Funk and rock surely rolls and don't stop. Otis Grove (think MMW vs. SOULIVE) joins wonder-twin powers with Carlon (think THE BAND meets RADIOHEAD) Taking it all the way from boston to austin simply because it rhymes. in the name of ROPEADOPE (remember those newmusic seminars?) they will once again take to the sky and fly. Provingto themselves (and the world) that rock and funk do belongtogether. Like chocolate and peanut butter. Check in here for our live blog from the road....
Tyler's Comments on the tour so far...
Greetings from the road. We have completed the first half of our Boston to Austin tour, stopping in Philly, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Louisville, and Evansville. The first gig in Boston at the Lizard Lounge was raging, thanks to all who came out. Next we headed down to Philly to play the North Star Bar and got to meet up with our Ropeadope fellas Dave and Louis. Louis had a video guy at the show and got some footage of us... check out http://www.ropeadope.com to see it. Although it was a quiet night in Charlottesville, we did get to see some hilarious, drunken stand up comedy by Ryan McGlynn of Carlon (the band we're touring with) after the sound guy dissapeared leaving all the mics live. The Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach is a great venue and we had a good time cruising the beach and checking out the scene. The 100mph winds from Hurricane Ike had taken their toll on Louisville, and left half the city without electricity, lots on non-working street lights, downed trees, and other various forms of destruction. Luckilly our venue, Wick's Pizza Parlor, did have electricity. Our friend Myron (the tenor saxophonist the band Paradigm) sat in with us at the show and tore it up. Good times. We then headed onward to Blake's hometown of Evansville, IN. We played at Show-Me's, which is a club similar to Hooters except that all the girls are under 23... take a look at the pics. It was a good show and Blake was able to pull out quite a few people. Since we had a couple of days to kill, we decided the best thing to do was throw a party at Blake's parents place - so we built an outside stage and invited all the St. Wendel locals to an all day party on Sunday. Barb and Jerry (Blake's parents) even set up soft-serve ice cream and slushy machines. About 60 people came out and it was a great time. Now we're headed to 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville... Paradigm is on the bill tonight so it should be a sweet show. Hope ya'll are doing well... there's more to come, so keep posted.
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NASHVILLE, TN (Day 2) - Jared: After a few tosses and turns and several pillow adjustments, I finally give up on going back to sleep. The clock in the hotel room reads 8:34am. I need to think for a second what city we are in now, then realize it’s Nashville, or technically Brentwood…a suburb just on the outskirts, which doesn’t seem to have much going on. Check my phone for missed calls or texts, pull out the laptop to grab some free wi-fi…wait….my computer says its 9:45 now….huh? Oh, right….we must have driven through a different time zone. Weird. My head drifts off on our day yesterday….which began by waking up in the “band house” which was owned by a bartender/manager at The Hideaway Saloon, where we had played the night before in Louisville, KY. They have a bunch of bunkbeds which they offer for free to traveling bands from out of town such as ourselves….a great bonus. They had no electricity as did most other areas of Kentucky due to a passing storm the week before, so we walked in the night before by way of candle light, which was a little spooky, but a lot of fun. We packed up our things, left a thank you sticky for Jim on one of the bed posts, and piled into the van. First stop, food and coffee, second stop, Nashville, TN.
Ryan: I woke up on a fold out couch bed this morning. The frame didn’t support the mattress in the top right corner so found myself half under the coach on occasion. Just showered up and we’re checking out the city of Nashville. All these southern cities seemed so far away a month ago, and now that I’m here I feel like I could have lived here my whole life. Everyone is so welcoming. I’d like to get into it more but the fellas have stolen my shoe while Im typing this blog and are trying to punt it across the parking lot. It’s so hot out. I’m gonna leave it out.
NASHVILLE, TN - Hey folks. Just got to Nashville this afternoon. And found out that Nashville, as well as parts of Alabama, have little or no gas and aren’t getting it any time soon. Luckily we were able to fill up right before the pumps at one particular station were emptied and shut down.
