On The Road With…Jason Blades

By To Write Love on Her ArmsJune 20, 2014

Every year around this time, a few folks from our team hit the road for the summer festival circuit. While they certainly enjoy the excitement of new places and days filled with music, it’s not why they go. They go because of people. More specifically, they go because they believe in bringing TWLOHA’s message of hope and help to people all over. 

Perhaps you’ve seen them at Warped Tour or a festival near your hometown. You likely had conversations with them about music, life, and community. You may have showed them your TWLOHA-inspired tattoo. You may have shared your #FearsVsDreams. Maybe you bought your first TWLOHA shirt from one of them. As summer kicks into high gear and you’re counting down to your favorite festival, here’s a little introduction to the friendly faces you’ll find under the TWLOHA tent this summer.

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When did you leave for tour?

Jason: I actually left on May 26th. I spent some time up north with my family in New England, and now we are in Nevada at the start of TWLOHA’s 8th year as part of Warped Tour.

This is my ____ tour:

Jason: This is my 6th full summer as part of Warped Tour but probably my 9th or 10th tour with TWLOHA.

Where do you sleep?

Jason: We sleep on one of the tour buses in a small bunk. This year we will be sharing a bus with our good friends The Summer Set. We ride on a bus because it actually saves us some money over driving a van and staying in hotels, and it keeps us rested and healthy.

Who’s going with you?

Jason: Emily (Coworker).

Coolest place you’ve been on tour?

Jason: Each place has something cool to offer, but my favorite place that we visit on Warped is Toronto.

Favorite part of tour?

Jason: Meeting people from all over the country and getting to introduce them to TWLOHA and the work we do. Spending time with friends that we see each summer.

Where are you going?

Jason: Visit vanswarpedtour.com/dates to see all of the cities that we will be visiting this summer.

I always forget to pack enough:

Jason: Baby wipes. We don’t always get a chance to shower, so baby wipes and a “Sun Shower” are our best substitute for the real thing.

I always over-pack:

Jason: Underwear and socks. These items are practically thrown away every summer. I wear holes in every pair of socks, and – well it is a long summer – so you can never have enough clean skibbies.

My tour soundtrack includes:

Jason: Whatever is playing on the stage right in front of where we are set up or will end up being on the stereo on the bus at night. Last few years it has been Michael Jackson and Lorde.

My all-time favorite tour memory is:

Jason: Spending time with everyone I love after the summer. The summer is long, and we aren’t able to enjoy all of the things that we normally do or the people we really love. Each year I go home and do everything that truly makes me happy.

My go-to tour food or drink is:

Jason: I love exploring a new place and finding the best vegetarian/vegan local places. But Warped Tour is basically all about survival, so lots of water and anything healthy.

When I’m on tour, I really miss:

Jason: Riding my bike, going to the gym, my girlfriend, and being able to sleep in my own bed.

If you see me on tour, you should:

Jason: Say HI and bring me some cookies!

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