Yogoman Burning Band’s whirlwind weekend – Tales from the Road
Yogoman Burning Band on the Road
Yogoman Burning Band on the Road
Jan. 21: Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene, OR
Early departure outta Bellingham to Eugene in time to eat dinner with YBB Fans, Sky and Baronica, before sound check at 8pm. I had talked to a lesbian couple the last time we played Sam Bond’s, and because of their names (Sky and Baronica), I thought for sure it was they who I had arranged dinner plans with through email after their generous offer to have the band over for pre-funk dinner. I guess I’m just name-ist, but they sounded like two girls’ names. For the record, I love a man who can own the name Sky. So needless to say I was surprised when we showed up, they opened the door, and it was the straight couple I had talked to at the last Eugene show. Ha! Either way, Sky and Baronica are very friendly people, and they made us a very yummy dinner for which I am thankful. There were some funny awkward moments during dinner conversation due to us using too many insider band jokes (oh well).
The show was slow to begin with, but worked its way up to one of the most quality and connected dancing crowds I think we’ve ever had. The bartenders, kitchen staff and soundman all donned handkerchief headbands at one point in the night as if it were code for “we’re in this together.” I wanted to be “in this” so I rapped with them on mic about their new get ups, and they tossed me a hot pink handkerchief that blocked sweat from my eyes for the rest of the night.
Post show hangout at “Burning Man” style compound/warehouse with a collective of artists who put us up (Rod & Co.), which included an elaborately painted bus, great local beer, and pleasant carrying on into the a.m.
Jan. 22: Roger’s Zoo in North Bend, OR
Roger’s Zoo is a place steeped in years of food, drink and smoke odor the place is well lived in. The Zoo harkens memories of the 3B Tavern with a dance floor of similar size, memorabilia strewn throughout the venue/restaurant/bar. The owner Roger is an eccentric character who runs the joint, makes delicious pizza, cracks jokes at your expense, and will tell you awesome stories about being a Portland and Eugene venue/bar owner from over the past century. This time we got a good one about Townes Van Zandt.
The place was full when we got there, and a crowd of locals turned out in full force. Even the owners of the other venue we play at in neighboring Coos Bay came out with their friends, and begged us to come back to their place next time (pretty flattering and nice of them folks at Broadway Rock Hall). Great crowd o’ smiling dancers overall.
Our wonderful hosts Beth and Tate who have their own group called the Southcoast Stringband and usually hold sing-a-longs at their house post-show, were hospitable as ever. Those two are about as sweet as they come. Migas in the morning, courtesy of YBB’s in-house chef/soundman/trombonist: Mars Lindgren.
Jan. 23: Mt. Shasta Nordic Center Benefit at Sons of Italy Hall in Weed, CA
Pulled into the Sons Of Italy Hall in Weed, CA, to start setting up. Not unlike the old room upstairs at the Bellingham FOE, this place holds probably 4-500 people capacity. It was a successful benefit for non-profit Mt. Shasta Nordic Ski Org. MSNSO began out of necessity to keep funding for the cross-country ski area of Mt. Shasta alive. I was excited for this show because it was truly all-ages: little kids, teenagers, 20 through 70 somethings, dancing and milling around throughout the evening. Our host Laurel Harkness made awesome food and some of the best Chocolate Chip cookies I’ve ever had. She emailed me the recipe and I’ve already made some at home… yums.
After we set up, sound checked and ate dinner; we had a snowy band walk through town. We came across a liquor store where I felt drawn to peruse the aisles, considering a bottle for the evening’s delight, but instead ended up looking at the rack of pornographic publications at the end of the aisle. This wouldn’t happen in Washington, as porno rags are kept concealed behind the counter. Mars and I giggled at a few of the titles, and I decided to spring for All Bush to accompany us on the long drive (12+ hours) to Leavenworth, WA that would begin immediately following the show in Weed that night. As a band we decided to read one model’s profile per 15 minutes to keep spirits up throughout the night. The writing was so hilariously unbelievable, and it was fun listening to different band members read the Q&A’s until the material just got so offensive we finally had to retire All Bush. I then realized why I was glad that was the first and probably last porno mag I would purchase at a liquor/convenience store.
Jan. 24: James & Dzhan’s Wedding Beautiful Wooden/Stone Structure in Leavenworth, WA
For those of you who don’t know, my good friend, James “Jamie” Wiley, of Bellingham’s wonderful mess rock band “the Cheeps,” was married on this day to a beautiful and awesome girl named Dzhan McCaslin, in their hometown of Leavenworth, WA.
We were able to make the drive with no complications and enough time to take a nap before playing the reception. We somehow pulled off a cover of Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” and invited the rest of the Cheeps (Kyrial Dreis, Josh “Leatherpants”, and Christian Rudolph) to help us sing our version of “Stand By Me.”
It was truly a sweet reception on all levels. I love James Wiley and couldn’t be happier for him. Though it was a long haul, I couldn’t think of a better reason to drive 638 miles from Weed to Leavenworth, into darkness and through the twilight.
