2024 Tour – Phase 2 – Austin To Boston
2024 USA Tour – Phase 2 – ‘Austin To Boston’
Dear Hearts.
As we close the chapter on our “Austin to Boston” leg of this epic journey, we wanted to take a moment to share some of the unforgettable moments that have shaped this incredible tour. From the first note we played in Austin to our final show in Boston, this tour has been a true testament to the power of music and connection!
Our tour began in Austin Texas, a city that thrives on creativity and musical expression. We’d mentioned in our first tour summary letter a series of Shows at our favourite venues in West Texas. With our hearts filled up with amazing responses and embraces from all of our Texas Hearts, we hit the road, bringing our music to the next city on the tour map – Nashville. And what an amazing experience, a place where music flows through every street, and where we were reminded of the deep roots and traditions that have influenced our sound. The audiences here were so warm and embracing, the venue was packed – and the connections were instant. As we shared our music, we could feel the pulse of the city.
From Nashville, we continued eastward, with each stop unveiling new opportunities for growth and connection. One of the most unforgettable moments on this leg of the tour came in Ware, Massachusetts, where we played to an enthusiastic crowd at the incredible Workshop 13. We’d played here before, and were truly looking forward to our return. The response there was overwhelming, with many expressing how grateful they were to see us back on their stage. To be able to bring our music to places like this, where our journey had started years ago, was incredibly special.
As we ventured further north east en route to Boston, we had a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. But we were fortunate enough to find a truck service station just as it was closing. Due to the nature of our ‘Julie’ double wheeled 15 seater van, the regular air pressure pumps at the gas stations woudldn’t fit… So we had to improvise and find a bigger adapter. The only ting we could think of was a trick stop. We spotted one and took a chance… We rolled in to line with about 100 massive semi trailers, all lined up to get fuel etc… All of a sudden our big tour van seemed tiny in among all the trailers. A couple of truck drivers notices that we were struggling to get the correct adapter onto our tire and came over to help. It was such a juxtaposition and colliding of words – here was this Aussie folk band, long hair, colourful outfits, pulling in to what was probably one of the hardest, toughest places we could find. Yet the kindness of these men to help us was a joy to encounter. They were clearly amazed and also seemed delighted to be swept up in the drama of helping out this folk band, stranded on the highway in the middle of nowhere…! It felt like the universe was looking out for us, and with the gesture of our CD’s and big thanks, we were back on our way to Boston before we knew it. This little detour was a great reminder that even the unexpected challenges bring us closer to the purpose and meaning of being human – no expectations or judgments.
The experience at Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour in Lexington, Kentucky, was a powerful milestone for us. Playing on such a revered stage, known for showcasing the finest folk and roots musicians, was a humbling experience. The live radio audience was filled with kindred spirits who deeply appreciated the music we’ve worked so hard to create. The connection we felt with that audience reaffirmed the power of live music and how it can transcend space and time. We were fortunate to share the stage with incredible musicians and felt incredibly grateful for the chance to be a part of this legendary program.
The pinnacle of our journey was yet to come: the final show in Boston at the legendary Club Passim. This venue, where icons like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Tracy Chapman have played, was everything we had hoped for. The crowd at Passim was filled with folk music enthusiasts, and there was an electric energy in the room. Industry folk, like Ethan Baird, a music industry friend from Folk Alliance, joined us, and it was clear that we had reached an important milestone in our journey. The sense of history in that room, the way the audience connected with our music, was palpable. And thanks to our friends in Australia, the ‘live stream’ broadcast that Passim do for every show, had never had so many participants… We broke their record… 🙂 After the show, we were approached by an architect involved in the design of a very special new venue called Tourist Motel, in North Adams Mass – a unique, creative venue that was still in development. He had heard about us and invited us to return and perform there. His vision for the space, which blends art and architecture, felt like an extension of the creative energy we’ve been putting into our music, and we couldn’t help but feel excited about this new opportunity to share our songs in such a beautiful environment.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this journey with new opportunities on the horizon. Our next stop is Canada, where we plan to bring our music to new audiences and explore the amazing landscapes where Ann Of Green Gables was dreamed up… (another story about this coming soon). Our time with Ethan Baird, a key figure in the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, also led to a spontaneous radio interview that has already started to bring new listeners to our music.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way – whether you joined us at a show, offered your words of encouragement, or simply followed along with us from afar. Your support means the world to us, and we couldn’t have done this without you. We can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next. With your love and support, we know that the Heart Collectors’ story is just beginning.
With all our love,
Mummager & The Heart Collectors
Tour Video 2
Here’s a 25min video screen shot of our entire Phase 2 Instagram Real! Kymrie does an amazing job managing our social media. It’s such a good journey to watch… just like putting on Netflix 🙂 So grab a cuppa, sit down in a comfy chair and ENJOY!
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