CONCENTUAL ON TWITTER!

Concentual now have a page on Twitter. The page will be updated with their comings and goings and all the latest news.

Twitter is one of the many ways of keeping up to date on the band's activities. If Twitter's not your thing, you can also check them out at the below pages:

Facebook
ConcentualTheBand.com

Greetings, one and all!  As you can see, we've created a "Fan Shots" photo album, and would love it if you could send us some shots that we might otherwise not have seen.  They could be of the band, or just some random crazy photos taken at one of our shows!  Remember:  you're part of the show too! 

We couldn't resist posting this!  We didn't write it...but it's absolutely BRILLIANT!!

"HOW TO REQUEST A SONG FROM THE BAND"

When requesting a song from the band, just say "play .... my song!" We
have chips implanted in our heads with an
unlimited database of the favorite tunes of every patron who ever
walked into a bar and all* songs ever recorded so feel free to be
vague, we love the challenge.

An entertainer's job is so easy, even a monkey could do it, so don't
let them off the hook easily. Your request is all that matters. Once
you've figured out what genre of music the band plays, please make your
requests from a totally different genre. The more exaggerated the
better. If its a blues band playing, yell for some Metallica or Slayer
or Pantera. Likewise, if its a death-speed metal band, be sure to
request Brown-eyed Girl or some Grateful Dead.
Musicians need to constantly broaden their musical horizons, and its
your job to see that it happens....immediately.

If we say we really don't remember that tune you want, we're only
kidding. Bands do know every song ever recorded, so keep humming. Hum
harder if need be... it helps jog the memory, or just repeat your
request over and over again.

If a band tells you they do not know a song you want to hear, they
either forgot they know the tune or they are just putting you on. Try
singing a few words for the band. Any words will do.

It also helps to scream your request from across the room several times
per set followed by the phrases, "AW COME ON!" and, "YOU SUCK!"
Exaggerated hand gestures expressing disapproval from the dance floor
are a big help as well, such as the thumbs down or your middle finger
up Put-downs are the best way to jog a band's memory. This instantly
promotes you to the status of "Personal Friend Of The Band." You can
bet your request will be the next song we play.

Entertainers are notorious fakers and jokesters and never really
prepare for their shows. They simply walk on stage with no prior thought
to what they will do once they arrive. We don't actually make set lists
or rehearse songs. We mostly just wait for you to yell something out,
then fake it.

''TALKING WITH THE BAND''

The best time to discuss anything with the band in any meaningful way
is at the middle of a song when all band members are singing at the
same time. Our hearing is so advanced that we can pick out your tiny
voice from the megawatt wall of sound blasting all around us. And we can converse with
you in sign language while singing the song, so don't worry that we're
in the middle of the chorus.

Singers have the innate ability to answer questions and sing at the
same time. If the singer doesn't answer your questions immediately,
regardless of how stupid the question may seem, it's because they are
purposely ignoring you. If this happens, immediately cop an attitude.
We love this.

Musicians are expert lip readers too. If a musician does not reply to
your question or comment during a tune, it's because they didn't get a good look at your mouth in order to read your lips. Simply continue to

scream your request and be sure to over emphasize the words with your
lips. This helps immensely. Don't be fooled.

''IMPORTANT''

When an entertainer leans over to hear you better, grab his or her head
in both hands and yell directly into their ear, while holding their
head securely so they cannot pull away. This will be taken as an
invitation to a friendly and playful game of tug of war between their
head and your hands. Don't give up! Hang on until the singer or guitar
player submits. Drummers are often safe from this fun game since they
usually sit in the back, protected by the guitar players. Keyboard
players are protected by their instrument, and only play the game when
tricked into coming from behind their keyboards. Though difficult to
get them to play, it's not impossible, so keep trying.
They're especially vulnerable during the break between songs.

''HELPING THE BAND''

If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate
your help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain
standing on stage. If you're too drunk to stand unassisted, simply lean
on one of the band members or the most expensive piece of equipment you
see. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up
on stage and join in. By the way, the drunker you are, the better you
sound, and the louder you should sing. If by chance you fall off the
stage, be sure to crawl back up and attempt to sing harmony. Keep in
mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, fifth
and sixth part harmonies, or a tambourine played on one and three and
out of tempo. Try the cowbell; they love the challenge. The band always
needs the help and will take this as a compliment.

