There Be Monsters On Halloween (Again!)!

 There Be Monsters
10/31/21
Practice Space Halloween Party
Rome, GA

1. 10000 Year Clock
2. Digger
3. Touch Me There
4. WWBSD/The Golden Mole
5. Dumpcuntry
6. Sewer Dragon
7. Solaring
8. Gittin'
9. Mr. Alph
10. Blanche
11. Mutant Boy

Alex Alexander: guitar, vocals
Andy Lester: bass, vocals
Adam Sikes: drums, vocals
Levi White: guitar, vocals

(King Druid; Hai-Tide; There Be Monsters)

Once again, we joined forces with our good friends in Hai-Tide, and brought along my nibling Dylan's band, King Druid, for some good ol' teenage doom metal.  Awesome!

Big City String Band!

Big City String Band
5/9/21
Paradise Gardens
Summerville, GA

Clark and I bought an upright bass together back in December, and started working on songs.  Adam and Russell came along and added great stuff.  This was Jody's first gig playing acoustic guitar.  We originally planned for him to only play on the first three songs of the 2nd set, but he played it all in the final rehearsal, so there you go.  16 years old, and killin' it!

I
1. Pancho & Lefty
2. Georgia On A Fast Train
3. The Wurlitzer Prize (I Don't Want to Get Over You)
4. Hellbent On A Heartache
5. Hickory Wind
6. Time*
7. Willin'*
8. Black-Haired Boy*
9. Big Freightliner*

II
10. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
11. L.A. Freeway
12. Oh Sister
13. Sparrow Song
14. Rabbit Song
15. Desperadoes Waiting For A Train
16. Anyhow I Love You
17. J.W.'s Song

Russell Cook: mandolin, vocals
Clark Jones: acoustic guitar, vocals
Andy Lester: upright bass, vocals
Adam Sikes: drums

*w/Julie Jones, harmony vocals

Entire 2nd set with Juie Jones, harmony vocals, and Jody Evans, acoustic guitar

Joseph Evans opened.  Joseph, Julie, Clark, and Russell played a few before the second set.

There Be Monsters On Halloween!

 10/31/2020
Monsters Practice Space

Rome, GA

1. Jam
2. 10000 Year Clock
3. Rumble
4. Touch Me There
5. Ace Of Spades
6. Spirits
7. Solaring
8. Blanche
9. Werewolves Of London
10. Little Red Riding Hood*
*w/Muletide, vocals

(Hai-Tide; "Thelonious Chunk" (Alexander, Lester, Sikes))

Finally catching up with the blog (July '22).  We played this as a trio because Levi got drunk and ghosted.  Really the first sign of what was to come.

Family Band!

10/18/20

River Dog Outpost

Rome, GA

We observed Samantha's 50th birthday (Oct. 25) on this day, and it was actually Dylan's 15th birthday.  It took a lot of planning and rehearsal, but it was great!  Gene Brigham led it off, then David Bell, followed by Muletide.  Lesters' Automatic People Pleasers led it off with the first couple of tunes here, then followed the Family Band set with the last three.

1. Intro
2. Don't Carry It All
3. Shelter From The Storm
4. Over The Rainbow
5. House Of Gold
6. Your Song

David Bell -- harmonica (2, 3)
Andy Lester -- bass (3)
Dylan Lester -- guitar (2), vocals (2, 5, 6), ukulele (4, 5), electric piano (6)
Joe Lester -- drums (2, 5), background vocals (2), vocals (3, 4, 6) guitar (3, 6)
Samantha Lester -- electric viola (4), electric piano (5)

1. Intro
2. The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
3. Blister In The Sun
4. Save It For Later
5. Fluorescent Adolescent
6. New Killer Star
7. Buddy Holly

Andy Lester -- bass (2, 4-7), vocals (2, 4-7)
Dylan Lester -- drums (2-5), vocals (3, 5, 7), guitar (6, 7)
Joe Lester -- vocals (2, 4), guitar (2, 3, 4, 5), drums (6, 7)
Samantha Lester -- electric viola (2, 4, 6, 7), vocals (2, 6, 7), bass (3), guitar (5), tambourine (6)

There Be Monsters In Calhoun!

9/18/20
Freight And Rail Brewing
Calhoun, GA

Originally scheduled for last month, but, global pandemic.  They have a killer house PA, and a good guy to run it.  Everybody was well-prepared and relaxed.  About 20 Romans made the drive, so we had a friendly crowd.

