Boston Phoenix nominates Miss Tess for the 2010 Best Music Poll in the "Roots" category - April 18, 2010
Visit here to vote ---> http://thephoenix.com/bmp/Boston/Vote/Roots/
Miss Tess: News
New Miss Tess Blog! - November 2, 2009
Hello everyone. Check out my new blog ---> http://misstessmusic.wordpress.com/
Miss Tess on Vanity Fair website - September 11, 2009
Check out "I'm on Top of the World", playing behind this video on the Vanity Fair website (after the Bloomingdale's commercial) ---> http://www.vanityfair.com/video?videoID=31395093001
The last bits – March tour part ii - March 21, 2009
Our March tour is slowly but surely coming to an end. I’m sitting in the van typing as the Virginia sun glares through the window. I am in the hot seat. I just listened to two episodes of NPR’s “This American Life”, a new favorite. Sometimes when you wear earphones, it’s possible to pretend nobody is in the car, except for Ira Glass.
We had a fun show in Asheville last night at Jack of the Wood. This is the first time we’ve actually played in town. It’s hard to get a gig there because it’s such a popular spot and Asheville itself is bubbling over with musicians. We wore our jackets for the first time in a while and we are hoping to slowly adjust to non-Florida temperatures. Is it still freezing in Boston?
The night before last we played a gig at the Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. Had we know it was a late St. Patrick’s Day Party, we might’ve learned some Irish tunes for the old folks. The funniest moment of the evening was when a woman started questioning our drummer about me – was I married (I’m not))? The gentleman says “No honey, that’s a woman of experience”. She says, “ooooooh”. I do write a lot of songs about love, so I guess it’s a reasonable assumption.
We had a great time in Gainesville. One of my dearest friends grew up there and keeps dragging me back to play for her friends. She lives in Boston now, but is still a Gainesville queen. We spent time with some lovely new friends, went to a punk rock party, and swam in beautiful natural springs. Our drummer, Matt, is a jersey boy. When we were walking through the woods admiring the scenery he goes “What’s that smell?” Hazel replied, “trees”.
I have to say we rocked Charlotte pretty hard. Or maybe we lulled it gently side to side. We were one of six bands playing that night, the other five bands performing at ear bleeding volumes. However, after the first layer of our ear drums turned numb, they were pretty decent bands. The sound guy that night was probably one of the most disinterested people I’ve ever worked with. Maybe he was having a bad day.
On to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to play at one our favorite spots, Clementine’s. Then West Virginia, where hopefully we will get some more of that xxx. And then DC, to Blues Alley, a legendary jazz club. Nineteen shows in twenty-four days, and back to Boston. Then we freeze and turn back into snow people at midnight.
We had a fun show in Asheville last night at Jack of the Wood. This is the first time we’ve actually played in town. It’s hard to get a gig there because it’s such a popular spot and Asheville itself is bubbling over with musicians. We wore our jackets for the first time in a while and we are hoping to slowly adjust to non-Florida temperatures. Is it still freezing in Boston?
The night before last we played a gig at the Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. Had we know it was a late St. Patrick’s Day Party, we might’ve learned some Irish tunes for the old folks. The funniest moment of the evening was when a woman started questioning our drummer about me – was I married (I’m not))? The gentleman says “No honey, that’s a woman of experience”. She says, “ooooooh”. I do write a lot of songs about love, so I guess it’s a reasonable assumption.
We had a great time in Gainesville. One of my dearest friends grew up there and keeps dragging me back to play for her friends. She lives in Boston now, but is still a Gainesville queen. We spent time with some lovely new friends, went to a punk rock party, and swam in beautiful natural springs. Our drummer, Matt, is a jersey boy. When we were walking through the woods admiring the scenery he goes “What’s that smell?” Hazel replied, “trees”.
I have to say we rocked Charlotte pretty hard. Or maybe we lulled it gently side to side. We were one of six bands playing that night, the other five bands performing at ear bleeding volumes. However, after the first layer of our ear drums turned numb, they were pretty decent bands. The sound guy that night was probably one of the most disinterested people I’ve ever worked with. Maybe he was having a bad day.
On to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to play at one our favorite spots, Clementine’s. Then West Virginia, where hopefully we will get some more of that xxx. And then DC, to Blues Alley, a legendary jazz club. Nineteen shows in twenty-four days, and back to Boston. Then we freeze and turn back into snow people at midnight.
A mid-tour vacation – March Tour 2009 - March 9, 2009
Today I woke up at noon and spent the whole day soaking up rays on the beach. We are in Florida on the gulf coast relaxing for a few days in our own private beach house. These accommodations were generously donated to the band by a complete stranger (by stranger I mean GODSEND). We met her at our first show in Brooklyn. There are some perks to being a musician. And, by the way, we had a great show in Brooklyn at 68 Jay St. The audience sang along to “I’m on Top of the World”, even while the band wasn’t singing it, even outside after the band finished playing although they seemed to think the lyrics were “I’m on Top of the World, stepping on the people below” – for those not knowing the song the lyrics are “looking at the people below”.
After nyc, we played a Monday night in Charlottesville to an enthusiastic crowd of about ten (including the opening band) on a frigid Virginia evening. After the show we drove about six hours to Knoxville, so we could play the next morning on the “Blue Plate Special”, a daily live radio show hosted on WDVX radio. We love this show even though we are often dazed by lack of sleep – great sound, great crowd, folks come to watch on their downtown lunch breaks. The next day the black viper (our minivan) got a brand new alternator.
Thursday we returned to JJ’s Bohemia in Chattanooga. I was happy that Shirtless Dave was there, but sad he couldn’t stay for the show. We enjoyed the local chap, Lon Eldridge, who opened up the show (and put up the band) with the sweet sounds of fingerpickin’ blues. We were happy to have made it to the show on time, after the top to our rooftop carrier blew off on the highway. Luckily, all of our luggage landed squarely in the pull off lane so we were able to rescue it. We did lose a couple sleeping pads and some merchandise – if anyone wants a free cd, they might be able to find a couple on the side of highway 81.
Friday we got into some warm weather in Augusta, Georgia. We landed downtown to find ourselves in the middle of a giant party on the streets. We played all night at a friendly place called the Stillwater Taproom. Thanks to Val for letting the band stay overnight.
We went back to Savannah the next day, and were please to see people had returned to see us. It was also nice being remembered and appreciated by the staff of the restaurant. Also thanks to Bill and Sarah for picking up our tab. We think you should have the band play a house party at your place on the island next time…
After nyc, we played a Monday night in Charlottesville to an enthusiastic crowd of about ten (including the opening band) on a frigid Virginia evening. After the show we drove about six hours to Knoxville, so we could play the next morning on the “Blue Plate Special”, a daily live radio show hosted on WDVX radio. We love this show even though we are often dazed by lack of sleep – great sound, great crowd, folks come to watch on their downtown lunch breaks. The next day the black viper (our minivan) got a brand new alternator.
Thursday we returned to JJ’s Bohemia in Chattanooga. I was happy that Shirtless Dave was there, but sad he couldn’t stay for the show. We enjoyed the local chap, Lon Eldridge, who opened up the show (and put up the band) with the sweet sounds of fingerpickin’ blues. We were happy to have made it to the show on time, after the top to our rooftop carrier blew off on the highway. Luckily, all of our luggage landed squarely in the pull off lane so we were able to rescue it. We did lose a couple sleeping pads and some merchandise – if anyone wants a free cd, they might be able to find a couple on the side of highway 81.
Friday we got into some warm weather in Augusta, Georgia. We landed downtown to find ourselves in the middle of a giant party on the streets. We played all night at a friendly place called the Stillwater Taproom. Thanks to Val for letting the band stay overnight.
We went back to Savannah the next day, and were please to see people had returned to see us. It was also nice being remembered and appreciated by the staff of the restaurant. Also thanks to Bill and Sarah for picking up our tab. We think you should have the band play a house party at your place on the island next time…
A Midwest Heat Wave -- Feb 2009 Tourblog - February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 4th, Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade set out to the Midwest, fearing the worst of winter’s depths. We arrived safely to play at Abilene, a five-month-old music venue. Upon arrival, we noticed we had somehow gotten a picture and an article in every newspaper. We even got a review of the show in the City Paper:
“Things don't really dawn on me anymore. They sneak up from behind and brain me. I believe all epiphanies hurt -- you're letting go, after all. Boston's Miss Tess and The Bon Ton Parade caterwauled all Tin Pan Alley over by the jukebox as I slurped coffee, exchanged pleasantries with well-wishers, and admired the pretty girls at Abilene Wednesday night. And you know what I discovered? I don't always like watching bands. Don't get me wrong, Miss Tess was quite pretty and callipygous, and the band looked like it had emerged from a sepia-toned photograph. But the music was just too good to stand there and stare. Music like this is the soundtrack for all that goes on in the joint. The Bon Ton Parade swung sweetly as Miss Tess strummed and crooned with a brisling innuendo, disguised just slightly by her pretty voice. Oh, and the gal dusted off some Fats Waller, too.
Thanks to Barbara, local drummer from the band “Peitzsche Nietzche”, or is it the “Pee Chi Knee Cheez”, or is it the “Peachy Nietzches”? for putting up the band and taking us to the wonderful Rochester farmer’s market, where I purchased probably ten pounds of fruit in hopes to help keep us regular on our travels.
Thursday we drove on to Cleveland, returning to the Beachland Tavern. Proof we ain’t in it for the money, the band made $42 that night. A three-hour drive, Cleveland’s biggest pothole, a crack in the windshield, and $42. Thanks to Mark, one of our truly dedicated fans, for putting us up and keeping us well fed.
Chicago was warm. So began the Midwest heat wave of over-fifty-degrees-in-the-middle-of-February-which-we-are-extremely-grateful-for. We had a cozy show at the Red Line Tap, sharing a bill with local band, The Sons of Susan, a novelty-esque swing and jazz band. Attached to the bar is the Heartland Café, which has been around since the 70s and has some really good vegetarian food. Thanks to Jessie & Matt for putting us up in their wonderful loft again.
Saturday we arrived in Donnellson, Iowa, a small town with a population of about 1000 people. We had been invited to play at a concert series called “Music Under the Water Tower”, which it really just that ¬– music played in the Donnellson American Legion Hall located right under a water tower. We had a great show, playing for about 130 people in small-town America. Doug, the organizer of the series, put us up in his farmhouse, where the band got to enjoy a little rustic solace. We saw a lot of cows and barns in Iowa.
Des Moines was our other Iowa stop. The boys were excited about the all-you-can-eat spaghetti restaurant we found there. The Vaudeville Mews is a pretty cool venue. It might’ve been nice had there been more of a crowd, but the band made the best of the situation and played an intimate acoustic set off-stage, and the eight people watching seemed to really enjoy it. I told them when I am rich and famous, they would be able to tell their friends all about it.
Monday we played for a lucky eighteen people at the High Noon Saloon and shared a bill with some lovely musicians who have formed a local group called the Stellanovas. After the show, we went to see Clyde Stubblefield, one of James Brown’s first drummers, and creator of many classic funk drum beats. For Bostonians, this would’ve been a similar scene to any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night at the Cantab Lounge.
The next day we walked up and down Madison’s State Street for hours and hours and hours. After that, we tried to get into the top of the capital building. We tried a lot of stairways and walkways, but to no avail. And none of the states people would tell us how to get up there, or acknowledge our presence at all. Stupid tourists…
One last night in Madison, and we played a swing dance for a bunch of grad students. They had some good moves. It’s fun being the audience for a change.
