Venango County: Official Blog of Chance Jones

eightWest Appearance

2011-08-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

American Evening from Joel Potrykus

2011-06-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Joel always does amazing work, but this is exceptional stuff even among his fantastic catalog.

US.

2011-06-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

The word came down on Facebook yesterday. The next Chance Jones album title and tracklist are here:

US.
eta 2011 (TBD)

Don't Be Leaving So Soon
Didn't Take Long
Aw, Shucks
Certain Charm
Easy as That
All For Maria
Monkey See, Monkey Do
I'm True
Just Enough Blood
I'm You're Fool
The Lucia Melody

No word on a release date, but I know that the band is already at work on recording the album. Drum and guitar tracks are laid down for a handful of songs, and work continues apace on it. Right now it looks like it will be a Friction release, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

eightWest, WOOD TV-8, July 9, 2010

2010-07-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Set list:

All You've Got (Chance & Dex)

To promote the Plug It Up! Benefit at Billy's on Sunday, July 11, Chance and Dex appeared on WOOD TV-8's morning program eightWest. I recorded their live video stream, but it doesn't look like it worked. I'm hoping there will be an upload from WOOD later today.

UPDATE: WOOD TV 8 just uploaded their video!

Boiling Pot Music Festival, Kalamazoo, July 3, 2010

2010-07-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Set list:

Insult to Injury
Cute With A Knife
CIA Operative
Kitty Hijinks
All You've Got
Nobody's Baby
The One That Got Away
All Again

My Machine was on the set list, but was not played. Didn't make it down to the show, but old Bueford was able to shoot me a pic of the set list. Bol said that the show went really well and was very well run, but that it was pretty hot. The band would definitely come again next year!

Founders, June 26, 2010

2010-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Set list:

Didn't Take Long
Insult to Injury
All You've Got
Look Me Up Sometime
The One That Got Away
Kitty Hijinks
Venango County
Crosstown
When You Were Mine
My Machine
Carolina Breeze
Love's Alright
All Again

Big night of music at Founders, as Charles the Osprey released their album Consider. In addition to that, Ozenza and Noblesville also performed. Gotta say that Didn't Take Long is growing and changing before our eyes, as the band hones in a new track. It just sounds better and better each time they play it. When You Were Mine made another super-fun appearance. The sound at Founders can be hit or miss, but tonight it was on for their set. I stood at the back at the merch stand for the set, and it was as good a mix as I've heard at Founders. Great as well to see Outo Bol come out as a never nude.

UPDATED JUNE 28, 2010

Check this out with some of the Chance Jones folks playing backup. Too sweet!

Mulligan's Pub, Grand Rapids, June 18

2010-06-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

Set list:

Bo Diddley (soundcheck tease)
Insult to Injury
Nobody's Baby
Kitty Hijinks
My Machine
When You Were Mine
Crosstown
All You've Got
The One That Got Away
Look Me Up Sometime
Didn't Take Long
All Again
Giant Bee Sting (encore)

For as hot and humid as it was yesterday, Mulligan's was pretty comfortable. Yeah, it was warm in the back room where the show was, but not unbearably hot. Think about that next time you're worried about a show after a hot day.

I wouldn't count Bo Diddley as an actual band song or cover, just some messing around while setting up. Giant Bee Sting, however, was an actual encore. I'm kinda like a "Johnny-come-lately" with the band, as they formed and developed for nearly 2 years before I started the blog and became a die hard. But I don't ever remember an honest-to-goodness encore where the audience called them back for more. I've seen the audience try to get them to come back, but because of circumstances beyond their control they couldn't. So how was it? Seriously, Giant Bee Sting was blistering. It was a rawk moment.

Prospecto Music Showcase and Sonic Experience

2010-06-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I teased it in my last post on upcoming live shows, and here it is. The Prospecto Music Showcase and Sonic Experience is coming to Grand Rapids September 23-25. This is a multiple venue, multiple act event in Grand Rapids featuring many of your favorite acts, including Chance Jones (presumably one of your favorite acts...)

Preliminary indications have CJ opening for The Presidents of the United States of America on Saturday, September 24, but I don't know if that is carved in stone yet. I'm not sure of a venue, either, but you know where to look when that information becomes available. My guess would be the Intersection if it holds that they open for tPOTUSA.

Who is playing:

What venues?

Intersection

New Album Update: The Portland Sessions

2010-06-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, Chance gave me the skinny on the Portland Sessions from back in April. Here are the facts, Jack.

Track list:

All For Maria

I’m Your Fool

Here It From Me*

Didn’t Take Long*

Baby Don’t Be Leaving So Soon*

This Town*

Monkey See, Monkey Do*

Vacation Clothes*

Of these 8 tracks, reference mixes were made for the six with asterisks in late April. You might notice some older track names on there, including the often spoken of All For Maria, This Town, and Baby Don't Be Leaving So Soon. Didn't Take Long debuted last month as a full band live track, and is kind of becoming a regular. This Town was on the first Chance Jones album (2003), and while I've never heard it, Bol says that Monkey See, Monkey Do is one from the olden days. Chance is the only member of the band to perform on the demos, while a set of session musicians helped to round out the sound.

What's next? Well, the producer of these tracks will be coming to town next month to work with the band on another round of demos, and Chance says that the next set will be another new batch of tracks. Meanwhile, the band is continuing to add their own majestic magical powers to the demos and give it that "Chance Jones" sound that we all know and love. Still too early to talk about release dates and labels, although "2011" is the current best estimate. Those of you "Letter 11" true believers, hold on. It's still in the works, as are a few other releases.

New Live Dates

2010-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

A host of new live dates have been scheduled for the summer. Check it out:

The Plug It Up! Benefit at Billy's will be July 11. There are a ton of great bands who are going to be there, like:
SuperDre
La Famiglia
Juleus
AB & Coconut Brown
Gray Theory
Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire
Cain Marko
The Fainting Generals
Head

Pretty good, right? I mean, how can you not go? Plus it benefits the restoration of marine life in the Gulf coast affected by the oil spill. Glad to see that local artists are taking action to help out and raise funds. Come join and help out by rocking out.

Next up, is the Frederik Meijer Gardens Show August 17 with the Fainting Generals. Thanks to Ralston Bowles and the Tuesday Night Music Club for helping to put this on.

Finally, September 11 will be the Bars of Gold album release party at Founders. This is a Friction Records release, and the mighty Ghost Heart will also be performing at this show.

There are whispers of a larger show coming in September, but that's not for me to confirm or deny at this point. Should be fun if it comes together, though!

