Tales from the Side Roads: McKinney & Coupland, TX
DAY 3 of the tour with Sunny Sweeney and we’re off to McKinney, TX to play Hank’s. This Texas heat is no damn joke! I feel like I’m constantly sitting in a sauna… at least it’s with good company. I’m forever the optimist - it probably drives most folks crazy!
When we arrived at Hank’s we were greeted by Chris, one of the best sound professionals I have ever worked with. Super kind, knowledgable, funny, and provided a killer mix. A beautiful monitor mix makes for a great night… both for us and the audience. Playing these big, iconic Texas honky-tonks and dance halls is a new experience for me. I really dig it. So far, our show at Hank’s has been my favorite. I’m overjoyed that I captured the entire show on my GoPro and to be sharing the stage with such beautiful, talented souls.
Here are some of my favorite Brandon moments from soundcheck. The beard was lookin’ epic in that light (and I hate that word).
For this show, the spirit moved me to wear my cult-leader, Kool-Aid makin’, hooded robe. Complete with wizard sleeves. Here are some pre-show tuning pictures, courtesy of Brandon Barnes.
One of my favorite shots so far was captured by Myra Hogue. Who knows what we were laughing at? Also, enjoy a post-show rhythm section selfie from McKinney, TX.
After the show we met some really lovely fans. Sunny’s fans are really, really special! A sweet gentleman named Kimey gave me a $20 bill after the show. I was reluctant to take his money, but he truly insisted… so, I accepted and stuck it in my bra like a lady. In all seriousness, thank you so much, Kimey. That was incredibly generous and kind!
I hate to say that I spent that $20 at Buc-ee’s the following day. I hate to say it because I’ve officially decided that I’m not really a Buc-ee’s fan (I know that’s a sacrilegious statement - especially in Texas). BUT - I said what I said! Seriously though, here are my reasons:
It’s the size of a Walmart.
1,000,000 screaming children hopped up on Beaver Nuggets (I could literally stop after this reason alone, but I won’t).
Buc-ee’s has a whole section of "labeled home decor.”
Their “fresh food” is basically the equivalent of fair food.
Like I said, I’m forever the optimist… so, here’s something positive. They have amazing beef jerky! So, I actually enjoyed my lemon peppered Buc-ee’s jerky very much. Their warm candied almonds were also the bee’s knees (or should I say beav’s knees).
Back to our regularly scheduled programming. Here’s a video of “Pills” from Hank’s in McKinney, TX. I really dig this angle and being able to see the show from Brandon’s POV.
Last night (DAY 4) we performed at the historic the Old Coupland Inn and Dance Hall in Coupland, TX.
Post American Civil War (1887), Maj. Theodore Van Buren Coupland founded the town (known as Coupland) on inherited land.
The Old Coupland Inn and Dance Hall first opened in 1906 as the Coupland Mercantile Company. It later became Albers Drug Company, and was rumored to be a speakeasy / brothel.
It was also featured in Stevie Ray Vaughan’s music video for “Change It.” I grew up idolizing SRV (I even have a signature SRV Strat), so that’s extra cool.
Here are some fun photos of this legendary place.
Special thanks to Rachel Houghton for the photos below.
Rhythm section post-show selfies in Coupland, TX.
The cherry on top of a wonderful evening was getting the opportunity to finally meet my online bass student Kaylin, her sister Kinley, and their awesome mom, Karen. These ladies are beyond sweet and so talented. Brandon and I just had to pull them up to stage post-show to check out our gear and play!
Okay, I’m officially taking off my teacher hat now. You have been warned!
Now I must share the funniest, most ridiculous, unexpected moment of the entire night… strap in, and pack a sack lunch (stole that straight from Sunny).
Directly after our show, a woman walks up to me and Steve Nelson (our awesome steel player) and proceeds to tell us the following:
“You know, I think the band gels really well together… but I’m unsure of the lead singer.”
Y’all, I almost DIED from laughter. I laughed so hard it probably scared her. My response was you mean, “Sunny fuckin’ Sweeney?” That’s the lead singer. While still laughing hysterically, I yelled for Brandon to come over and made her say all that shit again to him… and he also laughed really, really hard. On this second round of expressing her disdain for our “lead singer,” AKA: Sunny fuckin’ Sweeney, Steve says… “yeah, we’ve been thinking about firing her.” Again, an insane amount of laughter ensues and the woman finally left. It was beautiful.
Again, a perfect example of tales that aren’t tall tales. You can’t make this stuff up. Sunny truly enjoyed hearing about that strange encounter.
So, shout-out to this woman for droppin’ that thought in our comment box.
The real shout-out goes out to the fans who delivered delicious iced coffee to Sunny and the entire band. Thank you, what a treat!
We’re off to Tulsa, OK.
See you down the road!
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A