South by South Gomer tour, DAY THREE: Baked beans and Mai Tais!

Day Three:

After bacon, strong coffee and warm goodbyes we rolled out of Prescott. Barreling through the high desert we managed to write a set list or three and sample some of the finest refreshments the gas stations of northern Arizona had to offer.

Finally, three hundred or so miles later we were magically transported to the Econolodge in sunny Albuquerque NM. We loaded our gear into the rooms and were just a couple sips into our post drive/pre-show cocktail hour when we were graced with the appearance of Holly, Spencer and Poppy. These crazy kids hopped on a plane and flew all the way to New Mexico just to see us. Poor bastards. It was great to have a shot of home and family in the strange alien landscape of the Southwest.

We found ourselves with an hour or two before load in so we decided to order take out from a fine BBQ joint across the street. This seems in hindsight to be a dubious choice, but fortunately our bowels were still resilient enough to grapple with some spicy ribs and brisket. Still note to future self: do not feed a pile of baked beans to a bunch of flatulent men you plan on sitting in a van with for eight more days. More on our butts later...

Anyway, after watching the woman's Soccer team crush Japan in the World Cup, we suited up, twisted our mustachios and hit Burt's Tiki Lounge in downtown Albuquerque. Burt's was maybe the coolest tiki bar I've ever been to, grass skirts, carved tables, and an umbrella in every drink. it stimulated my lower and mid Kanakacockas. Of course we all ordered beer and whiskey and left the zombies and volcanoes for the rest of the Haoles.

The best part about the joint aside from the charming bar staff and solid sound guy was the chance to hang out

with some amazing folks from the other bands and hear some of the finest music this side of Roswell. Starting with the authentic twang of our new pal Brian Romero as he opened the night with a solo set. He and his lovely new wife Jennifer (they were on the last night of their Honeymoon) were the sweetest folks and we burned a hole it the “Bartender 4 Mayor” CD they gave us on the road. Great stuff, do yourself a favor and get you a copy. We hope to pass through again someday and stay with them.

Next up Marcos and the Willies took the stage and tore the place down with mighty rock n' roll, outlaw country thunder. Super fun to share the same room, let alone the same stage as those fine individuals.

At last we took the stage and spread the gospel of Gomer. It was a hoot and a nanny all wrapped up in a hoedown sandwich. We even called up Brian at the end to help us sing Mama Tried, it was a hot New Mexico, beer soaked, tiki potato, I tell you what!

As the ringing in our ears subsided we said our goodbyes and retired to our suite at the Econolodge (which is as glamorous as it sounds), stayed up too late, drank far too much whiskey, farted, snored, rinsed repeated.

Tune in tomorrow for the Santa Fe Tsunami (of Gomer)!