Local First Festival, Grand Rapids, June 12

2010-06-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

Set List:

Make It In The City
Love's Alright
Love Still Wild
Alone with Him
Going to see Michelle
Kitty Hijinks
When You Were Mine
The One That Got Away
Nobody's Baby
My Machine
All You've Got
Didn't Take Long
Venango County
All Again

Fun afternoon for your humble narrator, as the whole family was able to attend the show. Lil got to go to Festival last week, but she missed Miss Sapphire something fierce. Good thing they were able to catch up today.

Really, really great festival put on by Local First. Amazing vendors like Founders, Sandmann's, Marge's Donut Den, GRPD Pizza, among others, plus how can you ever go wrong with AB! and Chance Jones back-to-back? Do you know what? You can't, and that's just science, man.

Tight set list, great audio, and some new and rare gems made for a great afternoon in the sun. It might have been played in the interim, but I haven't heard When You Were Mine since December, and this was the first time I've heard Didn't Take Long with Miss Sapphire. My wife Heather had goosebumps from her backing vocals on that one. She even showed them to me. They were on her arm.

Enjoy the cell phone pics. Looked like there were 4-5 pros there taking shots. I imagine some will pop up on Facebook. If so, I'll update this post with them.

Celadon Performance Scratched

2010-06-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

For those who were hoping to attend the acoustic performance at Celadon tomorrow, Chance will not be appearing. No hard feelings or worries, or anything like that. Just too much going on.

Please go see Karissa play, though! It should be a great night of music for all involved.

Fox17 Morning Show, Grand Rapids, June 9

2010-06-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Set List:

Hoping You'd Be Here

Bol on maracas, Chance on the acoustic. Shot live at Founders to hype the Local First Festival on Saturday.

~~Perhaps later today there'll be a video online for us to embed here.~~

UPDATE: Embed below. Thanks to Kerry at Fox17 for the link.

Up next: Celadon

2010-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Just got word that there is a solo acoustic show on Thursday night 7:30 at Celadon. Methinks Beth Forrest has no reason to miss this.

Wealthy Elementary, East Grand Rapids, June 7

2010-06-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Set list:

Natalie
Venango County
All Again

Thanks to Juliet for the picture. Note the visitor's badge on the jacket.

Does this count as a show? Sure. I was there to tag the set list, and there was a captive audience of 70 or so 10 year olds. Yeah, we'll count it.

Chance came in to Wealthy Elementary this afternoon shortly after 1 pm and answered a few questions from my class of 4th graders. We have a student named Natalie, so of course we were treated to an acoustic version of it. It sounded great, and the kids loved it.

At 1:30 we headed down to the library to meet up with the other 2 fourth grade classes, and Chance continued to answer questions from the students and staff. Intermingled between the Q and A were acoustic performances of Venango County and All Again. Both were raucous sing-alongs. All Again being especially cute as the kids were trying through-out the song to find a place to jump in and sing "All Again." The dam broke at the end of the song, and heads swayed and arms were linked. But the spirit of the song rang true; I'm sure we'll do it all again next year.

After the performance wrapped up we were treated to what must definitely be the most disorganized stage presentation of Coraline ever. An emergency 24-hour intermission was declared, and the Chance Jones autograph session began as the kids headed out to recess.

I'd like to thank Josh for taking time out of his day off (on a beautiful Monday afternoon no less!) to come and be with my students. They certainly enjoyed it, and I already have ideas on how to make it great for next year.

Festival, Grand Rapids, June 4

2010-06-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Set list:

The One That Got Away
Crosstown
Carolina Breeze
Didn't Take Long
All You've Got
Kitty Hijinks
All Again

Nice night under the tent at Festival, as the rain held off. A new (old) crowd checked out the band, and a few regulars were seen in the vicinity. The evening also brought the second live appearance of Didn't Take Long, one of the new tracks that was demoed out in Portland. Miss Sapphire was tempting fate in Arizona, so the boys were off to fend for themselves. Looks like the full band will reassemble next Saturday for the Local First Festival, following the always great A.B. & Coconut Brown.

Festival!

2010-05-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids kicks off this coming weekend, and Chance Jones will play the Outer Fringe stage at the corner of Michigan and Monroe at 5:30 pm on Friday. Get all that? No? Then perhaps this amazing MS Paint graphic will help remind you of the particulars.

New Intersection Show

2010-04-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

The band will be opening for Man Man at the Intersection on May 11. Check out the sweet poster!

WYCE Studio, March 25

2010-03-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Set list
All You've Got (solo)
The One That Got Away (album cut)
Missed You Lady (solo)
Not Everything (album cut)
Loves Alright (album cut)

A nice little in-studio set at WYCE to help with their spring fund drive. Good interview with some news about the Primrose follow-up. There are six songs right now in various states of evolution, with a few weeks before Chance heads out to Portland.

Do you I need to remind you again to support the only local radio station to seriously support and play local music?

This and That

2010-03-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

* A host of new live dates courtesy of Bueford Wilson.

* Remember, this Wednesday live at the B.O.B. Be there to say that you were there for the recording of this set for a possible future live release! Also complete your collection of albums and t-shirts and stickers and so on at the merch table. Come say hi to your humble narrator if nothing else!

* Yes, the site is evolving. No doubt you noticed the new totally sweet banner; thanks to Mrs. Media for cooking that up. Perhaps you also noticed the domain name is now officially www.venango-county.com. Look for more gradual changes as the days and weeks roll on.

* Some interesting things could be coming on the horizon. And yes, I'm referring to an additional possible release. And no, I'm not teasing the Letter 11, the Primrose follow-up, a potential live release, Pacific Northwest shows, other projects from band members, demo recordings in April, or the original Chance Jones album. Sorry. My lips are sealed. But it sounds awesome.

Chance Jones (2003)

2010-03-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

A big, big thanks to Joe Eisenbraun, producer of the first Chance Jones album, for mailing a pristine copy of the album up here.

Be patient. It should be available again soon...

The B.O.B., March 3, 2010

2010-03-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

Set list:

Run Rabbit Run
Look Me Up Sometime
All You've Got
The One That Got Away
Natalie
Baby Bird
Take Me Home
Giant Bee Sting
Carolina Breeze
Called My Name
Romance in Space (I Love My Gun)
Going to See Michelle
Baby Don't Be Leaving So Soon
I'll Never Look For You Again
Something Has Changed
Sunshine and Glory
When You're Lost
Crosstown
Kitty Hijinks
Love's Alright
Make It In The City
C.I.A. Operative
Nobody's Baby
Cute With A Knife
Hoping You'd Be Here
Back Home
Love Still Wild
Alone With Him
My Machine
Venango County
All Again

Another good night at the B.O.B. Slow to arrive crowd, but once they showed up they got up, got with it and got down. There was a stretch around 10:15 - 10:40 where the band was as fun to watch as I've seen them. It's always great when folks get up and dance, and there was a great group who were feelin' it. It's great to sit and watch folks who've never come across the band turn their heads from the pool tables or bar and feel compelled to come check out what's going on.