I
1. Rumble
2. Digger
3. Spirits
4. Mr. Alph
5. Touch Me There
6. Starlike
7. Stars
8. Blanche
9. WWBSD/The Golden Mole

II
10. I Want A New Drug
11. Mutant Boy
12. Apothecary
13. Sewer Dragon >
14. Dumpcuntry
15. Song 2
16. If Only
17. Solaring
18. 10000 Year Clock
19. Gittin'
20. When The Levee Breaks*

APL -- bass, vocals

Alex Alexander -- guitar, vocals

Adam Sikes -- drums, vocals

Levi White -- guitar, cigar box slide guitar*, vocals

BehindHeard Livestream

3/30/20
TBM Practice Space
Rome, GA

BehindHeard started as a way to help local Service Industry folks who are out of work during the pandemic.  We did a test run the previous week, got the camera in the right place, set up the Venmo, and BOOM!  We raised nearly $2000 in a couple of hours.  Thanks, y'all.

There Be Monsters, David Bell, Asa Lloyd, and King Naldo took turns playing songs.  We all ended up onstage with David Bell to close with "With A Little Help From My Friends".

Digger
The Golden Mole
Mutant Boy
Sewer Dragon
Blanche
Try To Keep Up*
Gittin'
Dumpcuntry
Everything Is Free*

*w/David Bell

Flannel Fest!

1/4/20
Rome City Brewing Co. Taproom
Rome, GA

Libby Gore had hired an Alice in Chains tribute band to play Aaron's 40th birthday.  They backed out, so she asked us if we could learn a bunch of grunge-type songs.  We ran through a few the first night, and decided to go for it.  Everybody worked really hard, and we made it happen.  It was a surprise party, and they pulled it off.  So much fun!

Peaches
Undone
Lake Of Fire
I Will Survive
Big Me
When I Come Around
Sex & Candy
Song 2
If Only
In Bloom
Bound For The Floor
Just Like Heaven
Tyler
Nothing Compares 2 U
Stars
Badfish
Rockin' In The Free World
Breed
Would?
10000 Year Clock

Day Of The Dead!

11/1/19
River Dog Outpost
Rome, GA

Connie Sams' birthday is November 2, so she's all about Halloween and DoD festivities.  We're not quite the usual fare that plays at River Dog, but we got it all worked out.  We all dressed up as classic monsters (me, vampire; Alex, werewolf; Adam, King Kong; Levi, demon).  Our good Friends Suitor opened the show.  I'm always happy to use my powers for good, and give another band a spot to play their first show.

1. 10,000 Year Clock
2. Digger
3. Spirits
4. Gittin'
5. Mr. Alph
6. Blanche
7. Sewer Dragon
8. Dumpcuntry
9. Apothecary
10. Little Red Riding Hood
11. Mutant Boy
12. The Golden Mole

Alex Alexander -- guitar, vocals
APL -- bass, vocals
Adam Sikes -- drums, vocals
Levi White -- guitar, synthesizer, vocals

Photo: Charles Garrison (I think)

There Be Monsters In The Courtyard!

8/30/19

Schroeder's Courtyard

Rome, GA

Finally re-scheduled from the rained-out May date, and on friendlier territory than the rained-out July Cartersville date, we were able to get Zack and Liam (with Jedd) as Venture onstage.

I opened with a short acoustic set:

1. Prologue

2. Fantastic (Existential Crisis? What Existential Crisis?)

3. Saturday

4. Not Yet But Maybe

5. River Trip

6. Too Fast For You

7. That Which We Are, We Are

8. Midnight Afternoon

Venture came out and rocked it with some Classic Rock classics, and they were great!

There Be Monsters closed it out:

1. Digger

2. Mralph

3. Blanche

4. 10,000 Year Clock

5. I Want A New Drug

6. Gittin'

7. Spirits

8. When The Levee Breaks

9. Sewer Dragon

10. Dumpcuntry

11. Stars

12. Starlike

13. Mutant Boy

14. Apothecary

15. The Golden Mole

Still figuring out the PA.  Can't get it loud and clear enough for what we do.

There Be Monsters!

4/27/19
Felterfest (Darris & Shaina Lingenfelter's house)
Rome, GA

10,000 Year Clock
Digger
Mr. Alph
Blanche
Gittin'
Spirits
Stars
Starlike
Sewer Dragon
Dumpcuntry
Apothecary
Mutant Boy
The Golden Mole
When The Levee Breaks

Alex Alexander -- gtr., voc.
APL -- bass, voc.
Adam Sikes -- drums, voc.
Levi White -- gtr., slide gtr., voc.


And yes, we've finally settled on a name, for real.

