One of the last things I expected when I ventured into Shaggy’s last night in McPherson happened. Two nationally touring Bluegrass bands were playing. Calling their music "Bastard Bluegrass" it sounded like FortyTwenty on speed with a banjo, accordian, and mandolin.

The Dewayn Bros opened the show and this six piece group just filled the room with sound. From the dynamic contrasts of the female/male co lead singers, to the variety of instruments, I was hooked. Bought the CD. Watch out for the Dewayn Bros next time they are in town. I am not sure but I don’t think any of them are brothers, at least not in the biological sense.

The next group was a rocking three piece called The Fast Food Junkies. They were an interesting looking group but there sound was just as solid.

The crazy part of this is that Shaggy’s is a little hole in the wall place in the middle of McPherson on main street. Hats off to them for suporting live music.

I was sorry to miss two shows last week. Jeff and Vida Band played Auntie Mae’s Thursday at the same time Jared Pete Gile was playing Longhorns. I have yet to hear about either show but I bet they both rocked. I was in the middle of watching 14 straight hours of videotaped lectures of Research Methods. I think it qualifies as Psychological torture.

This week is looking up with the Randy Rogers Band playing Manhattan Wednesday and then KC on Thursday. I think the ATB will be represented well at both shows.

Till then,
cg

Dodging beer bottles at Buster’s this weekend proved to be a great time.

Thanks to all of the people that came out to party, drink fishbowls, eat, and yell at us in the middle of songs.

Speaking of, Kevin Fowler showed significant signs of maturity this time at Buster’s. Every other time I have been there with him, he started a fight. I thought for sure when the bottle broke, Kevin of old would break out. Might have had something to do with his beautiful wife being there. Though she didn’t seem to influence the yelling in the middle of songs quite enough. Thanks also to Jeff Albers (Art’s and Mary’s Fame) of Cheney for being a nymphomaniac maniac. Maybe we can make it up to Cardinal country sometime?

When I tell people that I am 27 and have roommates again and that I like it, they usually scoff. But I tell you that Annie and Jerrod are two great people. They took the whole weekend to see how life in the sticks was and come down for the show. Thanks for always putting up with the practicing. It was so awesome to finally get Annie on stage to take a load off. She keeps getting drunk and saying she is going to sing with us.

Egging deserves another mention in the blog for bringing at least 10 people out to the show. Some of them were younger than three but all seemed to have a good time. Hopefully we can play a show or two a little closer to Eudora soon.

I was surprised when Kevin Noland brought his daughter to Buster’s. When I worked for Kevin at the Premiere ten years ago, she was six. Now she is 16. God I am old. Thanks for coming out and we understand why you left. Something about beer bottles breaking…

No Brad F we will not play Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds….ever.

My beautiful girlfriend Julie made it to the show. She was disappointed to miss the first set. She rode out with my parents and waiting is the name of the game sometime. Thanks to everyone who made it out. If you didn’t, you get at least two more chances on Mar. 11 and Apr. 15

Well, that is about it here. I really need to get focused on school for a couple of days. I had a great time and look forward to the next one already.

cg

Well I must say that this email is long overdue. This is a tribute to the man, the legend…Matt Egging.

Mr. Egging has been a dedicated fan of the ATB over the past six months. He and his beautiful and talented wife Katie have been to three shows and are coming all the way to Sun City this weekend! The thing about the Egging’s is that they seem to have lots of friends. In fact, this next weekend alone promises an Egging family reunion of sorts at Buster’s.

From coaching middle school basketball to running a marathon and smoking like a chimney in the same day, Egging never ceases to amaze me. An extra bonus is that he is yet to kick my ass for all of the bad…egging jokes.

To the man, the legend…Matt Egging. Thanks for coming out.

Did I mention he currently lives in Eudora?

I hope to see the Egging’s and a few friends from closer by this weekend at Buster’s.

Fishbowls, two-headed calfs, and a damn good story or two,

cg