Orphan Jon and The Abandoned headed out on their first Midwest Tour as headliners this past April. It was not only their first official tour as a headliner but also a tour to promote their recently released debut album Orphan Jon “Abandoned No More” featuring Bruce Krupnik that was released on Rip Cat Records on March 16th 2018. The tour started off with a Easter Sunday CD Release Party at Malainey’s in Long Beach, Ca. hosted by Cadillac Zack Presents. And even though it was a holiday, the house was still full of friends, fans and enthusiastic Blues lovers. Joining OJATA was guest artists drummer JR Lozano (of The 44’s) and keyboardist Mike Malone (of the Mighty Mojo Prophets). Opener was the amazingly talented bluesman Jay Summers and his Friends. It was Jay’s Birthday, and what a great celebration it was too. Next was another CD Release Party for the Central Coast of California friends and fans at the bands favorite spot in Paso Robles, Ca. The Pour House. This show also had a very special guest as well, guitarist Johnny Main (of The 44’s). After the the PoHo show the band headed to Orphan Jon’s hometown of Bakersfield, Ca. for two CD Release Party’s for the “hometown” fans and friends to enjoy. Friday night they performed in downtown Bakersfield at Sandrini’s Public House with special guests guitarist Barry Levenson (of Canned Heat and Producer of “Abandoned No More”), guitarist Johnny Main and drummer JR Lozano (both of The 44’s), guitarist Brett Cox (of Revelator) and newly signed Rip Cat Records artist singer Shawna McCarty. Local favorite and very talented Lonely Avenue opened the show. The next day; Saturday, the band performed at their favorite spot to be in Bakersfield; O’Henning’s Irish Pub for another CD Release Party. Both shows were filled to the brim with friends, fans and Roots and Blues lovers. The following Monday the band headed east on their Midwest Tour with Johnny Main of The 44’s joining them. The tour was an absolute blast for the band as they enjoyed performing before lively crowds and packed rooms. Many friends, fans and fellow musicians were at the shows cheering them on as new friends and fans were made. The venues, the staffs, the owners and buyers were all top shelf at every stop. What a tremendous honor it was for the band to get to play and share their passion with everyone at some of the Midwest’s most legendary and iconic venues and clubs. Such places as the nationally famous roadhouse Knuckleheads Saloon in KC, The Alamo in Springfield, Illinois, BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups in St. Louis, the iconic BB’s Lawnside BBQ in KC, Uncle Bo’s in Topeka, Kansas; where Orphan Jon’s soul brother and great friend and bass playing extraordinaire Patrick Recob and his Perpetual Luau All-stars performed along with the OJATA, and The infamous Zoo Bar in Lincioln, Nebraska just to name a few. What a time. And what an experience too. The band had so much fun and the crowds were so receptive to the music that every single venue has invited OJATA to come back in the Fall to do it all over again. The band wishes to give a huge heartfelt thank you to their roadie Randy Carlile for being an amazing friend and help on the tour. Plus a big thanks to the wonderfully gifted Johnny Main of The 44’s for joining them and making this tour even more special. A huge thanks to Kathi and Rich for opening their doors at the heavenly Bliss Cottage so the band could take a break and relax for a few days. Loved the BBQ and jam. You two are the best. To all the Owners, Buyers, Promoters and Blues Society’s, thanks could never be shown enough for the awesome opportunity and hospitality given. To the fans; the one’s that really make this ride such a special one, an enormous gratitude and thanks. We get to do this because you’re there to enjoy it. See you all in the fall.