Tag: explore

Gig Bag: David Wax Museum

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, David Wax Museum details the items they always have nearby when out on the road.

Sardines: We couldn’t live without sardines. They have been our go-to protein-rich road snack. Skinless boneless is our preference. We like them in water or oil. Even our kids love them. We once played a show in DC where the hosts had made mac ‘n’ cheese for our daughter who was 3 at the time. She said, “I love mac ‘n’ cheese but only with sardines. Do you have any sardines?” To her dismay, they did not. I’ve been known to arrive at a venue and sit on the curb outside the van and eat a can before sound check. And we’re often found in our hotel room bathroom late at night munching on ‘dines before bed.

Journals: Documenting our life has been so important to me. In addition to my big black journal, I’ve got this page a day journal that allows me to write just a short few lines every day, starting with where we are. I’ve kept it up for eight years now. Here are a few examples of entries:

June 2, 2013 Nelsonville, OH — What a festival! After an all-night drive from Nashville we played in a beautiful old one-room schoolhouse and sold the most merch of any band. Watched John Prine and Tift Merritt from backstage.

June 21, 2013 Nome, Alaska — Early radio visits. A trip to the tundra. Gorgeous streams. Mosquitos like you’ve never seen. Ate my first moose (delicious!), caribou (gamey), and king crab (yum!). Found musk ox fur stuck to bushes and learned it’s eight times warmer than wool.

February 25, 2017 Lancaster, PA — Long drive. Calliope woke too early and was a pill, mean to the road nanny. I slept for two hours from 8-10pm then played our last show of this pregnancy which started at midnight! Downstairs there was a bowling alley, so we bowled.

June 2, 2018 Portland, ME — Short drive, just a few hours to Joanna’s nest. Food. Rest. Showers. Playground time. Videographer came to film the show. Felt ok. Small-ish crowd. Hard one for me to get into.

June 2, 2017 Brooklyn, NY — Amazing, beautiful night. Juliette’s feast. A backyard in lights. Children’s faces peeking through the windows. Baby Moses through the upstairs glass. A little dog. Sangria. Bells of the ice cream truck.

Yoga mats: David is pretty religious about stretching every night on the road. We roll them out between the hotel beds and the popup baby crib and do our stretching. David’s got a routine he likes to do to keep his back strong and nimble. I love a good sun salutation sequence or moon salutation if it’s after dark.

Baby gear: Since 2013 we’ve been traveling with one or two kids on the road. The most important tool for us after diapers and a bottle is the Ergo baby carrier. That thing has traveled with us all around the country as well as to many countries abroad. We’ve toted both kids in it through the streets of Europe, around festivals and on our backs during sound checks. We really couldn’t live without it. Ours has been patched up and had the buckles replaced but is still going strong. A bottle brush is also a must, once kids stop nursing and use a bottle. You might be surprised that neither hotels nor venues have them available.

Hat and boots: David has been wearing his Stetson since we were in Texas for SXSW in 2015 and we bought these cowboy boots somewhere on the road years ago. I found these old fringe ankle boots at a “stoop sale” in Brooklyn for five bucks. The zippers were broken and one of the soles of the heels recently fell off, but that makes for better stomping (left foot is bass, right foot is treble) so I don’t mind.

Photo credit: Vivian Wang

The Shift List – AL’s Place, San Francisco

Posted on by Chris Jacobs

Jenn Dowdy, Music Director at AL’s Place in San Francisco, tells us how to create the perfect playlist for any kind of shift.

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This is a special episode, because of all the restaurants featured on this little podcast, AL’s Place is the only one that has a Musical Director. It’s just one reason that this intimate neighborhood restaurant in the Mission District stands out amongst the plethora of dining options and Michelin establishments dotted around the Bay Area.

AL’s place is the vision of Chef / Owner Aaron London – he being the AL that the restaurant is named after (initals A.L), but almost five years in, with a Michelin Star under its belt, and many other accolades to its name — including the title of Bon Appetit’s New Restaurant of the Year in 2015 — AL’s Place is a true team effort.

