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June 19, 2009
Howdy. Well, I have some bad news since my last
post. The first issue was the death of a pal and local music icon Marvin “Henchi” Graves. Henchi is the second person who
has passed away in the past six months from my ski industry days. We lost Shane McConkey earlier this year as well. For those
of you not from Colorado, you probably never heard of The Freddi & Henchi Band – but you (and millions others) should have.
They had everything in place back in the 70’s to be the next Earth, Wind and Fire or The Commodores. They ran in the same
social circles as The Eagles and famed musician/producer Quincy Jones. For some reason, they never quite got over the hump
and into stardom. He had some amazing stories. I was lucky enough to meet him while working at Volant Skis many years ago,
and then even luckier to get the opportunity to play with a reformed version of the band on a few occasions. They were great.
Henchi had some major highs and lows in his life, but was simply a great person. After a long bout with cancer, he passed
on June 8th.
Shane passed at the end of March due to a ski base jumping equipment failure, causing him to become tangled
in his parachute. Lots of folks know of Shane due to his fame as a free skier (he HATED the word “extreme”). Those of us from
the Volant days knew him in a different way. He was our second sponsored athlete who we met when we did a combined photo shoot
with Spyder back in 1991. He was just a pizza delivery guy from Vail, who got his initial brush with fame after he stunned
everyone by pulling a back flip on the final jump of a televised pro-mogul tour event. They disqualified him and pulled his
lift ticket. So he borrowed someone else’s lift ticket, made his way back up to the top and proceeded to do the run over again
(Including the same back flip) – except this time he was buck nekkid! HA! think he remained banned from ever holding a season
pass at Vail until the day he died. He was also my roommate multiple times at the yearly SIA ski trade show in Vegas. I have
a video tape of him jumping off the top of the then uncompleted Mandalay Bay hotel with his parachute. He still owes me a
pair of socks……….
Both Henchi and Shane will be greatly missed.
As an insignificant cherry on all of this, the
hair band lost our guitarist Andy - he just decided to go back to school – don’t worry! Unfortunately he and Brian (our singer)
were my reason for staying with the project. Brian and I decided to see if we could find a bassist and guitarist, but it just
wasn’t happening. I was bummed. However ….. (good news finally!!!!) I was able to hook up with an original/cover project that
I have really been enjoying. The originals are a bit “prog” – but nothing like “math rock”. The cover tunes include bands
like Rush, Tom Petty, David Bowie and even some Pink Floyd. In 4 weeks we have more material worked up and ready to go than
any band I have played with in the past year. It’s both refreshing and challenging…. And FUN! The new DW/pdp kit arrived last
month - it looks killer - but sounds like SH!+. Kick drum isn't bad - but the rest of the kit needs heads for sure. It aint
no Pearl, thats for sure....
So, lets end on that happy note.
Go call any pals you havent spoken to for a bit
- RIGHT NOW.
OLD NEWS:
_____________________________________________________________
May 4, 2009
Sorry
for the delay - been doing other stuff - all of which seems to have some sort of tie into cars.
So, lets talk cars
for a change.....
The "CAR STUFF" setcion of my little internet world is horribly dated. There have been some new additions
and some sell offs - it's all good. One car that is finally back in it's stall is the 57 Jag xk140. SIX YEARS have been spent
on this sucker and it will be back in it's home hopefully next week. It was a 100% full frame off/every nut and bolt restoration
that came out great. Another very new addition is the 67 etype convertable. This just happened last Friday. It's restoration
is about 2500 miles old. She is beautiful and fast - especially for her day. The Martini car was on the chopping block for
a bit, but a trip made to Atlanta to buy it's replacement did not go as I had hoped, so it will be around for a while - I
am even doing some un-needed fun work on the car for the first time in some time.
The only bad car news (other than the
Atlanta trip) was that my truck was broken into last week. All they stole were my tennis shoes. I wish they would have just
asked, as it would have saved all of the hassels of getting the window replaced!!
DRUMS...
I really REALLY want
an all white (including the hardware) Pacific 805 - with a 24" kick. It is a lesser quality kit than I would usually pine
over - but it just looks SO cool. It would be perfect for the hair band!! Dont get me wrong, it sounds pretty good(it is birch),
I just have never been a fan of DW, and Pacific is their "B" level brand. We'll see. I would trade my ELX/SRX shell pack for
one, so drop me a line if you are interested and have the goods to trade.....
Scotto's personal quote of the day:
"Hello,
is this Slim for Life? Do you have an emergency room?"
____________________________________________________________
January
28, 2009
Nobody told me that adding an additional kiddo actually TRIPLES the amount of work! I am a diaper master.....
MUSIC
- YES... M U S I C.
The hair band is coming together great. I swear our guitarist (Andy) and our singer (Brian) are better
than the guys they are emulating. Andy simply shreds - and makes it look so easy. We are doing songs by bands like Lynch Mob,
Extreme, Van Halen and Living Color - bands that had absoulte guitar gods in them - and Andy just nails every lick and solo.
