• The Badlands | Solo Travel and Self-Trust

    May 13, 2018 - By 

    I was nervous for this trip. It occurred to me as I was boarding my first flight to South Dakota that I’ve very rarely taken trips alone. I travel by myself often, but it’s almost always to a gig with a bandmate waiting at the other end. This trip out west was my first solo venture funded by my new nonprofit (which I’ll talk more about in the coming posts.) The plan was to perform and teach the students of Pine Ridge Reservation; an area rich with culture that faces devastating hardship. This solo adventure was a new feeling, but…

  • IRELAND | What to know before your trip

    April 30, 2018 - By 

    I’ve been lucky to have experienced this beautiful country several times now, and I’ve compiled the list of things I wish I’d known before my first trip. I also sought the consultation of my dear friend and The Elders lead singer, Mr. Ian Byrne. He had some fun insight and a few points to add. If you’re preparing for your first trip, fear not: the scenery, food, and language are every bit as beautiful as you could imagine! Enjoy!  1. Read up on the history. Learn about the “troubles” and have a base knowledge of the Irish history, particularly the…

  • NASHVILLE | Locals’ List

    April 7, 2018 - By 

    These aren’t the “Top 10 places to visit in Nashville.” These are the spots the locals love: Fido: My favorite brunch eats. Creative specials daily and refill-yourself coffee. I spend full work-days here! The Station Inn: Center of Nash’s down-home bluegrass scene. You might sit next to a grammy-winner. Lightning 100.1FM: Nashville’s independent radio. Life changed when I discovered this gem! Marche: My other top brunch spot. Great ambience and friendly staff. Musician’s Hall of Fame: I haven’t been, but I’ve heard it’s a fun visit for musicians, specifically. Turnip Truck: Nashville’s local “Whole Foods.” All your organic staples and good…

  • Use Routines to Reduce Travel Stress

    March 29, 2018 - By 

    Handling uncertainty has been one of the hardest but most necessary skills in this travel life. I face uncertainty daily in schedule, sleep patterns, paychecks, band dynamics, meal times, etc. For that, I look for consistency anywhere I can. Routines and familiarity are key. Here are some of my daily tricks: Start your day the same way. Your mind and body will be able to handle far more travel uncertainties if you feed it some consistency in the morning. Plus, it just feels good. Self-care is key! My morning: Something physical (stretching/physical therapy/workout), a cold shower, and a little time enjoying…

  • ALASKA | Locals’ List: Anchorage

    March 26, 2018 - By 

    We loved getting to explore Anchorage in the “off-season.” It was cold, but no shortage of warm faces and delicious local fare. In no particular order, here are my favorite recommendations straight out of the locals’ mouths. (All with active links) Snow City Cafe: Artistic, local spins on breakfast favorites. We went twice in one day.  The Bubbly Mermaid: Champagne & oyster bar. Creative and upscale! 10 retro seats in the whole place.  Alaska Center for the Performing Arts: Word-class acts in the heart of downtown. The Anchorage Concert Association won’t steer you wrong! I was lucky to perform here with The…

  • How to plan ahead and make travel easier

    March 14, 2018 - By 

    Even if you’re not a “planner,” making a few decisions ahead of time means less to be decided in the moment and a clearer head to enjoy travel. Here’s a list of things I do before tours to remove as many decisions as possible in my daily travel life and ease stress.  The last two are probably the most important! At my mom’s request, the list is also accompanied by more pictures from our Alaska adventure. Enjoy! Start planning early. Carve time at least 3 days before you depart to make your pre-trip decisions. Be well-rested and clear-headed. When you…

  • ALASKA | decision-making

    March 12, 2018 - By 

    The Alaska landscape is unreal. Locals describe it as “the Rockies on steroids.” There was a staggering amount of natural beauty, and we found Alaskans to be incredibly generous, laid-back people. Lots of fur hoods and trendy flannel. The women all wear local turquoise jewelry and everyone has a good moose story to tell.  We played for enthusiastic crowds in Anchorage and Homer, and were greeted with offerings of guided hikes, family cottages, and smoked fish. (We plan to take all of them up on their offers!) The views and the people were beautiful, but it wasn’t all beauty on the…