Back In Narragansett Where The Men, Bearded, Can Get All The Women Wicky Wacky Wett

Location: New London, CT (Liz & Dan's)
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: 1:18 pm

I'm now freshly showered. It's quite amazing what a shower can do for you. It makes you feel so new and good. A shower makes you ready for anything. I'm presentable and could play a show or explore a city. Or I could take a nap considering I'm so comfortable. But instead I'm sitting and traveling. I'm moving at 56 miles per hour while only actually actively moving my thumbs. This has perplexed me for years now. I remember at a younger age sitting in the passenger seat of my family's red hatchback while my father drove. He brought up that he was basically only very minimally moving his right foot and hands and I was sitting still, but we were getting all over town. Traversing miles while moving millimeters. It's interesting, maybe.

Last evening at around 6 we arrived at Dan & Liz's house. (Yes, that is the same Liz and Dan of Dan and Liz.) They made us a mound of pizza from scratch as well as hummus and salsa with tortilla chips. They gave us some Polar brand pop, including ginger ale, orange dry, and birch beer. All had good taste but the birch beer won. It's sort of a more interesting, developed cream soda flavor. Later on we had Narragansett Lager. It's a Rhode Island staple, so says Liz. Narragansett is a good, sweet cheap beer, so says I.

This was found on Dan & Liz's wall.

And this was beside it. By Dan. I love it. I hope he doesn't mind me exposing his art to you.

Once it got to be 7:30 music started up. Dan and Liz played first. Their music is old timey, harmony, guitar and fiddle type stuff. It's also toe tappin' good. A couple of the harmonies in particular resonated with me. Then we played. It went well. Then The Weird Beards played. They were great and have only been playing together for a couple years. They play exciting, entertaining sort of funky rock with a touch of punk. This was the first time they've played all acoustically for about a year and I encourage them to stick with it. To me a band producing a sound independently is far more interesting, impressive and appealling. There's certainly times and genres where amplified sound is superior and needed. I'm just sayin'; keep it simple if you can. Anyways, The Weird Beards were highly entertaining and hilarious. I produced laughter a few times during their set. Brian of the band told me they have a number of short films online. I would have to think those keep your attention.

Dan left early this morning for the vineyard he works at, so it was just Liz and us for breakfast. We found out that Liz moved from New England to Portland, OR when she was 18. We've been talking about travel and figuring out life a fair amount on this tour. Money's trying to figure all that out right now. Immediately after tour he boards a cruise ship for a few months playing with the ships band. This tour has also involved a surprising amount of printing and faxing. iPod Mike's had to go through the rigormoral for this cruise job. It seems like every other city either he's printing and faxing for this job or we're printing arrangents or contracts and faxing those. The contract was for Daytrotter, so hopefully our session will come out soon. Well, all that stuff was boring. Thanks for reading to this point. Here's your prize: This has been edited by the author. Instead enjoy otter fodder. Enjoy!

Yours in NY traffic with weird thick snow,
Madd Stock Well

Dressed To Do Press

Location: Lowell, MA (Mt. Vernsworth Manor)
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Time: 11:42 am

The breakfast? Delicious once again. We've had really good luck with breakfast on this tour. This morning Amy with the help of Kerry and Lisa, and Peri, fixed up veggie sausage (which tasted a good bit like fresh kielbasa), biscuits, and creamy roasted potatos. I don't know why but potatos can often really miss the mark when people prepare them. I'm thinking specifically in breakfast applications. Peri brought up that people don't have the patience to let the potatos soften so they'll come out hard in the middle. I've also found people's potatos to be dry and flavorless. My mother has tried to tell me how she prepares her potatos: simply sliced and drenched in oil. She adds garlic and salt and let's them sit in a pan, with the lid on, for some time. I might have to say those are in my top five ever. Scrumptious.

Peri was in charge of eggs. She scrambled them. I told her how recently I've been having my eggs almost like a curd; very creamy. She said she likes her eggs a bit firmer, so how about a compromise? I said fine, but at some point the eggs were looking perfect so Peri suggested I grab a few for myself. Oh boy, were they great. Lew then slipped in a bagel. I had half. It really made for a memorable meal.

