Tales From The Road Vol. 17: 5 Day Rundown

A quick summary of last week's five day run in the midwest:

Chicago, IL - Red Line Tap was a blast, wonderful people, and we enjoyed cutting loose for Johnny's birthday.  Fortunately this was also the night before the Cavs sufficiently eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs, so conflict was avoided there.

Janesville, WI - Back Bar was a terrific show, an inspiring stage plus welcoming folks helped us have a great time, much thanks to the incredibly talented Roxtar for hosting and letting us stretch out and jam.  I also had quite the splendid run on a portion of the Ice Age Trail, very beautiful, check it out if you're into parks and stuff.

Algona, IA - Afterlife Lounge brought us a rare pairing with hardcore/metal bands (don't mean to misrepresent them with incorrect titles but I'm just not privy to the endless myriad of genres that occupy the metal world anymore) Stone Park Ritual and Elisium were badass, enjoyed rocking out with them.  And big thanks to Kolt for putting us up, check out Mighty Midwest Tattoo & Airbrush Studio for anybody in Iowa looking for quality ink and airbrush work.

Keokuk, IA - At L Treyns we had another unique experience getting to share the stage with some young up & comers.  Trystan Grisham is a fine talent with a bright future ahead of him, looking forward to seeing Trystan blow people's minds.  And his lovely family was kind enough to allow us dirtbags to take showers in their home; truly generous and we can't thank them enough for the hospitality.

Pontiac, IL - Punctuating this run was an opening slot for Tremonti at Freakster's Roadhouse.  This was truly a badass show, Mark Tremonti was incredibly sweet and talented, the Freakster's crowd was generous, and we had an all around great time.  A perfect way to cap an exhausting five days.

Stoked to be opening for Guitar God and super nice guy @marktremonti #rockNRoll @FreakstersRt66 #magic

The experience was most excellent, diverse, and well worth the hours of sleep and gallons of sweat lost in the process.

In just three days we will be playing at Summercamp in Chillicothe, IL!!!

Do not miss this incredible festival!!!

More soon,

Ty

Tales From The Road Vol. 16: Straight East Coastin'

We had a fantastic time over on the East Coast this past weekend.  It was fun catching up with folks we haven't seen in a while and the shows were absolutely killer.

Philly was up first, we had the privilege to play The Legendary Dobbs on South Street.  Many a great show has taken place on that stage and we were honored to join amongst the ranks.  The stage management is second to none, it was truly a pleasure working there and we look forward to returning.  The chaos that is South Street was a lot of fun, it was good to get back in the mix of the nitty gritty "City of Brotherly Love" and get groovy with the fine, sassy folks of Philadelphia.  The funky vibes of South Street along with a cheesesteak from Jim's was a perfect consolation for the Cavs losing game 3 to the Bulls.  Not to worry though, we tied up the series yesterday and I'm feeling better about the playoffs.

After Philly we jetted up to New York for a show in Brooklyn.  It had been a long time since last visiting the greatest city in the world, so we were all very excited.  Of course, the city did not disappoint and we had ourselves a grand ole time.  The show was at a new joint called The Shop. Previously a motorcycle shop, it was converted into a restaurant/bar/music venue.  The place was really badass; great food, pleasant vibes, nice folks, killer stage.  It certainly has a promising future ahead of it and we hope to return.

It's back to the midwest this Wednesday in Chicago where we start a four day straight romp.

On Wednesday May 13 we're at Red Line Tap in Chicago.  Get tickets here.

Thursday May 14 we're at The Back Bar in Janesville, WS.

Friday May 15 we're at The Afterlife Lounge in Algona, IA.

Saturday May 16 we're at L-Treyns in Keokuk, IA.

Looking forward to seeing you all in the midwest, we've got exciting new songs to share with you and our stage show is truly at it's best.  Do not miss out!

Talk to ya later,

Ty

Tales From The Road Vol. 15: Krokus!

What a weekend!

