The Lonesome Weekends
Friday, December 13th, 2013
Vangelis, Saskatoon, SK
featuring
The Slim City Pickers
&
The Sea Hags
The Slim City Pickers
&
The Sea Hags
nsfw
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Gleanings From Ness Creek and Bengough
First off, as a Rider fan, yay for 5 - 0!!
But on a more serious note......
Festivals are fun, awesome, exhausting, invigorating, and, ultimately, if you are lucky enough to be on the stage, fulfilling, scary and awesome (where's the thesaurus when you need it?) There has been plenty to digest since we played the Ness Creek and Gateway music festivals last month, and it feels like the right thing to do to share some of the joy, none of the pain, and especially none of the NSFC (Not Safe For Children) aspects of our times. So, without further ado, let us start with:
Steve Earle. Yeah, yeah, yeah, there might be too much keypad attention towards this guy on the blog of late (he'll never beat Dylan on that front - right Sleights? - so whatevs), but on so many levels Mr. Earle delivered the goods. He played a killer set (did Tyler actually request "Copperhead Road"? He won't let on...) that covered much of his new record, with stops along close to two-thirds of his 15 studio albums. Sleights, Dev, members of the Pile o' Bones band, Etienne of The Lazy MKs, along with many, many other Saskatchewan musicians there to perform could be seen bug-eyed and giddy throughout the set, and I was easily as floored by that as I was by Earle's genuine enjoyment of playing that Friday night. Add to that a meet-and-greet after the show that had one fan sobbing with joy at meeting the man (no, I held it together, thanks to my baby and my lady), and I still don't think I've come down!
Kory Istace. Yeah, yeah, yeah, maybe you don't tune into this blog to read about other local musicians, but let me explain. First, his set that ended all music at Gateway Saturday night was pretty freakin' great, the drunks still awake were stoked, and his orange shirt with vest and bowtie made him easily tie, if not outright beat, Prpich for the best dressed man award that evening. Hey, some men just understand show clothes! This man also understands enthusiasm. The week prior at Ness Creek he relayed a story to me of how he missed out on seeing Steve Earle due to family obligations earlier in his life, and how his fandom since he was a wee lad had never yet been satiated. I had never seen anyone so eager to see another artist, let alone have the chance to actually meet him. That indeed came to pass, and Korey hilariously and graciously relayed that story to me. It showcased both his humility and, possibly, his silliness, in that his side of the conversation he had with his idol included (I think) no four letter words (!!!), yet did have an overabundance of one three letter word - sir - a word which he bestows on no one, unless he is in serious, serious trouble! To me, something was completed in the man because of that experience, and judging by the manner in which he told the story, I do not think Mr. Istace would disagree. Aaaah, festivals......
Playing on festival stages. Yeah, yeah, yeah (does that ever get old?), who wants to hear about a band member stroking his own band's ego? Anyways, Ness Creek later on a Thursday evening, and Bengough earlier on a Saturday, couldn't have been both so similar yet so different. In the former camp: incredibly receptive audiences. There were some folks engaging in a bit of "foreplay" during our set (Ness), there was my family singing and dancing along and causing me to miss a chord or two (Gateway), and at both places there were just the nicest and most helpful sound/stage crews in recent memory! In the latter camp, I really feel that a certain percentage of what we do works better when the lights are low, there is no sun, and people perhaps have imbimbed at least to a percentage of what the band has. At Ness, this was no problem, but at Gateway, well, it is hard to get into a moody, drunkin' rockin' groove just after supper, but thanks to the people who tried! We did!!
All of our friends, family, and other musicians that did not play music either weekend, but were there because we were, and took everything to another level: Marsh's entire family at Gateway (his bro Pipes met the next level and was on crutches b/c of it!), a large contingent of folks swayed by Prpich to come down and keep it real (Pamps, Kale, German Karl, helllloooooooo!), Mr. Wilson and Mr. King from Saskatoon representing the old guard, true, strong and free, Jim and Kirsten, and everyone else I am too foggy to remember!
Mike and Amber at Gateway, and Deborah at Ness: Thanks, thanks, thanks (three thanks, ah ah aaaah!). Hospitality, accomodation, sorting sh*# out, all top shelf, all on a level that is encouraging for anyone involved in these festivals for the years to come!
Here's a new tune that we didn't play at either festival; the shot is static, but the perks involve intimacy not normally had in a performance (plus you can steal all of Ty's tricks if you pay close enough attention!).
Hat
But on a more serious note......