Lisa, Amy, & Kerry were fantastic. We had a lot of fun and the show was really good. For the second night in a row we played with The Thin Heir, so that was cool. We took some real nifty press shots. I had a good conversation with Lisa. We watched Gilmore Girls then Tim and Eric, Awesome Show, Great Job. Plenty of drama and laughs. In the morning, during breakfast, we talked about Amy's future. We were trying to get her to come to Bloomington for publishing. So if you see her, let her know she doesn't need the tobacco and Btown will treat her just perfect. That goes for you too.

Radially yours,
Addison Rockstar

We got the Vids!

From our show in Allston (Boston)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFBnIkVU_DA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc7Qljr8qAQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPgqJK9lm6E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y6Tc4Gigqg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL3LWruEfpM

Enjoy!

Sup Doods?

Hey guys,

Things are chuggin' along just fine. We got the food going, the coffee going, the lappy-tops going, and the tuneskies a-playin'.

The kids are currently in Lowell, Massachusetts- about 45 min outside of Bah-ston. Pretty soon we will trek over to ye old campus to do a radio show. Should be a treat.

Forecast: Kinda dreary outside. Some light sprinkles which will most likely be followed by a mild snowfall this evening.

Aright cats, that's all for now.

Periscope

ps- I resent the butterball.

Moyni's Manga: Ep. 2 - Livin' Large and E-Z

Hey people,

So I'm happy to report that we've been, as the title suggests, living large and easy. Many a couch and two a floor have been baptized in the "Money-butter," my name for the aura of smells and flavors that enshroud my body and all times.

I have taken on the nickname "Butterball" for a maneuver I have been using on Peri quite often of late. When I am enraged by one of Peri's snide remarks, or simply as a means of passing the time I will exclaim, "Butterball!" and proceed to bear down and lunge forth, Ram-style, using my greasy mop-top to administer generous qualities of Money-butter to Peri's clothing.

In other news, we have played some rockin' shows. For instance, the other night in Boston we completely destroyed the crowd with our lazer-beam of sound. We annihilated them so completely that they begged for more at the end. It was a monstrous display of power.

I spent my Boston days pretending I was a stray dog, wandering the streets, and occasionally offering up my saxophone skills in exchange for the disdain-drenched dollars of the passers-by. Apparently a man was killed in the street the same day of my wanderings. Who knows, perhaps my irrational practice of walking in circles spared me from a horrific fate!

For now my belly is full of eggs, potatoes, veggie-sausage, coffee, and half a bagel with Tofutti cream cheese-spread-product. For now I am content.

Farewell good people of earth and beyond.

Until next time!

Signing off,

Seriously, see you guys later,

"iPod" Mike "Butterball" "Money" Moynihan

There's A Song That We Sing When We Take To The Highway, & It Has To Do With Whiskey And Our Babies

Location: The Open Road Toward Jeff L.'s (Honda Odyssey)
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Time: 2:42 pm

We're listening to A. J. Jacob's The Year of Living Biblically while passing the damp yellow medians of the NY/MA border. We are crossing the partially frozen Hudson River as I type. A couple days ago when traveling to Northampton we were on the turnpike from Stockridge to Boston. I wondered what the Brookshires were. I saw some sign for them (or it?) as we drove, I'm fairly certain. It actually made me feel, I don't know. It's hard to describe. I found it neat and soothing to experience something James Taylor wrote and sang about. Terrain might have been covered in snow, I can't recall. It's gotten warmer as we've traveled.

Last evening we played the Elington Library after hours. The room sound was great, only surpassed by the audience and the other bands. Sarah Ayton from Gwelf, Canada opened the show. She has an awesome voice with entertaining, interesting songs. Technology failed her last night so she was unable to perform some looping. The beginning line of the loop sounded enticing so it was very much a letdown.

Klessa invented breakfast for us, which is a new one. Pictured: Silver Double Stuff Pancakes

She played us a song co-written by her 13-year-old sister. Back in Columbus, Richard Wehrenwolf did something similar. As part of his college education Richard conducted poetry units at local elementary schools with 8-year-olds. He made some of those poems into songs. On both occasions the songs have been really different in a great way. Last night's song was a quickly-made, one-off thing but Richards songs were really well thought out. There was relatable, easily understood poignancy to the songs. I was impressed.

After-brunch outdoor activities.