The space only has 46 seats and finding an empty one is rare, so a shift requires everyone to be on their A-game the entire time.

While Chef Aaron London’s seasonal, ingredient-driven menu highlighting Northern California produce is the foundation, the service, vibe, and music are essential elements to the dining experience.

Jenn Dowdy started as a server at AL’s and after a few months of getting to know the space intimately, she asked AL’s GM Kimberly Litchfield if she could take over the restaurant’s playlist. The role of Musical Director, previously held by a part time staff member, was bestowed upon her.

22 public playlists later, with many more waiting in the wings, Dowdy weaves together 7-8 hour playlists that are highly curated for AL’s, never repeating a song, and compensating for the turns that happen throughout a night’s service.

Jenn Dowdy’s Shift List
BANKS – Bedroom Wall
Cashmere Cat – Miss You
DRAMA – Forever’s Gone
St. Beauty – Holographic Lover
Frank Ocean – Swim Good
ABRA – Pull Up
Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know
Jill Scott – It’s Love
Beyoncé – Partition
Rae Sremmurd – Guatemala
Masego & Tiffany Gouche – Queen Tings
SZA (Feat. Travis Scott) – Love Gallore
Nitty Scott – Pxssy Powah!
Frank Ocean – Nikes
Rihanna – Sex With Me
6LACK – East Atlanta Love Letter
Robyn – Stars 4-Ever
Mobb Deep – Shook Ones, Pt II

Gig Bag: Jeremie Albino

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Jeremie Albino details the items he always has nearby when out on the road.

I’ve always got a notebook for writing down some tunes and a harmonica to play some tunes. I’ve got a deck of cards just for fun. I like to play Hearts or Slap Jack. Ever since I was a Boy Scout I’ve always loved tying knots, so I always keep a piece of rope to keep my hands busy and tie some knots when I need to pass the time.

My Leatherman is always in my back pocket … the most handy tool I’ve ever owned. I used to use it a lot for irrigation back on the farm. But mostly I use the knife for cutting up salami or cheddar in the van while we’re on the road. The pliers are always handy to grip things or hammer when they’re stuck, and then there’s a screwdriver which is always just good to have. Then I have a bandana if I ever need to blow my nose, ha ha.

My favourite jacket to keep me warm (and sometimes roll into a ball and use it as a pillow) and a hat to keep the sun out of my face.

My Nalgene. Feels like I drink about 20 of these a day, ha ha … I like to stay hydrated. And my Pentax Super ME so I feel like Peter Parker whenever I’m out and about shooting.

And finally, I always carry a pair of long johns. I probably wear these for more than half the year, and a pair of Smartwool socks. I guess I like to stay cozy. Then I’ve got a headlamp for when the power goes out or if I’ve got to camp out anywhere.

There ya go! All the things I lug around with me on the roads 🙂

 

A Minute in Boise, Idaho, with Eilen Jewell

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to “A Minute In” — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Eilen Jewell takes us on a tour of Boise, Idaho. The singer-songwriter just released her newest album, Gypsy.

My hometown of Boise, Idaho, is a cheerful little place. In fact, visitors to our fair city, or those who have recently relocated, often find the friendliness a bit off-putting at first. Queues tend to move more slowly than in most places, often due to the simple fact that people like to chat and exchange pleasantries. In this regard, there’s an innocence to my hometown, elements of bygone days still intact

But there’s a lot more to Boise than friendliness and a slow pace. We also have nearly boundless outdoor space within arm’s reach. We have great parks and libraries and historic buildings (including one the oldest synagogues west of the Mississippi). We have delicious, award-winning food, two thriving farmers markets, more amazing breweries than you can shake a stick at, and local wine that rivals California’s, in my humble opinion.

This is not the cornfields of similar-sounding Iowa or Ohio, though they are lovely places in their own right. This is Idaho, as in the Rockies, as in mountain lakes and whitewater rivers. This is where I keep returning to, especially when I’m in dire need of some elbow room, and always when I need to write.

Here are some places and activities that I recommend to anyone lucky enough to visit my hometown:

Rediscovered Books (180 N 8th St.) is a sweet bookstore in the heart of downtown, offering new and used titles of all kinds, but very well-curated. If it’s not quality they don’t sell it, and everyone in there really knows their books. They have fun events on a regular basis, including book signings and story time for kids. It’s where I do nearly all of my Christmas shopping every year.

Boiseans almost always use cardinal directions. The mountains are north, so as long as you can see them you can’t get lost. And you can almost always see them. So, moving slightly east from downtown we encounter the historic Basque District. For those unfamiliar, the Basque Country is that mountainous region of northern Spain and southern France. Many folks of Basque descent made their way to southern Idaho over the generations, mainly to herd sheep.

They stayed and thrived, and now Boiseans are very proud of their Basque heritage. We even boast of being the only town in America with a mayor who is fluent in Basque, Mayor Dave Bieter. You can learn about all of this at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center (611 W. Grove St.). For an authentic Boise Basque culinary experience, go to Bar Gernika (202 S. Capitol Blvd.) and order croquetas with a kalimotxo to wash them down.

Head just a bit south from there and catch a movie at The Flicks (646 W. Fulton St.). I love this place. They specialize in indie, foreign, and art films and often screen great documentaries. I like to enjoy a glass of wine while I watch. And their cookies are delicious too.

Next take a walk through nearby Julia Davis Park, and maybe check out one of our lovely museums there, like the Boise Art Museum (670 E. Julia Davis Dr), or perhaps the Idaho Black History Museum (508 Julia Davis Dr.). Then be sure to connect with the Boise River Greenbelt, just on the other side of the park from there. You’ll have over 30 miles along the river to bike or walk or birdwatch or whatever floats your boat. (You can even boat.) I always see wildlife along the river, even bald eagles once in a blue moon.

Head west along the Greenbelt and you’ll be able to quench your well-earned thirst at Lost Grove Brewing (1026 S. La Pointe St.), a fun neighborhood brewery my friends started a few years ago. They always have a solid variety of fresh brews on tap and a cheerful bartender or two to guide you through the selection process. By the way, Idaho is 10th in the nation in breweries per capita. Yeah, we like our beer.

Scoot a bit north of there, to what is known as the Linen District, and check yourself into The Modern Hotel (1314 W. Grove St.). Not only do they have one of the best restaurants in town, a killer cocktail menu, original artwork in each unique room, and a campfire out front on most nights, they also have gnome statues in the restrooms that hold up little turntables for your musical enjoyment while you powder your nose.

Just west of there is the Record Exchange (1105 W. Idaho St.). How do I sufficiently describe my love for this place? It has been the pulse of Boise’s music scene and all things good since 1977, and it’s one of the best indie record stores in the country. It’s also a really fun spot to catch an in-store performance by both local and touring acts.

Last but not least, no trip to Boise would be complete without a visit to our beautiful foothills and historic Hyde Park (1413 to 1620 N. 13th St.). This is a charming little neighborhood in Boise’s quaint north end, where I grew up. Nearby Camels Back Park (1200 Heron St.) never fails to deliver. Hike all around those gorgeous trails, then up the big hill and enjoy a sunset with the best view in town.

 

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A hike a day keeps the blues away ☀️

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Because we’re on the western edge of the Mountain Time Zone, the sun sets very late in Boise in the summertime. On a clear day, and most days are clear in Boise, you can still see a bit of light around 10:30 p.m. As you watch that sun sink down over the horizon, congratulate yourself on a day well spent in one of the prettiest little cities on earth. And come back soon. Just promise not to tell too many people.

