In Houston, I had the good fortune of The Firehouse Saloon's annual New Year's Eve show/party. The first couple of years it was Roger Creager and last year it was Bleu Edmondson. Obviously this time around I can't make it, but it's just as well as the Idaho native Braun brothers are bringing their bands (Reckless Kelly and Micky and the Motorcars) up to the Gem State. This will be the second time I've seen Reckless Kelly since coming up here and I wanted to see Micky and the Motorcars..

There are only two problems:

The tickets are a bloody $75!!!!!

I don't know if they're going to sell out.

The second problem is bigger than the first. Honestly, $75 was two months worth of shows in Texas and since the Brauns only come up every few months it's worth whatever the price.

The problem is that the show is in Hailey, a few hours away in Idaho's dissident county. I don't mind making the drive, but would hate to do so if I can't go to the show. Especially when I factor in what's almost certainly going to be over $100 in hotel expenses.

So I'm mulling it over. I'm going to try to call the bar tomorrow and hopefully I'll get an idea of what my odds are of getting into a show. Even if I can't get in, they also have a (presumably cheaper) show in Boise on the first.

Sure would be awesome to spend an Idaho New Years with one of Texas's best bands, though.

Update: I'm officially going to Hailey! I called the bar and made reservations last night. I also found a really really cheap hotel called (this is not a pseudonym) Hitchrock Gas, Food, & Motel.