Some neat things in the set list, too. Romance in Space isn't exactly rare, but it's been a while since I've heard it. Baby Don't Be Leaving So Soon made another appearance and is shaping up quite nicely. I love hearing Something Has Changed live. It's one of my favorites from The Angels Share, and it is has grown as a live track. I was surprised to learn after the show that there were some equipment issues that derailed some of the songs. I go to a lot of shows and get to hear the band a lot and I didn't really notice anything in the songs themselves that would have suggested anything was wrong. So good work MacGyver-ing up whatever solutions you did, band!

Of course, tonight was the final night of the Miss Sapphire southern excursion, so plan on seeing her at next week's show. The boys held it together well in her absence, but I can see it in their eyes...

Odds and Ends

2010-02-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

* Added two more set lists to the Live page from this week, and also added a handful of dates from the distant past to the archive. If you can document any dates that were played either full-band or solo, email me at tim dot saunders 4 1 at g mail dot com.

* The Discography page is now in LIVING COLOR! Check out the album covers from all but the long lost first album.

* Another show at the B.O.B. coming up this Wednesday. These shows have been a great break for the work week. No cover charge!

* Ven a casa pronto, señorita Sapphire! Los muchachos están comenzando a mirar cada funny otros.

Founders, February 27, 2010

2010-02-28T06:50:00.001-08:00

Set list

Called My Name
American Evening
Nobody's Baby
Insult to Injury
Crosstown
My Machine
Cute With A Knife
Look Me Up Sometime
Love's Still Wild
Alone With Him
Going to see Michelle
(break)
CIA Operative
All You've Got
Sunshine and Glory
Love's Alright
I'll Never Look For You Again
All Again

Really, really good show at Founder's last night. Despite Miss Sapphire's absconding to Mexico, the band put on a tight and energetic set to a packed house. Lots of new folks caught the band, and standing in the audience I could see people being won over with each successive song. My Machine continues to own everyone and everything in it's path. Dex was more than up to the task of providing backing vocals and harmonies in the absence of Miss Sapphire.

The B.O.B., February 24, 2010

2010-02-28T06:42:00.001-08:00

First off, Natalie was not played during the show, as best I can remember. For certain it was not the closer.

More importantly, Baby Don't Be Leaving Too Soon made it's full band debut! If you'll remember back in December 6/7ths of the band played it at the Kent-Ionia Labor Council show, but Miss Sapphire was absent for that set. Coyote director Joel Potrykus was on hand for the set, and he appreciated hearing it for sure. Love's Still Wild and Alone With Him were again segued, to maximum effect, and My Machine continues to be a powerhouse tune. Very good crowd on a night when the roads were less than optimal. Special thanks to Bryan Yonkers for lending his trombone skills intermittently throughout the set.

Cosmetic Changes

2010-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed some minor tweaks to the site today. I've added pages to the top of the main page and removed some spaces on the right. All of the links are now at the top of the page, as well as the discography. The members page will grow to include pictures and a biography. I've also added a live show archive which will display dates and set lists. This year's shows are pretty complete, and I'll work on adding some of the back dates as time goes on.

PLEASE check out the links section. I made a MASSIVE update for Known Associates on Wednesday. I'm trying to add as many local bands as I can to that list, and I'd appreciate any links that I may have missed.

Oh! There is also an RSS feed for those who'd like to subscribe for updates. And I activated my phone to update the site via text message. So that should be a real disaster at places like Founder's when I feel the need to emphatically describe how well (or poorly, zing!) the band is playing.

The B.O.B., February 17, 2010

2010-02-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

My first trip to see the band at the BOB tonight, and it's just as awesome as it looks on paper. Good turnout. Nice energy from the band tonight. The Love's Still Wild segue into Alone with Him made another appearance and rocked. I noticed that a lot of non-regulars were bobbing along with Nobody's Baby and Kitty Hijinks, but is that really a surprise at this point?

Some adjustments from the set list...When You're Lost wasn't played, and neither was American Evening. Some of the later songs were played in a different order. All Again was the closer.

No recordings tonight.

Jammies XI, The Intersection, February 16

2010-02-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the band for winning Best Alternative or Electronic Album for The Incident at Primrose and West!

photo courtesy mLive

photo courtesy mLive

Set list:
Love's Still Wild
Alone With Him
My Machine

They really put on an amazing set, with Wild flowing directly into Alone. Very cool. A high energy, almost visceral set. Everybody was listening and into it. Great crowd, great vibe. Looks like GRTV was there to tape the set and the evening in general, so I'll look into getting a copy of that uploaded and embedded soon.

Congrats to Drew Nelson for winning Album of the Year!

At the end of this report, you can hear the band performing "Alone With Him."

A complete list of finalists and award winners.

John Sinkevics with a write-up and a YouTube clip with a few moments of Love's Still Wild. Can't argue with the lead pic from his blog article.

Bowery, congratulations on your two Jammies!

Jammies XI this Tuesday!

2010-02-14T09:06:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that Chance Jones is scheduled to perform late in the set at this years Jammies XI, the annual WYCE local music awards show at the Intersection. Smoke-free again this year, the cost is NOTHING. That's right, it's a FREE show! All of the information that you seek, including who's playing when, can be found at this helpful blog posting.

Here are the various Jammies award nominations that the band is connected to:

Local VARIOUS ARTISTS Album
A Winter's Tune 2008 Independent (I don't think Chance Jones was on the album, which I haven't been able to find anywhere, but Chance Jones did perform at this)

Local Record Label
Friction Records

Local Contemporary Duo or Group
Chance Jones - The Incident at Primrose and West

Local Alternative or Electric Album
Chance Jones - The Incident at Primrose and West

Best Local SONG
Chance Jones - My Machine

People's Choice Award
Chance Jones
Vote HERE to select Chance Jones among others...

Chance Jones (2003)

2010-02-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

01 - Who Asked You?
02 - Call It What You Will
03 - Forms of Freedom
04 - I Haven't Seen Her Since the Election
05 - It's This Town
06 - You're So Good
07 - I Hope It Ain't Over
08 - Lady 8th
09 - Looking After Me
10 - She's Alright For Me
11 - Drive Her Home
12 - The Elias Proposition
13 - Rock n Roll World
14 - Departed

Recorded in Grand Rapids, this debut album is more of a collection of songs that Chance was playing live at acoustic open mic nights. While following albums were constructed with an album concept in mind, this collection of songs almost read like a demo session. Recorded over two 2-hour sessions, the songs are just Chance and his guitar, with some harmonica and sparse piano overdubs. When Chance went to live in New York shortly after this was recorded, 50 copies of this was pressed and sold by the gentleman who produced the recording around Grand Rapids. Chance had one copy for himself, and gave that copy away, leaving only a digital copy in his own possession. Once the computer hosting that copy crashed, the album was "lost" for a while. Fortunately, Casey Rich, now living and teaching in Shanghai, was able to upload an mp3 version of the album back to Chance. Some efforts are underway to contact the gentleman that recorded the album to see if he has the original master tapes and what his feelings are on distributing this to those that want to hear it. "Looking After Me" and a tease of "I Haven't Seen Her Since The Election" both figure into current set lists. Unfortunately no surviving cover art exists (at least to this blogger's knowledge).