Klessa closed the night. They have great voices, rhythm, and intrumentation. They played a new song with the possible title, "Ribbunz". It had a real moving rocky beat. The percussion chosen suits their music well. The roster includes clarinet, guitar, accordian, snare and floor tom, keyboard, bass clarinet, glockenspiel and perhaps more.

Illustration by Matt of Klessa, and maybe Sarah of Sarah Ayton, as well.

In the morning we had a bounty of vegan breakfast goods. Before my very eyes they invented Silver Double Stuff Pancakes. They dipped double stuffed Oreos in banana & sprinkles pancake batter and then fried those up. At some point they even went as far as to slice those into bite-sized pieces and throw those into banana blueberry pancakes. Some thought too decadent. I thought they were right there on the line. They were creamy and sweet and fruity and too good. Make 'em if you can cause you should. Damn your heart and love your palette.

The hopscotch gang.

Money shows off his mad hoppin' skills.

We sat around the living room with plates in hand and Polka Dot Dot Dot and Jordan O Jordan on the phonograph. Hair was braided. Record packaging was discussed. The outdoors were realized but not before a savory mock quiche. It's pseudonym was Mush Pie. Challets, walnuts, cornstarch, and mushrooms (and donkey ears, says Peri), on a tender crust made for tasty. We eventually got to some mad hopscotch while Lew repacked the car. Since it's only four of us in a minivan we're afforded the chance to just throw all our stuff in the back and roll. That means we often have to root through the whole vehicle to find stuff. Not now though, thanks to Squeeg. Thanks, Squeeg. On the road again. Where to? Boston, simply.

Yours Shiny & Brand New,
Addison

Captain Dunks-A-Brunch

Blog 2.19 3:08pm
Location: Northampton, MA (The Green Bean)

We were late, or otherwise we'd have people concerned. We actually did anyways. Our phone call with Catie Rae ended with a collective 'Oh Shit!?' from the car. We had just vigorously backed into a telephone pole. This Northampton has mysterious streets. Fortunately all are right and the car is spotless. The table waiting for us was concerned that we had careened off into the abyss. Once we arrived they congratulated us on looking so good after having freshly died. They were sadly all done with their brunch by the time we got there. As a consolation prize they had some great suggestions.

Huevos as I first received them.

Down and dirty diggin' in by the gentlemen.

The mandolin player of Sway, Jeff, told me to get the self-serve coffee and the Huevos Green Beanos. I took him up on both and am so glad for it; you can't even understand. A bed of black beans, tortilla chips and incredible kale is where my over-easy eggs, salsa & sour cream rested. It was only by the last third of the dish that I realized all those flavors are best had when well-incorparted with each other, at least at The Green Bean. I didn't get the name of our server but he was a real stand-up guy. He offered to hang up my coat for me and affirmed Jeff's suggestion, but only after he had given me the specials and his personal favorites upon my request. All I'm sayin' is check out this restaurant if you're in Northampton, if you want.

Beautiful tasting.

Money loves jelly!

Is this what this blog is turning into? A tour via the restaurants we're recommend? Is that so bad? Is it taking the place of the subjects I could possibly be writing about? More next week; same blog, same blog time.

Yours and yours,
Addison West

Dim Lights in Dank Joints? Ice Cold

Location: Northampton, MA Sierra Grille
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Time: 9:21 pm

I pick up lovely jazz clarinet. No, it's not Mike Money. It's Oscar Peterson's combo with Pee Wee? No I'm not that lucky but it's still enjoyable. It really makes this restroom experience. I'm in the Sierra Grille where we are to play within a couple hours. I was just getting reintroductions. It's complicated playing and touring with a revolving cast; more specifically playing with an inconsistent band at home with other touring bands. I know I've seen some of these musicians before but I'm not sure if Peri has. I have to figure when she was in town and when it was that Sway played Bloomington. But once Peri remeets Lily she remembers. "I remember them being so cute!"

Everyone's very friendly. Apparently people have joined onto this show because they like what we're doing. That's quite flattering. We are certainly glad to be back. It's a real good feeling to meet people and have them warmly receive you, or even just acknowledge you with a smile. I can't wait to see Sway and Rusty Belle. I've seen Sway once before and have seen - Peri says, "Live Blogging!!" - Rusty Belle only on the internets, so I can't wait to experience them live.


