Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Getting toasted with Chuck
So for those who do not know, we just got back from a mini tour that brought us to places in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota...pretty exciting stuff. I will go day by day in describing the events that took place within the five day trip, and then give you some parting thoughts of the trip as a whole. Enjoy!
Day 1 (Wednesday March 4th)
Day one brought us to the beautiful town of Harrisburg, South Dakota, which was about 10 miles away from our hotel in Sioux Falls. We played at a place called the Phoenix Lounge, one of two bars in the town...awesome! Couple of things about the show and then I will move on:
1. Smokiest bar I've ever been to
2. Amazing sound and stage
3. Thank God there was a pool league going on
Sold some CD's and Tees, signed a poster for a guy that made a bar in his basement called "The Wreck Room." Definitely hope he put that thing up right next to the Jeff Gordon poster. After we got back to the hotel in Sioux Falls, we ventured out to a "casino" called the Hole In The Wall Gaming Parlor. It was just a small room with 10 machines that you can find in pretty much any bar or bowling alley in Wisconsin. JB and I came out ahead while Colin and Harkins lost a few bucks...all in all a good time. Beat Colin in a game of pool before we left the hotel. One last note about day one...Thanks Sheraton!
Day 2 (Thursday March 5th)
Made it into Omaha, Nebraska quite early, and decided to load in all of our equipment right away. Played at a Pizza Parlor call PS Collective. Nothing good to say here. If it weren't for a group of people that Colin recruited from Creighton University, nobody would've been there. I did meet a girl named Jade Sharp who turned out to be my cousin...not. But we did have the same last name. Last thing...a big thanks to Jason (Ryan's cousin) for picking up our bill...what a nice guy.
Day 3 and 4 (Friday March 6th-Saturday March 7th)
Day three brought us to the thriving metropolis of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This was the first of two days playing at the same venue in Aberdeen. We got to the venue which was called New York New York, and met the owners Rick and Nicki. Within 10 minutes of meeting them, Rick offered to give us the key and let us stay in the office above the bar for the next two nights. Apparently there was both State Boy's Basketball and a huge Bowling tourney in Aberdeen over the weekend, and all hotels in the city were full.
Anyways, we had to play acoustic at New York New York. In part because it was an older crowd, and in part because it really isn't a music venue that is prepared to have amps and such. Playing acoustic was definitely a different feel, but it turned out alright for us. I had a good time. Met a bunch of interesting and fun people, especially Chuck, Carrie, and Roxy. Chuck was a regular at New York New York, probably around 60 years old, and has a tendency of getting a little toasted. Chuck had plenty of stories to tell us over the course of two days...some of which left all of us on the verge of peeing our pants. There should be some sort of reality TV show documenting Chuck's Life at New York New York...it would be a hit. Had fun getting toasted with Chuck.
Moving on, sleeping above a bar is not as glamorous as it may seem. Brushing your teeth in a bar bathroom probably isn't too healthy nor is it appealing, and the lack of shower left us all looking and smelling good...but the stay was free so who are we to complain. Actually got to shower on our way our out of Aberdeen...and there is a story behind this one. Carrie, one of the bartenders/servers at New York New York also works as a maid at the local Super 8 Motel. She told us to call her on our way out of town, and she would get us into one of the rooms she was cleaning so we could all shower. And that is exactly what we did. Thanks Carrie and thanks Super 8. Quite an experience.
Special thanks to Rick and Nicki...both extremely nice people. And to the groups of younger peeps that came in to see us after seeing us in the local newspaper...advertising does work.
Day 5 (Sunday March 8th)
Onto St. Paul, Minnesota to play at Big V's Saloon on a Sunday night! Not gonna lie, by this time, I think we were all a little burnt out. My girlfriend Kristy is from the area, so she told some people about the show. I was really hoping to go on stage around 9:30 pm so that Bruce and Bea(Kristy's Dad and Uncle) and a group of Kristy's friends (Gina, Cara, Angie, and Garrett) could all see us play. Well we ended up going on around midnight...but Gina, Cara, and Angie stayed. Thank God they did because they were the only three people in the bar. And thanks Gina and Cara for giving us a place to stay...hope we weren't too much of a hassle.
