Calexico - 11/23/08 - Omaha, NE

Bus driver Jason Yakel is ready to have a beer after his long night of driving through snow and ice. Hopefully this is the last of it as we finally head south on our North American tour. Fortunately, there is a cafe next door to the Slowdown that is serving espresso AND beer. Everyone in our crew is camped at the cafe. It's Sunday morning and the air is relaxed and everyone is recharging their cellular make-up.

Friends of mine, Robert and Pam, drive in from Lawrence, Kansas and we head to the old market section of Omaha. Lots of turn-of-the-century warehouses made into cafes and bistros. Cobblestone streets make driving a humorous venture. Seems like this world was better suited to travel on foot. We find a gem, La Buvette, with an excellent selection of wine, cheese and food. We were thinking about checking out an Amarone wine but instead settle on an Italian Travaglini Gattinara with an interesting shaped bottle designed to ease the effort of pouring.

Back at the venue we are all amazed at how nicely designed the Slowdown is. Simon Joyner rolls in for soundcheck and we rap a little about his family, Dennis Callaci of Refrigerator/Shrimper and Team Love reissuing old Joyner titles. Both he and Mal Madrigal offer up some great songs that evening. This is our first show in Omaha and the night swells with good vibes. Hoping we can return sooner than later.