(Gene Brigham; APL; Beware Of Dawg (Mullins & Darris); Suspicious G (Aaron & Libby Gore Tenacious D Tribute); There Be Monsters; Russell Cook & The Sweet Teeth)

Ginger Pride & Freckle Fest

3/16/19
Heritage Park
Rome, GA

James Schroeder invited me to play the event, which started once the parade reached the park.  I brought PA and ran the show.  Remember to always take money if they offer it.  I made a good chunk of change this weekend from performing and running PA.

Prologue
Not Yet But Maybe
That Which We Are, We Are
Harbinger
Saturday 
Too Fast For You
River Trip
Midnight Afternoon

(Muletide Solo; Russell McClanahan & John Schroeder; APL)

Deep Roy!

11/9/18
MakerVillage
Rome, GA

Well, we went and played under yet another name.  Gettin' better every time.

1. Rumble
2. Digger
3. Mr. Alph
4. Spirits
5. I Want A New Drug
6. Gittin'
7. Blanche
8. 10000 Year Clock
9. Stars
10. Dumpcuntry

Alex Alexander - guitar, vocals
APL - bass, vocals
Adam Sikes - drums, vocals
Levi White - guitar, vocals

"Rock the Basin - A fundraiser for CRBI"

(Muletide; Hey, Chroma; Deep Roy; Loaded For Bears)

Hairy!

Hairy
8/25/18
Schroeder's Courtyard
Rome, GA

Billed as an 80's hair band tribute, but we had none of that.  Also, still trying to settle on a name.  Hairy seemed to fit for this one.  The first six are covers we already had in our book.  We knew we were going to do Digger, and added Dumpcuntry in case we had time, which we did.  Overall, a great performance.  No glaring mistakes, no train wrecks.  Solid!

1. Rumble
2. Bad Moon Rising
3. I Want A New Drug
4. Stars
5. Badfish
6. When The Levee Breaks*
7. Digger
8. Dumpcuntry

APL - bass, vocals
Alex Alexander - guitar, vocals
Adam Sikes - drums, vocals
Levi White - guitar, cigar box slide guitar*, vocals

(Forks Up For Friday:  Benefit for Suicide Prevention)

Tankfucker!

5/12/18
Felter Fest (Darris & Shaina's house, Darris' Birthday)
Rome, GA

2nd Annual!  We've been playing together for a year, writing music, learning covers, having fun.  This was a nice opportunity for a "soft" debut.  No pressure, surrounded by friends.  We're not going to be able to play a bunch of gigs as Tankfucker, but we damn sure did this night.  Not a great performance, a few train wrecks, but I'll take it.

1. 10000 Year Clock
2. Rumble
3. Spirits
4. When The Levee Breaks
5. Stars
6. Dumpcuntry
7. Starlike
8. I Want A New Drug
9. Mr. Alph
10. Badfish
11. Digger
12. Bad Moon Rising
13. Blanche

(Tankfucker; Tina & The Goose)

APL - bass, vocals
Alex Alexander - guitar, vocals
Adam Sikes - drums, vocals
Levi White - guitar, vocals

Sittin' In

7/26/17
Moon Roof
Rome, GA

David Bell is always gracious enough to let us play a few when he takes a break.  Here are a few that have never had a band behind them.

That Which We Are, We Are >
Not Yet But Maybe
River Trip

Felter Fest!

4/29/17
Darris Linginfelter's Birthday
Rome, GA

Darris told me when they bought the house that he was going to build a deck, and I'd play music on it.  The deck came to fruition last Fall, we never worked it out.  Winter came along, ugh.  His birthday was the perfect opportunity to do it.  Manning brought P.A.  I played first.  Setlist may or may not be complete or in order.  Pretty close though.

Vacation (Darris' request) >
Not Yet But Maybe
Midnight Afternoon
River Trip
Just Like Heaven
Brief Encounter (4th & Broad) >
Tomorrow Is A Long Time >
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side >
Brief Encounter (Raleigh)
Genesis
Tangled Up In Blue

Some rain came.  We covered the set with tarps and waited it out.  Low country boil was served.  Delicious.  Muletide was joined by Manburn, then Ol' Burnt Turnslick.  Tina & The Goose closed it out.  Such fun.

The Briars: Campbell-Hughes Wedding

10/30/16
Hightower Falls
Cedartown, GA

Kelsey Campbell worked with us at Harvest Moon for years.  Ended up with a big-girl job.  She and Trey are fans of the band, so they hired us to do what we do.  We learned the Elvis song for the first dance.  Jewel and Kelsey are BFF's, and the songs with her were a surprise.  Good times.  Oh, the order of the setlist may or may not be 100% accurate, and no recording exists of this.  