In summary, the trip was quite odd to say the least. I did a lot of sleeping...which isn't really anything new for me...but there wasn't much else to do. Don't really plan on going to South Dakota or Nebraska anytime in the near future. Lastly, sorry if this was boring...but that's actually quite fitting. It is what it is.
Day 1 (Wednesday March 4th)
Day one brought us to the beautiful town of Harrisburg, South Dakota, which was about 10 miles away from our hotel in Sioux Falls. We played at a place called the Phoenix Lounge, one of two bars in the town...awesome! Couple of things about the show and then I will move on:
1. Smokiest bar I've ever been to
2. Amazing sound and stage
3. Thank God there was a pool league going on
Sold some CD's and Tees, signed a poster for a guy that made a bar in his basement called "The Wreck Room." Definitely hope he put that thing up right next to the Jeff Gordon poster. After we got back to the hotel in Sioux Falls, we ventured out to a "casino" called the Hole In The Wall Gaming Parlor. It was just a small room with 10 machines that you can find in pretty much any bar or bowling alley in Wisconsin. JB and I came out ahead while Colin and Harkins lost a few bucks...all in all a good time. Beat Colin in a game of pool before we left the hotel. One last note about day one...Thanks Sheraton!
Day 2 (Thursday March 5th)
Made it into Omaha, Nebraska quite early, and decided to load in all of our equipment right away. Played at a Pizza Parlor call PS Collective. Nothing good to say here. If it weren't for a group of people that Colin recruited from Creighton University, nobody would've been there. I did meet a girl named Jade Sharp who turned out to be my cousin...not. But we did have the same last name. Last thing...a big thanks to Jason (Ryan's cousin) for picking up our bill...what a nice guy.
Day 3 and 4 (Friday March 6th-Saturday March 7th)
Day three brought us to the thriving metropolis of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This was the first of two days playing at the same venue in Aberdeen. We got to the venue which was called New York New York, and met the owners Rick and Nicki. Within 10 minutes of meeting them, Rick offered to give us the key and let us stay in the office above the bar for the next two nights. Apparently there was both State Boy's Basketball and a huge Bowling tourney in Aberdeen over the weekend, and all hotels in the city were full.
Anyways, we had to play acoustic at New York New York. In part because it was an older crowd, and in part because it really isn't a music venue that is prepared to have amps and such. Playing acoustic was definitely a different feel, but it turned out alright for us. I had a good time. Met a bunch of interesting and fun people, especially Chuck, Carrie, and Roxy. Chuck was a regular at New York New York, probably around 60 years old, and has a tendency of getting a little toasted. Chuck had plenty of stories to tell us over the course of two days...some of which left all of us on the verge of peeing our pants. There should be some sort of reality TV show documenting Chuck's Life at New York New York...it would be a hit. Had fun getting toasted with Chuck.
Moving on, sleeping above a bar is not as glamorous as it may seem. Brushing your teeth in a bar bathroom probably isn't too healthy nor is it appealing, and the lack of shower left us all looking and smelling good...but the stay was free so who are we to complain. Actually got to shower on our way our out of Aberdeen...and there is a story behind this one. Carrie, one of the bartenders/servers at New York New York also works as a maid at the local Super 8 Motel. She told us to call her on our way out of town, and she would get us into one of the rooms she was cleaning so we could all shower. And that is exactly what we did. Thanks Carrie and thanks Super 8. Quite an experience.
Special thanks to Rick and Nicki...both extremely nice people. And to the groups of younger peeps that came in to see us after seeing us in the local newspaper...advertising does work.
Day 5 (Sunday March 8th)
Onto St. Paul, Minnesota to play at Big V's Saloon on a Sunday night! Not gonna lie, by this time, I think we were all a little burnt out. My girlfriend Kristy is from the area, so she told some people about the show. I was really hoping to go on stage around 9:30 pm so that Bruce and Bea(Kristy's Dad and Uncle) and a group of Kristy's friends (Gina, Cara, Angie, and Garrett) could all see us play. Well we ended up going on around midnight...but Gina, Cara, and Angie stayed. Thank God they did because they were the only three people in the bar. And thanks Gina and Cara for giving us a place to stay...hope we weren't too much of a hassle.