Thursday finds us in La Crosse, Michigan, a town we have only played in once before. This time we play at the Pump House, a nice performing theater. One of the best things about my visit to La Crosse was the hot tub in the hotel where we were staying. Rest those weary bones…
Friday we journeyed to South Haven, Michigan to play at this place called Foundry Hall. Too bad it was the middle of February or we might’ve been able to enjoy some of the lovely beaches alongside of lake Michigan.
Our last show of the tour was on Valentine’s Day in what one of my fans called “The Squarest Town in America” – Livonia, Michigan “Funny. I looked up your schedule and see that you're playing in my hometown on Valentine’s Day 2009. All of the major roads in Livonia are exactly one mile apart....and they're creatively named: 5 mile, 6 mile, 7 mile. 8 mile, 9 mile and 10 mile roads...the major roads that perpendicular to the 'mile' roads are better named, but also exactly one mile apart...that means that the entire city is perfectly square. It’s 6 miles wide and six miles tall for a perfect 36 square miles. Somebody thought of that a hundred years ago and wanted all of the cities in Michigan to look that way. For a variety of reasons it never happened, except for in Livonia. We all lived in square houses, on square streets in a perfectly square town, literally. Try to play your extra raunchy stuff in Livonia. The folks there will love it.” Despite the squareness of the town, and the icy roads that seemed to surround the town, we had a great last show to a packed house.
And now we drive across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York as I type on Route 90. Only eight hours to go I reckon…
“Things don't really dawn on me anymore. They sneak up from behind and brain me. I believe all epiphanies hurt -- you're letting go, after all. Boston's Miss Tess and The Bon Ton Parade caterwauled all Tin Pan Alley over by the jukebox as I slurped coffee, exchanged pleasantries with well-wishers, and admired the pretty girls at Abilene Wednesday night. And you know what I discovered? I don't always like watching bands. Don't get me wrong, Miss Tess was quite pretty and callipygous, and the band looked like it had emerged from a sepia-toned photograph. But the music was just too good to stand there and stare. Music like this is the soundtrack for all that goes on in the joint. The Bon Ton Parade swung sweetly as Miss Tess strummed and crooned with a brisling innuendo, disguised just slightly by her pretty voice. Oh, and the gal dusted off some Fats Waller, too.
Thanks to Barbara, local drummer from the band “Peitzsche Nietzche”, or is it the “Pee Chi Knee Cheez”, or is it the “Peachy Nietzches”? for putting up the band and taking us to the wonderful Rochester farmer’s market, where I purchased probably ten pounds of fruit in hopes to help keep us regular on our travels.
Thursday we drove on to Cleveland, returning to the Beachland Tavern. Proof we ain’t in it for the money, the band made $42 that night. A three-hour drive, Cleveland’s biggest pothole, a crack in the windshield, and $42. Thanks to Mark, one of our truly dedicated fans, for putting us up and keeping us well fed.
Chicago was warm. So began the Midwest heat wave of over-fifty-degrees-in-the-middle-of-February-which-we-are-extremely-grateful-for. We had a cozy show at the Red Line Tap, sharing a bill with local band, The Sons of Susan, a novelty-esque swing and jazz band. Attached to the bar is the Heartland Café, which has been around since the 70s and has some really good vegetarian food. Thanks to Jessie & Matt for putting us up in their wonderful loft again.
Saturday we arrived in Donnellson, Iowa, a small town with a population of about 1000 people. We had been invited to play at a concert series called “Music Under the Water Tower”, which it really just that ¬– music played in the Donnellson American Legion Hall located right under a water tower. We had a great show, playing for about 130 people in small-town America. Doug, the organizer of the series, put us up in his farmhouse, where the band got to enjoy a little rustic solace. We saw a lot of cows and barns in Iowa.
Des Moines was our other Iowa stop. The boys were excited about the all-you-can-eat spaghetti restaurant we found there. The Vaudeville Mews is a pretty cool venue. It might’ve been nice had there been more of a crowd, but the band made the best of the situation and played an intimate acoustic set off-stage, and the eight people watching seemed to really enjoy it. I told them when I am rich and famous, they would be able to tell their friends all about it.
Monday we played for a lucky eighteen people at the High Noon Saloon and shared a bill with some lovely musicians who have formed a local group called the Stellanovas. After the show, we went to see Clyde Stubblefield, one of James Brown’s first drummers, and creator of many classic funk drum beats. For Bostonians, this would’ve been a similar scene to any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night at the Cantab Lounge.
The next day we walked up and down Madison’s State Street for hours and hours and hours. After that, we tried to get into the top of the capital building. We tried a lot of stairways and walkways, but to no avail. And none of the states people would tell us how to get up there, or acknowledge our presence at all. Stupid tourists…
One last night in Madison, and we played a swing dance for a bunch of grad students. They had some good moves. It’s fun being the audience for a change.
Thursday finds us in La Crosse, Michigan, a town we have only played in once before. This time we play at the Pump House, a nice performing theater. One of the best things about my visit to La Crosse was the hot tub in the hotel where we were staying. Rest those weary bones…
Friday we journeyed to South Haven, Michigan to play at this place called Foundry Hall. Too bad it was the middle of February or we might’ve been able to enjoy some of the lovely beaches alongside of lake Michigan.
Our last show of the tour was on Valentine’s Day in what one of my fans called “The Squarest Town in America” – Livonia, Michigan “Funny. I looked up your schedule and see that you're playing in my hometown on Valentine’s Day 2009. All of the major roads in Livonia are exactly one mile apart....and they're creatively named: 5 mile, 6 mile, 7 mile. 8 mile, 9 mile and 10 mile roads...the major roads that perpendicular to the 'mile' roads are better named, but also exactly one mile apart...that means that the entire city is perfectly square. It’s 6 miles wide and six miles tall for a perfect 36 square miles. Somebody thought of that a hundred years ago and wanted all of the cities in Michigan to look that way. For a variety of reasons it never happened, except for in Livonia. We all lived in square houses, on square streets in a perfectly square town, literally. Try to play your extra raunchy stuff in Livonia. The folks there will love it.” Despite the squareness of the town, and the icy roads that seemed to surround the town, we had a great last show to a packed house.
And now we drive across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York as I type on Route 90. Only eight hours to go I reckon…
Miss Tess wins a Boston Music Award - January 7, 2009
Miss Tess wins "Oustanding Folk Artist of the Year" in the 2008 Boston Music Awards. Thank you for voting!
Saving up for Turkey Tour - November 28, 2008
Nov. 15 ~~~~ Today the Miss Tess Trio set out from Boston to the tiny town of Cornwall Bridge, CT pop. 600. After Hartford it was about an hour and a half of back roads. We were welcomed by about 4 people and a tornado warning. This was officially our first show that we played in a doorway or "what they call the stage". (Part of our self-entertainment efforts while we're on tour is to make stupid puns and jokes that aren't often very funny unless you've been riding in the van for at least three hours and know all of the titles to our songs. This is a reference to a song I wrote, "What They Call the Door".) Luckily, we got a nice meal out of the night. After the show it was a dark and stormy night in the middle of nowhere, and an evening drive through woods and covered bridges until we got to New York City.
Nov. 16 ~~~~ Now I'm split up from the group, left to my own devices in the big apple. I took the scenic route from Midtown down to the East Village. Just wandering aimlessly, I happened to stumble across one of the area's finest mouth trombone men (not actually sure if there is more than one), Lipbone Redding, playing a Sunday brunch gig at some jazz bar. As any of you know from seeing a Miss Tess show, I too attempt to take horn solos with my mouth. I studied closely as I sipped on a Bloody Mary.
Next I drove to DUMBO (that's down under the Manhattan bridge overpass) to stop in a bar to see if a friend was working. On my walk I saw a topless lady in heels being photographed on the sidewalk, amidst maybe fifteen oogling fellas screaming out their window at her. Soon there was a cop car stopped. I thought the man might be in trouble, but the cop was simply asking him what kind of camera he was using. Later on, I learned that women are actually allowed by law to be topless in New York – it was some equal rights ruling. Also, according to the ruling, a policeman is allowed to offer a topless lady his shirt.
We had a good show in Brooklyn at the Jalopy Theater. Finally, a good show in New York. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. We're doing our best here.
Nov. 17 ~~~~~ Today's mission is to visit a true national gem, Coney Island. I made it there with a friend by dusk, just in time to take some photos of the Cyclone, the Parashoot Drop, and my personal favorite, Shoot the Freak. This is a game where you get to shoot paintballs at some poor sap running around in a very confined area. Unfortunately Shoot the Freak is closed for good. What's wrong with this world?
Nov. 18 ~~~~~ Time for free food at the parents' house in MD. If anyone ever comes across a touring musician, feed them. The Bon Tons reunite and the minivan gets four new tires…
Nov. 19 ~~~~~ Back to Clementine's in downtown Harrisonburg, VA. Everybody rocks there and the food is really yummy.
Nov. 20 ~~~~~ Today we saw the first snow of the trip, a light dusting in the mountains of West Virginia. We will soon arrive in Kentucky to play at a joint called Al's Bar in Lexington. So far we've heard great things about this place – "it's a great place for a knuckle sandwich" or "a nice spot for a ten dollar blowjob". We'll see how this goes.
Nov. 21 ~~~~~ The gig last night at Al's was actually not too bad, considering it was snowing and really freaking cold. We played for the brave southern souls who attended the show and sampled some fine Kentucky bourbons and whiskeys. Then some nice people let us sleep at their house.
Today we played at a preview for the Good Folk Fest in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby. I'd like to go sometime. I've heard it's like Mardi Gras. I also heard the Queen of England owns more of Kentucky than we do. She's a big fan of horses. The gig was at a pig-slaughterhouse-turned-arts-center. They actually hired Tibetan Monks to come pray at the center to make the bad pig spirits leave. Some people claim to have chased "pig ghosts".
After our first show, we played another show at this swell place called The Lounge. We were one of four bands playing, including The Traveling Snakes (real-deal mountain music – sorry Boston, realer than your old time musicians), Mad Tea Party (ukulele rock 'n roll, and our buds from Asheville), and Scotty Karate (crazy man from Brooklyn). After the show we ate pizza at a punk rock pizza joint that serves beer and pizza until 5am (another one-up on Boston).
Nov. 22 ~~~~~ A long drive today took us from Louisville to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alec and I played scrabble in the car today. The game's not over yet, but I'm winning by a lot. We got a picture and a write up in today's paper. Most of the content of the article was taken from my past tour blogs about Chattanooga. So basically, it read "Miss Tess is playing tonight and here's what she thinks of our town." It's funny because most of my commentary as of late has been about people getting' down on the dance floor and not wearing various pieces of clothing we might think are essential in Boston. Our show at Charles & Myrtle's tonight was about the opposite of our usual experiences. It was a quaint listening room and everyone was wearing all of their clothes.
Nov. 23 ~~~~~ Today we returned to Huntsville, Alabama. We visited with our pal Rita (a.k.a. "Helen Keller's Ukulele", aptly named one night by the Jon from "Christabel and The Jons" after some relentless ukulele tuning one night) and played with her at the Flying Monkey. Paul Dilley was having tummy problems all day. Moral of the story: don't eat sushi in Tennessee…
Nov. 24 ~~~~~ After one accident (not us) and a lot of rain, we arrived in Knoxville. We stole Christabel's drummer Jon for our show at Barley's Taproom. We made him wear a blonde wig so people didn't miss Gillian too much. I'm not sure if it was us, the two dollar pints, the Monday night football happening on a few small tvs, or the blonde wig, but Barley's was packed on a Monday night. We had a great last show (well, second to last…we played on the WDVX "Blue Plate Special" the next day at noon and that was also awesome) of the tour and we love Knoxville.
