Needing a Switchback Fix

It's been a while since the Switchback boys have been to Memphis so my husband Rich and I decided it was time for a road trip up I55 to St. Louis to see the show at the Focal Point. The Cardinals were in town too so we made it a long weekend.

St. Louis has a fantastic public transportation system that makes it easy to get to and from the stadium. After the game Friday we were waiting on the Metro platform for our train and started talking to some young adults that were also waiting. When we told them we were in town from Memphis they asked if we had come just for the Cardinals game. We told them that we had also come for a Switchback concert. One girl's face lit up and she said that she had heard them and really liked them. It turns out that she had recently moved from Columbus, OH and had seen them more than once at the Hey Hey Club there. She would have loved to have come to the show but unfortunately had to work the next night. That was pretty awesome, to run into someone random from another city who knew and liked Switchback.

Saturday we took in some St. Louis activities and then met Brian and Marty and Helmut and Sarah Koch for lunch. I had met Helmut and Sarah at the Haybarn Rendezvous (the Rondy) several years ago. It's a WayGood family thing. It was fun to have time to visit, talk about old times, and catch up on what is happening now. Marty and Rich are big Civil War buffs so the three of us went to an exhibit about the Civil War in Missouri for a quick visit before going back to get ready for the show that night. 

The Focal Point is a wonderful venue, a small facility run by dedicated volunteers who love and care about music and work hard to present it in a setting worthy of the music.The adjacent cafe, The Maya, has both food and beverages, including what has been voted the best margarita in St. Louis!  Switchback put on an incredible show as always, mixing in old favorites with new songs. The second set was open to audience requests. It was a show full of laughter and fun, with From The Road stories and stories about the backgrounds of some of the songs. Of course, the music was superb, from Marty's always mesmerizing a capella rendition of "Danny Boy" to the haunting strains of "Right Then" to the signature rocking tune "Ain't Goin' Back."

Having driven five hours from Memphis to this show, it was quite a coincidence to find ourselves sitting next to a couple who was originally from the same vicinity of Memphis and knew the area where the shack is that inspired the song "The Has Been That Never Was."  When the boys first saw the shack and took their pictures of it, it was beaten up, abandoned, and partially covered by invasive kudzu vines. Rich had never actually seen it so we stopped on the way home. It is now so overgrown that unless you know where it is and are looking intensely for it you will never see it. More about that and pictures, both original and recent, another time.

There is something about Switchback music that calls to you like a siren's horn, bringing you in and keeping you in its spell. You can't get enough of it and find yourself needing that Switchback fix every so often, and that's what brought us to St. Louis last weekend.

Last night we went to a concert here in Memphis and more than once Rich turned to me and said, "Switchback is a lot better than they are!"  And they are!

Jayn Lando

Oshkosh Irish Festival

 “Coming Home to a Place We’ve Never Been Before”

As I sit contemplating the summer on this, our last day of school, I can’t help but look back on our first Fest of the season, The Oshkosh Irish Festival.

 

Nick wasn’t especially happy about our getting there hours earlier than we needed to, but of course he never complained a bit.  I wanted to be there with plenty of time to get everything under control before Marty and Brian made it in from Door County, Wisconsin. Funny, but my sense of timing reverted back to southern Michigan time, and it felt that to go all the way up to Wisconsin must take ages, although Google and Garmin both told me different!

What a wonderful surprise to find such a well-organized and friendly festival!  I encouraged Nick to get a little nap in while I went exploring- finding our key contact people, talking with the merchandise ladies (who are now friends and fans!), finding out meal times, where the dressing rooms are, and any last minute schedule changes.  While this could have taken hours, it took less than one, so I had time to look about the grounds and become reacquainted with vendors I’ve known from other festivals, and making sure everyone knew what time they should take a break to come down to the main stage to come see Switchback!

 

Brian and Marty had a smooth check in, and played to a good crowd and got fantastic reviews!  I met my own little fan club, four Vietnam Vets who joked a lot, shed a tear or two, and even opened up a bit about their war experiences upon hearing Falling Water River from the stage.  When I gave them each a copy of the CD, then Switchback came off stage to sign them (and I signed them too!) there were not many dry eyes in our little circle.  I was so moved by these men who lived their lives fully while carrying grief and hurt with them every day.  I’ll never forget my “Christine’s Fan Club”

. 

That evening we went to hear our old friend Seamus Kennedy play for a bit and made an early night of it.  The next morning it was up early and at the festival by 8:30 to prepare for the premier of Switchback’s Hibernian Mass.  The choir was wonderful, the music was a joy, and there was much Glory to God at the festival Sunday morning!  After the mass, we had free time to enjoy the music and relax until Switchback’s 4:00 performance.  I fell asleep to the sounds of the Pipe and Drum Corp as my lullaby. I woke up to find I’d all but slept through lunch.  Then it was show time, again to rave reviews of the crowd.

 

We packed up with that “summertime feeling”, well satisfied from a successful weekend, happy, and a little tired.  Quiet conversation and comfortable silences on the way home, and the hopes of returning to Oshkosh again next year.

~ Christine Pardee     

Kissing Ten Women

Takeshi Horiuchi has toured over the years with Brian and Marty.  Originally working in the US, he has since returned to Fujinomiya, Japan.  That hasn’t stopped his love of music and frequent trips back to join Switchback on stage.  Brian and Marty respect Takeshi-san’s’ mastery of the Irish drum called the bodhran and announce him to audiences as “the greatest bodhran player in all of Asia,”  to which Takeshi replies..."As far as we know.”  Below are his thoughts on the Prairie Tour last month that covered travel over five states with 17 shows, in just a day shy of two weeks.