Brian could easily replace Axl Rose or even Tom Kiefer from Cinderella. At nearly 40 years old his ability to hit Bazz's hi
notes in the Skid Row tunes we do always blows me away (and makes me smile!). Progress is steady, but not rushed - just some
old guys having some fun. I wont lie, I leave our 3 to 4 hour rehearsals pretty beat up. It has been a while since I have
had to play that hard for that long - which is funny, having been known as a hard hitter all through my career. Say what you
want about music from that era - but the bottom line is you had to be able to keep up to play it - or simply be super wasted
(no comment...)
Hopefully me and the guys from 232 will be doing a charity gig in May, as well as some other random
Steamboat shows (that place seems to be our new home-base).
I will post the schedule as soon as things are booked.
You should probably start digging for your acid wash jeans and snake skin cowboy boots pretty soon (don't lie - you know you
still have some of that stuff somewhere..........)
Oh yeah... DOKKEN IS AT THE GRIZZLY ROSE THIS MONTH!
\m/
rawk.
____________________________________________________________
December 7, 2008
SHE IS HERE!!!!!!
Mia Josephine - 8lbs and 20" long... and PERFECT!!!!!! Mom and new little one are doing great, and Izzy seems to be all about
her new little sis... what a great Christmas!
Merry Merry from our little clan!
____________________________________________________________
November
26, 2008
I decided to use the exact date in this post as it is important... my little girl Izzy turns 2 today!!! She
has been such a blessing. The simplest little "hi daddy" can pretty much turn around the worst day. Love you "Bit"!!!
As
far as music stuff goes - the new band lives!!! We have been rehearsing in a great rehearsal space/sound stage. I will post
some pics (somwhere - not sure yet). Our bass player is still in route from NYC, so the rehearsals have been more nuts and
bolts/shaking off the cobwebs from these old tunes, but it has been fun. Our singer Brian simply kills it. To be our age (we
are all within a few years of each other) and to be able to hit those 80's hairband notes is impressive. I think he pulls
off Sebastian Bach better than "Bazz" himself. VERY fun!!
I am really looking forward to future shows.
Also, I did
a full Exit 232 reunion show on the 15th up in Steamboat (yep, Tom even flew in from North Carolina). We had one "rehearsal"
sans Tom that was just a *tad* rough - ha! However, when the lights came up, it was 10 years ago all over again. We simply
killed it. I could not beleive how well the guys sang and played together. To top it off, we even did our usual three and
a half hour show without a single break. Yeah, that hurt a bit the next day! I had several comments on how it reminded some
how I did not smile once playing music over the past year (for those not in the know, you can read about that disaster below).
I guess I made up for all of those less than fun moments - man did I have a great time!!! I should have known it would just
take spending time with great musicians who are ever better freinds to re-energize my batteries a bit. There is a link to
one of our older performances on my site, check it out!
Well, tomorrow is Turkey Day. There is not enough room on this
page to tell you how much I am thankful for. Amy and Izzy make my world. New baby is less than two weeks away - I know that
she will just add more fun to our little family.
I know, I know, not a very "sex, drugs and rock and roll" entry. You
know what? Thank God for that.......
Happy Holidays from me and my fam to you and yours.
-S
____________________________________________________________
September
(almost OCTOBER!) 2008
Man - where to start.... I have had 45 days off with no band politics, or having to deal with
someone that is only famous in their own eyes - it has been WONDERFUL. I got a ton done around the house. The garage shop
is DONE (even the custom counter tops). The new storage shed was done two weeks ago, so the Porsche is back in it's home.
Even the pictures are hung. It really makes the new pad feel even more like home. Even had time to go see 714 and the boys
at Wanker's show down at Hermans where I ran in to the infamous T.D. (spectacular former bassist of The Trampolines). Yep,
it has been very very nice. As well, Izzy's vocabulary never fails to shock me (and make me laugh!).
Take a gander
at the new "Slingerland" link! after 2.5 years, my first kit is all restored. I am very proud of how it came out. Looks very
cool up high in our main living room too - something that was Amy's idea by the way...
I have been going back and forth
with a new band - I hope it pans out. I LOVE the material, and the guys seem like really nice guys. It a project from scratch,
so lots of details to get through before it is off and running.
Amy and I are celebrating our 3 year anniversary -
sooooo great!! Time has really flown these past couple of years. Based ont he past, I cant even imagine the adventures we
have in our future. The cool part is that she was around for much of the great music stuff that we did with The Trampolines.
I will never forget her beating up the guys from Big Head Todd to sign up for our mailing list when we opened for them. She
had no idea who they were! Or her comment on the "bald guy with the crooked nose"...... yeah, that would be Kenny Aronoff
babe...
HA!!!!
NOVEMBER 15 - STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - EXIT 232 REUNION SHOW!!!!
(how cool is that!)
"So
he's from out of town... dont be such dicks!!!"
