On December 31st, I brought in the new year with some of my favorite people in the world at one of my favorite places in the world (123 Pleasant Street) while listening to one of my favorite bands in the world (63 Eyes). Though Im lucky enough to work with all the three members of the Eyes, Im still astounded by the menacing magic that occours when Mark Poole, Todd Burge and Billy Sheeder join forces to kick out their uber-classic, post hardcore jams. The Burge-meister is still the scariest front man around and watching Mark Poole play guitar is the equivalent to a live instruction video.
I can't rhyme anything with 2007 as I did with "staying alive in 2005". And I did, too. Lame catchphrases aside, 2007 is already shaping to be a great deal of fun. Bed spins and stomach cramps be damned, Im making good on my resolutions to gain 10 pounds and start smoking.
The Frustrations and I will be at 123 Pleasant Street this Saturday, January 13th with The Love-Me Knots. This will be our first local show of 2007 and should be great reminder of why Love-Me Knots front man and my ex-roommate Brian Porterfield is still one of the best songwriters in the Untied States. Large words I know, but one listen to "Welcome To My Good Time" should quell whatever doubts you may have. I'll also be joining the Knots on guitar for the end of their set.
The fine folks at TheGazz were kind of enough to vote "Born Of Frustration" as one of their favorite locally produced CDs in 2006. Check it out at www.thegazz.com.
In the new year spirit of renewal and change, I've updated the songs. You can now hear two from "Born Of Frustration" and an oldie from the days of wine, roses and western wear.
In November, Todd Burge and I taped a MountainStage show at Tamarack in Beckley, WV. This episode of the show (also featuring Bela Fleck, Jim Lauderdale, BearFoot and The Klezmatics) will be broadcast on your local NPR station on the weekend of January 19th. Check out www.mountainstage.org for your local NPR affilate and broadcast schedule.
On Tuesday, January 23rd, Kim Monday, Dilip Chandran and I will be traveling to NYC to back up our friend Patric Westoo at The Arlene Grocery under the name of Latvian Radio. Lavtian Radio's "Happiness Under A Hardwood Floor" (which is primarily a studio project involving Patric, Kim and Mark Poole) has been recieving some great air play on indie and online radio stations internationally. Apparently stations in Latvia are among the most receptive. This show has given me a great excuse to get out of town for a few days and get my drums out of my parents' basement. Latvian Rado @ The Arlene Grocery, 95 Stanton St, NYC. Tuesday, January 23rd, 9PM.
Directly after returning from NYC, Haley Slagle and I will be doing three dates with The Princes Of Hollywood from Athens, OH.
1/25 @ The Canal Street Tavern, Dayton, OH
1/26 @ Borders Instore, Columbus, OH
1/27 @ The Red Brick Taven, Athens, OH
While I have been called all talk, The Princes and I are planning number of tour dates together this Spring. Check the calendar for future shows.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Billy