Follow as I take Metalcore Night on the road from Pittsburgh, PA to Salt Lake City, UT for our debut show. I’m taking a train from Pittsburgh to Utah and I’ll be taking a Greyhound bus home. This is going to be one of the most grueling trips I’ve ever taken. Latest updates will be at the bottom.
Tuesday, July 8th – 5:00 PM – Pittsburgh, PA (Home)
Current mood: Anxious.
What the absolute fuck am I doing?
I’ve had a few bad shows. Emo Night fell on the Fourth of July this month, and I only made about half of what I normally do. This put me in a really bad situation for this run out to Salt Lake City and back. Long story short: I’m operating over the next few days with exactly $52 to my name—$52 and a plan that hinges on surviving.
The silver lining right now is that my transportation and hotel are booked. I’m going to make it out there. I’m going to make it home. My suitcase is packed with instant noodles and junk food. I’m going to survive. This is just going to be really uncomfortable.
Tickets aren’t selling too well for the Salt Lake show, though I expect the week-of sales to pop off and we’ll end up having an incredible show.
It’s just after 5:00 PM and I’ve got my bags packed. My plan is to finish this blog post, double-check my carry-on bag, and spend some time with my girlfriend and puppy. Then I’m going to take my last real shower until Friday before taking a PRT bus to the Pittsburgh Amtrak Station for my 11:59 PM train (which the Amtrak app is currently showing as delayed to 12:55 AM).
Tuesday, July 8th – 9:12 PM – Pittsburgh, PA (Home)
Current mood: Still anxious.
I’m currently running around, making sure I have everything I need. I always forget something. I’m going to leave in about an hour to head down to the Amtrak station. My train is delayed until 1:49 AM—about two hours late. Combined with my neurodivergent need to be two hours early for everything, I’m going to be spending some time at the Amtrak station. I’ll take some photos for you guys.
I’m hopeful my train doesn’t get too much further behind, though I do have about 4-5 hours of layover time scheduled in Chicago, so I should be safe to make my connection to Salt Lake City.
We’re going to run a 2-for-1 special for the rest of the week. That should help move things in the right direction—and I’m running ads on social media.
I’m really going to miss my girlfriend and my puppy on this run, so I’m going to go hang out with them for a little bit before I leave.
Tuesday, July 8th – 11:42 PM – Pittsburgh, PA (Amtrak Station)
Current mood: Stoned and anxious.
Made it to the Amtrak Station. Almost instantly I met a crust punk named Aaron who got me stoned. So far this trip is off to a good start… except that my train is delayed until 2:04 AM. The train station is relatively empty, and I’m hoping that means I get two seats to myself on the Pittsburgh to Chicago leg.
My hope is to sleep on the train to Chicago, clean up and eat breakfast/lunch during the layover, then board my connecting trip to Salt Lake City at 2:00 PM. I’ve been awake since about 7:00 AM and I don’t anticipate much quality rest on this trip.
My goal is to avoid spending ANY of my $50 budget until I get to Salt Lake City—and I’d like to spend $15-$20 of that on a decent Mexican meal. That’s likely the best I’ll eat until I get home from this trip on Monday night.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my playlist for this show… and I’m hoping some SLC natives hit up the requests soon.
Wednesday, July 9th – 2:23 AM – Pittsburgh, PA (On The Amtrak Floridian 40)
Current mood: Exhausted and optimistic.
I’m finally on board my train waiting to pull out of Union Station here in Pittsburgh. I already miss my girlfriend and my puppy. It looks like I’ve got two seats to myself, which is something I was really hoping for on this leg of the trip since my plan is to sleep. Aaron, my crust punk friend, is across the aisle from me, and it looks like we’ll be on the same trains until Thursday.
The car looks empty enough that I should be able to ride solo all the way through to Chicago.
While we were standing in line waiting to board, I got a nice update that the tickets for our show on Friday jumped a bit… so another day or two of good sales will turn into an incredible show.
