Leave to Come Back

Hi, it’s me, Jonah, the baritone saxophonist. Remember?

In 2010, the band I was in started to do its first bouts of consistent touring. There were 12 of us, and we toured in 2 mini vans. We started with weekend runs all over New England and slowly widened our orbit until we were hitting the entire East Coast, Florida to Maine. It was my first experiences with real DIY touring. I loved it. At least, I remember loving it.

Wait, did someone say tour? I’ve got a little tour coming up! A southern solo sojourn. Philadelphia, Washington DC, Durham, Knoxville, and Asheville. Find info at the bottom.

Ok, back to it. Here’s a funny photo:

I don’t like sleeping on the floor, lugging gear around, wondering if people are going to come to my shows, or a whole host of other things I endure on the road. I do love playing music, and that helps A LOT, but nevertheless touring is hard. A few times a day, I want to go home. The secret is, in my deepest moments of exhaustion or frustration, when I pine for my own bed and my daily routine, I am filled with gratitude. I have a home that I love, and a daily routine that fulfills me. In that moment, I find balance.

Things that make me happy on tour: 

1. Feeling a spontaneous connection to people all over the world

2. Making creative music influenced by new experiences

3. Getting to travel with a sense of purpose

4. Passively riding in a vehicle and watching the world roll by

Things that make me want to go home: 

1. Everything else

The decision to seek balance by exploring the unknown while allowing it to help me appreciate what I already have, has become a guiding principle in my life. I think about it when I go out, when I feel myself getting older, when I’m around strangers, and when I connect with my family & friends. Going on tour is a wonderful reminder that this balance is not just a fantasy, it’s something real we can all find and celebrate.

Ok tour dates as promised:

June 25 – Solar Myth in Philadelphia w/Whitney Johnson + Lia Kohl (Ars Nova Workshop)

June 26 – Rhizome in Washington DC w/Heather Stebbins & Hey 19

June 27 – The Pinhook in Durham w/Joe Westerlund + Nicole Mitchell

June 29 – The Pilot Light in Knoxville

June 30 – Static Age Records in Asheville w/Adam Lion & Damron + ffALO

August 29 – Nublu 151 in NYC w/Marked for Death

I’m really excited about these shows, and the musicians I’m going to get to share bills with along the way. If you live nearby, I would very much love to see you!!Subscribe

Talk soon, 

Jonah