Done.
an empty wonder ballroom
After 52,000 miles, over 100 shows, and the better part of a year’s time, the Blind Pilot tour is over. Until, that is, a new record appears to tour in support of. In the meantime, it’s great to be back in Portland with the people we love, reunited with our estranged pets, and getting reacquainted with the concept of personal space.
After Salt Lake City, every show was sold out. Audiences were amazing and it felt fantastic to approach the West Coast in such a triumphant manner. Returning to Portland, the fact that our two Wonder Ballroom shows sold out was a sobering reminder of how far we’ve come in 2009 and how lucky we’ve been. It seems like yesterday that we were playing Dante’s for the CD Release show and were blown away that 100 people showed up.
In the upcoming downtime, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my Portland friends and musical cohorts, starting up some new projects, writing new material, and possibly getting into some studio work. Even more than this, I look forward to regular sleep patterns, time with my wife, cooking, and exercise. Hopefully by the time the next round of touring starts, I will be completely rejuvenated.
ryan and kati, ready for home
ian makes a goodbye card
This year has been the best yet in my life. The Blind Pilot family (Israel, Ryan, Luke, Kati, Ian, Joel, Shawn, Kristine, Jason, Stu, Kevin, Mike, Sarah, Miki, Cozy, Kate, Kevin, Alex, Anthony) is a great group of people and I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of them. The bands we’ve met and played with (Decemberists, Broken West, Gomez, Langhorn Slim, The Low Anthem, Local Natives, Laura Viers, Laura Gibson, Peter Bjorn and John, Josh Ritter, 3 Leg Torso, Pink Martini, M Ward, Gillian Welch, Hockey, Point Juncture WA, and who could forget Sir Mix A Lot) have been enlightening and inspirational. The support of my wife and family has been indispensable. It’s been a great trip so far and I appreciate how lucky I am every day. Thanks all!
