05.24.2014 - Rockin' Parrodise - Lewisville, TX

Well, I guess things had been going too good lately and we needed a dose of reality? 

When I started doing this blog, I stated that it was going to be the good, the bad and the ugly. We haven't had any bad shows for a while now. Last night broke the trend...

The Good...

We show up, load in and start doing our thing and am greeted with a familiar "hey" from a few feet away. Wow, my friends Susan and Terrell were in town from the Austin area and decided to come out to the show. I was really glad to see them. Ages ago, Susan and I worked together at a software company in San Antonio. We see each other every once in a while, but it had been too long. Really good to have seen them and I really appreciated them being there.

The Bad...

I am going to dub this post, "lessons learned." I was talking with my friend, Mike, this morning about last night and the process for this particular show. For the first issue, he summed it up with a simple comparison... 

Jasper the Wonder Dog goes to the dog park. He really wants to play with the collie that just entered. The collie isn't interested. He tries to play with the collie again. Still not interested. Regardless of the fact that the collie has never played with Jasper before and doesn't know how much in common they might have, the collie is not interested because Jasper is a new dog in the park and the collie likes the familiar. Jasper has to accept that the collie isn't open to new dog friends and he needs to move on. 

I'll explain... For a year or longer, I have been trying to get the band exposed to the Lone Star Parrot Head Club (aka the Dallas club). As a former Board member of the Rhode Island Parrot Head Club, I know some of the LSPHC members would have fun at our shows. We also get a nice response, nationally, in the trop rock (parrothead) music scene. So, I have made a good effort to try and do something with the club. 

I've sent free stuff, one year we offered to play free at their Christmas party, I've emailed the board members multiple times and don't even receive the courtesy of a "thanks, but no thanks." I'd be ok with that - it's a response and I can accept it.

This particular show was going to be my final attempt to win the Dallas folks over. We booked a show at a venue they are known to frequent for live music. We made sure there was no cover charge. The bar ran specials on Rum Jumbie. We worked it out with the bar so we could start and end earlier than most of their bands, as we know the parrotheads aren't quite the night owls these days. 

I emailed the Board members inviting them to the show and asking if they would share the information with the club members, possibly make it a club social. I created special flyers with a free download on them, threw in a cover letter and a couple koozies and mailed them to their physical address. No response. I submitted to their online calendar and DID receive a reply from the webmaster (thank you), letting me know that he had forwarded it to the Board for approval to add. Fine, that's normal procedure for a club. As usual, no response from anyone on the Board. I checked their calendar a few weeks later and they had added another show or two, but no mention of our show. Once again, the gatekeepers blocked us from the membership. 

I am pretty sure that no one on the Board has seen us live. When we played Angels in Tropical shirts, we weren't billed as SDR and it was a totally different setup from how we are now. Regardless, it's a large parrothead club and I am pretty sure not everyone in the club has the same taste in music. If I were still a member, I would love to know that there was a local band that played stuff I might like. 

Long story short, the Dallas parrothead club didn't show. Hell, I am pretty sure that, aside from whoever received the flyers and email, they didn't even know about it unless they were friends of mine on Faceplace. So, that bird has flown, fine, we'll move on without them and stop wasting time and money.

Speaking of money...

The Ugly...

There are expenses that come with our presenting a live show. Aside from Heath and I , maybe, enjoying the thought of a few dollars for gas, dinner and the work we put into this stuff every day, we have to pay the other guys in the stage band. While I'd like to think they're just in it for the fun, we do have to pay them whether we get paid or not. 

That being said, we make a point to make sure we're guaranteed a certain amount to cover all of our expenses. Tonight, we wound up not being paid that certain amount by the bar. 

I found out, upon arrival, that the guy who booked us was no longer employed there.  In retrospect, we should have been more diligent in confirming the pay before we ever loaded in. At the end of the night, we were met with "we don't pay that much" and a refusal to pay the originally agreed amount. I understand that it wasn't a busy night and that the guy that setup the show was no longer around. But, in my opinion, they should have either cancelled the show once the original guy left or they should have honored the amount. 