Can't Help Falling In Love*
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song**
Whole Wide World**
Downstream
Just Like Heaven
My House Has Wheels
Carousel
Saturday
Folsom Prison Blues
Waymore's Blues
Friend Of The Devil
Raspberry Beret

*w/Kelsey Hughes
**w/Jewel Liner

The Briars: Halloween!

10/29/16
Moon River at Dark Side Of The Moon
Rome, GA

Thrash Jam
Downstream
Saturday
Just Like Heaven
My House Has Wheels
Pop Star
Wasn't Really
I'll Just Fall
Take The Skinheads Bowling
Carousel
Even Though I Lie
Where Eagles Dare

(The Briars; Tina & The Goose; Ethos)

The Briars: Rome Beer Fest

9/24/16
Rome Beer Fest
Heritage Park
Rome, GA

Intro
Downstream
Just Like Heaven
My House Has Wheels
Pop Star
Wasn't Really
I'll Just Fall
Take The Skinheads Bowling
Loser
Carousel
Even Though I Lie

(Jason Smith; The Briars; The Donors; My Ninja)

LesterFest 2016!

8/13/16
River Dog Outpost
Rome, GA

If there's one thing I love, it's playing music on or around my birthday.  I got super anxious about charging a cover, since they'd not done it before at this place.  The first people who were asked to pay, turned around and left.  But an hour later the place was packed.  Phew!  They ended up having their best night of sales ever.  Joe and Sam worked up some strings charts, we all rehearsed a bunch.  Lillian came in the night before to rehearse, nailed it.  I played a solo set to kick it off.


Prologue >
Fantastic (Existential Crisis?  What Existential Crisis?)
Too Fast For You >
That Which We Are, We Are
Brief Encounter (4th & Broad) >
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side >
Brief Encounter (Raleigh)
Midnight Afternoon

Joe played a couple of our old ones, and a couple of newer ones he wrote with my lyrics.  I sang harmony on one.  Sam joined us for a couple.

Anything At All*
Southways Serenade**

*APL: gtr., voc.; Joe: Violin; Sam: viola
**Joe switches to viola

Tina & The Goose blew it out for an hour or so, then The Briars took the stage, joined by Joe, Sam, and Lillian for the first two.

I Would Be Your Slave*
Take Me With U**
Downstream
Wasn't Really
Desperate Teresa
I'll Just Fall
Seemin'ly
Friend Of The Devil
Just Like Heaven
Saturday
Six Days On The Road***

*Joe: violin; Sam; viola
**add Lillian Shaw, voc.
***w/Mike Tappan:  gtr., voc.

K!d Dynamite blew it out for the end.  Rah!

Mullins Called In Sick

7/20/16
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA 

Mullins had other stuff to do this night, so I asked Manning if they wanted to share the bill.  Why not?  Get paid to play, and drink for free?  Done.

Prologue >
Fantastic (Existential Crisis?  What Existential Crisis?) >
Harbinger
Not Yet But Maybe
Midnight Afternoon
Too Fast For You >
That Which We Are, We Are
Brief Encounter (4th & Broad) >
Tomorrow Is A Long Time >
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side >
Brief Encounter (Raleigh)
River Trip
Boots Of Spanish Leather
Go Your Own Way Intro > Anything At All
Genesis
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Cowboy

(APL; Tina & The Goose)

 

The Briars: Rome's Big Float

6/4/16
Rome's Big Float After Party
River Dog Outpost
Rome, GA

Intro
Don't Do It
Downstream
Wasn't Really
My House Has Wheels
Desperate Teresa
Seemin'ly
Pop Star
Saturday
Take The Skinheads Bowling
Just Like Heaven
Go To Hell
Willin' Intro > Friend Of The Devil
Even Though I Lie
Raspberry Beret

(Tina & The Goose; The Briars)

The Briars: Finster Fest

5/29/16
Finster Fest
Howard Finster's Paradise Garden
Summerville, GA

Pop Star
Saturday
Desperate Teresa
Seemin'ly
My House Has Wheels
Downstream
Wasn't Really
Take The Skinheads Bowling
Raspberry Beret
Go To Hell

(The Briars; The Donors; Muletide & Burnman; Tina & The Goose)

The Briars: Women Of W.O.R.T.H.

