The Paperboys Friday, Dec. 23, 2011

The Paperboys

After a busy November and hectic December, we managed to squeeze in The Paperboys for one last show of 2011.  We were so fortunate to see so many great artists this year, many for the first time.  The Paperboys are one of our top 10 favorite bands.  They bring so much joy to the stage, that even the worst moods can turn around while listening to their jubilant sound.  On this evening, I found myself literally filling my lungs, trying to absorb as much of that joy and energy as I could.  So much stress and drama seems to surround me this month, and I wanted for one night to forget it all and just surround myself in a protective blanket of music and love.  I got my Christmas wish.  And a new camera!

Hattie's Hat, Circa 1904

We started out the night at Hattie’s Hat, our favorite dark little bar, circa 1904.  The food, a shared beef brisket, cooked 10 hours, and steamed greens and other veggies.  We then walked up to Bastille and had a trifecta of drinks to accompany our fantastic dessert.  The trifecta arrived first: Jameson followed by a sip of Baileys, then a sip of espresso.  The dessert soon arrived: vanilla ice cream with tiny dark chocolate chunks nestled in between puff pastry and doused in warm caramel.  Decadent!  Full and happy, we entered The Tractor, and again, like some kind of miracle, our little table next to the stage was available; the show would start in ten minutes.

Tractor Tavern

We set up our drinks (with plenty of water, knowing the night would be long and warm), hung our jackets and prepared to smile.  I briefly glanced at the names of the opening act, but soon realized the duo would be the only opener before The Paperboys took the stage.  One of the members of the duo was none other than Kendel Carson, the beautiful blonde fiddle player who used to play with The Paperboys.  This was going to be a great night!

Dustin Bentall and Kendel played for close to an hour of folk music, and warmed our hearts.  They were a sweet duet and her playing was so skilled.

Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson

Our anticipation grew as the crew set up for The Paperboys.  The crowd crushed closer to the stage, but we stood our ground.  One annoying woman pushed her way next to me and never even excused herself.  She knew the band, but that was still no excuse to be rude, especially since we’d already been standing there for over an hour.  We were able to keep our table, though, and that was ok with us.  Also, across the stage from us was our favorite little lady, who was seated at her special table.  Her husband, who is Pat’s doppleganger Dad, was not with her this night.  We’ve seen them every time The Paperboys play.  We spoke with them last time, and they said they aren’t related to the band, but just love them so much, that they never miss a show.  They even admitted they follow them around to other gigs in Washington!  Groupies!  I hope we still go out 25 or 30 years from now.

The Paperboys did not disappoint.  Once again they played the old favorites and a few new ones, but always kept the crowd on their feet dancing and swaying and clapping to the upbeat sound.  Their music cannot be categorized; it’s a soup of multi-cultural flavors, from Mexican and Cuban influences to Celtic fiddles and Reggae beats.  Each musician got their turn at wowing the audience with solos and accompaniment.  Kendel joined Kalissa for a rollicking fiddle showdown.  It was a joyous evening, and I didn’t want it to end.

More pics…

Brad Gillard on Banjo and Bass

Kalissa Hernandez and Tom Landa

Tom's Birthday Banner with Sam Esecson on Drums

Dueling Fiddlers

Tom

Flanked by Fiddles

Standing on Table for Solo

Closeup

Five…No…Ten Favorite Shows of 2011

I was lucky enough to see a show almost every month of 2011, and some months, two or three shows.  We’re winding down now, getting ready for the holidays and visiting with family and friends.  We’ll still see a couple of shows between now and the end of the year, including The Paperboys on December 23, one of my Top 10 favorite bands of all time.  Click Here For Previous Review.

So far, though, I do have a list of my Five Favorites of 2011.

5.  Screw it.  I can’t make a decision, so I’m going to go with my Ten Favorites of 2011.

10.  The B-52’s at Chateau Ste. Michelle – This show was great because The B-52’s brought the energy, the showmanship and the great songs we all love to a beautiful outdoor venue.  We were there with a large family group and danced and sang along.  Click Here For Review.

The B-52's

9.  Vicci Martinez at Big Daddy’s Place – This was a chance to see Vicci, a Tacoma, Washington local, wail her lungs out in a small suburban venue before becoming a national sensation on The Voice.  Click Here For Review.

