The Tour Diaries: Kansas

Picturesque cumulus cloud islands dotted the sky overhead, looking painted-on above the rippled farmland on the way to Wichita. The humidity was already noticeable, and the AC in the pickup truck was struggling to keep up as our F150 started to feel more like a clown car—five people stuffed into five seats in this chariot of rock music. Oh yeah, and we were blasting The Sugarhill Gang… really loud.

In northern Colorado, we live in what’s often called a “Dead Zone” since other major cities are 6–7 hours away. Leaving on time is essential, and with our trailer barely rated for 65 mph, there’s no chance of making up lost time. We keep it legal—no band needs trouble with law enforcement.

We pulled up to the venue early enough to grab gyros next door, play pinball, and chat with locals (i.e., promote the show) before unloading. Cutting it close for soundcheck isn’t the worst crime, but showing up late for no reason can sink morale. Arriving with enough time lets everyone get mentally set—vital when trying to win over a room full of strangers who’ve never heard of you.

Kirby’s Beer Store always treats us well, and this trip was no exception. The opening band was our Fort Collins stagemates Tonguebyte, setting the bar high from the first note through their cover of Ozzy’s Crazy Train. All aboard.

The closer for the show was a prog rock band called Krysis who traveled through time from 1971 to join us that night. Surprisingly their time machine was big enough for two different synths plus a full electric piano, and enough drum accessories to make Neil Peart question his commitment to the craft. 

Afterward, we headed with Tonguebyte to our singer’s dad’s house just blocks away.

So how much planning is too much when you are on tour? It’s good to know who are the early risers in the band, who’s going to need a shower in the morning and who’s going to need food immediately. If you can figure these out in any terms before going to bed the better prepared everyone will be for the desperate shuffle we’ll all make toward the first mission of the day. When we’re not on a tight schedule, personally I like having some unstructured time for spontaneous adventures. Hikes, roadside attractions, and regional food highlights are all great ways to get to know the places you visit during your musical journey. Plus it makes for great social media content to share with fans. You could even try crowdsourcing ideas from your fans about what attractions to stop and see - then document the experience and share it. 

I know it sounds strange, but we may never know what it’s like to wake up in Lawrence, Kansas. We’ve played there twice this year, but each time we traded sleep for an overnight drive. Last time, we pushed through to make a load-in the next day in Athens, Georgia. This tour, with no place to stay and another long hot drive ahead, we opted for the same. Usually another band offers floor space, but no luck this time. No grudges—just a great night ahead in Lawrence.

Showtime. The Newly Weds opened, but I missed most of their set while on a mission for dinner and coffee. Local advice is best, so I asked TMac at Replay Lounge. They sent me to Latchkey Deli up Massachusetts Street—walkable, delicious, and local - Life returned to the faces of my bandmates after enjoying those transcendent sandwiches.

Next, Figure Models took the stage with just guitars and a cool Casio. I respect a band that ditches drums in a drum-heavy genre. Then Golf On Television blew us away—honest lyrics, upbeat tunes, and sharp technical chops from such young musicians.

And just like that, the short tour was over. On the drive home, Cody and I swapped reggae recommendations while the others slept on each other’s shoulders. Later, Amy and Sierra listened to a creepy podcast about the Midnight Man 👻. Most of us saw the sunrise as we talked about where to go on the next run out of the so-called “Dead Zone.”

It can’t really be a dead zone—it’s teeming with life and creativity. I’d like to think we’re proof of that.