-Farmer Ted, 16 Candles
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August,
2008
Not everyone has experienced this, but I think most of us in our life will go throug it at least once - cutting ties
with a certain person/persons because they detract from your world vs. enhancing it. I am not talking about being mad at someone
over some issue, I am talking about something far more deep than that. Trust me, when it happens you will know. It is a real
drag - especially for me personally as I really enjoy interesting people. I guess there is "good" interesting and "bad" interesting.
In my case I tried to be patient. Unfortunately everytime we made any strides or found common ground, this person would then
seriously let me (and others) down - or simply embarrass us terribly. The crazy part is that most of the disconnects were
based on ethics and character - things I consider so very important. No one is perfect (Lord knows I am the perfect example
of that!!!). But in this situation, I could not stand by and overlook things. The only redeeming thing is that I really dont
hold to much of a grudge. As time goes by, if in the future things change (karma is a bitch), chances are I will welcome most
anyone into my world.
This months title: FREEDOM.
Sub-Title: I am thankfully looking for a new gig.
One
thing is for sure - as the saying goes "once you think you have seen it all...". Lets just say that I had more success painting
houses over the past year than playing music - and I didn't paint any houses. Oh well. My good pal "714" and I were chatting
about this last week, remebering when there was nothing that could keep us from a rehearsal or a show. We both have had a
rough year, and we are desperately trying to get back to the fun that we know exists out there.
Thank God the musicians
in this last band were such great folks. Heck, if our guitarists wife had not been involved, we would have never played a
single show.
FOR THE RECORD - I would like to publically say THANKS to all of the promoters that allowed our little no-name
band to play this past year. You not only took a chance booking us (our demo stunk), but treated us great as well. It was
very appreciated.
I would also like to thank Mr Corn, M.E., Gunny Jeff, Uncle Ed and Eric the Great for being so much
fun to play with, and Ms Marce for all of the hard work booking and managing the day to day stuff. If Marce and Jeff had not
picked up a seriously "dropped ball" we would not have participated in the music showcase convention and we litterally would
not have had single show.
Simply a great group of folks all the way around.
Now, on to some fun stuff...
I
am already in talks with some guys about a new project - hopefully one that is very loud and driven by a shredding guitarist
(hmmmm... I wonder what my buddy Chris C is up to...). Until then, I will finally get some time to spend with the fam. Need
to hit the pad up in the mountains and spend some time on my mtn bike... I am sooooo fat right now.
Other fun news
- my 20 month old daughter seems to love playing drums! She plays nearly every day. Santa may have to get a kit together for
her.
Have a good rest of the summer folks. As always, thanks for the emails.
"eat more chiken..."
-Cow
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July
2008 -
Wow. Did you ever have one of those stretches where everything happens all at the same time? We just got through
with one. Man - that was work. We sold our home in 3 days - which was great - except that means we had to move much sooner
that we thought. As well, the little one caught a stomach bug from her daycare provider - which means taking time off of work
(a WEEK!!!) and of course this all happens at the end of the quarter at work (crunch time). I actually cancelled a rehearsal
for the first time ever. Yep, it was that crazy. The American Idol thing has played two or three shows since my last post.
No total train wrecks - but close a few times. I think there are a few issues at work here: Not enough rehearsal time, not
enough chemistry between the players and not enough experience fronting a band by our singer. Items one and three can be fixed
easily - they both require the same thing... time. The chemistry thing is a different animal. Being that this is a temporary
deal, I think we all look at it differently. Some have used it to get on to "big" stages (I guess big is relative...). Others
are into the cash, some into just using it as an excuse to get out and play once in a while (I think that is me). There is
no real dedication to the end result. I have less than 30 days left with the group and am looking to lay low and actually
enjoy summer with the girls. I have also been in contact with two 80's hairbands and I am really hoping something comes from
it. RAWK \m/.
We are still unpacking boxes at the new pad - it is KILLER. Lots-o-room to build out a new rehearsal
space in the basement too.
So, come out and see us if you get a chance. Here are the last dates:
- Wednesday,
July 16 - Anderson Park, Wheatridge - 6:30 to 7:30
- Wednesday, July 30 - Adams County Fair, 9:00 - 10:30
- Friday,
August 8 - Douglas County Fair, 9:30 - 11:30
"This is an exact replica of my inner structure... in green."
-Nigel Tufnel
____________________________________________________________
MAY (almost June!) 2008 -
Well,
this past weekend was the first outing of the new project. We through a big party, invited all we could and played our first
show. The overall result was positive. Lots of rough edges, and some issues with things being a bit fake/contrived. We can
easily get through the rough spots, and the other? Well, I am certain that time, a good dose of reality and some karma will
take care of that. I probably wont be there to see it - in fact I am positive I wont, as my last day with this band has already
been set. I have something very important to do after that...... start getting ready for BABY NUMBER TWO!!!!!!!
Yep - just
as Izzy is getting off of bottles and diapers, we get to do it all over again... except this time we get to move as well!!!