Finally, the microphone and PA system are merely props, they don't
really amplify your voice, so when you grab the mic out of the singers
hand be sure to scream into it at the top of your lungs, otherwise no
one will hear what a great singer you are. Hearing is over-rated
anyhow. The crowd and the sound guy will love you for it.

All the best,

-Concentual

This is just a quick, simple THANK YOU out there to (and for) the kind people we meet at our shows who either give us a compliment, a shot (or two), and even the occasional glimpse of a body part (hehehe) who really make the whole show that much better.  We’re out there to have fun, and you help us do that.

Now, I’ve noticed that often times I’ll have a great conversation with someone, ask them to PLEASE get a hold of us and stay in touch, only to find out later on that they figured we’d probably have forgotten about them even if they did.  To this, I must say BULLSHIT.   We enjoy speaking with you and hearing about your experiences, regardless of how distracted we may seem at the moment.  But we’re not...we’re listening intently, and are enjoying the chat.  So if you’ve bought us a shot, or shot the shit with us about the weather - keep in touch.  We WANT to see you at our next show...we WANT to hang out again.  Cool?  Cool.  Don’t be a stranger now, ya hear?  

-Lorenzo

Hello Everyone!

We will be celebrating the New Year in style at our favorite watering hole in Hopkins, Mainstreet Bar.  The club wanted us to let you all know that there will be TONS of food and drink specials, prize giveaways, party favors and FREE champagne at midnight!

Our good friends in Kerve will be opening the show for us at 9:00pm.  We will be taking the stage at around 10:00pm.

We hope you will all join us Monday for a great evening of dinner, drinks and dancing at Mainstreet to ring in 2008!!

If you're looking for a little fun before NYE, we will be at Bayside Grille in Excelsior on Friday, the 28^th and Monte's Sports Bar in Spring Lake Park on Saturday the 29^th.

We hope you all had a fantastic holiday and we hope to see you on NYE!! 

All the best,

-Paul, Brian, Steve & Lorenzo 

On the Horizon:

12/28 – Bayside – Excelsior, MN
12/29 – Monte's Sports Bar – Spring Lake Park, MN
12/31 – NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!!  - Mainstreet Bar & Grill – Hopkins, MN

2008:

1/11 – Red Carpet Nightclub – St. Cloud, MN
1/18 – Neisen's Sports Bar – Savage, MN
1/25 – Arizona's – Shakopee, MN
1/26 – Bayside – Excelsior, MN

Hello Friends!..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Thanks to everyone who braved the cold and snow to see us last weekend.  It was a blast! 

Well…we had such a fantastic time at the Fine Line last month that we are doing it again THIS Saturday (December 8th) at the Cabooze in ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Minneapolis.  It's Christmas at the Cabooze with Leep27, Stereoscope, Sunshine Behavior and US.  Need we say more?  We absolutely can not wait for this show!  Please invite all your friends and let's make this a party!  Doors open at 8:00pm and music starts at 9:00pm. 

If you're looking for a night of great music, Saturday will not disappoint!

Check out our fancy NEW map tool…

http://gruvr.com/show/344796

For more information and to check out the other great bands in the line-up click any of the links below:

http://www.cabooze.com/

www.leeptwentyseven.com

http://www.stereoscopemusic.com/

http://www.myspace.com/sunshinebehaviorband

For those of you also interested in shaking your boots on Friday (December 7th) as well, please join us at Canyon Grille in Eden Prairie.  Music starts at 9:00pm.  Definitely stop by early for their fantastic food.  Their drinks aren't too shabby either!  J

For directions and information click here:

Map: 
http://gruvr.com/show/344795

http://www.canyongrille.com/

We hope you all have an excellent week and we hope to see you ALL this weekend!  

