Tag: roam

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 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

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

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 Colorado’s Western Slope With David Starr

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, David Starr takes us through Colorado’s Western Slope and his adopted hometown of Cedaredge – where the locals proclaimed his 60th birthday as David Starr Day. Taking a cue from his corner of Colorado, David Starr titled his new album South and West.

Nestled at the base of Grand Mesa on Colorado’s western slope, Cedaredge has long been home to apples, arts and more. The town was incorporated in 1907 from what was then the I-Bar Ranch.  In recent years, the town has seen slow growth due to folks seeking a mild climate, cultural amenities and small-town hospitality.  With the recent addition of the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center and several new eateries, the future of this little mountain town is bright indeed. — David Starr

Grand Mesa Lake: Within the Grand Mesa National Forest are 300 lakes and reservoirs, a network of shorelines and waterside retreats that keeps fishers, boaters, hikers and campers satisfied. The Grand Mesa is particularly popular with anglers seeking fish tales among the area’s seven trout species. It’s also home to the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: I can see part of this park from my back porch. Their website describes it beautifully: “Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. With two million years to work, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.” This area is just minutes from Cedaredge and surrounding communities and offers easy access, astounding views and world-class fly fishing.

Starrs Guitars & Stacy’s on Main: Located on Main Street in Cedaredge, my music store Starr’s Guitars offers a boutique guitar-shopping experience in a very unexpected location. The shop is also a vital part of the local music scene hosting concerts, offering lessons and promoting local artists and songwriters. Located next door to Starr’s, Stacy’s On Main offers coffees, pastries, sandwiches and gifts and artwork by numerous local painters, photographers and authors. It’s also become a natural gathering place for locals to catch up on a daily basis.

Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center: Opened in June 2018, the GMAEC in Cedaredge boasts an art gallery, classrooms and a 175-seat theater space. Founded on the idea of fostering High Altitude Creativity, the center hosts concerts by local, national and regional acts, yoga, dance, art classes for adults and children and events rental services for weddings, reunions and other gatherings. The non-profit center is open for tours and info seven days a week on Main Street in Cedaredge.

Local Apple Orchards & Cedaredge Applefest: The warm days and cool nights of the Surface Creek Valley make for perfect apple, peach and apricot conditions. Many area orchards (such as Wag’s World in Eckert) offer their harvests at the Cedaredge AppleFest every October. Founded in 1978, the festival has grown for two growers selling apple pies on Main Street to a weekend of arts, music and food that draws more than 20,000 visitors to the western slope.

Wineries: In addition to the fruit orchards in the area, grapes seem equally at home in the soil around the Grand Mesa. The Surface Creek Valley has seen several vineyards take hold in recent years. The town of Palisade, located to the west of the Mesa, boasts numerous wineries and vineyards. The sign seen here is from I-Guana Farm on Cedar Mesa.

Lede image: Cat Denton
Photo of Grand Mesa Lake: Phillip Berghauser
Photo of Starr’s Guitars & Stacy’s on Main: Deb Shaffer
Photo of Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center: Phillip Berghauser
Photo of Apple Orchards: Phillip Berghauser
Photo of I-Guana Farm: Phillip Berghauser
Photo of Black Canyon of the Gunnison: NPS.gov

A Minute In Donegal With Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh

Posted on by Editor

Welcome to “A Minute In …” — a BGS feature that turns our favorite artists into hometown reporters. In our latest column, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of the group Altan takes us on a tour of Donegal.

I live in North West Donegal, Ireland, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This is Errigal, the highest peak in the local mountain range of the Derryveagh Mountains.


Long ago my people lived in this type of thatched cottage without running water or electricity. They had to pay extra taxes to the English landlords if they had windows. So this preserved windowless cottage dates back to the nineteenth century. The social gatherings was in the kitchens of these homes where people met and sang and played music!

The light in County Donegal is unique especially in the late evening or early morning when the sun sends its rays through the clouds and turns the sky pink!

People collected the stones in the fields and made boundary walls to plant their crops! The walls were beautifully built by the farmers and leave beautiful structures on the landscape.

Sheep wander freely in the fields and are allowed to pasture on the farmers’ land! Most of the sheep in County Donegal are black-faced and are able to endure the hard winters we have!

This is the scene which I’m looking at now on The Wild Atlantic Way in North West Donegal, at this moment after spending time and eating dinner with family. Maybe we should go to the nearest pub to have a tune! Where’s my fiddle?

Photo courtesy of Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh