Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Tonight we are playing Red Rocks outside of Denver Colorado.  This venue has been in my "bucket" list for years.  The time I spent on stage was filled with reflection and some tears for a good friend who was instrumental in my musical journey.  
 
Almost 20 years ago I left Greenville for Vail Colorado with hopes of landing a steady gig and a place to live as I practiced the way of the traveling troubadour.  I battled my way across the country through some pretty crazy snow storms and found myself in the arms of the Vail Valley.  I have heard all the criticisms of Vail and its proximity to the freeway but to me it was the shining promise of an independent life in music.  My good friend Don was merciful and let me sleep on his couch for a few days with the very strict understanding that I would be there no more than 5 days.  Vail has an unusually high number couch surfers because of the lack of workforce housing.  I tried frantically to find a gig and a place to live but was stymied.  I even answered an ad for a room to rent in Red Cliff Colorado.  The room was ok except for the bullet hole in the only window.  When asked about the battle damage the owner of the house dismissed it based on the fact that "its was only a .22"   I started selling non essential pieces of my PA equipment (mostly to Don) so I would have a money to survive.  I slept in my car in the parking deck a couple of nights as my situation became more desperate. 
 
 Dana DelBosco owned a company called Resort Entertainment.  She was basically in charge of booking musicians in all of the restaurants and venues in town.  I had dropped off demo tapes and promo packets but truthfully I was not nearly the caliber of musician that she regularly booked into her venues.  Most of her artists could easily play hundreds of songs by request and were skilled at working crowds of tourists.  I was equipped with a handful of original songs supplemented by some Jimi Hendrix and Jane's Addiction covers.  She had always been very nice to me but never offered me a gig.  
 
One night I ran into her at Don's regular gig in Lions Head.  I was down to my last 50 bucks and I was desperate.  She led me outside and we sat at a picnic table.  I told her with tears in my eyes that I couldn't face the prospect of returning to Greenville with my tail between my legs.  I had to find a gig and I was willing to do ANYTHING.  She took my hand and said "lets go".  Dana drove me over to the "Gold Peak" bar.  This was a locals bar that was strategically placed above the ski school on the eastern side of the resort.  This building and its bar were state of the art in 1970. It had huge cathedral windows facing the Gore Range and the carpet was a burnt red shag that had been matted down from years of trampling ski boots and the smell was courtesy of the oceans of stale beer and cigarettes that had been consumed in the 3 decades it had been open.  Every wooden railing and stair had been rounded off at the edges and the neon lights hummed and flickered through the caked on dust.  
 
I loved it immediately.
 
Dana persuaded the band to let me get up and play.  I was handed a Takamine and told to play a few songs.  I watched as she pulled the manager of the bar over and directed his attention towards me.  I realized that I was in a ambush audition and If I wanted to stay in Vail I would have to make it count.  I have always clung to the memory of that night.  In my ego filtered retelling of that moment, It was the amazing way I played and the soul that I poured into the songs that landed me that gig.  The real truth is they were paying the band $300 a night and Dana offered me up for $125.  The manager of the bar was a pragmatist and the gig was MINE.  I eventually found a place to live and realized my dream of working as a musician.  My local notoriety grew with an article in the Vail Daily and my friendships grew among the ski instructors and snow cat drivers alike.  
 
One afternoon Dana called me and asked me if I would like to open for REO Speedwagon at the the Dobson Ice arena.  I don't remember much about that gig except for terror and how nice Kevin Cronan was to me.
 
Dana passed away in 2004.  In the months leading to her death she continued to smile and tirelessly work promoting shows in spite of her terminal diagnosis.  Stories from Dana's life continue to make me laugh.  I was unable to attend her memorial service and I have always regretted the decision to stay on tour and play the shows. I take some solace because I know what she would have said if she knew I was considering canceling shows.  
 
This afternoon a nice simple rain shower politely showed up after sound check and very gently cleaned off all the seats at Red Rocks.  A breeze dried them off an hour later.  I smiled to myself because I knew that Dana was there.  Thats exactly what she would have done.  Over the years I thanked her many times for the gift that she gave me that night at Gold Peak.  She always waived off the credit graciously but she always had a twinkle in her eye that let me know she was proud of me.  
 
Thank you Dana DelBosco.  Red Rocks was for you.
 
Edwin

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

 
I am at Home on a beautiful day.  I am looking forward to the Early Show on Saturday.  Its hard to believe that 20 years has gone by and we are releasing a "Best of" record.  I  realize how lucky I am to still have a career in music and I look forward to the days ahead with touring and writing and all the other projects that will be coming down the pipe.  My favorite work so far has been the role of daddy.  I never thought I would love it so much.  I can't express how much I enjoy being home with my kids.  I hope to see you at the shows!
 
Thanks,
 
Edwin

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Ahoy,
 
I am preparing for the Cayamo Cruise again.  I really can't say enough good things about this event.  If you are a fan of singer songwriters then this trip is absolutely the place to be.  I loved going to all the shows as much as playing them.  It is the perfect way to break up the winter and hear some great songs and be a part of a special trip.  
 
Edwin
 
(Cayamo sails February 21st - 26th with stops in Belize and Mexico this year!  For more info, please visit www.cayamo.com )

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

I woke up yesterday morning in a bad mood.  I had managed to let the cold, lack of sleep and homesickness steal my perspective.  I struggled to find something to be angry about and proceeded down the well worn path of self pity and egocentricity.  My selfishness continued all day with every cold wind pushing me further inward on the ego train.  I walked on stage and tripped over Carrie's amp and managed to be frustrated by the placement instead of watching where I was going.  I played the first two songs wondering if the Highline would ever have us back considering we only sold half the tickets.  I worried about MY future and began to pick apart every mistake I made as I played.  Negativity it seemed, would rule inside my head this night.  
 
 
Then Christian showed up.  My seven year old friend came and saved the day!  He brought me a giant birthday card.  Inside he had hand written the kindest words about how this was his first concert.  He listed the songs that he and his parents share together as their favorites and I instantly felt a lump in my throat.  I didn't think that I would be able to finish reading the card because I felt ashamed that I had let the darkness get to me.
 
 
 Music has never let me down.  There have been smiling faces in the crowd from the first performance all the way through last night.  We have had some challenges but nothing we couldn't overcome.  I have been given far more than I deserve in this life but Christian managed to give me the thing I really needed. 
 
 
He reminded me to be grateful. 
 
 
 
 
Thanks man,
 
 
Edwin

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Well Merry Christmas,

I am at home with my family feeling very grateful for all the gigs this year. I got out the Grizwald Christmas lights and strung up the yard. I have been listening to Christmas music on the radio and the elf on the shelf is currently watching over our house like Santa's little shylock. I hope everyone takes advantage of the time with family because its easy to take it for granted. Thanks again for all your support.

Edwin

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Here I am back home after a weeklong tour that began in Syracuse NY with the breakdown of our bus. African Queen's transmission gave way right as we pulled into the transmission shop. Well, if it had to go it picked the right place to happen. We quickly regrouped and secured a mini-van and forged on.

Turns out I have pneumonia and didn't know it. This week really proves that "The show must go on". We finished the week with a performance with the Wilmington symphony orchestra. Rudy Schlegel was kind enough to come and conduct. I threw them off all night by changing the arrangements but I blame Robitussin.

It was a great experience and we raised enough money to buy a mobile pediatric ICU unit for the Children's Hospital. Lives will be saved because of the power of music and community and the dedication of Dr. Damian Brezinski. We are proud to have played a part in such a great event.

I am going to try to rest and fight off this hacking cough.

Edwin

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

I am at home tonight after a full day of planning and preparation for the Euphoria event this weekend.  I am really looking forward to Anders set and getting the chance to meet him and hang out a little bit.

I love Greenville and how special our town has become over the last 15 years. We are blessed to share a community that supports the culinary arts and music and the various local charities that Euphoria will benefit.

I have never been as busy as I have been these last 5 weeks. Between fatherhood and about 5 other side projects, I am replete. I love being busy. What a blessing "Walk With You" is turning out to be. It has hit the internet running and we have high hopes. Lots of songwriting next week. . .should be good.

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Hello from Portland,

We have survived the first week of touring. When I was in my 20's I never thought that I would still love playing as much as I do. I am grateful to have Craig, Larry, Tez and the new guy. . . . I can't remember his name but he is an excellent bass player and all around nice guy. He looks amazingly like the singer and bass player from Sun Domingo. It’s really weird because the bass player from Sun Domingo is a real Dill Weed. I think his name is Jason Pomar. Anyway, the resemblance is striking.

Seriously, please check out Sun Domingo's website for music and show dates near you.  Jason has been so gracious coming to play with us this month and we are in awe of his talent.

