Tag: Travel

Gig Bag: Dirty Mae

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, Dirty Mae detail the items they always have nearby when out on the road.

A GOOD PACKING PLAN: Having a good packing plan is essential. Know what you’re taking. Lay it all out and cut down wherever you can. We each took one small suitcase/bag and still all felt that we overpacked. With laundry machines everywhere these days, we really only needed 2-3 changes of clothes.

We also highly recommend hard cases. We learned the “hard way” (pun intended) as when stacking gear, it helps to not have to worry about things getting damaged. We have some hard cases, but if everything was in a hard case (including mics, cables & keyboard), nothing would get damaged.

A ROOF RACK: It saves so much space and is great for storing items you don’t need or use every day. However, it’s still easily accessible anytime. We keep sleeping bags, winter coats, air mattresses, and extra merch up there.

AIR MATTRESSES, SLEEPING BAGS, & DAY BAGS: We invested in a high-quality air mattress and it’s turned out to be better than some beds we’ve stayed on. Plus it folds up small. A sleeping bag is even easier because, well, you can sleep anywhere. No sheets or blankets needed. For short overnight trips, we find having a small day bag with essentials and clothes for the next day is way easier than hauling a heavy bag or suitcase to every stop.

EYE MASK, HEADPHONES/EARPLUGS, & PHONE CHARGER: These are key for sleep while in the van or sleeping in noisy places. Plus you can never have enough phone chargers on the road. They always go missing, so I keep one in the car and one in my day bag.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE & COFFEE MUG: Some water bottles work as both. Those are best. Then you have two-in-one. A good water bottle helps save the planet, save money, and is easy to refill at every stop.

 

Lobster Bake in Maine

 

Polish Feast in Vermont

 

Crabs in Maryland

SAYING YES TO HOME COOKED MEALS: It may seem obvious, but we feel that a tour essential is having a good meal with friends and family (or strangers) wherever possible. Many people offer to cook for us, so as a rule, we always say yes. A home-cooked meal goes a long way. It balances us, grounds us, and it’s just delicious (and free).

CO-PILOT & BACKUP DRIVER: Tours are exhausting. It’s also easy to get excited and take on too much driving. We try to trade off so we can stay rested and safe on the road. A co-pilot helps keep the pilot on point and safe and is a good backup for late nights when you may need a designated driver. We take turns on that.

EXTRA GUITAR PICKS: Because you always lose them. Ben keeps them in every pocket.

EXERCISE: Working out on the road. Kettlebells. Yoga. Staying fit and flexible helps keep our bodies intact, our minds functioning, and our overall morale and performances higher.

RELAXATION & DAYS OFF: Days off are key to decompression and rejuvenation, but also connecting to nature, relaxing, or meditating whenever possible is very restorative and soothing.

SETUP TO PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN: Robbie, our guitarist, likes to practice and write when alone so headphones, an interface for his laptop, and a small keyboard or electric guitar allow him the time and quiet to practice on his own — and he doesn’t bother other people either.

Cory, our drummer, has a skeleton drum kit that’s easy to take on the road. It’s simple and can be set up easily at venues that don’t have a backline. He also has a practice pad and metal sticks to help exercise his drum muscles and sharpen his skills during downtime.

Photo credit: Shaun Mader

Gig Bag: Pieta Brown

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, Pieta Brown shows us what she’s gotta have on the road.

Queen of the road! This guitar goes to all the gigs! It arrived on my doorstep as a gift one day; it’s full of songs. I wish could have many lifetimes to play it.

This beautiful handmade slide is always in my bag. Another gift! Given to me by one of my all-time favorite slide players, Bo Ramsey. I love playing slide and this one works great for me with acoustic or electric guitars.

Another gift from a friend, and my favorite strap. Handmade by Calleen Cordero.

Gold and sparkly capo. And my lucky all-purpose bandanna. My dad always had bandannas around… and often wore them (and often still does!) so they make me think of him.

I always seem to have a few extras. This new penny whistle is gonna see some miles. Hair clip. Incense from my friend Kelly. A feather and a Love Rock (both found on walks) for good luck.

Photo of Pieta Brown: Hannah Ray

Gig Bag: Tulsa Revue

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, John Fullbright, Jesse Aycock, Paul Benjaman, and Jacob Tovar from the Tulsa Revue tour show us what they gotta have on the road.

My two road essentials are a black shoe polish kit and a set of dominoes. The boot polish is a pre-show ritual and the dominoes are for post-show hotel gaming. — John Fullbright

Grip strength rings keep fingers fit on the road, and they don’t squeak like the old ’70s spring styles. And extra shades for handling any stage light or social situation. — Paul Benjaman

Ralph’s Mexican Bandits beef jerky is one of the best out there (along with No Man’s Land) and it’s a great snack any time of the day. I can’t leave home for tour without a cowboy hat. The time of season or situation determines which one (straw for summer or sun, and felt for Labor Day to May or cold weather). Hat box is a must. — Jacob Tovar

My Nikon D3100 is always nice to have by my side. You see so much interesting stuff on the road and often find yourself in the strangest of places. Its also a great way to kill time and have a moment to yourself. I like to keep a small bag with a notepad to write in and a book to read. Right now I’m reading Mr. Tambourine Man, the story of Gene Clark. — Jesse Aycock

My Fred Kelly thumb picks are essential for both lap steel and guitar. It’s been part of the way I play for so long that it’s almost become like jewelry. — Jesse Aycock

TOUR DATES
Sept. 26: Dallas, Texas (The Kessler Theater)
Sept. 27: Austin, Texas (04 Center)
Sept. 28: Fort Worth, Texas (The Post at River East)*
Oct. 18: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Soul City)
Oct. 21: Little Rock, Arkansas (White Water Tavern)
Oct. 23: Decatur, Georgia (Eddie’s Attic)
Oct. 25: Asheville, North Carolina (Isis Music Hall)
Oct. 26: Nashville, Tennessee (The 5 Spot)
Oct. 27: Memphis, Tennessee (The Green Room)
*John Fullbright is not on this show.

Photo of Tulsa Revue lineup: Greg Bollinger
(L-R): Jacob Tovar, John Fullbright, Paul Benjamin, Jesse Aycock

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”

 

Gig Bag: Andrew Bird

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, BGS Artist of the Month alum Andrew Bird walks us through a few of the items he has at the ready when out on the road in a “Case Study” video from UMUSIC Experience.

Photo credit: Amanda Demme
Video shot and edited by Nick Elwell and directed by Wes Davenport, UMUSIC Experience

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!

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

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!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BybYlmwhmn0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxsio3xDn7V/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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