This was the first tour I was to do with Switchback.  Brian and Marty are good friends of mine that I have known for eight years since we first met in Rochester, Minnesota, at the pub Whistle Binkies.  In the past when I came to visit and play with the band, usually for Th’ Gatherin’ in WaKeeney, Kansas, I would fly into the country, rent a car, and drive to meet them.   This was the first time that I would travel in the van and play 17 shows with the band in two weeks.  So I was a bit worried about our relationships at first. How would we be able to get along without a collision of personalities?   We survived and I found that we only had minor collisions of personalities.  We could handle those and we did have a great time.   I am happy to say that we ended the tour still friends and that my traveling with Marty–san and Brian-san did not result in the end of Switchback either!

The biggest surprise on this tour was Th’ Gatherin’.  This year, unfortunately, Th’ Gatherin’ was cancelled.  In its place we had a private “Baby Gatherin’.”  We had a house concert at the home of Seamus Cleland in WaKeeney.  I asked Marty and Brian what was happening with Th’ Gatherin’ as we headed out toward Kansas.  Both of them did not know what was to be expected and so I was feeling pretty sad as for six years I had made the trip from Japan to this place of wild weather and nice people.

I thought I wouldn’t see so many of the friends I had made over the years.  Happily for me, the Baby Gatherin’ was almost everything I expected.  My friends, like the Harveys, Dave from Hays, and George and Margaret from Scotland all came!  I realized that Th’ Gatherin’ was not about the Highland games or the bonfires.  It was like Thanksgiving or Christmas in that the people would come together once a year, enjoy music, and have a great time.  And we did.

We played what Switchback calls Community Outreach Programs.  Almost all of these gigs would have us traveling to a small town and playing at a local retirement community.  Our aim was to give such people some happy times and an enjoyable show.   Some of the places were extremely interesting to play as I discovered that some residents had very little reaction to the music.  Usually playing music is fun and enjoyable, but in this case, the music was more of a challenge.  I felt sorry that it seemed to me that these elderly people really need our music to remind them of the enjoyment of life.  We would play several Community Outreach Programs a day when traveling.  I had never felt that physically tired before.  Giving these people a good time was rewarding though, even if it meant looking for a tiny reaction.  It meant my music reached them and I was glad.

We played one place on my 50th birthday.  Marty mentioned that it was my birthday to the audience and all of the sudden the people started singing “Happy Birthday” to me all by themselves.  They even said my name right, which was a big surprise.  It was very much a gift from the people and I was very happy.

Because I played so many of these gigs with Switchback on this tour, I think I can tell what the energy will be, even before a show starts.  When I mentioned this to Marty he said, “Takeshi-san, now you are truly a musician.”  So it showed me that Switchback knew about energy and how to play these types of shows.

I also experienced how dangerous traveling on a tour can be.  I was driving the Switchback van about 80 miles north of Kansas City and with our speed at 75 miles an hour when I heard this strange noise.  At first I thought it was a motorcycle rider coming up on my side, the noise and vibration were that big.  Soon after I knew something was wrong with the van and I tried to stop on the side of the road.  Marty helped by reaching over and canceling the auto drive and told me to take the foot off the brake and let the van roll to a stop.  When I got out of the van, I found the right rear tire had blown out very badly.  

I didn’t know what to do, but Switchback was able to call for help and two hours later we were back on the road.  We had left at 5 a.m. and so our arrival in Chicago was going to be right in rush hour.  But I also thought perfect timing happened here, as we had the accident on the day when there were no shows.  We also didn’t leave after the show the night before and travel through the night.   If we had lost the tire on a curve in Kansas City that morning with all the traffic, it could have been worse.   So we were lucky.   I think it shows how important keeping the van in good condition is.  Perhaps many fans do not realize how hard traveling is on a vehicle as well as on Brian and Marty.   We laughed about it, but I also felt that we could have not been laughing, too.

On this tour, I had the chance to listen to the rough tracks of “Kanoka.”  I enjoyed these very much and I think people will love this new album.  I also found that playing JR’s Down Under in Buffalo, Minnesota, was extremely fun as the people were very nice, we made new fans, and I had to play on top of a table!  One man asked me when was the last time I had to play on a table, and I told him this was my first time! But I was surprised that the next week at a concert in Great Bend, I was back again on top of a table so people could see me play the bodhran.

I was also very surprised at Oak Center when Steve (who runs the Oak Center) didn’t make his usual political speech before the show.  I told our percussionist Nick, who had never been to Minnesota, to watch Steve as he was about to give a big political speech, and here he was, talking about planting vegetables.  I was actually disappointed that Nick didn’t have the chance to hear Steve go on and on about American politics!  That’s a tradition at the Oak Center.

Nick wasn’t able to go to Kansas with us because he said he had work to do.  But I was thinking he may another reason as he mentioned that he just started dating a girl.  Brian joked in front of Nick that I was the most reliable musician he has ever worked with because I show up on time all the way from Japan!  I think Nick is a great musician and we had a good time riding together through Minnesota during the tour and having some beers at the Buffalo Tap.  But I think when we were drinking together his mind was on a very special lady.  I saw her picture and she’s very pretty.  I told Nick she looks like a fairy from the woods.  Good for a city boy from Chicago!

One thing I can’t understand about Switchback is how they eat.  For example, we ended up eating twice on the same day at the same restaurant in Great Bend at a place called Treaders.  I also thought it funny that they didn’t drink alcohol, but instead drank coffee and were very picky about what coffee to drink.  They even brought their own coffee maker!

Not all the tour is working.  We managed to get to the Sternberg Museum in Hays for a very quick visit.  However, we only spent about 20 minutes there before we had to leave.  Later, I went back to the museum (Switchback was taking a nap in the van before a show) and talked to the cute woman who was charging admission.  She allowed me to tour the museum for free as it was near closing time.  Or maybe she liked me, I hope.   I was really happy when Brian and Marty gave me a shirt from the museum that had an image of a fossil fish that had eaten another fish on it.  That fossil was found near the museum from a time when Kansas was an ocean.   It was a great birthday present.