Had an absolute blast sharing the stage with Krokus.   The fine citizens of St. Charles and the Chicago area were generous in spirit as always.  We enjoyed the energy and passion the audience brought, the Arcada Theatre is truly a gorgeous venue and a class act to boot, and 28 North and Krokus rocked like hell on that stage last Friday.  Not to mention one of the finest meals we've ever been treated to.  Big thanks to Ron and all at Onesti for taking care of us!

Saturday found us in Sterling, IL where we proceeded to continue the slaying of grooves in one of our favorite Midwest stops Cochran's Pub.  Thanks to Dave for hooking us up again and we look forward to seeing everyone again!

This week it's more practice, practice, and shows.

Coming up we got Philadelphia at The Legendary Dobbs Friday May 8.  This will be a killer show at one of Philly's finest venues right on South St.  Gonna be killer!  You can get tickets here.

And we are doing another East Coast installment in Brooklyn at The Shop Saturday May 9.  Cannot wait to get funky and rowdy with the NYC crowd!

See you this weekend!

Ty

Ty Talks! (finally)

Whoa it's almost May!

Apologies for the long time no write.  You know how it is.  Right?

Anywho, let's catch up.

The winter was rough, this we know.  Naturally we decided to escape the brutal cold and snow that
so generously buffets most of the country, to Los Angeles where we spent 8-10 hours a day boxed up inside a studio enjoying the view of sunny 70 degree weather.  Don't worry, we got outside a couple times.

But that is right folks, it is new record time if you haven't already heard.  Over the past year and a half we have been chipping away on this new record when possible, and this winter we up and decided to bang out the rest and complete it.  And so we did.  We could not be more proud and excited for this new album.  It's groovy, fun, contemplative, dynamic, and a whole bunch of additional esoteric descriptives.  We drained our faculties of every creative ounce we possessed and ultimately crafted what is easily our best work yet.  Y'all don't even know!

Of course it will be some time before the record is finally ready for release.  I mean this is the music business after all, any progress that could be deemed swift simply wouldn't be acceptable.

So you will have to come see us debut these new tracks in your own town!

We will be touring this summer all over the country.  Check 28North.com where you can always find the current dates.  And I'll be sure to keep up with the blogging and inform of any new date announcements as the summer calendar fills up.

If you are in St. Charles/Chicago, IL area you can catch us at The Arcada Theatre this Friday May, 1 in St. Charles, IL.  We will be sharing the stage with the one and only Swiss rock outfit Krokus.  This guarantees to be an epic show, do not miss!  Always one of our favorite stops in the midwest, St. Charles is always good to us and we can't wait to share the good vibes and the fresh tunes.

See you all out there!

Til next time,

Ty

Tales From The Road Vol. 14: Killin' In Illinois

This weekend past we had a fantastic blast in the Land O' Lincoln.

Chicago was first where we had the pleasure of tearing it up at Red Line Tap in Rogers Park.  The venue was exemplary of Chicago's charm and needless to say we blew the roof off the place.  We enjoyed some fine folks and tasty eats at the Heartland Cafe which operates next door in tandem with Red Line Tap.  I also tried Malort for the first time, it was... interesting (awful).  I find it odd that after so many trips to Chicago this is the first I had heard of this strange liquor, though perhaps this can be attributed to its rather distinct taste.  Of course I felt obliged to indulge in a local staple and it is fair to say I may not again for a long time.  Good times as always in the Windy City.

Peoria was next on the list of locations to be rocked.  It was a stellar evening at the Limelight Eventplex where the crowd was warm and hungry for a dose of killer tunes.  Peoria is fast becoming a favorite town for us to visit.  The people are outstanding in their kindness and receptive attitude.  It is places like this that give us extra encouragement and the feeling that our mission of rocking faces off is a very much worthwhile endeavor.  We love you Peoria, long live rock 'n roll!

The third installment for the weekend was a return to Macomb, IL and the premier venue of the Midwest: The Outskirts.  Can't say enough about this absolutely outstanding room.  It boasts one of the most beautiful stages I've ever played on; incredible sound and light systems, the food is spectacular, and total professional atmosphere.  We truly get the royal treatment when we play here and it is a pure pleasure.  If you live in the area, do yourself a favor and get here for a show asap!

