Cicada Omega - Bug Blog

Murder in the Mountains -
Tuesday July 22nd - Billings Montana @ The F.O.E,
Wednesday July 23rd - Livingston Montana @ Highsides Brews & Tunes,
Thursday July 24th - Bozeman Montana @ The Filling Station,
Friday July 25th - Anaconda Montana @ The Rock Inn,
Saturday July 26th - Missoula Montana @ The Badlander.

One band is enough sometimes. Two or three can make for a pretty good show. For the rest of the tour we played with 4 other bands every night except one when there was a sixth band thrown on at the last minute. We played each night with Rachel Brooke, Those Poor Bastards, High Lonesome, and .357 Stringband. At the Filling Station, Trampled by Turtles joined the set. This is something like a hundred musicians - not really, a promoter - sort of, and one awesome sound guy, Dean. (Big props to Dean.)

For the whole scoop, and there definitely is one, talk to us in person. But suffice it to say this last week was a carnival. Trying to maintain energy (after everything else we had done) was the main challenge. Every night was the same in that it was completely different… Again, if this seems cryptic, it is deliberately so.

The good parts; we met so many interesting musicians and played in some really great spaces.

Notes:
Hey Dean, where are those last 2 discs, man?
Wyatt, after those 5 nights, I really understand that first song on your set.
Derek, next time I would try the 5-iron. Heavy enough to get the job done, light enough to swing.
I hope some of you didn’t get arrested.

over.

Well, we loaded up the dinosaur and fired up the tractor and headed to the next show at the Colonial in Mandan, North Dakota. Let me preface the rest of the blog by saying that we are not unappreciative of any of the motels we had the fortune to stay in. Either the venue or the promoter of the Murder in the Mountains series of shows footed the bill, and having the security of a place to stay, not having to work that angle or worry about it each night was a relief. That said, the Colonial was a bar/liquor store/motel leaning on the outer edge of Mandan. (Never saw Mandan proper, except as a glow on the horizon as the sunset.) The swimming pool was filled in… and trust me, this isn’t the worst pool we saw that week. A group meeting on the balcony, and then to set up and play. At this point we are out of shirts to sell. The show itself was to be upstairs in a sort of “secondary bar” that seemed to open only for the live music. The folks in Mandan seem to really dig a good live show. This is where we met .357 String Band for the first time. We would be playing with them, and others for the rest of week as part of the Murder in the Mountains series across Montana.

The Deep Blues Festival in Lake Elmo. This event was the kernel for the popped corn of the tour. We shared the stage with heroes and legends. I am not exagerating. I won’t spend the whole blog laying out the details. But we need to thank some folks before we get to the photos. Chris Johnson put the festival on. Rick Saunders “curated” it. (His own words) Both of these gentleman and the rest of the staff deserve a huge round of applause and mad respect. Their love of the form called blues, and their support of the evolution of it has no end. Not only have they promoted the music, but the family of musicians and artists that participate. It was very much a family reunion. We have all been circling around one another, being performers and spectators, fans and friends, for years now. So you can imagine the party that happens when you bring all of this to one muddy field. See the photos here———————————————————-> Continue Reading »

Rolling the rocky Rockford Roads… Now that we are back up north, (we could feel are friends and family getting further away as we drove.) the weather is still muggy but cooler, and overcast. The cities are different here than in the south. Don’t doubt that there is a certain level of economic depression everywhere we have gone, but north-midwest bleakness has a different flavor than southern bleakness. Of course this observation could have something to do with our route, mainly highways and truck stops. And we aren’t playing country clubs. Illinois gets the prize so far for the worst roads. (Indiana a close second.)

On top of that, we weren’t received with the same open-armed nature that we had experienced in the last three cities. The exception to this was a resturaunt called Capri. Our hostess Phyllis and our server Kelly made us feel right at home. We had some really good pizza and a few beers all the while enjoying a slightly surreal mural and the ivory-tickling of a frequent patron. It was a great time for us to relax and sort of reconnect.

It has been really hard to write. The first part of the tour was spread out, alot of time on the road between shows to reflect. As we journeyed through the south the shows seemed to tighten up, even at the constant pace of one a night. Certainly as we hit Nashville, Murray, and Louisville, more time was spent reconnecting with friends and family.

Louisville, Kentucky. WOW. The bar was all family and friends. We saw more folks than we expected. Ken, Christianne, Holly, Paul, Sherman, it was great to see you guys, yes it has been 10 years..sheesh. And of course, mine and Dave’s families showed in force. Melissa Rue came all the way from Oregon. My sister even came in from Columbus, Oh. Dave and I got to play for our moms. You know that whole “thanks mom” thing is true. It’s not like we are touring stadiums or winning grammys and whatnot. But when you do something as crazy as this, you want to show your mom that you are at least having fun. And appreciative. And safe. (And well fed, thanks for the grub mom.)