We just played and Rusty Belle is performing right now. They're so tight. The sound is tops. Sort of a lazy zydeco with a bit of rock-ish bluegrass. They are impressive to see live. Certainly a must see. Currently they are riding on a tremendous groove. "No Sacrifice" Sway was great once again. Even better I'd say. Catie Rae's voice pairs so well with the music they make. And they're all exceedingly nice. I just exchanged a few choice words with Chris. So far in my musical career trading tour stories is still enjoyable and inciteful.

I just met a slew of wonderful folks while manning the merch table. One woman, let's call her Mandy, turned out to have lived in Indiana a few years and then decided to uproot and move back to her stomping grounds of New England. She only experienced West Lafeyette and Marion. I was sad to hear she did not experience the glory that is Bloomington. Come one, come all to such an inviting, inspiring town! is what I say when I'm intoxicated. Come on by, when I'm sober.

The night has grown long. Last call's been indicated by a flashing light. Rusty Belle lulls the crowd into a blissful goodbye. They pick it up by the end but I can't be shaken. That's all.

Who else,
Madd Dogg

Faster, Stronger

Location: Boston, MA (Weffy's Place)
Date: Saturday,February 20, 2010
Time: 7:21 pm

I now am rocking the blog application so I'll be posting stuff faster, but because of this, I'll probably be doing more post-post pictures. Like for today's earlier blog. That will get photos eventually. So check back often and again and again.

Yours around bikes,
Madd Dogg

The Day of Reckoning: Buffalo

Location: Buffalo, NY (Honda Odyssey)
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time: 5:39 pm

People are risking their lives and well-being waiting for buses in this blur of a city. There's so much snow it comes off more as shredded coconut. I should be in Taxi, or the Bob Newhart Show. I'll stick with Bob Newhart. I just crammed for this upcoming chef's special. I can't remember if it's Lisa or Jenny that is predicted to be the one cooking tonight. Either way I have it covered. A man packed warmly was walking my way with his grey terrier, the type that was on Fraggle Rock. The man decided to turn around once he saw our Odyssey.

We've managed to get through this disasterous weather for Amy's. I'm about to walk in.

I can't believe I got her name wrong. I thought the chef's hair to be red. But instead of Megan it's Jenny. How could've this happened?!

Me: Curtis, did Jenny recently color her hair?

Curtis: Oh, did she? I think I was thinking of Jenny's sister. She has bleached blond hair. I could hack your blog for you to change it if you want.

That's okay, Curt Man. It can only get better from here.

Sheena brought out some awesome sweet tea, upon my request. I definitely could tell it was sweet tea but it wasn't cloying. It also had a good lemon flavor. Good and lemony.

It did get so much better. So good. Such a good decision! I had a sandwich wrapped in hearty yet supple pita, composed of Seitan, sauce (BBQ?), sauteed mushrooms and onions, semi-wilted spinach and melted mozzarella. It came with a small quantity of crisp, spiced french fries and a salad of spinach, cucumber, some diced onion, oil, falafel pieces and feta and it was sumptous. I'm not a big fan of falafel but I would say this was the best use of falafel to date. A pepperochini resided on the side. I never eat those so I'm glad it was included. I trusted Jenny to know it would be perfect with the salad, which it was.

Sandwich + Salad + Fries = Great Success

The sauce turns out to be a combination of BBQ, hot sauce, garlic, A1, a smidge of mustard and something else. As Jenny throws her arms about grabbing at invisible spices she describes herself as, "a mad scientist back there." Just thinking about it now Jenny reminds me of a robust Suki St. James. I don't know if Jenny'd appreciate a reference to Gilmore Girls, but I do.

All the women that work here are lovely. Three of them were talking together and it was hard to look away. Dare I say this is a beautiful city. Sometime I'll have to wax on poetically about Curtis, Isaac and Kyle. (I wish I had seen more of Eva.) But tonight is not that time. We have a movie to watch!

Yours because,
Addison the Great

Gettin' Tardy

Location: New Paltz, NY (Cheryl and Kate's & Company's)
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Time: 11:47 am

So, I've kept writing but haven't had a chance to post. A few will come out in rapid succession because of this. In fact I haveuch to say about New Paltz and pancakes but that all must come later. Enjoy the past for now... while you still can!!!?! Mwah ha ha ha ha!