Here’s a list of songs I’ve written that were directly inspired by Boise or the surrounding area:

“My Hometown”
“Always Coming Home”
“Kalimotxo”
“Boundary County”
“Half-Broke Horse”

 

The Estate at Cherokee Dock: Nashville’s Stately Gem

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, is a stunning 13-acre estate whose crown jewel is The Estate at Cherokee Dock. Early this summer, the BGS team was fortunate enough to be invited to stay on the premises for our annual company retreat and work session, bringing together our staff in Los Angeles and Nashville for a relaxing, productive, and beautiful few days on site, which is most famous for being the former residence of country legend and BGS favorite, Reba McEntire. Our team spent three days, dividing up the themed bedrooms among us — all inspired by legends like Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and of course, Reba.

As an events hub, the 13,000-square-foot Southern Colonial home’s most popular use now is hosting all-inclusive weddings. Yet the sprawling space — replete with stables, a guitar-shaped swimming pool, a well-equipped game room, gorgeous grounds and gardens, and oh-so-much more — also hosts corporate events, film and photo shoots, community concerts, mixers and networking parties, and just about any other function you can imagine. After two full days of BGS planning, creating, and brainstorming of course we made time for a 90s country karaoke sing off, a Skee-Ball tournament, some hot tub time, a small gathering of friends, and even some pickin’.

Although the surroundings are opulent, the comfortable vibe of the home lends itself surprisingly well to meetings, whether teams are seated around the large dining room table, or (in our case) simply gathered in a circle of couches and chairs in the sunny living room. Most of the time, we either gravitated to the inviting kitchen and its huge island, or carried our lunch plates out to the patio. There are enough areas of the home to still have privacy when the laptops are powered down and phones silenced for the day, too. Although BGS staffers are always on the go, the Estate at Cherokee Dock makes it easy to just stay put and enjoy some valuable time together.

For all of you fans of beautiful architecture, Middle Tennessee’s beauty, and our goddess, Reba, take a journey across The Estate at Cherokee Dock in photographs. And, make plans to visit for your own retreat, no matter the occasion.

All photos by Laura E. Partain

A Minute in Nashville with Chuck Mead

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

“I have a lot of people ask me, ‘Where do I go when I come to Nashville?’ and my answer is always, ‘Well, what are you into? Music? Food? Underground sex scene?’ I don’t know much about that last one there, but there sure is a lot to do in Nashville these days. Top-notch dining, a bunch of clubs and bars, and spectacular musicians of all types.” – Chuck Mead

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Lower Broadway
You have to see Lower Broadway at least once during your visit. This is where honky tonks line both sides of the street and the people and music spill out onto the sidewalks. Robert’s Western World is the must-stop on the street. It’s my old stomping grounds where my old band BR5-49 got our start. Traditional honky tonk played the way it’s supposed to be — with heart. Layla’s next door is an excellent place to be as well.

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Ryman Auditorium
These honky tonks are all in the shadow of the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium — another must-see downtown. And while you’re in that neck of the woods, see The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can follow the progression of country music from the beginning right up to today’s stars.

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Honky Tonk Tuesday at American Legion Post 82
If you’re around on a Tuesday night, go to the American Legion Post 82. Just driving into the parking lot takes you to another world. Make your donation at the door (unless you’re a veteran), grab a nice cold, cheap beer, go dance your ass off to some really fantastic old school country music, and don’t forget to tip the band!

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The Grand Ole Opry
It pretty much goes without saying that if you come to Nashville, a visit to the Grand Ole Opry should be on the itinerary. It’s the show that made country music.

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Third Man Records
But it’s not all hillbilly music – there’s Jack White’s Third Man Records for a killer record store experience and it’s always great to go see Thee Rock n Roll Residency at the Mercy Lounge whenever they’re in town.

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Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish
Nashville is pretty famous, food-wise, for its hot chicken. There are a few ways to go — Prince’s is the original and is great of course (if you order the hot – you have a stronger constitution than me.) But my favorite hot chicken in town is Bolton’s. I suggest a taste test!

