A WARM SMILE THAWS AN ICY STARE

Upon my return from the Reds Caravan, I barely had time to put my suitcase down before I was back on the road, traveling to Knoxville to catch two of my favorite bands perform at the Bijou Theatre – The Head and the Heart and Dr. Dog. 

I had this concert on my calendar for months as a treat to myself before the madness of the baseball season begins (I leave for Arizona on Saturday) as well as to celebrate the work I accomplished this offseason.   I originally intended to make it a solo trip, but my good friend and fellow Reds staffer Zach Bonkowski wanted to join me, and I’m very happy that he did. 

Zach was on the “Southern Swagger Tour” of the Reds Caravan, so we spent a lot of time on the way to Knoxville telling stories from our respective legs of the tour.

The concert was incredible and if you like music, keep your eyes and ears on The Head and the Heart.  They are extremely talented and make wonderful music.  Dr. Dog headlined and they were just as fantastic as their opener.  For a music lover like myself, it was simply a great night all around.

The Head and the Heart

Dr. Dog

Video of the concert (The Head and the Heart performing “Lost in my Mind”)

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I hope you all enjoyed the coverage of the 2011 Reds Winter Caravan.  For me personally, it was one of the best caravans I’ve ever been a part of.  We had great crowds, lots of laughs and lots of food!

I can’t imagine being on the bus without Ryan Rizzo, Bob Miller, Lee May, Brandon Phillips and Mercury Marty.  Those are my guys.  I’m very lucky that I can call each one of them a dear friend.  This was the second caravan in which Devin Mesoraco joined our group and let me tell you, he’s a class-act human being.  He’s a great kid who I’ll never stop rooting for.

Our last stop of the Caravan took place in my hometown of Hamilton, Ohio.  It was an awesome homecoming for me, as the event took place at Miami University Hamilton’s Parrish Auditorium.  The last time I was in the auditorium, it was as a student performing in a play in which I sang “Lumberjack Song”…..in full drag.  (too much information?).

I saw a lot of old friends on the stop, including folks with whom I grew up and went to school.  So many great memories and familiar faces.

The Hamilton stop was a fitting end to another successful “Rock Star” tour.  I’m looking forward to another one in 2012!

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Now my focus shifts to Reds Fantasy Camp. 

The Reds are gracious enough to send me to camp this year to promote it and blog about it, as well as play in it.  I can’t wait!! 

As you know, I’ll be posting daily updates during my time at camp, so keep it here on Better Off Red! 

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That’s all for now.  I’ll be back in a bit…

Expect good news,

Jamie