Festivals are fun, awesome, exhausting, invigorating, and, ultimately, if you are lucky enough to be on the stage, fulfilling, scary and awesome (where's the thesaurus when you need it?) There has been plenty to digest since we played the Ness Creek and Gateway music festivals last month, and it feels like the right thing to do to share some of the joy, none of the pain, and especially none of the NSFC (Not Safe For Children) aspects of our times. So, without further ado, let us start with:
Steve Earle. Yeah, yeah, yeah, there might be too much keypad attention towards this guy on the blog of late (he'll never beat Dylan on that front - right Sleights? - so whatevs), but on so many levels Mr. Earle delivered the goods. He played a killer set (did Tyler actually request "Copperhead Road"? He won't let on...) that covered much of his new record, with stops along close to two-thirds of his 15 studio albums. Sleights, Dev, members of the Pile o' Bones band, Etienne of The Lazy MKs, along with many, many other Saskatchewan musicians there to perform could be seen bug-eyed and giddy throughout the set, and I was easily as floored by that as I was by Earle's genuine enjoyment of playing that Friday night. Add to that a meet-and-greet after the show that had one fan sobbing with joy at meeting the man (no, I held it together, thanks to my baby and my lady), and I still don't think I've come down!
Kory Istace. Yeah, yeah, yeah, maybe you don't tune into this blog to read about other local musicians, but let me explain. First, his set that ended all music at Gateway Saturday night was pretty freakin' great, the drunks still awake were stoked, and his orange shirt with vest and bowtie made him easily tie, if not outright beat, Prpich for the best dressed man award that evening. Hey, some men just understand show clothes! This man also understands enthusiasm. The week prior at Ness Creek he relayed a story to me of how he missed out on seeing Steve Earle due to family obligations earlier in his life, and how his fandom since he was a wee lad had never yet been satiated. I had never seen anyone so eager to see another artist, let alone have the chance to actually meet him. That indeed came to pass, and Korey hilariously and graciously relayed that story to me. It showcased both his humility and, possibly, his silliness, in that his side of the conversation he had with his idol included (I think) no four letter words (!!!), yet did have an overabundance of one three letter word - sir - a word which he bestows on no one, unless he is in serious, serious trouble! To me, something was completed in the man because of that experience, and judging by the manner in which he told the story, I do not think Mr. Istace would disagree. Aaaah, festivals......
Playing on festival stages. Yeah, yeah, yeah (does that ever get old?), who wants to hear about a band member stroking his own band's ego? Anyways, Ness Creek later on a Thursday evening, and Bengough earlier on a Saturday, couldn't have been both so similar yet so different. In the former camp: incredibly receptive audiences. There were some folks engaging in a bit of "foreplay" during our set (Ness), there was my family singing and dancing along and causing me to miss a chord or two (Gateway), and at both places there were just the nicest and most helpful sound/stage crews in recent memory! In the latter camp, I really feel that a certain percentage of what we do works better when the lights are low, there is no sun, and people perhaps have imbimbed at least to a percentage of what the band has. At Ness, this was no problem, but at Gateway, well, it is hard to get into a moody, drunkin' rockin' groove just after supper, but thanks to the people who tried! We did!!
All of our friends, family, and other musicians that did not play music either weekend, but were there because we were, and took everything to another level: Marsh's entire family at Gateway (his bro Pipes met the next level and was on crutches b/c of it!), a large contingent of folks swayed by Prpich to come down and keep it real (Pamps, Kale, German Karl, helllloooooooo!), Mr. Wilson and Mr. King from Saskatoon representing the old guard, true, strong and free, Jim and Kirsten, and everyone else I am too foggy to remember!
Mike and Amber at Gateway, and Deborah at Ness: Thanks, thanks, thanks (three thanks, ah ah aaaah!). Hospitality, accomodation, sorting sh*# out, all top shelf, all on a level that is encouraging for anyone involved in these festivals for the years to come!
Here's a new tune that we didn't play at either festival; the shot is static, but the perks involve intimacy not normally had in a performance (plus you can steal all of Ty's tricks if you pay close enough attention!).
Hat
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Riders or Bengough, Saturday, July 27
Out of all the members of the band, I care the most about the Roughriders. If you are a fan of anything, success is fun, intoxicating and might become expected. The last few years has seen success that leads to definite expecations, and now those expectations are being met. The main questions are two: how hi can they get, or when do they crash? I'd like to watch what happens this Saturday in Hamilton, as 5 - 0 sounds freakin' awesome, but watching the Gateway Festival audience watching us is going to take priority. If any of you are debating your Saturday night options and Gateway vs the Riders is part of the equation, here is a top ten list of reasons why you should sway to the side of music vs. professional sports.
In no particular order, maybe....
10) Steve freakin' Earle - if the word legend can be used accurately with players this weekend, he is the only one that fits the bill. Even if, somehow, by fluke, or bad strings on a guitar, he isn't stellar, he still brings his 'a' game and that is impressive for someone into his fourth (!?!?!) decade of making music.