We recorded a song in LA with Don Was for the upcoming "Greatest Hits" project. I really look forward getting this record out, touring and writing for the full length record to follow. I hope everyone has been enjoying a great summer. We are thankful and humbled by the crowds at the shows. You make all the travel and the time away from home worth every second. All of your kind words and enthusiasm always make the shows for us.

Friday, May 1st, 2009

We made the journey across the pond with a two day epic trek that included a stop in Hawaii where we got to see our old friend Mike Corrado. Mike and I went to dinner and then played some tunes at a Tikki bar. We spent the next day crossing the pacific with stops in Kwajalleen and Guam before landing here in Atsugi. I was graciously invited by the base commander to play golf in a tournament put on by the Japanese/American Benevolent Society. I wish I could adequately describe the emotions I felt at 8 am when they played both the American and Japanese national anthems. We stood together silently as MT. Fuji loomed in the distance. The kindness of the Servicemen and women that we have been with is unrivaled. The MWR has been incredible to invite us to play in such a beautiful place. Thanks to Karen Fritz for all her hard work.  I can't tell you where we are going for security reasons but we are looking forward to the rest of the tour. I am excited about the summer tour and the new record. I will see you soon!
 
Edwin

Friday, March 27th, 2009

I am sitting in my room listening to David Ryan Harris.  Every time I listen to this record (Soulstice) I am amazed by the beauty and talent that pours out of that man.  He was making this record on his laptop when we were out on tour together.  He is the musician I want to be.  There really aren't enough superlatives in the language to describe how great he is.  Do yourself a favor and go to Itunes and buy this record today.  I am preparing for the trip to Japan to play for the Troops and their families.  I look forward to exploring the culture and history.  I am anxious to get in the studio and begin work on this new project.  I take all the delays as sign to continue writing and working towards the right combination of songs.  Maia and I have written often and she has sent me some songs that are blowing my mind!  She has taught me more about the craft of songwriting than I ever thought was possible.   I want to encourage all of you to take a chance on some local music wherever you are.  Go out and see a band you know nothing about.  This is the time to try something new and be surprised.  I am going to hear a band called the Piedmont Boys tonight.  I have never heard them but I have gotten good reports.  Music is for the passionate people and we must support live music passionately.

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

Hello from home,
I am happy to report that I have 15 new songs finished and we are looking forward to making this new record.  I have co written with Pete Riley,Henry Priestman, Angie Aparo, Larry Chaney and of course Maia Sharp to put together a great collection of tunes that I am very excited about.  

We are also selling our faithful companion and safe home of the last five years.  Northwind is a fine bus and she served us well in all weather and safely carried us to all four corners of our country.  You can see pictures at www.buscentral.com. Of course we will make a deal for any of our fans out there!

I loved the show in Asheville this week.  What a great crowd!  I really enjoyed playing the Freebird Cafe again as well.  I look forward to making it back there again soon.  We are also encouraging any aspiring musicians to record at our studio in Greenville S.C.  We have a world class facility and can make great records for a fraction of the cost of most recording facilities.  Contact Marcus Suarez for details and scheduling (Suar0222@bellsouth.net) or (864) 423-1543).

E

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

Let me start this post by saying that the staff of the Sylvia Theatre are some of the best around.  I have had some beautiful shows in that venue over the years!

Last nights show was a standout because I have never seen a crowd so equally divided between two groups.  One group who wanted to drink and socialize and one group who wanted to share a night of music.  Either group by themselves can be fun and entertaining and even powerful.  Both groups together in that venue was a beautiful disaster.  I made a couple of attempts to get it under control but was unable.  I finally chose to enjoy the madness from the stage while providing some background music for the debacle.  I really like the Sylvia Theatre and I hope it will be better next time.

See you on the road!

Edwin

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Hello from home,

We just had 4 guitars and 2 basses stolen from our warehouse space last week along with some pedal boards and stands and other miscellaneous items. This type of theft is so disheartening to an organization that works as hard as we do. I really want to thank Hercules stands for rushing to our rescue and replacing the stands we lost. I also want to thank the Greenville Sheriff's Department and the investigators who are working on the case.

I know that this economy has really hurt a lot of people out there…theft is not the answer. If you find a deal on an instrument that is too good to be true you should ask some questions about the instrument and its origins. Buying stolen goods only fuels the fire in this situation. Thanks to David Simmons who owns our warehouse for being so helpful to us. Below is a list of the guitars and basses in case anyone sees them for sale anywhere.

