Holdrege, NE

Holdrege, NE is a great town. We were a bit dubious when we first drove in looking for lunch... and ended up at the grocery store. Though actually, grocery stores are great food options on tour: quick, tons of options, cheap, eat in the comfort of your own hotel bed.

Then we checked into the Super 8... doesn't sound so classy, but actually the Holdrege Super 8 has completely changed my perception of the chain. Atrium ceilings in the lobby. Chandeliers. Huge and current DVD collection at check in. Fridge in the room. Exercise room with new equipment. Large indoor pool and jacuzzi. Hot breakfast with make your own waffles (no Nebraska shapes, unfortunately). And you konw those little bottles of shampoo they give you? Well, Super 8's are now Pantene! Not too shabby. (Don't even make fun of my enthusiasm... being on tour is all about appreciating the small stuff.)

The desk clerk who checked us in was excited to hear about our concert. I offered her comp tickets and wrote down her name so I could leave some for her at the door. When I later tried to relay this information to the manager of the hall, of course I couldn't find the crucial slip of paper. (Lost little pieces of paper with important information on them are the bane of my existence!) I fumbled around... "Her name was Carla... at the Super 8... she wanted two..." The woman jumped in "Oh, Carla and Tom are coming. Great!" Gotta love small towns.

The best thing about Holdrege (population 5,481) is their performing arts center called The Tassel. With concert hall accoustics, a nine foot concert grand piano, and enough dressing rooms to house a football team, this place was a treat!