Vicci Martinez

8.  Massy Ferguson and Brent Amaker and The Rodeo at The Tractor – Our first introduction to Massy Ferguson and Brent with The Rodeo back on a smaller stage.  Curtains For You, a poppy, energetic band opened the show, and a biker in the front knew all the words.  I love the picture of Brent Amaker smiling while the biker is in the moment.  No whiskey this time, but now that the stage performer liquor laws have changed, we’ll get to hear “Bring Me The Whiskey” at the next show!

Curtains For You, Brent and Biker

Massy Ferguson

Brent Amaker

7.  Star Anna at Neumos – We saw Star four times this year, but this time, even P was completely hooked by her vocal prowess.  He connected.  Click Here For Previous Review.

Star Anna

6.  Jackrabbit and Massy Ferguson at Nectar Lounge – Jackrabbit, reincarnated after North Twin’s demise, and again Tony Fulgham won me over.  Massy was celebrating their EP release, and I got to post my review of the show on
Randomville.  Click Here For Review.

Tony Fulgham of Jackrabbit

Ethan Anderson of Massy Ferguson

5.  Jackrabbit and The Gourds at The Tractor – Jackrabbit opened and rawked the set, warmed up the crowd for The Gourds, another crazy night of crossover music, from 60’s psychedelic rock to old-timey revivals.  Most memorable moment was approaching Mr. Kevin Russell at Hattie’s Hat and telling him I was going to review his show.  His response: “Oh, Shit!” I later gave him the ol’ two-fingered stink-eye when he noticed me in the audience, and I mouthed, “I’m watchin’ you!”  Click Here For Review.

Tony Fulgham of Jackrabbit

The Gourds

4.  Old 97’s at The Showbox – My first press pass!  Right up front.  I loved every minute, and sang my heart out to every song.  Click Here For Review.

Old 97's

3.  Flight To Mars at The Showbox – Another press and photo pass!  My sister-in-law joined me and took absolutely brilliant pics of the boys (Click This Link for her pics), including local Tim DiJulio (Lazy Susan and North Twin) and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready.  Click Here For Review.

Tim DiJulio and Mike McCready of Flight to Mars

2.  Nashville (Will Kimbrough, Marshall Chapman, Minton Sparks, Slim Chance and The Can’t Hardly Playboys) – the whole Nashville experience was wonderful.  Kept to small venues and the Americana singer/songwriters.  Click Here For Review.

Marshall Chapman and Will Kimbrough at The Station Inn

Zach and Josh of Slim Chance and the Can't Hardly Playboys at Layla's

1.  Los Straitjackets at Slow Food Roots Music Festival – A bizarre series of events.  Marshall Chapman’s book had a chapter on Eddie Angel who once played in Marshall’s band.  Now Eddie’s fronting Los Straitjackets, and just happened to be playing in Seattle and a small fair in Stanwood within two weeks after I finished the book.  I brought the book, my son, our appetites to the festival.   We ate delicious local food, watched some pretty loco boys in Mexican wrestling masks play instrumental surf music, and were completely blown away by their skills and entertaining antics.  My son loved every minute of it.  To top off a perfect afternoon at the festival, they all signed Marshall’s book!  Click Here For Review.

Los Straitjackets

LIVE REVIEW: THE GOURDS AND JACKRABBIT

Kevin Russell of The Gourds

Check out my review on Randomville!  See below for more pics and more info about the show.

The Gourds, from Austin, TX stormed into town for another rollicking, foot-stomping performance, showing off music from their new CD, Old Mad Joy produced by Larry Campbell for Vanguard Records.  Jackrabbit, who played for Massy Ferguson in Mid-October, opened the show, and once again performed an excellent set of country rock and got the crowd moving.  Click here for a review of their show with Massy Ferguson.  

Tony Fulgham of Jackrabbit

Jason Montgomery, Tony's "Brother From Another Border--Oregon!" on Pedal Steel

Check out Jackrabbit’s website  to purchase their new EP!  Listen below:

Here is Jackrabbit’s setlist from The Tractor show:

What’s a Guy Gotta Do

Fathers and Sons

AZ Death Song

Done With You

Throwing in The Towel

I Know

I’m Sorry

Around the Bend

Big Kids (RAWKED!)

Jason and Tony

It was a pleasure to finally meet Tony and be able to exchange a few words before his awesome set.  We’re hoping to go to his next show in December.

Before The Gourds came on, we met a nice couple from Victoria.  Came down specifically for the show.  They were also at Tractor several other times throughout the year, and saw Los Straitjackets a few weeks ago, too.  I commended them for their long haul across the water and US border to get here.  I’m sure we’ll see them again.  They also enjoyed Jackrabbit and were looking forward to The Gourds.