Current spend: $0/$50. I’ll check back in with you guys after I get some sleep.
Wednesday, July 9th – 7:53 AM – Toledo, OH (On The Amtrak Floridian 40)
Current mood: Tired and annoyed.
I managed to sleep for a few hours… unfortunately I was rattled from my sleep by someone loudly listening to TikTok videos without headphones. I really don’t understand why people do this. Sometimes it truly feels like they’re TRYING to provoke a reaction out of others. Just sociopathic behavior.
We just pulled out of the Toledo, OH Amtrak station about two hours behind schedule. Right now the Amtrak app shows us arriving around 10:40 AM—leaving me about a 3-3.5 hour layover in Chicago. Normally, I’d walk about a half mile and grab breakfast/lunch at Portillo’s, but this is a BUDGET trip. My plan is to break into my food stash after I make my connecting train to Salt Lake City.
As you can imagine, sleeping in coach on a train isn’t the most restful… but this is VALHALLA compared to the Greyhound trip home that I’ll be enduring. I’ve got the entire row to myself. I’m hoping for a similar setup out of Chicago, but that’s less likely. Absolutely grateful for the blanket my girlfriend gave me for this trip.
Next update should be from Chicago Union Station.
Wednesday, July 9th – 11:14 AM – Chicago, IL (Chicago Union Station)
Current mood: Excited and anxious.
Even though we rolled in about 2.5 hours late, I’m safe at Chicago Union Station for my first layover of the trip. These things happen with Amtrak and it’s something you account for when planning your trip. Which brings up a pretty big question:
Why aren’t you flying?
There are a few reasons… but most of them are justifications for the fact that I’m simply scared of flying. That’s not to say that I don’t fly… it’s just that I’m willing to jump through some pretty crazy hoops to avoid it.
This also happened to be the most budget-friendly means of getting me to Salt Lake City and home when you factor in things like baggage fees, Uber trips to airports, and the amount of THC gummies necessary to get me on a plane.
That said – I fucking LOVE trains. This is my third long-distance train this year and I plan on utilizing Amtrak as much as I can. It’s really the best way to travel. Coach on a train has as much legroom as first class on most flights. There’s a dining car and a small cafe with sandwiches and snacks. If you’ve got a few bucks, you can get a sleeper car.
My train to Salt Lake City leaves at 2:00 PM and I’m supposed to get in around 11:15 PM on Thursday. I’m hoping for some really beautiful scenic views on this trip to chill me out before Metalcore Night… and the Greyhound trek back.
Wednesday, July 9th – 2:21 PM – Clarendon Hills, IL (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
Mood: Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
We pulled out of Chicago Union Station at about 2:10 PM and we’re slowly making our way west through the Chicago suburbs… and this should be the most relaxing part of the trip. Unfortunately, I’m not relaxed.
Back at the Amtrak station, I was notified that my suitcase—which I use to carry most of my DJ equipment—was technically 2″ oversized… and that I’d have to pay a $20 oversized baggage fee. That eats up 40% of my $50 budget.
I’m 90% sure I have enough food to get me through this trip… but this makes things… nerve-wracking.
Wednesday, July 9th – 2:54 PM – Naperville, IL (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
First delay of the trip in Naperville, IL. I’m camped out working in the observation car while we’re waiting for the tracks ahead to clear up a bit. This is actually a good thing – and I’m sort of hopeful for more… because I have no idea what I’m going to do when I get to Salt Lake City.
The budget for this trip only allowed for one night at an Airbnb, and my train is scheduled to arrive in SLC at 11:15 PM on Thursday night. I really don’t have a plan. I’m probably going to wander around and look at weird Mormon stuff until the libraries/museums open. Then I’ll check into my hostel tomorrow afternoon before load-in.
Wednesday, July 9th – 7:29 PM – Ottumwa, IA (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
Current mood: Tired of looking at screens and corn.