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Margot Cafe
If you’re looking for a world-class dining experience, may I suggest Margot Cafe in Five Points in East Nashville. Margot serves up fancy French-type food combined with down-home Southern heart; fresh, local cuisine with a menu that changes all the time, and a terrific bar as well.

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Mas Tacos
Also on the Eastside is Mas Tacos. This is my go-to place for times when I say to myself, “Man, I sure could use some more tacos.” Great food. Great vibe. Groovy courtyard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byq_mFsAwYK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Here are other places I recommend: Grimey’s Record Store (made by record people for record people); The Basement and The Basement East – always a variety of different kinds of great live music both places; Germantown Cafe, fresh and modern American cuisine; First Tennessee Park, right across the street, where you can take in a Nashville Sounds baseball game (if it’s in season, of course); and many others you can look up on your phone yourself. Check out the music listings and see if I’m playing anywhere. If you see me, say “Hey!”

Photo credit: Joshua Black Wilkins

A Minute In Vermont With Caitlin Canty

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns musicians into hometown reporters. In our latest column, singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty takes us through Vermont communities like Pittsford and Rutland, as well as her favorite places nearby.

A Morning Hike

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Cold bright day

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I’ll start the morning off with a walk with my parents and the dogs down by the covered bridges in Pittsford, such as the Gorham and Cooley bridges, and walk to the confluence of Otter Creek and Furnace Brook. This is my favorite spot in Vermont.

Donuts & Sandwiches

 

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Can’t visit Rutland without getting donuts

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My dad usually wakes up before anyone else and he’ll pick up some classic donuts from Jones’ Donuts and Bakery if I’m lucky. And we’ll always stop at Kamuda’s Country Market for a sandwich or provisions after a walk.

Local Restaurants

My mom’s a great cook, but if I’m home for a few nights, we’ll hit Roots the Restaurant or The Palms in Rutland for dinner. If I’m in Rutland earlier in the day, my favorite spot to sit by a fire and warm up is the Yellow Deli.

Getting Outdoors

I’d tell anyone visiting the Rutland area to go for a quick and easy hike up Deer’s Leap near Killington for a gorgeous view, or paddle around on Chittenden Dam for sweeping views of the mountains reflected on the water.

Foot Races and Farmer’s Markets

 

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#rutlandfarmersmarket #farmersmarket #rutland #rutlandvt #vermont

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If it’s July, try the Goshen Gallup road race (5K and 10k) at Blueberry Hill Inn. Or if you’re visiting in the fall, go apple picking at Mad Tom Orchard and Douglas Orchard, and hit the outdoor Rutland Farmers’ Market (which I’ve played a time or two when I was starting out). If you’re driving on Route 4, don’t miss Woodstock Farmers’ Market (a gourmet deli) for sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Pottery, Glassblowing, and Books

 

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Autumn in Vermont—is there anything sweeter? #northshirebookstore #bookstagram #shoplocal #autumn

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I love Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock and I love to go to Simon Pearce in Quechee, where you can watch glassblowing and then sit by a window next to the falls and have a drink in one of those pretty hand-blown glasses. If I’m in Manchester, I’ll get lost in the Northshire Bookstore.

The Vermont Marble Museum

The Vermont Marble Museum in my hometown is one of a kind. It’s an old factory building full of huge slabs of all varieties of marble and sculptures. I played a show here once and the sound was unlike any other room I’ve played. I love wandering around in here and seeing the history and the industry that built my town. Vermont’s famous for its covered bridges, but you have to walk or drive over the marble bridge to visit this museum in Proctor. Don’t miss checking out the powerful falls behind the Proctor Library.

The Music Scene

The first guitar I bought myself was at Be Music in Rutland, a Martin DM. Since then I’ve bought countless sets of strings, capos and picks from Brian and Jeff. As far as shows go, I’ve played at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. The first time I played there, I was invited to open for Eric Burdon and the Animals, and I was filling in for the support. I was invited that afternoon! I’d been painting a house with my family and my brother just got his license. He drove me to the theater with the hammer down as I restrung my guitar on the way. I still had paint on my hands when I played the show, and I didn’t have time to get nervous.

