giving & receiving

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We got to play a favorite gig this weekend providing music at the Ogden Nature Center for their Wildwoods Bash. We donate that performance and a private house concert as an auction item. This is an easy call for us because we love the cause and the chance to play music in this great space for so many enthusiastic people, including the winning bidders.

When we went up for auction we were asked to say a few words to promote the bidding, and when I took the microphone I just offered a challenge: I said all we wanted was to get a higher bid than what local Ogden favorites, The Proper Way received. I went on to explain that they didn’t even have a bass player, not to mention a drummer. I think — hope — everyone knew that I was kidding … but also it seemed to work as we got a really generous donation out of a bidding war that was really fun to watch.*

The thing is, ever since that moment I was thinking about what I should have said in addition to the trash talk. I should have mentioned that The Proper Way is not only one of our favorite bands to go see, but they’ve also been one of our greatest helps in the music scene. We’ve recorded in their studios and they’ve plugged us for gigs. We even played a show with them that we wouldn’t have gotten without their sponsorship back when we were first getting gigs. They are generous with their time and energies and supporters of the whole music scene in and around Ogden.

That reflection made me think of others who have also given us support in the community. Among so many, some standouts have included Van Sessions and the Banyan Collective who hosted us on their podcast early on and have kept bringing us back and putting our live recordings out into the world. And our first high profile gigs and some of our funnest 3-hour sets have been on 25th Street at the Lighthouse Lounge. Paddy at the soundboard dials everything in and then invites us back for a good time, even though it’s way past our bedtimes.

And there are many other supporters all around town and within our own circles, including families who put up with us hauling gear up and down stairs after we’ve been out all night. And there are so many people who come out to make music a two-way experience, playing and listening. Sometimes even cheering and dancing.

For now, let’s add to this list The Ogdenite, a beacon of good news about the Ogden arts and music scenes, available in multiple formats including their pocket guide found around town and their Facebook updates or newsletter with great stuff to do each week. This publication is an act of love, and as Deann starts to expand we’ve pitched in to support her next steps — and we hope others will too.

We’re off for a few weeks before a wedding gig, and then more to come in October and beyond.

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*Oh, and it was more than what TPW garnered, just for the record.

back-to-stage & back-to-school

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We’ve had some fantastically fun gigs of late, celebrations in backyards in lush gardens and with epic mountain views. It’s been a good time closing out the summer season.

For all four of us, this time of year means back-to-school, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of summer music. We get to go back inside next weekend at Ogden’s Lighthouse Lounge, Saturday night, August 26th, 9p-midnight ($5, 21+). It so happens that Ogden Twilight is that same night, so you can think of Flaming Lips as our openers. Join us to stay out late and celebrate the new school year.

A week later, we get to play a set with our favorite podcasters at The Banyan Collective for Van Sessions. Join us at the Ogden Monarch where we’ll play some new stuff in front of their iconic van. Friday, Sept. 1, 8:00p (free, all ages). It’s a good time.

And then, a week later, we play at Ogden Nature Center‘s Wildwoods Bash. We’re donating the entertainment so you can have music with dinner and drinks outside. Get tickets and bid on auction items — including us! Give to the ONC and we could end up playing in your backyard! Bring friends and get reservations here. We played here last year and we can attest that it’s a really good time.

More to come, public and private events near and far. Check in here and on our gigs calendar to follow us around. (It’s not creepy. We love seeing you there.)

a grand opening gig

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We’re really excited to play for dogs and for hot dogs on Thursday, July 27 from 6-8 at Sydnee’s Pet Grooming 7706 S. Union Park Ave., Midvale. People get hot dogs; dogs get free nail trims; everyone gets music. Here’s an event on Facebook and a flier below.

busy

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We’ve been busy. Most notably, Ian’s got a new baby who’s being taught All The Things by big sister. The rest of us are scattered about in different states, both of geography and of mind. We were strategic to plan childbirth and vacations all at the same time so that we can ramp back up at the end of the month with an exciting collection of private and public gigs. (Stay tuned: Thursday, July 27 from 6-8 we’ll be in Midvale to play music for dogs and their people — all are welcome for this grand opening!)

In the meantime, we’ve rehearsed a few new things and have tried out music in a few new places before we ramp up again. Here’s an unreleased sample from a swanky lounge a few weeks ago:

See you out and about in a few weeks!

big week ahead

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We have another double-header week!

First, this Wednesday, June 7, we’re back at Xalisco from 6-9p (free, 21+). We were thrilled with their stage and their tacos last time, and we’re excited to be back. 2430 Grant Ave, Ogden.

And then, just two days later, Friday, June 9, from 7-10p, we’re at the Lobby Lounge at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake (free, all ages). This is our first show at Grand America, but we’re already looking ahead to the fall for more. Join us as we play here for the first time for their cocktail hour. Make an evening out of it and hang out in the big city.

After these shows, we’ve got a break planned until late July, so come to both shows to get your fix of live music from us to hold you over until then!