Just pulled away from a stretch break stop in Ottumwa, IA and we’re back on the train headed west. There’s a planned stop in Omaha around 11:00 PM and then we roll into Denver at 8:00 AM, which gives me a perfect window to get a decent night of sleep before the most scenic part of the trip tomorrow through Colorado into Utah.
I’ve been spending a lot of time on this trip so far working on the backend of this website, and we’re going to be announcing some really dope features in the coming weeks. There’s a certain calmness on the train that’s hard to replicate. I’ve been posted up in the observation car for the bulk of the trip with my laptop.
So far, I still have the entire row to myself. I somehow managed to get the front of the car, so there is no tray table at my seat, but I get a CRAZY amount of legroom. I’ve also made a friend – a crust-punk fellow from Reno named Aaron. Seriously – always seek punks on trains.
I’m terrified about my budget. I’m sitting at $30 after being forced to spend $20 on an oversized baggage fee back in Chicago. My goal now is to not spend a single dollar between now and Thursday night when I get to Salt Lake City.
I haven’t installed stats yet on this site. Wonder if anyone is reading.
Thursday, July 10th – 12:18 AM – Omaha, NE (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
Current mood: Sleepy.
We rolled into – and out of – Omaha quietly a few minutes ago. Apparently we’d stopped for about 30 minutes… though I fell asleep and missed it. Which is what I’m going to go do now.
I’ll check in with you all in the morning from Denver.
Thursday, July 10th – 5:10 AM – Benkelman, NE (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
I managed to score a pretty solid night of sleep through Nebraska – about six hours total. Now I’m kicking back in the observatory car waiting for the sun to rise as we cross the Nebraska/Colorado border.
Not excited about my “homeless” night in Salt Lake City, but I’ll figure it out.
Thursday, July 10th – 9:59 AM – Denver, CO (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
About two hours late rolling into Denver and it’s a “fucking amazing” vs. “first world problem” kind of day.
Up first – the AMAZING news. I made a post on the Salt Lake City subreddit asking WTF I can do between 11:00 PM tonight and 8:00 AM tomorrow… and the city PULLED UP with offers to help and advice.
A kind soul named Emily sent me $50 (THANK YOU) and earned themselves guestlist-for-life privileges. This COMPLETELY offsets the earlier $20 oversized baggage fee and gives me enough breathing room to survive (and – if necessary/possible – it depends on when I get into town) get another night at my hostel.
Failing that, my plan right now is to get some IHOP after the train gets into town (right now we’re about 90 minutes late out of Denver), explore until I can check in at 3:00 PM tomorrow, then go play Metalcore Night.
The bad news is that Denver Union Station has a really pretty waiting room and a bunch of high-end stuff. I was looking for a vending machine or a 7-Eleven… and in the 20 minutes I had to look, I obtained a seatmate. Said seatmate stole my window and it’s not worth confrontation, so I’m posting up in the observatory car for a while. I’m not in the mood to be social… and dude is wearing Trump merch. Not dealing with that at 10:00 AM.
I’m hoping to update you guys from Glenwood Springs, CO with some photos. That’s supposedly one of the most beautiful Amtrak stops in America, so I’m excited.
Thursday, July 10th – 4:32 PM – Glenwood Springs, CO (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
We just pulled out of Glenwood Springs… and I’d have been impressed if we’d have gotten more than 3-4 minutes to stop and stretch our legs. That seems to be the move on this trip – incredibly short stops with no amenities. It’s the opposite of Greyhound, which has far too frequent stops at travel centers. There’s no healthy medium.
We’re about two hours behind schedule right now, though it seems like we might make up some time once we get into Utah.
I’ve gotten a few offers for places to stay tonight, so I might not end up wandering the streets. That’s pretty dope. The world isn’t a total dumpster fire.
I’ve only spent $6 – all on Diet Cokes from a kid at a train station in CO. Anyway, here’s why you should ride the train:
Friday, July 11th – 1:22 AM – Salt Lake City, UT (On the Amtrak California Zephyr)
Current mood: Dead tired. Optimistic.