Finally the best part of the tour (and I mean this with sarcasm, a word Brian taught me) was the daily harassment from these two guys!  For example, they took funny pictures of me and put them on the Facebook site, especially the one with me holding two bags of cookies.  I didn’t get to eat any of them.  Also, they made me sing “Sukiyaki” at the retirement homes.  I am a very shy guy, I mean it!  A big harassment was at the Baby Gatherin’.  Marty and Brian had me take a solo and then left me on the stage alone.  I had to solo a very long time before I realized they were not coming back!

And the biggest harassment was when Marty announced to the audience, “Takeshi is turning 50 years old and has never been kissed yet.”  I was then met by ten women who came running up to kiss me.  I felt harassed, not by the women, but by Switchback.  All I can say is when the day comes that Switchback tours Japan, I will make all the women kiss them!

2012 Songwriters Weekend Recap

Last month, my husband David and I were lucky enough to attend the Switchback Songwriters Weekend.  Not only did we get the benefit of being part of such a rewarding weekend, but we got to spend it at the Four Mounds Inn in a secluded area off in its own little world near the Mississippi River.  Switchback fans, if you have not been there, I would strongly suggest you attend next year! It gets your juices going, and for those people that think they cannot write a song, you will find that you can do it! I have firsthand experience with that. I actually participated this year and came away with my own song called Butterflies and Flowers. 

The assignment was to 1) pick a movie you have seen quite recently that just stuck with you for some reason or another.  Well, I happen to love the movie My Cousin Vinnie.  2) Pick something that represents you. I picked butterflies and flowers:  butterflies because I like everything, and flowers because gardening is something I love to do! J  The ironic part of this whole story that no one from the weekend knows is that one other idea I had written down is the leather jacket that has just been calling my name at Starved Rock. I feel it represented me and would have fit into my song, but I ended up not including it.  I guess if I wanted to, I could try to rewrite it somehow.

Day 1

Being first time travelers to Dubuque, Iowa, David and I decided to take the scenic route to Apple River Canyon, and it was so beautiful! We may go camping there sometime in the fall. On Highway 20 to Galena we found a neat little restaurant in the business district called Dirty Gurt’s. I would give it four stars.  We would definitely go back there again.

Once we arrived in Dubuque, David and I decided to go off on our own and seek out the best dinner spot in the area. It was the Dubuque Star Brewery right on the Mississippi River.  Again, another great place to tell our friends about!  After dinner, we arrived at Four Mounds Inn where we enjoyed a wine and cheese reception with a “passing of the guitar” with the other guests.  This was intended as a way to get to know one another.  Each person played some type of song or was asked to sing whatever they wanted. 

Day 2

David woke up before I did and had already written three songs. I decided to go for a walk before breakfast, and it was so beautiful that morning. What a gorgeous sunrise it was! It is so beautiful around the Mississippi River this time of year. I ran into Kay Shelton, another musician attending the seminar.  We were talking about bird watching, and that got me thinking about writing another song and how to go about it. I have the idea but for now it is just a work in progress.  After breakfast, we all sat around the breakfast tables as we were given our assignments.  Then we were able to go off until noon and if we needed any help, we could ask any of the four songwriters who would be available for consultation.  I took full advantage of that once I wrote my first draft.  I showed Marty and he told me to talk to Scott who gave me a different perspective on how to write a song.  You have to end it somewhere and then write at least three pages of ideas because those are your foundation even if you do not use them.  You then have them for a song composition later. They will always be your ideas!  I felt as if everyone had a different idea for my song as I was going through this process.  I wanted my song to be about a gangster who had a soft side and asked for forgiveness because she liked butterflies and flowers, and in the end her friends had to make amends. 

Later that day we scheduled consultations with the songwriters. My time was with Marty and he had me take all my papers and put them in my room, and then he asked me what I wanted my song to be about in my own words. He asked me if I had written the top part of the song which would become my refrain about butterflies and flowers. Then the first verse had to be about me, the gangster in Riverside.  Then the second verse had to be about my peeps (refrain), and the third and final verse had to be about going to St. Mary’s to ask for forgiveness.  I even asked James for help and he put some words in there that really did not reflect my concept. I asked Brian if he would play it with me, and he said this did not sound right and not to come back to him until it was more my song. I had to work on that until it made sense in my own words so that I could sing it and feel comfortable. That is what writing a song is about. One thing I have learned is never to work with someone that is too close to you because that person may have a different way of thinking. This is not a bad thing -- it just sometimes does not work if you do not have the same thought process.

Day 3

I showed Marty my song and I told him I know that is not how to write a song. Marty asked how do you think you write a song?  I responded it is by writing with spaces in between as my husband does.  He said that everyone is different and that sometimes you have to take a step back from your partner, meaning David, because no one writes a song the same way as anyone else.  Then we were able to perfect our songs if we were not already done and we each performed in front of the group at 9 am. It was a round robin concert with no set order so everyone just volunteered to go and it was nice that way. It is really a rewarding and relaxing weekend as a whole, and I am glad I attended as a participant because it was a completely new experience for me. Thanks to everyone that made this weekend happen, especially Jan Hoag, our Booking Agent, who was on site to help with anything that came up. 

Being first timers in Dubuque, my husband David and I decided to go sightseeing at the Museum and Aquarium of Dubuque. We went into an actual steamboat that is a historical landmark. There is so much fascinating history in this area that we both decided we would have much more to see when we go back.

Well, it just makes me look forward to more traveling to Iowa, which brings me to my next subject, The Mayfly Dance “Dance” on June 22, 2012.  We want to fill the dance floor at TJ Hunters in Lansing, Iowa so let’s get those dancing shoes on and I hope to see you out there!  Then the day after the dance is the Mayfly Dance Cruise on the evening of June 23.  If you are interested, go to www.waygoodmusic.com for all the details. What a great way to travel down the river, listening to Switchback while looking at the beauty of nature!