In the end, we took what we could get. I won't get into how little that was, and I do appreciate that they paid us something, but we wound up having to make up the difference to pay Brian, Tony & Trey out of pocket. Combine that with gas and dinner expenses, yeah, not a good financial night for the two us. Probably needless to say, but we will not be returning to Rockin' Parrodise - as a band or as a customer. 

It was an educational night, for sure. I think Heath and I both agree that we are done playing bars. In the past, the only times we have had pay disputes, it has been at a bars like these. They're the only places I have ever seen that get away with paying what they think is fair rather than what is agreed. Could you imagine showing up at your day job on Tuesday and, after working all day, finding out that you're only getting $2 an hour because it was a slow day? Yeah, welcome to the world of bars. So much for that. We'll stick with the fests, BBQ joints and true live music venues from here on out. 

The funny thing, I didn't have a horrible time last night until afterwards. Yes, I was terribly disappointed by the Dallas parrothead club blowing us off. Stuff like that happens, though, and you make the best of it and give 100% for those that DID come to your show... and that's what we did! 

Next show, we're back to familiar turf... it will be good to see our Willow Park friends at Railhead. Until next time...

Stay gold, 

RH

05.10.2014 - Hollywood & Vine - Glen Rose, TX

Finally, no rain!

We love playing at Hollywood & Vine. Unfortunately, the last few times Sand Dollar Rodeo played there, we have fought with the weather. It's either been raining earlier, rain or a storm on its way, too cold, etc. We've always played the show, but the weather has tended to tame the crowd and cause them to leave or go inside as the weather took over. 

Last night was a different story. The weather was perfect for sitting outside and listening to music. It was so enjoyable to see people dancing and sticking around til the end. Really, the whole show was the highlight for me, simply because everyone was able to have the good time they would have been having with us all along if the weather had held up. I really had an enjoyable evening. 

This was Tony & Trey's first time to play at Hollywood & Vine. I always enjoy watching people and how they react to the place the first time. Because of the distance, Trey and I rode together. We show up and park. The parking area is small and has a bit of colorful debris around. I call it personality. There's also some old wood crates (possibly an old structure) back there. I parked next to it and Trey goes, "Is that the stage?" I smile... "Nope... the stage is... up there!"

Loading in to their stage is a trick. I can safely say that each of us who have played there in the past have fallen down, at least once, while loading gear out at night. After the show, it's fairly dark, very steep and just a dirt hill you back up to. If you're wearing boots, you will slide. I promise. I don't know if Tony or Trey managed to fall, but it wouldn't surprise me. Initiation. 

As I said, the weather was good, we were in a good mood and I think it came across in our performance. We were having fun and I'm pretty sure that energy poured back onto the crowd. They returned it, we fed it back, like a lovely vicious circle. Oh, and Heath bought a new Vox amp. Sounded really nice. I'm sure he'll be telling you all about it this coming Thursday on his blog over at http://heathfrazier.blogspot.com/ .

As usual, I forgot to take pictures. However, if you scroll back through older blogs of mine, from when we've played here before, you can see what it looks like. Nothing has changed - and that's a good thing. Love that patio! 

A note on the picture taking; I am going to make a big effort to start snapping some fun stuff for you guys. We see all sorts of weird and wonderful things when we do these shows. So, I set us up an Instagram account and Heath and I will both have the app on our phones for when the mood takes us. If you'd like to follow us over there, the link is  http://instagram.com/sanddollarrodeo  - nothing to see there just yet, but as the shows and recording sessions continue, we'll get it good and active for you. 

That was our night. As always, I have to put a plug in for Hollywood & Vine. Really nice folks run the place and work there, great food, really nice and relaxing environment. If you're in the Glen Rose area, check them out! Heck, if you really want to make a fun night of it... we'll be back at H&V on June 14th - see you there? 

Next show... we're going to be rockin' the parrot heads at Rockin' Parrodise in Lewisville, Texas. Should be a fun night. There is no admission and the bar will having Rum Jumbie specials - you have been warned! 

That's it for this one... talk to guys soon!

Stay gold,

RH

www.SandDollarRodeo.com

05.03.2014 - Mayfest - Fort Worth, TX

Summer has arrived! Maybe not officially, but wearing jeans, boots and black in 90 degree weather, it sure felt like it. Guess that's my problem, though. For everyone else, what a beautiful day along the banks of the Trinity river in Fort Worth.

