Nebraska

Constantly Burning Fire had a show scheduled for Saturday, August 15 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The crew that had rescued Tommy and Sara, which included Russ, JR, and Tamara, were already in Nebraska, chilling with Russ's family.

The plan was to just drive until we got exhausted and stop, either in Lincoln or before. Route 80 took us through the last bit of Utah, across Southern Wyoming and then across Nebraska to Lincoln. We were moving from the West to the Midwest, the mountains to the plains. Windmills featured prominently across the Wyoming countryside. We probably saw about 4 farms of windmills, just along route 80, and they were huge! They seemed to stretch along for miles, with a least a hundred of the giant, white machines, blades rotating. We stopped for gas in Wamsutter, WY, population 68. I bought the paper and there were three stories about windpower. Wyoming had just had a conference on to discuss it. As a state, they saw wind energy as a promising new industry for its economy. They had the land and the wind. The problem, of course, was inconsistent and frustrating government bureocracy. There was still debate as to just how lucrative the investment would be for the state and how the government should be involved. Revenue came from property tax on the wind farms, but cities would have to invest money into increasing infrastructure so that they could be built. Once built, they would only create a few jobs. The other issue for Wyoming, which is unique to the least populated state, was that the connecting lines to other states had not been built. One way Wyoming could make money off of the wind power, was to sell it to surrounding, more populated states, but not without carrier lines. Though the clouds seemed menacing, they only let down a few drops of rain. More severe weather would come later.

Past Wyoming, into Nebraska, as night falls. From what we've been told, the best time to drive through Nebraska is at night, since it isn't so interesting. I can't offer any opinion since we did drive through Nebraska through the night. It would seem that no cross country drive would be ocmplete without a drive through night. Glad we started that tradition Kelly! Around 11PM, we debated getting a hotel or continuing. I was wide awake, so we switched, so I could drive a few hours, while Paul slept. I made it two hours, Paul woke up, he took is place back at the wheel. I fell asleep. Maybe an hour and a half later, I was ripped out of my slumber by a loud dull shrieking sound. Damn, happened? It had started raining. But in Nebraska, it doesn't just rain. Thunderstorms drop inches of sleeting rain. The noise had been Paul driving through the streams of water that had formed. We had to pull over to wait it out. Paul got a little more sleep while we waited out the storm. Back on the road.

About an hour after that, with 75 miles to go, Paul was determined to get there. With 70 miles left, he thought it best to pull over. If we got into Lincoln too early, no one would be awake to greet us. After a few hours nap, we eventually found Russ's sister's house around 9:30AM. I was still so groggy from sleepy, I barely met everyone in the room before crashing out for another nap.

The show was booked at the Ghost House. We got there around 7PM for load in, but were told they weren't ready, by the four guys watching TV in the living room. Why we couldn't bring the gear into the basement, we couldn't figure out. We definately weren't getting the warm and fuzzy feeling that a touring band hopes to receive. They didn't seem to be expecting us. Constantly Burning Fire wasn't even on the flyer or the dry erase board in the kitchen that listed that evenings lineup.

We hung out in the grassy lot down the street. Russ played guitar, Tommy and Paul just played.



About an hour later, we head back to the house. Still not entirely sure we are playing here, Paul tried to win over the guys outside with his air keyboard skills.


We were finally allowed to load in. The Ghost House was just a house. The guys that lived there, in their early twenties, allowed bands to put on shows in their basement. BYOB. Maybe a cover. There was a card table in the kitchen to sell CDs, t-shirts, whaterver the bands wanted. The rest of the house was sparse with furniture. The downstairs bathroom lacked toilet paper, though it was rumored to exist in the upstairs rest room, though this was off limits to guests. Perhaps this was one reason there were so few girls. In fact, the only females there came with CBF.

The shows were in the basement, down the tricky, curvy stairs. Though sturdy, they tested a person's balance. Glad I didn't wear my heels.

The show was great, as usual. Russ added his guitar skills to several songs. Tamara got to sing her part on Star Child. The audience, about 15, was intrigued, danced, enjoyed.

Here is a clip of their opener, Doorway. That is Paul dressed in lights.




The minivan crew stayed with Russ's sister, while Paul and I stayed with Russ's aunt. Thank you so much to Russ's family for all their hospitality. Just about everyone met; Russ's friends, people in the coffee shops and stores, were so friendly. We really got to experience that solid Nebraska, midwest charm. It was awesome.

Off to Minneapolis tomorrow, for another show.

States visited: 7
Dogs met: 8
Cats met: 9
Necessary urinations in unauthorized locations: 8