Until next time…
Nov. 16 ~~~~ Now I'm split up from the group, left to my own devices in the big apple. I took the scenic route from Midtown down to the East Village. Just wandering aimlessly, I happened to stumble across one of the area's finest mouth trombone men (not actually sure if there is more than one), Lipbone Redding, playing a Sunday brunch gig at some jazz bar. As any of you know from seeing a Miss Tess show, I too attempt to take horn solos with my mouth. I studied closely as I sipped on a Bloody Mary.
Next I drove to DUMBO (that's down under the Manhattan bridge overpass) to stop in a bar to see if a friend was working. On my walk I saw a topless lady in heels being photographed on the sidewalk, amidst maybe fifteen oogling fellas screaming out their window at her. Soon there was a cop car stopped. I thought the man might be in trouble, but the cop was simply asking him what kind of camera he was using. Later on, I learned that women are actually allowed by law to be topless in New York – it was some equal rights ruling. Also, according to the ruling, a policeman is allowed to offer a topless lady his shirt.
We had a good show in Brooklyn at the Jalopy Theater. Finally, a good show in New York. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. We're doing our best here.
Nov. 17 ~~~~~ Today's mission is to visit a true national gem, Coney Island. I made it there with a friend by dusk, just in time to take some photos of the Cyclone, the Parashoot Drop, and my personal favorite, Shoot the Freak. This is a game where you get to shoot paintballs at some poor sap running around in a very confined area. Unfortunately Shoot the Freak is closed for good. What's wrong with this world?
Nov. 18 ~~~~~ Time for free food at the parents' house in MD. If anyone ever comes across a touring musician, feed them. The Bon Tons reunite and the minivan gets four new tires…
Nov. 19 ~~~~~ Back to Clementine's in downtown Harrisonburg, VA. Everybody rocks there and the food is really yummy.
Nov. 20 ~~~~~ Today we saw the first snow of the trip, a light dusting in the mountains of West Virginia. We will soon arrive in Kentucky to play at a joint called Al's Bar in Lexington. So far we've heard great things about this place – "it's a great place for a knuckle sandwich" or "a nice spot for a ten dollar blowjob". We'll see how this goes.
Nov. 21 ~~~~~ The gig last night at Al's was actually not too bad, considering it was snowing and really freaking cold. We played for the brave southern souls who attended the show and sampled some fine Kentucky bourbons and whiskeys. Then some nice people let us sleep at their house.
Today we played at a preview for the Good Folk Fest in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby. I'd like to go sometime. I've heard it's like Mardi Gras. I also heard the Queen of England owns more of Kentucky than we do. She's a big fan of horses. The gig was at a pig-slaughterhouse-turned-arts-center. They actually hired Tibetan Monks to come pray at the center to make the bad pig spirits leave. Some people claim to have chased "pig ghosts".
After our first show, we played another show at this swell place called The Lounge. We were one of four bands playing, including The Traveling Snakes (real-deal mountain music – sorry Boston, realer than your old time musicians), Mad Tea Party (ukulele rock 'n roll, and our buds from Asheville), and Scotty Karate (crazy man from Brooklyn). After the show we ate pizza at a punk rock pizza joint that serves beer and pizza until 5am (another one-up on Boston).
Nov. 22 ~~~~~ A long drive today took us from Louisville to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Alec and I played scrabble in the car today. The game's not over yet, but I'm winning by a lot. We got a picture and a write up in today's paper. Most of the content of the article was taken from my past tour blogs about Chattanooga. So basically, it read "Miss Tess is playing tonight and here's what she thinks of our town." It's funny because most of my commentary as of late has been about people getting' down on the dance floor and not wearing various pieces of clothing we might think are essential in Boston. Our show at Charles & Myrtle's tonight was about the opposite of our usual experiences. It was a quaint listening room and everyone was wearing all of their clothes.
Nov. 23 ~~~~~ Today we returned to Huntsville, Alabama. We visited with our pal Rita (a.k.a. "Helen Keller's Ukulele", aptly named one night by the Jon from "Christabel and The Jons" after some relentless ukulele tuning one night) and played with her at the Flying Monkey. Paul Dilley was having tummy problems all day. Moral of the story: don't eat sushi in Tennessee…
Nov. 24 ~~~~~ After one accident (not us) and a lot of rain, we arrived in Knoxville. We stole Christabel's drummer Jon for our show at Barley's Taproom. We made him wear a blonde wig so people didn't miss Gillian too much. I'm not sure if it was us, the two dollar pints, the Monday night football happening on a few small tvs, or the blonde wig, but Barley's was packed on a Monday night. We had a great last show (well, second to last…we played on the WDVX "Blue Plate Special" the next day at noon and that was also awesome) of the tour and we love Knoxville.
Until next time…
Miss Tess nominated for a Boston Music Award - November 23, 2008
Yup, it's true. In the "Oustanding Folk Act of the Year" category. You can vote for your favorite artist here ---> http://contest.flyfi.com/bostonmusicawards08/
crickets, broken windshields, and sweet west virginia moonshine - September 22, 2008
And so set out Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade on another epic journey through the southeastern United States...
We started out in Charm City - that's Baltimore for those who haven't been. One day maybe we'll be able to get this city's attention.
Next stop was the Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach. Not only do I love Dogfish Head beer (almost as much as whiskey), but this beach was a frequent vacation spot for my family when I was a wee lass. We ate some greasy boardwalk food, went swimming in the ocean, and might've had a much better gig had there not been an impending hurricane.
The following day our trip brought us to a coffeehouse called Chaplin's, due west of Philadelphia. We had a great show and a packed house. The only unfortunate part was we didn't get to occupy much of the stage, as it was mostly taken up by the headliner's drum set, an amazing semi-circled assortment of drums and percussive elements including chimes, a rain stick, and a gong.
We had an interesting accompanist at our show at Clementine’s in Harrisonburg, VA,– the loudest goddamn cricket you’ve ever heard.
Oh what fun we have at our Monday night gigs in new towns. Today was our first visit to Johnson City, Tennessee. We played at a hang-out hang-in joint called the Acoustic Coffeehouse. I was happy to see Chattanooga is not the only town in Tennessee where people throw down and dance, regardless of how much clothing they’re wearing.
We were happy to return to Knoxville the next day, and play again on WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special” with the Smart Brothers. The show’s host, Matt Morelock, is basically our hero.
Wednesday, we drove back to Norm’s River Roadhouse in Nashville. I think the cricket from Harrisonburg hopped into our minivan and decided to make another appearance. Sad part is you could hear the little bastard.
Now here’s where the broken windshield comes into play…On our drive into Savannah on Rt. 17, right before the bridge entering the city, some jerk threw something out his window as he was passing, and smashed our windshield. As an old friend use to say “If assholes could fly, we’d never be able to see the sun again”. We made it to the gig on time, this upscale restaurant called Jazz’d Tapas, which is just that – jazz (us) and tapas. That night we stayed at the seediest hotel in our tour history.
After a two gig run in Savannah, we drove to Charleston, South Carolina. We got our windshield fixed, swam in the ocean, and met up with The Bowmans, perpetually touring identical twins that sing like birds, for a gig at the Tin Roof. The next day we went swimming in the ocean again and enjoyed a few days off.
Driving, driving, driving up to Charlottesville, VA to debut at the Gravity Lounge with fellow Bostonians, Eilen Jewell. Always a good show when we share a bill with these guys. Jason, Eilen’s drummer, got a nice birthday cookie as he made a wish and blew out a candle on stage. After the show we all got to hang out with Moonshine Millie and much merriment was had.
The next day brought us to the Purple Fiddle, in the very small town of Thomas, West Virginia. Bad news, not so many came to the show. Good news, the people that did come were tops - our friend Mark came all the way from Cleveland, OH to record the show, we had an excellent bunch of locals hootin’ and holleran’ and…we got to bring back sweet heavenly moonshine. God bless West Virginia.
And then we were back on the Eastern Shore, in Chestertown, MD to a small local bar called Andy’s, who we soon found out is a she. We had some family come out, mom and dad sat in with us on stage, and generally had a pleasant night.
Our last gig of the tour was in Brooklyn, at the Jalopy Theater. This place is cool. The on-stage monitors made it sound like we were singing through an old radio. It was great last show for the twelve people who came out. After the show, we high-tailed it back to our own beds in Boston, where I woke up at 4pm this afternoon…
We started out in Charm City - that's Baltimore for those who haven't been. One day maybe we'll be able to get this city's attention.
Next stop was the Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach. Not only do I love Dogfish Head beer (almost as much as whiskey), but this beach was a frequent vacation spot for my family when I was a wee lass. We ate some greasy boardwalk food, went swimming in the ocean, and might've had a much better gig had there not been an impending hurricane.
The following day our trip brought us to a coffeehouse called Chaplin's, due west of Philadelphia. We had a great show and a packed house. The only unfortunate part was we didn't get to occupy much of the stage, as it was mostly taken up by the headliner's drum set, an amazing semi-circled assortment of drums and percussive elements including chimes, a rain stick, and a gong.
We had an interesting accompanist at our show at Clementine’s in Harrisonburg, VA,– the loudest goddamn cricket you’ve ever heard.
Oh what fun we have at our Monday night gigs in new towns. Today was our first visit to Johnson City, Tennessee. We played at a hang-out hang-in joint called the Acoustic Coffeehouse. I was happy to see Chattanooga is not the only town in Tennessee where people throw down and dance, regardless of how much clothing they’re wearing.
We were happy to return to Knoxville the next day, and play again on WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special” with the Smart Brothers. The show’s host, Matt Morelock, is basically our hero.
Wednesday, we drove back to Norm’s River Roadhouse in Nashville. I think the cricket from Harrisonburg hopped into our minivan and decided to make another appearance. Sad part is you could hear the little bastard.
Now here’s where the broken windshield comes into play…On our drive into Savannah on Rt. 17, right before the bridge entering the city, some jerk threw something out his window as he was passing, and smashed our windshield. As an old friend use to say “If assholes could fly, we’d never be able to see the sun again”. We made it to the gig on time, this upscale restaurant called Jazz’d Tapas, which is just that – jazz (us) and tapas. That night we stayed at the seediest hotel in our tour history.
After a two gig run in Savannah, we drove to Charleston, South Carolina. We got our windshield fixed, swam in the ocean, and met up with The Bowmans, perpetually touring identical twins that sing like birds, for a gig at the Tin Roof. The next day we went swimming in the ocean again and enjoyed a few days off.
Driving, driving, driving up to Charlottesville, VA to debut at the Gravity Lounge with fellow Bostonians, Eilen Jewell. Always a good show when we share a bill with these guys. Jason, Eilen’s drummer, got a nice birthday cookie as he made a wish and blew out a candle on stage. After the show we all got to hang out with Moonshine Millie and much merriment was had.
The next day brought us to the Purple Fiddle, in the very small town of Thomas, West Virginia. Bad news, not so many came to the show. Good news, the people that did come were tops - our friend Mark came all the way from Cleveland, OH to record the show, we had an excellent bunch of locals hootin’ and holleran’ and…we got to bring back sweet heavenly moonshine. God bless West Virginia.
And then we were back on the Eastern Shore, in Chestertown, MD to a small local bar called Andy’s, who we soon found out is a she. We had some family come out, mom and dad sat in with us on stage, and generally had a pleasant night.
Our last gig of the tour was in Brooklyn, at the Jalopy Theater. This place is cool. The on-stage monitors made it sound like we were singing through an old radio. It was great last show for the twelve people who came out. After the show, we high-tailed it back to our own beds in Boston, where I woke up at 4pm this afternoon…
Summer Southern Tour - July 14, 2008
SUMMER TOUR 2008!!! (I feel that exclamation points make everything more exciting) I think we dun good.
