Happy September to you all! I am just back from my maiden voyage to Latin/South America with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and it was completely fantastic. Amazing shows in Mexico City, Bogata, Lima, Santiago, Bueno Aires and Sao Paolo, with nearly 100 percent drum backline compliance! (All I ask for is a good set of vintage Ludwigs with coated skins, Zildjian A's all around, a throne with lumbar support and a riser - I'm not an unreasonable man).
The food and sights were amazing too. Rock bands, I can assure you that a trip to Latin/South America is well-worth the shit-ton of paperwork it takes to make happen.
All in all with CYHSY this summer, we played 20 shows in nine countries across three continents. Which means I now have enough frequent flyer miles to get a free can of non-premium domestic diet soda on any trans-continental flight * (* some restrictions apply).
Now that I'm back, I'm happy to report that I'll be pinch-drumming with my close, personal friend and kinda neighbor (we live 2.4 miles from each other) Wesley Stace and his crack band the English U.K. for two great shows of varying stripes next week.
Friday, September 11, we're doing Wes's Cabinet of Wonders "variety" show at City Winery in NYC. Joining us that evening will be special guests Ted Allen (host of the cooking competition show "Chopped" and formerly of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"), author Stacey D'erasmo, total package entertainer Dave Hill (another close, personal friend!), Sally Timms of The Mekons, Dar Williams, Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby, and Ryan Miller of Guster. Show starts at 8:00.
The following day, we're heading to Delco (Delaware County - the birthplace of Wawa!!!!) just outside Philly to headline the 4th annual Haverford Music Festival, which also features Laura Cantrell, the Grip Weeds and many others. It's a free, all-ages, all-day family event and we play at 7:30.
More info on both shows here.
And more song & dance from me soonish...