Category: gigs

lounging around

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

We’re really looking forward to being back at Lighthouse Lounge this Friday, July 19, 9:00p – Midnight (21+, $5). Always a fun evening for us to share with friends new and old, indulge in a Lighthouse burger and tots, and spend three hours on stage while Paddy dials our monitors in just right and makes sure the mix is clear in the house.

And then we follow up the following week at our other lounge spot, the Grand America Lobby Lounge: Friday, July 26, 7:00-10:00p (free, all ages).

After those shows, we’ll be tightening up our setlist to get ready for some 60-minute shows, including our upcoming return to Layton’s Kenley Amphitheater on Sunday, August 25. More to come on that one and another big audience show in the fall in which Adam gets to play on the grand pianos and compete for the diva title.

Hope to see friends, new and old, at any or all of these. Come heckle, cheer, dance, or sit back and listen. We’re always just excited to play for a happy audience.

new season

~ Adam Johnston ~ 1 Comment

Summer is officially here and we’re ramping back up into the season. We have gigs coming up, including this Friday (June 21 2024) at Grand America Lobby Lounge, 7-10p. That’s followed by some backyard gigging the following week, and then returns to lounges of the Lighthouse in Ogden and Grand America in the big city again in July. And more to come — big shows on stages this summer and fall!

In the midst of all this, we’re waving goodbye to Ian, founding member and “no worries” drummer. He’s headed out to the Oregon coast and we’re already imagining how we can get out to visit. As we pivot and adjust, we have Matt Johnson sitting in with us at the drums, and as we’ve been feeling our way through rehearsals with him we’re excited to keep working with him for as long as he’ll put up with us. Matt’s well known in Ogden circles, stages, and studio as a drummer who can play anything and with anyone, so we’re lucky to have him. This Friday is Matt’s debut with the band, so come out and encourage him to stick around.

But here’s also to a fond farewell to Ian. In our last gig with him, a backyard celebration with friends and family, we had a rare impromptu addition at vocals, Ian’s daughter, Elouise. She took over and stole the show. Take a look at the proud dad behind the drum kit — and maybe admire the fact that the guy at keyboard is taking video and playing at the same time.

Elouise is our new diva.

Safe travels and smooth transitions to Ian and family! We hope to see the rest of you out on the music scene.

ice cream for Ian

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

When you think “drummer,” maybe you imagine Ringo Starr or Buddy Rich, maybe Bonham, Copeland, Blakey, Peart, or even Animal. All good choices.

But we’ll take Ian over any of them.

p/c Ruth Silver for Van Sessions

Here’s the scoop: Our co-founding member of the band and foundation of all things rhythmic and sensible is moving with family out to Oregon. He’ll leave behind a successful music program at his school and a devastated band.

(Quick interjection here: We’ll figure this out and we’ve got strategies for the short and long term that include appropriate kick and hi-hat. We’re not going away. And Ian will always be a founding member and will hold the title of Drummer Emeritus. I just made that up, but I think we can all agree this is appropriate.)

But he’s still with us here in Utah for a few more weeks, including this weekend at what will likely be his last public gig with the band. Come celebrate with us at

Gandy Dancer, Saturday, May 11, from 6-8p.
All ages, free — but please get ice cream and food and wish our most outstanding drummer and very good friend a fond sendoff.

Ian doesn’t draw a lot of attention to himself, but any band member or student or colleague will be happy to tell you that he’s the heartbeat and backbone of what we do. Buy him a banana split and cheer him on for a drum solo or two.

In other news, we had a great time out in Huntsville last weekend playing on their sunny stage before the snow fell the next day:

(Sam Crump @samcrumpphoto, more at https://www.samcrumpphoto.com/Music/Huntsville-GP-2024)

We’re excited to come back next year! And, Ian, if you’re in town you’re always welcome to sit in with us.

Ian posing (uncharacteristically) at the Egyptian after a gig

sunshine, food trucks, cycle carts, beer … AND music

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

Walking around town we spied this poster featuring us!

This prominent display puts us in the mix alongside other friendly musicians (our favorite) and food trucks (also our favorite) and beer (arguably our most favorite for Tim and Adam, or at least a close second after music) and cycle carts (you just have to see to understand, a steampunk grownup version of go-carts …. but not really) and most especially a good time among the good vibe in Huntsville on Saturday.

Here’s the details provided by the folks who have ramped up Ogden Valley events, providing us a stage and big PA system and all the arrangements. Join us for sunshine and music.

We’re on from 1:30 – 3:00 this Saturday May 4 at Huntsville Town Square (free, all ages), but come early to say hi and stay late to listen to more music and enjoy the vibe.

Grand calendar

~ Adam Johnston ~ Leave a comment

What a grand year it’s going to be! We’ve just booked regular gigs at the Grand America Lobby Lounge through the end of the year, roughly once a month depending on various goings on. The gig calendar provides the forecast of these and other shows through December.

But you don’t have to look far in advance! This Friday, April 12, from 7:00 – 10:00p, we’ll be filling the luxurious space with music. Enjoy a Friday evening on the town after dinner or before your night out, or just open a tab and settle in on the couch and we’ll serenade you.

The summer is filling up already. If you need us in your backyard or at your wedding, you should let us know so we can fit you in between lounges, stages, and the occasional amphitheater!