Texas, Folks.
I have traversed the Country of Texas over the last few days. I appreciate it, but I don’t love it. It’s petty and deeper than politics. I grew up in New Mexico and there was always a bit of a state rivalry and judgement of Texas. Shallow stuff.
I do really like certain parts. Oddly, Houston mostly.
We started the run in Oklahoma City which I have been to a few times. I always psyche myself out before going to certain places. Red states, mostly. When I get there it all dissipates pretty quickly. What happens in my mind is not reality. Reality on a person-to-person level is always better. Heartwarming even.
There is a vital creative scene in OKC. I had a nice crowd. I had a great breakfast. I liked the hotel.
The funniest thing was when me and my opener Blair Socci got to the hotel, we were checking in and Bobby Lee walked out of the elevators. Crazy. He was there shooting a movie. Fred Armisen was there too. I had breakfast the next day with him. It was very comforting to see some friends doing creative stuff in a place I never expected to see them. I also reached out to Wayne Coyne. He and The Flaming Lips are headquartered there. He didn’t make it to the show but the rest of the band did.
Friends really make you feel less alone in the world. Especially when you are out in it and surprised by them being there.
The show in OKC was great.
Then we drove to Dallas which is a sprawl. When you are out in the Country of Texas there is a weird, powerful zen to the plateau of it. It’s massive. Seems like the whole world but the cities seem to go on and on for miles. There is more road construction there than anywhere I’ve ever been. Miles and miles of it. Not pretty.
The show in Dallas was amazing. The Majestic Theatre is beautiful. A guy I knew back in the day from Boston was working at the place so we did some catching up and time travel. Again, old friends make you feel less alone in the world and bring you back down to earth and give you an opportunity to remember who you were and are.
I love Houston. It’s such an amazing, diverse city. Great art and great food. I reached out to Mo Amer when I was there and he had me over to his house for homemade falafel. It was awesome. I met his wife and kid. We ate and talked. It’s truly sweet when people put a premium on hospitality and connection. Beautiful afternoon.
I also revisited the Rothko Chapel and saw it with newer, older eyes. While I was meditating on the massive panels this time around I realized the true power of darkness. The inevitability of it. No one got close to the abyss in painting as he did and these were some of the last works he did before he died by suicide. So, the spiritual nature of the space took on a deeper meaning. It was dark and nebulous but honest. It wasn’t a cry for help but it was pulled from space by a man at his existential end.
The Houston show was a bit rowdy but great.
I’m writing this overlooking the Riverwalk in San Antonio. I hope this show is a nice end to this run. We’ll see. Parades of tourists trudging along the river doesn’t make me optimistic but I’ll let you know how it goes.
Today I talk to W. Kamau Bell again. He’s a great guest and this was our best talk. On Thursday I talk to Mike Elias. He’s the creator of Ship John and his journey as a craftsman is a unique conversation for the show.
Enjoy!
Boomer, Monkey and LaFonda live!
Love,
Maron