This was the second year for Sand Dollar Rodeo to play Mayfest. This time, same stage, but a better time slot. More shade, too!

Y'all know me, I always love a good fest. So, I showed up a few hours early and took in the sights, sounds and tastes. I had a chicken gyro that was awesome (despite the heartburn later during our set - haha.. oh well). This particular festival is really pleasant. Seems like everyone is on Xanax or some other mood elevating substance. I noticed that last year as well. They're just pleasantly floating around the festival grounds. Speaking of which... after I played around at the fest, I went back over to Coyote Drive-In to meet up with the band. Heath and I were in one vehicle and we took a wrong turn into downtown Fort Worth. We look over to our left and hear comes this sea of people at us with a big banner that read, "Cannabis March." Maybe they got lost, too, and wound up at Mayfest. Could explain a lot. Either way, we got a good laugh out of it.

Our set went great. No complaints. The sound was good and the crowd was receptive. When I was out earlier, I noticed most of the other bands seemed to be cover bands. I was really glad for the response and their willingness to try listening to something new.

Funny stage moment... there was this big, really tall, thrill ride called Speed staring right at me throughout the show. I wish I had a picture to show. If you have one, comment below and post it! Anyway, the way it was spinning made it look like it was coming right at me every revolution. At one point, I remember watching it, then going "oh crap, I am supposed to be singing." If you knew the song, sorry. If not, hey, ignorance is bliss. I started laughing at myself pretty good at that point.

I sang for about 3 hours Thursday night, same on Friday night. Then, an hour on Saturday. My voice is a little tired today, but what a great weekend. I said it the other day - I am so thankful to be able to do this and appreciate everyone that came out. I had a really good time. I think we all did.

Next up, we're heading to Glen Rose for our first visit to Hollywood & Vine of 2014. We have a history of dodging thunder storms in Glen Rose. Keep your fingers crossed and, if you're in the area, come on out for one of THE best patios in the country. Unique is putting it lightly.

As usual, I wasn't able to catch any pictures on my own, but here are a few courtesy of Brian Barton and Mike Thornton.

Stay gold kids,
Roy Holliday
www.SandDollarRodeo.com

Mayfest Riverbank Stage Schedule

Brian and Trey selfie on the bus to the show

Trinity River aka backstage

Sand Dollar Rodeo - Mayfest Fort Worth 2014

Sand Dollar Rodeo - Mayfest Fort Worth 2014

Sand Dollar Rodeo - Mayfest Fort Worth 2014

Sand Dollar Rodeo - Mayfest Fort Worth 2014

Sand Dollar Rodeo - Mayfest Fort Worth 2014

05.02.2014 - Reno Red's - Roanoke, TX

Well, my clothes still smell like their food... can't be a bad thing, right?

Yesterday, I get a call from Dan the Man at Reno Red's... let me back up.... I live in Roanoke, Texas (Home of Juniors Lone Star Sauce). I am also a devoted customer of Reno Red's. When I have family and friends in town, I take them there for a nice Texas dinner. Follow me?

A year or so ago, they built a stage and wanted to bring more live music to Roanoke. Great. I am happy. I talk with the manager, Dan, and book Sand Dollar Rodeo there for fun. Goes well, he says to talk to him in March of 14 for when he starts booking Summer.

Well, a lot has happened since then... We are a five piece live band now. I told him the truth, I didn't think we'd fit on the stage and the expenses involved just wouldn't work. But, I love Reno Red's and, hey, Heath and I are playing around with an unplugged version of the band if he'd be interested. He was and we booked a mid-summer show. I also told him that if he had any cancellations, to let me know...

Back to the present.... they had a cancellation and we had a night off.

Heath and I are still finding our way with these acoustic shows, but it went ok. Not as good as last night. But, ok. The crowd there isn't accustomed to coming out for the music. They're just having a nice dinner and, if there's some background music, great. So, it was challenging trying to talk and do intros to songs with no response from the crowd. Heath and I have a lot of schtick that works when you're listening. Not so much when you're focused on your food.

