Des Moines, June 23

Friday, June 23
Des Moines, IA
House of Bricks

Clear Lake, IA

Fort Custer Maze
I was lucky on the drives as I was coupled with Tyler Fyre, the show’s mc and sword swallower. His van is bad ass. It has flame-tricked pedals and xm radio and good times waiting in each town. He can stay up all night having those good times and still be good to drive and still put on a good show when we arrive.
We started those good times when we passed by the Fort Custer Maze and then turned around to go do it. It took us well over an hour.
If I had money to burn, I would have one of those mazes built, have it changed daily and would toddle through it quickly between the hours of 6 and 7 am. Then, I would have a breakfast fruit cup waiting for me and a breakfast beer that I had previously invented, which bore me the wealth that paid for that very large maze. Just kidding. I’d invest back into the company. and writing classes.
I bought a fossil there because it was on sale. $5 for a trilobite. I think that’s a good deal.
This was in Clear Lake, IA, which is also the last town that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper played before they died in a tragic plane crash. We found the venue, the Surfland Ballroom, and went inside. It’s a beautiful room.

Des Moines
We made good time getting to Des Moines.
The House of Bricks has a garage door that divides itself during showtime. There’s also a large basement to hang out in.
I finished soundcheck early and watched Johnny Reeferseed play a bit. He and some friends sat on stage and passed the guitar.
I played a lot of Megatouch, during the downtime. I enjoy winning trivia games. You’ll find my name there along with the names of my friends in the winner’s circle.

Showtime
The shows would go like this: I’d do an opening set of 30-45 minutes. Then the Burlesquepades would begin. During that show, I would do a mini-set and then sit in with the band for a couple of numbers, ie. ZZ Top or Preston Epps. I would usually go on after Kitten DeVille, who has a strong stage presence. It was a challenge for me to follow her – a woman who has taken most of her clothes off. But, I enjoyed the challenge and it made me a stronger performer.
I was heckled by a man with his own pitcher of beer. I took the Look-At-Me to the mat and he quieted a bit. It always helps when the audience wants you to win. And I did.
After the show, I treated myself to a Mickey’s. I haven’t had that in a long time. I remembered that the length of time I’d gone without a Mickey’s wasn’t solely due to its absence from a bar’s menu. It has a large mouth.

A gallery of beverages with the proclivity to be Brigadooned to my mouth
  My Mickey’s      Billy Bass w/ Grape Drink Dispenser
Nik L Nip