Phew! What a long, semi-strange tour it was…who am I kidding, it was amazing! Since mid-April, J.Bell and the Lazy Susan Band have been gigging around Minnesota and Wisconsin, playing eleven shows (mostly in “full band” mode), including our immensely satisfying and unique CD release party for “Greetings from Apocalyptic Falls”. But that was just the beginning. We also played in front of incredibly receptive crowds at Carbone’s, Flat Earth Brewery (above), and the Tavern Lounge. But perhaps the peak experience of them all was opening up for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at the 7th Street Entry. I mean, just check out this SOLD OUT crowd:
I snapped that photo with my phone in between songs and it just doesn’t do the crowd justice; even though most of them bought tickets to see the Peacemakers, they cheered for us like we were the headliners. We couldn’t have felt more welcomed! The look on J. Bell’s face below pretty much says it all: we can’t believe how lucky we were to be able to do this. And then to watch the Peacemakers blow away the crowd even further, and to hang with them at two more private parties…well, we don’t know how to put it into words how it felt.
There’s a boatload more pictures by Jason Narverud of Cute Fox Studios over in our picture gallery. They tell the story much better than I can!
Now, it’s time for most of the band to take a well-earned break for a few months. But J. Bell isn’t quite done…he’ll be on stage by himself, with nuthin’ but a guitar and a microphone, at the Turf Club this coming Tuesday…opening up for Roger Clyne solo! This will be an intimate, unique show completely unlike any other you’ve seen from Justin or Roger, and Justin is promising to play some songs you haven’t heard live in a long time.
And now before I sign off for the summer, I know I speak for the band when I say THANK YOU to all the amazing fans, friends, and family who have supported us over the last few months. Your encouragement, cheers, and just plain old showing up have made us feel like rock stars. Here’s to you!