Opening for Damien

Damien Jurado - Photo by Dylan Priest

Last Friday’s show at Columbia City Theater was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. Its hard to describe. Opening for Damien Jurado is not something I ever thought I would do. Having listened to his music since my late teens and realizing that doing that shaped a lot of why I play the style of music I play, it was quite humbling to be asked to open the show. I’m very thankful that he and I became friends before this all took place because I’m not sure I would have been able to handle it as well as I did. 

Damien brings a feeling of sobriety to the stage with him. His presence and his songs calms the hearts and the minds of everyone in the audience who came to see him. I feel like Damien and his music restores people’s sanity. People go to his shows to get their semi-annual life check. They walk away feeling something that’s deeper than the day to day. Its inspiring in a very sobering way. If you were drunk before his set started, you weren’t going to be when his set ended. You know what I’m saying?

Kevin Large (WIDOWER) & Kaylee Cole - Photo by Dylan Priest

The show sold out. The crowd was huge, kind, and responsive to all three of us. It was a night I’ll never forget. Maybe the start of something bigger for me; whether that is more name recognition or a reminder of what my music ought to be portraying to people. Either way, those are big. I’m always learning and growing. Always reforming my thoughts and heart. And last Friday’s show was a huge look in the mirror for me. Despite my crazy hair, I think I liked what I saw.

Photo by Dylan Priest

Thank you to Abbey Simmons, Sound on the Sound, Columbia City Theater, Damien Jurado, and Kevin Large for letting me be a part of this night. I’m forever grateful.