Fall 2014: Drumming With Ben Folds // The Pullmen Head To Europe // Mia: La + Ca + Air Nomination
I'm going to go on a bit of a ramble this month. To get to the meat of the matter, scroll down to see specific dates you can find me. TLDR: Things are great, I'm on the road a bunch, living out some lifelong goals and I'm so pleased to be able to see you in CA, NC or Europe in the coming months. OK? I warned you.
"I'm really busy" is something I think we're all trying to stop saying quite so much. Tim Kreider writing for the Times coined the term "The Busy Trap" and it's one I've fallen into too many times over the years. But what to say instead?
This month, I'm going with blessed. Probably equally as vapid and possibly annoying, but hey, it's how it feels.
Drumming With Ben Folds
About 6 years ago, Dylan, Greg and I dropped off our drummer Sam in Buffalo so he could begin touring and working with Ben Folds. We pulled up in our minivan right behind Ben's tour bus and watched our friend graduate to the big leagues. Sam was one of the first friends and collaborators I had closely worked with that had worked his way to the next level. It's something that happens more and more the longer you're in the business, and learning how graciously balance those feelings of near-parental pride, petty jealousy, true awe, and total happiness probably makes up the core of a creative life.
Sam's never asked for a day off, but one his closest pals is getting married and he's asked me to step in for him and play with Ben on September 27 in Charlotte, NC at the Belk Theater with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. I just spent the weekend at the Hollywood Bowl shadowing Sam while he did the gig to see what I'm in for. I have to believe Sam asked me to do it for a reason, and if that reason is to make Ben appreciate how good Sam is, then so be it.
Way way in the back in the middle, that’s me. Playing drums with Ben Folds.
Right before we went on he said:
“Concentration
Detachment
fun.”
Amen.
What a pleasure to work with ben and his crew and the fabulous symphony here in Charlotte.
Touring Europe with The Pullmen
My worst-kept secret in my career is how much more comfortable I've always felt behind a drumset than at the front of the stage. My first experiences playing the drums is where I dreamt the biggest. Smashing along to rock and roll records in my room is where I imagined myself onstage in front of thousands of people or on tour. Over the years, those dreams refine themselves. You realize being ontsage in front of thousands of people or being on tour is only as wonderful as the band you're in makes you feel. And the real dream is to be part of a great crew of people doing what you love. That's just called having a good job. Bonus points if you get to feel like a kid again while you do it.
Which is why I'm so thrilled to be checking off a bucket list box -- Touring Europe. And to be doing it with the rough and tumble, heart-pounding rock and roll band we founded in my adopted hometown -- I can't think of anything better. Dates are below.
Mia Dyson LA, CA + AIR Nomination
We have just a couple more Mia Dyson shows this month before she heads back to Australia to tour our album "Idyllwild". Tomorrow night we're in LA. Next week we head to Nashville to record a song with our friend Joe Pisapia, we come back to play the closing set at Mill Pond Music Festival up in Bishop, CA and then we ship Ms. Dyson back down under to rock for her countrymen.
Back in Australia, Mia's album "Idyllwild" has just been nominated for Best Independent Blues & Roots Album at this year's Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards. When I see her today we will share a high five.
Tour Dates
playing drums with Mia Dyson
Sept 11 - Hotel Cafe - Los Angeles, CA - 7 PM (supporting Band of Heathens)
Sept 21 - Mill Pond Festival - Bishop, CA - 5 PM INFO
playing drums with Ben Folds
Sept 27- Belk Theater - Charlotte, NC - drumming with Ben Folds TICKETS + INFO
playing drums with The Pullmen
Oct 16 - Mecanique Ondulatoire - Paris, FR
Oct 17 - Le Molodoï - Strasbourg, FR
Oct 18 - Thunderbird Lounge - Saint-Etienne, FR
Oct 21 - Lio Bar - Brescia, IT
Oct 23 - Jack The Ripper - Roncà IT
Oct 24 - Nomi On The Rock - Nomi IT
Oct 25 - Nasty Boys Saloon - Treviso IT
Oct 27 - La Salle Gueule - Marseille, FR
Oct 29 - Le Splendid - Langoiran FR
Oct 31 - Le Galion - Lorient, FR