WINTER'S DAY, DECEMBER 15 - CRITICS CORNER

At The Birchmere last night, we put on the Best Show Possible.

Or so we thought.

We learned that a tough, enigmatic critic was in the room.

“Renzo" can make or break a band, and is the 6-year-old taste maker that every musician fears.

Where are songs 13-21? 

If you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive reviewer, and I can only hope that the extended, dreamy intro to Blue Ridge Laughing (#13) left everything on a high note.

Barry

PS - In our defense, the first song is usually a little shaky.  Anxiously awaiting the full review in the Washington Post.

Winter's Eve, December 14 - "Darlin'! Darlin!..."

My sister’s family texted me last night from The Birchmere in Alexandria, where they were attending the Over The Rhine holiday show.

Me:  “OH, hey…so you’re in DC?  Uhhh cool.  You know my band is playing there the next night, right?”

She: “Yeah, can’t make it!  But the Over The Rhine holiday show was awesome!”  

I feigned disappointment, but really, I was jealous because I wanted to see that show.  Have you heard their original holiday song Darlin’ (Christmas Is Coming).  So good!  

Then she sent this picture of our poster on the wall from 2003.  Whew!

Barry

Winter's Eve, December 13 - Heads Up

Carbon Leaf is starting a new program called Hats For Heads.  

Do you have a head?  We can help.  

1200 of you…

Winter's Eve, December 12 - And All We Need Is Gathering

We are bearing down on the last 3 shows of our Gathering 2017 US Tour this week.  WHEW

Typically, the last week of tour has us in a final surge up the hill going full speed, a satisfying, abrupt wind down, followed by a complete halt.  Sort of like the end of a roller coaster ride.

But, THEN…a sudden grinding hard shift into the holidays, where everyone pivots fast from the tour life to their home life.  Perhaps you can relate.

This year, we will be extending our shop hours over the coming weeks to organize and ship the Crow’s Nests.  The final elements are coming in this week!

We thought it would be fun to put one of these on the table for every member that joins the Crow Foot & Key Society.   

All we need is gathering,

Barry

Winter's Eve, December 11 - On The Other Hand

On the other hand, some days...

Winter's Eve, December 10 - A Murder For Christmas

The band enjoyed a rigorous weekend of shows in historic Annapolis, and a light snow falling down on the cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks did not deter people from coming out. Very thankful.

I’m doing all sorts of tallying this evening, and thrilled to report that we have just over 200 early adopters joining the Crow Foot & Key Society!  Again, very thankful. 

On the journey to reaching 1,000 new members by New Year’s Day,  20% of goal is a murder, and then some!

Any questions, comments, clues so far?  Message the band or post a comment.

Barry

Winter's Eve, December 9 - Day In The Life

Resetting things on stage,  and heading into our 3rd show here at Ram’s Head.  A light wintry mix outside on the street of Annapolis.

Winter's Day, December 8 - Olympic Bearding Team

On the road to Annapolis, for 3 sold out Ram’s Head shows played within a 24-hour period.  

A bit of an out-of-body experience and a holiday tradition!

Carter’s Christmas Beard takes rigorous training but equal parts rest this time each year. 

Jon, Carter’s tireless beard trainer, reviews the tape, and makes the necessary adjustments.

Barry