It was a total shock to both Amy and I. But the timing is not terrible and I do think Izzy needs a little bro or sis. So,
everything in stride. Playing in this coutry band has also given me some new insight on music in general. If I am going to
relegate music to a hobby status for a while, I need to be playing stuff that I enjoy, with players that are in the same realm.
I am a rock guy. A killer 80's metal tribute band would be AWESOME. I want to play stuff that makes me smile - even laugh.
I would kill to get Bobs gig with Wanker too. I have also realized that I need to relax. The Trampolines were a very high
water mark for me. We were awesome - but we worked hard to get there. I need to remember that to be that good requires time
that I dont have (piles and piles of rehearsals and shows). Therefore, I cannot get upset/stressed when I am playing in a
band that is lucky to get in one rehearsal a week and is not at the level I became accustomed to when I was with The Tramps.
"Lighten up Francis"...... I gotta change my mindset - but it is very very hard. A large part of my enjoyment comes from being
proud of what the band is creating. The upside is that the musicians in this band are great folks - them and their "brown
liquor"...
Other than that, per my last posting, got some shows to focus on. Hopefully we will be as good as we can
be!! If you attend, please pull me aside and say hi. I love putting faces with the emails I get.
- Remember to
let your concrete cure for 48 hours prior to sealing and painting.....
____________________________________________________________
APRIL,
2008
Yep...... APRIL!!!!!! I am soooo sorry for the lack of updates. Time has really gotten away from me.
Well,
the American Idol band continues to try and get its "stuff" together. Hopefully the pressure of upcoming shows will smooth
over the (many) rough edges. I have a long history with two of the other members, so I know how they do under pressure - they
can bring it for sure. The remaining players are total pro's, so as far as that piece goes, I am pretty confident. We'll see
how the vocals shake out. I am guessing that the killer harmonies I am used to are probably a stretch at best.
Whats that?
Did I say upcoming shows? Yep - ready or not, this thing will be in public on several occasions!
MAY 17 - Our "pratice
party". Live from our killer new rehearsal space in Denver. Details to follow
JUNE 14 - Parker County Festival - Parker,
CO, 5:30pm, FREE, All Ages
JULY 12 - Rhythm on the River - Longmont, CO, Noon to 1pm, FREE, All Ages
JULY 16
- Anderson Park, Wheatridge, CO, 6:30pm FREE, All Ages
JULY 30 - Adams County Fair, 9:00pm (following the rodeo) FREE,
All Ages
AUG 8 - Douglas County Fair, 9:30pm, FREE, All Ages
.... So, thats it so far. We have lots of tentative
dates out there - but as we all know, they dont mean squat until El Scotto is listed on a contract!
Other than that,
all is well with the fam (Izzy finally got some teeth!). My lovely bride is swimming in a masters racing program - so dont
piss her off if you are around a pool.
I am on a binge diet (down 13 so far - 300 more to go...). I wish somone would
invent no-calorie mexican food.
Currently on the I-Pod: Lynch Mob!!! To bad George didn't get this album out before
the sad, angry, dirty, flannel bands came out. Great stuff.
PEACE OUT - whatever that means.....
-S
____________________________________________________________
DECEMBER
2007:
I love the holidays - always have, always will. With Izzy being a whopping 1 year old, and with the entire fam
getting together, this year should be really fun. It will be a white Christmas, even if we dont get anymore snow. However,
the weather report is calling for two more storms between now and then, including one on Christmas eve. Yep, I am looking
forward to it for sure.
The new project is plodding ahead slowly. We still havent totally finished the CD and we will
be down for a few weeks while the lead singer is over seas. We will be shooting our first on location video pretty quick,
and seem to have some very strong in-roads into the the Garth Brooks camp. We'll see.
I have also been having some
recent discussions with The Trampolines! I loved playing with those guys, and never would have left if the schedule thing
could have worked. Now with Amy and I getting the whole Izzy thing down, there may be a chance of getting back out there with
the guys.
What do you think of the new colors on the webpage? I am no web designer, so it is what it is......
Gotta
jet, have a lunch appointment with "714", the lead singer from Wanker - or his alter ego "Jerry". We'll see who shows up!
It's bowl of meat Thursday.....
Merry Christmas!
"'ave a good time, ALL the time..."
-Mick Shrimpton,
Spinal Tap
____________________________________________________________
OCTOBER 2007:
Well, things are plugging
along with the new project. We have some very large hurdles to overcome, primarily how to get ourselves on the national radar
when we are technically a local band - that has no interest in playing bars. The initial plan is to get in to as many of the
local summer festivals as possible. That is fine with me as they are fun to play. This means that we need a demo as of yesterday,
as the submission dates for these shows are coming up quickly. So, Spence and I laid down a pile of tracks last night for
the demo EP. It was a late night, but I am pleased that we got it done in one sitting. As a point of reference, it took Spence
and I two days to lay down the tracks on the last 232 album - and that was after a good 2-3 months worth of pre-production
work.
