This month, the Unchained crew will hop aboard their ’72 Bluebird school bus and head out on a Heart-Shaped Tour, named after the shape of their route through the South on this tour. Their constant mission to “celebrate independent bookstores, and to spread the message that storytelling should be the heart, the vital center of every community” will span across Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
We had the privilege of learning more about this exciting and unique heart-filled tour with producer Samita Wolfe, and discovered her favorite thing about ShowClix online ticketing. Read more about what goes into the Unchained tour and keep a look out for that magical blue bus in the South…
What is one of the most rewarding things about taking Unchained on tour?
Meeting folks. I believe deep in my heart that bookstore owners are the greatest people on earth. (I didn’t know this before I started.) I get to create and maintain relationships with every town we go to. We have the best volunteers around. No one gets involved with Unchained selfishly. We have a positive message to get out there and we’re welcomed by more and more like minded people every step of the way.Â
Why did you choose to sell tickets with ShowClix?
I love ShowClix because of your customer service. Hands down. When I have a question or a problem I call Jeff Morgan (see, I know his name off of the top of my head, I have his number programmed into my phone). He’s been amazing, I don’t personally know him…but I have a weakness for people who do their job and do it well. In this day and age it is so hard to find a (non-local) company that can give you that kind of personal customer service.
What is it like touring with everyone in a vintage bus?
By bus is ideal and creates a sense of wonder, excitement and community. For the most part we’re all strangers sharing a small space for a limited time (9 days), but for an extended period (24 hours a day) — in a very fast paced tour, and when we are released back into the ‘real world,’ we’ve all changed. We’ve learned things about other people that we might not necessarily have ever met under normal circumstances, and more importantly we all learn things about ourselves. It’s almost spiritual–take that in the least hooky way possible.
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Unchained from Matt Perry on Vimeo.
Why did you choose to take this tour throughout the South this September?
Well, I think that’s a combination of a few things. First, that’s where we live. We’re based out of beautiful, Savannah, GA. Second, oral storytelling is rich in the southern culture. There aren’t many porches in Brooklyn or Pittsburgh for that matter. I have a tattoo/story on my arm about sitting on the porch with my father. We live to tell our stories. It’s in our blood.
What is one of the main messages you are hoping to spread throughout the tour?
Unchained is a big umbrella. We want to spread the message of community. Specifically, we encourage people to buy local… not just at your indie bookstore, but from your farmers’ markets, coffee shops, artists, etc. We encourage people to get out from behind their laptops and to have real conversations with people, real interactions. We encourage people to read more real books. We encourage people to tell their stories.Â
Learn about Unchained’s 2012 Heart-Shaped Tour raconteurs, musicians, story tellers, and more by visiting their website or be a part of all of the fun and heart by purchasing your tickets now!