We look forward to the shows this week,
Edwin

'62 reissue Fender jazz bass in sunburst
Peavey Millennium 5 string bass guitar in bone
'62 reissue fender custom shop strat guitar w/ noiseless pick-ups and case
´85 gibson explorer guitar w/emg passive pick-ups and case
Hamer explorer import w/zack wyld emg set and case
Hamer explorer import dimarzzio pick-ups with coffin case
Mitchell custom multiple guitar stand
Ground control 2 foot pedal

Monday, January 19th, 2009

I am backstage at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. We had a good time in LA last night. Apologies for the short set. We were asked by the Alan Parsons Project if they could have half the night and I have a rule of always giving musicians with seniority the right of way. I was honored to be a part of the night.

I also want to thank everyone in Seattle and Portland for making the shows so special. I really enjoyed how informal the Portland show was. I read a message from someone in Portland that felt that the radio DJ was being antagonistic with me. I have done literally hundreds of morning show interviews and can quickly spot the shows that have the "spoiler" personality as part of the "shtick". It´s never meant to be hurtful, merely entertaining. When they get the occasional guest that does get offended and angry then it is even better for them because then they have a sound bite that they can play over and over. I never take any interview comments too seriously and I want to thank the poster for his kind remarks.

We have two great openers tonight, Daniel Kristof and Sara Haze. They are both great west coast artists and we are happy to have them on the show. LOVE LOVE LOVE the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco.

I have been listening to Anders Osbourne's record called "coming down" He is a remarkable songwriter. Go to itunes and check it out. See you all on the road!


Thanks for Everything,

Edwin

Monday, December 29th, 2008

I am sitting backstage at the HOB New Orleans. I am listening to Sun Domingo. The are a GREAT BAND! I hope you will all go and check out their website and music (www.sundomingo.com). I remember how hard it was for us when we started out and I want them to do well. I haven't felt this way about an opener since Will Hoge! The after Christmas run has been great. We experienced two new HOB's in Houston and Dallas and they did not let us down. Many thanks to the staff at all the venues for making our time with them exceptional. We wish all of you a Happy New Year.

The Edwin McCain Band

Thursday, November 27th, 2008

This time of year I am always reminded of what gifts this life has given us. I am humbled at the capacity for kindness that we can have for one another. I cannot thank you all enough for all the support and kindness you have shown our band. You have allowed us to live our dreams of playing music all across this great country and beyond. I would like to extend a special thanks to all the military families whom we have had the honor of entertaining this year. You are an inspiration to us all for the sacrifices you make. I pray that in the coming year we can remember that we all belong to each other and in every moment of our lives there is an opportunity to be kind.

Happy Thanksgiving,

The Edwin Mc Cain Band

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Manchester on the last day of the tour. The GPS got us lost AGAIN. I have decided that the makers of the "Road Angel" GPS system are secretly laughing at us for believing anything it says. I am a little sad that we are leaving tomorrow. We had a great time with Pete and all his family last night in Liverpool. Keith from Treehouse showed up and played a couple of songs from the old days and I was instantly transported back to 97 when we were on the tour to end all tours.

Many thanks to Henry Priestman for his help and support. Henry invited me to share an hour long live performance on the BBC Mersyside with him. It was the kindest of gestures and really gave us a lift. Pete and I have written a couple of songs since I've been here and I am very happy with them. I can't wait to get home and start the recording process again. Thanks to everyone in the UK who's kind words and smiling faces has made this tour a great success for us. We look forward to many years of tours to come.

Edwin

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Just arrived in Edinburgh after an amazing night in Newcastle. Last night was definitely the best night of the tour so far. Crowd was tuned in to what we were doing and the room sounded great. We got to go on the radio in Nottingham and play a couple of songs and do my first BBC interview. I am really looking forward to playing here in Scotland tonight. I will post tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

Edwin

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

On the DOUBLE DECKER Bus

Here we are the day after the London show.

I had such an amazing time playing last night. It felt like the old days, crammed on a little stage playing for the love of playing. I was shocked how many people from London knew our music andI was happy to take requests from our new London crowd.

We got two parking tickets yesterday totaling $200 and Pete was furious. We have discovered that parking tickets are like Kryptonite to Pete Riley. He really HATES them. Mick Cusato has been running sound for us and being consistently hilarious. Craig has been overly chatty. He sits in the back seat of the car jabbering on about this and that, never taking a break from his observations.