I have spoken to some experienced pals about some of these hurdles we face and there are two that concern me. The
first is not being a normal bar band that builds a fan base and basically works it's way up. The second issue is that we are
a country band. Country is dead in the water in Colorado. There is really only one decent place to play, but they fall under
the Clear Channel unbrella. They could care less about anything local. As many of you know, the Trampolines were dialed in
- record companies were calling us and we still never got over the hump (yet!!!). This new project has none of the pull that
The Trampolines had, only the American Idol angle. In my opinion, we need someone to really buy into this thing who is a very
strong and experinced manager/promoter?booking agent. We'll see. At the very least I am having fun playing with some old pals
a few times a week.
As far as other news, the fam is awsome. We will be spending any free time at the new house in
the mountains, as well as the holidays. I am really looking forward to it. I still cant believe my 10 month old daughter has
an unrestricted season pass to all of the Vail owned ski areas! Ha! We just ordered her her first Norwegian ski sweater. She
also gets to experience trick-or-treating for the first time this year. I think I am going as Britney Spears - so I will need
to bulk up a bit....
Yep, it's a banner year around our house - I feel truly blessed.
Wanker has 3 shows coming
up - so you have no excuse not to see them. Slags.
Brussel Sprouts suck.
____________________________________________________________
AUGUST
2007
Well, I took the gig. I am now playing for a former American Idol finalist!!!! (I wont drop names.....yet.)
I
LOVE the material and the other guys in the band are great. It includes some long time pals from 232, as well as Jeff Norman.
We may also be brining in a "bit" player to do keys/mandolin/back up vocals. This is being assembled as a show band for the
main purpose of getting "Mr Idol" into the spotlight. That being said, I am guessing we will only be playing high profile
showcase shows, and would not be surprised if many of them were out of state. We are working hard to get everything put together
so we can start playing out by October. As always, I will post the schedule here. I am really looking forward to this! I may
need to go back to my old look - maybe if a get a really bad hair cut Amy will *make* me shave it all off again!!! hmmm.......
Thought
for the day:
If only Mama Cass had shared that sandwich with Karen Carpenter....
____________________________________________________________
JULY
2007
Well, I did it. I FINALLY have a recording credit on a WANKER record!!!! They are my favorite local band - simply
brilliant. Granted, my credit is only "drunken background yelling", but hell, I'll take it!
232 Has a show in Steamboat
next week - always fun to make noise with those guys.
I was contacted about playing for a former American Idol contestant
- no no no, not Clarkson. She still won't return my calls. (C'mon Kel, was it really my fault about the hotel room mix up?
How many times can I apologize? Geeez, get over it. It's not like I took pictures or anything... ;) ).
Other than
that, just having a nice summer with the family. I put up some recent pics of Izzy under the "Bio" section - soooo cute!
I
think I need to start a tribute band - I am thinking 80's era. Email me your suggestions **WHICH REMINDS ME** please note
my new email address!
"it's never too late to work 9 to 5..."
- Paul Stanley
____________________________________________________________
-
MAY 2007
Hi All! I finally put up some new pics.... check out that page if'n ya want....
Also - I just put up
a video link page down below. The reason? I stumbled upon an Exit 232 video on myspace that we didn't even know existed! Kinda
fun....
Here is an updated Tramps Schedule:
- Apr 27 2007 8:00P Buffalo Gap - Portland, Oregon
- Apr
28 2007 8:00P High Dive - Seattle, Washington
- Apr 29 2007 8:00P 12 Galaxies - San Francisco, California
-
Apr 30 2007 7:30P Soho - Santa Barbara, California
- May 1 2007 8:00P Room 5 Lounge - Hollywood, California
-
May 19 2007 7:00P TRAMPOLINES DVD/CD RELEASE PARTY IN DENVER!!! Bluebird Theater - ALL AGES - Denver, Colorado
I
actually answered a craigslist ad - for an 80's hair metal band!! Nothing to report yet, but I would be lying if I said I
wasn't hoping something comes from it. For those of you that read my last entry, you know I really miss that era - tons of
fun for sure!!!
ALSO - I AM LOOKING FOR A DRUM. I know, I know - why would Scotto the gear whore need another drum.
Well, here is the deal... I have at least one drum from litterally every drumset I have ever owned - except one. It was a
junk CB700 that I bought when I was in a bind. Traded the whole kit to Bob Rupp for some new hat cymbals as I recall. Well,
now that playing has been made secondary to some other things, I am going through gear, pictures, etc, etc and putting together
sort of an archive. I would really like to have at least one CB drum from that era. So, here is what I need: a early 80's
CB700 in any color ( I will re-wrap it - however, wine red would be perfect!!!). It MUST have the transitional lugs. They
are very big and have a raised round area in the middle - if a lug was laying on it's side it would look like this... [o]
(hows that for art...)
If you see or have any, drop me a line (and don't tell my wife!)
Have a good spring everyone....