The Gourds’ show at The Tractor Tavern featured most songs from Old Mad Joy.  It felt more like a rock show than a revival this time around.  Their new music has a 60’s psychedelic vibe, heavy on electric guitar, with psychotropic solos from Kevin Russell.  I could hear The Rolling Stones bleed through some of their songs; especially those from co-singer/writer Jimmy Smith, whose voice sounds similar to Keith Richards.

Jimmy Smith on Bass

Instead of going through a song-by-song description of The Gourds’ very long setlist, I thought I’d take a few paragraphs to explain The Gourds to those who have not experienced their live show.  The Gourds formed 17 years ago in Austin, TX.    They have 11 albums under their belts, and travel the countryside spreading the joy of live music.  They make appearances at SXSW, Bumbershoot, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and other festivals.  Their motto: “For the Unwashed and Well-Read.”

Max Johnston of The Gourds

I discovered The Gourds just by chance in 2007 while flipping through the TV channels.  They were featured musicians on Austin City Limits.   I then heard they were touring the Northwest, so  my husband and I made sure to buy tickets and saw them live at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle.  Their show felt like an old-timey revival in the Deep South.  The five-piece band played a variety of instruments, including electric/acoustic guitars, bass, drums, mandolin, violin, banjo, lap steel, and accordion, and Each band member is also so full of life and energy.

Kev, Jimmy and Claude

The Gourds’ original music, written mostly by Russell and Smith, is sometimes complex and so eclectic; it is impossible to categorize their music.  Their songs range from Tex-Mex country rock to Bluegrass to Cajun to something out of a church hymnal.  This latest album has more of a rock influence, although rock riffs and beats are scattered throughout their older music.

I get more salvation from their shows than I ever did in church.  My soul gets a lift, and I feel so alive–so fulfilled after their two-hour set.  They are a full body-mind-and-spirit show.  Each band member brings energy and puts their heart into each performance.  Kevin Russell, co- singer/writer, plays electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica and mandolin.  When he gets into the music, he stomps to the beat, gyrates, postures, poses, and throws his head around like a man possessed–or blessed.

A Grave Moment

The Gourds’ musical energy and rampant joy spills out over the low stage and floods the audience.  They stomp, wail, whoop, jam and generally cause musical hysteria.  When they’re in such a frenzied state, they are a sight to behold.  It is something that is hard to put into words.  The entranced (and possibly chemically altered) crowd responds accordingly, by whooping back, clapping and singing along, dancing and stomping in time.

Max and Keith

They also do a few covers, including T-Pain’s “Let Me Buy You a Drink,” and received some attention a few years ago after covering Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” with Kevin on mean mandolin:

At times, their lyrics are perplexing and undecipherable; but it doesn’t seem to matter during their live shows.  They could speak in tongues and the crowd would still embrace each song.

An excerpt from “Marginalized” off Old Mad Joy by Jimmy Smith:

saw this magnanimous bottom feeder look up at me
thought pond scum sucked ‘til i had a bowl of rat soup inside of me
well, it’s pretty good said this cat named Sneezeguard
couldn’t ever crowd his pan always got a proper sear on
just to find out that easily led could actually steer one

Over the years, every set and  show has been unique in some way.  They bring new songs mixed with old, different instruments, and different variations to the songs.  Shinyribs (Kevin Russell’s alter ego on acoustic guitar) might show up and play the opener with a mix of original and covers of old gospel and blues tunes.  The crowd ranges from all walks of life, from cowboys to college students.  The one time I didn’t bring my camera, a girl next to me kept her V-neck T-shirt pulled down pretty much the whole evening and flashed her recently purchased boobs to the smiling band (and others’ cameras).  Not to be outdone, a tall, skinny guy in a yellow T-shirt approached the front of the stage and pulled his shirt all the way up and rubbed his belly and chest, to the roar of the crowd.  That was the same night Jimmy’s bass got knocked over, smashed into the side of a beautiful acoustic guitar and made a big hole in it.

My most memorable Gourds moment this evening was approaching Mr. Kevin Russell at Hattie’s Hat and telling him I was going to review his show.  His response: “Oh, Shit!” I later gave him the ol’ two-fingered stink-eye when he noticed me in the audience, and I mouthed, “I’m watchin’ you!” 