Being over here has reminded me again of why I love playing music and reinforced my appreciation of the support that we have in the U.S. We are so blessed to have the friends at our shows. Dave "Bucket" Colwell from Bad Company showed up last night and I had a great time hanging with him. I can't wait for his new record to come out. I am singing two of the tracks for that album. I look forward to the rest of the UK tour and beyond. I will be leaving updates as the time goes on.

Edwin

Monday, September 29th, 2008

I'm at home after a great weekend playing New Orleans, Huntsville and Virginia Beach. It was great seeing Ivan Neville and having him sit in on our gig. We finished our gig and went and sat in with Ivan's band at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak street. Jacques Imo's is next door and we had the most amazing dinner sitting outside on the sidewalk.

Huntsville was awesome. There was a great big crowd there to hear Styx and we enjoyed playing for them. Virginia Beach was excellent. We played outside next to the giant statue of Neptune. The night was beautiful and the crowd was the rowdiest of the weekend.

I want to thank everyone so much for your continued support especially during this questionable economic time. I look forward to our trip to England and gigs with Pete.

Edwin

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

I am in the Portland airport and it occurs to me that almost everyone in airports looks irritated. The skycaps seem irked that its raining, the thinly veiled smile of the ticket agent belies a simmering disdain for me and my guitars. I know once I hand them over they become an outlet for the frustrations of TSA and baggage handlers. Travelers seem generally put out that they are third in line at Starbucks to get their non-fat-half-caf-caramel machiatto. It always makes me laugh because not that long ago if you wanted to travel across the country you signed on with a wagon train and took your chances crossing the prairie in the back of a wagon. I'm sure that people still complained about all the inconveniences of the day. (arrows in the spleen, outdoor bathrooms, tornadoes, sickness) I am just as guilty of this unfounded impatience but I try to remind myself that we have it better than all of our ancestors and most of the free world. I am going to endeavor to improve my traveling attitude.

Edwin

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

I am at a friends house getting ready for the show tonight. I had a great time today visiting the radio stations in Portland and I cant wait to play the Aladdin theater again. What an beautiful day in Portland.

I am sad to leave the west coast tomorrow, This has been a great run of shows but I can feel my voice starting to wear a little thin from all the shows. It will get a much needed rest in a few days. I am looking forward to writing with Maia Sharp next week. We are collaborating on new material for my upcoming album of originals. Thanks for all the great shows.

Edwin

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

Drunk people who talk too loud and feel the need to interrupt my stories to demand songs can sometimes be a useful comic foil. That is where their usefulness ends.

I love and appreciate someone calling out the name of a song they want to hear once. I usually hear the request and depending on the night and the set list, I will try to work that song in. I try to read a crowd and follow subtle cues to choose the songs that I will weave in and out of a set of acoustic songs. When the mutual respect in the room is high, the chance for special musical moments increase exponentially.

When I find myself "babysitting" a loud patron the natural flow of the night is interrupted. It's not difficult to deal with the occasional loud mouth because I love playing music and I played for years in far more hostile situations to get here. I really feel bad for the others in the crowd who come and tell me how the "mouth" ruined their experience and made them generally uncomfortable. These situations occupy the "minor annoyance" folder in my lifetime desktop so I respectfully ask that If you find yourself turning into the "mouth" a t the show, try to take a minute and consider all the other members of the audience who have a desire for a musical experience equal to your desire to gain attention.

If you can't get it under control please ask one of the security people to hit you in the face with a pipe.

Edwin

P.S. The last line was just a joke. Have fun today.

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

Here I am in the Lincoln Navigator. In these trying economic times we decided to fly out to the west coast and drive in a Hertz rent a car. This thing looks like something that J Lo would b riding around in. Pearl white with chrome rims. I am surprised at how great it drives though. It has air conditioning in the seats, I have never seen that before. It gets 12.5 MPG Thats awful. Our bus gets 8 MPG and it weighs 60 000 lbs.

The shows have been so much fun. I loved the HOB show in San Diego and we had a good time at the Canyon club last night. We are looking forward to the rest of the week and thank everyone for making this tour a success.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Will Hoge.

