Rolled out of Crayola House pretty nice and early and
started the drive into West Virginia, where I’ve never played before. Short
stop at a Waffle House and into the mountains.
So, some more info about this tour van. Lance bought it a
while ago for $900, put some new wheels on, got some other new parts, but there
are still a few things that are a work in progress. For one, the gas gauge
doesn’t work, so we’ve been doing some math to figure the mileage and trying to
play it safe with fillups. Much figuring has gone into how much gas will be
consumed, how much it will cost, and if there’s any chance of breaking even on
the trip.
About 30 miles from our destination of Huntington WV, the
engine suddenly starts sounding really weird. Just really erratic. Slowing
down, we make a quick decision to pull into the rest area that’s right there
instead of trying to get the extra mile to an exit. The engine sounds like it’s
hopping around, sputtering and acting crazy. Then it dies out. Lance starts it
again and while idling we open the hood and the engine is actually, physically
jumping around erratically. Lance and I just look at each other and decide that
is NOT RIGHT. Neither of us is an expert, but it seems something is seriously
wrong. After a minute of this, the engine can be started but sputters out each
time after a few seconds. It’s not going anywhere.
Lance calls Zack Kouns, who set up that night’s show and
lives roughly in the area. We may need a rescue and a tow and then who knows.
At this point I develop a theory. Maybe there’s something wrong with the
engine, but MAYBE the reason it won’t run is that we’re out of gas! Lance is
leaning toward the theory that the engine is totally fragged, but after
thinking about how hard the van was working going up all those steep hills, we
agree that it’s possible it’s out of gas. Zack says he can meet us in 2 hours.
We can see a gas station just down the highway at that next exit and estimate
it would take an hour to walk and return with gas, so we decide to do that.
I wrap a neon yellow shirt over my shoulders (for
visibility) and we head down the highway, making contingency plans as we go.
What to do if the van is dead: rent a U-Haul straight back to Philly or try to
rent a van to complete the tour? If the van needs repairs but they’re
expensive: abandon it or cough up the money? Meanwhile a few cars yell
something at us out the windows, and I’m not sure what but I think one of them
said “WEIRD!” Anyway, the lady at the gas station was
friendly, we filled our gas can and hiked it back.
Moment of truth, gas goes in, and after a few tries the van
starts running! Open that hood and the engine is purring and looking happy as
can be. Just out of gas! No engine troubles at all! Best case scenario.
Call Zack with the good news and roll to the venue, Funky
Towne, which is a house that holds lots of shows. They’re the one with the
rainbow flag, and inside despite being a carpeted house-house, it’s partly set
up to be like an art/community/liberal-anarcho-commune center with gender politics
zines and a book & clothing swap near the door. Brandon, the soundman/resident
explains that they’ve been doing lots and lots of shows and the scene has been
pretty good. Apparently Huntington is a strangely DIY show friendly place, and
even gives out noise permits to punk houses! There’s a flyer for my friends’
band Curse on the door. He also helps set up their totally pro P.A. – also odd
for a house show. West Virginia is feeling really friendly.
Show time, I play first. Third show of tour is when things
start to gel. I’ve debugged the issues with 3 pieces of gear, and put in a
pretty good show I think. There aren’t too many people out, and we’re told
there’s some competition from some kind of football event and I think another
show? Always odd to me when sports are considered competition for a punk/noise
show, but I guess even weirds love sports. Zack Kouns plays second, and does a
KILLER set. I’ve only seen him do more abstract vocals and sax sets, but this
one has electronics and songs. His cover of PJ Harvey’s “To Bring You My Love”
was amazing! Dick Neff goes last and everyone is impressed.
Some resident of Funky Towne even baked a small pizza for
us! I don’t even know who and didn’t get to thank them, but it was delicious.
Thanks! People were still hanging and chatting, but I was still pretty tired so
climbed into my sleeping bag on the couch and the resident cat, Prancy,
promptly settled on my chest to sleep. Survived my first tour
breakdown/not-really-a-breakdown.
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