Show #15: Cedar Rapids, IA

Paramount Theatre
February 12, 2006

Piano du jour: 9’ Steinway (Heaven, I'm in heaven...)

We had our first matinee today, which meant that Tim, Josh, and the truck had to be out on the road by 7:30 AM. In preparation for that, last night we took what we’d need for the morning out of our suitcases and loaded them on the truck. That allowed the rest of us to sleep in a bit longer.
As we left Dixon at 9:30, we drove through an unstaffed toll plaza to enter the interstate. I handed $1.40 in change to Jody who threw it in the coin receptacle. The green light, indicating that we could proceed onto the interstate, did not illuminate. Hmm… So Jody threw in another quarter. No light… What to do… Since there was no one there to consult, and we had paid more than our fair share, we decided to drive through. As soon as the van started to move, several bright spotlights came on behind us, and I’m sure that a picture was taken of our vehicle and our license plate. So don’t be surprised if you should get a call from one of us asking for bail money. Please give generously.

The highlight of today’s drive was an exciting visit to the World’s Largest Truck Stop, just off I80 near Davenport.

Complete with sit-down restaurants, lots of fast food, a convenience store, several gift, clothing and souvenir shops, and what truck stop is complete without a medical and dental clinic. We grab our excitement where we can in Iowa.

We drove straight to the venue, and there we were on the marquee! But then we walked out onstage, and WOW!

Welcome to the Paramount Theatre. Built in 1928, it went through a gorgeous renovation two years ago.

The dome

We made the headline on front page of the local Arts Section:

This was the first time in this local concert association's 76 years that they had a sell-out... all 1,900 seats of the Paramount!

These chandeliers came over from Europe on the same ship as the Statue of Liberty!

It was so exciting to be playing in such a grand old theatre. And my 9' Steinway - wow!

Patty's parents were in the audience today. How cool that they could see this particular performance.

Since we did a matinee today, we decided to treat ourselves to a good dinner. We went to the Chop House and had a wonderful meal. I had a filet mignon in a bourbon sauce with carmelized onions. Yum!

Our hotel tonight was glorious! Wonderful bedding, four pillows, and a great view out of our 12th story windows. Bliss!

Miles traveled: 125
Hotel: Crown Plaza