Many thanks to Casey Rich for his help in recovering this first album!

The B.O.B., February 10, 2010

2010-02-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

ScottyRock comes through again with the set list pic.

The B.O.B., February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

The power of the Internet allows me the opportunity to upload the set list just moments after the show ends. It also allows all of you to see this:

Oh, yeah. Customized belt buckles.

ScottyRock, we are now FOUR beers indebted to you for the last photo. Possibly five.

(New Interview) + (New Album X 3) = Loads of News

2010-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to a recent interview with Sounds Good Ink, a local music blog.

Inside that interview is the first word of the follow-up to Primrose, and I have a bit more info to help flesh out that mention. Chance will be flying to the Pacific Northwest immediately after the Chicago show in April to record demos on analog tape. Bueford mentioned in his blog earlier in the month that the entire band would be traveling to the Pacific Northwest to tour, and that will be happening in early August. I've also heard of new tunes being broken in at rehearsals, but I have no idea if these are songs being considered for the follow-up album. I wouldn't expect this follow-up album until 2011.

So what of The Letter 11? It is still in the works for 2010. The songs are being explored a bit more in a full band setting.

And, yes, the title of this post mentions THREE new albums. Chance released an album of what were essentially demo tracks back in 2003, but only 50 copies were pressed and sold while he was living in New York. He only had one copy of that which was given away, and the computer holding a digital copy of that crashed as well. The master recording tapes are in the possession of the gentleman that owned the studio, and he no longer lives in Grand Rapids. The good news in all of this is that friend of the band Casey Rich, who is teaching in Shanghai, recently uploaded a copy of the album to Chance in mp3 format. Look for more information about this album to be released this week here on the blog. I know that Chance would like to get this out to folks to hear soon, and that is being explored.

Founders: (4th) Best in the World!

2010-01-28T16:57:00.000-08:00

RateBeer's Best of 2010 was just released and Founders was named the number 4 brewery in the WORLD. Yes. THE ENTIRE PLANET EARTH. It goes without saying that this is beyond cool, especially considering that there were nearly 10,000 breweries that were reviewed. CONGRATULATIONS, FOUNDERS! Truly deserving!

Also, congratulations to perennial favorites Bell's of Kalamazoo for placing 5th! Man, we got it good here in West Michigan with our beer.

Billy's Lounge, January 27, 2010

2010-01-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Setlist:

Looking After Me
Carolina Breeze
I'll Never Look For You Again
Look Me Up Sometime
Kitty Hijinks
Insult to Injury
Love's Still Wild
Alone With Him
Nobody's Baby*
Going to See Michelle
Cute with A Knife*

break

Crosstown
Natalie
Run Rabbit Run
The One That Got Away
All You've Got
Six-String Highway
Sunshine and Glory
Venango County
CIA Operative
Take Me Home
My Machine

*w/ Kyle Colter

Nice little show at Billy's tonight opening for the Kinetic Stereokids. I'm sure that KS put on a good show themselves, but holding a 9 to 5 job compelled me to leave before their set. No recording tonight, so sorry about that. My Machine is just tearing stuff up every time it is played. Everyone sounds stronger every time it is played, and that is saying something because it's always sounded pretty good. Thanks to scottyrock for the picture tonight. Have I mentioned the connection between Looking After Me and the orient? Yes? Well get ready to know what this long lost track has to do with it this week.

Billy's: Tonight!

2010-01-27T12:55:00.001-08:00

Taking a break from their 10 week stand at the B.O.B., the band will be playing tonight at Billy's. Come on down to Eastown to check out the group as they play with the Kinetic Stereokids. Thanks to AB! & Coconut Brown for playing tonight at the B.O.B. in place of the band.

Coyote Premiere

2010-01-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

A nearly packed house at the UICA greeted the premiere of Coyote tonight. Set up by a short film from Jason Roth, a student film from Coyote director Joel Potrykus, and the trailer for Potrykus' prior film Gordon, Coyote played very well to the audience. In addition to the new Chance Jones song, which was in a very sparse acoustic arrangement, an edit of Nobody's Baby played over the credits to great effect. Joshua Burge was great in the lead, carrying the load of the movie on his shoulders and not flinching at all. Bol had the great comment at the end of the night that the crowd for the movie was all set and ready to bust out laughing and have a good time at any moment, and during a key scene in the movie when a few folks did start to giggle the performance really reeled people back in to what was happening. Great job all around.

For those interested in purchasing a copy of Coyote, email the director at zoozersadd@yahoo.com or joelpotrykus@gmail.com. Each copy is $6.

COYOTE

2010-01-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the big debut of the new Super8 film by local filmmaker Joel Potrykus. Starring Joshua Burge, Coyote premiere's tonight at 11 pm at the UICA in downtown Grand Rapids. Tickets are $4 at the door. A pre-party will take place at the Meanwhile Bar on Wealthy at 9 pm. There is word that a limited number of DVD's will be available, and seating may be limited as well, so get there early. A new Chance Jones song will debut as well. Should be a fun night...

The B.O.B., January 20, 2010

2010-01-21T04:32:00.001-08:00

These setlists are amazing. Thirty-three songs?!?!

Thanks again to scottyrock for coming through with the setlist.

Big Week

2010-01-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Lots of opportunities to enjoy Chance Jones in a variety of forms this week.

First off, tomorrow night at the B.O.B. Chance Jones sets sail on their second of TEN consecutive Wednesday night performances. Last week saw a staggering 31 song set unleashed on the unsuspecting. Looking for a great introduction to the band? This is a good night to dig in. Heck, bring a uninitiated friend to experience the majestic mysticism. Or cynicism. Your choice.

Maybe they will play this...

Thursday night brings an old-skool acoustic performance at Founders, along with acoustic Nathan Kalish, Frontier Ruckus, and Jes Kramer. And as usual with all Thursdays at Founders, there is no cover charge. Technically, you could see Chance Jones for FREE, but I know you. You'll want a beer or four.

Finally, Saturday night brings the Coyote premiere at the UICA. Joel Potrykus presents his second Super 8 film short to Grand Rapids, and you can be there for a measly $4. Did you know that Chance Jones contributed a brand new song to the soundtrack? Did you know that the film stars some guy named Joshua Burge? You simply can't miss this one.

