Southern Independence Tour

   Finally! A pot of Gold

     You know you live in a beautiful town when there's always a rainbow. Lynchburg is not only a town rife with history of the Civil War, ageless topography, breathtaking buildings from years past, and monuments to lost brothers in every American war, but it is a place of business, emerging culture and arts, dining and brewing, ol' fashioned book-learnin', and home to the White Hart at Inklings. 

    We found ourselves with something not overly familiar to us this trip-time! After exploring the city au pied and stopping for a late lunch at the incredible Water Stone Brewery and Pizzeria , we were welcomed into the White Hart. One of the crew is from RI (20 minutes from home) and another from Farmington ME (minutes from Rai's family cabin). Smiley down here is the one from ME. 

    

      Everyone at the White Hart, from owners to customers, servers to chefs, was fantastic. We had a nearly full house of attentive listeners and played two full sets. Surrounded by books and new friends, we felt safe and creative. Thanks to all involved! The night was capped with complimentary dishes from the restaurant. The food was as amazing as the people. 

      Our night at the White Hart was much needed and much appreciated. Gracious was our hosts as we were sent back home. Up next is the Cat in the Cradle...

Visiting the Devils

    Duke U!

          The gothic campus of Duke University in Durham, NC is absolutely beautiful. 

    We played at the Armadillo Grille on campus. Yep. Sure did.

Chris Calls it Disas-Tour

    After a restful night spent in Pittsburgh, courtesy our friend Megan, Jamestownian and beer connoisseur, we went back to the van for a however hour drive to Berea, KY. Last we were in Berea, an accidental show bore great fruit. The Black Feather  was discovered on the back of a matchbook. The show was booked and within days, the town seemed to clamor to the small city's cultural meeting place, and mutual reception left a warm spot in our hearts for this small college town. 

    

  This visit to Berea had a noticeable lack of fruit. The Black Feather is such a pretty venue with great food and coffee run by great folks. The townspeople we met last time were very interesting and genuine people. Even the few we engaged this time were memorable. What went wrong could range from forgotten promotions in town to, well, they say it was cold. We're still working through it. We'll get 'em next time! Maybe...

Pennsylvania Sideways Tour

On The Road

    We always love traveling. Sitting in the van is probably the best thing we do. We really excel at it! Thanks to our good friend Billy Mack, the 9 hour trek to Pittsburgh had a nice lay over in East Stroudsburg. Billy was kind enough to break up the trip with his humour and hospitality. That's him with the universal symbol of welcome. 

 Then we were off Pittsburgh in the Big PA, our first recognized gig in the city. The Morning Glory Coffee House is located in the Morningside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The owner/operator actually has booked us before, but in his former Providence at the AS220. All in all, he's doing a great thing (providing artists with a space while providing food and drink for all of us) well. The lights, chairs set up, and atmosphere he creates here is just what makes a coffee house a performance and arts center. 

     Oh yea, that other guy up there is known as The Chris Bell, our good friend from Jamestown, NY and fellow musician. He played in the Big Pitts the night before and stuck around to see us. We feel special! We can be seen together again on April 24 at the Lab.

    Joining us at the show was two of the most boca chicas of Boca Chica.

First in February

Firehouse 13 *                                                              Providence, RI

    Inside a renovated firehouse, art hangs the walls and song moves the air. Friday, with the company of good friends in the cold, cold night, we planted our instruments, microphones, and selves where the engines used to rest.

    With most shows, we started the night with the ubiquitous and obligatory waiting. Always waiting. But, no sooner than the waiting was done, we waited no more. We sound-checked and played our 11 song set, including two newer, unreleased songs. The rather large and engaging audience received us well. We were very excited to see some familiar faces from as far as Keene, NH (namely from the Staving Artist Collective) not to mention from the RI area. Thanks to everyone for showing up and listening well. We appreciate you.

    Then, our good ol' pals in Low Anthem performed their well constructed set of favorite, familiar songs, and to counter,  a couple of news ones of their own. They also sprinkled their set with a few covers for good measure and had a guest vocalist on a few. 

Phoning it in... *

    Sunday's performance was as comfortable as you can get. After hijacking my family's living room and telephone land line, we prepared to record with a California radio station. The telephonic performance was as promised...a little awkward. But it was nice, relaxed, and unique. I might have to add that the telephones taped to mic stands was a nice touch. It even provided a nice, hands-free way of listening and talking between songs. I think this form of hand-free phoning might catch on. Watch for the airing and the podcast. 

We also learned that phones are like plants and Mark, the sun.

It Is What It Is, Isn't It?

"The Accident That Led Me To The World" began as, and remains to be, a performance of songs which attempt to convey their unified theme, a plot that started with our first, self titled recording and has continued with The Island Gospel. This, in itself, is abstract and difficult to explain especially through the vehicles of staged performance and radio interview. Many do and will refer to the band (Zack Ciras, Raianne Richards and Mark Mandeville) as simply "The Accident," and there is nothing wrong in doing so. The title can be viewed, in this manner, as a tool of reference containing no more pretense than a hanging sign in a grocery store.

But to clarify our intent, for those who have asked repeatedly, "The Accident That Led Me To The World" is the title of a story, one which relates the philosophical torment of boy who lacks description and character - he who makes decisions and takes responsibility for himself. This story has so far been illustrated by Kristy McColl through TATLMTTW album covers and tour posters; however, it will eventually be told in complete book form, this hopefully putting an end to any remaining uncertainties.
Kristy and I have recently started working on the mode of this book, how it will be laid out, page sizes and what not. In the meantime, Raianne is finishing the layout for a new tee-shirt design, displaying a quote from our newest song “By Way Of Our Own;” merchandise other than records is new to us, but I still see it as an extension of the performance, not to mention how we approach the exposure of TATLMTTW. Zack often times admits his frustration with my inability to explain clearly, through interviews and on stage, the scope of TATLMTTW – my answer to this is “it is what it is.” Music is genuinely appreciated not by what “we” call or label it on the contrary it is subject to the needs and interior whims of the listener. I simply would rather continue playing and singing my heart out than be explaining myself all of the time to people who may or may not even be listening.

After peer editing this blog entry, Raianne had asked that I include that she likes Cara cara Oranges.

m.m.