A camera crew filmed the show during their most recent visit.  I asked Max Johnston who they were, and he said he didn’t know; they’ve just been following the band around like a couple of stalkers!  I suspect, with their new Vanguard label, we will see a DVD shortly.

Kevin Bending the Strings and Stalker Camera Man

On this chilly October night, we put our political differences aside and followed Jimmy’s plea to “Occupy The Gourds!”  The Tractor crowd warmly embraced their new music.  The older songs, worked in throughout the set, galvanized the audience who sang and shouted all the words.  My favorite moment came during their three-song encore, where they played “Burn the Honeysuckle,” or Kevin’s “cowboy brag” song, as he calls it.  His mandolin skills and gyrations are mesmerizing.

Here is a polished version of that song with an explanation of how he came about writing the lyrics:

Also, check out another encore song, “Mr. Betty,” by Jimmy, and hear the  Stones influence:

The long, frenzied night of soul-cleansing music came to an end, instruments and T-shirts intact.
MORE PICS!!

LIVE REVIEW: MASSY FERGUSON EP RELEASE PARTY WITH JACKRABBIT

Massy Ferguson Photo Copyright 2011 Michael Profitt

CHECK OUT MY FULL REVIEW ON RANDOMVILLE FOR MORE INFO, VIDEOS AND PICS!

I was looking forward to seeing Massy Ferguson again, after witnessing their opening for Brent Amaker and the Rodeo back in July at the Tractor Tavern.  I was glad to see another local band embrace the Americana/country rock genre.  I purchased their latest album, Hard Water at that show, and it hasn’t left my CD player.  This time around, they celebrated the release of their EP,  Damaged Goods.

Opening for Massy Ferguson was Tony Fulgham and his new band, Jackrabbit.  Jackrabbit is the outcome of a hard-won search for new bandmates after the death of North Twin.  I was still in stage 6 of the grieving process over that one.  The demise of North Twin happened in the spring of 2010 after their drummer Rick Cranford moved back east.  I was looking forward to getting some closure this night.   Fulgham found an energetic drummer, Aimee Zoe Tubbs from The Starlings and writer/producer Moe Provencher on bass.  For this show he also included Portland’s Jason Montgomery on guitar/pedal steel, which added country flavor and depth to the live show.

Here are some pics from the show:

Tony Fulgham of Jackrabbit

Tony and Jason

Jackrabbit Setlist

Dancers

Ethan Anderson

Tony Mann

Guest Female Vocalist

Massy EP

Massy Setlist

Ethan and Adam

London Calling…Again! IMONTHEBANDWAGON’S Interview with H.E. Ellis

London Calling…Again! Check out H.E. Ellis‘ interview of IMONTHEBANDWAGON.

The lads are on FIRE! (not literally)

IMONTHEBANDWAGON

An Interview With IMONTHEBANDWAGON

Who ARE These Guys??

Check out my interview of “the band”  from IMONTHEBANDWAGON on Randomville.com!  Here’s the link: http://randomville.com/wordpress/?p=12162  Be sure to leave your comments on the page!  Spread the word about these crazy Brits!

I had the pleasure of interviewing a successful British indie rock band.  Unfortunately, for legal reasons, they cannot disclose the name of the band nor its members.  A person, known only as “Jowett” works closely with the band and has been recording their conversations with their permission (all names have been changed to protect the guilty) and transcribing them to blog form.  The result is one of the funniest blogs I’ve ever read, called “IMONTHEBANDWAGON.”  In fact, it is 4th in the running for best humor blog in the U.K.  Of course, you know what 4th place finishers are called in The Olympics…

An example of their conversations usually includes a random subject or strange newspaper story that sends the lads off on various humorous tangents.  Not all subjects are politically correct, nor are their comments.  In fact, that is one reason why they remain anonymous.  Their quips, arguments and insults are ridiculously funny, and seem to be improvised.  For all I know, this could be the work of one blogger playing 4 or 5 different roles.  You be the judge.  No matter, it’s damn funny.

Check out a conversation from one of their recent blogs entitled:

Old School Batman, Ryan Makes a Mistake and TV Characters Raiding Shops

Also, another blogger, H.E. Ellis, has interviewed them recently.  See the hilarious, R-Rated interview here: http://heellisgoa.com/2011/09/17/london-calling

The B-52’s Came to Party at Chateau Ste. Michelle

The B-52's Photo by Joseph Cultice

The B-52’s came to party on a beautiful Saturday night at Chateau Ste. Michelle, an outdoor venue and winery in Woodinville, WA.  They looked fresh, fit and sounded terrific.  The four members, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson strutted their stuff and added a few bandmates for the tour.   The B-52’s are getting ready to release a new live album recorded in their hometown on October 11 called With the Wild Crowd – Live in Athens, GA.  In support of the upcoming album, they showcased their greatest hits from the past 32 years, sang them with energy and punch, and partied like it was 1979.  A quick look among the aging and stiffly dancing crowd, though, reminded me otherwise.