You will also want to mark your calendar for September 8-9, 2012 when Switchback will debut the orchestral arrangement of “Falling Water River” at The Grand Opera House of Dubuque. Arranged and directed by Paul Hemmer, the music will be performed by the 30-piece Grand Pops Orchestra!

Best Regards,

Fan Club President of Switchback

Melissa A. Kotrba

Looking Ahead

Depending on where you are in the WayGood World, you may be enjoying summer like our fans down in Australia or still battling the last bits of winter like Sir George Philip and Switchback fans up in Scotland (Hang in there, George!).  Here along the upper Mississippi, we have experienced a little of both.

Mother Nature seems a bit confused, and that was best illustrated as we drove south of Lynxville, Wisconsin, on our way from some shows in Minnesota. Outside that town a big pond adjoins the river and half of it was frozen. On this half were crammed about 20 or so ice fishermen, all sitting patiently on pickle buckets, holding tiny fishing poles and watching their holes in the ice. The other half of the pond was ice-free and on that side were about three john boats, each with about two fishermen working together. The temperature was fairly warm and we wondered what the fish were doing on either side of the pond. From the look on the fishermen's faces, the fish must not have been biting.

It's a funny part of the year. We stoic Midwesterners reluctantly bid farewell to winter and accept the greening of the land. And with that comes the restless anticipation that summer will not be too far behind. For Switchback, it means our schedule starts getting busier. We have some excellent opportunities in April for people to see us in some very interesting destinations.

For the first time ever, we will play at a yoga studio. We're calling it a "Holistic Hooley" and it takes place at the Dancing Cranes Studio in Forest Park near Chicago on April 13. The room has great acoustics and we promise to rock everyone's chakras with an extremely intimate, somewhat unplugged, performance.

On April 14, the Steyer Opera House at the Hotel Winneshiek of Decorah, Iowa will be host to a benefit for that amazing radio station KPVL, the "Voice of Postville." Postville is a very historic city, known lately for its amazing cultural mix of South American, New York Hassidic and "Iowa-wegia."  Eating at their restaurants is a trip around the world in itself! The radio station's eclectic mix is perfect for this part of northeast Iowa. We're on board to help raise some funds for them as we continue to support stations that promote live, local music.

We have arranged a unique concert for just 50 people at the beautiful Four Mounds Inn in Dubuque, Iowa on April 21. You can still purchase tickets, but they are going fast. This will be a Nashville-style songwriters in the round program with James McCandless and Scott Momenthy sharing guitars and reaching into their song-bags for some amazing tunes. This is part of our Songwriters Weekend and we have only a few slots remaining for the workshops. We limit attendance to 16 as we create a very hands-on, exciting, and music-filled weekend for our participants.

The annual Spring Planting Concert at Oak Center, that great mercantile music destination in the middle of Minnesota, takes place on April 28.  For us, it means spring has officially arrived. Anyone who has climbed the narrow stairs to that wood-paneled room will attest to it being one of the best listening venues in the Midwest. On break, one can open the fire escape door and take in the smell of freshly turned black soil. It is a smell that is every bit as invigorating as the smell of the ocean or a mountain forest.

We will next head toward Des Moines and a new venue for us called The GrapeVine on Sunday, April 29th at 7 pm. This too is an exclusive show with only RSVPs being accepted. Once the room is filled, that's it. We haven't played central Iowa in a while and so we anticipate a great response. You can lock in your RSVP by emailing afinetime4wine@aol.com.

We keep heading west and onto the high plains of Kansas for some other new venues to play. We will appear at The Barton County Arts Council gallery in Great Bend, Kansas after we present a master class for college students on songwriting.

These are just some of the highlights and by no means the only shows we have coming up for you.  Please check our schedule for the full list of concerts and shows.  Also, please check our Road webpage to see where we've been.  Throughout the season, we continue our mission of reaching into communities and presenting outreach concerts at various churches, retirement homes, and schools.

~ Marty and Brian

On the Road

Theatre at the Center - Munster, IN

As we dive head first into the St. Paddy’s Day season, we returned to the Theater in the Center, in Munster Indiana.  Our second St. Pat’s concert here was as well received as we could have hoped for.   With a full band playing to a full house, we enjoyed the crowd’s enthusiasm and the theater staff's total professionalism.  It was wonderful to see so many of our Indiana friends, STeamers, and fans. When Brian, Marty, Nick, and Takeshi took the stage you could hear the applause of the 200 + fans throughout the theater complex!  And when our very talented Irish Step Dancer, Colleen Quirk, took the stage it really was the icing on the cake!  As we continue through this busy, fun and exciting season, it’s nice to have the Theater in the Center concert to look back on! 

 

J.F. Brennan Winter Work Party - La Crosse, WI

Thank you to Bob Brague and the Binsfeld family for a great evening last weekend with Switchback performing at the J.F. Brennan Winter Work Party in La Crosse, WI! With over 200 people in attendance, this full-service marine contracting business celebrated its Irish heritage in style. The J.F. Brennan Company began in 1919 in Lansing, IA (home to the famous Brian FitzGerald) and the Brennan Brothers Building still stands today!

House Concert - Rochester, MN

A rousing celebration and warm welcome for Switchback at the House Concert on March 9, 2012 in Rochester, MN. You can book your own House Concert by emailing BookSwitchback@gmail.com.

Shamrock painting at The Hey Hey Club - Columbus, OH

The Shamrock Club of Columbus stopped by the Hey Hey Club to kick off the annual St. Patrick's  Day painting of the shamrocks, which helps fund the parade. Switchback serenaded the club members as they painted the symbol that lets folks know that good times here are guaranteed!