Photo of Caitlin Canty: David McClister

TRAVELER: Tulsa, Oklahoma With Desi and Cody

Posted on by Editor

Growing up in Tulsa was weird. Mainly because in the ‘90s, it was more or less a ghost town. There wasn’t much to do, and it was honestly pretty sketchy. Downtown was barren and the only good reason to go there back then was to see a show at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom… which would make our list if we didn’t think you should already know about it. Cain’s is legendary, historic, and an absolute no-brainer when it comes to sites to visit in Tulsa. The point of all this is just to say, Tulsa has undergone an absolute renaissance over the last 15 years. A once-barren wasteland is now alive with art, music, and culture. Here are a few of our favorite spots to visit. – Desi and Cody

“Morning” Coffee

We get up not-so-early… because we are musicians and tend to stay up very late. That doesn’t mean we don’t want coffee!! Usually in the late a.m. hours we stop by Hodges Bend, located in the charming East Village area of downtown. They make a mean cup of coffee, and are down to throw in a shot or two of something nice if ya need a little extra pick me up!!! They also have amazing food and craft cocktails, and on certain nights… they host some of Tulsa’s best jazz groups. This place is a great hang, for coffee… and so much more.

Afternoon Out

Tulsa’s brand new park, Gathering Place, is nothing short of epic. The Kaiser Family Foundation and The Zarrow Foundation have been pouring millions of dollars into Tulsa for years, and it has made a staggering improvement to our city. The new park is a $400,000,000 investment and it spans a two-mile section along Riverside Drive at the Arkansas River. This park is a marvel of modern design, and words really can’t describe how amazing it truly is. Kayak ponds, huge playgrounds, basketball courts, and gorgeous architecture are dotted through its beautiful scenery of native plants and trees. If you come to Tulsa, we strongly suggest getting a basket of food and a blanket and visiting this unbelievable addition to Tulsa’s landscape.

Dinner and Live Music

Soul City of Tulsa is where we go in the evening to have a drink, eat some amazing food, and listen to some of our favorite local and live bands. It’s located on Historic Route 66, and has all the charm you would expect of a business on that old stretch of road. Owners Kevin and Amy Smith have been some of the most supportive people in the Tulsa music scene and we love them very much!!! They even gave us a Blonde Fender Telecaster just out of the kindness of their hearts!!! They treat bands well, and are everything we wish every venue owner would be. They are honest. We can’t say enough about this place, so we will just stop with this: go to Soul City, order some tacos, get a beer, and definitely stick around for the live band… they have one every night of the week!!

Late Night Drinks

The Cellar Dweller is located beneath a non-descript brick apartment building on the west side of downtown. If you don’t pay close attention… you might miss it. This place is in an old basement and has been around for a long time!! Owner Western Doughty is also one of the bartenders and our favorite barkeep in town. The drinks are affordable, but the place has class and style. They also have good whiskey, beer, cocktails, and Champagne!! (Desi lives for Champagne.) They also have live bluegrass every Wednesday from Tulsa’s own Grazzhopper. If you like a classy speak easy vibe that isn’t “too-cool-for-school,” then the Cellar is your place. We think you’ll love it. We do.

BGS ALSO RECOMMENDS:

-STAY: The Mayo — historic downtown hotel circa 1925 that has retained (and renovated) it’s class, charm, and style

-EAT: Cherry Street Farmers Market — with multiple locations, Tulsa’s Farmers Markets have been a central part of the community for over 20 years.

-DRINK: Saturn Room — funky Tiki room vibes and drinks in the heart of the mid-west

-LISTEN: Cain’s Ballroom — this 1930’s concert hall is on the National Register of Historic Places, and used to host Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys as regular performers.  Today it’s still one of the top music rooms in the state.

