Midwest tour w/ Smoker

SK in KC, photo Bryce Olson

Safely returned from tour! And what a week to get out in the world—everywhere we landed, spring was just warming the air. Bless our friends Stephen Paul Smoker for getting into tour as much as we did. Middle of the Map Fest was a wild one; got to catch Pujol (they KILLED IT), Divine Fits, My Gold Mask, Casket Lottery, and a newish Lawrence band called Oils who were particularly awesome. Missed a bunch of other bands we totally wanted to see, like Palace, Dots Not Feathers, Cowboy Indian Bear, and oh about a zillion others, but can't complain. Our set was right after Smoker and we played at midnight to a sold-out room, bless all y'all souls! MOTM is an ideal way to celebrate music and investigate KC at the same time. We're already looking forward to next year!

Smoker & Sleepy Kitty at Jackpot in Lawrence, KS

New tour dates with Stephen Paul Smoker

Getting ready for a string of shows with Stephen Paul Smoker! NASHVILLE 4/3 at The End, ST. LOUIS 4/4 at Off Broadway, COLUMBIA, MO 4/5 at The Bridge w/ Glass Cavalry, KANSAS CITY 4/6 at Middle of the Map Fest, and LAWRENCE 4/7 at Jackpot Saloon. Feels good to be getting into tour mode again!

She just turned 50

50 years ago today The Beatles released Please Please Me on Parlophone Records and the world totally changed forever. The first song on that album is "I Saw Her Standing There," which sounds at first blush like an innocent enough song... but ain't. How could this song sound racier today than it was released? "Your mother should know..."

SXSCity at Off Broadway

Well, I busted my right hand in an ill-considered gesture last week, so last night's show was a one-time-only arrangement of a loop-centric Paige, crucial pal Gabe Doiron on country-tinged guitar, and me on backing vocals with the occasional lefty shaker. Was it fun? Definitely. Will I appreciate getting back behind my drumset? MOST definitely. Check out Paige's opening number. Our thanks to Craig Deeken for catching it:

Memphis

Sun Studio in Memphis 

Had a blast in Memphis with Divino Niño, La Kaza, and Memphis's Switchblade Kid.  I highly recommend checking them out when they play with Bruiser Queen in STL next month. Also, it was great finding out about the Buccaneer and, of course, Sun Studio!

Chicago Mixtape

Just saw we've been included on the Chicago Mixtape for our show on February 4 at Empty Bottle. It looks like a good mix, and it's going to be a fun show! 

Lou Fest 8/25 in Forest Park

We had so much yesterday at Lou Fest! It was a blast getting to hear the songs in their full multi layer form with Jenn Malzone on keys and vox, and Gabe Doiron on guitar and vox. Check out Corey Woodruff's awesome photos from the day and the RFT's piece: The 17 Best Fans, Musical Moments, and Trends at LouFest 2012.

photo by Corey Woodruff