Lourdes College... And Then There Were Four

Wow. Two REALLY REALLY great shows in a row. :)

Being able to get up today and ONLY having to drive an hour and a half was like a dream! After hanging out until the wee hours of the morning at Nino's, we didn't get a whole lot of sleep. But NOT having a long drive made it all kinds of better.

Miguel's wife, Jennifer, drove up to Nino's to pick him up last night and they left after the show. He went back to Nashville because.....

Drumroll please....

He is now officially an American citizen!!! YAY!!! He took his oath this morning after taking the test (and passing with flying colors) a month ago. Man, the study guide for that test is no joke! I feel like this whole band knows a WHOLE LOT MORE about America after helping Miguel study :) You know what this means though? He can now go over seas with us!!! We were so sad that he didn't get to come on the trip last year. But that won't be a problem next summer. As the big overseas adventure will continue this next year. And this time, everyone gets to come!!! YAY!

But the crazy thing was that tonight we played as a 4 piece for the first time in a while. There were so many things that were strange - it seemed empty on Panther's side of the stage.... and it was really weird to have Joel to my right and no Miguel. But I just have to say, the guys really stepped up. There's always a worry that it will sound empty when you're used to having more instruments.... but it really didn't! Joel did an amazing job filling the space AND being a lead player all at once. It was just different, you know? We all had to think a little more than normal, but it really made it a fun and unique show for us. And the crowd was unbelievable!!! They gave so much love - students from Owens Community College (where we've played before) came out to support us!

We even had two violin/fiddle players in the audience. They even played a little bit to warm up the crowd when they first arrived!!! These girls have a VERY bright future in music, and it was so fun to meet them!!!
I even got to sign Rosalie's case!


Our Owens Girls


Maurice - who posted these pics online since I didn't have my camera - THANK YOU! :)


My front row ladies :) The only ones I could see!!! They had me going the whole show!


And for the first time in a while... I am about to get a full night's sleep. It's gonna be AWESOME.

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie