Eden Parker’s “Leaving Eden National Tour” Week Three

By Eden Parker
Contributing Writer

For the third week of the “Leaving Eden National Tour” Eden travels from Las Vegas to Seattle and talks about the stops in between.

6/05/2011 Day 14: Las Vegas to Los Angeles
With windows rolled down, we blasted “California” by Phantom Planet. Traffic was abominable. Gas was $4.99 a gallon. But the San Bernardino valley is maybe the most gorgeous place on earth.  Tomorrow we head to Long Beach to play on the Harbor. After months of trying to book a venue and striking out, I finally decided to just go anyway and play music wherever we can find space to set up.

6/06/2011 Day 15: Long Beach
Spending a few hours on the beach didn’t prove difficult at all.  Busking, however proved less than successful. We didn’t make much before finally packing up and heading for the Hollywood Hills. The houses are unREAL!  Something you almost have to see to believe.  We bid farewell to L.A., and to my sister who has been our Roadie. We’re going to miss her. And I’m especially going to miss not having to pack the van.

6/07/2011 Day 16: Northern California
Turns out nearly every busking area in California requires a permit. So much for that plan.  From I-5 we merged onto what I’m officially dubbing the scariest highway in the United States.  299 a/k/a DEATHWAY. At maximums speeds of 30 mph, we wound our way through cliffs and gorges that went straight down hundreds of feet. We feared for our survival for several hours. Finally reaching Arcata, we had several drinks at one of Humboldt counties finest dive bars. Sara Bareilles is from here!  Cool!

6/08/2011 Day 17: Northern California some more…
On the edge of the Redwood forest, with crashing waves and white sands to our left, and enormous trees to our right, we continued up the 101. I balanced precariously on some rocks for a photo and consequently fell into the ocean…fully clothed…wearing my Justin Bieber shoes. Humiliated, and soaked, I soldiered on. Stopping in small towns all the way up the 101 to play music on the street corners. This week is feeling more like the Leaving Eden National Street performance tour.  I’ll be happy to get out of California.

6/09/2011 Day 18: Oregon, and Seattle
Traffic was a breeze compared to L.A. And the drive to Seattle was quick. One missed exit, however, and next thing I know its 2 hours later and we’re stuck in rush on the phone asking for directions.  I’m never traveling without GPS again. The Duvall Tavern was buzzing with excitement that we were back in town. My autographed poster from the last tour still hanging on their wall, we played with Everyday Jones: a local band we met when they we played the Silver Dollar Saloon in Elizabeth, MN.  Amazing talent.

6/10/2011 Day 19: Seattle part 2
Still trying unsuccessfully to finish my “California Song.” We spent most of the day relaxing, playing music, and happy to be off the road. Setting up for the show we met Roger Fisher, former guitar player for Heart, who just happens to frequent Eddie’s Trackside Tavern. Awesome!  The show was maybe our best on the tour.  And more importantly, we moved A LOT of merchandise. Which means, we get to be tourists spend a little money at Pike’s Market tomorrow before we begin the last leg of our tour back towards Fargo!

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