Amazing Show In Des Moines

[gratefuldave]

All I can do is give incredible props to the whole group. Band, stage managers, merch, lights, even the venue staff was fun. {~}:-)

Jeff completely owned the stage, firing up the crowd with every turn and twist. I really felt him dig down and pull out a great performance, especially following the NYE run that was NUTS! Third song TLEO? Wow. What a way to get things really rolling. Eaton seemed to feed off this energy and absolutely killed it. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Estimated. Every time Jeff was going off on some crazy jam, Eaton was looking at him like "Are you kidding me?" but never loosing his intensity and bringing it back home. The two of them seemed like they've been playing together for years and years. Great chemistry, so fun to watch.

Kevin's bass was on fire. Always smiling, never a dull moment. He was singing all show, bouncing, absolutely nailed Other One. I could feel him keeping things together, in the odd-shaped venue with sounds going all over the place. Barraco and Kevin owned their side of the stage, too! Never Trust a Woman was perfect, Rob! There was a group of guys that were going absolutely nuts in front, having a blast. Sounded amazing.

Drums. Drums. Drums. One of the best drum breaks that I can remember, with this being my 34th show. All night, always in control, but the craziness of the Drums>Space...the crowd didn't seem to know what to do! And the lights!! Great light work! My wife and I did the Jim Thorpe / Brigeports 3 night run, and could really feel that the lights are in a great place. But back to the drums! I'm not sure how long it lasted, but it could have gone on forever. The two seemed to be having a blast, and it showed.

In the end, Ginger and I were happy for Lisa to come out for the filler. The crowd just stopped in their tracks and stared. Ripple followed up on the US Blues to perfection. I could see a lot of tears and hands up in the air. Beautiful.

Ginger wanted me to add a few impotant things. Ship of Fools? Her favorite. She remembers a time, walking back to the hotel with Lisa after the NYE run in Boulder at the Fox, when she was certain the lyrics were "She Befools." She realized the acutal lyrics later on, but she loves telling the story of her sharing that with Lisa. Even though Lisa wasn't out there singing during SoF, we were definitely thinking of you!

Also, two more drum sticks to add to her collection! When Keven announced some birthdays, Ginger started jumping up and down, yelling "It's my birthday!" I laughed so hard, people were buying her drinks and constantly walking up and saying "happy birthday," then Dino walked up near the end, took the mic, and made an announcement to make sure everyone knew that it was her birthday, too! Loved it, Dino! Thanks for the sticks, guys!

All and all, thank you all for starting things off in Des Moines. We live in Omaha, and I know booking shows around the midwest can be tiresome and tough. Even though it wasn't overly packed, I hope this tour started off on the right foot, because everyone there was loving it. Much love, DSO and family! Until next time!