It was a special, special night. Thank you all.

A long way to go, yet, but the Cicada Ω swarm has wiped out most of the South!  I only wish was a fly caught in the melee!  I’m especially miffed about not making it to the after show.  I sure loved seeing everyone.  Thanks to the Rev for the vocal opportunity.  Unfortunately, the excitment of it put me over the edge!  I was on autopilot for the last bit there…  I guess I’m lucky I didn’t fall of the floor.  Anyway, my travels were tiny and weak compared to the massive trip of the tour, and I would’ve done more but for the stupid job.  But the job served to get me there.  Damned paradox.

I suppose the band will be coming back through sometime in the next year or couple years, now that y’all got a good taste of the road and all…  I think it is time for a new album and then a tour to promote that!  Mebbe you’ll make it to Columbus next time.  I’ll send the wife out of town and you can stay at my house with me and the 3 lil pigs.

I love you.  I will see you soon!

Nois T. Subtle

Nashville was a real treat. First we just had to stop by the Ryman Auditorium, the home of the Grand Ole’ Opry. Man, that was cool. Salim interacted with a few of the locals. Then we went to Robert’s Western World for a beer. They Still have a wall of the most fantastic boots for sale. Barry was excited. “Booooooooots.” Dave and I made a quick visit to Ernest Tubbs’ Record Shop. Then off to the gig. Really nice stage at the 5 Spot, though we don’t really prefer the drums to be on a riser. My mic stand had a drink holder on it. Ahhh, the south. So many friends showed and supported, although only a few of you guys danced. I remember some times in the past… never mind, the secrets are safe with us. Anyway, these folks pretty much cleaned us out of merch. It was a hell of a reunion. And we had a ton of help loading and unloading. Thanks everyone.

I am sorry, we didn’t catch the name of the band that played before us. Joey from Creech Holler plays guitar for them. We really enjoyed your set. Thank you so much for playing.

That night we headed up to Cadiz, Barry’s home. His folks, Carol and Jimmy put us up. The next morning Carol made us a nice breakfast and then showed us her skills on the hula-hoop. It was 90 degrees in the shade.

We drove through Land Between the Lakes to get to Murray. Stopped at Devil’s Elbow. (Kaebel we took some special photos just for you, man.)

Murray. Let me take a sec. to remind the readers that Murray is where Barry, Salim, and I met about 15 years ago. This is really where it all started. Uncle Boshnie and the Groovis Review, The Naguals, Rubber Band, Bumble, The Big Spider Tribe. We made so much racket when we were there, (college years) and this town put up with it, at least most of the time. So it was an absolute honor to come make a bunch of racket again.

The Big Apple used to be down in Puryear, Tennessee, where it was legal to serve alcohol. Now that Calloway and Marshall counties in Kentucky have gone “damp” (they can serve, but there are still no liquor stores) the Big Apple came up north into Murray. The city has grown really fast, in some good ways, and in some ways that are less comfortable. (Does any community anywhere need a Super Walmart across the street from a Super Kroger?)

I took a few photos at the Big Apple Cafe’ but not too many. There were so many people there that we hadn’t seen in far too long. Single names only here, Janelle, Shelly, Jon, Jeff, Jeff, Eyore, Mike, Clark, Sion, Steve, Carol, Hyphield, Jamie, Dale, Jerry, Lynne, Cheryl, Margaret, Jack… with one notable absence. We couldn’t help but miss Darren Pucket. Damn it.

We played well, better in the second set. Jamie and his friend played a short set in between ours. That was a nice mix up. We had one final jam with others joining in, Sion doing some spoken word over our grooves.

We are now almost completely out of shirts to sell. The folks at The Big Apple were really sweet to us. Very generous. No wonder our friends in Th’ Legendary Shackshakers enjoy playing there so much.

Anyway, Scott put us up for the evening, but only after an after hours gathering. Hyphield and Scott discussed the state of a collaborative drawing they were working on. A real treat, in the middle of all the hubub, Scott played Chopin’s Nocturne in E minor on an out of tune piano. It was incredible. We slept a little, showered and headed of to the Hungry Bear for breakfast. It was “closed for vacation.” Needless to say, Martha’s and the Cracker Barrel were really busy since no one in town could go to the Hungry Bear. While we waited for the grub, we played those little triangle golf tee games. (I could only leave 2, so it is confirmed that I am “Purty Smart.”)