 

Bistro Night at St. Edmund - Oak Park, IL

Fun was had by all at the 2012 St. Edmund Bistro Night! Along with the St. Edmund choirs, Switchback played their newly composed music as part of the Mass in church. This was followed by a lively concert in the St. Edmund school gym across the street. People clapped, danced and sang to Switchback favorites and requests. We even celebrated some birthdays!

 

Epiphany at St. Paul Church - Donnellson, IA

"Music Under the Water Tower" artists are asked to play at the 5:30 pm Saturday worship at St. Paul church in Donnellson, IA before the 8:00 pm concert. An "impropmtu" Epiphany pageant resulted with Brian and Takeshi (left) recruited as the camel and the donkey!

Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Holiday Concert - Elk Rapids, MI

"Our holiday concert by Switchback has become one of the most popular local happenings of the season. Proceeds from this year's event are funding electrical circuit mapping of our entire town hall as well as proper electrical connections for our stage lighting, very important parts of the ongoing renovation of our historic treasure, which are made possible by the extraordinary musical talents of Switchback and local performers plus the considerable support of the Elk Rapids community."
~ Terry Miller, President, Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall Association

 

Bekan, County Mayo, Ireland

In the township of Bekan, Co. Mayo, Marty and Brian joined soldiers from branches of the Irish, U.S. and British military who live or have lived in Co. Mayo. They assembled to assist Sergeant Ron Howko, U.S. Army Ret. in dedicating a government marker for Thomas Carey, an Irishman from Bekan who served in WWI for the U.S. Military. Carey was killed in action and laid in an un-decorated grave until the effort of Michael Feeney of Castlebar, founder of the Mayo Peace Park, and Pat Gorman of Dixon, IL located his resting place. Brian and Marty attended as representatives of the U.S. since they were in Ireland to perform a benefit concert to help raise monies for dedications such as these. They were asked to play "Falling Water River” at the dedication ceremony.

 

Mullenfest - Cresco, IA

Young and young-at-heart had an awesome time at the Mullen Labor Day Weekend Party outside Cresco, Iowa … a Mullenpalooza for sure as one attendee christened the event.  This year’s winner of the dance contest …. THE BOHEMIANS!

Taste Iowa - Conrad, IA

Switchback entertained all at the Taste Iowa event on Aug. 27, 2011 in Conrad, Iowa.  Locally grown food was not only on the menu, it was the star of the show as the Grundy National Bank hosted its third annual event.  Thanks to Shane Tiernan and a great volunteer team for a yummy and fun event!

Black Cat Concert Series - Charlevoix, MI

The annual Switchback summer concert at the Black Cat Concert Barn in Charlevoix, Michigan was extra special this year! After a sumptuous picnic, Switchback took the stage with their good friend and tremendous trumpet player Kevin Gallagher.  Kevin added to the wonderful music and the fun, even playing the trumpet while tending to his adorable one-year-old "Little Dude.”  The music was as hot as the late July evening, as Switchback performed a stellar show to a full house. The combined talents of Switchback and Kevin made it a night to remember! See the YouTube video 

 

Bay Art Council's Wednesdays in the Park - Bay City, MI

In Bay City last July, it was about 94 degrees and a scorching sun glared across the grass of the concert field and onto the stage of the band shell.  It was definitely a hot concert.  Lucky for Marty, he had Corky’s hat on to help keep the sun out of his eyes!

 

Switchback Songwriters Weekend

Four Mounds Inn - Dubuque, IA

It was a very successful weekend!  We were totally blessed with fantastic weather which allowed us to hold some sessions outside, including a very intimate show with John D. Lamb and us lit by tiki torches on Saturday night. Brian gave a superior presentation on guitar licks that if more time allowed could have been a daylong symposium in itself.  The songs written were of high caliber.  The Four Mounds presented a breathtaking venue to take in the weekend as well as special appearances by bald eagles, woodchucks, deer and a bunch of song birds.

 

Central United Church Holiday Benefit Concert

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Central United Church is a beautiful building in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. One striking feature is that it boasts one of the largest pipe organs in Canada. The organ, built in Holland, is impressive, with pipes reaching for the ceiling and bristling outwards toward the congregation like a battleship swinging all its guns to port, impressive and beautiful. The real beauty of it was the life that came out of it when Paul Dingle, the musical director, proceeded to play. Meeting Paul was like meeting a brother. He instantly understood what we were trying to do with our music and it was as if he had been part of the band for years.  Over four hundred people packed into the church. We brought Paul up to the organ to play "Love Won't Run Away" and I got chills as the organ created the deep mood of a dark Irish sea.

 

A Night at the Focal Point with Beatle Bob

Maplewood, MO

Dec. 4th was a special night at the Focal Point in St. Louis as Switchback brought a "present" to the audience. The second half of the evening featured a set with the full band, which included Nick Hirka on drums and Paul Russell on violin. And in return, Switchback received a present in the person of the legendary Beatle Bob, who came in to dance to the band. According to musician lore, having Beatle Bob at your show means that your show is the hottest ticket in town. Bob has been going to shows all over the country and has developed a following from those who have created a fan site in honor of him to those who created a site to get him to sit down. Wikipedia has the full story of this eccentric, but truly devoted live music follower.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatle_Bob

Brian and Marty at The Center for Head Injury Services in St. Louis, MO

One of Brian and Marty's favorite things is to reach out to the community when they are in town for a concert. And that is what they did this past Monday, when they visited the Center for Head Injury Services in St. Louis. A part of St. John's Mercy Medical Center, the center is a place to help people have a full and vibrant life.

A full and vibrant show was what took place, with residents getting in on Switchback's act. There was dancing to Switchback originals as well as some "spotlight" moments, such as when one resident lead everyone in singing "I Got Friends In Low Places". Switchback made friends in a great place that afternoon and presented the center with a DVD of the Americana Sessions to watch. A return in the summer is planned that would incorporate a picnic for residents and their families.

