Beth, Thomas, and Cristy from the Board came to the show last night in Platteville, Wisconsin – not to see me really but to meet each other face to face.  Kind of like going on a date with someone you’ve only seen on MySpace, only less creepy and a lot more boring – the date, not the people.  It was good to see them and to feel a bit like that eHarmony guy, bringing people together.

The concert was at a Lutheran church with a vaulted wood ceiling, a pipe organ and lots of stained glass, and wooden pews packed with bundled up cheese curd eating Christians.

Nathan took the stage first, pounding out what he calls a “punchy set,” which simply means it’s short and excellent, leaving everyone wanting more each night.  Then I got up and delivered my usual hour of, um, whatever it is I do.  I think I’ll call it a “less punchy set.” Anyway, I thought we played and sang and communicated well; we’ve finally hit our stride together now that our little mini-tour is almost done.

And the crowd went mild. 

Lutherans. 

I love ‘em, seriously, as family and all that spiritual sounding stuff but they’re not the most outgoing group are they?  Lutheran ministers generally read their sermons while the rest of the Lutherans sit politely and very quietly and very very still and listen.  Then they leave.  Works for them I suppose – no doubt they love God, love people, loved us too – but their so different from the majority of churches I sing for.  There’s a real hang factor to most shows.  People, by the end of a concert, talk back, laugh, even clap a little and sometimes sing.  I know, I know, sounds crazy but it happens.  And then – and this is stunning really – they hang out with each other and talk.  But not the Lutherans.  Nope, they’re barely there and then when the music stops they’re in a tremendous hurry to head back into the freezing night, to head home to their cheeses and such.

I’m mostly joking of course.  I’ve been up since 4:45 and that’s making me a little “sarky” as Nathan calls it.  Australians.  That’s a whole ‘nother post.

The Lutherans, despite their mildness, did sponsor five kids – five more more kids who’ll eat and learn and live.  So, thanks, Lutherans.  What you lack in wildness you make up in cheese production, banana bread baking, hospitality and compassion.

We’re laid over in Chicago right now, heading back to Nashville where Nathan’s wife will pick us up in a van and take us to Knoxville for a show tonight.  Then tomorrow we’ll be part of a church service there and then head back home to Nashville.  And then I’ll head to Paris.  And then Ethiopia.  And then home.  And then San Juan.  And then I may become Lutheran, lacking the energy to go to any other kind of church.