We are on our way up the Western Kentucky Parkway to Louisville. This is the road that I drove a thousand times to get home from school. Except for a Walmart, it doesn’t seem to have changed a ton. If you are ever in the area in the fall, this is a great drive. This many deciduous trees all turning the brightest colors…. Hey Todd, check out this cloud. It even has Monkey’s Eyebrow and the Jackson Purchase on it.

Notes: The ipod has been on random for the past 2 days. Somehow, it keeps hitting the right songs at the right time. We have come to call it R2D2.

I don’t remember where I left off…

We have to really concentrate to remember the day, even. But we do that based on how we think the turnouts might be. Monday night in Chapel Hill, for example. It is an understatement to say there weren’t many people there. In fact, I think we got into negative numbers. Maybe that’s not fair. Teresa from The Virgo Nine, who played before us, and her husband, Gavin were there. They put us up, too. Thanks so much you guys.

The night before the same crew was at Ghost Town in Asheville, NC. Ghost Town is a collective of creatives that run a space for various events. This night was intended to be 4 bands with a crowd. Two of them backed out at the last minute, and took whatever local crowd there was with them. (We hope that “grandfather” is feeling better.) But the night was not lost. It was a reunion with some long time friends, Jackie, and Adam, whom Barry grew up with. So we tore it up like we used to, with improvisational channeling… and every one played. This is how we started, 15 years ago, or more. It was a very musical night. There were lots of cats.

Today we are doubling back across NC towards TN for the show in Nashville. Because of its musical history, Nashville is a tough town to play in. Like Portland, there are a bazillion musical acts of all shapes and sizes, and specifically to Nashville, and some other places like Memphis, anything that claims to have an “Americana” angle is treated with a bit of skepticism, Kind of like going to New York or L.A. to become a film star etc. Competition for that identity is high. None of this really bothers us as a band. We know where we come from and how sincere we are. But it is good for us to keep this all in mind. That said, we do expect some friends to come out. This show marks the beginning of the “Home Tour.” We have many friends in Nashville, both friends and family in Murray, Kentucky, and Louisville. And starting in Minnesota, the venues/festivals we are playing are putting up “accomadations.” (I cannot figure out how to spell that word.)

Also very much looking forward to Murray and Louisville… Dave and I both call Louisville home. Both of our families are going to turn out. And both families are pretty big. We are a little concerned for the bar which is said to be small.By the way, I know the formatting here is a bit spotty. Internet access is random. And When we find it, I have very little time to work out the kinks. Thanks for your patience. Hopefully more soon.

ps. Other notes:

Salim is feeling better. Last night he had a dream he was in the finals of American Idol. He got a call while we were on tour, saying that he got the wild card slot. Paula was very nice to him. He is a lady killer.

Our allergies apparently stayed in Portland.

We are almost out of shirts to sell.

Carolina Hills.
Knoxville, the Preservation Pub is located in a foot mall. They treated us well, we made a few friends. But not a huge turn-out. Dave’s lookin’ good. Still healthy.

The bridge in Charleston.

Charleston South Carolina, Fiery Ron’s Home Team Barbecue. If you have been there you already know. If you haven’t, get up and go. Amazing food. We ate way, way, way too much for our own good. Added our sticker to the bench.

Got to play live on the radio. Then they played a track of ours, “Last Night,” right between the Raccontours and My Morning Jacket. Weird, but awesome.

We had plenty of time to enjoy the cuisine. (The collards, creamy grits, brisket, a half rack of ribs, and chicken, oh yeah, and a really good Hef beer.) It POURED while we were there. The streets were deep and the power went out. It really cooled things off and the bugs loved it. A slightly different kind of cicada down here.

We played really well. T-Mack, the “Talent Buyer” but he is the manager and sound person, and he and the rest of the staff really hooked us up. The sound was great. These people don’t mess around. They gave me a hat. “Hey Dan, my black shorts look red!”
Salim has strep throat. (I know what you’re thinking, we all stopped and stocked up on vitamin C, and hand sanitizer.) Anyway the doc says it’s not airborne. They gave Salim a big shot in the butt. He is feeling a little better now, Should be a few more days.

The trip to Savannah is short from Charleston. So we took a smaller road for a while. Barry and I couldn’t pass up a thrift store. Georgia is beautiful of course.