In summary, the trip was quite odd to say the least. I did a lot of sleeping...which isn't really anything new for me...but there wasn't much else to do. Don't really plan on going to South Dakota or Nebraska anytime in the near future. Lastly, sorry if this was boring...but that's actually quite fitting. It is what it is.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
NYC, Majestic, and me
Holla y'all,
I haven't blogged for NYC, nor have I been a good boy in terms of droppin words on ya.. so I thought I would catch up with you all quick like tonight.
So the trip to NYC was bitter sweet. Cleveland was kewl because of the fam coming to catch us... Grandma was amazing but I think I said that... Musicians take heed... Wilberts will RIP YOU OFF.
PA was amazing. The people, the place (Local Beat) the jam. Like previous blogs have said... 4 encores... need I say more. I tip my hat and look forward to being back there again.
NYC... What can you say. I really can't say anything. But you know I will :)
The last year or so has been amazing. On many many levels. Fat Todd speaks of the family... Harks speaks of the un-spoken family. I only hope to add to that. With all things considered, this ride for me started with a Moose-A-plooza, a recording session, and a great group of guys. Next time I open my eyes, I'm staring at ground zero, stepping on a stage(s) that I only dream of, and makin music with some of the best song writers, musicians, percussionists around.
Amazed and Humbled... Period.
I know I write alot about my pops, almost to the point of wierd obsession... but if you knew Rabbit when he was around, you know why he plays such a role in my soul these days. He was the last to leave the bar and the first to boo when the band stopped... right next to me for the whole ride... In his dying days he told me to get the fuck out of race cars and start playing music... Which leads me to the ironic and soul clinching twist to NYC. Ryan Sharp got signed up for the open jam, which I was just gonna go play some blues but after talking to Harks he was in... Harks and I debuted a new song.. and rocked Folsom hard. Stuff harp player dreams are made of... 1 guitar and a dumb guy with a harp... Lovin it. Afterward I got the guts up to ask Bryan (guy hosting the jam and one HELLUVA guitar player) if I could jam one song with him... Hell I'm in NYC, this guy rocks the blues licks and I was a touch feelin it :) only other time I asked that of anyone was a time at Tully's II when Dad was still around... wanted to hear Stormy Monday with Cool Front... his fav... and thanks to the Front, he got to hear it. Generally I have 3 rules to my playing. 1) Never assume you are going to play. 2) Never invite yourself up. 3) don't play if you are going to make the band sound like shit... But I digress.. I asked to jam with these guys and they said well likely not going to do little wing but here's a little something. They started rocking and what happened was..... Stormy Monday. Song Done. Somewhere he smiles.
With all this blabber said, and all these useless words, every night every one of us throws our souls to the wind, hopeing that someone catches us, feels us, believes like we do, that you can feel the joy and the pain that comes from our drums, our bass, our guitars, our voices, and our harp... and just for a minute you forget about everything, tomorrow, today, yesterday, and just enjoy the ride.... I know I am... and I'm humbled to be a part of it.... Thanks Shibs
Til next time.....
Mouse
I haven't blogged for NYC, nor have I been a good boy in terms of droppin words on ya.. so I thought I would catch up with you all quick like tonight.
So the trip to NYC was bitter sweet. Cleveland was kewl because of the fam coming to catch us... Grandma was amazing but I think I said that... Musicians take heed... Wilberts will RIP YOU OFF.
PA was amazing. The people, the place (Local Beat) the jam. Like previous blogs have said... 4 encores... need I say more. I tip my hat and look forward to being back there again.
NYC... What can you say. I really can't say anything. But you know I will :)
The last year or so has been amazing. On many many levels. Fat Todd speaks of the family... Harks speaks of the un-spoken family. I only hope to add to that. With all things considered, this ride for me started with a Moose-A-plooza, a recording session, and a great group of guys. Next time I open my eyes, I'm staring at ground zero, stepping on a stage(s) that I only dream of, and makin music with some of the best song writers, musicians, percussionists around.
Amazed and Humbled... Period.