9) You can PVR the Rider game. Or you know someone who can. Bring them to the show instead!
8) Workshop stages poolside: you heard me right! Listen to workshops with a few refreshments under your belt and your belt underwater, if that pleases your sensibilities. It'll appease many of ours to be sure....
7) Corb Lund: he seems to be the real freakin' deal, eh? Someone who seems huge, and is, but also isn't. Killer headliner.
6) The Lazy MKs: yes, everyone on 13th Ave Records is a bit incestuous, so it would be no surprise that this blog would mention them. But I don't really care about them - you should see them for their guests! Hint: very few of them sing (I mean the guests).
5) 4 - 1: still awesome. Hamilton might be tough to beat, as I don't think the Riders can go much higher than they did against the team. I'd like to see Fantuz play, but get three catches for 48 yards but give up at least two interceptions b/c he ran poor routes. But I digress.....
4) Rah Rah: more incest, I know, sorry about that. However, one of my highlights of last week's Ness Creek show was jamming with Marshall in the mess hall at 6am, after hiking all over the place and also after jamming around the fire. He got badgered into doing "Jonquiere Tonight" and I sang with him on "Cuba Peru". I was reminded of how awesome he is, even when he's not in The Lonesome Weekends, and I hear Rah Rah has just a bit of live performance experience.....
3) The secret awesome vendor: I recently heard poor reports about vendors at another festival in Saskatchewan, to which someone replied that the vendors at Gateway were second to none. It is always just delightful to stumble upon something like holskap pie (!?? - just call it honeyberry, it's easier on the brain!) like at Ness. What could it be this weekend?
2) "Crooked Line": new song by Devon. It is perhaps the most intense song in our repertoire right now, and though there are rumours of recording, for the next little while we're going to be a band where you can only hear a lot of new stuff live. With and without vanity, this song is at its apex right now. It is kind of like what Kory Sheets is doing. But remember, you can PVR the game!
1) Listen to the game while you get beer and/or pee: everyone has this sort of technology, that is for sure. Just please remember if you are watching a band and listening to the game to cheer for a touchdown when the band does something awesome or finishes a song. Or do it in the port-a-potty. But then come let me know, even if I'm playing!
Riders 28 Ticats 18
Hat
In no particular order, maybe....
10) Steve freakin' Earle - if the word legend can be used accurately with players this weekend, he is the only one that fits the bill. Even if, somehow, by fluke, or bad strings on a guitar, he isn't stellar, he still brings his 'a' game and that is impressive for someone into his fourth (!?!?!) decade of making music.
9) You can PVR the Rider game. Or you know someone who can. Bring them to the show instead!
8) Workshop stages poolside: you heard me right! Listen to workshops with a few refreshments under your belt and your belt underwater, if that pleases your sensibilities. It'll appease many of ours to be sure....
7) Corb Lund: he seems to be the real freakin' deal, eh? Someone who seems huge, and is, but also isn't. Killer headliner.
6) The Lazy MKs: yes, everyone on 13th Ave Records is a bit incestuous, so it would be no surprise that this blog would mention them. But I don't really care about them - you should see them for their guests! Hint: very few of them sing (I mean the guests).
5) 4 - 1: still awesome. Hamilton might be tough to beat, as I don't think the Riders can go much higher than they did against the team. I'd like to see Fantuz play, but get three catches for 48 yards but give up at least two interceptions b/c he ran poor routes. But I digress.....
4) Rah Rah: more incest, I know, sorry about that. However, one of my highlights of last week's Ness Creek show was jamming with Marshall in the mess hall at 6am, after hiking all over the place and also after jamming around the fire. He got badgered into doing "Jonquiere Tonight" and I sang with him on "Cuba Peru". I was reminded of how awesome he is, even when he's not in The Lonesome Weekends, and I hear Rah Rah has just a bit of live performance experience.....
3) The secret awesome vendor: I recently heard poor reports about vendors at another festival in Saskatchewan, to which someone replied that the vendors at Gateway were second to none. It is always just delightful to stumble upon something like holskap pie (!?? - just call it honeyberry, it's easier on the brain!) like at Ness. What could it be this weekend?
2) "Crooked Line": new song by Devon. It is perhaps the most intense song in our repertoire right now, and though there are rumours of recording, for the next little while we're going to be a band where you can only hear a lot of new stuff live. With and without vanity, this song is at its apex right now. It is kind of like what Kory Sheets is doing. But remember, you can PVR the game!
1) Listen to the game while you get beer and/or pee: everyone has this sort of technology, that is for sure. Just please remember if you are watching a band and listening to the game to cheer for a touchdown when the band does something awesome or finishes a song. Or do it in the port-a-potty. But then come let me know, even if I'm playing!