June 11 – NEW YORK CITY!
The Bon Ton Parade set out on our epic journey through time, space, and New York traffic. Our first incident of the trip was losing my pillow out of the roof rack on the highway. Apparently we hadn’t checked the lock. We arrived promptly at 7:05 for our 7pm show. We set up in a New York minute, played a great set, and we were probably out of there in under an hour. We ate vegan food and then drove to Maryland. Woo!
June 12 – BALTIMORE!
On the way to Baltimore, my sleeping bag flew out of our roof. Apparently we hadn’t checked the lock. Luckily I was able to rescue it from the middle of the highway before anybody mangled its innards. Then we figured out how to lock the roof carrier.
Once in Baltimore, we made an in-store appearance at a small bookstore right next to Camden Yards called the Baltimore Chop. There were more flies than people in the bookstore. My mom informed me that the Baltimore Chop is a special move used by the Orioles. It involves hitting the ball into the ground, which is especially hard just in front of the pitcher’s mound at Baltimore’s stadium, so that the ball will bounce in an unexpected direction. Red Sox - watch out for the Bmore Chop!
June 13 – HARRISONBURG, VA!
Today we got to play at Harrisonburg’s beautifully renovated Clementine’s. We got paid well, fed well, drank well, and played well. We stayed up late 2 nights playing darts and trying to solve 3-dimensional puzzles with our gracious hosts, Jeremiah, Suzie, and Neil. The next day we went swimming in the Shenandoah river and got rained on. Then we went to a ham store.
June 15 – RICHMOND!
Today we drove to Richmond, and managed to fit an extra passenger, Neil, in the minivan for part of the trip. 5 people, a drum set, and an upright bass. Impressed? We are also carrying clothes.
Our show Richmond pool hall, Triple, was fairly disappointing. Our opener was a solo guitarist, who played rocked out in the style of an angsty eigth grader. We played afterward to a healthy crowd of 8.
June 16 ¬– ASHEVILLE!
Watch out Deerfield Retirement Community! Here we come rocking on your margarita night!
June 17 – CHATTANOOGA!
Today we returned to play our second show ever at JJ’s Bohemia, a charming smoking-allowed almost-dive bar where people by the likes of Shirtless Dave hang out. Not a bad show for a Tuesday night. And I must, say, people always dance here. They get down. Thanks to owners John & Jenny for putting us up.
June 18 – NASHVILLE!
This was our first show to involve a flying mammal. Sometime during our set at Norm’s River Roadhouse, a bat came out of the ceiling and flew into Alec’s face. He only missed one note.
June 19 – ASHEVILLE!
Today we drove to Asheville to stay at our friend Jill’s place for probably the 15th time. The next day we had our first band-busking experience in front of the big iron in the town center of Asheville. We made more money here in an hour than we did in at our gig in Nashville. Some people danced in the streets while others scowled at our “Tips for Gas” bucket with a picture of George Bush on it.
June 20 – CHARLOTTE!
Today we reunited with our long lost buds, Christabel & The Jons, for a cobill at the Evening Muse. We had a fan come to the show from Cleveland, OH, and he even brought us homemade cookies! After the show we had another Tesstabel & The Jon Tons jam at Eric-Scott’s house. Next day was breakfast at the Landmark Diner, which had surprisingly good greek food, but terrible coffee.
June 21 – WINSTON-SALEM
Another glorious show with Christabel & The Jons. We were really glad it was not very hot today. No ac in that club…Thanks to Nick & Karon for putting up the band and dancing at the show.
June 22 – ABERDEEN, NC!
Today we arrived in the small town of Aberdeen to play at the Rooster’s Rife, a concert series held on the porch of the postmaster’s house, the oldest residence in Aberdeen. Janet, the music organizer & promoter, is a gem of a gal, works hard to keep us musicians fed & happy, and knows how to have a good time. For our set there were more than 100 people sitting on the lawn in their lawn chairs, eating hot dogs and bratwurst.
We realized we were supposed to be at WDVX in Knoxville the next day at 11 am (a six hour drive), so we had to leave right after the show. Next time we plan to stay longer in Aberdeen and drink some moonshine with Janet.
June 23 – KNOXVILLE!
We managed to arrive in time to play on WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special”, hosted by Matt Morelock (I think I spelled his last name right this time), with Christabel. It is always a pleasure to play on this noontime in-studio extravaganza. After the show we got to eat at Tomato Head and go swimming in a lake with a beautiful sharp-rocked beach.
June 24 – BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC
Tonight was a night I think we might’ve done better as a Creedance Clearwater cover band.
June 25 – RALEIGH, NC
This was one of those gigs where you say “oh shit” after your high-energy-six-piece-young-buck-ska-rock-bluegrass-band who brought all the people to the club opens up for you. The rest of the people were there for mug night, which means they serve you about 3 beers at a time in a large drinking vessel. But, hey, we managed to keep about a third of the people at the club after Holy Ghost Tent Revival ended their set. And Jack, the sound guy was very nice to let us crash at his rock-n-roll pad. Hopefully his wife was not too angry.
June 27 – DECATUR, GA
Oh, Eddies Attic, a magical place that fills up with people who are more interested in a songwriter’s lyrics than talking to each other. And you can also drink whiskey there. We got to share a bill with Evan Mchugh and Belleville Outfit, who knocked our socks off. Damn.
June 28 – COLUMBUS, GA
As a last ditch effort to fill our schedule, we booked a gig at the Fountain City Coffee Shop in Columbus. We played outside in the muggy heat and sold more cds than at any other gig. The collection of coffee shop bums, army dudes, downtown clubbers, and folks spilling out of the Miss Georgia competition really enjoyed it.
June 29 – MOBILE, AL
Who would think you could really have a good gig in Mobile? We didn’t, but we did. I also think it was cool to be able to perform the song that’s written on all of the Alabama license plates. One of the few shows where most of the audience knew the words to “Stars Fell on Alabama”. Nice people at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, and a damn good blackened shrimp po’ boy.
June 30 – NEW ORLEANS
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
July 2 – HUNTSVILLE, AL
Today we returned to the Flying Monkey, a warehouse artist space, with a nice performance area. We got to hang again with our pal Rita, but this time we also got to jam with her 2 daughters, Mia and Chloe, on violin and clarinet.
July 3 – BIRMINGHAM, AL
Today we had the day off so we went to see Tom Waits at the beautiful Alabama Theater. I think I might be able to die happy.
July 4 – SALISBURY, NC
The 4th of July is not a good night for a concert. We played for a joyous handful of people, one family coming all the way from Wooster, OH. People from Ohio rock. One lady was so joyous she showed us her boobs after the show.
July 5 – HUNTINGTON, WV
On the drive to West Virginia we had some of our most successful tunnel freak-outs. (A tunnel freak-out requires all the passengers in the car to scream & holler for the duration of the minivan’s passing through any man-made tunnel. It’s freakin’ fun. Try it.)
Sometime in the late afternoon we arrived at Camden Park, est. 1902. This place is a real gem. They had all the best rides – The Scrambler, Bumper Cars, The Haunted House, Ferris Wheel, a small roller coaster, and some flying sail things where you get to control your own vehicle. Paul and I achieved a greater height whilst flying in concentric circles, probably because there are not usually 2 full sized adults riding in one car. Our car was also most likely to break its holding cables at any moment…
THE RETURN!!
On our way back to Boston, we played on last show again at Clementine’s in Harrisonburg, then began the long drive home…All and all, fun times were had by all, the van only went to the shop once, Alec managed to not drive the entire trip, and Paul found a really good gig shirt.
June 11 – NEW YORK CITY!
The Bon Ton Parade set out on our epic journey through time, space, and New York traffic. Our first incident of the trip was losing my pillow out of the roof rack on the highway. Apparently we hadn’t checked the lock. We arrived promptly at 7:05 for our 7pm show. We set up in a New York minute, played a great set, and we were probably out of there in under an hour. We ate vegan food and then drove to Maryland. Woo!
June 12 – BALTIMORE!
On the way to Baltimore, my sleeping bag flew out of our roof. Apparently we hadn’t checked the lock. Luckily I was able to rescue it from the middle of the highway before anybody mangled its innards. Then we figured out how to lock the roof carrier.
Once in Baltimore, we made an in-store appearance at a small bookstore right next to Camden Yards called the Baltimore Chop. There were more flies than people in the bookstore. My mom informed me that the Baltimore Chop is a special move used by the Orioles. It involves hitting the ball into the ground, which is especially hard just in front of the pitcher’s mound at Baltimore’s stadium, so that the ball will bounce in an unexpected direction. Red Sox - watch out for the Bmore Chop!
June 13 – HARRISONBURG, VA!
Today we got to play at Harrisonburg’s beautifully renovated Clementine’s. We got paid well, fed well, drank well, and played well. We stayed up late 2 nights playing darts and trying to solve 3-dimensional puzzles with our gracious hosts, Jeremiah, Suzie, and Neil. The next day we went swimming in the Shenandoah river and got rained on. Then we went to a ham store.
June 15 – RICHMOND!
Today we drove to Richmond, and managed to fit an extra passenger, Neil, in the minivan for part of the trip. 5 people, a drum set, and an upright bass. Impressed? We are also carrying clothes.
Our show Richmond pool hall, Triple, was fairly disappointing. Our opener was a solo guitarist, who played rocked out in the style of an angsty eigth grader. We played afterward to a healthy crowd of 8.
June 16 ¬– ASHEVILLE!
Watch out Deerfield Retirement Community! Here we come rocking on your margarita night!
June 17 – CHATTANOOGA!
Today we returned to play our second show ever at JJ’s Bohemia, a charming smoking-allowed almost-dive bar where people by the likes of Shirtless Dave hang out. Not a bad show for a Tuesday night. And I must, say, people always dance here. They get down. Thanks to owners John & Jenny for putting us up.
June 18 – NASHVILLE!
This was our first show to involve a flying mammal. Sometime during our set at Norm’s River Roadhouse, a bat came out of the ceiling and flew into Alec’s face. He only missed one note.
June 19 – ASHEVILLE!
Today we drove to Asheville to stay at our friend Jill’s place for probably the 15th time. The next day we had our first band-busking experience in front of the big iron in the town center of Asheville. We made more money here in an hour than we did in at our gig in Nashville. Some people danced in the streets while others scowled at our “Tips for Gas” bucket with a picture of George Bush on it.
June 20 – CHARLOTTE!
Today we reunited with our long lost buds, Christabel & The Jons, for a cobill at the Evening Muse. We had a fan come to the show from Cleveland, OH, and he even brought us homemade cookies! After the show we had another Tesstabel & The Jon Tons jam at Eric-Scott’s house. Next day was breakfast at the Landmark Diner, which had surprisingly good greek food, but terrible coffee.
June 21 – WINSTON-SALEM
Another glorious show with Christabel & The Jons. We were really glad it was not very hot today. No ac in that club…Thanks to Nick & Karon for putting up the band and dancing at the show.
June 22 – ABERDEEN, NC!
Today we arrived in the small town of Aberdeen to play at the Rooster’s Rife, a concert series held on the porch of the postmaster’s house, the oldest residence in Aberdeen. Janet, the music organizer & promoter, is a gem of a gal, works hard to keep us musicians fed & happy, and knows how to have a good time. For our set there were more than 100 people sitting on the lawn in their lawn chairs, eating hot dogs and bratwurst.
We realized we were supposed to be at WDVX in Knoxville the next day at 11 am (a six hour drive), so we had to leave right after the show. Next time we plan to stay longer in Aberdeen and drink some moonshine with Janet.