So there you have it. A pretty good week to be a fan. Plus, an amazing discovery from the ancient past was unearthed in the far off orient. What does this have to do with our fearless ensemble? It wouldn't be a tease if I told you...

Founders, January 14, 2010

2010-01-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

Set One:

Looking After Me
Rouge In Style
Alone With Him
Kitty Hijinks
Going to See Michelle
Love's Still Wild
I Haven't Seen Her Since the Election>I'll Never Look For You Again
Sunshine and Glory
Venango County
Insult to Injury
Love's Alright
My Machine

Set Two:

Missed You Lady
Nobody's Baby
C.I.A. Operative
The One That Got Away
All You've Got
When You're Lost
Cute With A Knife
Look Me Up Sometime
Natalie
Six-String Highway
Called My Name
All Again

Guh.

Amazing night of music from Chance Jones and AB & Coconut Brown. I'm exhausted still. Four hours of rock, quick transitions between sets, phenomenal energy. Taped all four sets from both bands, but I'm concerned that only one tape turned out. Soundboard patched again. And all of this was FREE? Great, great night of music.

The B.O.B., January 13, 2010

2010-01-14T05:11:00.001-08:00

* Cute with a Knife and Rouge In Style were not played

Thanks to ScottyRock for the setlist!

31 songs over 2 hours?!?! Epic.

WYCE Best of the Decade

2010-01-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

The results of the WYCE Best of the Decade listener poll was released tonight, and there was Chance Jones among Daisy May & Seth Bernard, Ralston Bowles, Drew Nelson, and organissimo. Congrats!

Nice to see Seth and Daisy get some love, too. Can't say enough nice things about those two.

MORE Live Dates

2010-01-04T18:41:00.001-08:00

Facebook is telling me that there will be even MORE January dates coming up. Chance Jones will be playing at the BOB for the first time ever on January 13, and then returning a week later on January 20. Time to add a BOB label!

Coyote Premiere Set

2010-01-01T15:52:00.001-08:00

For those of you with great anticipation for the new film from Joel Potrykus, Coyote, a premiere date has now been set. Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the UICA at 11 pm. Joshua Burge is the lead actor, so fans of Chance Jones could care less. However, a NEW Chance Jones song will be featured in the soundtrack, and presumably in the movie. $4 will get you in. BYOB.

Also, check out this amazing new trailer for the film.

UPDATED: Sorry, no trailer after all. Hope you saw it while you could, as it was spoiler-iffic!

New Live Dates

2009-12-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the great Bueford Wilson, the man behind the beat of Chance Jones, for breaking new spring live dates.

Apr. 9 - Chance Jones (TO BE CONFIRMED KZOO SHOW)

Apr. 10 - Chance Jones @ Red Line Tap Chicago

Apr. 29 - Chance Jones @ Billys with AB & Coconut Brown

June 19 - Chance Jones @ Founders Fest

Jammies XI Nominations

2009-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

WYCE just announced the nominations for the 2010 Jammie Awards, and Chance Jones was nominated for a few awards, as was Friction Records.

Local VARIOUS ARTISTS Album
A Winter's Tune 2008 Independent (I don't think Chance Jones was on the album, which I haven't been able to find anywhere, but Chance Jones did perform at this)

Local Record Label
Friction Records

Local Contemporary Duo or Group
Chance Jones - The Incident at Primrose and West

Local Alternative or Electric Album
Chance Jones - The Incident at Primrose and West

Best Local SONG
Chance Jones - My Machine

People's Choice Award
Chance Jones
Vote HERE to select Chance Jones among others...

Founders, January 14, 2010

2009-12-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

Your first opportunity to see the band in 2010 will be a FREE show at Founders along with the super-sweet AB and Coconut Brown. Chance Jones will play a set first, followed by AB and Coconut Brown, and then Chance Jones will play ANOTHER set! Did I mention that all of this sweetness is FREE? And at Founders? On January 14?

Not sure about AB and Coconut Brown? I know for a FACT that there are 3 copies of their new album Indeed! at Vertigo, and they are only $6 each. That is a pretty sweet deal for such a sweet disc. Go get it now and act like you've known all about them on January 14 at Founders.

Insult to Injury

2009-12-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

For Local Music Afficianados...

2009-12-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays...

Happy Holidays

2009-12-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Things will be a little slow around here for the next week or so, as there aren't any shows planned until January 14 at Founders, and it is the holiday season. This is a time of giving, and rather than feed into the rapid consumerism of today's day and age, I, Tim, would encourage you to give to any charity of your choice.

Here are some ideas that may sound good to you:

Donate to the Salvation Army, local food bank, etc.
Visit a nursing home, pediatric ward
Sign-up to tutor, mentor, or read with students in need
Contribute to international aid funds

Happy Holidays, and we'll see you in the New Year...

Kent-Ionia Labor Council, December 19, 2009

2009-12-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Setlist:

Take Me Home
Pastures of Plenty (Woody Guthrie cover)
Hard Travelin' (Woody Guthrie cover)
When You're Lost
The Biggest Thing That Man Has Ever Done (Woody Guthrie cover)
Something Has Changed
When You Were Mine (Prince cover)
Baby Don't Be Leaving Too Soon
Natalie
Back Home
One That Got Away
Run Rabbit Run
Hoping You'd Be Here

Tonight's benefit show was a unique one. From the venue, to the crowd size, to the lack of Miss Sapphire, tonight's show was unique to say the least. Shows like these are the ones that you hope to see, because tonight they played quite a few older tracks that haven't been heard, some covers that haven't been played, and a brand new track played "publicly" for the first time ever. Three covers of Woody Guthrie tracks, plus a Prince cover (!), PLUS the debut of the new song from Coyote. The band was loose, jamming, tight, goofy, well aware of the small crowd (maybe 15 people total?) and it all added up to a fun night. Dex really had a good night improvising. Something Has Changed was great to hear again, as was Take Me Home. Something Has Changed really rocked it. The KILC raised over $400 for former Republic Windows and Doors workers, so that was good news too. Yes, the night was taped on DV, but I'm not sure how much of it will make it out. We'll see how the band feels. Plus, Bol has the masters.

Until they play it again live...

Prince - When You Were Mine
Uploaded by halloaluile. - Explore more music videos.

Tonight's Benefit Show

2009-12-19T10:09:00.001-08:00

Tonight's show is a benefit for the organizers for the Republic Windows and Doors sit-down strike last year in Chicago. Starting at 7 there will be a documentary video called "Hasta La Victoria," and then the band will perform around 9. Suggested donations to enter are $5 to $10.

Here's a link to more information regarding Republic Windows and Doors workers, and below is a map to the Kent-Ionia Labor Council.

