Friday night at Tailgaters gave us a little bit of everything… nerves, laughs, surprises, great music, and the kind of crowd response that leaves you driving home feeling like maybe, just maybe, you’re onto something good.
First, a huge shoutout to the opening band, Don’t Talk to Strangers. These guys were fantastic. They brought an eclectic mix of songs, some really clever mashups, and the kind of musicianship that makes you stop and pay attention.
They were tight, creative, and just plain fun to watch. We’d absolutely love to share a stage with them again, and if you get the chance to see them, GO.
Then it was our turn.
This show at Tailgaters was our first show in eons with Laurie on lead vocals. Even though we’ve all played plenty of shows over the years, there was definitely a little “first day of school” energy happening backstage. Any time you put a new face on stage, even one with history and chemistry, there’s going to be a period of adjustment. Bands have to learn each other in real time, and we’re no different.
From where we were standing, we definitely felt those nerves.
From where the audience was standing? Apparently not at all.
By the end of the night, we heard so much positive and encouraging feedback that it became pretty clear: whatever nerves we brought onstage didn’t make it past the monitors. People loved what they heard, and if this show was any indication, we’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.
A few highlights from the night:
Soulmate victory!
We had a winner for our super-secret password prize. Cathy came prepared, knew the secret word, and got to choose her reward from our goodie bag. Nicely done, Cathy — and thanks for being a Soulmate!
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wait… there’s a secret password prize?” → Yes, there is.
And yes, this is your sign to join our email list and become a Soulmate. Not only do you get insider stuff like that, but our newsletter is actually fun to read, which is more than most inboxes can say.
Jay got heckled by family.
As any great rock show should include, there was also a little light audience chaos…
Jay’s cousin Michael was in the crowd, heckling him like it was his part-time job. At one point, he even walked up to the stage and stole Jay’s beer.
Honestly? Respect the commitment.
We’ll just get him back the next time by playing Separate Ways on repeat. If you know, you know. And Michael definitely knows.
We got some great song suggestions.
One of our favorite parts of the night was hearing all the ideas people threw our way. We love getting song suggestions, and we want to keep those coming. If there’s something you’d love to hear us tackle, leave a comment on this blog or send us a note through our Contact Us page.
We really do pay attention to that stuff!
Most of all, thank you to everyone who came out, especially those of you seeing us for the first time... We never take it lightly when people give us a couple hours of their night, and it means even more when you leave us with such generous feedback afterward.
And speaking of that feedback…
As much as we love hearing kind words in person, it would help us a ton if you’d leave a review on our Facebook page or on GigSalad (you'll find the link on our Contact Us page).
Your review helps other people know what kind of night they’re signing up for when they come see us — and hopefully reassure them that yes, there may be some chaos, but it’s the fun kind.
So that was Tailgaters…
→ a great opening band
→ a full show with Laurie
→ a stolen beer
→ a Soulmate prize winner
→ and a whole lot of signs that we're headed in the right direction
We’ll take it.