Here is a quick video of our experience…also check out this article…http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/19/nashville.gas/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
LOUISVILLE, KY (The 168th biggest city on earth), 6:30 AM - Breaking the limits of Kentucky, Ryan and I made our first official stop at one of many Waffle Houses for large coffees and a notable stretch. Yes, we drove all the way from Chapel Hill to Louisville through the night. No, I don’t know how long a drive it was but I would guess around 8 hours or so. Entering Louisville with a pink sunrise behind us and listening to Springsteen’s Nebraska (Highway Patrol Man), to which I made Ryan listen to upwards of 6 or 7 times.
Jared and Ryan also drove the late late shift, however I slept then so I can comment on any happenings. We got an early look at the venue in town and the Hideaway Saloon is in fact hidden. Some of the locals were even surprised we found it. We fell into a youthful scene who were all more than happy to accommodate us and make sure we felt at home. Jim, the owner of the Hideaway, even let us crash at the “band house.” Oddly enough, Louisville was in fact hit by Ike the Hurricane. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen so many trees down. And most parts of town have been without power for a week. In fact when we arrived it was hard not to spot the local orange utility trucks doing their best to repair what they could and get the town back up and running. Amazing how more than this entire part of town was without out power and it was almost never mentioned to us. It was as though nothing had changed for most of them. In fact, the “band house” itself had no power. We had a flashlight and Jim had lit some candles for us.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t much time to stick around in Lousiville, we made for an early departure to Nashville, TN in the morning and are now on our way. Thanks to the guys from the 13th Sun and Jason, Jim, Amber, and our new friend, Paul, who we will definitely be reaching out to next time we’re in town.
Abraham Hawkins - thanks for the Heine Brothers Recommendation for AM coffee, it more than hit the spot. See you soon.
CHAPEL HILL, NC - Throughout the past week we’ve come to realize that though first impressions are important, this rule doesn’t particularly pertain to music venues. Usually we arrive at a place and it’s quiet, really quiet. Sometimes uncomfortably so. Aside from what might appear to be a bartender or a lone sound guy or someone who fulfills both of those roles, we’re usually 4 of only a handful of individuals.
The night rolls on through sound check and, before you know it, the room has taken an entirely new shape or warmth. This has been the case especially in the past two places we’ve been to: Mansion 462 in Chapel Hill and The Hideaway Saloon in Louisville, KY.
Bradly Waycaster is the owner/sound guy/bartender/kindest man alive at place called Mansion 462. I can’t begin to tell you the importance of people like Brad when you’re on the road. Within moments of meeting him, there was a feeling that we were going to be taken care of and by the end of the night it was like saying goodbye to an old friend. Though we were hit with a rough night in Chapel Hill and not much to work with, Brad was so happy we were there and made sure we were more than content at his place. So we give big love to Brad and thank him dearly for not using his Machete on us when we attempted to turn down his more than generous contribution to our road funds.
Corresponding with this theme, last but not least, the importance of Ffmily and friends making the long haul to venues at often times at ungodly hours of the night. BIG HUGS to Milo’s cousin Mark Spinelli and friends. The applause was like a warm blanket and your support will not be forgotten. Hope to see you guys soon.
CHARLOTTESVILLE / VA BEACH, VA - Loneliness isn’t as lonely a feeling when you’re not alone.
The Outback Lodge…let’s just say the venue wasn’t really ready, nor expecting us. Or perhaps it was just an average Tuesday night in Charlottesville. Regardless, we played a handful of foosball games on a tremendous table. Pretty sure we could have fit that table in the back of Can’t Hang’s trailer, but to be honest, if we took the table from the Outback they might not have any other way of entertaining guests other than mega touch and, of course, music.
The bartender made us aware that “Tuesdays aren’t really our big night here,” even though we still managed to have a handful of people show up. We took down some Tennessee fingers and had a grand old time. Even managed to do some awkward saloon dancing. You know, like the first kid at the dance getting up and doing his own thing for the DJ? Then Can’t Hang hit us over the head with some familiar songs and some new material and Otis Grove was crushing.