Riders 28 Ticats 18
Hat
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Ness Creek, Bengough, Yippee!
It is officially festival season, and for The Lonesome Weekends this year that means Ness Creek and Gateway! Last year we were pumped to play our first festival outside of Regina - Judy Mergel's Wood Mountain at the end of August - and while it was an awesome experience with plenty of generous hospitality, the two festivals the band'll be playing this month have got everyone very stoked.
At Gateway in Bengough, there is an incredible lineup that features Steve Earle and The Dukes along with Corb Lund and The Hurtin' Albertans, but apart from these heavies nearly every other band is from Saskatchewan, many of whom we're friends with and/or have shared stages with! Way further north, Ness Creek features many a fine act, but I am personally most intrigued to see Crooked Creek, who I last saw 11 years ago. A perennial favourite up there, just to know that they are still givin' 'er is inspirational on many levels. Is it just because of the hippies? There's only one way to find out!
The boys in the band are all over the place in terms of what they are expecting from these festivals. If there is a consistent anything to comment on, it would have to be that Marsh is just keen to play. With his band. And hang out. With his band. Is it just that he's just happy to rock and roll on a more local scale as opposed to the international stardom that Rah Rah affords him? Come on out and find out, but do so before the booze starts flowing, you know....well, if you are reading this, you just know!
Devon's a little bit more keen on the proceedings on offer, looking forward to checking out a lot of bands and camping in hopes of countering the hungover tent sweats when the morning sun is blazing. Apparently this is a genuine fear of Prpich as well. I now know that maybe I should not share a tent with him! Thank god Pamps, Kale and German Karl will be there to hold his hand through all sorts of trial and tribulation! Dev's also excited at seeing Mary Gauthier, as she does a killer version of Fred J. Eaglesmith's "Your Sister Cried", Tyler is pumped to see Blue King Brown (Australian Afro funk?), Sleights would enjoy sharing a stage with Shotgun Jimmy, while not a few of us are amped up to see Steve Earle. Is it a vain hope that somewhere along the line we get to hang out with the man, share a stage, or perhaps even a cigarette? Or is it more likely Tyler is f$&*ing going to request "Copperhead Road" and all our credibility gets shot in one drunken request? It is unfortunate - or not, depending on your angle - that we can't share some adult pops with the man, but at the least none of us will be bringing our dog who happens to be vegetarian along, so no abuse will be incurred on that level...
There will be more to discuss in a post post-festival, but on a personal level I could not be more thrilled about playing Ness Creek. 11 years ago I was intent on relocating to a tropical climate for a female, as cliched as that might sound. My world got rearranged and better focused while jamming around a campfire light at Ness in July 2002, with a vibrant stranger from Regina. After all was sung and done, I said nay to the tropics and said yea to making music on any level in Canada. Somehow music got put to the side as the stranger and we wound up making more babies than tunes for a while, then life slowly turned a dad into a musician that became a member of a killer band that just happens to be playing Ness Creek in less than a week. Ness Creek is full circle time for me, and I am grateful beyond words to all the musicians I've ever played with, the organizers of both festivals, my kids and my partner. As Kurt Vonnegut once said, "Watch out for life. It'll get you!" And as I might add, "You should let it."
Or as Marsh might say it, "Kiss The Bottle"! See ya'll down the road.....
At Gateway in Bengough, there is an incredible lineup that features Steve Earle and The Dukes along with Corb Lund and The Hurtin' Albertans, but apart from these heavies nearly every other band is from Saskatchewan, many of whom we're friends with and/or have shared stages with! Way further north, Ness Creek features many a fine act, but I am personally most intrigued to see Crooked Creek, who I last saw 11 years ago. A perennial favourite up there, just to know that they are still givin' 'er is inspirational on many levels. Is it just because of the hippies? There's only one way to find out!
The boys in the band are all over the place in terms of what they are expecting from these festivals. If there is a consistent anything to comment on, it would have to be that Marsh is just keen to play. With his band. And hang out. With his band. Is it just that he's just happy to rock and roll on a more local scale as opposed to the international stardom that Rah Rah affords him? Come on out and find out, but do so before the booze starts flowing, you know....well, if you are reading this, you just know!