All the best,

-Paul, Brian, Steve & Lorenzo

ON THE HORIZON:

Primetime – Burnsville, MN  – Thursday, December 13th

Mainstreet Bar – Hopkins, MN – Saturday, December 15th …the Wallets are back!

Vikings/Bears Pre-Game – Metrodome Plaza – Minneapolis, MN – Monday, December 17th

Hello Everyone!

We wanted you quickly let you know that we will be debuting at a new club (for us!) in Anoka called Serums Good Time Emporium tonight, September, 27th. We're always excited to play a new club and we've heard great things about Serums! Music starts at 8:00pm and there is NO cover charge.

On Friday the 28th, we are making the short trip down to Austin, MN to one of our favorite out-state clubs...Torge's! There is never a dull moment at Torge's!

Finally, we're saving the best for last with the Second Chance Animal Rescue event we're playing at O'Gara's in St. Paul on Saturday, September 29th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm with Tim Mahoney and the Brian Anthony Band. The event is called "Music for the Animals" and there will be a silent auction, raffle, drink specials and tons of animals. Admission is only $10 and all of the proceeds go to help the Second Chance Animal Rescue. Here is a link with all the details and activities going on that day:

http://www.secondchancerescue.org/music_for_the_animals.aspx

Thanks again for the continued support! We hope to see you this weekend!

All the best,

-Concentual (Paul, Steve, Brian & Lorenzo)

October 4th, Prime Time - Burnsville, MN
October 5th, Canyon Grille - Eden Prairie, MN
October 6th, Mainstreet Bar & Grill - Hopkins, MN
October 18th, Red Carpet Nightclub - St. Cloud, MN
October 19th, Commander Bar - Breezy Point, MN
October 20th, Commander Bar - Breezy Point, MN

Hello Friends!

We wanted to quickly report that the final estimate has come in for the 35W Bridge Relief Benefit and the latest estimate is over $25,000 raised for minnesotahelps.org to help the people affected by this devastating event!  Thank you!

So…you're probably asking, "What's with the subject line?!"  We, we wanted to take a second to tell you about a couple great things we have on the horizon.  First, we wanted to tell you about the Second Chance Animal Rescue event we're playing at O'Gara's in St. Paul on Saturday, September 29^th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm with Tim Mahoney and the Brian Anthony Band.  The event is called "Music for the Animals" and there will be a silent auction, raffle, drink specials and tons of animals.  Admission is only $10.  Here is a link with all the details and activities going on that day:

http://www.secondchancerescue.org/music_for_the_animals.aspx

Secondly, and pertaining to the "Monday Night Football" portion of the headline…  We have just been asked to play the MN Vikings Metrodome plaza party for their Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears on December 17th!  Yes, we realize that it is a couple months out but we are counting the days to this battle royale.  Especially Steve, the Bears fan in the band…but we won't hold that against him!    So set your VCR's or Tivo's or even better, buy up some tickets (if they're even available) and join us at 4:00pm on the plaza for some food, fun and tunes before the game!

Thanks again to everyone who made it out to Canyon Grille to see us last weekend.  We are off this week due to Paul road-tripping and wine tasting in California.  Our next show will be on September 1^st for the Duluth Pride Festival.  That's going to be a FUN one!

All the best,

-Concentual (Paul, Brian, Steve & Lorenzo)

Hello Friends!

An IMMENSE thank you goes out to all of you who came out to the Fine Line Music Café on Sunday night to help us celebrate this great cause.  Together with the other 10 bands on the bill we managed to raise over $17,000 for the Minnesota Helps Fund: Bridge Disaster Fund and www.minnesotahelps.org.  Another big thank you goes out to the Fine Line and all their staff for putting on this benefit!

This event and cause has generated a huge buzz in the community and was featured on several local news stations:

FOX 9

or:  http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?c..4044893&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

WCCO

or:  http://wcco.com/local/local_story_225084926.html

If you weren't able to attend the show on Sunday and are still interested in helping the relief fund, please click on the Minnesota Helps website above and scroll down to the "Contribute" button.

All the best,

-Concentual (Paul, Brian, Steve & Lorenzo)

p.s.  We'll write more soon about our fun last weekend with 4 shows in 3 days!  :)