-VISIT: The Guthrie Center — an extensive museum and cultural center dedicated to the life and legacy of Woody Guthrie, (who was born in nearby Okemah, OK).  The city is also home to the Bob Dylan Archive at the University of Tulsa / Helmerich Center for American Research.

Photo of Desi and Cody: London J Smothers
Guthrie Center photo by LukeGordon1 on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
All other photos courtesy of Desi and Cody. 

A Minute In Boston With Will Dailey

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns musicians into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Will Dailey take us through Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston, where the first seed of our massive republic was planted, is a mecca of higher learning, higher rents, higher level of road rage and musicians exhibiting their talents at the highest of levels. It has always amplified itself with authentic grit and an addictive urgency. I present to you Belly, Letters to Cleo, Buffalo Tom, Mission of Burma, The Cars, Pixies, Evan Dando, Guster, Amanda Palmer, and Lori McKenna. More recently, Ballroom Thieves, Darlingside, Marissa Nadler and other countless professional touring artists. If you’re seeking songs in Boston, simply stand in its center and breathe deep, as I’ve done my whole life. It is the place I go to refill, refresh and remember.

Getting Here
It’s the hub of the universe! How do you not know how to get here? You are going to want to take a flight to Logan Airport or drive in from the west via the Massachusetts Turnpike. From the North coming down 93 is always like entering the atmosphere to see the city on the horizon as you drive past Melrose and Stoneham. But getting here is the easy part. Being here requires a Zen-like approach. The roads won’t make sense and their designlessness will be exacerbated by the speed at which the city moves. Boston has life and requires your attention.

Where to Stay 

 

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Don’t be blue. Our walls are covered in rock and roll history. Come checkout the #VerbVibe. 💙

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If you’re planning on visiting Fenway, stay at The Verb Hotel. Each room has live rock photography from around Boston, yours truly included. There is no shortage of restaurants in the area. Citizens Oyster Bar is a favorite. Liberty Hotel, a former jail house, has great restaurants and a central location. The views of the Charles River are beautiful. The Eliot Hotel is said to be haunted.

 

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Good Morning Boston!! Buenos días Massachusetts!! Bom-dia @eliotsuitehotel !!! . . . Segundo dia do outono 🍂 e o friozinho famoso de Boston já toma conta da cidade. . . . Agora, estou no bairro de Back Bay, no começo da famosa Newbury St. Ao lado da Berklee escola de música, do Fenway Park, da Prudential Tower e do Museu de Belas Artes. São inúmeras atrações turísticas a uma curta distância aqui do hotel. . . . E eu, que adoro caminhar e descobrir cada cantinho dos destinos por onde passo; já vou aproveitar e curtir esse domingão exaGERAdo aqui em Boston! . . #boston #massachusetts #eliothotel #hotel #city #usa #boutiquehotel #modern #exageranomundo #citypass #bostoncity #bostoncitypass #luxury #downtown #downtowncrossing #gopro #goprohero6 #goprobrasil #theeliothotel #america #nature #garden #green #igersboston #igboston #fall #fall2018

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Must-sees


Know that staying in Cambridge or Somerville also counts as staying in Boston. The real Boston may be hiding in an Airbnb in that perfect neighborhood spot so you can pretend to be Ben Affleck pretending to still be from there.

Get yourself clothed in the best vintage threads at Great Eastern Trading Co. in Cambridge and make sure to ask owner Neph if he’s playing at Wally’s Café while you’re in town. Down the road are The Plough & Stars and Toad, both iconic hole-in-the-wall live venues.

 

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Midweek marquee magic. 🎩 🎞

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Take the T up a mile into Brookline to see a film on a 70mm projector at the Coolidge Corner Theater. The velvet curtain still draws back to reveal the screen. But do not leave the city with completing the museum trifecta: Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Art, and my personal favorite, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Eats & Drinks

George Howell Coffee is the realest bean in all of Beantown. Dok Bua in Brookline for authentic Thai food. Saltie Girl and Island Creek Oyster Bar are the top destinations for oysters. Lone Star for tacos in Cambridge or Brighton. Santarpio’s in East Boston for Boston’s best slice and truest experience. Craigie On Main if you are feeling like tinctures in your drinks and dropping some dime on a meal that feels both adventurous and home-cooked.