June 23 – KNOXVILLE!
We managed to arrive in time to play on WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special”, hosted by Matt Morelock (I think I spelled his last name right this time), with Christabel. It is always a pleasure to play on this noontime in-studio extravaganza. After the show we got to eat at Tomato Head and go swimming in a lake with a beautiful sharp-rocked beach.
June 24 – BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC
Tonight was a night I think we might’ve done better as a Creedance Clearwater cover band.
June 25 – RALEIGH, NC
This was one of those gigs where you say “oh shit” after your high-energy-six-piece-young-buck-ska-rock-bluegrass-band who brought all the people to the club opens up for you. The rest of the people were there for mug night, which means they serve you about 3 beers at a time in a large drinking vessel. But, hey, we managed to keep about a third of the people at the club after Holy Ghost Tent Revival ended their set. And Jack, the sound guy was very nice to let us crash at his rock-n-roll pad. Hopefully his wife was not too angry.
June 27 – DECATUR, GA
Oh, Eddies Attic, a magical place that fills up with people who are more interested in a songwriter’s lyrics than talking to each other. And you can also drink whiskey there. We got to share a bill with Evan Mchugh and Belleville Outfit, who knocked our socks off. Damn.
June 28 – COLUMBUS, GA
As a last ditch effort to fill our schedule, we booked a gig at the Fountain City Coffee Shop in Columbus. We played outside in the muggy heat and sold more cds than at any other gig. The collection of coffee shop bums, army dudes, downtown clubbers, and folks spilling out of the Miss Georgia competition really enjoyed it.
June 29 – MOBILE, AL
Who would think you could really have a good gig in Mobile? We didn’t, but we did. I also think it was cool to be able to perform the song that’s written on all of the Alabama license plates. One of the few shows where most of the audience knew the words to “Stars Fell on Alabama”. Nice people at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, and a damn good blackened shrimp po’ boy.
June 30 – NEW ORLEANS
Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?
July 2 – HUNTSVILLE, AL
Today we returned to the Flying Monkey, a warehouse artist space, with a nice performance area. We got to hang again with our pal Rita, but this time we also got to jam with her 2 daughters, Mia and Chloe, on violin and clarinet.
July 3 – BIRMINGHAM, AL
Today we had the day off so we went to see Tom Waits at the beautiful Alabama Theater. I think I might be able to die happy.
July 4 – SALISBURY, NC
The 4th of July is not a good night for a concert. We played for a joyous handful of people, one family coming all the way from Wooster, OH. People from Ohio rock. One lady was so joyous she showed us her boobs after the show.
July 5 – HUNTINGTON, WV
On the drive to West Virginia we had some of our most successful tunnel freak-outs. (A tunnel freak-out requires all the passengers in the car to scream & holler for the duration of the minivan’s passing through any man-made tunnel. It’s freakin’ fun. Try it.)
Sometime in the late afternoon we arrived at Camden Park, est. 1902. This place is a real gem. They had all the best rides – The Scrambler, Bumper Cars, The Haunted House, Ferris Wheel, a small roller coaster, and some flying sail things where you get to control your own vehicle. Paul and I achieved a greater height whilst flying in concentric circles, probably because there are not usually 2 full sized adults riding in one car. Our car was also most likely to break its holding cables at any moment…
THE RETURN!!
On our way back to Boston, we played on last show again at Clementine’s in Harrisonburg, then began the long drive home…All and all, fun times were had by all, the van only went to the shop once, Alec managed to not drive the entire trip, and Paul found a really good gig shirt.
April 2008 Tour: The Midwest! - May 8, 2008
And so set out Miss Tess and her small band of merry men…
April 20
Today we drove to Cleveland, Ohio. It turned out to be a 9 hour drive. Not bad, really. Our friend Seth returned some musician karma to us from his past and footed a hotel room for our first few nights on the road…
April 21
This morning we went jogging, I think we might be the first touring band ever to do group exercising. Although, I’ve heard Bruce Springstein has a gym in his tour bus. To make up for the morning run, we decided to sample the deep friend pbj sandwich they offered on the menu of The Beachland Tavern, where we played in Cleveland. It was pretty yummy, and, according to the staff, the best sandwich of 2008 in Esquire magazine. We shared a bill with a local band, Gene’s Jazz Hot, who luckily brought about 20 people to the club that night. Otherwise, we may have had 4 people there. Monday night…whaddya gonna do. After the show we hit up a karaoke bar. Alec sang Christina Agulera’s “What a Girl Wants”, Paul sang Madonna hit “Like a Virgin”, and I did Patsy Cline’s “Faded Love”. Paul and Alec got mad I wouldn’t venture out of my comfort zone and sing “Don’t Turn Around” by Ace of Base. I wasn’t drunk enough.
April 22
Today we went to Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, which is free if you can prove you’re in a band by giving the ticket takers a copy of your cd. A very interesting architechtural endeavor, the museum provided us with a few hours of entertainment. We also got a good view of Lake Eerie. Apparently Paul’s grandma’s sister died on a cruise ship that went up in flames on the lake in the 20s. After leaving Cleveland, we ventured on to Wooster, OH and landed at Seattle’s Coffeehouse, where we would play later on.
April 23
Paul’s friend, Andy, was kind enough to put us up for 2 nights in Columbus. Andy works as a beer distributor for microbreweries, so, needless to say, we did some fine sampling. On our night off, we decided to visit one of the local open mics, at Victorian’s Midnight Café. Certainly an eclectic bunch of folks, this open mic was hosted by “Crazy Pete”. I reminisced of the days as open mic host at the Milky Way in JP.
April 24
Today we pulled into Indianapolis, a small happening city. We ate at this great local Cajun food chain called Yats. Yum! Tonight we played a concert at the Indy Hostel, possibly the cleanest hostel I’ve ever been to – and I’ve stayed in quite a few over the years. It was quite a cozy little house concert. The folks in the front row were passing a bottle of bourbon around the room, and generously filling our glasses as well. That’s my kind of crowd! After the gig, Alec and I went downtown to catch some live music at the Slippery Noodle, established in 1850. This is a great real-deal blues bar definitely worth the visit.
April 25
Ah Chicago! A big wonderful city. Upon our arrival we met up with an old musician friend of mine from the Baltimore days, Jessie Hughes, and her boyfriend Matt. They live in a fabulous artist loft on the edge of Wicker Park, a hip area of town with great shops and restaurants, and 3 wig stores! Our show tonight was at Reggie’s Music Joint, a new venue in the South side. We played to a very loud, crowded bar, and listened to the sounds of the punk band playing next door permeating the shared wall. Later on we listened to music until the wee hours at the Green Mill, a popular all-night jazz club.
April 26
Welcome to Lanesboro, MN, “The Heart of Bluff Country”, population 788. Apparently the land here existed at the very bottom of various glacial structures, which carved out the land, but not the harder rock. As a result there are really cool looking rock structures amidst miles of farmland. We had a really great lunch special at Das Worst Haus today: homemade brats, baked beans, & root beer.
Lanesboro is one of the most liberal and arts-oriented small towns I’ve ever been to. You can also spot Amish carriages rolling through town every now and then. Tonight we played at the St. Mane Theater for an enthusiastic 15 people. I think the rest of the town was at the opening night of the Norweigan play, “Peer Gynt”. After the show, a very kind man by the name of Fred Kiel donated a few rooms to us musicians in the most beautiful B&Bs I’ve ever seen. Apparently there is a popular 60-mile bike trail that passes through town, popular in the warmer months. (It’s still cold out here) 5 stars to The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm.
April 27
We just missed the snow in Duluth, Minnesota. Thirty-five miles long and one mile wide, this port town is nestled on the western tip of Lake Superior. It’s a very interesting place – lots of industrial looking stuff by the waterfront, a gentleman’s club and a casino right downtown, and apparently 200 local bands. We got into town and played on the local television station, WDIO. Then later, we played at Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse, to an appreciative crowd, including a darling old man named Milt, who worked the door and said “You can’t see it, but I’ve got a smile 5 miles wide inside” after listening to our show. Beaner’s owner, Jason and his girlfriend Sarah opened up the night for us, as Yeltzi, and then let us crash after the show at their house.
April 28
Today brought us to the wonderful town of Minneapolis. We met up with another songwriter friend, John Wills, at a punk-tiki bar pizza lounge called Psycho Suzi’s. John was nice enough to sweet talk the Roe Family Singers, a pleasant oldtimey/folkgrass/country band, to let us hop on their bill that night at a sweet little joint called the 331 club in the North Side. Nice hang. Later that night we crashed at Katie Palmer’s house, a painter who I had stayed with 5 years prior to this trip.
April 29
Thanks again to John Wills, who grabbed us another last-minute gig – happy hour at Grumpy’s with a Minnesota “hot dish” on special. Apparently a hot dish is a bowl of some sort of savory hot food (in this case it was turkey and rice casserole) for $1. Brilliant. They also had a fire pit on the back patio. Brilliant.
Later on that night, we played at Lee’s Liquor Lounge. Adorned with taxidermized animals, Elvis memorabilia, and veteran bartenders, we played to a medium-sized crowd, opening for local musician Eddy Burke. We had local accordion hero Dan Newton sit in for some tunes, which was good – not only is he a great player, but he brought most of the crowd that night.
April 30
Tonight we played at a classy waterfront restaurant called “Waterfront Restaurant”. They fed us real nice and apparently we got the most applause out of anyone who had ever played there before. Thanks to John & Tammi Holtslander for putting us up that night.
May 1
Today we landed in Milwaukee at Club Timbuktu, a West-African-themed bar and restaurant, featuring mostly reggae & world music. Apparently one of the only clubs in the city with a racially diverse clientele, this was a fun place. We got fed well and local swing band, the Superchiefs, were kind enough to open up the night, help promote the show, and donate their portion of the pay to our cause.
May 2
As if Lanesboro wasn’t small enough, we thought we’d try out an even smaller town, Juda, Wisconsin. Jessica Blue is a fan of ours, and also a teacher at the Juda school, where we played for two assemblies of kids. I have to say, having a hundred little kids singing backups to “I Don’t Need That Man” was a career highlight. Jessica put us up, and took us on a tour of a cheese factory and a dairy farm. Cheese curds….yum…cheese curds…
May 3
We didn’t actually have a gig scheduled this night, so back to Chicago. We played a casual house concert back at Jessie & Matt’s loft. After, a group of us went to country & western night at the California Clipper and danced the night away.
May 4
KC & Pat are a fabulous couple who put us up in Ferndale, Michigan. What a house! We winded down the tour in their lavishly designed home, slowly traipsing through their magnificent garden, zoning out in the shell-studded bathroom, eating magnificent catfish chowder, relaxing after our gig in their hot tub, complete with an outdoor crystal chandelier.
May 5
We played at another school too early in the morning, and gave a lecture on the blues to 2nd and 3rd graders. And now we’re on the long haul back to Beantown…
April 20
Today we drove to Cleveland, Ohio. It turned out to be a 9 hour drive. Not bad, really. Our friend Seth returned some musician karma to us from his past and footed a hotel room for our first few nights on the road…
April 21
This morning we went jogging, I think we might be the first touring band ever to do group exercising. Although, I’ve heard Bruce Springstein has a gym in his tour bus. To make up for the morning run, we decided to sample the deep friend pbj sandwich they offered on the menu of The Beachland Tavern, where we played in Cleveland. It was pretty yummy, and, according to the staff, the best sandwich of 2008 in Esquire magazine. We shared a bill with a local band, Gene’s Jazz Hot, who luckily brought about 20 people to the club that night. Otherwise, we may have had 4 people there. Monday night…whaddya gonna do. After the show we hit up a karaoke bar. Alec sang Christina Agulera’s “What a Girl Wants”, Paul sang Madonna hit “Like a Virgin”, and I did Patsy Cline’s “Faded Love”. Paul and Alec got mad I wouldn’t venture out of my comfort zone and sing “Don’t Turn Around” by Ace of Base. I wasn’t drunk enough.
