Jeremy Porter Road Blog

Road Blog: Thursday October 02, 2025 - Bismark, ND

Road Blog
October 2, 2025
Bismarck, North Dakota

I got an early start on Thursday morning with a 6-hour drive ahead and an early show in Bismarck. I was flying up the interstate with the cruise set at 88mph (80mph speed limit!)) and making great time, listening to The Tucos rough mixes (for analysis, not pleasure), Emmylou Harris ‘ amazing Wrecking Ball album, the new Sloan album (killer), and this Ace Records comp called “You Got Me Hooked! More Marylebone Beat Girls” which is some sweet Motownish jams from 1960s British female singers. I decided to zig-zag northwest rather than stay on the interstate in hopes of seeing some more interesting terrain and the decision paid off in some minor ways. (Paying attention Bekkala?) I headed west on US 12 then north at Aberdeen. It wasn’t *that* different, still plenty of corn fields, but there was a lot of water and no shortage of hawks, wing-drying cormorants, and egrets. It wasn’t exactly the Road to Hana, but it was a nice break, albeit 20mph slower. I got caught up with TrooperGirl22, who was heading out for a girl’s weekend up north, and getting everything in order for that in the usual production that is her leaving the house. Eventually I crossed into North Dakota, turned on the Tigers game, and hit I-94 into Bismarck.

I checked into my hotel and got to watch a few innings of the Detroit Tigers game while I decompressed for a few and got ready to head downtown for the show. I knew they had it in them, but I had little confidence in the Tigers, but sonofabitch if they didn’t find a way to pull it off. On my way downtown I did a loop by the North Dakota Capital building and checked that out for a minute. It’s not your typical dome, but more of a high-rise. Still impressive and on beautiful grounds. I always like to see something of interest when I hit a new city.

From there I stopped at Goodwill because my gig-shirt has some gross sweat rings under the arms and on the back. Are you supposed to wash those things from time to time? Who knew? Anyhow, I did my best with a washcloth in the motel room and couldn’t find anything at Goodwill (the Bowie Ziggy Stardust tee was tempting) so I’m stuck with what I got for the time being.

A few blocks up was Laughing Sun Brewing, where I got rock star parking and loaded in. It’s a big room, but unlike most big breweries where music is an afterthought, they have a real stage and legit production (sound and lights). I said hey to the staff and got a pint of their dark ale and ordered up the Candy Ass Burger. Let me tell you about this burger: Ground brisket, candy-glazed bacon, candied jalapenos, Cajun-smoked cream cheese, provolone cheese on a toasted garlic bun. Holy smokes it was good. Best burger I’ve had since I can’t remember. The side of mac + cheese was awesome too. A+ on the food and beer! I met a puppy outside named Ella who didn’t care for me much, even after I told her my niece’s name was Ella and she should be nicer to aging punk rocker singer/songwriters from out of town. Her mommy said she’s young and she’s a brat, but she’s starting to come around.

I went on at 7PM to a fairly full but largely un-engaged room of diners and drinkers. There was a little interest, but not too much. The room slowly thinned out but a few stragglers were dialed in. One Sam Elliot looking dude was bobbing his head, complete with the mustache and cowboy hat. One Ted Cruz looking dude thought it was ok to hold a business meeting in front of the stage for half the night, and I don’t know which I liked less – his shitbag doppelganger or his lack of tact, but hey I’m a pro and I can work through these situations, and I did. One dude, a local musician named Tom was way into it and very friendly and complementary, and we had a great chat as the night went on about the city and some of the other venues and bands around. Dude made my night and I was grateful he was there.

I wrapped up shortly after 9pm, loaded out and headed back to the motel, driving past not one but TWO Taco John's. Temptation was there, but I had a quarter of my burger left and a piece of pizza from Sioux Falls still, so I resisted. Back at the motel I had a nightcap, took a short soak in the jacuzzi, watched some Gunsmoke, and crashed out around midnight.

The run is half over, the merch inventory is getting smaller, as is the pint of Bulleit I got at Booze Boys in Sioux Falls. Today I head east towards Fargo (where I’ll crash) and Grand Forks (where I’ll play). Tom gave me the lowdown on Grand Forks and what to say and what not to say about their NCAA hockey team, but being a Marquette guy I’ll probably have to say something about the NMU Wildcats. Hope to hit a record store along the way too.

Thanks to the awesome staff at Laughing Sun Brewing, and Tom, and Ted Cruz and his pals, and Ella the dog. This morning I’m watching Daniel Boone (where he’s helping a group of escaped slaves avoid capture) and bantering back and forth about the new Record Store Day list with my friends in Detroit, Toronto, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. See ya tonight in Grand Forks at Half Brothers Brewing Company for night 3-of-4 from 7-9pm! Xx