Back in Branson

It seems like just yesterday I was sneaking into McGuffy's bar for an ice cold 20 oz Bud Light in a frosted mug, here in Branson after one of the evening shows at The Moon River theatre...

Alas, that was over twelve years ago!

I was twenty years old and felt invincible.

Naturally I've grown up a lot since then- 

I can no longer stay up until 4 AM and then roll into the theatre for a matinee the next day.  I also prefer wine over Bud Light (unless of course I'm at a beer pong tournament, a sporting event or eating pizza.)

However, I am happy to report that I still have that same great feeling when I walk onto a stage for the first time or get to perform.  

It's strange working in a place you've worked before after a full decade has passed.

In many ways time stands still, the smell of cedar still fills the air and the memories come flooding back!

Branson was my playground in my early twenties-

It will be interesting to see what fun adventures I can have (clearing throat) early thirties?!

The Glamorous Life On Tour

You know you travel too much when you realize you're sitting in the same random airport bar in Salt Lake City as you did five years earlier, and the only thing that's changed is the amount of alcohol you consume.
It's not that spending your life getting paid to travel across the country can't be fun;
Late night trips to small town gas stations for more alcohol.
The rare craving for an awful chain restaurant like Applebee's.
Quick stops at national monuments, points of interest and mom and pop variety shops...
But on the whole life as an artist on the road is less glamorous and more TOURture!
Especially when you've been doing it since you were eighteen!
Of course I'm grateful that I've lived my life performing around the world-
What nineteen year old would turn down a six month trip performing across Europe on someone else's dime?
Still, at thirty-three, I'm ready to spend more time in the city I live, and less time on a brutal, oversold Southwest flight to (slight pause for dramatic effect) wow, I don't even know where I'm going!
...and I kinda like it that way.