However, we knew that was part of the deal. I honestly believe Reno Red's has the potential to be a great venue for live, original music. It just takes time to draw the right crowd. Again, not a bad night. I want to stress that. It was fine, just a little disconnected. Plus, with the short notice, we didn't have time to promote and bring the rodeo clowns out.

I think these acoustic shows are really healthy for Heath and I. Humility builds character... or so I am telling myself. When you're playing behind a high end PA and are backed by a wall of sound from great musicians, the crowd doesn't really notice when you hit a bad note... or when, in my case, I stop playing guitar altogether, to grab the Mic and work the crowd. Try that acoustic - I let go of the guitar and grab the Mic... and there is no rhythm section! Doh!

Anyway, we are learning.

Some highlights... Pitmaster Tex and Chrissie showed up with the one and only Junior! Nice little dude. And we decided he has a band in his future. That little boy was fascinated by the stage. As Chrissie told us later, we were his first live music encounter. That was neat... while we are not Cheap Trick, I do still remember my first show... aka Cheap Trick in 1979.

Then, the infamous Martirita, from PBM, showed up! She was at our first paid gig, back at Fred's in Fort Worth. Hell, she got us that gig. In retrospect, Fred's didn't like us, but it wasn't our scene. Even acoustic, we aren't into the boring norm of most "Texas music."  We were a bit much for Fred's LOL. Oh well... you live and learn. It was good to see her again.

We also made a few new friends. Thanks to everyone who engaged and played along and spoke with us on the breaks. Thanks for buying merchandise, too! I don't get it... We are noticing a trend that we are selling more merchandise at the acoustic shows... hmmm...

So, now we head back into the rock n roll circus. Tomorrow (today?) We are at Mayfest in Fort Worth for a full band show. Heath and I were talking earlier about how, while the acoustic gigs have been fun, we are ready to go crazy with the full band tomorrow!

If you're around Fort Worth, come on out to Mayfest tomorrow. We have some built up energy and this has the potential to be an awesome show.

Ok, time for me to get a couple hours sleep before we do it all over again. See you tomorrow!

Stay gold,
RH

05.01.2014 - Lake Weatherford Marina - Weatherford, TX

I think I have found my new adopted home until I pack up and move back down to South Texas.

For my New England (Rhody) friends, think Oakland Beach. Just a pleasant place. And, while a lake, about as much beach frontage as that Oakland strip. It worked. While I, pretty much, am always wanting to be on the water... Tonight, it really hit home how much I enjoy that environment. The mindset is just kind of mine.

So, the show... Tonight Heath and I continued our exploration of playing acoustic. We have avoided acoustic since day one. We like the loud madness of rock n roll. We write for that concert setting. However, this is Texas and acoustic, well, it's something you're expected to do if you want to be taken as serious songwriters. So, we're trying it out.

I am happy to say that, after two acoustic shows under our belt, it seems to be working....and it has been a lot of fun. There's a different connection on an acoustic show. No blinky lights or fog machines (both I love). It's just you and your guitar, kind of naked. Scary as Hell. But, when you get a response, it's a pretty cool high.

Our set was, for the most part, was what you'd hear at a full band show, but we added some fun covers on a whim here and there. The freedom of just playing, rather than following the set list was fun for me.

We tried out some new material as well. We have a new song called Old Aledo and Heath made his lead vocal debut with it tonight!

I was really surprised at the dance floor. Mind you, we were acoustic. We expected NO dancing. Quite the opposite reaction and that was a treat.

Also, met a cool drummer girl... I apologize in advance... her name was Janelle? Jeanette? I am sure I have that wrong, there were several buckets of Shiner involved.... regardless, she had some hand percussion gear with her and joined us on the last few songs. Heath got her number... you might see her with us again . Nice girl and I apologize for the name... Names are Heath's department. I just show up and try to sing :)

So, that was it. Incredibly fun night and I hope to play there again.

Tomorrow night (tonight?), we are back at it with the acoustic thing. We had a last minute booking and will be at Reno Reds in Roanoke, TX. The next day, back to rock n roll and gawdy clothes with the full band at Mayfest in Fort Worth.

I love it and am thankful for the ability to play as often as we can. If you're in one of those towns, come say HI this weekend.

Stay Gold,
RFH