April 22
Today we went to Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, which is free if you can prove you’re in a band by giving the ticket takers a copy of your cd. A very interesting architechtural endeavor, the museum provided us with a few hours of entertainment. We also got a good view of Lake Eerie. Apparently Paul’s grandma’s sister died on a cruise ship that went up in flames on the lake in the 20s. After leaving Cleveland, we ventured on to Wooster, OH and landed at Seattle’s Coffeehouse, where we would play later on.
April 23
Paul’s friend, Andy, was kind enough to put us up for 2 nights in Columbus. Andy works as a beer distributor for microbreweries, so, needless to say, we did some fine sampling. On our night off, we decided to visit one of the local open mics, at Victorian’s Midnight Café. Certainly an eclectic bunch of folks, this open mic was hosted by “Crazy Pete”. I reminisced of the days as open mic host at the Milky Way in JP.
April 24
Today we pulled into Indianapolis, a small happening city. We ate at this great local Cajun food chain called Yats. Yum! Tonight we played a concert at the Indy Hostel, possibly the cleanest hostel I’ve ever been to – and I’ve stayed in quite a few over the years. It was quite a cozy little house concert. The folks in the front row were passing a bottle of bourbon around the room, and generously filling our glasses as well. That’s my kind of crowd! After the gig, Alec and I went downtown to catch some live music at the Slippery Noodle, established in 1850. This is a great real-deal blues bar definitely worth the visit.
April 25
Ah Chicago! A big wonderful city. Upon our arrival we met up with an old musician friend of mine from the Baltimore days, Jessie Hughes, and her boyfriend Matt. They live in a fabulous artist loft on the edge of Wicker Park, a hip area of town with great shops and restaurants, and 3 wig stores! Our show tonight was at Reggie’s Music Joint, a new venue in the South side. We played to a very loud, crowded bar, and listened to the sounds of the punk band playing next door permeating the shared wall. Later on we listened to music until the wee hours at the Green Mill, a popular all-night jazz club.
April 26
Welcome to Lanesboro, MN, “The Heart of Bluff Country”, population 788. Apparently the land here existed at the very bottom of various glacial structures, which carved out the land, but not the harder rock. As a result there are really cool looking rock structures amidst miles of farmland. We had a really great lunch special at Das Worst Haus today: homemade brats, baked beans, & root beer.
Lanesboro is one of the most liberal and arts-oriented small towns I’ve ever been to. You can also spot Amish carriages rolling through town every now and then. Tonight we played at the St. Mane Theater for an enthusiastic 15 people. I think the rest of the town was at the opening night of the Norweigan play, “Peer Gynt”. After the show, a very kind man by the name of Fred Kiel donated a few rooms to us musicians in the most beautiful B&Bs I’ve ever seen. Apparently there is a popular 60-mile bike trail that passes through town, popular in the warmer months. (It’s still cold out here) 5 stars to The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm.
April 27
We just missed the snow in Duluth, Minnesota. Thirty-five miles long and one mile wide, this port town is nestled on the western tip of Lake Superior. It’s a very interesting place – lots of industrial looking stuff by the waterfront, a gentleman’s club and a casino right downtown, and apparently 200 local bands. We got into town and played on the local television station, WDIO. Then later, we played at Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse, to an appreciative crowd, including a darling old man named Milt, who worked the door and said “You can’t see it, but I’ve got a smile 5 miles wide inside” after listening to our show. Beaner’s owner, Jason and his girlfriend Sarah opened up the night for us, as Yeltzi, and then let us crash after the show at their house.
April 28
Today brought us to the wonderful town of Minneapolis. We met up with another songwriter friend, John Wills, at a punk-tiki bar pizza lounge called Psycho Suzi’s. John was nice enough to sweet talk the Roe Family Singers, a pleasant oldtimey/folkgrass/country band, to let us hop on their bill that night at a sweet little joint called the 331 club in the North Side. Nice hang. Later that night we crashed at Katie Palmer’s house, a painter who I had stayed with 5 years prior to this trip.
April 29
Thanks again to John Wills, who grabbed us another last-minute gig – happy hour at Grumpy’s with a Minnesota “hot dish” on special. Apparently a hot dish is a bowl of some sort of savory hot food (in this case it was turkey and rice casserole) for $1. Brilliant. They also had a fire pit on the back patio. Brilliant.
Later on that night, we played at Lee’s Liquor Lounge. Adorned with taxidermized animals, Elvis memorabilia, and veteran bartenders, we played to a medium-sized crowd, opening for local musician Eddy Burke. We had local accordion hero Dan Newton sit in for some tunes, which was good – not only is he a great player, but he brought most of the crowd that night.
April 30
Tonight we played at a classy waterfront restaurant called “Waterfront Restaurant”. They fed us real nice and apparently we got the most applause out of anyone who had ever played there before. Thanks to John & Tammi Holtslander for putting us up that night.
May 1
Today we landed in Milwaukee at Club Timbuktu, a West-African-themed bar and restaurant, featuring mostly reggae & world music. Apparently one of the only clubs in the city with a racially diverse clientele, this was a fun place. We got fed well and local swing band, the Superchiefs, were kind enough to open up the night, help promote the show, and donate their portion of the pay to our cause.
May 2
As if Lanesboro wasn’t small enough, we thought we’d try out an even smaller town, Juda, Wisconsin. Jessica Blue is a fan of ours, and also a teacher at the Juda school, where we played for two assemblies of kids. I have to say, having a hundred little kids singing backups to “I Don’t Need That Man” was a career highlight. Jessica put us up, and took us on a tour of a cheese factory and a dairy farm. Cheese curds….yum…cheese curds…
May 3
We didn’t actually have a gig scheduled this night, so back to Chicago. We played a casual house concert back at Jessie & Matt’s loft. After, a group of us went to country & western night at the California Clipper and danced the night away.
May 4
KC & Pat are a fabulous couple who put us up in Ferndale, Michigan. What a house! We winded down the tour in their lavishly designed home, slowly traipsing through their magnificent garden, zoning out in the shell-studded bathroom, eating magnificent catfish chowder, relaxing after our gig in their hot tub, complete with an outdoor crystal chandelier.
May 5
We played at another school too early in the morning, and gave a lecture on the blues to 2nd and 3rd graders. And now we’re on the long haul back to Beantown…
January 2008 Tour - January 20, 2008
And so begins our first tour of the year – fine excuse to dodge a few Boston snowstorms…
January 6 – BALTIMORE, MD
Today we drove seven hours to the 13th Floor. Somehow we fit the Bon Ton Parade and all of our instruments including drums and upright bass into my new minivan. I was happy to return to the city where I had my first band ever. We had a lovely show with local rockabilly band The Garnet Hearts amidst the smoke-filled, leopard-print-carpeted, 180-degree-panaoramic-Baltimore-skyline-view club, nestled on the 13th floor of hotel-rooms-turned-condos at the Belvedere Hotel. Apparently the Garnet Hearts are the world’s only band that includes a stunt guitarist. After the show, we crashed at a local art space and a cat peed on Paul’s jacket.
January 7 – DERWOOD, MD
Tonight we had the night off, so we ventured to my parent’s house to do some freeloading. We ate a lot of food and played tunes with mom and dad. Paul worked on his Marimba chops and my mom played her ukulele.
January 8 – KNOXVILLE, TN
Today we arrived at Kirk Fleta’s house in Knoxville. Kirk, a.k.a. the Pauly Shore of the South (in a good way) is a local songwriter whom we met at the Eddie’s Attic Shootout in Decatur, Georgia.
January 9 – KNOXVILLE, TN
Today we woke up early enough to make it onto local station WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special”, which is a great daily noontime in-studio live performance featuring two bands each day hosted by Matt Moorelock. We shared the bill with Tennessee-based band, The Dixie Beeliners, a happening bluegrass band.
Later on that night we played at Barley’s Taproom, our first show with our southern tour mates Christabel & The Jons. During the show an unknown middle-aged man came to the stage holding something. I put out my hand and before I knew it, his 14 carat gold wedding ring with the name “Stephanie” engraved on the inside was mine forever. I thought it was a joke, but the man didn’t ever come back to get his ring. Poor fella. I figured we could always pawn it for gas money.
January 10 – CHATTANOOGA, TN
Soon after we rolled into town, we found dinner at the Southern Star. It seems like whenever I’m in the South, I come across new foods. This time it was something called “lacey cornbread”, which is essentially thin cornbread batter deep-fried (of course). Greasy, but might tasty.
We played at a cozy little joint, JJ’s Bohemia. I’ve also been noticing things that happen in the south that you would never see in Boston. A man wearing no shirt and a leather jacket is one. A big-cheasted woman bearing her wares is another. Tonight the Bon Tons wrote a delightful song called “Oh Monkey” in 3 part harmony. After the show we covered Jon’s sister’s floors with air mattresses and called it a night.
January 11 – HUNSTVILLE, AL
Today I went to Alabama for the first time ever in my life, also a first for Gillian and Alec. We went to Rita’s house and she made us a fantastic dinner. Rita is a local gal, who likes to spend time playing the ukulele and accordion, writing songs, and hosting many bands at her lovely house. She has 2 daughters and a sweet ride.
We played to a decent crowd at Flying Monkey Arts, which is a really eclectic arts space with studios, a record store, and vintage clothing store, and many other interesting artist-owned spaces. It was an intimate concert setting with room for dancing, great sound and friendly folks. This was the first venue I’ve played at where I was allowed to have my lady flask on stage.
After the show all 8 of us went back to Rita’s to have a stellar jam session. We revisited “Oh Monkey” in the wee hours of the morning and laughed until our bellies hurt.
The next morning a cat peed on our minivan.
January 12 – CARROLTON, GA
Tonight we played at a smallish Italian restaurant called Mia Bella’s. Eh.
January 14 ¬¬– CHARLESTON, SC
Gotta love Monday night shows. Tonight we played at the Maproom in Charleston. 30 people at the show make this place look pretty darn empty. Nonetheless, we continued to rock the room. We spent the rest of the night hanging out in the band room and rearranging the letters on their rollout marquis (see pictures).
January 15 – CHAPEL HILL, NC
In Chapel Hill we played at a scuzzy little rock bar called the Cave. This room is certainly appropriately named, dark, low ceilings, lots of cement, and booked by a man who calls himself “Mr. Mouse”. Today was Gillian’s birthday. Her partner, Roxanne, had a massive cake designed to feed 50 sent to the club from a pastry place called Sugarland. We all ate a lot of chocolate, drank birthday whiskeys, and there was much rejoicing. Both bands slept at a frat house after the show, a first for many.
January 16 – WILMINGTON, NC
This was the Bon Ton Parade’s first show in a hookah bar. There certainly was a jolly crowd out at the bohemian Juggling Gypsy. And dollar beers. The owner is a fire dancer (explains a lot). I met another Miss Tess tonight. She drove an hour-and-a-half to see the show. She makes clothing and owns www.misstess.com. She said she’d give the domain to me if I wanted it, which was nice.
After the show, the Bon Ton Parade got to live it up in style at our first hotel of the tour, Motel 6. Are we rockstars yet?
