Over the Rhine – Across the West: Conversations on a Musical Train – A Trip Diary (Day 1)

DAY ONE: november 4th /in transit

(as i write this portion, i am 30,000 feet over the grand canyon and feeling a bit inspired)

i love music, live music especially. i have done some things many would consider a bit crazy in pursuit of the enjoyment of seeing an artist or band that i love play live. many that i know consider it quite normal too. i’ve gone as far north as northampton, MA and new york, west to dallas, south to atlanta and think nothing of a quick trip to chicago, indianapolis, cincinnati or nashville to catch a show.

i consistently hit 40-50 concerts a year, sometimes these are solo trips, two or three people making a “road trip” together, “meet-ups” where people from all over will gather for a show or group of shows. I’ve opened up my home to weary travelers that a hardly know, slept on sofas and spare bedrooms, in 5 star hotels and some, well, do the have a no star rating?

over time i have learned to trust my instincts regarding how plans come together, if things “work” or somehow just seem to come together…go for it. if at every turn while planning or considering, you hit a wall, let it go. when it all falls together, as if by magic, fans of the cowboy junkies call it junkiedipity, i like that, it fits.

so…today @ 7:00AM, i set off across the country to los angeles, i have been invited by some of my favorite people on this planet; kerin bergquist and linford detweiler to join them on an adventure. it my longest trek to date to listen to music, and tomorrow will ride the rails behind the legendary “southwest chief” thru the great american southwest, cruising much of the way alongside of the mother road of america, route 66.

music will often be played along the way by over the rhine, lucy wainright roche, and swan dive, informal sessions on the train, in clubs, bars and ballrooms, and guests have been invited to bring along their personal instruments. LA to santa fe to albuquerque to winslow and back (with side trips to the painted desert and grand canyon), hang out with some good friend, hopefully making some new ones, like-minded souls on a journey, through the night, the desert and the bustling city, listening to music.

thru kindness and generosity, i am here. somehow, it all came together, i am lucky, i am thankful, i am blessed.

after a nice long walk around downtown LA and a good nap (i got up @ 5:00AM), i am now sitting on the bed of the kyoto grand hotel watching the sun set over the city of angels.

the train rolls out tomorrow afternoon, life is good.