5/14/16
Women Of W.O.R.T.H. Benefit
Schroeder's Courtyard
Rome, GA

Pop Star
Saturday
Desperate Teresa
Seemin'ly
My House Has Wheels
Downstream
Wasn't Really
Take The Skinheads Bowling
Raspberry Beret
Go To Hell

(Graham & Vann; Tina & The Goose; The Briars; Muletide Perkins Quartet)

3/19/16, Paint The Town Orange

3/19/16
Paint The Town Orange Art & Music
DeSoto Theatre
Rome, GA


James Schroeder put this together for after the Ginger Pride Parade.  I brought the PA, stage managed a little bit, and performed.  A great time with great people.

Too Fast For You
Midnight Afternoon
River Trip
Brief Encounter (4th & Broad) >
Brief Encounter (Raleigh)
Boots Of Spanish Leather


(Muletide & Burnman; John Schroeder & Phil Helton; The Strange (Seth/Jessie/Clint); Justin Brown; Chris Cassbaro; APL; Tina & The Goose)

The Briars: Moon Roof House Band

3/5/16
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

Filling in for another cancellation.  I think we're on to something with this house band thing.  Unlike a multi-band show, the same gear stays set, people rotate in and out.  Too much fun.

Browngrass

Folsom Prison Blues
Georgia On A Fast Train
Happy Birthday Kara & Maggie
Memphis Women & Chicken
Polk Salad Annie
A Little Light
Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
And It Stoned Me
Bad On Fords
Waymore's Blues
Fire On The Mountain
Working Man's Blues
Rowboat
Never Gonna Change
You Can Have The Crown
Seminole Wind
Swamp Music

Chris Brown: ac. gtr., lead voc.
Manning Burns: el. gtr. voc.
APL: bass, voc.
Cristina Peck: tamborine, voc.
Adam Sikes: drums, voc.

Tina & The Goose

White Rabbit
Wildwood
?
I See You
Feet

Manning Burns: bass, voc.
Jeremy Ollis: drums
Cristina Peck: gtr., voc.

The Briars

Don't Do It
Downstream
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Just Like Heaven
Seemin'ly
Even Though I Lie*
Willin' intro >
Friend Of The Devil
Psycho Killer**
Saturday
Wasn't Really
Desperate Teresa
Go To Hell
Freestyle Jam*
Six Days On The Road

Manning Burns: gtr., voc.
APL: bass, voc.
Adam Sikes: drums, voc.

*Bryan Mullins: voc.
**Cristina Peck: voc.

The Briars: NWGA Music Hour

3/2/16
95.7 The Ridge
Rome, GA

Our good buddy Bryan Mullins has been the man with regards to the music scene in these parts.  We've all been on the show (presented by Stephens Music Co.) in one form or another.  Since we were scheduled to play the Roof a few days after this, we got on to promote, and just be goofy.  Manning played nylon string acoustic, I played bass through Manning's little Fender Bassman, Adam played the suitcase kit.  Good time, as always

Downstream
Wasn't Really
Desperate Teresa

Thanks to Stu McFab for documenting the whole thing, and generally being a great supporter of the scene!
 

The Briars/Browngrass: Dark Side Of The Moon

1/30/16
Dark Side Of The Moon
Rome, GA


I had a couple of cancellations around the empire, so we decided to take the gigs.  After playing in the New Moon Venue for New Year's, we were interested to see how the front part would work.  People were a little too close for my taste, and I had to back a couple of guys away.  We played really well, and had a good crowd.  There were a whole bunch of people there to see us, not just hanging out at the place.

Browngrass*
Folsom Prison Blues
Georgia On A Fast Train
Memphis Women & Chicken
A Little Light
Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
And It Stoned Me
Waymore's Blues
Fire On The Mountain
Working Man's Blues
Rowboat
Never Gonna Change
You Can Have The Crown
Seminole Wind
Swamp Music

We took a break, Manning and Tina played a few. 

The Briars
Don't Do It
Downstream
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Just Like Heaven
Seemin'ly
Even Though I Lie
Friend Of The Devil
Psycho Killer**
(Don't Go Back To) Rockville
Saturday
Wasn't Really
See It
Desperate Teresa
Loser
Go To Hell > Ace Of Spades > Go To Hell
Six Days On The Road

Chris Brown: ac. gtr.*, lead voc.*
Manning Burns: el. gtr., voc.
APL: bass, voc.
Adam Sikes: drums, voc.
Tina Peck: voc.**

The Briars: Women Of W.O.R.T.H.

