Ned Moffitt of The Shirks at Manatees in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of The Shirks.

As The Shirks continue to make their way across the country, they’ve sent DCist more words and photos from the road.

Ned Moffitt writes:

April 12: New Orleans

Our string of good shows took us to New Orleans, where things went so well it’s hard to write about anything of note. We stayed with friends who offered unparalleled hospitality: endless crawfish, shrimp, hamburgers, adult and non-adult beverages. We played Manatees and the audience appeared to enjoy all bands. Good times. Half of The Shirks stayed at the bar past 7 a.m.

An interesting aside: a terrifying individual approached Alec Budd in the liquor store (what brought Alec to a liquor store in New Orleans is anyone’s guess) and asked him for money to purchase a lighter. Following Charlie Chan’s advice that it is always good luck to honor beggars in foreign cities, he gave the stranger some money. The beggar fist bumped Alec, saying, “I’m a juggalo, but I love God.”

The Sharp Balloons in Memphis. Photo by Ned Moffitt.

April 13: Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis was by far, at this point in our trip, the best show yet. We played an unprecedented two encores, and our total set time ran about 20 minutes. We played with Overnight Lows, about whom I cannot say enough, as well as The Sharp Balloons. We had the privilege of staying with Zac Ives, a former ex-Smash Records employee and the CEO of Goner Records. For anyone interested in contemporary rock and roll, the Goner catalogue would be the first place to start. Memphis is always a pleasure. On our last visit, we played a popular festival and I slept alone in the woods behind the bar.

In the next installment: Luxurious crack houses of Indianapolis.