I know I write alot about my pops, almost to the point of wierd obsession... but if you knew Rabbit when he was around, you know why he plays such a role in my soul these days. He was the last to leave the bar and the first to boo when the band stopped... right next to me for the whole ride... In his dying days he told me to get the fuck out of race cars and start playing music... Which leads me to the ironic and soul clinching twist to NYC. Ryan Sharp got signed up for the open jam, which I was just gonna go play some blues but after talking to Harks he was in... Harks and I debuted a new song.. and rocked Folsom hard. Stuff harp player dreams are made of... 1 guitar and a dumb guy with a harp... Lovin it. Afterward I got the guts up to ask Bryan (guy hosting the jam and one HELLUVA guitar player) if I could jam one song with him... Hell I'm in NYC, this guy rocks the blues licks and I was a touch feelin it :) only other time I asked that of anyone was a time at Tully's II when Dad was still around... wanted to hear Stormy Monday with Cool Front... his fav... and thanks to the Front, he got to hear it. Generally I have 3 rules to my playing. 1) Never assume you are going to play. 2) Never invite yourself up. 3) don't play if you are going to make the band sound like shit... But I digress.. I asked to jam with these guys and they said well likely not going to do little wing but here's a little something. They started rocking and what happened was..... Stormy Monday. Song Done. Somewhere he smiles.
With all this blabber said, and all these useless words, every night every one of us throws our souls to the wind, hopeing that someone catches us, feels us, believes like we do, that you can feel the joy and the pain that comes from our drums, our bass, our guitars, our voices, and our harp... and just for a minute you forget about everything, tomorrow, today, yesterday, and just enjoy the ride.... I know I am... and I'm humbled to be a part of it.... Thanks Shibs
Til next time.....
Mouse
Monday, February 23, 2009
Artists
Pursuing something that is not the norm, something that reaches for a deeper meaning, taking chances, that is what artists do. Just checked out Mike Droho and the Soundshaker tonight at the High Noon Saloon in Madison...good friends of ours. And last night we played the Majestic Theatre (which is a sweet place!) with Lucas Cates Band.
Artists do what they do because it is fulfilling in a way that perhaps nothing else can be. So on some level, no matter what their deal, there is a connectedness between artists. That in itself is fulfilling. I guess no matter what you do in life, the mutual respect and acknowledgement of one anothers pursuits is, in itself, rewarding.
See you at Luckys on Saturday, feb 28th
Thursday, February 19, 2009
East to NYC
PA
The Shibs played a new venue in New Cumberland, PA called The Local Beat. The place and the people are awesome. It is a place created by artists and musicians for people who really dig the arts scene. Joe, the owner, is a musician and I think that place will be alive and well when we swing through PA again. The feel of the show was pretty awesome for us, because everyone was hanging on every note. Four encores....thanks Joe, Rebbecca, and everyone else at The Local Beat.
NYC
First show was decent, just a bit quiet for a 7pm set. But Arlene's Grocery is sort of NYC underground, and the whole neighborhood was bustling a couple hours later. Adrian Grenier, that is the actor from Entourage that was at Arlene's Grocery. NYC is awesome because it seems like no matter where you are, or what time you are there, there are always people around. I love cities for that reason; it always feels like you are in the midst of something that is going on.
I've gotta second Andy on the ground zero stuff. We didn't even realize where we were staying, then we basically walked right into the fences at ground zero. Crazy. Just stood there for a while staring, and thinking it all over. Not a lot to see at the site, but the gravity of 9/11 sure can be felt.
Kenny's Castaways was an awesome show. The Shibs had a good set, and then there was an open mic for about 8 hours after. So, we got to hang out with a lot of people, musicians, and some old friends from Wisconsin. At about 3am, Mouse and I jumped on stage again to debut a new Shibs tune, and rock some Folsom Prison too.
NYC...we'll be back soon!
Monday, February 16, 2009
1 block AWAY...
This is Andy...in New York City...blogging again for the first time in awhile. I've never been in NYC before, and so far I like it. Lots of big buildings yes...although the Statue of Liberty was smaller than I thought it would be. A lot of traffic and a lot of people in this city. I'll speak little about the gig and a lot about what went down tonight.