1/23/16
400 Block Bar
Rome, GA

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Wasn't Really
Downstream
Saturday
Loser
Desperate Teresa
Seemin'ly
Space Oddity > (Don't Go Back To Rockville)
Six Days On The Road
Go To Hell > Ace Of Spades > Go To Hell

(Women Of W.O.R.T.H. Benefit:  The Briars, The John Lee Hookers, Atomic Boogie)

Manning Burns:  el. gtr. voc.
APL:  bass, voc.
Adam Sikes: drums, voc.

The Briars: New Year's Eve House Band

12/31/15
Dark Side Of The Moon (New Moon Venue)
Rome, GA


This was something we'd talked about since The Holler days, along with backing up someone in the studio (which we've done as well).  I brought the P.A., we wrestled with it for soundcheck.  That room is just not made for live music.  I started feeling poorly after soundcheck, but hit it with some natural remedies.  The show must go on.  

David Bell & The Beauticians 
Money (That's What I Want)
Usual Promises
Truck Stop Girl
Safe Keeping
Done With Me*
The Next Disaster*
Next To Nothing*
Dead Flowers*
Little Head*
Sweet Virginia*

David Bell - lead voc., ac. gtr., mandolin, harmonica
*Manning Burns - el.gtr., voc.
*APL - bass, voc.
*Adam Sikes - drums, voc.


Browngrass
Folsom Prison Blues
Georgia On A Fast Train
Memphis Women And Chicken
A Little Light
Dim Lights, Thick Smoke
And It Stoned Me
Fire On The Mountain (MTB)
Working Man's Blues
Rowboat
Never Gonna Change
You Can Have The Crown
Seminole Wind
Swamp Music

Chris Brown - ac. gtr., lead voc.
Manning Burns - el. gtr., voc.
APL - bass, voc.
Adam Sikes - drums, voc.

Tina & The Goose
I See You
Wildwood
Feet
Human Cannonball**

Manning Burns - el. gtr., mandolin**, voc.
APL - bass, voc.
Tina Peck - el. gtr., lead voc.
Adam Sikes - drums, voc.

The Briars
I
Even Though I Lie
Don't Do It

We knocked off around 11:40.  Let's all get some champagne and find someone to make out with.  Oh, and we'd prepared "ETIL" to bust out on Mullins whenever he showed up.  It just so happened he was there right at the beginning.

II
Psycho Killer***
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Wasn't Really
Loser
Just Like Heaven
Saturday
Desperate Teresa
Seemin'ly
Go To Hell
Six Days On The Road
Friend Of The Devil

Manning Burns - gtr., voc.
APL - bass, voc.
Adam Sikes -drums, voc.
***Tina Peck - voc.
 

The Briars: Halloween/Connie's Berfday

10/31/15
River Dog Outpost
Rome, GA

We'd nixed our original plan of playing at Schroeder's, since the weather's super sketchy this time of year. Our Plan B didn't go through either, so we decided to lay out. Adam reached out to the organizers of this party, and we ended up playing outside anyway. The rain came, our gear got a little wet, but it was more fun than a lot of shows. And we played a handful that we'd only played in the practice room (*). Cacaw!

I
Don't Do It
Friend Of The Devil
Seemin'ly
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Go To Hell

II
Psycho Killer
Muffin Man*
Just Like Heaven*
Downstream*
Loser >
Wasn't Really

III
Even Though I Lie*
See It* >
Saturday
Desperate Teresa >
Six Days On The Road

Thunderbutt Peterson Rides Again, pt. 2

10/10/15
Johnny's NY Style Pizza
Rome, GA

I
You Never Can Tell
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Friend Of The Devil
Seminole Wind
Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
The Last Time
Everything Is Free
The Race Is On
Dead Flowers
Crossroads

II
Willin'
Suspicious Minds
Let My Love Open The Door
Folsom Prison Blues
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) >
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
Pancho & Lefty
Tangled Up In Blue

III
The Weight
Long Black Veil
Happy Birthday Chris Lee
Carmelita
That's Alright Mama
Let It Rock

APL - ac. gtr., vocals
Tim Bowen - ac. gtr., high-string guitar, banjo, mandolin

Travelin' Riverside Pre-Hangover Extravaganza, pt. 2, pt. 2

10/7/15
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

I
Midnight Afternoon
Prologue
Not Yet But Maybe
River Trip >
Too Fast For You >
Saturday
Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy
That Which We Are, We Are
Friend Of The Devil
Going To California
Let My Love Open The Door
The Promise
Ring Of Fire

II
Folsom Prison Blues
Gentle On My Mind
Just Like Heaven
Wasn't Really
Loser
The Maker
Me & Paul
Ripple
We Can Work It Out
Wild Horses
Suspicious Minds