____________________________________________________________
-
MARCH (almost April) - 2007
So, here is some new Tramps news! The boys are doing great. TONS of shows and another west
coast tour are already on the books - all of this on the heels of a great South by Southwest showcase down in Austin. Unfortunately,
going forward, yours truly will not be with them. You have no idea how sad this makes me. I have a spectacular excuse however...
Amy and Izzy. I cant tell you how great it has been with new baby. People seemed to think I am leaving due to the work/support
needed at home or that Amy doesn't want me playing as much. This is so far from the truth. I WANT to be there - it is sooo
awesome! Besides, lets face it, becoming a rock star after age 25 is tough. At 38, well lets just say it's a "tad" tougher...ha!
Also,
I am a poser. Yep, full on - I admit it.
I became the level of player that I am out of a love for the scene - not
just a love for music. I wanted to be a rock star first and a musician second. Unfortunately (or fortunately) that decadent
life of the 80's isn't out there anymore. It's different now - darker, more serious - and the lables are not throwing as much
money around. My mentality was to play shows that allowed fans to forget about the real world for a while - no politics, no
world issues - simply a time-out from all of that. I wanted the Van Halen mentality - "it's a Friday night - lets party!".
It just doesn't exist like that anymore.
So, all these things combined has lead to me calling it quits with The Tramps
- at least for a while. My batteries were getting a tad low anyway. I will continue to post the Tramps schedules and news.
Heck, they are some of my closest freinds! You will probably see me back in the shadows of a show here and there, but for
now, I am just going to do the Exit 232 thing for fun (www.exit232.com) and be the best husband and dad I can. It's weird
to both feel really good and really sad at the same time. I did do all the pre-production on the new Tramps CD, and as well,
there is a really cool live DVD being released in the next 6 weeks, so there is that to look forward too!
I have also
been chatting with a few other guys that are in my same situation - but that is top secret stuff - at least for right now......
"peace
out"....
____________________________________________________________
- January 2007
As you may or may
not know, I spent an very long time playing with a very successful band called EXIT 232. We played nearly every big name venue
and festival in the state without ever being a "bar band". We put out some great cd's as well. While there were good players
in this band, the real magic was our relationships with each other. We really got along well and really had a great time on
stage - people really picked up on this and our shows were simply really fun.
The only reason 232 faded was that our lead
singer had moved to Steamboat and our keyboardist was commuting in from North Carolina - the logistics just got too crazy.
Thats
when I got tapped to join the freight train known as The Trampolines.
Well, as luck would have it, schedules of sort
of come full circle. Even though we have not played a show in over two years, 232 still gets booking requests. So, we decided
to have some fun
"beeg kees, leetle kees, leetle kees, beeg hug..."
- The Nacho
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-
December 2006
She is here!!!
Elizabeth Grace Schroeder - "Izzy"
Born 11/26/2006
7lbs 13oz
20.5 inches
long
Momma and Baby are doing simply awesome. "The Drummer" is going to be "The Father" for a bit. Yep, I am really
taking some time off - I even was able to talk the Tramps into using a fill-in for the New Years Eve show. Just our little
family for the holidays - it's really really great.
Thanks a million for the nice emails - sorry for any delays in
responding. I will admit to being a tad out of my element on this adventure!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!
-S
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-
November 2006
Bunim/Murray just picked up The Trampolines CD.... we will be on MTV's "The Real World" and on a new Oxygen
network show call "Bad Girls" that is being produced by Oprah.... no big deal or anything.....................
s i
g h *...
Oh, I sold the Roto-tom kit. I just updated that page with some cool kit configurations, courtesy of the DW
Kitbuilder.
Gotta go figure out how to install a baby car seat!
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-
October 2006
I am tired... really tired. Things are really good, but I am really looking forward to some down time before
baby comes. I have backed out of The Late Models due to time issues (Jerry Lee will now be doing double duty - vocals and
drums!) but chances are you will still see me at random shows yelling "hooray!" from the shadows.
I also have this "itch"
to build a new drum set. Interestingly enough, I was approached by a drum manufacturer at the South Park show who wants me
as an endorser. I love the product, but they are a tiny little company - which raises some concerns on warranty issues and getting
replacement parts quickly. As well, Pearl has done so much for me that I really am very much in their camp. However, my main
guy Carl is no longer there and in some ways I am just another face in the crowd. Not sure what to do.....
Be Good....
____________________________________________________________
-
September 2006
So much for that vacation.... Amy is gonna kill me....
Here is the tentative Trampolines schedule
for October (makes me tired just to type it.......)
- OCT 6-7, The Fox Theater, Boulder, CO w/The Bodeans
- OCT 11,
The Fox Theater, Boulder, CO w/ Marc Broussard
- OCT 12, Cervantes, Denver, CO w/Marc Broussard
- OCT 14, The Walnut
Room, Denver, CO
- OCT 17, The Fox Theater, Boulder, CO w/Mat Kearny
- OCT 20-21, The Little Bear, Evergreen, CO w/The
Young Dubliners
- OCT 25, The Fox Theater, Boulder, CO w/Citizen Cope
*phew....*
Some of these are still
in negotiations. I will firm it up in the next couple of weeks, so check back! We start pre-production on the new CD next
week.. I am SO dead...
