Day Six (First Show)

After some final rehearsals, we head over to the venue and conditions are totally slushy on the roads. First Avenue is the club that Prince’s Purple Rain was filmed at in 1984 and it continues to be the pre-eminent club in Minneapolis.

When we arrive, Bob is mid-soundcheck. His whole crew is remarkably friendly and make themselves available to us in an unexpected and kind way. It’s an early sign that things could work out really well on the road.

Our soundcheck goes quickly and smoothly and we quickly grab a bite before our set.

Once we return, the club has filled up and after a bit, we’re onstage. First Avenue is one of those clubs that lowers a screen in front of the stage until you’re set begins, so you’ve got a little time to fidget and make sure you’re set before things get going. This was a nice way to ease into the first show of the tour and things continued to go well for the remainder of our time onstage. The crowd (and it was nearly sold out) seemed responsive to us and we met quite a few people who have been following us for a long, long time.

This morning, we leave for Milwaukee for show 2. No hot water in the showers here at the hotel, for some reason, but that’s a small complaint considering all the things that have gone right here in Minneapolis.

RYAN