Howdy folks. I somehow failed to get my password right since we got here so I haven't been able to blog.

So, importantly, if you want see the random stream-of-tour-consciousness we're mobile posting to www.facebook.com/stormcellarband so you can see:

-foods we eat

-places we go

- things we're not afraid to share with the NSA via Facebook (hi guys! We're still slightly suspect but mostly harmless!)

However, as usual until I get time to blog with pics and vids, I should list some highlights and lowlights.

- we couldn't do it without you

As an independent outfit, no one's picking up the tab. We're only able to do this stuff because of the sheer love and support we get from so many people, both back home and over here, at our...er...other home.

People lend us houses, cook us meals, make sure we're all-right, help us find things, keep us out of trouble.

Jeff M, Jill E, Margaret F, Jimmy C, Mark N and Susie N, Mo G, Steve and Annette, Dee and Becky among others have made our trip possible. 

Thank you.

- Discount Hotel Booking websites are dangerous

For some reason, America likes to have Multiple Towns of the Same Name..in different states. Watch out, many of these 'deals' are non-refundable.

Also, Priceline I am calling you out. Your deals were way better last year and I've been able to get the same or better rate direct form the hotels. Shatner, I am calling you out buddy. Get it together man.

- Midwestern Hospitality remains as consistent as rising of the sun.

Here's an example. 'Someone' organised a place for us to stay that was 2 beds too small. Someone had to take a hit for the team. Sadly the only place I could find to stay that night was 4 star. I don't need your pity, sniff.

Anyway, the next day Nana M sorted us for a place and we moved on. Would you believe I got a call from the original houseowner apologising because their house wasn't big enough?

I tried pointing out its not their fault if there's more of us than they knew about, that's down to improving our communication.

So, to show my (genuine) appreciation for their willingness to have a bunch of strangers stay I went and got some flowers. when I delivered them I got another apology. I pointed out that if they apologised again I was going to have to go back to the store and get a bigger bunch of flowers and maybe some balloons.

Jimmy C offered us his place immediately. We had three more offers the minute people knew we needed help.

There's an open-ness and genuine-ness that I have only otherwise encountered in Country Australia. Its bloody wonderful.

Crashing on the floor of Mark's place. Mo driving 2 hours to bring us Cd's.

The list goes on.

We love you all.

- I found a new Harp Master

Westside Andy has given me a new level to aspire to. He's the best I've seen live. They say there's better still, if so, yikes, cos Andy's the strongest I've seen in person.

- Recording in the US is AWESOME

We recorded at The Static Shack the other day under the engineering fingers of Alan Johnson and it was awesome. Mark Novak gets Executive Producer credit. The song amuses me greatly, although I promise you the lyric is 'maybe I'll simonise my van' NOT 'maybe I'll sodomise the band'. Seriously Alan. Dude. I know we're from Sydney, but...oh no...I said But..Nooo!!!

Its funnier but it wont play on radio and we're a family show here folks.

- Touring makes us write songs

Easily 6 more contenders are vying for attention. We're writing songs to record with the KC locals when we get there tomorrow. We've written 2 songs for Danny, 1 for millage, 1 for ron, 1 for KC Kelsey. We'll pitch them and see if they fly or write more on the spot.

Big ups to Brian for volunteering his studio time!

- SUV's might be the destruction of the ecosystem but they sure are fun to drive

Oh the guilt/pleasure of an SUV. Its MASSIVE. It fits all our stuff. It's got a hugely powerful Donk (lol, thats engine for our US cousins, keep it clean). It's got 55 million electronic gadgets. Adjustable seats mirrors dash pedals lane warnings bluetooth music aircon JOY.

I feel somehow as if this makes me part of a Eco Problem. 

- No sidewalks

Why walk when you have your ENORMOUS SUV!!! I dont care if its only 400 metres away dammit!  

- Jo is singing like an angel

Jo's really started to sing out this tour. Its something to behold. Getting to sing that CSNY song with her (helplessly hoping) is one of the greatest singing joys I've ever had, and she's also stepping out more and more as her confidence grows. The audiences love her, which is good, because we're in complete agreement and love her too. Thanks to Stuart, Josh, Jordan, and L, J and N for lending her to us. We know how much you miss her and we're so grateful to have her with us.

Ah there's so much happening, but right now we've got to go rehearse some of these new songs for tomorrow, and also get our game face on for our first St Louis show tonight at BB's Blues Jazz and Soup.

A reminder, check www.facebook.com/stormcellarband for blogging-on-the-fly or standby and I'll post more now that I have remembered my dang password.

BTW if you're over here and we're near and you read this, come say Hi!