Here is some fun news! We found out........
IT'S A GIRL!!!!
... which has lead me
into my next hobby - collecting guns... big scary ones...
____________________________________________________________
-
August 2006
Here is the August Schedule - get to play with the Exit 232 guys again this month (we had
a great reunion show up in Grand Lake a couple weeks ago!). Also, my new side project "The Late Models" is hitting the stage
as well. According to Colorado Music Buzz Magazine The Late Models are a "geriatric Denver supergroup" - HA! It is made up
of Jerry Lee from Wanker, Jim Swanson from The Rock Advocates, Marty Poteet from Sticky Fingers and good old me (I am the
youngest - did I say how much I enjoy that?!?!?!). Our first show was with the infamous kings of the 80's Denver music scene
- Dick and the Chicks! It was really fun.
Anyway, here is the schedule - come on out and say hi!
AUGUST
Tramps Schedule (except where noted):
-Aug 11 - Connor's/MIDWEST MUSIC SUMMIT Indy, IN - 10:45pm
-Aug 18 - Showbox
Theatre - Seattle, WA - 8pm
-Aug 19 - Imbibe Lounge - Portland, OR
-Aug 21 - Soho - Santa Barbara, CA - 7pm
-Aug
24 - Hotel Cafe - Hollywood, CA - 8pm
-Aug 25 - THE LATE MODELS - Toad Tavern - Littleton, CO - 9pm
-Aug 26 - Toad
Tavern - Littleton, CO - 9pm
-Sept 9 - SOUTHPARK MUSIC FESTIVAL Fairplay, CO - 4pm
-Sept 10 - Rumor has it that we
will be on VACATION for a while (like through the holidays!) to rest and ....*ta-da!*.... record a new CD!!!
(you have
heard the KILLER live cd ....right?)
Eat your vegetables....
-S
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-
JUNE 2006
Here is the Trampolines schedule for June:
- June 5: Walnut Room, Denver, CO - 9pm, $7
- June 9: Hyperactive
Music Festival, Alb, NM - 8pm, $10
- June 10: Pride Fest, Alb, NM - 2:15, FREE!
- June 10: Kelly's Bar, Alb, NM - 8:30pm,
$5 (accoustic)
- June 15: Gothic Theater, Denver, CO - 9pm, $12
- June 22: City Lights Pavillion, Denver, CO
Here
is July:
- July 7: The Launch Pad, Alb, NM - 8pm
- July 8: D Fest, Tulsa, OK - 8pm
- July 14: MIX 100 Radio Summer
Concert at Confluence Park, Littleton, CO - 6pm
- July 25; Red Rocks, Morrison, CO - 8pm
Other news -
1. I painted
my downstairs bathroom and installed a new toilet.... it's rad.
Keep checkin in!
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-
May 2006
Sooooooo, hows this for news....... Scotty "the Drummer" just found out he is going to be Scotty "the Father"!
HOLY CRAP! We are due in the fall - Amy is doing great. I am SO excited! Man oh man - do I have a lot of things to get done
in the next few months....
... I did already find some killer temporary tattoos however. They closely match my real
ink - wait till the family gets the baby's first pictures!!!
(I said I need to be more responsible - not boring!).
I wonder if Recaro makes a leather baby seat for the Porsche?
Hmmmmmm......
I am off like a prom dress..... laterhosen.
____________________________________________________________
-
APRIL 2006
Well, The Tramps are continuing to kill it. We have had some great shows over the past couple of months, including
a simply spectacular night at The Gothic Theater. The second leg of the Hotel Cafe Tour was as successful as the last, as
was the trip back down to New Mexico. There are two shows in Iowa this weekend, however in light of the tornado damage, they
may have to be postponed. Those poor folks got it pretty bad. I am headed to LA at the end of the month with Amy to celebrate
my Grandmothers 93rd birthday and see family. It's been a while since I have been to the beach. We are going to do some "touristy"
stuff too! Having not lived there in so long, I no longer feel like a tool for going to Disneyland, etc. Last time it was
Beverly Hills and lunch at the Ivy. I think this time it will be Universal Studios and a chili dog!!!!
Nothin but class
baby - heck, I play drums, what would you expect? *burp*
"Be excellent to each other....." - Ted S Preston, Esq
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-
FEB 2006
Wow - sorry for the long delay. It has been a tad busy. The Hotel Cafe Tour was a great success. Mark was able
to get some very high level industry people to attend the Hollywood show. Mark and Chris bumped into Queen Latifa (sp) while
doing some shopping in LA - now there is a trio!
We have had some great local shows since then - two at the Walnut Room
one at The Toad Tavern and a simply great time at The Fox Theater in Boulder. It was our first headlining show up there -
such a great place. There was also a lost weekend spent in "the land of enchantment" - but you will have to talk to Todd about
that!