Check out the full review of the show on Randomville!

Los Straitjackets Video from Stanwood’s Slow Food Roots Music Festival

Gregorio El Grande steals the show with his solo in “You Send Me”

Viva Los Straitjackets!

Eddie Angel

Eddie Angel of Los Straitjackets coaxed the devil out of his guitar Saturday afternoon at a quiet little food and music festival in Stanwood, Washington.

I first heard of Los Straitjackets while reading They Came to Nashville by Marshall Chapman.  I saw Ms. Chapman perform in Nashville in June of this year and purchased her book soon afterward.  Eddie Angel was featured in her book because he used to play in her band back in the 80’s.  He then formed Los Straitjackets in 1994.  Chapman named Los Straitjackets as her favorite Nashville band, and Eddie Angel as her favorite guitar player.  When I heard they were coming to the Seattle area, I had to go.

My husband was golfing the weekend they were supposed to play The Tractor; by the time I started scrambling to find someone else to go with, they sold out.  Their website mentioned they would be playing at Slow Food Roots Music Festival in Stanwood.  I looked them up, and decided to ask my teenage son if he could go with me, since the festival was family friendly.  He surprisingly agreed, so I purchased the $20 tickets and told him we were in, and not to make any other plans.

My goal was to not only introduce my son to some unique music, but also feed him some decent fair food.  I’m always surprised at the paradox of our local fairs to showcase beautiful animals, vegetables and fruit, and then serve heavily processed, greasy fast food.  But this festival tried something different.  The vendors were local.  The food was grown locally, and the menu included burgers,  beef brisket (cooked 15 hours on-site), veggie wraps, fruit smoothies, salads, roasted corn, desserts from a local bakery, and locally roasted coffee.

After a slow drive through heavy Everett traffic, we arrived about 2:00.  It was a perfectly warm, sunny day, with a little breeze to keep us from overheating.

We were hungry and purchased delicious hamburgers with fixin’s that included rhubarb ketchup, herb-infused mustard, beautiful butter lettuce, ripe tomatoes and fresh buns that were hand-cut.  They were so flavorful.

We grabbed some water bottles and found a seat in the small set of wooden risers just a few yards from the stage.  In front of us, there were people scattered about in beach chairs and blankets.   A few hundred people  gathered in the vicinity of the stage and beer garden.

The Moondoggies were finishing up a tight set, and sounded fantastic on this warm summer day.  I kicked myself for not driving up a bit earlier.  I do plan to see them again soon.

We wandered around after their set to find some dessert – a giant, tasty snickerdoodle.  We walked back to the stage and settled in again on the risers.  The crowd picked up a bit when it was announced that Los Straitjackets would be coming on stage in a few minutes.

My son refused to see a video or any pictures of the band.  I thought he was just being a lazy teenager, but he told me he really wanted to be surprised.  I only told him they were an instrumental surf  band, and they wore Mexican wrestling masks.  That was good enough for him!

I watched my son’s metallic grin spread all the way across his face as Los Straitjackets took the stage, decked out in their campy, colorful spandex wrestling masks, black bowling shirts with their names embroidered on the pocket, and black pants.

Casbah!

They started out the set with a slower  song that showcased their unique surf guitar sound. Their matching, sparkly Galaxie 4  guitars were custom-made by DiPinto Guitars, based in Philadelphia, PA.  They put those guitars to work.

By the third song, “Casbah,” more people showed up and started paying attention.  Senior Angel thanked the audience in pidgin Spanish, sans accent, and introduced the song: “Gracias, damas y caballeros, otro cancion es…Casbah! The three guitarists lined up and jutted their heads like pigeons to the beat of the song.

The fifth song was a cover,  “You Send Me” and I felt like I was a 50’s sock hop doing a slow dance with Marty McFly.

“Despues, a new…nuevo cancion called Space Mosquito, o Mosquito del Espacio!”  This was a new song from their upcoming album.