January 17 – ASHEVILLE, NC
Our last day with Christabel & The Jons turned out to be somewhat trying. They blew a tire en route to Asheville and got stuck for hours waiting for triple A. They arrived at the Garage in Asheville around 10:30, just in time to start their set. It had snowed in Asheville that day, which dissuaded many people from coming out. Luckily, we had a good company of swing dancers who decided to brave the weather (which was nothing at all…southerners…). For any bands or booking agents who may be reading this, I do not recommend working with Chris Hart at the Garage.
After the show, we went to Jill’s house, the unofficial musician’s hostel of Asheville. We stayed up late singing our own version of karaoke. Paul plays guitar as we read song lyrics off of a labtop. Alec’s rendition of “Like a Virgin” was sufficiently entertaining.
January 18 – DERWOOD, MD
Back to the parent’s house for a concert. We had a modest crowd and got our first good night sleep in a while.
Overall, the tour was a great success. We impressed a lot of people, generally rocked out, got really good at packing the minivan, went to Alabama, learned to appreciate eating and sleeping habits of my wonderful band mates, and Paul didn’t drive the entire trip. He was very proud.
Until next time…
January 6 – BALTIMORE, MD
Today we drove seven hours to the 13th Floor. Somehow we fit the Bon Ton Parade and all of our instruments including drums and upright bass into my new minivan. I was happy to return to the city where I had my first band ever. We had a lovely show with local rockabilly band The Garnet Hearts amidst the smoke-filled, leopard-print-carpeted, 180-degree-panaoramic-Baltimore-skyline-view club, nestled on the 13th floor of hotel-rooms-turned-condos at the Belvedere Hotel. Apparently the Garnet Hearts are the world’s only band that includes a stunt guitarist. After the show, we crashed at a local art space and a cat peed on Paul’s jacket.
January 7 – DERWOOD, MD
Tonight we had the night off, so we ventured to my parent’s house to do some freeloading. We ate a lot of food and played tunes with mom and dad. Paul worked on his Marimba chops and my mom played her ukulele.
January 8 – KNOXVILLE, TN
Today we arrived at Kirk Fleta’s house in Knoxville. Kirk, a.k.a. the Pauly Shore of the South (in a good way) is a local songwriter whom we met at the Eddie’s Attic Shootout in Decatur, Georgia.
January 9 – KNOXVILLE, TN
Today we woke up early enough to make it onto local station WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special”, which is a great daily noontime in-studio live performance featuring two bands each day hosted by Matt Moorelock. We shared the bill with Tennessee-based band, The Dixie Beeliners, a happening bluegrass band.
Later on that night we played at Barley’s Taproom, our first show with our southern tour mates Christabel & The Jons. During the show an unknown middle-aged man came to the stage holding something. I put out my hand and before I knew it, his 14 carat gold wedding ring with the name “Stephanie” engraved on the inside was mine forever. I thought it was a joke, but the man didn’t ever come back to get his ring. Poor fella. I figured we could always pawn it for gas money.
January 10 – CHATTANOOGA, TN
Soon after we rolled into town, we found dinner at the Southern Star. It seems like whenever I’m in the South, I come across new foods. This time it was something called “lacey cornbread”, which is essentially thin cornbread batter deep-fried (of course). Greasy, but might tasty.
We played at a cozy little joint, JJ’s Bohemia. I’ve also been noticing things that happen in the south that you would never see in Boston. A man wearing no shirt and a leather jacket is one. A big-cheasted woman bearing her wares is another. Tonight the Bon Tons wrote a delightful song called “Oh Monkey” in 3 part harmony. After the show we covered Jon’s sister’s floors with air mattresses and called it a night.
January 11 – HUNSTVILLE, AL
Today I went to Alabama for the first time ever in my life, also a first for Gillian and Alec. We went to Rita’s house and she made us a fantastic dinner. Rita is a local gal, who likes to spend time playing the ukulele and accordion, writing songs, and hosting many bands at her lovely house. She has 2 daughters and a sweet ride.
We played to a decent crowd at Flying Monkey Arts, which is a really eclectic arts space with studios, a record store, and vintage clothing store, and many other interesting artist-owned spaces. It was an intimate concert setting with room for dancing, great sound and friendly folks. This was the first venue I’ve played at where I was allowed to have my lady flask on stage.
After the show all 8 of us went back to Rita’s to have a stellar jam session. We revisited “Oh Monkey” in the wee hours of the morning and laughed until our bellies hurt.
The next morning a cat peed on our minivan.
January 12 – CARROLTON, GA
Tonight we played at a smallish Italian restaurant called Mia Bella’s. Eh.
January 14 ¬¬– CHARLESTON, SC
Gotta love Monday night shows. Tonight we played at the Maproom in Charleston. 30 people at the show make this place look pretty darn empty. Nonetheless, we continued to rock the room. We spent the rest of the night hanging out in the band room and rearranging the letters on their rollout marquis (see pictures).
January 15 – CHAPEL HILL, NC
In Chapel Hill we played at a scuzzy little rock bar called the Cave. This room is certainly appropriately named, dark, low ceilings, lots of cement, and booked by a man who calls himself “Mr. Mouse”. Today was Gillian’s birthday. Her partner, Roxanne, had a massive cake designed to feed 50 sent to the club from a pastry place called Sugarland. We all ate a lot of chocolate, drank birthday whiskeys, and there was much rejoicing. Both bands slept at a frat house after the show, a first for many.
January 16 – WILMINGTON, NC
This was the Bon Ton Parade’s first show in a hookah bar. There certainly was a jolly crowd out at the bohemian Juggling Gypsy. And dollar beers. The owner is a fire dancer (explains a lot). I met another Miss Tess tonight. She drove an hour-and-a-half to see the show. She makes clothing and owns www.misstess.com. She said she’d give the domain to me if I wanted it, which was nice.
After the show, the Bon Ton Parade got to live it up in style at our first hotel of the tour, Motel 6. Are we rockstars yet?
January 17 – ASHEVILLE, NC
Our last day with Christabel & The Jons turned out to be somewhat trying. They blew a tire en route to Asheville and got stuck for hours waiting for triple A. They arrived at the Garage in Asheville around 10:30, just in time to start their set. It had snowed in Asheville that day, which dissuaded many people from coming out. Luckily, we had a good company of swing dancers who decided to brave the weather (which was nothing at all…southerners…). For any bands or booking agents who may be reading this, I do not recommend working with Chris Hart at the Garage.
After the show, we went to Jill’s house, the unofficial musician’s hostel of Asheville. We stayed up late singing our own version of karaoke. Paul plays guitar as we read song lyrics off of a labtop. Alec’s rendition of “Like a Virgin” was sufficiently entertaining.
January 18 – DERWOOD, MD
Back to the parent’s house for a concert. We had a modest crowd and got our first good night sleep in a while.
Overall, the tour was a great success. We impressed a lot of people, generally rocked out, got really good at packing the minivan, went to Alabama, learned to appreciate eating and sleeping habits of my wonderful band mates, and Paul didn’t drive the entire trip. He was very proud.
Until next time…
December 2007 - December 27, 2007
Here begins another journey around the south (of Boston): Miss Tess with bassist Paul Dilley.
First stop ¬– New York City.
December 17 was my debut at the Living Room in New York’s lower east side. We were please to have more in attendance than the normal 6-10 patrons. Also, we were actually allotted a whole 45 minutes for our time slot, as opposed to the last club that had bands every half-hour.
Second stop – Maryland
It’s kind of weird I never play gigs in Maryland when I pass through, journeying to North Carolina, being as it’s my home state and all. However, my parents still live there and have extra beds and a freezer full of food. I am excited for the January tour, as I’ll be playing my first show in Baltimore since 2005.
Third stop – Asheville, NC
Staying again with my lovely harmonica-playing friend Jill in the mountains of North Carolina. Jill lives in what I call “the unofficial hostel for musicians”. She was not even in town, but me and Paul, as well as other musicians, including Joe Bass from the Wiyos, filled her house with music and the tick-tapping sounds of labtop keyboards. Paul and I blessed the non-existent stage of a restaurant in Saluda, NC called the Purple Onion. This place gave us free dinner for playing, and let me say, they must have the best food in North Carolina.
Forth stop – Knoxville, TN
Returning for the second time to Preservation Pub, opening up for Knoxville legend Hector Qirko, we realized how thankful we are you cannot smoke in bars in Boston. I used to have nostalgia, as a jazz musician, for that cloudy haze lingering in the atmosphere of a good divey pub. There’s just no going back after experiencing clean lungs (and clothes!).
Fifth stop – Harrisonburg, VA
We didn’t have a gig scheduled for this night, but luckily my friend Jeremiah found a cocktail house party for us to crash with our instruments. We drank and played, people danced, and they even bought cds. Then Jeremiah took us to his new pride and joy, a restaurant/bar/venue, which will be opening at the end of January ’08 called Clementine. They’ve been renovating this space themselves since May ’05 and holy shit is this place nice. It’s the size of a nightclub with huge pieces of art around, state-of-the art tables and charis, and a really nice bathroom. We should be playing there sometime this summer.
Sixth stop – Thomas, WVA
Some of my dear friends, Chris and Misty, decided to drive down to our gig at the Purple Fiddle from Berkley Springs. They were going hiking before the show so we decided to join them, even though the weather was a little suspect. We ate lunch and a patch of sunlight appeared, so we decided to make the trek. When we got to our destination- a rock promontory in Blackwater Falls, our faces got pelted with rain as we enjoyed the overlook. We played at the Purple Fiddle, which was a very cozy coffeehouse type of joint in a small ski town. Some friends from MD drove 4 hours to see us. That’s always nice.
Seventh stop – Decatur, GA
After dropping off Paul off at some ungodly hour of the morning at the Baltimore airport, I enjoyed a nice Christmas with family in MD. On December 26, I flew to Atlanta for one last tour gig at Eddie’s Attic, the venue where we kicked ass at in November and won their open mic shootout. I played solo in a singer-songwriter in-the-round session with Caroline Aiken, Matthew Kahler, and John Pringle. This is an amazing venue, where people pay to come listen and go gaga over songwriters. People actually shushed each other during one of my songs. It’s like Passim, but cooler because there’s alcohol.
Back to Boston…with my new minivan.
First stop ¬– New York City.
December 17 was my debut at the Living Room in New York’s lower east side. We were please to have more in attendance than the normal 6-10 patrons. Also, we were actually allotted a whole 45 minutes for our time slot, as opposed to the last club that had bands every half-hour.
Second stop – Maryland
It’s kind of weird I never play gigs in Maryland when I pass through, journeying to North Carolina, being as it’s my home state and all. However, my parents still live there and have extra beds and a freezer full of food. I am excited for the January tour, as I’ll be playing my first show in Baltimore since 2005.
Third stop – Asheville, NC
Staying again with my lovely harmonica-playing friend Jill in the mountains of North Carolina. Jill lives in what I call “the unofficial hostel for musicians”. She was not even in town, but me and Paul, as well as other musicians, including Joe Bass from the Wiyos, filled her house with music and the tick-tapping sounds of labtop keyboards. Paul and I blessed the non-existent stage of a restaurant in Saluda, NC called the Purple Onion. This place gave us free dinner for playing, and let me say, they must have the best food in North Carolina.
Forth stop – Knoxville, TN
Returning for the second time to Preservation Pub, opening up for Knoxville legend Hector Qirko, we realized how thankful we are you cannot smoke in bars in Boston. I used to have nostalgia, as a jazz musician, for that cloudy haze lingering in the atmosphere of a good divey pub. There’s just no going back after experiencing clean lungs (and clothes!).