Last night we played The Jinx in Savannah. It is an equal mix of Dante’s and the Tonic Lounge, and then spiced with a tiny bit of the Laurelthirst. Probably the most familiar setting we have been in. Big stage, too. We went over really well, made more money than we expected were treated great. Slept well in a hotel room. (Thanks Dave.) Showers all around. Dave is snoring less these days. Right now we are on our way to Asheville. Bellies full of chicken salad, and roast beef sandwhiches and water, water, water. Johnny Cash on the stereo. Nap time.

love daniyel

Denver was pleasant to us. A good warm up. American Relay came down to the Old Curtis Street Bar to support and brought some folks. It was great to see them, thanks guys. (That’s Alex with the bass.) Sarah Free. Sarah Free. Sarah Free. She and her husband Paul took us in that night. First night on the road and we ended up with showers, beds, laundry, breakfast, and food for the road. Sarah never stops giving, and Paul never stops smiling. Sarah has painted portrait shots of many of our Kentucky brethren, including Barry and Sir Bob Pearce. Check out her myspace page. (link soon, for now go to the Cicada Omega myspace page and find her in the friends, because she is one.)

It is pretty darn American on the highways. We all brought stuff to keep us busy. Watching the scenery evolve as we head east is really interesting but sometimes slow.

Oklahoma. Not so much. Sorry. Monday night in Oklahoma City is like… well it was a great dress rehearsal with a sound man wearing our shirt, thanks Chris. Thanks also to Sloth, and his friends for a very “Twin Peaks” experience. P.S. Get that radio fixed.

Little Rock, Arkansas was very welcoming. Folks there like to drink their share, and yours, every Tuesday at the Whitewater Tavern. It sits in a nook right next to the tracks. The sound of the trains was intense. Like a huge thunderstorm. The folks in Little Rock were great. We invited folks from the grocery store and they showed up. Good dancing, great sound, and Jet, the Door man, handy man with the best stories… fit for songs. More on that later probably. Thanks to Matt, and Goose for having us. You were so good to us and we absolutely loved playing there. We received the hospitality of a very sweet woman, Tiffiny, who put us up that night. Happy birthday Tiffiny.

We rolled into Memphis early which gave us time to stop and see our dear friend Sir Bob Pearce. He works at The Art Center on Union Ave. with some very nice folks. (As an artist, I’d like to say that is a great supply store, the service friendly and knowledgeable, and the prices very reasonable.) Bob has a show of paintings and drawings set up in a house… it is very extensive and broad in both subject matter and medium. If you are interested, go see Sir Bob at the store. I am sure he will work something out.

We also stopped in to see Christian Brooks who is a friend, a musician (Creech Holler) and the gentleman who booked most of this tour. He took us down to Memphis Recording Service, better know as Sun Studios for the tour, as it happens, led by his partner, Jane-Ellen. (She is an excellent tour guide.) It was a real treasure for us, thanks to them both for making that happen.

Christian took us to The Memphis Drum Store, a historically charged percussion universe. Dave needed to trade up to a 10 lug snare. It is a special kind of feeling when you take a leap to acquire a nice piece of equipment. But Dave made an excellent decision. The new Gretch snare is beautiful and sounds soooo good. (There it is in the background, the yellowish one.)

Then! Then we all, the boys, Sir Bob, Christian and Jane-Ellen, all went to eat some catfish at the Soul Fish Cafe’. This place was awesome. The service was great. Barry gives the catfish a 3.5 out of 4 stars. I say it’s the best catfish I’ve had since my grandfather, Smitty,s catfish. Oh man. It was so good, y’all. That’s right, I said, “Y’all.” It was that good.

We were in Sir Bob’s hands for the rest of the night. We went to see his installation, and then began to get ready to play. We love playing so much that right before every show we get amped up. (I guess that pun can stand.) Last night had a really good pre-show vibe; Sir Bob played us some killer Al Green on vinyl. Bob got as excited as we did.

The show at Murphy’s was light on people but heavy on enthusiasm. We had some friend’s of family show up. So many nice, interesting, and supportive people. Thanks to Ammon (sp?) for the peaches and granola. (I know! We can barely believe it ourselves.)

We stayed at Sir Bob’s folks last night. Showers, laundry. His dad has the most amazing selection of ties. This morning when we were packing up at around 11am, it was 90 degrees. Later on the way out of town, we got dumped on for miles. Too much heavy rain to go much faster than 20 MPH with the hazards on. Reminded us all of road trips when we were kids.

Hey Bob, Thanks man. It was incredible to see you. You are good for everyone’s art.

The road. We are all pretty tired. In order to avoid the heat of day the night life in the south tends to start later than in the northwest. But we are all able to function with about 4-8 hours each night and naps in the van.

We are on our way to Knoxville right now. Naps in the van, Nashville rush-hour. More soon. Thank God for the AC.