That'll do for the moment.  Next weekend it's another bender of shows on an East Coast tip.

Til next time,

Ty

Tales From The Road Vol. 13: Another Midwest Romp

Hello blogosphere, long time no blog.

My apologies.  I know this imagined sphere of blogs which we reside in has undoubtedly felt the absence of 28 North Speaks recently but I am writing to amend said vacancy.

Firstly, please take comfort in that the specific reason for lack of blog-ness is due to fierce, committed musical writings and rehearsal on our part and various other familial obligations which, unfortunately, often must take the back seat in this haphazard caravan through kaleidoscopic terrain that is our life.  Certainly, there are other consumptions of culture which contribute to the quality of our being and of which I should write.  I will make a strong effort to correct this.

Anywho.

We decided it was high time to make a quick revisit to the midwest to debut new material and sate our hunger for performing.

First up was River Beach Pub in Chillicothe, IL.  It's smaller, cozier venues such as these that seem to supply the most grateful and responsive audiences.  We must have played close to three hours.  I wasn't keeping track of time but it flew by and we were pretty attached to the stage.  It was a night of lengthy jams and charming audience interaction.  An attempt was made to play "Heads Up" (awesome game we play on our phones; for iphone and android) on stage which proved difficult, but we tried.  We'll have to devise a better way of making that happen.

Next was a return to Fat Fish Pub in Galesburg, IL.  This show was another example proving the aforementioned theory of smaller venues.  It was a treat to regale the fine folks of Galesburg with our music.  The warmth exhibited by the crowd here was immense and paralleled by the River Beach Pub party.  It was also a delight to be supporting the fine talent of Anthony Gomes.  Hot damn! Those dudes exhibited some tremendous skill and flair.

Finally we found ourselves in New Baltimore, MI outside Detroit for a first time excursion at Diesel Concert Lounge.  The spirit of rock 'n roll is alive and well in the Motor City region, that is for damn sure.  We were pleased to be included on a great bill in this spectacular room.  On top of being a killer venue there was also bowling, a pool hall, pizza, and a wrestling show going on all within the facility.  So yeah, it was basically the best night in the history of Saturday nights.  It was kind of like a big adult slumber party sans pajamas.  Look forward to returning!

Overall, the new tunes got great receptions, we worked out some kinks, stretched out the jams, and had a generally awesome time.  A few more weeks of writing/rehearsal await us with more shows peppered in.  And a lot of exciting stuff to come soon!

Keep in touch and don't forget to follow us on all the other platforms where we reside on internet avenue:

More soon,

Ty

Tales from the Road Vol. 12: Summer Lovin' Part 2

And we continue our trek through the groovy summer months:

August 5, 2014 Red Eye Bar Kansas City, KS: We found ourselves back in KCK at this truly legitimate biker bar and had the pleasure of playing for the fine folks there.  They gave us a warm reception and we enjoyed visiting with the friends we met last time.  It was also taco night and we got to sign a Harley.  Bonus.

August 7, 2014 House Pub St. Charles, IL: After canceling the last few shows here due to severe winter weather we finally found ourselves back at this favorite Illinois haunt.  It's always a party at this joint and we got a hefty dose of rockin' celebration with some old friends.  Was excellent to return, totally righteous.

August 9, 2014 Three Sisters Park Chillicothe, IL: Here we had one of the highlights of the tour opening up for 311 at this beautiful park north of Peoria, IL.  It was a dream come true to share the stage with childhood heroes of mine and share an epic set with a large excitable crowd.  It was over in a flash but will be forever a favorite memory.

August 14, 2014 Hal & Mal's Jackson, MS: Our first time to the Magnolia State, it was an honor to play at one of Jackson's classic clubs.  The feel of bluesy soul abounded in this place and holy moly it was hot and humid.  We also encountered some genuine southern hospitality and I assure you it is a very real thing.