View Larger Map

Jammies XI + Chance Jones = Yes

2009-12-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Official site confirms it today. Still haven't heard anything about the nominations themselves.

Jammies XI

2009-12-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

WYCE's Jammies XI will be coming soon. It looks like the nominees have been announced, and I'm sure that they are organizing the acts for this year's show. I'll let you know when I know. In the meantime, here's a look from John Sinkevics at last year's show. I'm sure that you'll note the hijinks that take place towards the end of the video.

Rapid Growth Media article

2009-12-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Rapid Growth Media has a list of their top 6 best trends and events of the year. Chance Jones was mentioned among indie music.

Muligan's Pub, December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Setlist:

Make It In The City
Going to See Michelle
Venango County
All You've Got
My Machine
Kitty Hijinks
One That Got Away
I Haven't Seen Her Since the Election>I'll Never Look For You Again
Nobody's Baby
Cute With A Knife
Carolina Breeze
Crosstown
Sunshine and Glory
Alone With Him
All Again

Great show tonight at Mulligan's. Really active and energetic crowd was packed tight in Mulligan's backroom. Great to hear the new tracks from Primrose mixed in with the regulars. Gives a new vibe and flow to the shows, and I think that the band looked and felt energized by the new material. The ending on My Machine really jams. Dutch Pink played just before, and they put on a great show. No video or audio tonight, although I did tape just a few seconds during City with my cell phone to see how it would sound. Nice to just kick back and soak it all in for a change.

Upcoming Shows

2009-12-10T20:03:00.001-08:00

Saturday night the band will be playing at Mulligans Pub in Eastown, as well as another show on Friday night (12/19) at the Kent-Ionia Labor Council. More on that date as we approach it next week. A whisper in the forest told me that Chance Jones and AB & Coconut Brown will be playing a show together in January at Founders. It was either the whisper or the blizzard. I dunno. I can't remember. It all tends to blur after a while.

UPDATED TWO MINUTES LATER AFTER GOOGLE SEARCH: The Founders show is real, and it is FREE, Thursday, January 14, 2010.

Two Weekend Lists in a row...

2009-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

John Sinkevics' Soundcheck blog has correctly identified a Chance Jones performance as a top thing to attend for the second weekend in a row. The big question...will he make it three-for-three with next weekend's show at Mulligans?

Once again, local artists perform holiday songs, both new and original, at the Wealthy Theater for A Winter's Tune, Sunday at 2 pm. Hope you can make it...

A Winter's Tune 2009

2009-12-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

This Sunday marks the 2009 version of A Winter's Tune, where Chance Jones is set to perform a solo track. Their website also features quite possibly the saddest picture ever taken of Chance Jones holding a cat.

There looks to be a ton of talent lined up for Sunday's show at the Wealthy Theater. If you buy now, you can get in for $12. Tickets at the door will be $15, and for CMC members it will only set you back $10. All of the money this year is being donated to WYCE, so you know that supporting the only radio station in Grand Rapids that actively supports local music is a good cause.

Last year Chance performed an original track that was well received, as you can see below.

WYCE Best of the Decade

2009-12-02T16:54:00.001-08:00

WYCE, 88.1 FM, is having a Best of the Decade tally. Along with best Americana, Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Global selections, there is a Best Local Act of the Decade write-in. I'm not here to bend your arm on this, but if you were so inclined to voice your opinion, I'm sure you could think of a deserving local act.

I'm just sayin', is all.

Begin the voting process here

Soundcheck

2009-12-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

I missed this last week, but here's a blurb about the show, along with a download of "Going to See Michelle" from John Sinkevics. John also had the Intersection show listed in his Weekend List.

Coyote Trailer 2

2009-12-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Gotta release this when the full moon is out...

Joel's last film, Gordon, can be seen here.

Also, there will be a new song featured in the movie that should debut before too long in a live set called, "Don't You Be Leaving Too Soon."

My Machine on WYCE tonight

2009-11-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

While driving back from the store tonight I heard "My Machine" on WYCE, 88.1 FM. Be sure to support WYCE by tuning in to them and calling up to make requests. Of course it would be great to call and request the band, but there are plenty of other great local acts to call in and request to hear as well. The more local music that is played, the better it is for everyone, especially the folks who don't even know that it exists.

WYCE request line: (616) 742-9923

Coyote trailer debuts Tuesday night

2009-11-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

Coyote, the new film by Joel Potrykus, will debut it's new trailer tomorrow night some place on the interweb. In the meantime, here is the teaser trailer.

Thank you for visiting...

2009-11-29T16:15:00.001-08:00

What comes next?

2009-11-29T15:53:00.000-08:00

Met up with Bol tonight for dinner, and he gave me some insight into what is coming up next for the band. Sounds like tonight's practice will help set the course a bit more. I wouldn't bet on seeing The Letter 11 for a while, as it looks like the band could be focusing more on nailing all the new songs live. I dunno how much work that will take, as it all sounded pretty amazing Friday night.

I can tell you that there are three NEW songs, not on Primrose, that the band is already at work on! The first one is a mythical beast of a track called "All for Maria," and yes, this is "Maria," the "Crosstown" prequel that is oft written about and expected to be on the Letter 11. The next track is "Please Forgive Me," and this is a straight up new track, with no expected release. Finally, the last new track is "Don't You Be Leaving Too Soon," which is going to be featured in the Coyote soundtrack, from the upcoming film by Joel Potrykus that features Chance.

If you feel bummed that you missed the show Friday, or like a junkie, need more live Chance Jones in your life, you have two opportunities in the first week of December. You can catch a live solo show of Chance at A Winter's Tune on December 6 at the Wealthy Theater. You may remember last year's track, which was pretty fun. After that you can catch the full band at Mulligan's on December 12. Bol said that there are some January dates in the works, but we'll know more about those soon.

Exciting time to be a fan. Remember, Primrose will make an excellent gift for family and loved ones! Be sure to check out Friction, Vertigo, or iTunes to get your copies for yourself and your holiday list.

The Intersection, November 27, 2009

2009-11-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

Setlist:

Set One:

Insult to Injury
Make It In The City
I Haven't Seen Her Since the Election>I'll Never Look For You Again
Venango County
Giant Bee Sting*
Six String Highway
Kitty Hijinks
CIA Operative
Love's Alright

*cover of Ways To Be Worse

Set Two:

The Incident at Primrose and West

Here is a video of "Love's Alright" that I shot with a soundboard patch. Unfortunately the second set did not turn out well. The good news is that many people recorded the show, so hopefully a good recording will turn up. Watch for more videos from the show as we approach the holiday season.

The Incident at Primrose and West

2009-11-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

The fourth album from Chance Jones is now available for purchase on CD, vinyl, or digital download via Friction Records. Here's where you can get it.

