Portland-Woodinville-Vancouver 13, 14, 15, 16 September

13 September

A short hop down to Portland from Seattle to play the great Keller Auditorium, always a wonderful gig and tonight was no different. A luxury for us coming in out of the cold of our previous show to this good sounding room with our own sound system and a spectacular sold-out audience of nearly 3,000. Mark played as good as I’ve heard him in all these years I’ve been around and the band followed suit. Perhaps as good a show as we’ve played the entire tour. Thanks for a memorable night Portland.

14-15 September

Two consecutive shows in Woodinville, Washington at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Originally founded in 1954, it is the oldest winery in Washington, is located on 87 acres of land and produces many varieties of wine…. a staggering 8,000,000 cases of Riesling alone! The grounds near the old manor house have hosted a summer concert season for many years and we always look forward to playing here. With lawn seating for 4,300+ and food and wine concession stands it really has a relaxed, picnic vibe…. everyone having a great time. After our last outdoor experience we were pleasantly surprised with the mild temperature even though it was cloudy. We all brought heavy jackets just in case. Another memorable part of this engagement is the food cooked up in their own kitchen and especially the Chioppino, a seafood stew in tomato, garlic and wine broth. I enjoyed it so much 4 years ago that I asked the chef for his recipe which he wrote out by hand…still have it.

16 September

Another short hop this afternoon to Vancouver for tonight’s show. We’ve always stayed in Vancouver in the past but this time we have been basing for an extended time in Seattle. No complaints about that. A lovely theatre, I don’t think we’ve played before, The Orpheum…. a perfect size with a capacity of 2,500+. We’re really sailing through these shows now and on the countdown to finish. Only 5 more shows for the tour following tonights. Wonderful audience and MK & Co. all in top form. A 26 minute flight back to Seattle, just enough time for a drink and some Asian nibbles. Back at the hotel by midnight…. early night.