Hi Marty and Brian,
I just wanted to thank you again for coming to perform for my group on Monday...they really enjoyed you guys. We watched the DVD yesterday and everyone clapped and cheered after each song (it was really cute!). I hope that you had a safe trip home and that the holidays bring you both happiness and peace!

P.S. Regina says that you both have a little bit of "Soul" in you!

With Kindness,

Lynne Cruse
Reb. Specialist
The Center for Head Injury Services

 

The Iowa School Tour

Brian and Marty had the opportunity to play for over 9,000 students as part of the Dubuque Art Council's "Artist in Residence" program. In 10 days they covered hundreds of miles as they crisscrossed three states and visited 33 schools.

Fall Harvest Weekend at the Natural Gait, NE Iowa

Young and young-at-heart Switchfolk celebrated at The Natural Gait in NE Iowa near Marquette during the Switchback Band Fall Harvest Weekend.  Two Cave Concerts and Yakin’ the Yellow River put all in a festive mood as we enjoyed time with Switchback and guest artists Nick Hirka and Michelle Lynn.  Cracklin’ fires and starry skies were the perfect backdrop for some very special Cowboy Poetry by Mindy Zinthefer.

Labor Day Gatherin' in Cresco, Iowa

 

Haybarn Rendezvous 2010 at The Natural Gait, NE Iowa

 

Iowa Irish Fest 2010

Switchfolk young and old came from far and wide to the Iowa Irish Fest in Waterloo, Iowa, Aug 6 - 8 to hear Switchback and special guest master bodhran player Takeshi Horiuchi from Tokyo, Japan! An odd Irish birthday tradition was shared: Lift the birthday child upside down and give his head a few gentle bumps on the floor for good luck. The number of the bumps should correspond to the child's age plus one.

Northern Ontario Summer Tour

 

Greetings from Minocqua, Wisconsin!

 

Harmony By The Bay

Marty's nephew Luke "Loki" McCormack was guitar tech at Harmony By The Bay, Sturgeon Bay, WI on 7/6. Uncle Marty did go with the exotic tuning he prescribed.

 

All Aboard for the Mayfly Dance

The 5th Annual Mayfly Dance cruise was held in LaCrosse, WI on Saturday, June 26th. Guests from as far away as New York joined Switchback for a cruise on the backwaters of the Mississippi. The folks were treated to rare wildlife, a gourmet lunch and an onboard concert. The annual cruise is sponsored by the Iowa Irish Fest, which will be held in Waterloo, Iowa, Aug 6 - 8, 2010. Next year's Mayfly Dance cruise is already slated for June of 2011!

McCaffrey's Dolce Vita, Decorah, Iowa

 
On June 25 at McCaffrey's Dolce Vita just west of Decorah, Iowa, Switchback created a truly electric music storm complete with thunder, lightening and summer rain!  Playing to a record crowd of avid fans and first-time listeners, this outdoor celebration had young and old dancing between rain drops. 

 

Switchback kicks off the Smoky Hill River Festival

in Salina, KS on KSAL AM 1150

And so began an amazing 3-day art and music festival with Switchback making their maiden voyage into River Festival.  There really were days when we thought we were in Oz and not Kansas!

• 5 performances on 4 stages in 3 days
• 64,835 attendees
• 1.14 inches of rain
• Average daily high temperature of 92
• Average daily low temperature of 71

Little girl to her mother:  “Look, they decorated this (bridge), but they

didn’t decorate the water.”  As far as the eye could see, there were colorful artisans, performing acts and deep-fried delicacies.  To those festival organizers and volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Festival happen and to all who support this wonderful celebration of colors and senses …  we hope to see you again next year!

 

2010 Cave Concert Series at The Natural Gait in NE Iowa

A Cave of Spirits and Yakin the Yellow

As Marty and Brian opened the 2010 Cave Concert Series for Howard and Donna Bright at The Natural Gait, cabins and campgrounds around the Yellow River were filled with concert attendees. So many friends (old and new) from Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Canada and of course, Iowa, joined in the fun. Both shows were unique, honoring and playing with Irish and Americana traditions. Songs from the new CD released this year, Ghosts of the River Folk, helped us to not only celebrate the Mississippi River, but also celebrate the “new Switchback” -- think Beatles/Pop/Snap infused with all the wholesome goodness Switchback brings to every project.

A River Gypsy and a Cape Breton Step Dancer, two very special guests, joined us as Switchback’s music charmed all. With Effigy Mounds National Monument a stone’s throw away, it’s clear our Cave was used by American Indians for shelter and protection. As soon as you reach the Cave, your spirit awakens and you realize that a Cave Concert doesn’t aspire to be an amazing performance. But hearing one helps us amaze ourselves!

On Saturday, we kayaked the Yellow River, riding rapids, racing and scouting out performance sandbars for the Haybarn Rendezvous, August 18 – 22, 2010. And yes, kayaks were rolled – thank goodness none were carrying musical instruments! If you see a fish with sunglasses – they are Marty’s.
Thank you to the awesome group at The Natural Gait for the delicious meals served to the concert goers and for all their great work in making this Concert Series happen. We couldn’t do this without our dear Sherpas. Everyone loved the Bailey’s Irish Cream cookies and TNG truly is a place where “nature plays and our hearts sing”!

New to the Cave Concert Series? Practical tips for future Cave Concert attendees: sensible walking shoes for making the climb to the cave & comfortable, layered clothing. You’ll need to bring your own chairs/blankets BUT wonderful spirits and provisions are available for purchase in the cave. Be sure and come early to enjoy the pre-concert dinner.