You can purchase directly from Friction Records at their website. Vertigo Music will carry the cd and vinyl at their store on Division in Grand Rapids. Finally, you can download the album now from iTunes.

There were new t-shirts, stickers, posters, remastered cd's of The Letter S and 11th Hour Coward, and what may be a new pressing of The Angel's Share for sale at the merch table at the show. I'll see what the buzz is on getting some of this material available for others to buy.

Friday night the band debuted the album at the Intersection, playing it in order to an enthusiastic crowd. I was there taping the show with a soundboard patch, although the audio runs kinda hot. Not to worry, as there were multiple people there taping, including an audio recording and three other video camera's running around.

I also taped the first set, and that sounds amazing. We'll see about adding some clips soon.

Tonight I'll be seeing Bol and hopefully have some news about what comes next, including some new live dates.

BUY THE ALBUM!!!

2009-11-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

I just saw on Facebook that The Incident At Primrose and West is available NOW on iTunes!!

If you absolutely can't wait, now is the time to buy!

Love's Alright

2009-11-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

In celebration of tomorrow's big show, here's a video I shot at Founders back in July with a soundboard patch. The video is a little rough, but the audio is pretty clear.

Grand Rapids Press article

2009-11-26T10:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a nice article from today's Grand Rapids Press.

Remember that tomorrow night is the album release show at the Intersection. This is a 17+ older show, $5 at the door, which opens at 9 pm. Two sets, one of older material, and the second is Primrose in its entirety. Should be a classic show, so bring your friends and family.

T-Shirts

2009-11-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Word is that there are two new t-shirts for sale at the Meanwhile Bar on Wealthy. Come on a Tuesday or Thursday and Bol might even sell you one.

Cute with a Knife!!!!

2009-11-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Want to hear a new song from TIAPAW?

Here's Cute With A Knife!

Thanks to Friction Records for posting the new track! Only a few days until the album is released.

Revue

2009-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the new cover story from Revue!

@Motown

2009-10-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

The band took a visit to Motown during their trip to Detroit last week, and now they have this nifty Facebook profile picture.

What?!?!? You're not friends with Chance Jones on Facebook? Get with it, brother...!

Poster Art for Album Release

2009-10-03T17:54:00.001-07:00

Tracklisting!

2009-10-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's Away

2009-09-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Friction Record's Facebook profile just announced 15 minutes ago that The Incident At Primrose and West was mailed off to the factory to be pressed to vinyl.

Congrats to the band and Friction. Can't wait to hear it! November 20 can't come fast enough.

The Letter 11 Update

2009-09-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings all. With The Incident at Primrose and West in the can and awaiting release, our boys and gal are already back at work on The Letter 11. Recording commenced 2 weeks ago with the laying down of base tracks, and in the subsequent weeks various members have been recording their individual parts. Bol checks in with a heaping helping of tracks, including one intriguing addition.

As of right now, there are 13 tracks being worked on. These include:

I'll Never Look For You Again
Make It In The City
Venango County
CIA Operative
Insult to Injury
Six-String Highway
Look Me Up Sometime

and...

Maria

Maria?

Yes. You may remember this as a live track that was up for consideration on Primrose, and also known as the prequel to Crosstown.

Upset that your favorite live track isn't listed? Don't sweat. There are other tracks that will make up the 13 or so on the album. Called My Name wasn't mentioned, but I'd bet dollars to donuts (whatever that means) that it'll be included.

Speaking of live tracks, remember to show up at the Wealthy Theater this coming Saturday, September 19 to see the band perform live. This is also a good time to be a fan on the other side of the state, as the band will be playing a string of shows in Ypsilanti and Detroit.

News!

2009-08-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

The Incident at Primrose and West will be released November 20 on vinyl, cd, and digital download on Friction Records. The Intersection front room will be the site of the album release show, also November 20.

As far as I know, the album is completely completed. It has been mixed and mastered, and I've heard that one new album track will be featured on a Friction compilation. No idea when or where, but I'll update when it becomes available.

In other news, tracking begins today on The Letter 11, which is the album of full-band versions of early Chance Jones tracks. Bol was optimistic that they would have demo versions of the entire album complete tonight, and the recording process should move fairly quickly. He also had no idea how this would be released, if Friction would have a hand in it, or if it would be a self-release. He also didn't have any specific track names, but I would speculate that all your favorite live tracks will end up on it. I tried to suggest Carolina Breeze be included as well since it is so different that the album version. That doesn't seem likely. How about as an online exclusive?

Finally, I was able to videotape the Founders show last month, and I was able to capture soundboard audio. I'm planning to add some songs from that to the YouTube account when time permits. The soundboard audio is pretty sharp.

Primrose Update

2009-07-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Bol checked in earlier this week to say that the band has set Friday, July 31 as the wrap date for The Incident at Primrose and West. Still don't have any information regarding a tracklist, other than "Nobody's Baby" will definitely be on the album in it's Otis Redding form. Also, no idea when the album will be released, although I was excited to see it mentioned in a flier that Friction released on Facebook earlier this week. From the flier, you can see that there will be a vinyl, cd, and digital release of the album.

New Dates!

2009-07-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

The band has added a bunch of new dates for August and September.

* August 1, Coat of Many Colors Street Party
* August 8, Founders Brewery, Grand Rapids, MI
* September 11, Mulligan's, Eastown, Grand Rapids, MI
* September 19, Wealthy Theater, Grand Rapids, MI
* September 23, Elbow Room, Ypsilanti, MI
* September 24, The Lager House, Detroit, MI

I would expect a few more dates will fill in the edges, as none of these dates are listed as a record release show for The Incident at Primrose and West.

www.chancejones.com

2009-07-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Good news! The official website is back online, and it's looking great. There is a lot of great info, pics, tunes, videos, and news there that you should check out right now. I won't steal their thunder, so get over there RIGHT NOW!

"Title Cut"

2009-06-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

Just Relax Flotation comes through again with a stellar vid of "Venango County."

Venango County

Jammies Video

2009-06-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just Relax Flotation capture the Chance Jones Band set at the Jammies back in February. I was there with my video camera as well, but I haven't uploaded my footage yet.

Nobody's Baby

Crosstown

Kitty Hijinks

So...

2009-06-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah.

Been kinda delinquent in updating the site. The bad news is that it was caused by some job related stress and worries. The good news is that those days of stress may be behind me.

My apologies to those of you who noticed that the site was hibernating for a few months.

But I do have some good news.

First of all, the band is playing this week at Founders Fest. They're scheduled to go on about 7, but come hang out all day at the fest. There are a ton of great bands scheduled to go on. Plus, it'll be a great chance to hear some of the old favorites before the newer material takes over the setlists.

