I figured now would be as good a time as ever to start keeping a log (See: captain’s) of recent events in the growlerverse. We’ve just returned home from a long weekend in New York that served as a fantastic kickoff to our Six Strings and Gasoline tour. Having just had my 1 year birthday with this band, it’s pretty great to finally take all the things I’ve learned in that time and put it all into practice every night.

First night was a neat little show in Worcester, MA at The Raven on Pleasant St with Slitstitch, Dead Wrong, and our good friends The Pity Whores. I don’t know why I love Worcester shows so much. It’s difficult to pull a crowd, and the city is more or less a festering shit hole (I believe two people were shot across the street the last time my brother played this venue.) But I always have a blast. The lovely Katie O’Hara was nice enough to swing by and whip up some great new press shots with our current lineup for use in the writeup we’re getting in the Boston Phoenix, among others. We must have looked like the biggest jerks while standing on the side of the road next to two big white umbrellas and a photographer in the middle of downtown Worcester, but it’ll be nice to actually have pictures Ethan and I in them. However, this apparently means one or both of us will get hit by a bus since press shots with any trad section are immediately outdated in this band. Oh well, I’ve gotten tired or being mistaken for Annie. Great friends, cheap drinks and a nice send off from most of my extended family.

Warning: If you have a camera feed from the parking lot set up on a TV at the bar, expect to see asses. Lots and lots of asses.

9/10/11. ABC No Rio- Manhattan, NYC.

After waking up on Chestnut’s spare futon, we grabbed our shit and headed for NYC for our first show at the legendary communal arts space ABC No Rio in the lower east side of Manhattan. Tucked away on Rivington St, it was a really cool space. The sign outside said it had been open since 1980, and having seen a lot of places that try to do this sort of thing fizzle out after a short while, it’s really cool to see one last this long. Now, I don’t travel much. So even being in New York city is still a little weird for me dispite having played there a number of times. It’s growing on me, but it’s much different than Boston. (15 bucks for a pack of Pall Malls didn’t help, either.)

After the show, we piled back into the van with our new friend Danielle and headed back to her place so she could get some new tattoos from Chestnut. (the elevator from Toejam and Earl and a heart made of bacon. Hell yes.) Some chinese food, a couple 40oz’s of Colt 45 and a flask of rotgut whiskey later, we all (sans CNut who ended up inking until 6am) headed over to hang out with our Candy Apple Red friend, Lyz. One shot lead to another and we sang songs for a few hours. I vaguely remember hanging out in some Irish dude’s apartment with the group later that night, but I certainly wasn’t there for it.

9/11/11. Valentine’s- Albany, NY.

My first trip to Albany was interesting. I spent a good chunk of the ride sleeping in the back (Van stench level: 2) while we tried to shake the hangover from the previous night- Harder than it looks when you’re speeding down the highway in the back of a rickety dodge. First order of business was to find something edible. (crackers and peanut butter don’t count) We took a long walk around the area, met a local with some drum sticks who traded off drumming on the sidewalk pavement with Chestnut for a bit, and finally decided to grab a few slices of pizza at the shop next door to the venue. Stupidly, I asked why the flag was at half mast today after spotting the TV in the corner. In the clutter of the past few days it had completely slipped under my radar that 9/11 was ten years ago today. Time flies. After some quick chow, Ethan and I took a walk to the closest park to do a little practicing. Really helped take the edge off after some post pizza “I may puke on you” conversation. I think you’re allowed to be a little loud in a public space when packing an accordion and a violin. Plus, after a few months of writing a new album, we definitely needed to brush up on the older material. After an hour or so and one visit from a very cute local girl later, we packed up and headed back to the venue.

The lineup was just awesome for this show. While difficult to contend with Dropkick Murphys playing that night just a few miles away, it was still great to see new bands who completely kicked ass. Much thanks to Bent Left, USA Waste, Dog Days and especially our friends from Troy, Dead Aces for a fun night.

I need a shower.

-Ryan