Thoughts On Kalamazoo, and A Special Guest!
Many of you know that I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and that I do indeed bleed black and gold. Yes, it is true, cut me and you will see! However, I moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1988 (right after Appetite for Destruction was released) and spent my middle/high school years there. Kalamazoo has a special place in my heart and always will, much like with Bell's Two Hearted Ale!
It has been six years since we last played the State Theatre in Kalamazoo. Many great acts have performed at this gorgeous venue. I remember seeing George Carlin twice, sneaking out in middle school to see the Verve Pipe (I admit it), and I know Phish jammed there in '94. This time it is extra special because my mother, Marsha, will be opening up for us doing a short stand-up bit. Although my mother has always had a wicked sense of humor and been funny her whole life, she decided to take some comedy stand up classes last year. She debuted her comedy stand up at Zanie's Comedy Club in January of 2008. Several members of the band and family friends witnessed her show and thought it would be fun to have her open for us in our hometown in Kalamazoo. Now it has turned into a reality and she will be hitting the stage tomorrow Thursday, October 2nd, at 7:45 (Umphrey's will follow at 8:00). I just wanted to express how excited I am to be returning to K'zoo to perform and how proud I am of my mother and all of her accomplishments.
Prepare for some laughs and dirty bass lines . . . and if you get there early enough, drop by Bell's Brewery for some tasty brews. See you manana!