Pulling into Salt Lake City now about two hours late. Going to crash with some friends tonight, explore a bit tomorrow, then melt Utah’s face at Urban Lounge tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
Friday, July 11th – 4:11 PM – Salt Lake City, UT (My Hotel Room)
Current mood: Anxious, optimistic.
Sorry for the gap. I needed sleep.
I ended up staying with new friends David and Shawna last night before rolling out this morning to hang with some old friends I’d forgotten lived in Salt Lake City. I tried my first pastrami burger (dope) and fry sauce. I had a MASSIVE milkshake (Utah treats sugar like Vegas treats booze).
I spent a good hour walking around the Mormon temple. Very happy people wanted to talk to me.
I’ve got load-in coming up in 45 minutes. Check back in later with pictures.
Friday, July 11th – 7:18 PM – Salt Lake City, UT (Urban Lounge)
Current mood: Pre-show anxiety attack.
I’m here. Sound check is done. Doors are open. I go on in 42 minutes. We’re currently sitting at about 70-80 people coming, which should look great in this room.
Let’s throw down. My nerves are shot, but I’m good at this.
I wish Katie was here for this run. We’re being super mindful of budget and right now only one of us can travel for this show… but flying solo is a bear.
Let’s destroy Utah.
Saturday, July 12th – 7:18 PM – Salt Lake City, UT (My Hostel)
Current mood: Dread, happiness.
Sorry I didn’t update after the show. I had to break down my equipment, get back to my room, and the minute my head hit the pillow, I was done.
The show was fun. Owing to the Sullivan King show in town, turnout was a good bit lighter than I’d have hoped for, but the people who made it out gave me SO MUCH ENERGY. The vibes in the room were great.
I noticed that SLC was big on deathcore, which made for an even heavier night than usual. My ears are wrecked. I needed over-ears yesterday.
We’ll be back to Salt Lake City sometime in early 2026… and I’m so stoked to come back. For those who asked for the playlist, I’ll post it once I’m on the road and have some time – and this is a habit I plan on doing every show.
What I’m not stoked for is getting back home to Pittsburgh. This is going to suck.
I check out of my hostel in about an hour. My goal is to find some decent Mexican food before I leave. Then begins the pain of Greyhound.
I leave Salt Lake City at 3:15 PM. I won’t be home until Monday night around 8:00 PM. This trip takes me from Utah to Idaho, through Montana towards Minneapolis, before heading to Chicago and ultimately Pittsburgh.
My budget is still mostly intact. I’ve spent about $25 on food and Ubers between the venue and hotel. I think I’m going to be okay.
It’s just going to be really brutal. Stay tuned. This post continues until I get home.
Saturday, July 12th – 3:16 PM – Salt Lake City, UT (Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub)
Current mood: Fuck this place.
Just boarded my bus home… and I’m ready to get the fuck out of here. Not Salt Lake City… this place and its people have been so kind and welcoming to me.
The Salt Lake bus station is a mess. Greyhound no longer uses the station, so riders are forced to sit outside – sometimes for hours – on benches designed to prevent long-term sitting. The entire transit area feels like a giant “fuck you” to the homeless.
That said, I’m on my bus and headed home. I’ve got like 5 transfers because poverty. I’ll be in Idaho Falls later tonight… and I hear that area has a huge white nationalist problem. Hope that’s just hearsay.
Sunday, July 13th – 6:56 AM – Miles City, MT (Some rest stop)
Current mood: Self-loathing.
Long-distance bus travel sucks and humans are horrifically unaware of themselves. I need to get over my stupid phobia and just fly more. This isn’t even cheaper. I just sacrifice comfort for some warped sense of safety as we drive 80 mph in a bus in Montana.
I left Salt Lake City and made my connection in Idaho Falls, where a woman with an SS tattoo tried to compliment my tattoos. Gross.
The connection itself was super unprofessional in the best way possible. It was a pretty empty trip in a Sprinter van. The driver had his 3 dogs with us and we listened to 80s music. Dope.