Yours inserted,
Addison

Dia De Dos: Update (Day of Two: Nuevo)

Location: Buffalo, NY (Mr. Guys laundry room)

Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Time: 1:44 pm

So here's the sitches. I was heart broken last night at Salvation Army, where Curtis works, when he told me that the x-factor, Jerome, was working at Amy's Place as chef last night. This meant that he would probably stick to the menu; which Kyle actually usually prefers. He said something to the point of, "When Jerome works, you get human portions. Any other of my friends, when they're in the back and make fries for me, it's just too much. I'll be there for hours with that much."

But I have found out this morning that it will most likely be Jenn or Mo working this evening! The chef will have their revenge.com! So last night, instead of Amy's, we had the China Max. The Sesame Veggie Beef was delicious. As was the Singapore Chow Mein Fun. And Crab Rangoon. I pity the fool who doesn't enjoy rangoon from time to time.

Lastly, Lew & I found our long lost brethen's vinyl and decided to do some posin'. These were shot on location from the thrift store.

Front Cover and Back Cover.

Just a quickie. No biggie. Yo fellas, you jealous, we ate two dolla breakfast.

Yours so much,

Maddest of Doggs

Cell Pix by MD & the Squeeg

The City of Lights - Day 2

Location: Buffalo, NY (Curtis's kitchen)
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Time: 11:34 am

I'm gearing up for Amy's Place. I need to know who will give me the chef's special. Curtis & Isaac let me know that Megan has glasses and naturally red hair, but that's often covered up with a bandana. Mo has visible bike tattoos and glasses with dirty blond hair. Lisa is nondescript; except she might have bird scissor tattoos on her forearms. Her hair is dark with a dash of grey. Jenny usually wears Nikes. "She's some sort of a blond," gasps Curtis. And in that order they are not tallest to not shortest. All will be accepting of my needs: to prepare, as the chef, whatever they want for me. Vegan or meaty. Soupy or sumptuous. Breakfast or brunch.

Me: Curtis, which of those women are most likely to help me out?

Curtis: Jenn & Lisa would be the ones. Mo would do it, but she'd ask, "Why?!" She usually makes the stupid shit we ask for. The x-factor is Jerome. Come with the price you want to pay in mind since it's tricky to price off the menu. And talk to the chef as soon as you get there. She'll be immediately to your right as you walk in.

Scrap pile.

By the way, as a side note, I'm listening to the Stones Throw Podcast VDay special, "Valentine's Jams". Mr. Funk just wished me a happy Valentine's Day. It's a bit late but I'll accept it. He has promised he's 'gonna keep it gangsta.' That's good cause I certainly can't. Not with this economy.

In the sitting room next to me Peri is watching the third season. Curtis just suggested, with my recent blogging habit, I could be behind the typewriter during the opening credits but with my iPod Touch. They would end with me flipping over my mp3 player to reveal an inscription: Murder He Wrote. Lew, Peri & I all watched the circus episode yesterday before our show. I'm almost sure Lew & I once saw Matlock go to the same circus that Jessica went to. I think both shared the same results; a hit television show.

Speaking of our show, we all agree it went well. From the performance to the people that were present, we won. Brian Wheat was very enjoyable with some words of wisdom and Unwelcome Guests had a real solid rock sound. Before the show we all got sponge candy as per Curtis's suggestion. It was good but was much better when it was at room temperature; or maybe it was the late time of night. Either way I really dug it right before bed. As I eat one now, to describe it is sort of a delicate crispy spun sugar coated in chocolate. This particular batch is covered in dark chocolate. I hear the confection is specific to Buffalo. Curtis practically dared me to blog about it. Revenge.com is sweet, mon frere.

Here Isaac and Kyle ponder these here envelopes at Isaac's shop, Pedal Printing.

Before that before, Mike did some busking and got us a spot at Spot downtown. On Delaware. We play at 4pm. Roy from last night claims to be there today. I'm counting on you, Roy. Well, now I must dig through the scrap heap at Pedal Printing. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one receiving the scrap. Early congrats if you do!

Yours Truly,
Addison Lansbury

Cell Pix by MD

Moyni's Manga - Episode I: A New Dope

Hey Folks,

I just read the blog and saw that there was very little of me in it. So I thought I'd do us all a favor and put a little bit of that Moyni Magic back in there!