Devon's a little bit more keen on the proceedings on offer, looking forward to checking out a lot of bands and camping in hopes of countering the hungover tent sweats when the morning sun is blazing. Apparently this is a genuine fear of Prpich as well. I now know that maybe I should not share a tent with him! Thank god Pamps, Kale and German Karl will be there to hold his hand through all sorts of trial and tribulation! Dev's also excited at seeing Mary Gauthier, as she does a killer version of Fred J. Eaglesmith's "Your Sister Cried", Tyler is pumped to see Blue King Brown (Australian Afro funk?), Sleights would enjoy sharing a stage with Shotgun Jimmy, while not a few of us are amped up to see Steve Earle. Is it a vain hope that somewhere along the line we get to hang out with the man, share a stage, or perhaps even a cigarette? Or is it more likely Tyler is f$&*ing going to request "Copperhead Road" and all our credibility gets shot in one drunken request? It is unfortunate - or not, depending on your angle - that we can't share some adult pops with the man, but at the least none of us will be bringing our dog who happens to be vegetarian along, so no abuse will be incurred on that level...
There will be more to discuss in a post post-festival, but on a personal level I could not be more thrilled about playing Ness Creek. 11 years ago I was intent on relocating to a tropical climate for a female, as cliched as that might sound. My world got rearranged and better focused while jamming around a campfire light at Ness in July 2002, with a vibrant stranger from Regina. After all was sung and done, I said nay to the tropics and said yea to making music on any level in Canada. Somehow music got put to the side as the stranger and we wound up making more babies than tunes for a while, then life slowly turned a dad into a musician that became a member of a killer band that just happens to be playing Ness Creek in less than a week. Ness Creek is full circle time for me, and I am grateful beyond words to all the musicians I've ever played with, the organizers of both festivals, my kids and my partner. As Kurt Vonnegut once said, "Watch out for life. It'll get you!" And as I might add, "You should let it."
Or as Marsh might say it, "Kiss The Bottle"! See ya'll down the road.....
Hat
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Getting To Know The Band Part Two
Well, as with Hollywoodland, this summertime season sees this blog being all about the sequels - part twos galore!
After the amazingly well-received first edition of band facts, I did my best to politely decline fan requests for shirt-sizes, birthdates and favourite types of cheese of my bandmates (ok, Dev's is gouda, hell we all love gouda, let's get that out of the way) to focus on way more important items of interest to tickle your sun-addled brain. So, without further ado, here are more deets of the men who sell themselves and their wares as The Lonesome Weekends.
On celebrating summer
Prpich: Shovelling tons of gravel and working on my tan, simultaneously, along with pitching my new family tent.
Hat: Weeding gardens, blaring 329% more reggae than usual from the backyard boombox, and thinking of ways to explore sun and nudity and get away with it like my kids in the paddling pool.
Dev: Quitting my job and taking an early retirement, just for summer.
Ty: I get out my motorcycle for this time of year. Of course when it gets real hot out I keep my Scandinavian ass sedentary in an attempt to not melt away. It's a losing battle. (Watch the melting in action at a festival show very soon - ed.)
Marsh: I'm not.
Sleights: I just bought some internet, but the internet is lame. I have been working hard, but will celebrate on my trips this summer. Marsh & I will see Dylan and Wilco in St. Paul next week.
Music currently grooving to
Prpich: Whispering Bill Anderson, Nick Lowe, Bonnie Prince Billie, Dwight Yoakam.
Hat: Devendra Banhart Mala Mala, Juana Molina Un Dia, Cesar Evoria, Big Sugar.
After the amazingly well-received first edition of band facts, I did my best to politely decline fan requests for shirt-sizes, birthdates and favourite types of cheese of my bandmates (ok, Dev's is gouda, hell we all love gouda, let's get that out of the way) to focus on way more important items of interest to tickle your sun-addled brain. So, without further ado, here are more deets of the men who sell themselves and their wares as The Lonesome Weekends.
On celebrating summer
Prpich: Shovelling tons of gravel and working on my tan, simultaneously, along with pitching my new family tent.
Hat: Weeding gardens, blaring 329% more reggae than usual from the backyard boombox, and thinking of ways to explore sun and nudity and get away with it like my kids in the paddling pool.
Dev: Quitting my job and taking an early retirement, just for summer.
Ty: I get out my motorcycle for this time of year. Of course when it gets real hot out I keep my Scandinavian ass sedentary in an attempt to not melt away. It's a losing battle. (Watch the melting in action at a festival show very soon - ed.)
Marsh: I'm not.
Sleights: I just bought some internet, but the internet is lame. I have been working hard, but will celebrate on my trips this summer. Marsh & I will see Dylan and Wilco in St. Paul next week.
Music currently grooving to
Prpich: Whispering Bill Anderson, Nick Lowe, Bonnie Prince Billie, Dwight Yoakam.
Hat: Devendra Banhart Mala Mala, Juana Molina Un Dia, Cesar Evoria, Big Sugar.
Dev: Sixto Rodriguez and Ratatat.