Second, the album, titled The Incident at Primrose and West is nearly complete. While I've still yet to hear anything official from the album, Bol has told me that the album is about 40 minutes long, "blows away" The Angels Share, and will NOT feature the live staple "My Sunshine" or the "Crosstown" prequel, "Maria." There have been discussions about releasing an EP of tracks that don't fit the vibe of Primrose but nothing is official. My wish? (And this is purely my wish) An EP of the two tracks above, plus a full band recording of "Venango County" and "Carolina Breeze." Heck, I'd even settle for live soundboard recordings of those tracks.

What is on the album? "Nobody's Baby" is still there, but according to Bol, it sounds like "Otis Redding go-go dancers" would dance to it. I have no way to interpret that statement. Other working titles for songs on the album right now include "Love's Still Wild" and "My Machine."

Finally, don't stop believing.

Bad stuff happens in life, but if you work through it, have a vision, and don't compromise yourself, good things will happen. DON'T STOP BELIEVING!

End pep talk.

See you Saturday!

03/07/2009 Founders, Grand Rapids, MI

2009-03-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

03/07/2009 Founders, Grand Rapids, MI
Setlist (draft):

Insult to Injury
Natalie
CIA Operative
Carolina Breeze
Nobody's Baby
My Sunshine
Six String Highway
Kitty Hijinks

Great night by the band, with a re-worked version of My Sunshine, compared to the last time I heard it this past fall. High energy, great crowd, pretty good sound. Tough night to tape, but I think it's a good problem when there are a lot of people in the crowd there in your way.

Show TONIGHT @ Founders!

2009-03-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Come out tonight to Founders for the Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire cd release party. Chance Jones will go on at 11, with Nathan Kalish to go on at 12. Julio Gomez, guitarist for the Wildfire, will play an acoustic set at 9, and Night Toucher will play at 10.

Jammies X

2009-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

BEST CONTEMPORARY ALBUM!

Bol just called to say that the band won BEST CONTEMPORARY ALBUM! Congrats!

Setlist:
Crosstown
Kitty Hijinks
Nobody's Baby

Just before the band went on, they lost Local Song of the Year. There is still another major award for the night, and that is People's Choice Award. Let's see how it turns out. I should have an update this week with the Nobody's Baby performance.

Also...apparently the new album has a name...something in the primrose. I missed it, being so shocked to hear it has a title. I'll get that info up later in the week as well.

Intersection Flashback: May 2007

2009-02-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Since the band is playing the Jammies X at the Intersection tonight, here's a few flashback videos of some performances from May 2007, including one very notable performance with Daniel Johnston.

Crosstown and CIA Operative

Jammies X Tonight!

2009-02-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

The band will be performing at Jammies X tonight at the Intersection, with a 9:20 stage time. They will be performing just before the announcement of Best Local Song, which "Kitty Hijinks" was nominated for. Did I mention that admission was free? And that the Intersection would go smoke-free for tonight only? Also performing are Hawks and Owls String Band, Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, and The Mighty Narwhale, among many, many others. It's a great night for local music, and it's FREE.

Band Update

2009-02-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

A few random points:

"Maria" was not played at Billy's last month
The band continues to work on the album
Today the band will take some promotional photos for the press packet, if I can I'll try and get a few shots posted here
I've been invited in to interview the band during a Sunday recording date, hopefully next Sunday
The Jammies are a week from Tuesday at the Intersection
The album cover will have a "James Dean" style vibe to it

Reminder: Billy's Tonight!

2009-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

January, 28
Last show before the Jammies next month.

UPDATE: Bol mentioned that "Maria," the Crosstown prequel song, may be debuted tonight.

New Album Update

2009-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

Bol checked in last night to give an update and had a lot of good stuff to report.

First of all, the band has finished recording demos for the album, and is actively recording all of their parts of the album. Bol said that there were three separate days last week that band members dropped by to lay down their parts, including another session last night at Dex's basement studio.

Bol also noted the names of four songs, Nobody's Baby, My Sunshine, My Machine, and Maria, which is the prequel to Crosstown. Many of the songs only have working titles and nothing is finished or mixed yet.

Good stuff.

Catch the band at the Jammies next month, as they take a break from performing to focus on recording the album.

Here's the band performing My Sunshine at Founder's in October.

A Winter's Tune on YouTube

2009-01-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

Chance performing his original Christmas tune from last months show.

New March Shows Added

2009-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Bol just checked in with a killer Pot Roast and Noddles recipe, plus 3 new shows in March.

March 7th at Founders (Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire cd release)
March 12th at Hopcat
March 22nd at Dog Story Theater

This is in addition to the upcoming show this month that was announced earlier.

January 28th with Lazy Genius at Billy's Lounge

The Recipe:
first brown the meat

get two cans of cambells french onion soup

add the cans and meat to the crock pot

add one can full of water

let it cook for like 6 hours

it can go longer too before the last hour a

add the potatos

and carrots
Temp is on High

after the carrots and tates are good

take the meat out and cook the noodles in the crock pot
takes about 10 minutes for the noodles

The Letter 11

2009-01-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Bol just reported that this is just an idea at this point. I'm assuming that this means no work has been done on it, and nothing is planned.

Here's hoping it comes to pass, but I wouldn't hold your breath for it.

Billy's Lounge, January 28

2009-01-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

The full band will be playing at Billy's Lounge on Wednesday, January 28. The cost is $3, and this is a 21+ show. Billy's website says 9:30-1:30, but I doubt it will be a four hour show.

We'll see what we can do in the new year about setlists and post show updates. If I were attending each show it wouldn't be a problem, but I don't think I'll make it to this one.

Happy New Year, 2009

2009-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, but we'll plunge into the new year with a renewed vigor. I will not use the birth of my daughter, Lilly, as an excuse for not writing in December.

Since we last spoke, Chance played at A Winter's Tune, to high regard. I haven't heard if the Chance selections will be made available for mp3 download, but I'll have a link should it happen. The full band united for a show at Billy's and a show at Founders. The Founders show featured 6 new songs, and sounded pretty good according to Bol.

The band continues to track new material and songs for the upcoming release of Friction. Apparently Friction has some new things happening that could prove beneficial to the band. I don't know how that will play out, but it could be interesting. "Spring" is what I'm hearing for a finished album, as yet untitled. I think the plan right now is to track as many demos as possible, then bring the finished demos into the studio to cut quickly for release. The "Letter 11" album of reworked solo songs is on the back burner, as far as I know. The older songs might be cut right along with the new album, since they don't require any, or much, demo tracking because of how long the band has played them live.

While there aren't any new shows coming up soon, I imagine that the band will be performing at the Jammies next month. Look for an update on that as soon as I get confirmation.

Summer looks like it will be a good time to catch the band on tour.

All in all, the first half of 2009 should be a great time to follow the band. New songs, new album, the Jammies, summer tour. Good stuff all around, hopefully.