Show was cool...it was at Arlene's Grocery...which is a music venue and not a grocery store if you're wondering. We got a live CD...turned out alright...I was stoked to hear the new song "Steady Hands" live. The venue was nice...if only we would've played an hour later than we did...there would've been a hundred more people there. Also, saw an actor from the show Entourage at the show. He's the main actor in the show...Adrian something...his last name escapes me right now. Pretty cool stuff.
OK...enough about the show. We are staying in a hotel a block away from the World Trade Center Site...and a block away from Wall Street. It's actually unreal. I almost started crying tonight when I saw the void there. If you haven't been out here..do it...it's amazing. And when you see where the WTC used to be...you can't help but to think about the one's that you love. I thought about my immediate family right away...Dad, mom, Ryan, Josh, and Jasmine...and especially my best friend and girlfriend Kristy.
I then thought about the band...and to all of you who don't know or don't get it...it's actually like a second family. You spend so much time with these guys...it has to be like a family. So it was nice seeing what I saw tonight with all of them. I think we will go back again tomorrow to see it in the daytime. I love my life at home with my family, but I love experiencing new places and meeting new people everywhere we go. But they are the people who support me most...so they make it possible. Bottom line...I love going to a city I've never been to before, trying to play the best I can in front of people I've never met before, and hoping they like what they hear. That's what I love doing...I actually love it. It's an amazing feeling. Always keeps you out of your comfort zone. I suggest doing something like this yourself...even if it's something completely different from music.
Show was cool...it was at Arlene's Grocery...which is a music venue and not a grocery store if you're wondering. We got a live CD...turned out alright...I was stoked to hear the new song "Steady Hands" live. The venue was nice...if only we would've played an hour later than we did...there would've been a hundred more people there. Also, saw an actor from the show Entourage at the show. He's the main actor in the show...Adrian something...his last name escapes me right now. Pretty cool stuff.
OK...enough about the show. We are staying in a hotel a block away from the World Trade Center Site...and a block away from Wall Street. It's actually unreal. I almost started crying tonight when I saw the void there. If you haven't been out here..do it...it's amazing. And when you see where the WTC used to be...you can't help but to think about the one's that you love. I thought about my immediate family right away...Dad, mom, Ryan, Josh, and Jasmine...and especially my best friend and girlfriend Kristy.
I then thought about the band...and to all of you who don't know or don't get it...it's actually like a second family. You spend so much time with these guys...it has to be like a family. So it was nice seeing what I saw tonight with all of them. I think we will go back again tomorrow to see it in the daytime. I love my life at home with my family, but I love experiencing new places and meeting new people everywhere we go. But they are the people who support me most...so they make it possible. Bottom line...I love going to a city I've never been to before, trying to play the best I can in front of people I've never met before, and hoping they like what they hear. That's what I love doing...I actually love it. It's an amazing feeling. Always keeps you out of your comfort zone. I suggest doing something like this yourself...even if it's something completely different from music.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
On the road again "to the tune of canned heat"
So short blog session... I'm tired and the rest of the guys are snoozin... well trying to.
Last night was awesome... well umm gig wise awesome but to my band friends... Wilberts is shady... but fam-in-laws were in the house and Grandma was a trooper...
The guys were super cool dealing with me and watching the Chili bowl. I know they are not down with the racing gig... but hey.... they are bomb ash musicians...
Tonight was amazing. People brought a ton of merch, wouldn't let us get off the stage, and for this guy reminded me of why pops said play some music...
Shots to follow, music to follow.. and NYC tomorrow night....
It's all about the ride and we are all still in it....
Stay safe for now....
mouse
Last night was awesome... well umm gig wise awesome but to my band friends... Wilberts is shady... but fam-in-laws were in the house and Grandma was a trooper...
The guys were super cool dealing with me and watching the Chili bowl. I know they are not down with the racing gig... but hey.... they are bomb ash musicians...
Tonight was amazing. People brought a ton of merch, wouldn't let us get off the stage, and for this guy reminded me of why pops said play some music...
Shots to follow, music to follow.. and NYC tomorrow night....
It's all about the ride and we are all still in it....
Stay safe for now....
mouse
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