On The Road with Postmodern Jukebox, Pt. 3

As one of the pianists for the dynamic and eclectic band Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ), I have been lucky enough to transform my passion into my profession, and this summer was no different. Our most recent tour began in the sun-soaked city of Bakersfield, CA on June 2 and concluded in the vibrant, music-loving city of Louisville, KY on July 3. This whirlwind journey took us between the United States and Canada, to stunning venues and awe-inspiring locales.

One such performance that remains vivid in my memory took place in Montreal. We were greeted by a sea of smiling faces in a venue filled to capacity. As the lights dimmed and we took to the stage, the energy in the room was palpable. With every note we played, the audience responded in kind, creating a thrilling call and response that set the tone for the rest of the evening. That night, we weren’t merely performing; we were connecting, sharing, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

While our performances were a key part of the tour, it was the moments in between that often brought us the most joy. As anyone who has spent extended periods on a tour bus will tell you, keeping oneself entertained can sometimes be a challenge. Out of sheer boredom, we invented a game show we affectionately dubbed “Water.” The premise was simple yet amusing: we rated various brands of water that found their way onto our bus from the different venues. This shared silliness, born out of necessity, not only kept us entertained but also brought us closer together, turning colleagues into companions and companions into family.

Connecting with our fans was another aspect of the tour that filled us with immense joy. We met a young girl who, despite facing struggles in her life, managed to attend multiple shows. It was a humbling experience to see how our music touched her life. Being able to give her free tickets and a gift bag filled with PMJ merch was the least we could do to express our gratitude for her unwavering support.

Being a part of PMJ is akin to being part of a musical tapestry, constantly evolving and transforming. With members rotating in and out, every tour becomes a unique experience, a once-in-a-lifetime combination of talents. This fluidity taught me to cherish the moments, the music, and the people, for no two tours are ever the same.

Of course, every adventure comes with its challenges. For us, it was the constant traveling, the long distances, and the perpetual motion. Being away from home for extended periods and living in the ‘tour bus bubble’ is a peculiar existence. Yet, this tour lifestyle also had a way of simplifying life, boiling it down to the essentials: music, camaraderie, and shared experiences.

And let’s not forget about the venues. Every city greeted us with unique architectural wonders, but a particular favorite of mine was in Ottawa, where I found inspiration at the legendary Oscar Peterson statue. This moment, captured in the photos I’ve included, encapsulates the spirit of our journey: exploration, discovery, and a deep appreciation for those who paved the way in our industry.

As we wrapped up the tour in Louisville, the goodbyes were bittersweet. Going from sharing every day with 13 other individuals to not knowing when you’ll see them again is tough. However, the memories we created will forever bind us together. And as I gear up for our upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand in August, I carry those memories with me.

Our tour was not just a series of performances. It was a journey of personal growth, of deepening friendships, and of awe-inspiring moments of musical connection. It was an experience that transcended the ordinary and ventured into the extraordinary, a symphony of unforgettable melodies and shared experiences. Until we hit the road again, these memories will play on, a musical score to a summer spent doing what we love most.

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