 

Oak Center General Store, Minnesota

The Oak Center General Store, filled to the brim with many newcomers, warmly and enthusiastically welcomed Switchback on Sat., April 24! One of the best live music venues that you can find in southeastern MN, the acoustics in this 90-year-old community hall are top notch and the atmosphere leads to some great discussions and social time. Marty and Brian delivered a powerful mix of progressive folk, alternative country and pop-rock music to listeners from as far away as Illinois. From the sentimental ballads to the blistering rockers it’s easy to see why the Irish Music Association named Switchback the 2008 Top Duo in a Pub, Festival, or Concert in the US, Ireland, the United Kingdom & the European Union. A fun surprise for all as our dear friend, Takeshi, visiting from Japan, joined the group on stage playing his bodhrán, an authentic Irish drum. Thank you to Steven Schwen and his wonderful team for another great evening! A very special treat were the freshly picked morels available in The Oak Center General Store.

 

New London (New Dublin), Wisconsin Irish Fest

Blue skies and the wearin’ of the green were everywhere as Switchback rocked the New Dublin Irish Fest tent on Saturday, March 20!  (Where else in America does a town rename itself for one week each year from New London, WI to New Dublin, WI?  There’s even a North Dublin.) Bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, clans in colors, wee ones, –  a true family event as all readied for the parade listening to Switchback and the strains of Danny Boy, The Wren, Wobbly Jigs and more.  Thank you to Judi & Mooch and The Shamrock Club of New Dublin for a fun day!

Traveling Down an Irish Road

January 27 - February 3 , 2010

Marty and Brian are pictured above Ryan's Daughter's beach.

The group picture is of us taking a jaunting cart ride in Killarney. The carts are driven by jarveys.

The gang at O'Brien's Ferrman -a popular haunt for U2 when they are in town recording. (No, they were not in town this last week!)

Marty and Brian at Dunquin, above Ryan's Daughter's Beach, where you look out over the Blasket Islands. The guys sang two traditional Irish songs.

Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts + Switchback + an awesome audience made a rather dreary Friday, Jan. 22 in Menomonie, WI the lively spot to be! The Mabel Tainter building, constructed in 1889, includes a lavish 313-seat "crown jewel" Victorian theater. What a privilege it was to play this venue. The theater contains intricate hand-stenciling, hand-carved white pine archways, rich walnut, mahogany, and oak woodwork, gleaming brass fixtures, leaded glass windows, and a rare working Steere and Turner tracker pipe organ with 1,597 pipes. Celtic selections from long ago, recently released selections from the new CD, Ghost of the River Folk, and everything in between helped to warm the hearts of a very enthusiastic audience. Thanks to the fabulous lighting crew, Erik, Vicki and Melissa, and all that helped to make this event so special!

 

The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities 33rd Annual Robert Burns Night and Celebration

Green grow the rashes, O; Green grow the rashes, O; the sweetest hours that e'er I spend are spent among the lasses, O." Robert Burns. And so began an evening on Sat., Jan. 23 much like the ceilidhs (Scottish parties) held in winter in Scotland. The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities held its 33rd annual Robert Burns Night and Celebration at The Lodge in Bettendorf, Iowa with Switchback as the featured entertainment. With the Blackhawk Pipes & Drum, the Highland dancers, Haggis, and toasting, everyone enjoyed the celebration of local color. Tartans and kilts adorned those who sang and cheered as Brian and Marty entertained wee ones and older folk alike! As the evening waned and good-byes were being said, all joined hands to dance and sing a rousing Auld Lang Syne, another tribute to Robert Burns.

Stony Ridge Ranch, Texas

Here is a shot of the cactus from where Switchback had a concert Sunday night at the Stony Ridge Ranch. An audience from Dallas to San Antonio came to the Hill Country for an outdoor concert set among the rolling hills, mesquite and cactus.  Surprise guests included a herd of white tail bucks that listened in on the Mayfly Dance. A return concert is planned for Sunday, Feb. 28.

 

Crighton Theatre, Conroe, Texas

It was a nearly full house as Marty and Brian played at the Crighton Theater in Conroe, Texas. The Crighton was a wonderful theater with perfect acoustics. Marty sang several songs from their "Traveling Down an Irish Road" show without any microphone and found out that the last person who sang unamplified was the late great Burl Ives. In addition to the performance at the Crighton, Marty and Brian will be presenting songwriting workshops for students at the area high schools.

 

Sunset Over Fredericksburg, Texas

Switchback fans had this glorious sunset to watch just before the start of a wonderful hill country concert in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Marty and Brian are on a Texas tour that is bringing them to house concerts, performing arts centers and outreach programs from Conroe to San Antonio.

 

Jack-o-Lantern Cave Concert

The hills of NE Iowa were alive with the sound of Switchback on Saturday, October 17! The second Concert in the Cave at The Natural Gait found a hearty group of 70+ braving chilly weather. After a hearty Bohemian Stew Dinner and a climb to the cave, the evening opened with Iowa's own Dave Moore, a singer/songwriter often heard on the Prairie Home Companion radio program. When Switchback took the stage (or should we say stomp boxes?), the pumpkins were glowing and the s'mores were melting! The blazing fire and enthusiastic crowd warmed the cave as Brian and Marty, with Dave joining in at times, held all in amazement -- it seemed as if even the stars were applauding. (Photo by Jan Hoag)

 

Fun Fun Fun in Wyoming, Iowa

The Boys were back in town and the 2nd Switchback concert at Fun Fun Fun in Wyoming, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 3, included friends from as far away as Hawaii! Marilyn Gray’s building is steeped In Wyoming history, having been a printing company for almost a century. Excess oil that was intended to keep the machines humming has stained the floor permanently, adding to the ambience of it all. Every seat in the house, 120 in all and only 3 – 5 rows from Marty and Brian’s stomp boxes, held an enthusiastic music lover. It was great to see old friends and meet so many new ones as we traveled down an Iowa road. (Photo by Jan Hoag)

St. Patrick's Irish Settlement Homecoming

 

The Ancient Order of Hibernians certainly knows how to host a homecoming: music, food and fun! St. Patrick's church near Cumming, IA is the last vestige of what was the community known as Irish Settlement. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places and was visited by Pope John Paul II on his first visit to the US back in 1979. In 2008, the AOH wondered, "if we threw a party, would anybody come?" When the music is by Switchback, of course the answer is yes! Throw in a 17-year-old Irish fiddler and dancers from the Foy School of Irish Dance, add rib sandwiches and sides by the parish council, and you have all the ingredients to feed folks, body and soul! In only it's second year, we had upwards of 120 people come out to enjoy the festivities and the beautiful weather -- some of whom had never been on a gravel road before! It's that kind of homecoming -- you may never have been there before, but you feel it right away: you know you'll come back.