August 16, 2014 The Hangout Gulf Shores, AL: A triumphant return!  It is one of our absolute favorite towns to play.  Along with enjoying the gorgeous gulf waters and some royal treatment from the wonderful Hangout staff we had another epic performance complete with crowd mingling and dancers on stage.  Cannot wait to get back!

August 22, 2014 Mahall's Lakewood, OH: Back to Cleveland it was a mere month later for yet another energetic show.  The fact that we were asked to stop playing as it was past curfew should indicate that we were having quite an awesome time.

August 28, 2014 Crusen's W. Peoria, IL: We had a killer night in Peoria with friends Royal Bliss and Drugs Delaney in this most exemplary rock club.   A superb stage was available to be rocked and all three bands capitalized on this opportunity.  Had a hell of night.

August 29, 2014 The Afterlife Lounge Algona, IA: First time town for us, we were delighted with this exquisite club that boasted not just a beautiful atmosphere but also Nintendo 64 games on large projector screens.  It was a pleasure to meet some Iowan talent and Mike had a dream come true getting to wrestle on a professional ring next door at the wrestling school.  A very fitting birthday present.

August 30, 2014 Outskirts Macomb, IL: Amidst the corn fields and country roads you can find one of the best stages out there.  And it was here in Macomb that we held a valiant showcase of rock with friends Drugs Delaney.  We would be returning shortly.

September 4, 2014 Grand Bar Chicago, IL: Finally we return to Chicago after having to cancel a few shows due to unsavory winter weather.  Terrible weather in Chicago, who would have guessed?  Anywho, it was an appropriately grand night at Grand Bar and we were stoked to be back in the Windy City.  It was a pleasure to share the stage with Eric Tessmer Band and Sun Fallen.  Hope to be back soon!

September 5, 2014 Fat Fish Pub Galesburg, IL: Sometimes we encounter delightful surprises on the road and Galesburg provided one of these such instances.  A tiny town with a huge heart and hunger for live music.  We were treated to an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd as well some very tasty burgers.  This was also the first in a double header so unfortunately we were not able to stay and witness the massive talent of guitar player Samantha Fish.

September 5, 2014 River Beach Pub Chillicothe, IL: Round two for the night was a return to Chillicothe where we were indulged by another fantastic, intimate audience.  Much thanks to Larry and company for taking care of us and letting us stretch out on the cozy River Beach Pub stage.

September 6, 2014 The Cooler Rock Falls, IL: Once again we encountered a fantastic stage with stellar sound and wonderful hospitality.  The alcohol flowed and a fight broke out but hey, these things happen and it's a biker bar after all.  Unfortunately I didn't even get to see the action as it was handled very quickly.

September 7, 2014 Cochran's Pub Sterling, IL: A short hop over the river brought us back to Cochran's Pub to revisit some fine friends and have another champion set.  It was especially nice to see some folks who had witnessed our show with 311.  Good times!

September 10, 2014 The Ritz Macomb, IL: The small town of Macomb beckons and we were obliged to share another great evening of rock with newly minted fans and friends.  We drank a few, played some pool, and rocked the house.  Great stuff.  Looking forward to a return.

September 11, 2014 Crusen's W. Peoria, IL: For the penultimate chapter of the summer tour it was back to Peoria for a marathon evening of celebratory rock with all the fine folks that came to join us.  We got a bit rowdy and indulgent on stage; booze flowed, song lengths stretched, and mingling with the crowd commenced.  Suffice to say, we had another great night.

September 12, 2014 The Back Bar Janesville, WI: Lastly, our final show of the tour found us in Wisconsin.  Back Bar is a killer venue with a lot of history.  The walls are soaked with the music of countless great bands and the foolery of past decades.  First-rate sound and lighting systems and a rapt audience provided for a sensational concluding show.  It was the cherry on the sundae of our summer tour.

And alas, we are caught up to the present.  For the next couple months we will be rehearsing and writing material with a few shows thrown in here and there as well as some little extra nuggets of 28 North doodads and whatnot.  Keep in touch!

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Til next time,

Ty