Shows, CDs, and secrets.
We recently played a block of Northern California shows with Idaho’s always-stellar Finn Riggins. They were just starting their tour, and joined us on bills in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Sacramento. They brought along a friend, Rachael, and it was great to meet her. We love those kids to death, and it was great to spend a few days with them.
We started off playing Monterey Live, a spot we’ve played once previously. The first time, we were booked with Paper Airplanes, and they broke down (and proceeded to drink heavily) in Los Gatos, so we ended up being the only band that played. This time, we had local support in the form of the band Beezle, who stepped in for the palindromic Yell or Trolley, who had to cancel due to some inner-band turmoil. Good luck to those guys. Thanks go to Ben, Seth, the rest of the staff, and the folks who came out to see us again, the new faces, and Christy for making the trip with us.
The following night, we hit Santa Cruz for our first show at the Crepe Place. Everyone there was great, from the staff to the audience, and they were showing the original King Kong and Mothra vs. Godzilla above the bar. Not that we watched during any of the bands. No. We played first, the Rigg played second, and Chico’s March of the Mannequins closed out the night. Fun show, boring story.
For the third night, we played at one of our favorite places ever, El Rio. Shows there are always awesome. Thanks to Lynne for helping out and for taking such great care of everyone. Thanks to the staff (the sound was awesome), and thanks to everyone who came out. Caves (they who shall not be linked) bailed at the last second, but it’s cool, because the slack was picked up by The Provisionals, who played a fun opening set. Nice kids. Check them out. The second band on the bill, Seattle-cramento’s By Sunlight, wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected them to be, despite having this guy in the band. (Seriously, you can’t even get a dot com?) All joking aside, they’re all wicked nice dudes, and this was my first time seeing them play. They were great. Finn Riggins played third, we closed out the night, and then it was time to bro-down and pack up. Robert and I had a moment, laughs were shared, tears were shed. A truly moving night. Thanks to all of our friends for coming out.
Sunday found us relaxing and recuperating. There was a lot of sleeping, a lot of TV watching. It was a good day off. Monday’s show, our last (for now) with Finn Riggins, took place in Sacramento. It’s always fun to play Club Pow! at the Press Club, and this was no exception. Thanks to Ira for having us. The night was double-booked and the whole room smelled like puke (for some reason…probably because someone puked), but that didn’t matter. Finn Riggins started it off and got a great reception, and then we played. By Sunlight was in town, still on tour, and it was Robert’s birthday, so they brought the crew. Thank you to everyone who came out: John and Caitlin Sheds, Jeremy Goodness Gracious Me, Cara and her crew, Turtle, and everyone else. Love Like Fire and The Definite Articles rounded out the night. After some dance floor action, we said goodbye to Finn Riggins and By Sunlight, wished them well on their remaining shows, and headed home to San Francisco.
Now we’re gearing up for our next show, which will take place this Saturday at the Hemlock. Check it out:
Our friends from Boston, Ketman, are in town, so make sure to check them out. They crush. San Francisco’s Teeeth are opening, we’re headlining, and it’s all presented by the Deli SF. Don’t miss it.
We have a Berkeley show coming up next month, too, for all (two) of you East Bay kids. It’s at the Starry Plough, and we’ll be joining Butterfly Bones and The Aimless Never Miss. Should be fun.
Do you want to order our newest album, Dog’s Hymns, online, but want more than just mp3’s? Here’s some great news for you! You can head on over to CD Baby and order up one, two, 12 copies, whatever, of the record and they’ll send them to you. Simple. Awesome.
Lastly, we have something very cool on the horizon, and details will be posted shortly. There’s still a “slim” chance that it won’t come together, but that possibility is pretty “far” off.