For those of you who were wondering, I'm still alive. I've been stowed away under a cardboard flap in the back of the Busman's Holiday tour van for a week. I've been living off bits of beef jerky and string cheese that Peri has been feeding me when the Rogers brothers aren't looking. It's difficult for her to escape the terror of their steely gaze. O, the Horribleness!

Yesterday I totally froze my nubs off playing for a couple of quid on the mean streets of Buffalo. I tried to keep my spirits up by repeatedly playing heart-warming renditions of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" while constantly shifting my position so that I could stay in the sunlight. A vagrant walked by and peed in my saxophone case. There was nothing I could do but call after him as he walked slowly away, "I'll see you in Hell, Pee-Brain!"

After that I got some coffee. It was very overpriced but I got us at gig at the joint. We're playing at 4:00. BE THERE! They even let me play some solo sax in their establishment. It was a great adventure.

I've been eating a lot of vegan food. Turns out a lot of punks are vegan.

Well I'd better get back under the flap. See you soon!

Love,

Me

Nickel City- Day 1

Location: Buffalo, NY. The home of Curtis A. Guy

Date: Monday February 15, 2010

Time: 1:57 pm

Is it cold outside? Yes. Is it cosy inside? Yes. Yes yes? No. Assembled are Lewis, Peri, Curtis, Kyle, and I. We hope to listen to Ke$ha soon. I need to know about Dinosaurs! Quick question and answer:

Addy: Question. Curtis-do you have that one Dinosaur movie with Whoopie Goldberg?

Curtis: Theodore Rex? FUCK YEAH! Whoopie was on Conan O'Brian talking about some cause she was fighting for, and at the end she starts talking about Theodore Rex and whips out the VHS and starts showing it to everyone... hahaha.

A: In that case, no need for Ke$ha. We'll just watch Theodore Rex.

Plans are being plotted to make a short film for the movie challenge "Choose your own adventure". It's going to involve Salvation Army and Curtis A. Guy and hilarity will ensue!

The apartment we are in surrounds us with thought-provoking art whether it be a beautiful silk-screen poster or a beautiful faded portrait of the Pope! Here are some examples:

This is a three color print from Pedal Printing, which is screen-printing shop that is located below this apartment. It is run by Matthew McConaughey*.

This one is situated on Curtis' fridge. It is his extended family.

This is located in the bathroom. I like that he let you know which picture was of Batman. Like, why did he do that? This photo was found inside of an Evil Knievel record!

Peri and I just tried the Wegman's Blueberry Muffin Squares. Good. Very good. But not as good as Blueberry Muffin Tops. D. Wolf, help me out, brother! What's the name of 'em-what's the brand-when you get them from Kroger or Dollar Tree?! I expect a follow-up.

How will we fill up the day, you might ask. It is already 2:09pm and we have so many options in front of us. For instance, Kyle is tempting us with the video board game Nightmare. Last night Mike read the word "atmosphere" somewhere contained in that board game. What other options? Hmm... there's a $3.50 movie. Current debate: More expensive theater plus rewards card/free, upgraded sodas OR cheap-o movie theater? The question remains to be answered.

Tonight we play a show at Sugar City. We failed to play there last time we were in Buffalo, but now we seek our revenge.com. Much better than fear.com--that place sux and you can ask D-Pain-he can vouch. Very excited for the show are we. Have you seen the poster? It's enjoyable. This is a pretty long post, check y'all later.com. (dot.com added by a certain Curtis A. Guy-reiterated by Madd Dogg).

Yours truly,

Dictated by Addison C. Rogers

Peri DeLorenzo (Documentasaur extraordinaire)

Cell Pix by Madd Dogg

Where's Mike?

*Conan was the one who produced the tape. To quote Curtis, "O, Co-nan!".

Jamestown, Oh Jamestown!

Location: Jamestown, NY (Frank's House)

Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010

Time: 1:28 pm

I have just finished a delightful conversation with that Spoog, or you may know him as Matt T. As in Mr. T. It is always the best to talk with that fella. Just a very enjoyable fella. He has been trying to comment on this very blog with no success. To that I say, Keep trying, waxtop, you'll get it yet!

