Best Bar:

THE WHISTLER: this was a pretty simple choice. chicagoans need look no further for a thoughtful, elegant, and serious cocktail program. the bartenders there are just how i like them: deliberate (some douche bags would call it ’slow’), methodical, obsessive & friendly in a i’m-going-to-make-you-the-best-drink-for-you-even-if-you-don’t-know-what-you-want-at-the-moment kind of way. their menu is a classic interpretation of that Petraske-pattented style featuring subtle twists on archaic concoctions. in NY, this formula can wander into the realm of trendiness, but for the weary touring band in search of a heartwarming cocktail involving egg whites, port and bourbon (ie Elk’s Own), this bar was a welcome oasis. they even made a special cocktail of the night for the bands — free with a drink ticket — called “the fancy roommate.” i’ve never played anywhere that’s gone to that level of hospitality. not to mention, at the end of the evening, they were willing to give me a chocolate bitters tasting. god bless people in the cocktail industry who take their craft seriously.

Best Sound:

THE SOUTHERN CAFE AND MUSIC HALL: andy, the soundguy, owner and all around good dude, did something with the sound that i find most live sound engineers don’t do: he kept it underneath ear-splitting levels! what a fucking idea!? not to obliterate an audience with ear splitting levels even when the music doesn’t call for it = genius! thanks, andy. also, his system is top-notch and he is hell bent on providing the band with a monitor mix that is right for them. seriously, dude, we wish you were everywhere.

Best All Around Fun Night:

NASHVILLE!!!!!: Springwater Supper Club, we were told, is a dive. a smokey, pay your dues kind of venue that you must graduate in order to play other places in Nashville. all of these things might be true, but it’s also FUN AS FUCK! the bartender, that night, was smoking hot. and i guess he was nice too… but I forget. no, seriously, everyone who worked there was open and generous and smiling — even the potentially threatening looking, tattooed door man (turned out, most of his tattoos were music related and he was nothing but kind). the sound was anything but dive-y. and the regulars there were entertaining and hospitable. the bands we played with (Spider Friends and The Junkyard Girls) were talented and fun to hang out with — can we talk about the cellist?! — and their sets were tight. most importantly, this was the show attended by an entourage of about 15 of my closest southern friends and family (driving in all the way from Laurel & Oxford, MS and ATL). ‘nough said.

Biggest Douche Bags:

Every one who works or who has ever worked at CICERO’s in St. Louis.

New Best Friend:

DUSTIN freaking MARSHALL

Biggest Saviors of a Potentially Devastating Evening:

Shane and Katie of St. Louis — thanks for watching Spinal Tap with us!

Best Road Moment:

Miniature Horses in N Carolina

Funniest Joke from Clara:

“oh where’s my wallet?! [punch to the crotch] ugh!”

…. that’s all for now.
_seth