AT THE END of last year I thought about slowing down and cutting back on playing out. I love playing and I love the people I play with - but dealing with the next day was getting harder and harder.
So I quit drinking, and it's made a massive difference. It wasn't like I drank a lot, but getting older means not bouncing back as well. Two or three beers and I was groggy and tired and then couldn't sleep and I felt like crap the next day.
Now I have more energy, I feel better, I have so much fun playing shows and the next day I'm tired but I don't feel like I've been dragged through mud, even from just a few beverages.
This year has already been crazy and the summer is heating up. Except for a family wedding in North Carolina May 31 and a trip to Michigan two weeks later, almost every weekend has something on the schedule.
And I still love it.
Saturday night at Quincy Brewing Company, Allison McElroy and I had the best time. A bunch of the Lab Brats showed up, Allison's family was there in force as usual and familiar faces in the packed beer garden were beautiful things to behold. And, of course, Moby the Irish Wolfhound, with her humans Jenny and Herman.
Travis and Liz Hoffman were there with their young daughter and her friend. The two little girls danced and bopped around all night and appeared to be having the time of their lives. Towards the end they asked if we could play "Eye of the Tiger."
We've never played it, but Allison of course says "I know it!" And off we went. And ... it wasn't bad!
Allison might be young but she's got an old soul. And that's a huge compliment. Our set list is mostly followed but we veer off into uncharted territory all the time and it never fazes her.
Next up is another adventure in Marceline Saturday night at Down On The Corner with Prospect Road. We have an amazing singer (Alicia McCarl) and a couple of miscreants who love to play, and give their all no matter how big the gig or how big (or small) the crowd.
As always, support live music and let's rock!
Saturday, May 24: Prospect Road 2.0, Down On The Corner, Marceline, Ill, 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 7: Whatevers, Private Party, Quincy
Sunday, June 8: Whatevers, Ridge View Winery, Camp Point Ill., 2-5 p.m.
Saturday June 28, Prospect Road, Sportsmen's, Mount Sterling Ill., 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 6: Prospect Road, Private Party, Quincy
Jersey Boys, Quincy Community Theater: July 10-13, 17-20
Saturday July 28: Prospect Road, 19th Hole, Augusta Ill, 2 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 9: Travis Hoffman and Rodney Hart, Quincy Brewing Company, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 16, Whatevers, Pour Haus, Quincy, 7 p.m.
Saturday Aug 30: Prospect Road 2.0, Private Party, Quincy
Saturday, Sept. 6: The Whatevers (full band), Adams County Bicentennial party, Adams County Fairgrounds, more details TBA
Saturday Sept. 13: The Whatevers (Allison and Rodney), Quincy Brewing Company, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday Sept. 27: The Whatevers, Private Party, Quincy
Saturday Oct. 4: Prospect Road, Pour Haus, Quincy, 7 p.m.
Sunday Oct. 19: Whatevers, Ridgeview Winery, Camp Point Ill., 2-5 p.m.
Sunday Dec. 14: Travis and Rodney, Ridgeview Winery, Camp Point Ill., 2-5 p.m.
