We’re counting down exits on our way to Columbia, Missouri after playing the open mic at the Saint Charles Coffeehouse in Saint Peters where we received one of our best introductions EVER. As we were entering the room, attempting to be quiet and unobtrusive at the back of an open mic obviously well in-progress, the host says something to the effect of “Get ready to wet yourselves as ilyAIMY, the best fucking acoustic duo you’ve ever seen. has just walked in”. That’s right up there with “ilyAIMY’s here to rip your faces off / melt them” all sorts of flattering things have been said – but generally we’ve already introduced ourselves.
We’re in a very tight place right now. Completely sold-out of Between Lover and Twilight and with only five copies of the Fifth Circle left, we’re in dire straights with our merchandise. BLaT is on it’s way to us but I fear it’s going to wait on Susan’s doorstep while we’re in Columbia… I’m so frustrated with all of that. I think we’re actually NOT going to have ANY merchandise for our Rocheport show which is really, really bad.
Sigh. Money’s tight. That’s all there is to it – and it’s a source of huge stress.
But the open mic was a welcome diversion – not only were we very, very well-received – but there was someone else there that I was absolutely smitten with: a piano playing young woman with a voice that reminded me a LOT of a young(er) Amber Rubarth. She wrote good songs and was one of those people that makes you wish she was looking at YOU while she was playing – oh please let your gaze fall on me. A slithering warm feeling goes down the spine when eye contact is made and you get to Live in that little moment of connection. Hell, look over here – the table of guys that you came with are intent on their cellphones, texting furiously.
By now we’re racing to stay with our friend Stuart in Columbia where we’ll play a couple of shows, do a radio appearance or two and tomorrow even record a cable show. The future’s so bright I’ve got to wear shades… minus the fact that Between Lover and Twilight will reach BELLEVILLE while we’re in Columbia. Sigh and FAIL.
Beautiful mosaics at the Venice Cafe in Saint Louis, MO.
Yup, the Venice Cafe. Home to many a thing, mosaic and man-eating crocodile.
At the Venice Cafe, Heather Rides The Toad. Which I think is a Simspon’s drug reference.
