Iraq, he bought our CDs and said he would be taking them with him over there as his ‘favourite things’. It struck me that our music was about to reach the frontline. I have mixed emotions about that and I hope that this person makes it back in one piece, intact and with our music in his head.

We have stayed at Henry’s sisters (Linda) house and she made us feel very welcome. She has a feral cat named Tom who she lets sleep in a box in her backyard and when we got there after a busy night she put out sandwiches and food for us.

Last night after our show we drove home at 11:30PM and got back to the mountain house in NC for 5:30AM this morning. I woke up somewhere near 3PM, a little disorientated and sleepy. Henry is changing strings tonight on the guitars and we are watching ‘Cops’ on the TV. Tomorrow we play at the Evening Muse in Charlotte, NC. We played there a week or so back, just a few songs at an open mic night to check the place out and tomorrow night we are expecting friends of Henry and Chris. I’ve also had quite a few people email me through MySpace saying they will be turning up to the show.

After tomorrow we have a day off then things get real busy. We leave and go to Chapel Hill, Michigan, New York and New Jersey. At the halfway point of our tour we are excited to play more shows and glad that the ones we’ve already done have turned out so well.

Gladys the official tour cat has been staying with one of Chris’ friends from work, being looked after and having a little holiday while we’ve been away. She was more than happy to see Henry today. I however, had some sad news this afternoon. Back in the UK my pet hamster Jessica has died. I was so sad this afternoon that I cried (not good) but she had a great life for a little hamster. I also have other pets - a rabbit, two guinea pigs and fish. I am sure they will be happy when I get back.

So, it’s kind of good to be away from home but sad sometimes when stuff like this happens. At least I know they are being looked after.

When I get back I have a month of songwriting to do and work needs to be done on a lot of piano music that I’ve been writing. I also have various shows lined up and will be working on a new set list of material. From what I’ve heard Andy (from this very site!) is reviewing my releases at the moment so be sure to check back soon to read what he has to say about those. I surely will!

Written by Emma Rugg - April 2007
Read more: Guest Columns, Tour Diaries, Emma Rugg