I sit in the kitchen of Frank's house. There is a plate of well-thawed pepperoni from a frozen pizza to my left. Behind me Lew just sang, "It's so hard living..." while exiting the warm room. At least warmest in this house. The wallpaper and copper-bottomed pots that hang in front of me are a real treat. They suited the music so well last night as we sat around eating newly vegetarian pizza and drinking Genesee Cream Ale. Not too bad, that stuff. The band sat with Jenny, Chris, April and the aforementioned Frank. He's the one who owns the house and booked our gig at Labyrinth Press Co. for us; but more on that later. We formed a lazy circle around this pizza and beer while listening to Stevie Reich. I learned both Frank and I have a passion for buttons, but besides that, learned a good snootful about Jamestown and all that it encompasses.

Jamestown is being reinvigorated by a bunch of great folks who want to make it a mecca for art and learning and goodness. And it's certainly on it's way. We started our evening at the Labyrinth Press Company with a really top notch show. We had the barista, Dan, make us up a batch of Busman's Holidays beforehand. (We asked him to make us our own signature smoothie since he is the master of such an affair.) He brought together mangos, bananas, Bothouse Farms Berry Berry juice as well as some secret ingredients. We met Dan the first time we came through Jamestown. He admirably remembered my name. I could not, unfortunately, return the favor. I would say he's the best barista I've met and not too bad of a guy either. The crowd was attentive and appreciative, which I in turn appreciated. It was just us on the bill which Frank explained was the result of weekend turnouts picking up at Lab Press paired up with him expecting a couple folks to show up for us. Both indeed happened.

In the kitchen during the wee hours of the morning last night, Frank told me he's trying to consistently book good music with a maximum of three acts, and less if it's possible. He's depending on an audience that appreciates and supports music as well as bands that deliver. To me this approach is ideal. We agree that people have a certain amount of attention and money to spend, but they're willing to spend it. If you have multiple touring acts or a large amount of locals, focus is split up too much. If good music can consistently be found people will be drawn to return again and again, no matter if they're familiar with the band or not. Frank said he has turned down bands that he knew would bring in money, but they didn't fit the aesthetic he's creating. And with those bands would come one-time visitors and alienating his established clientele. I can only see this working for Frank and the Labyrinth Press Co.

I pause for a reparking.

I'm back. I also had a nice telephone conversation with the owner of Lab Press, Jeff James. He will be a powerful force one day. He currently is a big part of this Jamestown restructuring. With his wife, Alex, and fresh baby daughter, Olive Pearl, he has taken to an apartment building, a coffee shop, and a house on the north side. Not only is he of sturdy stock but he has dreams of revitalizing this city so it's a real destination. There's not much more I can say about this man besides seek him out.

After the Lab Press we visited an abandoned bank, eventually Galactic Systems Headquarters, owned by Conor McGibboney. We played a as a benefit for the space. He's planning on turning this into a place for art, science, and research. He'll have a stage for speakers and performers. The basement houses former vaults that will be turned into sciencey things. I wish I could accurately describe this to you, but I don't have what it takes. What you need to know is Conor needs funds for this dream and, more so, support. If you're at all interested in an awesome open space of learning contact Conor at conor@galacticsystems.info .

Well, I should put a cap to this epic post. Chris, who is a roommate with Frank, has been feeding me all sorts of contacts during that past paragraph. By the way, we met up with Chris Bell while we were in Buffalo last. He loved him then and we love him now. How's that for serendipity?

Happy Valentines Day! And Happy Chinese New Year! Light some fireworks right through a heart-shaped box of chocolates! Go Tigers! And as a true way to bring this full circle, I learned of the latter holiday through Mr. T. So thanks, sir.

Yours,

Madd Dogg

Covered in Snow

Location: Roaring Springs, PA (Chad's house)

Date: Saturday February 13, 2010

Time: 12:55 pm

Here we sit, broken hearted, but clean! And that's a startered. haha? Chad has been a real chum and has put us up for the night. We arrived at roughly 1:15am after a gathering at the Eat 'n' Park! Lew and I scammed 'em good!! 1 midnight breakfast buffet for 2-thanks to my 10 finger 1 pair of tongs discount! Tour savvy! We were greeted with a comfortable couch-bed, bed-couch, pull-out couch and towels for all! If you don't call a bath followed by a bed followed by orange juice in the morning luxury, then you don't know how to live, brother.

