We are exactly 4 weeks away from the official "Blue Ribbon" CD Release at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia with Simplified and Jenn Bostic. Now seems to be as good a time as any to sort out the whirlwind summer I've had, scrapbook it and start looking forward to the Fall. I've met some great people, played some unforgettable shows and ate my face off.
Wake up! San Francisco
So I fly about 5 times a year... while simultaneously possessing a dibilitating fear of heights. Needless to say travel days are an ordeal. But thanks to Virgin America flying out of Philly now, a 5 hour flight is borderline fun. I watched Beverly Hills Cop and 2 episodes of Scrubs and we were there. Thanks Richard Branson (and Xanax). Cori and I flew out to California in July on a 12 day vacatour... which means I played one day and we ate our way through 11 others.
Check out our flight from PHL to SFO here.
I joined my friends Jenn Bostic and Connie Lim on a bill with their friend and fellow Monmouth County-er! Sonia Rao from The Voice. It was like playing a show on the set of RENT for a night. It was a house concert in a loft/art space and we had upwards of 100 people listening/hanging in couches, on the floor, on the stairs. Very bohemian... and a very welcoming crowd. I met some cool new people who were into my music and most importantly, my entire West Coast family came out to the show to support!
Too many stories to mention from Cali, but the next 11 days were spent driving the PCH down to San Diego before finally flying out of LA: Watch that video here.
Juh-Jamming with Monsters & Men
So you all most likely remember when I was whoring myself out on a daily basis to solicit votes for Radio 104.5's contest this past Spring... I mean, how could you possibly forget (the level of facebook annoyance reached a fever pitch, I'm aware). Though it all paid off as Wendy Rollins, Joe and the entire crew over at the station took notice of how you came out and voted and, although we didn't win, we sort of did... and we played a full band 30 minute set to 6,000 people as direct opening support for JJAMZ and Of Monsters and Men. Search "Tim Williams Radio 104.5" on youtube and you'll see all the videos, thanks to my brother Mike and his production company DIGITAL FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY.
It was a dream come true for us and we thank you a million times over for helping us get there!!!!
We followed that up a week later by being invited into the iHeartRadio Performance theater at Radio 104.5 to perform live on air. Thanks Wendy!
Watch/Listen to our New Single "Come What Will"
Watch/Listen to our Cover of fun.'s "Some Nights"
2,600 miles in 6 days
Just last week, Cori, Mr. Mike and I set out on a 6-day, 2,600 mile 5 city tour that was a stew of excitement, sleepiness and good people! First stop was Mad River in Charleston, SC
Mad River is actually a beautiful, old church right in the center of town. Awesome staff and great people hanging. There was a benefit taking place for the South Carolina Respitory Society. We got to catch up with our good friends from Philly, Anthony and Jackie, who recently moved down there.
Charleston MUSTS:
Hominy Grill for Shrimp and Grits, the Big Nasty (chicken Sandwich) and, of course, their boiled peanuts :)
Poogan's Porch - for the BEST Mac and Cheese I've ever had... can't explain it. It just is. AND a pretty damn good Duck Confit Grilled Cheese:
From here, it was off to Nashville, TN where we stayed with our good friends who took us kayaking about an hour outside the city! It was a beautiful day - and there were cows? walking along the river! We loved it... but it had to end because I was determined to get an official pair of Lucchese Cowboy Boats:
But lo and behold they did not have my size. So that purchase will have to wait. They will be mine, of yes, they will be mine.
12th & Porter was where we played Saturday in Nashville - once again with our good friend Jenn Bostic and our new friends Dakota and Will! SUPPORT THESE GUYS! Love em. Great energy, hook-laden pop/country. They reminded me of Zac Brown or Sister Hazel.
My friends Will and Becky Mogey joined Mr. Mike and I on stage (Will on Mando, Becky on Fiddle). It was a fun, impromptu jam that really added a lot the set. Thanks guys!
Mike Ernst @ Bostic Photography took a ton of pictures for us that night! Please "like" his facebook page and support him. He's got a great eye!
Thanks Nashville! We'll be back soon!
Cori flew home from here, and Mr. Mike and I were left to our own devices... and things got bananas.
We played an afternoon show with our new friend and St. Louis music-scene staple, Brian Curran. On the road, you don't always have a solid show lined up and Brian was cool enough to invite us out to his gig so that we could hijack it. It was 3 blocks from Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play. Mr. Mike joined Brain on stage for a few and we ended up jamming a few originals at the end of the set together. Thanks Broadway Oyster Bar and Brian!
Off to Chicago!
About 2 years ago I came thru town and played The Elbo Room on N. Lincoln. They were good enough to have me back this time. There are few places exactly like the Elbo Room. For example... check out the drink special for our show:
Yup. We've arrived.
All kidding aside... it was a GREAT special. You give the bartender $1... he hands you a mystery beer can out of a cooler of cheap beer. Love this place!
Chicago MUSTS (this time around):
- Ann Sather Cinnamon Rolls. So good.
- Lincoln Tap Room for old school Chicago Rock and Roll charm. Visit Holly on Mondays!
- Go see Alex at Paddy Long's and ask her about the bacon... Check out this menu. Holy crap.
And then it was time to get home...
So please join us at World Cafe Live - get your tickets here!
Until next time.... I'll leave you with Bacon:
Tim
timwilliams.com
