Half Way There

So far, we’ve successfully blazed a (RED) trail through Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Boise, Boulder, the Missouri side of Kansas City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Louisville (pronounced “Lou-a-vull,” I’ve been told), Indianapolis, and just about every Super Wal-Mart and Grandma Somebody’s famous truck stop in between. We’ve been laid over here in Kentucky for a couple of days, due to an unfortunate, last minute cancellation in Lansing, but have managed to spend our time well. Apart from some expected, healthy levels of mischief and a taste or two of some local cuisine (for better or worse—I can’t say that I recommend chili atop of spaghetti), we’ve spent the majority of our time re-solidifying our little traveling circus of good-looking Samaritans. The Hotel Café Tour said goodbye (temporarily) to Schuyler Fisk in Minneapolis and Joe Purdy and Brian Wright in Kansas City; and although we have not been able to replace them, we’ve filled their bunks with equally amazing artists who are just as excited about (RED) and our fight against AIDS in Africa. Miho Hatori, Jim Bianco, Peter Searcy, Matt Costa, Tim Jones and Charlotte Martin have quickly adopted the (RED) manifesto and paradigm, and are as excited as the rest of us.

Colorado is inspi(RED)

Schuyler Fisk. We miss you! Come back!

Everyone on stage

Having woken up almost every day of the last three weeks in a new city, many of which I’ve never visited before, our country has begun to feel smaller and smaller to me. Every town, every region, every little sub-culture is just a few hours’ drive from the last, and not as different as we think it might be. I’ve been met by (RED) enthusiasts across America, and I feel that much closer to home every time someone comes forward as a part of the same community, fighting for the same cause.

Joe Purdy, me, Brian Wright

already (RED)!

Hotel+Cafe Joe+Purdy Matt+Costa RED music tour