4/25/13 day 24: Solothorn, Switzerland

Beautiful clear blue sky this morning. Breakfast outside on the patio of the Best Western. We hit the road at 11. It was a beautiful drive today. We started out in vineyards with the Alps off in the distance. We took the 30 minute ferry from Meersburg to Konstanz. Passed over the border to Switzerland after a few quick questions by a border patrolman, and made it to Solothorn by three. Had time for a quick power nap before arriving at the club at 4:30 for sound check. Sound check was efficient and sterile (it was a very Swiss sound check). All done by 5:30. We had a little time to wander.

I must say, this town is very charming. It feels like a little fairy tale city. Cut in two by a swift flowing green river, Solothurn
sits at the foot of a little mountain range. I say 'small' only because the alps are on the other side of town.

We wandered over cobblestone streets that rose slowly towards to the mountains behind the city. This city must be what the rest of Western Europe looked before WWII. It feels like a proper summer day so the streets were alive with young people drinking on the banks of the river, shoppers shopping, people drinking coffee, enjoying the last slices of sunshine.

The venue is right on the water in what appears to be an old cellar of sorts. Very cozy. Outside along that banks opposite all the happenings is a quiet restaurant. It was here where we too enjoyed the sun and toasted our good fortune.

The show went great! Capacity crowd of about 50 in the room. Folks were extremely psyched and respectful. We had the whole crowd singing "Oh La La" in Printemps. It was epic!! We officially sold out of "Laurel & Sunset" tonight and are down to our last 15 "North & Prospect!" I feel really good about the performance. We keep getting better and better and the new tunes are developing nicely!

Goodnight from Switzerland, world.