Our next two shows should really be great. On March 17 we will be with our pals Hello Dave back at the Walnut Room
then a big night on March 24th headlining The Gothic. The Tramps leave the following morning for the second leg of the Hotel
Cafe Tour, getting home with just enough time to do laundry and head to Chicago for some shows with our pals in The Nadas
and another show with Hello Dave. The plan is to be out of state until June or so. We'll see how it all shakes out.
Sooooooo...
come out on the 17th and the 24th if you are local. If not, look for the band in your area soon.
This is kind of fun...
The Trampolines CD ended the year ranked at number 21! Other than The Fray, we were the only Colorado band to chart. We out
sold artists like Springsteen and Kanye West - not to mention that the cd had only been on sale since August! Not bad...
Wanker
Rules!
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- November 2005
Lots to catch up
on.....
I wont lie, this is getting a tad scary for big old ugly me. We have now been in the top 10 selling cd's in the
region for 19 weeks. Obviously that has been getting us some major attention. We have had several meetings with most every
major label (Warner, Capitol, Def Jam, Sony). However, the best was a random phone call from a smaller label that really liked
our stuff. Their owner called and said his name was "Dave" and he would like to set up a meeting when he was "in Denver on
business".... it was fricken Dave Matthews! We are still in negotiations/talks with everyone, not sure how it will all pan
out. As well, we have been in talks with a few different folks who would take over some of the management aspects of the band
(Mark is simply swamped). We are headed to Albequerque (sp) to meet with them next weekend, as we have a couple of shows down
there.
TOUR NEWS!!! Yes kids, we will hopefully be in your area soon. We will be with Aimee Mann starting in California
in January, working our way toward Texas - we need to be in Austin in March for the big South by Southwest festival. Then
on to Nashville, Minneapolis, Chicago and New York - *maybe* a quick jump into Florida - not sure yet. Here are the firmed
up dates as of right now:
- Jan 23: Room 5, Hollywood, CA
- Jan 24: So Ho, Santa Barbara, CA
- Jan 26: Hotel Cafe,
Hollywood, CA
Here are our remaining Colorado Shows prior to leaving:
- Dec 10: ROCKFEST, Hermans Hideaway, Denver,
CO (drop me a line for 50% off tickets).
- Dec 15: Live on MIX100 with Dom and Jane. Tune us in at 7am (ouch!) for your
rush hour commute!!!
- Dec 16th: The Soiled Dove
- Dec 31st: New Years at the The Hard Rock Cafe! Denver, CO
- Jan
7th: The Fox Theater, Boulder, CO
Yep, we're pretty busy!
I did throw up the "money shot" from our sell-out headlining
show at Red Rocks!!!! yeah, that didn't suck......
I will post more as I get them scanned.
Hope you all had a great
Turkey Day!
-S
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- SEPT 2005
Things are
continuing to gather steam - it's really crazy! So here is the skinny: We charted NUMBER 1 on regional Soundscan!!!!! For
three weeks we have been in the top 7 in terms of sales. This unheard of for a local unsigned band. It has caught the attention
of several major labels, one of which actually sent representatives to our last show at The Southpark Music Festival. Another
interesting call came directly from indie label owner Dave Matthews himself - that was pretty neat. We will see where it all
goes......
Get to take some time off this month - Amy and I are getting hitched on the 24th, then headed to Oktoberfest
is Munich! She is simply the best - a far better person than me in every way. I am lucky beyond words.
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-
AUG 2005
Hi All -
Well, here it is in a nut shell..... WE SOLD THE PLACE OUT!!! Thats right - Red rocks was at FULL
capacity for our show on August 2nd. The after show cd release party back stage was nuts. Watch the pictures section for some
killer pictures (I posted the only one I have so far). It was truly a magic night. Thanks to all who made it that way! On
August 19 The Trampolines will be with James Taylor at Fiddlers Green/Coors Amphitheater!
- June 2005
Some other
fun news - my new Pearl Masterworks kit arrived last week... simply a killer drum set in every way possible. Watch for pics
under the "Pearl" menu option.
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- MAY 25, 2005
Here
is a list of my current shows with The Trampolines:
May 26 - The Soiled Dove
June 4 - The Peoples Fair (11:30am) THEN>>>
Red
Rocks with Big Head Todd (5pm?)
June 16th/17th - The Lodo Music festival
July 8 - "RockFest" at the Soiled Dove
July
16 - with Colin Haye (formerly of Men at Work) at
the Soiled Dove
Aug 2 - Red Rocks! CD release party back stage following
the show.
If you get to a show, please come up and say hello! You can also chat with the guys on our myspace.com site
www.myspace.com/thetrampolines
__________________________________________________________
Note to self: STILL need
to buy a dictionary (dik shun ehr ree).
Random post of the day - YOU NEED TO GO SEE A WANKER GIG.
www.wankertunes.com
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