Ty: Empire of the Sun Ice on the Dune, Charles Bradley and the Menahan St Band No Time for Dreaming, The James Hunter Six Minute by Minute (seriously, I can't say enough about this record. It's as if Ray Charles and Sam Cooke got together and had a bastard English baby. I have to thank Babs for the find!)
Marsh: Tim McCashin.
Sleights: Patti Smith Easter - she's a poet, a seer, the Wanda Jackson of the 1970s
Thoughts on Thriller
Prpich: It always grosses me out, how MJ's bones are sticking out of his wrists on the album cover....disgusting! And baby tigers?????
Hat: It makes me rethink my recent reassessment of Paul McCartney, though half of it is awesome. I used to think Sir Paul was only capable of syrupy schlock, then I got McCartney, Ram, and McCartney II. However, "The Girl is Mine" makes me violent. Perhaps those three were the exceptions to the rule? Anyways, "Beat It", really, cannot be beat. Listen to it again and shake your tail feather.
Cake or Pie? Why?
Ty: Empire of the Sun Ice on the Dune, Charles Bradley and the Menahan St Band No Time for Dreaming, The James Hunter Six Minute by Minute (seriously, I can't say enough about this record. It's as if Ray Charles and Sam Cooke got together and had a bastard English baby. I have to thank Babs for the find!)
Marsh: Tim McCashin.
Sleights: Patti Smith Easter - she's a poet, a seer, the Wanda Jackson of the 1970s
Thoughts on Thriller
Prpich: It always grosses me out, how MJ's bones are sticking out of his wrists on the album cover....disgusting! And baby tigers?????
Hat: It makes me rethink my recent reassessment of Paul McCartney, though half of it is awesome. I used to think Sir Paul was only capable of syrupy schlock, then I got McCartney, Ram, and McCartney II. However, "The Girl is Mine" makes me violent. Perhaps those three were the exceptions to the rule? Anyways, "Beat It", really, cannot be beat. Listen to it again and shake your tail feather.
Dev: Mmmmmm, isn't that a ride at the Melfort fair?
Ty: It's alright but it's no Off the Wall.
Marsh: No comment.
Sleights: It's the Jurassic Park of records.
Marsh: No comment.
Sleights: It's the Jurassic Park of records.
Prpich: Cake, cuz it's cake! And b/c most people can't make pie.
Hat: Pie, b/c it is way more sexy than cake. Think about it. You know I am right.
Dev: Pie, cuz I've had bad cake but never bad pie!
Ty: Unfortunately, for me these days it's neither (gluten/carbs), so.....coconut milk ice cream!
Marsh: Chips.
Sleights: Pie, b/c it's less sweet than cake, and if I need less of anything in my life right now it is sweetness.
Marsh: Chips.
Sleights: Pie, b/c it's less sweet than cake, and if I need less of anything in my life right now it is sweetness.
The best part about being a musician is.....
Prpich: Playing with Hat's wife.
Hat: Meeting a wonderful assortment of people that dig what I/we do - hey, it doesn't happen often in life, in any context - so I totally soak that in as much as possible. Also, making a joyful noise by all means possible, but mostly electronic keyboards. Oh, and knowing that even with lugging gear, I/we win everytime compared to anyone golfing (except par 3 of course, that's awesome).
Dev: No matter how often you tell yourself "I'm getting too old for this", you keep playing.
Dev: No matter how often you tell yourself "I'm getting too old for this", you keep playing.
Ty: Most likely the sex...buth then there are those drugs too...oh and the Rock and Roll...hmmmmm.
Marsh: Drinkin' beer and makin' friends.
Sleights: Manipulating sound waves.
Alright then, satiation from band info is nearly complete! Let's give the drummer some respect and end off with a little bit of The James Hunter Six. See ya soon!
Marsh: Drinkin' beer and makin' friends.
Sleights: Manipulating sound waves.
Alright then, satiation from band info is nearly complete! Let's give the drummer some respect and end off with a little bit of The James Hunter Six. See ya soon!
Hat
Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Jam Space Part Two
Well well well, it certainly does take a while to process a night away from home, but now that the process is done, let's have a go at the whole shebang....
The air conditioner worked just fine! The drummer, along with the rest of the band, sweated in no disproportionate amount, or at least no one said anything about it to us, and believe me, the audience was within sweating-on distance from all members of the band! Richard Groulx and his staff were courteous, welcoming, hospitable, and just generally all around awesome the whole evening. Add to this a sold-out crowd and a pretty solid performance by the band and I'd say a big "yes" to playing The Jam Space again. I'd also say a big "yes" to any band pondering a gig at Richard's place, especially if they are (rightfully) leery about playing in yet another small town in Saskatchewan. It is not just another small town in Saskatchewan. It is The Jam Space. It is Lemburg. And it should be seen as a go to place both for fans and musicians that care just a bit more than the average bear.
