It's been a long time……

So for those of you who don't read this, you won't know about all of the things that have happened over the past 5 months.  First of all, as all things in the universe change and evolve, so have we.  (We wouldn't be doing our part if we didn't.)  Our long time banjo player, The Colonel (or "knoxer", "knoxington", or Ian), has moved on to pursue a career in something that will help save the planet (and all of us in the long run).  He's not flying around with a cape and a big "K" on his chest but he is doing his part to help relieve this country's reliance on wasteful sources of energy by working to develop his knowledge and implementation of solar energy technologies throughout the great southwestern US.  That's his journey, and we love him for it.

Ironically, we've developed our own renewable source of energy in the form of a Staghorn.  "A what?" you ask.  "Did he just write 'Staghorn'?  Is that some mythical beast resurrected in some Frankensteinian way?  Was there lightening involved?  Isn't that a type of deer that roams unchecked in the Swiss Alps?"   Well, yes, in a sense.  After auditioning countless banjo players we found one in Chris Hersch.  And a true banjo player he is.  He's got chops that would make a butcher jealous, he's got licks that would make a golden retriever stare in awe, he's got timing that would make a watch repairman close up shop, he's got noodles that any Italian pasta chef would...well, you get the point.  He's been playing with us exclusively for a few months now and the response is phenomenal.  So next time you see us coming to your town, keep an eye out for the 12 point buck riding through the bar - that's the Staghorn.

Speaking of coming to your town, have you seen us yet?  We've been traveling like nomads these past few months around the great northeast trying to hit as many fresh ears as possible.  So, if you haven's seen us yet, we'll be back. 
Some memorable moments from recent shows would include when we played Nectars to a packed house of excited, energized fans; a highlight of the summer so far.  We also played some shows down at the Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehobeth, Delaware.  Those shows were rousing, energetic nights filled with lots of family, great food, and some of the best beer on the east coast.  (As a side note, the foot showers that line the boardwalk down there do not work well for rinsing the rest of you.  Keep that in mind.)

Looking ahead, we're ramping up full steam.  We've got a show tonight at FENWAY PARK!!!  We were chosen to play for the "Hot Stove, Cool Music" benefit show, along with some other local Boston bands and some nationally-known headliners like John Legend.  As musicians AND Red Sox fans, this is truly exciting for us to play in this historic venue.  We've got more local shows lined up, with our residency at the Paradise Lounge starting on Tuesday (August 28).  That's another Boston landmark that we are excited to tear up.  We've lined up different guest artists each night we're there so you never know what you'll get, but I assure you it's all going to be good.  Like a hootenanny.  With a Staghorn even.  (Well.)

In other news, we've also been in the studio working on tracks for the next album. And we've been developing some fun merch ideas for you all to purchase when you come to our shows.  So keep your eyes and ears out for the latest installment of our livelihoods...

Peace,

-G