Fifth stop – Harrisonburg, VA
We didn’t have a gig scheduled for this night, but luckily my friend Jeremiah found a cocktail house party for us to crash with our instruments. We drank and played, people danced, and they even bought cds. Then Jeremiah took us to his new pride and joy, a restaurant/bar/venue, which will be opening at the end of January ’08 called Clementine. They’ve been renovating this space themselves since May ’05 and holy shit is this place nice. It’s the size of a nightclub with huge pieces of art around, state-of-the art tables and charis, and a really nice bathroom. We should be playing there sometime this summer.
Sixth stop – Thomas, WVA
Some of my dear friends, Chris and Misty, decided to drive down to our gig at the Purple Fiddle from Berkley Springs. They were going hiking before the show so we decided to join them, even though the weather was a little suspect. We ate lunch and a patch of sunlight appeared, so we decided to make the trek. When we got to our destination- a rock promontory in Blackwater Falls, our faces got pelted with rain as we enjoyed the overlook. We played at the Purple Fiddle, which was a very cozy coffeehouse type of joint in a small ski town. Some friends from MD drove 4 hours to see us. That’s always nice.
Seventh stop – Decatur, GA
After dropping off Paul off at some ungodly hour of the morning at the Baltimore airport, I enjoyed a nice Christmas with family in MD. On December 26, I flew to Atlanta for one last tour gig at Eddie’s Attic, the venue where we kicked ass at in November and won their open mic shootout. I played solo in a singer-songwriter in-the-round session with Caroline Aiken, Matthew Kahler, and John Pringle. This is an amazing venue, where people pay to come listen and go gaga over songwriters. People actually shushed each other during one of my songs. It’s like Passim, but cooler because there’s alcohol.
Back to Boston…with my new minivan.
Augusta Swing & Blues Week - July 24, 2007
Last week I have a wonderful time at Augusta Heritage Swing & Blues week (www.AugustaHeritage.com). There's a video of one of the concerts up at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoZO_-xSwbk
2007 Duo Tour with Lyle Brewer June-July 2007 - July 9, 2007
Here's the story of the tour in all its glory...
We started off to our first show of the tour on June 27. After suffering through the immense pile of traffic that is new york city, while rocking out to metallica in the car, to try and alleviate our frustration with the congestion. We pulled up to 68 Jay Street, a tiny bar in DUMBO, Brooklyn, just in time to set up and start playing.
We were very happy to be doing something other than getting sore bums in the car. We were greeted kindly my Miss Jan Bell, a bonafide musician in her own right, and presented with 2 lovely cold free beers. We knew it would be a good night from thenforth. We were situated next to the big open windows in the front of the bar. As we played, the rain came pouring down and all was well.
Next we drove to Maryland to visit with my folks. I could not get a gig in my own hometown.
On July 29 we drove to Charlottesville, VA for our second gig. We stayed at Adam Larabee's new house, another great musician currently playing in a band called Joy Kills Sorrow. His lovely fiancee, Chloe, also greated us with 2 cold beers, and all was well.
We drove around town until we located Fellini's #9. After parking, we took a stroll down the central market area in Charlottesville, which was quite bustling with people and commerce. We bumped into Joebass, a friend who is in a great band called the Wiyos. He was busking on the street, playing oldtime music with some friends.
We then went to the club and set up. The bartender asked us to start playing at 9:56, 4 minutes before our scheduled start time.
People danced. Jeremiah, an ex-Bostonian, came to the show and dragged a bunch of friends out. They liked it. My aunt's sister came with her husband, but they have to leave before we started because they were tired. Joebass came later with his friends.
After we finished playing, the bartender, who also happened to be the person who set up the show, complained to Lyle, asking him where the rest of the band was.
The next day we drove to Hendersonville, NC, a small town about a half-hour south of Asheville. Our show was scheduled at the Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center. A very friendly man named Howard Molten runs this relatively new venue. He also gave us beers.
Lyle's Telecaster was creating a strange buzz that might've had something to do with the stage lights in the old movie theater we were playing in. Within 30 minutes he had 3 of other people's guitars to choose from. He picked the flattop.
Howard said our new cd, "Modern Vintage", had gotten airplay on a couple of local stations, and somebody wrote an article about us in the local paper. I never saw the article. Many people came to the show. The only person we knew was my friend, Jill Fromewick, blues harmonica virtuoso who plays in a band called the Grit Pixies. She was putting us up in Asheville. Her house is the unofficial musician's hostel of Asheville. Everyone was silent when we played and people bought a lot of cds.
In Asheville, the next day, we went to the river for a swim. It was somewhere near Hot Springs, NC. It was beautiful. We did not go to the hot springs.
The second day in Asheville, July 30, we played at a BBQ Restaurant called Ed Boudreaux's Bayou BBQ. It was a long gig.
The next day we went to Deactur Georgia to play at this place called Eddie's Attic. I tried to book a gig there, but failed, so I figured we'd go anyway and compete in their open mic competition. We won and Eddie, the owner, bought us whiskeys. The performers were good- and from all over the country-, the room was crowded with an attentive and appreciative audience, and it was a Monday night. We might go back in November to compete in the open mic shootout. Grand prize: $1000
When we got to our accommodations that night, which Jill had arranged, I realized I had gone to school with our host. In Australia.
On July 3 we drove to Gainesville, FL to meet up with another musician-friend (who is also a scientist and teaches at Harvard), Hazel Levy. It was her 35th birthday. We met her at a place called Satchell's Pizza, serving the best pizza I've ever eaten.
That night we played at a noisy Irish Bar called Durty Nelly's. A fantastic musician named Eden Archer opened up for us. She sang beautifully with her sister.
The next day was the 4th of July and we set of an amazing SC-bought firework called "Bling Bling". It was totally worth it.
On the 5th, we drove to Athens, GA. We ate at a superb diner called "Clocked", which was right around the corner from the Mercury Lounge, where we were playing. Stuff is cheaper in Athens than it is in Boston. After the show, we saw a really vulgar duo playing at the Caledonia Lounge with my friend Nick from college.
From Athens, we went to the Chapel Hill area. First we played at Cafe Driadde. This intimate coffeehouse is basically in the woods and we played on a small, outdoor stage. It's hard to hold out a note when a mosquitoe is biting you on the arm or the forehead, and there is a green bug crawling on your fretboard.
Our second show was in Carborro at another coffeeshop called the Open Eye Cafe, where somebody at the previous show had told us the Germans wearing tight clothing hung out. I assumed he meant hipsters.
The next day we arrived back in Maryland, where I am now, sitting on my parent's couch typing this. Tomorrow night we play our last show of the tour, back in new york at Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction in the East Village. We play at eleven and will then drive back to Boston.
~Miss Tess
We started off to our first show of the tour on June 27. After suffering through the immense pile of traffic that is new york city, while rocking out to metallica in the car, to try and alleviate our frustration with the congestion. We pulled up to 68 Jay Street, a tiny bar in DUMBO, Brooklyn, just in time to set up and start playing.
We were very happy to be doing something other than getting sore bums in the car. We were greeted kindly my Miss Jan Bell, a bonafide musician in her own right, and presented with 2 lovely cold free beers. We knew it would be a good night from thenforth. We were situated next to the big open windows in the front of the bar. As we played, the rain came pouring down and all was well.
Next we drove to Maryland to visit with my folks. I could not get a gig in my own hometown.
On July 29 we drove to Charlottesville, VA for our second gig. We stayed at Adam Larabee's new house, another great musician currently playing in a band called Joy Kills Sorrow. His lovely fiancee, Chloe, also greated us with 2 cold beers, and all was well.
We drove around town until we located Fellini's #9. After parking, we took a stroll down the central market area in Charlottesville, which was quite bustling with people and commerce. We bumped into Joebass, a friend who is in a great band called the Wiyos. He was busking on the street, playing oldtime music with some friends.
We then went to the club and set up. The bartender asked us to start playing at 9:56, 4 minutes before our scheduled start time.
People danced. Jeremiah, an ex-Bostonian, came to the show and dragged a bunch of friends out. They liked it. My aunt's sister came with her husband, but they have to leave before we started because they were tired. Joebass came later with his friends.
After we finished playing, the bartender, who also happened to be the person who set up the show, complained to Lyle, asking him where the rest of the band was.
The next day we drove to Hendersonville, NC, a small town about a half-hour south of Asheville. Our show was scheduled at the Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center. A very friendly man named Howard Molten runs this relatively new venue. He also gave us beers.
Lyle's Telecaster was creating a strange buzz that might've had something to do with the stage lights in the old movie theater we were playing in. Within 30 minutes he had 3 of other people's guitars to choose from. He picked the flattop.
Howard said our new cd, "Modern Vintage", had gotten airplay on a couple of local stations, and somebody wrote an article about us in the local paper. I never saw the article. Many people came to the show. The only person we knew was my friend, Jill Fromewick, blues harmonica virtuoso who plays in a band called the Grit Pixies. She was putting us up in Asheville. Her house is the unofficial musician's hostel of Asheville. Everyone was silent when we played and people bought a lot of cds.
In Asheville, the next day, we went to the river for a swim. It was somewhere near Hot Springs, NC. It was beautiful. We did not go to the hot springs.
The second day in Asheville, July 30, we played at a BBQ Restaurant called Ed Boudreaux's Bayou BBQ. It was a long gig.
The next day we went to Deactur Georgia to play at this place called Eddie's Attic. I tried to book a gig there, but failed, so I figured we'd go anyway and compete in their open mic competition. We won and Eddie, the owner, bought us whiskeys. The performers were good- and from all over the country-, the room was crowded with an attentive and appreciative audience, and it was a Monday night. We might go back in November to compete in the open mic shootout. Grand prize: $1000
When we got to our accommodations that night, which Jill had arranged, I realized I had gone to school with our host. In Australia.
On July 3 we drove to Gainesville, FL to meet up with another musician-friend (who is also a scientist and teaches at Harvard), Hazel Levy. It was her 35th birthday. We met her at a place called Satchell's Pizza, serving the best pizza I've ever eaten.
That night we played at a noisy Irish Bar called Durty Nelly's. A fantastic musician named Eden Archer opened up for us. She sang beautifully with her sister.
The next day was the 4th of July and we set of an amazing SC-bought firework called "Bling Bling". It was totally worth it.
On the 5th, we drove to Athens, GA. We ate at a superb diner called "Clocked", which was right around the corner from the Mercury Lounge, where we were playing. Stuff is cheaper in Athens than it is in Boston. After the show, we saw a really vulgar duo playing at the Caledonia Lounge with my friend Nick from college.
From Athens, we went to the Chapel Hill area. First we played at Cafe Driadde. This intimate coffeehouse is basically in the woods and we played on a small, outdoor stage. It's hard to hold out a note when a mosquitoe is biting you on the arm or the forehead, and there is a green bug crawling on your fretboard.
Our second show was in Carborro at another coffeeshop called the Open Eye Cafe, where somebody at the previous show had told us the Germans wearing tight clothing hung out. I assumed he meant hipsters.
The next day we arrived back in Maryland, where I am now, sitting on my parent's couch typing this. Tomorrow night we play our last show of the tour, back in new york at Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction in the East Village. We play at eleven and will then drive back to Boston.
~Miss Tess
Great Blues Alley Debut!! - June 13, 2007
So last night was the cd release for "When Tomorrow Comes" at the prestigious jazz room, Blues Alley in Washington, DC. I'd like to sincerely thank all who came out and made this such a great night. We sold out the first show, which is pretty much unheard of for the club on a Tuesday night!
Successful Cd release at the Lizard Lounge! - May 30, 2007
Hello fans,
Thanks to all who made it to the Lizard Lounge May 25 for the "Modern Vintage" Cd release party. We sold out!!
~Miss Tess
Thanks to all who made it to the Lizard Lounge May 25 for the "Modern Vintage" Cd release party. We sold out!!
~Miss Tess