One thing that struck me about Lemburg's most excellent destination was how it felt just like the coolest living room ever, with couches, comfy chairs, a corner bar, and oodles of vinyl album covers. I got to counting them, then realized that there were many things to count about our time in Lemburg and vicinity that night (possibly because I've spent too much time recently with The Count's Sesame Street CD?) Stats certainly can be boring, but they also can paint an interesting picture all their own for those inclined to see things that way. So, for all the fans of numbers and percentages and the like, and for fans of the band in general, I present to you:
The Lonesome Weekends, The Jam Space, and Tim's Cabin, By The Numbers
Here's one outta leftfield (in the world of rock 'n' roll at least) to send you on your way. The Count! And Cookie Monster! Ah hah hah!......
The air conditioner worked just fine! The drummer, along with the rest of the band, sweated in no disproportionate amount, or at least no one said anything about it to us, and believe me, the audience was within sweating-on distance from all members of the band! Richard Groulx and his staff were courteous, welcoming, hospitable, and just generally all around awesome the whole evening. Add to this a sold-out crowd and a pretty solid performance by the band and I'd say a big "yes" to playing The Jam Space again. I'd also say a big "yes" to any band pondering a gig at Richard's place, especially if they are (rightfully) leery about playing in yet another small town in Saskatchewan. It is not just another small town in Saskatchewan. It is The Jam Space. It is Lemburg. And it should be seen as a go to place both for fans and musicians that care just a bit more than the average bear.
One thing that struck me about Lemburg's most excellent destination was how it felt just like the coolest living room ever, with couches, comfy chairs, a corner bar, and oodles of vinyl album covers. I got to counting them, then realized that there were many things to count about our time in Lemburg and vicinity that night (possibly because I've spent too much time recently with The Count's Sesame Street CD?) Stats certainly can be boring, but they also can paint an interesting picture all their own for those inclined to see things that way. So, for all the fans of numbers and percentages and the like, and for fans of the band in general, I present to you:
The Lonesome Weekends, The Jam Space, and Tim's Cabin, By The Numbers
- 73 album covers all over The Jam Space's walls
- 55 The Lonesome Weekends stickers/beer coasters distributed
- 50 (approximately) attentive, enthusiastic and energetic audience members
- 50% of Fishbone's album tolerated in band van before Michael Jackson showed up
- 37 beer drunk by band members
- 29% of cds sold
- 25 songs played over two sets
- 24 sausages barbequed
- 21 eggs scrambled
- 20 hours spent away from home
- 17 shots in the dark (5 in the cabin, 1 near loss of weapon b/c of same)
- $15 spent by patrons to get in
- 13 cigarettes smoked, herbal and otherwise
- 4 publicly acknowledged designated drivers happy to hear the song "Ain't No Shame In Being Sober"
- 3 packages of bacon consumed
- 3 buns eaten by non-refined-foods-consuming drummer
- 2 songs danced to by more than one audience member (hey hey Misty!)
- 2 eggs consumed raw
- 2 packages of particular periodicals purchased by roadie that ultimately were of no help in dealing with statement below
- 1 incredibly accurate, appropriate and prescient statement uttered by roadie that should've been better heeded for the evening "I'm still pretty glad it's not a real gun"
- 1 non-adult in attendance (hip hip hooray Laz!)
- 1 empty beer can lobbed at a singer
- 1 terse public warning to non-singer
- 1 encore
- 1 borrowed banjo
- 1 growl at a woman's hair (by a man in the audience)
- 0 requests for Bob Marley
- 100% chance of doing
all of itmost of it all again sometime down the road apiece
Here's one outta leftfield (in the world of rock 'n' roll at least) to send you on your way. The Count! And Cookie Monster! Ah hah hah!......
Hat
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Jam Space, Saturday June 8, 2013
Lemberg.
Saskatchewan.
I note this not because I think people are not paying attention. I note this because for us in the band, the "jam space" is not in Lemberg, and it would be pretty crazy, unfortunate, and ultimately fruitless for all concerned if people came anywhere near where we jam that evening! Yes, as some of you know (or not - like the hippies speak about the 60s: if you can remember, you weren't really there) that space has been a scene of good rockin' nights, both rehearsal- and post-gig related, but there will be no action there that night. Still, the similarities between the jam space and The Jam Space are numerous: there will be drinking, there will be smoking, there will be at least five people making original music, there will be off-colour jokes, on-colour jokes and very colourful jokes as well. Shotguns - of the beer variety - have the potential to go off. People probably will clap and someone will likely ask if some of us are in The Lazy MKs. We'll say yes, come back at the end of August. I'll leave it at that, as any more divulgence and I might have to consult a lawyer, so I'll say that all the action will be in Lemberg, Saskatchewan, at The Jam Space, operated and owned by Richard Groulx.
