Gypsy to the Vic

Continuing in my "gypsy head" way.....I got to take a journey down to south Texas for three days.
It all came about because of some old friends down there. They have heard me talk about my band on the internet, and wanted me to bring it on down so they could hear and see us perform. So, finally, I got in touch with a club owner down in Victoria, Texas. He had never heard of our band or heard anything we did, but was willing to give us a chance. I was happy and could not wait to make this four hour journey.
The day finally came to hit the road, we went down a day early and stopped off in Halletsville at a farm house to stay the night and get in a good rehearsal (which we needed badly) before going on into Victoria the next day for the gig. The house we stayed at was not very big..pretty cramped quarters for four guys with their wives, guitars, drums, and sound system. But we made do.
The next day...after waking up WAY too early (I do not do mornings very well at all) Lisa and I decided to drive on to Victoria so we could do some goofing around town before going on to the club to set up.(unlike most bands who generaly have a bus, or van with a trailer,and travel together.., we all went in seperate vehicles)
To my amazment, Victoria had grown quiet a bit in the 20 years since I moved away from there....at first I felt lost.., but the more we drove around, it all became familar again.., just with more traffic and more stuff.

Lisa and I got to the club about 3 hours before show time and started setting up my stuff...then waited on the rest to show up. Mean while we enjoyed a few drinks together and chatted with some of the locals. Finnaly one of my friends from back in the day showed up....and the fun started.....talks of old times...some stories that may have embarrassed a normal person. And to an even bigger surprize..., an old Leon High School class mate of mine showed up...now, Leon High is near Buffalo, Tx, where I live now. He now lives in Livingston, Tx, works in Alaska, he was in San Antonio...., and came to Victoria...just to see the band play. How cool is that?! I was floored! He said, "Ive been keeping up with you and Gypsyhead on facebook, thats how I knew you were here."




Before I knew it the rest of the guys showed up and it was time to go to work.
Well, we finally started our first set as the crowd grew and grew. Several of my old friends had showed up and that was the highlight of the night for me.....looking out and seeing these faces with big smiles, that I have not seen in so long. It was such a great feeling. I played and sang with all I had...I hope I, and the band, made a good impression..(I think we did). 2am rolled around way too soon and the show was done....and the crowd had stayed the entire night (thats a good sign). I really enjoyed getting to see and visit with my old friends (and new ones) between sets. I wish the band breaks could have been longer....but...we do have to play for our pay. Lisa and I ended up staying overnight in Victoria with one of my good friends who offered us her couch...we jumped at that chance. We got a good nights sleep...and slept late, then we hung out for a while and had a great visit before hitting the road once again. I miss my friends down there...miss the town. Through out much of our conversations, the comment of 'moving back' seemed to keep popping up. well, ya never know. But I do know this.......I had the best time that night, even though it ended way to soon.
Not to be rude or say anything negative about the place I live now (my hometown), but of all the gigs Ive played in the last 2 years that were local (or near local)....it took a journey all the way to Victoria, Tx to finally feel the support that I have longed for. Gypsy~on my friends...Gypsy~on!