Busy weekend of 6 shows in 4 days in 2 countries, and all but one of them found me playing the bass. Our Shagadelica set was an outside, park gig, which started off sunny, but then got rained out after 35 minutes, right when the band started cooking. Always fun playing the big rock tunes. Followed that with a bit later with EverGold. Then an early morning drive on little sleep, 500 kilometers to Haines, Alaska for the Southeast Alaska State Fair. Only me and Rick were there from the King Swardfish band, which is Rick's band plus usually me and Gabor and others. A throw together band but we played originals and there were moments of heavy groove. This state fair kicks the shit out of other festivals around. Rides for the kids, animals, good eats, drinks, cool events, and some of the best musicianship I've seen in a long time, far away from the usual folk-tinged stuff. This band Ozomatli put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. It was magical. So much groove and really was a worlds class show. Talked with this bassist from this other really good band called Smoke n Bones. We both had a crazy car accident story and talked shop. They played funk/soul and were the real deal. Finished off the night watching the Whiskeydicks play and they are amazing. Had to turn and burn it back to Whitehorse, where I hosted a jam with Sean from the Yukon. One rehearsal after, then an noon arts in the park gig with Elijah Bekk. Felt time and we grooved. That night was a fundraiser put on by my friend Manus. Cool vibe, a-la the trailer park boys. All the musicians listening to each other's sets. Big not shoutout to the "local" group who were setting up speakers and stands and cables and etc during Animal Warfare's set. That was so disrespectful and not cool. I left right after that set cause I was pissed off. Give everyone their time on stage, and show respect. You don't have to like everyone but give them their moment.
Anyway, to end this novel. Playing with the Shaggy Manes Wednesday night on the bass, and then hosting the Gold Rush jam on Thursday. Might be going to Keno to play the festival Friday Night, but we'll see...More shows added...keep your eyes peeled. And thanks to Tom Ganner for taking this pic in Haines!
~Roxx~