Gloamin' Fest - 2009

The 6th Annual Gloamin' Fest brought music lovers from as far away as Wyoming and Kansas to the Colorado Rockies. Even the locals turned out--a momma bear and her cub took up residence under one of the trees and seemed to enjoy the day of music. The haunting Native American flute of Father Phil Mason gave way to the playful western swing of the Starlite Ramblers, the romantic ballads of Dave Lyon, blistering blues of Taras, Moose's "meat-n-potatoes" musings, the peaceful songs of John Erlandson, the bouzouki and bass of Kort McCumber and Mark Diamond, the mountain groove of Elephant Revival and of course Switchback! A special thanks to Keith Riker for his emcee work and Scott Messler & co. for their sound. Next year's event is set for Aug. 27 & 28, at the 35 acre Humphrey Museum and will have camping, two stages and much more! (Photo by Willie Gibson)

Haybarn Rendezvous - 2009

Happy Rondy! The Haybarn Rendezvous has found a new home at the Natural Gait, near Marquette, Iowa.  A beautiful weekend began with the Friday night "Switchback Concert in a Cave" high in the North Iowa bluffs outside of Marquette.  It was well worth the climb to enjoy the music and feel the spirit of the ancient limestone cave.  On Saturday we enjoyed the beauty of the prairie at the Natural Gait while listening to fantastic music all day long.  John Erlandson, Paul Kaye, James McCarthy, Dave Moore, Wonder Creek, and the Sawtooth Bluegrass Band gave us truly superb music through the day, and of course Switchback made believers out of many new fans as they played into the night.  The fire circle, a Rondy tradition that keeps the party going into the wee hours, was hosted by the Sawtooth boys and we had a great time singing along to popular tunes put to a bluegrass beat.  The Sunday Jam brought Saturday's performers together for one last set before it was time to bid adieu until next year. 

Ft. Madison, IA

The rain chased Switchback out of Old Settlers Park in Ft. Madison, IA on Sunday, Aug 16, but the First Methodist Church provided refuge. An overflowing crowd, good food and plenty of it, and excellent music - God must have been pleased!

 

Beaver Island, MI - 2009

The Beaver Island Community Center is a wonderful facility for the residents of the island. We got in, set up and sound checked quickly then were given a tour of the island before going to the beautiful home of our hosts, Beth and Joddy. Then it was time for the concert and what a time it was! As this was Switchbacks third concert on the island, it was fun to see old aquaintences and friends who had come out for the show. The audience was warm and appreciative. We all thought the thunderclap between verses of Danny Boy was some fine showmanship on the part of ...God! And I think the islanders may have second place sewn up in the ongoing "Twister -Dog- Barking- Competition"! It was uplifting to meet so many new fans after the concert.

 

2009 Venetian Festival - Charlevoix, MI

Music filled the air at the 2009 Charlevoix Venetian Festival. The sun came out and revealed a very large crowd of new Switchback fans.Click here to view a larger version of this photo...

The Dew Drop Inn Again - St. Joseph Island, ON

Over 200 people packed the "Dew Drop Inn Again" on July 17th to raise money for the Matthews Memorial Hospital Fund. Syzygy opened for Switchback and Kevin Gallagher entertained the crowd with his amazing trumpet work as he backed up Switchback on a mix of covers and Switchback originals. Erik Sundberg, the Colonel's son, played drums and percussion, and kept the dance beat going all night long!

Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

When Marty stopped the concert to announce that we were being broadcast live online all over the world, you could feel the excitement in the theater ratchet up a notch. 

Dubuque, Iowa

After traffic issues and other delays, we WayGood Road Warriors arrived at the Marshall Park Arboretum with just enough time to set up and sound check before Switchback took the stage for an early evening concert.  Many of the crowd of 600 + arrived before we did, and I lost count of the offers to help set up we had before the concert! It was a beautiful  warm summer night in Dubuque.   The audience was enthusiastic from the start - there was defiantly a party going on!  These folks had come out to clap their hand, stomp their feet, and sing along to some great Celtic music.  They were delighted with the blend of Irish and original Americana they get from Switchback!  It didn't  take long before the audience was dancing and enjoying the banter and jovial atmosphere of the night.  It was wonderful to see our new "Switchead" friends from La Crosse, and make plans for the Rondy with them and our dear Iowa friends the Frey's!    For most of the audience, however, this was their first Switchback concert, but I can guarantee it will not be their last!  The folks in Dubuque got totally "Switched"!  This Sunday in the park was yet another reason that the Capital of the WayGood World may very well be Iowa!

Elk Rapids, Michigan

Switchback and local Elk Rapids band Syzygy played to a very enthusiastic crowd at the final concert of the season for the Elk Rapids Concert Series.  Syzygy opened the show with their energetic original music and a very unique take on MGMT's "Kids".  Switchback followed the opening act with a wide assortment of heart thumping traditional and original Irish tunes, as well as some incredible new songs that even the long time Switchback fans had never heard.  It was an great night of music that wrapped up with two standing ovations and an encore featuring Switchback and Syzygy joining forces for an extended version of Switchback's "Apple of My Eye".