Senior Angel’s skillful guitar playing was magical.  I’ve really never seen anything like it.   Maybe even the best I’ve ever seen, for pure entertainment value.   He was all over the frets, throwing his pick hand behind his head making it look and sound like he had some kind of telepathic control over that guitar.  He was plucking, picking, pounding on the neck, making that thing scream out sounds I’ve never heard.  Maybe he was possessed.  Dios Mio! El Diablo!

A second guitar, played by and introduced as El Stupendo, El Fantastico Senior Gregorio El Grande (Greg Townson).  He rattled out the solos, playfully hit harmonics, slowed it down, and complemented Angel’s guitar to perfection. He stopped through part of a solo, threw his arms up toward the crowd in a show of triumph, and they whooped and clapped for more.  When not touring with Los Straitjackets, El Grande plays in another band with the drummer, Jason Smay called The Hi-Risers, based in Rochester, NY.

Gregorio El Grande!

The drummer, Senior Jason Smay, had his hands full keeping up with the fast surfer pace, banging away in the hot August sun.  He had a remarkable solo of his own during a cover of “Sing Sing Sing,” and received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Srs. Eddie, Pedro y Gregorio

The bass player, Senior Pedro (Pete) Curry, whose mask was epic with winged sides like some loco Jurassic lizard, had very difficult runs and some fun coordinating dance moves with the two guitarists during the long set.  They would stand together and play or cross their legs at the same time, pose, throw their arms up in unison, and mug for my camera.

Many of the songs were fun covers, but they are also getting ready to drop a new album and played two more original songs, including “Bobsleddin’,” and one called “Positively 6th Street.”  I only wish we were watching their act at a beach party in Southern California, where we were free to dance and get a little…Psycho! (Cue the Psycho Beach Party Video!)

Some of the other covers included “Tequila,” in which Angel asked the beer garden: “Quiere Tequila?” and blasted into that famous song.  They also played “The Munsters” theme song, the Stones’ “Time is on My Side,” and–uh, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” from The Titanic.  It sounded so cool, though!

Senior Angel kept forgetting where he was playing and exclaimed to the crowd, “Viva, uh, viva…Stanley?  No?  Stanwood. Viva Stanwood! Y viva…[he read off the festival name from Gregorio’s wrist band] Slow Food Roots Music Festival!”  The crowd laughed and cheered heartily, and he continued,  “Viva Beer Garden!” More cheers.  “Viva Batman!” and plowed  right into the “Batman” theme song to a happy crowd.

We moved to the side and sat on hay bales next to the right side of stage during encore while they played a Ritchie Valens instrumental,  and it was a perfect, beautiful rendition.

After the quick encore, I told Jacob to make a dash for the side of the stage, as I hoped we could catch them before they left.  It was so open, it was easy to see them.  There was a lone security guard who cheerfully helped bring the guys over to meet us.

Eddie came over first, and I had my copy of Marshall Chapman’s book in my hand.  He recognized it immediately and was taken aback.  He said he’d never seen anyone with the book at a show before.  I quickly told him how we were just in Nashville in June and saw Marshall’s show, and realized they would be coming to town!  He happily signed my book on the picture in chapter about him.  The drummer Jason signed it too, and thanked us for being there.

The security guard brought over Gregorio who also signed the book, gave me his card, and was glad to hear I was doing a review of the show.  I told him I heard they tore it up at The Tractor last night, but I couldn’t get tickets.  He remembered they sold out.  He said they had a great time.  I told him The Tractor was our favorite place to see live shows, and he said he’d come back as long as The Tractor is still there.  He said hello to my son, whom I quickly introduced.  He shook Jacob’s hand (Jacob later admitted that was pretty cool).  Gregorio then called the bass player over, who also signed and after hearing my explanation of how I acquired the book, said to me, “Marshall–she’s a smart one!” Yes, she is.

I was shaking when I left.  I was so excited to get not only Eddie Angel’s autograph, but the whole band’s!  Jacob said, “Calm down, Mom!” and smiled as he said it.

Signatures in Marshall Chapman’s book, “They Came to Nashville”

We were almost hungry again and purchased peach smoothies, a beef brisket sandwich, then went back for roasted corn cob and pecan pie bars for dessert.  The entertainment, the food, the perfect weather…Yeah, it was a good day at the festival.

Viva Los Straitjackets!

Viva Los Straitjackets!

Los Straitjackets Review on Randomville

My review of Los Straitjackets just published on Randomville today!  Check them out…http://randomville.com/wordpress/?p=11564

Eddie y Pedro of Los Straitjackets