As for the show, it was entertaining. We were fortunate enough to see all the amalgamations of the surrounding area. Roughly 7 people and four bands. The show took place in a cabin surrounded by a paper mill, which wafted an unforgivable aroma. Can't be good for the body. Who knew a paper mill would smell like that? It started out like a heavy dumpster, and then it turned into a...a.... septic tank explosion! Plus dog shit! Sauerkraut?

Conversation with Chad:

Chad: Some people say it smells like sauerkraut.

Addy: Can you give me any insight of the paper mill umm.. uhh... process? Why does it smell like that!?

C: No idea... chemicals they use to treat the paper. I have no clue.

A: I've heard of people not even noticing the smell after living here for so long.

C: (Laughs)

A: What-a... is there certain times of the day where the smell picks up?

C: It always seems to be worse in the morning. Maybe because... I really have no idea. It has to do with the pressure.. sometimes when you drive by the mill there is a cloud over the city. What do you guys like in your coffee? Sugar, cream?

A: Actually if you have honey, that works.

It is strange to just meet someone, or at least meet them a year before, briefly, and then to be enveloped by pictures of their entire family. Probably some people that Chad doesn't even know too well. I'll catch glimpses of pictures where i'll wonder if that's his parents with a cousin and then see a picture of two folks with Chad--THOSE must be his parents!!! I figured it out! In fact, this morning, I was sleeping (basically) and I woke up to see the back of Peri's head and figured it must had been Chad's mother. But considering I was asleep in her (Chad's Ma's) living room and I hadn't met her, I decided to play dead. Lewis was snoring noticeably loud and while playing dead, I tried to poke him in order to wake him up so that he might stop being so semi-obnoxious. I was really trying my best to play it cool, act like I was sleeping, while trying to nudge him! But nothing worked. boo. Anyways, it was all for naught.

Uhh--- dada peach is calling. Gotta go! 'Till next time, blogosphere.

Yours truly,

Dictated by Addison C. Rogers

Peri DeLorenzo (Documentasaur extraordinaire)

Photos by Lewy

Moral support by Mike Money

Togetherness = Potential Tardiness

Location: Athens, OH, Brown Town
Date: Thursday, February 11

Time: Approx. 10:30pm

I sit here listening to very lovely music through the basement of Brown Town while trying to not listen to Peri's conversion with her sweetheart. I am slowing thawing. With that comes just a bit of euphoria. Sitting on a love seat while a man and his guitar plays below me. "I'm ready again." The beauty is then broken by a monotonous, rather obnoxious ringtone and with that comes the roll of a car by this indie house. Passing through the northeast staving off the cold while playing here and there gives me an odd feeling. It's both good and strange. I feel the pulse of a guitar in my feet. It's peaceful and wonderous. The basement is packed with folks ignoring numbing while trying to get an eye- and earful of a resonating singer songwriter. The living room I sit in has two matching love seats. Just in time for Valentine's Day.

Max and company of this house, including Andrew, have been very kind to us. They arranged a well attended show and filled up our bellies with beans and noodles. Last night in Columbus really felt very good, though. It was so enjoyable to start the tour with people I knew. Or specifically one person I know. I loved the look of the house paired up with D Licious potato soup and hearty rolls. The night of entertainment was the tops. From start to finish. Everything about was very comforting. A great way to start tour. I must stop now to bark merch.

Yours Addison

Photos by Lewy

First tour post EVER!!!

Hello people,

This is Addison Rogers saying the tour so far is awesome!! How you like that? Last night in Columbus, OH was wonderful- Lisa showed us a grand ole time! We played with Andy Gardner, Richard Wehrenwolf, and Letters to the Moon. Letters, as usual, was fantastic-- we are posting a video of them soon on Vimeo! Check it out, y'all! Andy and Richard also enchanted us with their inspiring odes. After all the hubbub, we traded show stories and talked about the world around us. They brought up half-way houses and peanut butter oil. We countered with galleries and ghettos! All around a very wholesome evening of old-fashioned jib cutting!!

Check this blog for more stuff one day!

Yours truly,

Dictated by Addison C. Rogers

Peri DeLorenzo (Documentasaur)

Photos by Lewy

Moral Support by Mike Money