III
The Weight
Willin'
What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)
What I Really Mean
Under The Milky Way
Lovesong
I Don't Love You Much Do I
Genesis
The Book Of Love
Brief Encounter  (4th & Broad) >
Tomorrow Is A Long Time >
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side >
Brief Encounter (Raleigh)
Tangled Up In Blue

Thunderbutt Peterson Rides Again, pt. 1

9/26/15
Old Havana Cigar Co.
Rome, GA

I
You Never Can Tell
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Dead Flowers
Friend Of The Devil
Carmelita
One More Cup Of Coffee
The Race Is On
Seminole Wind
The Last Time

II
Pancho & Lefty
What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)
Tangled Up In Blue
Sweet Virginia
Crossroads
Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) >
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
Let My Love Open The Door
Willin'
Suspicious Minds

III
Dirty Old Town
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
Cortez The Killer
Folsom Prison Blues
Long Black Veil
The Weight

APL - vocals, ac. gtr.
Tim Bowen - ac. gtr., high-string guitar, banjo, lap steel, mandolin

Travelin' Riverside Pre-Hangover Extravaganza, pt. 2, pt. 1

9/23/15
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

David Bell took a few weeks off to tend to a medical issue, so here I am. Rusty as hell, been playing a lot of bass lately, but fun. Free beer and getting paid to play are fun.

I
River Trip >
Too Fast For You
Midnight Afternoon
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring Of Fire
Big River
Friend Of The Devil
Going To California
Just Like Heaven
Long-Haired Country Boy
Save The Last Dance For Me
Brief Encounter (4th & Broad) >
Tomorrow Is A Long Time >
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side >
Brief Encounter  (Raleigh)
Romeo & Juliet

II
Rocket Man
Not Yet But Maybe
Willin'
Under The Milky Way
And It Stoned Me
Genesis
Tangled Up In Blue

III
Fishin' In The Dark
Let My Love Open The Door
Lovesong
Dead Flowers
Pancho & Lefty

The Briars: 8th Annual Rome Beer Fest

9/12/15
Rome Beer Fest
Heritage Park
Rome, GA 

We raised a big ol' stink last year about them not paying the artists (it's a benefit for RACA, you see), and didn't do it.  I'm not sure what changed this year, but we signed on, knowing it'd be fun (and free beer!).  10:00 load-in, and we got a soundcheck.  Lee Shealy knows his stuff, and it was quick and easy.  We'd asked David weeks ago about sitting in.  He practiced with us a couple weeks back, and it was awesome.  

Don't Do It
Wasn't Really
Go To Hell
The Next Disaster*
Psycho Killer
(Don't Go Back To) Rockville
Loser
Seemin'ly
Saturday
Friend Of The Devil
Desperate Teresa

Manning Burns:  guitar, vocals
APL:  bass, vocals
Adam Sikes:  drums, vocals

*David Bell:  vocals, guitar, harmonica

(recorded by Lee Shealy)

The Briars: Bert's Surprise 50th Birthday Party

8/22/15
Private Party
Cartersville, GA

Again, the My Ninja boys reached out to us for this one.  Bert is a friend of theirs, as well as Manning's people.  It was a loose affair when we signed on, and got looser and looser as the day approached.  Manning brought some gear, we borrowed some other gear.  This was the debut of The Briars, as we'd decided that Possum Galore wasn't what we were going for.  My Ninja kicked it off when Bert arrived (it'd remained a surprise).  We'd learned "Rockville" in anticipation of Bert singing with us.  I could eat BBQ at every gig and never get sick of it.

Don't Do It
Psycho Killer
Friend Of The Devil
Saturday
The Next Disaster
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Loser
Seemin'ly
Desperate Teresa
Wasn't Really
(Don't Go Back To) Rockville*

Manning Burns - guitar, kazoo, vocals
APL - bass, vocals
Adam Sikes - drums

*w/Bert, vocals; Johnny Peyton, keyboards
 

Possum Galore: Old Mill Farm Fest

7/4/15
Old Mill Farm Fest
Cartersville, GA



Our friends in My Ninja put this on.  The weather cooperated, we were surrounded by friends, I had some great BBQ (and a whole lot of beer).  Pauly helped us kick off the set.  Good times.