Edwin

Monday, August 11th, 2008

I am on the bus behind the theater in Bethlehem PA. We just finished sound check and WOW what a great sounding room. Last night in Greensburg was so much fun. Great crowd and another great sounding room. It is always a challenge to change gears to the acoustic shows because I don't usually write up a set list. I usually just go where the night leads me. Last night I was reminded of some songs I had forgotten and I really enjoyed playing. I especially enjoyed Prayer to St. Peter last night. Thanks to John Gorka for giving us that song! Everyone have a great weekend

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Hello from backstage at the HOB Orlando. We just arrived from an amazing two days of music and travel. We had a great time meeting everyone at the fan appreciation event in Myrtle Beach. That went very smoothly and we got to rehearse promise of you and we added it to the set list. Thank you for being so kind and generous with your attention and support of this band. We travelled up to Long Island and played a great event for our friends the Waughs last night. It was a beautiful night and the room sounded great. We are preparing to rehearse this afternoon and add some new songs to the set for the show tonight. Two big thumbs up for Spirit airlines and Southwest. They are at the top of their game. Have fun this weekend.

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Backstage in Nashville at City Hall…

Great Venue...but unfortunately a large retail chain has bought the space and it will be closing this fall. I am always sad to see a live music venue go. I remember when the Bayou closed in D.C. I went and got one of the bricks from the demolition and I still have it today. The amount of amazing music that permeated the walls there was worth preserving. Another live music space that is no longer with us is the "subway" in Jackson, Mississippi. Down in the boiler room in government housing was an illegal blues bar that served up real blues and cold PBR and proof that music transcends all barriers.

I am in love with the new Al Green record. Don't miss this one!

Congratulations to Tez, who ties the knot tomorrow. And we are happy to play with our old friend Dave Harrison for the next two nights. The show in Indy was special and we loved seeing everyone after the show. Thanks to the Naked Chopstick for a great lunch! Mr. Burchette has crafted a baritone guitar for me and I have been playing it nonstop at home but I used it yesterday for my radio performances and I love it to death! It is the nicest instrument I have ever owned. I can't say enough good things about it. Time for sound check.

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

Hello from the backstage of Cleveland House of Blues...
We are back out on the road after just releasing "Nobody's Fault But Mine". We have had a good tour so far. Happy to find Headliners in Louisville and we loved going back to Bogart´s in Cincy. Bogart´s is like an old pair of Chuck Taylor high tops. Without the smell. Nice to see some old friends before the show. Tez is knockin´ my socks off every night with his singing, and we gelled a lot quicker than I anticipated. I loved singing the National Anthem for the White Sox while we were in Chicago. Manny and I went early and were treated like KINGS. What a great organization. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the HOB in Chicago. I hope to be playing there for the rest of my life. I am saddened by the loss of George Carlin. He was one of my favorite comedians of all time. He will be missed. I love his book "Brain Droppings". We have been furiously rehearsing the songs for the Chastain show with the symphony everyday at sound check. I am happy to revisit these songs and look forward to rotating them in to the set. Thanks for all the kind words and support. Edwin

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Notes from The Road (the Military tour!)

We were so excited to recently have the chance to travel abroad and play for the troops all over Europe, and for selected shows in the Middle East and Africa (the Djibouti jokes never get old!).  A sincere and heartfelt 'thank you' to MWR and Armed Forces Entertainment, and the awesome folks that helped us get there safe and sound and took amazing care of us (Karen, CPT Erik, George, Erin, Taeko, Mike, all of our fantastic flight crews, and many, many others).  Finally, but most of all, we want to thank all the servicemen and servicewomen who welcomed us with open arms and sacrifice to keep us all safe and sound every day.  We came home from the trip with an enormous sense of gratitude, respect, and friendship for our Armed Forces, home and abroad, and so we thank you, most of all!

From Edwin:  The MWR Tour was an amazing experience.  I cannot express the gratitude that I feel towards the troops and their families for the tremendous job that they are doing.  We met families who have been apart for more than two years of active duty.  I can't imagine how hard that must be.  These men and women hold their heads up and bear the burden with dignity and grace.  If you see a soldier in an airport, please be sure to thank them because most people don't realize the sacrifices they are making.  I can't wait to do more of these tours in the future. 

From Larry:  Our military runs on Burger King, Red Bull, and iPods. They are the best in the world!... (more later)

Larry's awesome tour video here

And Manny:  An incredible experience...simply AWESOME!!!

And Tez:    The MWR tour experience:  First off It is a great thing MWR and Armed Forces Entertainment are doing for the troops and their families. In all locations we performed in the soldiers and their family would comment on how it brings a sense of home to the foreign land that they have made their temporary home. The smiles on their faces were very rewarding. The different cultures and food were great also. The whole experience was humbling and made me much more appreciative of being an United States citizen....

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

We are looking forward to heading overseas to visit the U.S. troops at the end of April – STAY TUNED!

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