From there I made my connection in Butte, MT and that’s where the experience has become pretty damn annoying.
The bus was full – which is fine and expected… but straight up – if you listen to your phone without headphones in an enclosed public space, you’re trash and I hate you.
I connected from Butte, MT to Billings, MT – which is the bus I’ve been on now and will be until about 8:00 PM tonight. This bus isn’t full at all. Yet someone felt the need to sit next to me (when the option for us both to have a row exists). Fucking people.
From there it’s a transfer in Minneapolis, an overnight ride to Chicago, then home tomorrow evening.
Photos coming when I have a stable signal. Turns out the middle of nowhere doesn’t have awesome reception.
This sucks… but it’s worth it.
Sunday, July 13th – 3:07 PM – Fargo, ND (On the bus)
Current mood: This bus is my thirteenth reason.
It looks like we may miss our connection in Minneapolis. If that happens, I’m going to lose my shit. I miss my puppy.
Monday, July 14th – 2:54 PM – Cleveland, OH (On the bus)
Current mood: Greyhound’s mom’s a hoe.
Sorry for the long stretch of silence… it’s been a LONG 24 hours and I’m kind of miserable right now.
I ended up making my connection in Minneapolis by about 3 minutes… leaving me no time to use a stationary restroom or eat anything decent. I’ve been surviving on terrible gas station food.
I managed about 25 minutes of sleep on the Minneapolis to Chicago overnight because it’s 2025 and everyone insists on having loud FaceTime calls in public (or listening to bad music) on speakerphone. Fuck speakerphone. We stopped at probably 3 McDonald’s for smoke breaks. They were all closed.
Chicago is where this really went off the rails.
I was supposed to have a few hours’ layover in Chicago, where I’d hoped to walk up to Portillo’s for a sandwich & shake. Unfortunately, Greyhound is terrible and I got about 30 minutes to get a bag of chips.
It was here where I picked up my new seatmate… a middle-aged man with significant developmental and cognitive disabilities was walked back to my row. The woman escorting him back to the seat smiled at me and said, “
This is Tom. This is his first Greyhound ride. Would you mind trading him for the window seat?”
Of course I would! No problem. I don’t mind the aisle… and I’ve made this trip dozens of times. Happy to give it up for a first-timer.
I settled into my seat and put my headphones in. I’m looking for a podcast when I feel a tap on my shoulder. It’s the same woman.
“Would you mind looking after Tom on this ride?”
Before I could process what she was asking me, she was already thanking me and walking off of the bus.
The first hour was quiet. I dozed off for a few minutes when I was ROUGHLY shaken awake by Tom.
“I have to go to the bathroom.”
I pointed out the bathroom at the back of the bus… and he looked at me.
So I’m somewhere in the middle of Minnesota escorting a person with a disability to a bus bathroom – hand in hand.
Thankfully I just had to walk him to the door and wait for Tom, then walk him back to the seat.
At rest stops, I’d show Tom where the restrooms were and helped him use his debit card to buy snacks. By the second or third rest stop, his card declined. I ended up buying his snacks.
I’m not upset with Tom. He was mostly pleasant (except for shaking me awake a few times). We talked a bit about pro wrestling.
I’m not mad at Tom. I’m really upset whoever his caretaker is. I can’t begin to talk about how irresponsible it is to leave a man with so many hurdles alone with a stranger for a multi-state trip.
Helped Tom find his connecting bus in Cleveland… and gave the drivers the limited information I had.
I carried on to Cleveland – The worst Greyhound Station in America. Chilled for about 20 minutes and I’m on the bus to Pittsburgh. 3 hours to go.
Monday, July 21st – 11:54 AM – Pittsburgh, PA (Home)
It’s taken a week to recover from that bus ride. After Cleveland, we had an extended stop in Youngstown, OH as a man got stuck in the bathroom. When he was extracted, it was discovered that he was smoking fentanyl in the bus bathroom. Ugh.
I made it home and I’m recovering and getting ready for the next one. I leave tomorrow for Warped Tour.