Freestyle Jam* >
Go To Hell
Wasn't Really
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Desperate Teresa
Loser
Psycho Killer
The Next Disaster
Six Days On The Road

Manning Burns -- guitar, kazoo, vocals
Andy Lester -- bass, vocals
Adam Sikes -- drums

*w/Pauly Cannon, vocals

The Debut of Possum Galore

6/12/15
Schroeder's New Deli
Rome, GA

We'd already booked this date, not knowing for sure who'd be on it.  Adam, Manning and I picked up where The Holler left off, worked up a few more songs (David Bell provided the lyrics to "Go To Hell".  We'd recorded "The Next Disaster" with him, thought it'd be fun to play).  The weather was dicey, as it always is when playing at Schroeder's.  A good crowd showed up, we played really well.  Adam sang in public for the first time.

Go To Hell
Wasn't Really
Desperate Teresa
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Loser
Psycho Killer
The Next Disaster*
Friend Of The Devil
Don't Do It
Six Days On The Road

Manning Burns:  guitar, kazoo*, vocals
Andy Lester:  bass, vocals
Adam Sikes:  drums, vocals

(Stereotrash Records Presents Arlo Finch, Possum Galore, Muletide Perkins Trio+, The Donors)
 

The Holler: The Last One

4/3/15
The Brewhouse
Rome, GA

It wasn't official, but it was close.  This was supposed to be the make-up date for the Strung Like A Horse show, but they cancelled again.  We called Muletide, and it all came together.  I didn't realize when we scheduled that it was Easter weekend (godless heathen that I am).  I'd have suggested another date.  Some friends came out, danced, cheered, drank.  We knew it would be our last time with Josh, just not how it was gonna go down.  He sent us a Facebook message two days later.  Time to move on.

I Wouldn't Know Love
Explosions
It's a Crying Shame
Freeborn Man
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
Just One More
Desperate Teresa
Holy Ghost Comes for Free
You Don't Like Me That Way
Wayfaring Stranger
Friend Of The Devil
Six Days On The Road
I'm Gone

(Muletide Perkins Trio opened)

The Holler: Mark Burns Memorial

2/21/15
Rome Area History Museum
Rome, GA

Manning's father passed away unexpectedly the week before.  We'd been scheduled to open for Strung Like A Horse at the Brewhouse, but they cancelled due to the threat of winter weather.  We'd already committed to this thing, and now had a chance to take part in all of it.  Muletide Perkins Trio opened, we played a few songs as Browngrass (with Chris Brown), then a full-blown Holler set.  Lots of people came out, drank a lot, whooped it up.  More of an Irish wake than anything.  My recording gear got knocked over, so our set didn't make it.  Oh well.  That's when you know it was a great performance.

The Holler: Almost Acoustic

1/31/15
Moon Roof Bar
Rome, GA

We had so much fun playing acoustically on the radio, and Adam realized he hadn't booked anybody for this night, so we did it again.  Manning played electric, Adam used the suitcase kit, Josh and I played acoustics.  And it was Josh's birthday.  We had a full house all night.  

I
I Wouldn't Know Love
Explosions
In The Pines
The Luckiest Man
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?
Lost Highway
Desperate Teresa
I'm Gone
Maybe Texas
Six Days On The Road
Freeborn Man

II
I Been Had My License
It's A Crying Shame
Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Psycho Killer
Just One More
Are You Ready For The Country?
Mama Tried
Loser
Heartbreak Song
Friend Of The Devil

III
Holy Ghost Comes For Free
Althea
Jam
Wayfaring Stranger
You Don't Like Me That Way
Henry

"Loser" and "Althea" were only fragments.   Darris was there, Manning teases "Althea" every time, Darris sang a little bit of it with us.

The Holler: Roots Rock For Women's Lives

1/24/15
400 Block Bar
Rome, GA



We signed on for this at the request of Chad V. from Atomic Boogie.  A good way to get back on the horse.  Didn't have to bring the gear, played in the middle of three bands.  Raised a bunch of money for a great cause.  So much fun.

Maybe Texas
Just One More
Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Heartbreak Song
Friend Of The Devil
Desperate Teresa
Wasn't Really
Freeborn Man
It's A Crying Shame
Six Days On The Road

(Hothouse Peaches, The Holler, Atomic Boogie)

The Holler: NWGA Music Hour

1/21/15
95.7 The Ridge
Rome, GA

Bryan Mullins has been doing this show for a long time now.  I've been on it as a solo artist, and appeared with Manning and Adam.  We are playing the Roots Rock For Women's Lives this weekend, a benefit for Women Of Worth here in Rome.  Josh and Manning had acoustic guitars, I borrowed an acoustic bass guitar from McGizzle, Adam brought his cajon and some shakey, jingly things.  We set up in the hallway in front of a single mic, and played three songs.

Maybe Texas
Explosions
I'm Gone