Across from Toad in Porter Square in Cambridge awaits delicious ramen at Yume Wo Katare. And if you find yourself in Harvard Square head over to The Sinclair for drinks and music on Monday night to hear Matthew Stubbs for Downbeat Mondays. I’ll be there.

Photo of Boston: Pixabay.com/ Skeeve
Photo of Will Dailey: Michael Spence
Photo of Great Eastern Trading Company: Will Dailey
Photo of Matthew Stubbs at Sinclair: Eddy Leiva

A Minute in Flagstaff, Arizona, With Walter Salas-Humara

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I moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, from New York City. Being used to having every imaginable music and art scene at my fingertips 24/7/365, I was pleasantly surprised by how developed, soulful and energetic the music and art scene is here. There are two really important reasons to live in Flag – the arts and the outdoors. Often the two meld together with incredible landscape art and photography and a music scene rooted in the camping and festival atmosphere of the West. There is every kind of music here with loads of original bands and venues of all sizes, but the most vibrant for me are the blues, soul, psychedelic and jam bands rockin’ it with real instruments and lots of emotion, creativity and improvisation. — Walter Salas-Humara

Flag Brew Patio: This downtown pub and brewery has a wonderful patio. In the summer, the Sunday afternoon gigs are the best. We love playing the Flag Brew Patio.

The Hotel Monte Vista: This is a classic old place with tons of character. Right downtown in the middle of everything, it has two tremendous cocktail bars and a small music venue that hosts touring acts both national and international. I saw Tav Falco here with Mike Watt on bass.

Firecreek: This downtown cafe has a vibey back room that hosts everything from poetry slams to punk bands. It’s perhaps the artsiest scene, full of eccentricity.

The Green Room: This is the mid-size rock club. It has a big stage, lots of room to dance, a clear and loud PA system and good lights. Its casual and unassuming atmosphere makes it a comfortable to place to hang. I saw The Melvins here recently and they rocked hard.

The Orpheum Theater: The old downtown movie hall has become the premiere concert venue for larger touring acts. It’s funky and creaky, but well-run and the best place to perform. The audiences are always great. I’ve opened for Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen and Jerry Joseph here. I love the Orpheum. On the side of the building there is an amazing mural by local artist Sky Black.

MartAnne’s Burrito Place: If you come to Flagstaff you MUST have breakfast at Martanne’s. The green pork chilaquiles are to die for. I have sent every touring band I know here and all are blown away by the flavors, portions and atmosphere.

Motel DuBeau: On what was the original Route 66, legend has it this is the original Motel. Mr. DuBeau coined the phrase. Now it’s a very cool hostel full of international travelers. It has a great bar and is a great place to hang with the world traveler crowd.

Mother Road Brewery: One of the many, many breweries in town. They brew an excellent IPA they call Tower Station and the patio is a fun place to hang and order pizza from the excellent Pizzicletta next door.

The Weatherford Hotel: This is the oldest historic structure downtown. It’s gorgeous inside and out with live music in the basement bar, great food in the restaurant, and a cool bar upstairs that opens out onto the wraparound balcony. You get views of the whole town and the majestic San Francisco Peak to the north.

Incahoots: This downtown fixture is where you get your party duds. Flag has a very costumey culture. Where else can you go to a concert and have a dancing costumed 60-year-old offer you a hit of acid? You gotta love that about this town.

Arizona Music Pro: An excellent full-service music shop. It has everything any musician, local or traveling, could ever need. Plus the manager, Rich Neville, used to play bass for Poco and Vince Gill. How cool is that?

Photo of Walter Salas-Humara: Jean Fordyce