It's been a busy few days.. we got into Chicago late (we always seem to be late..) and had to drop people off at various locations where friends (Angie V., Christine P.!) again kindly let us crash with them.

Peggy and Betty had a lovely adventure finding secure parking for our tour van in downtown Chicago. We stayed at a hotel, generously provided by our awesome friend Jake who felt guilty that he had promised us a place to stay but had moved out of his place a few weeks prior. Thanks Jake! You're the best.

The next day was hitting the street to promote the show. For dinner, we ate deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati's. Later that night, we joined friends at Piece and then somehow ended up at Wingstop. There, Betty charmed the manager into hanging a poster and giving out a download card with every order. The manager also gave us free wings. You rock, Wingstop manager.

Barrick and Veronica at Lou Malnati's.

Michael, Chris, Peggy, Jake, and Betty at Piece.

Chris and Michael at Wingstop.

It looks like stormy weather is following us -- Chicago was rainy and cold the entire time. Despite that, it was a fun experience and we all got to see old friends.

Love in October closed out the Chicago show and were awesome. Thanks so much for playing! I was totally jealous of their professional setup. They also cleverly use a rope light to illuminate all of their merch and now I harass Peggy daily to get me one.

The Kinetic Playground is amazing on the inside. They had a great stage and an awesome sound and light system. The videos I got from this show sound and look amazing.

Gregg, Christine, Jon, and Veronica at The Kinetic Playground.

The amazing Angie V. and her posse (Betty launched herself into this picture)

I'll put Buffalo in it's own entry -- there was so much in Buffalo despite the short time we were there.

When we first started out driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Going to pick up the rest of our group, Jon, Gregg, and Betty decided to provide entertainment for the rest of us.. tour life is always fun.

We arrived in St. Louis late on Wednesday night and had a lovely scenic tour of the Loop while we circled for safe parking. Christine busted some impressive Dodge Sprinter van maneuvers along the way.

The whole group of us eventually flooded into Cicero's for dinner. I, being paranoid and having read crazy stories of entire tour vans being stolen, left dinner a billion times to stare broodingly at the van and anyone who happened to be standing within 100 feet of it.

Despite that, dinner was wonderful and the food was delicious.

Afterwards, we had got to really enjoy the various sights of St. Louis as our GPS routed and rerouted us around closed freeways and road construction. Finally, half the group got dropped off at a friend's apartment and the other half drove ten miles to another friend. (Bless the kindness of good friends. We love you. Sincerely, wholeheartedly, always. Eternally grateful.)

The next day, show day, everyone met up to hit the streets and get the word out. Unfortunately, the rain had followed us from Springfield and it was a cold, damp day. Still, everyone worked hard and Gregg Tillery and Barrick LaTona even used their charm to get on St. Louis University's radio station.

Peggy and I worked from Panera Bread Co. again, this time joined by Jon Lorentz to work cyberspace. Yeah Panera!

When show time rolled around, we headed to Fubar. Thanks to everyone who came to the show and to the great local musicians who kicked the night off for us.

Also, hello to Eric (and I hoped I spelled your name right!) from The Fountain. I hope you'll keep reading the blog! Thanks so much for coming out and staying through everyone's set.

It wasn't our most successful night but everyone did really well. Marcus Very Ordinary did fabulous during "I'm Easy" despite the keyboard not working. Jon Lorentz managed the impressive feat of untangling wires, strapping on a guitar, and then switching mics while singing the entire time. The Hoof & The Heel is always polished and performed crowd-favorite "Bells and Whistles" with Harris Shper joining Farid Rener on drums. Gregg Tillery and new drummer Chris Kavanagh were amazing at the end of the night, rocking out with some crazy instrumental sections. We love Chris!

We're on the road to Chicago now to see old friends, make new friends, and put on a great show at The Kinetic Playground. RSVP on facebook! Do it!