You might be wondering what it’s like playing a place like the Outback Lodge on a Tuesday night in Charlottesville, VA. It’s anything and everything you could possibly imagine regarding awkwardness. Including local men shouting at the television and slamming their beer bottles on the bar. There’s nothing like finishing a song and hearing someone yelp at the television. It’s like a flashback to somewhere you’ve never been before.
Don’t get me wrong - we’re not unappreciative of the night. This is just part of the deal. We’ll leave the sprinting to those whom do the sprinting. We’re distance running and each day brings a new experience and another lesson.
Playing Virginia with friends like Can’t Hang, who we’ve known a while, and our new friends. Otis Grove…I guess loneliness isn’t as lonely a feeling. And it’s been great getting to see the East Coast thus far and living it with a few familiar faces.
Mike
PHILLY, PA - We made it to Philadelphia's North Star Bar without any trouble, all four tires, and all four members due to Jared's last minute spontaneity.
NEW YORK CITY, NY - Last night we played at Crash Mansion for the first time in nearly a year (?) and I’m not really sure we knew what we were getting into. There were people there. And they seemed really stoked about seeing us. Big thanks to Jeremy Kagan and NY Underbelly for the last minute look and to Dana for getting people out. We were all smiles afterwards.
Apologies for not hanging out very long to grab post show banter. But, sleep is the priority before tonight’s CD release and getting back on the road Monday. Dave - thanks for the inspirational pancakes story yesterday. I stopped at the Westside diner on the way home and overate a stack of silver dollars, a chocolate milk, over easy eggs and, well, you get the point…
Mike
BOSTON, MA - Just getting back to NYC from Boston at 6:30 in the AM. Returned the Soccer Mom mobile in midtown and walked down the street dodging the sneers from the “undead”. Milo drove us home and we left almost immediately after the show. But not before we stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts for large coffees and un-cream cheesed toasted Poppy Bagels.
We had a wonderful time at the Lizard Lounge and it was amazing to see such a great turnout. It was a perfect room for the first distance show on the tour. Special thanks to those of you we know and love for coming out and rallying your friends to make the room that much warmer. It was great to finally meet John Heinrich, who designed our album artwork, which we love.
CARLON
BROOKLYN, NY - Last night we hit up a pre-tour gig at the PublicAssembly in Brooklyn. (Thanks for the hookup, Francesco). It was greatto see so many people come out for this unofficial tour stop. Amongstmany others, we’re psyched that Lisa and Angela made it out, (yetagain!) and it was great to see Robbie and Sophie from The Orchard. Big ups to British Rob and Phillary from Outside.in,as well as all the crew from Essex Fells (Bry, Drew, Car) and LBI(Kenny, Doug, Bercik and Old School). And we finally met David, ouramazing booker from Ropeadope. The circle is complete.
Just getting on the road now to Boston in a white minivan, so we’ll see you there tonight. Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA at 10:00 pm<br>
| Date | City |
Venue |
Details |
| 9/10 | brooklyn, ny | public assembly | pre-tour carlon show |
| 9/11 | cambridge, ma |
lizard’s lounge | new madrid faults, carlon, otis grove |
| 9/12 | new york, ny |
crash mansion | carlon |
| 9/13 | new york, ny |
loft venue |
cd release party (nyc) |
| 9/15 | philadelphia, pa |
north star bar | bodega, otis grove, carlon, special guest Kuf Knotz |
| 9/16 | charlottesville, va | outback lodge | otis grove, carlon, can't hang |
| 9/17 | virgina beach, va | jewish mother | otis grove, carlon, can't hang |
| 9/18 | louisville, ky | wick’s pizza parlor | otis grove |
| 9/18 |
chapel hill, nc | mansion 462 | carlon |
| 9/20 | louisville, ky | hideaway saloon | carlon |
| 9/22 | nashville, tn | 3rd and lindsley | otis grove, carlon, paradigm |
| 9/23 | new orleans, la | circle bar |
otis grove, carlon |
| 9/27 | austin tx | Hi-Lo |
otis grove, carlon, to be a high powered executive |
all shows are specially priced courtesy of ropeadope