I first heard about Richard and his bold new venture when good compadre of Regina music Tim "Tico" and/or "Boom Boom" McCashin and our very own Sleights played there sometime last year. Nice reviews by fellow performers make for easier gig-taking decisions later down the line, and I for one am incredibly stoked to play a show at this intimate venue due east of Regina.
Apart from popping my (our?) Lemberg gig playing cherry that night, one thing I am looking forward to is learning if any upgrades have been made to the place. Not that I have reports of the place not being awesome. On the contrary, as I've already noted. However, in a recent poll, Mr. Groulx publicly asked what would be the most important improvement for customer experience at The Jam Space. The options were: air conditioning, creating more space for patrons by relocating bar to former 'office' room, higher seating in the back row, or installing a projector. One comment given in response to a vote for the a/c was about how a certain July show was the hottest they've ever had. I personally find this an intriguing prospect as we will be playing in June, and our sister band Brass Buttons will be playing in July. The drama starts now. Which band can handle the heat better? Will the crowd wither before the band does? Who buys more beer, the band or the audience? Is it better to stay sitting or stand and rock in such a situation (I vote for the latter). And would anyone take back their vote for having higher seating in the back row instead of enduring the sweat of a drummer being all over them? Ok, that only happens in our jam space, but you just never know.....
Still, there is only one way to find out how it'll all shake down. Come on down tothe jam space The Jam Space and kick off the first of a triple-header of 13th Ave Records shows over the summer in Lemberg. You don't want to be the one hearing about it second-hand now, do you? Tell all your friends, and if they are on the book of faces, follow the link for that as well: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/553350328036384/
To send us off, here's some Lee Hazlewood featuring Nina Lizell: "I may be small but I know I'm right for you. No big cowboy can do the little things I do"
Amen, Lee. Speaking for the hearts of The Lonesome Weekends, decades before we existed.
Hat
Saskatchewan.
I note this not because I think people are not paying attention. I note this because for us in the band, the "jam space" is not in Lemberg, and it would be pretty crazy, unfortunate, and ultimately fruitless for all concerned if people came anywhere near where we jam that evening! Yes, as some of you know (or not - like the hippies speak about the 60s: if you can remember, you weren't really there) that space has been a scene of good rockin' nights, both rehearsal- and post-gig related, but there will be no action there that night. Still, the similarities between the jam space and The Jam Space are numerous: there will be drinking, there will be smoking, there will be at least five people making original music, there will be off-colour jokes, on-colour jokes and very colourful jokes as well. Shotguns - of the beer variety - have the potential to go off. People probably will clap and someone will likely ask if some of us are in The Lazy MKs. We'll say yes, come back at the end of August. I'll leave it at that, as any more divulgence and I might have to consult a lawyer, so I'll say that all the action will be in Lemberg, Saskatchewan, at The Jam Space, operated and owned by Richard Groulx.
I first heard about Richard and his bold new venture when good compadre of Regina music Tim "Tico" and/or "Boom Boom" McCashin and our very own Sleights played there sometime last year. Nice reviews by fellow performers make for easier gig-taking decisions later down the line, and I for one am incredibly stoked to play a show at this intimate venue due east of Regina.
Apart from popping my (our?) Lemberg gig playing cherry that night, one thing I am looking forward to is learning if any upgrades have been made to the place. Not that I have reports of the place not being awesome. On the contrary, as I've already noted. However, in a recent poll, Mr. Groulx publicly asked what would be the most important improvement for customer experience at The Jam Space. The options were: air conditioning, creating more space for patrons by relocating bar to former 'office' room, higher seating in the back row, or installing a projector. One comment given in response to a vote for the a/c was about how a certain July show was the hottest they've ever had. I personally find this an intriguing prospect as we will be playing in June, and our sister band Brass Buttons will be playing in July. The drama starts now. Which band can handle the heat better? Will the crowd wither before the band does? Who buys more beer, the band or the audience? Is it better to stay sitting or stand and rock in such a situation (I vote for the latter). And would anyone take back their vote for having higher seating in the back row instead of enduring the sweat of a drummer being all over them? Ok, that only happens in our jam space, but you just never know.....
Still, there is only one way to find out how it'll all shake down. Come on down to
To send us off, here's some Lee Hazlewood featuring Nina Lizell: "I may be small but I know I'm right for you. No big cowboy can do the little things I do"
Amen, Lee. Speaking for the hearts of The Lonesome Weekends, decades before we existed.
Hat
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