January 6th, 2009 - New Web Site: Have Fun!
It's been a long and arduous battle, but the new site is finally here. I can't even believe it myself. I am no real web designer, but with a little help from Google and some long trial and error, I've managed to get something out for my version 4.0. There are of course many cool new things on this site, and many more to come. This is just the beginning. There are many weekly and monthly updates, so check back often. Everyone has a journal/blog so it should be interesting to see what's on everyones mind, and feel free to comment back. Now it's time for a beer.

Chris


December 31st, 2008 - Corned Beef and Co: Roanoke, VA
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1.....wait, we missed the count down by about 15 seconds. I suppose the TV's weren't perfectly readable. By the time we saw confetti and kissing we decided that a 5 count would do. Happy New Year, Kisses on stage from the wives and girlfriends, Auld Lang Sine, and plenty of fanfare in the form of adult beverages. I'm not quite sure of all the songs we played in that second "vodka" set, but everyone seemed to have a jolly time.

It was nice to end the year with family and friends, and a few strangers are always welcome at LDE shows, especially those wearing interesting clothing. I did also enjoy the stay at the Hotel Roanoke, my first time in the Double-Tree-owned inn. Cookies, wine, best pillows ever, and a very dedicated staff to serve us. I'm used to sleeping on a floor with a rattling heater, 2 paper thin towels, and the thought of room service as "get out now so we can service this room...you're way past your checkout time."

Chris



December 18th, 2008 - Iain and the Quaich
I just wanted to mention a dear friend to our band who has welcomed us into his family and we are so happy to have in ours. Iain Brown has been working with the band in Hilton Head, SC for almost 5 years and recently we have had the privilege of having him up to mix our CD release last July. We fell short of having him on our last AFE tour to the Middle East after he was deferred because he held a UK passport and not a US one. Weird situation, but Iain is up for his US citizenship test early next year and we all wish much luck.

A resident of Blufton, SC, we have many times stayed at the "Haggis Inn," Iain's fine home that we constantly litter with our food and belongings. He has been very kind to let us crash so often and hang out, wether we are playing in town, or just stopping in our way to another gig needing a place to crash. This last time in SC, we all spent a long night after the gig partying, singing, playing music, chatting, and drinking from the Quaich.

Iain broke out the traditional Scottish drinking glass to share with all of us. It is meant to offer a guest a cup of welcome and also as a farewell drink, usually a dram of whisky. It is usually saved for family and close friends, and we felt privileged to be included in this tradition with him. The giver (Iain) offered up some words and passed along the Quaich for the next person to say some words and take a drink. When the Quaich got back to Iain, we finished the whiskey and we all celebrated!

I think we might have come up with some great ideas that night. Maybe some will come to fruition, but one thing is for sure. Iain Brown in the man. Thanks for your hospitality, we all love you! Now quit your job and come on the road with LDE. Oh, and he has REAL haggis in his fridge.

Chris




December 10th, 2008 - Comcast "Backstage" Taping: Boston, MA
After a nice performance in Utica, NY, we jetted over to Boston to tape a few songs and interview with the Comcast Network for their show "Backstage." The taping was very fun and professional, with Rusty having a great hair day. I always enjoy being in front of a camera, and we are excited that many people across the eastern sea board might have a chance to see the band. Unfortunately the good people at Backstage are moving on because of a Comcast change. The show won't be airing anymore after the new year supposedly.

I guess today was as good as any to end the career of my Palm cell phone life. Like any other cell phone story, mine doesn't really come with a happy ending. I used to describe my Palm as a super model, great on the outside, but really poor on the inside. (no offense to super models, I am just being stereotypical) The phone had a lot of cool functions that let me keep organized, get on the internet anywhere I had cell service, and google maps for when we needed help locating lunch.

The problem existed because the phone wouldn't always act like it was supposed to, froze often, and after the first one broke (bouncer at bar spilled beer all over it during load out) the new refurbished ones had a new software that no longer worked with my computer, and the refurbished ones sucked. I used my insurance the first time, sent 4 of the referbs back to be replaced, and finally today, slipped on the van step and dropped my phone on the ground and into a puddle, crushing the screen and water loging it. I am NOT paying $50 for another referb paper weight. What am I going to do about this.............To Be Continued.

Chris



November 17th, 2008 - APCA Northeast: Verona, NY
Was I just saying something about our van breaking down???? I think I was. So a month ago we did some serious brake work. Today, we needed a new alternator, and it almost killed our entire APCA showcase. I can't describe how tough the situation was getting to the show, and more importantly, HOME from the show. We really do appreciate all the help and understanding we got from the folks at APCA, Erin and all the wonderful crew at Imagine, the other acts on the showcase, and the head of APCA himself, Mr. Eric Lambert. Also thanks to Buckley's Auto Care in Delaware for attending to our problem with such swiftness.

We performed reasonably well despite the turmoil, but the showcase wouldn't have been possible without the work of many people. We all felt a little bit like jackasses, but I guess it will be our time to pay it forward and we will! Surviving the snow on the way home was nothing short of white knuckle, my least favorite kind of knuckles after brass.

Chris



October 7th, 2008 - Augusta State University: Augusta, GA
Why do good days have to turn into very expensive and painful next mornings? Well, after a very pleasant evening in August playing for one of the best college audiences ever, we ran over a loose hub cap and ruptured one of our trailer tires. The next morning when we went to get the 8th wheel fixed, we were informed that our brake pads and roters needed to be replaced in the rear of our van. Just a small $1,000 repair. Add to the fact that it was raining and we didn't have a vehicle to transport our stuff down the street to the wonderful Wild Wing that evening and you get a mess of frustration.

Oh, I shouldn't be complaining, our van has done some serious traveling. I suppose it is inevitable it will need professional repair. Oil changes can't do everything...can they?

Chris



October 3rd, 2008 - DC 101 In Studio: Classic Rockville, MD
Elliot in the Morning's studio seems to be a shrine for woman's underwear. Our second Local Lix radio show was a nice way to promote our new record and our upcoming DC 101 Jammin' Java Local Lix performance. I enjoyed looking around at the amazing amount of alcohol, girl bottoms, and random trinkets and games. We made some small talk, made some music, sang Roach (who was in the other studio) Happy Birthday, and pretty much hung out for a bit in the afternoon. Of course, the show was taped in the afternoon and aired on the following Sunday, but it's always fun to pretend you are on live Radio.

Live and taped shows are about 50% each when it comes to radio and TV, and prefer live because I feel like we are reaching people more honestly. I don't know, I am not an expert, I just have my opinions.

Chris



September 26-27th, 2008 - Up Front & Co: Marquette, MI
Back to the great northern lake town of Marquette, MI we go. It must be said how much we love the people of this town, and this trip kept our faith in the friends and fans we have there. 2 great shows at the Up Front, and one amazing cold afternoon at Ben and Jay's BBQ. The aforementioned God's of Marquette put together a nice afternoon performance for Elizabeth, Phil and I, bringing for the first time, the trio to Michigan. Elizabeth flew in first thing in the morning and we set up for an afternoon set that went from cool to cold quite quickly. While most of America (and some of Canada) are still experiencing late summer weather, Marquette was giving us a nice winter slap in the face.

Regardless of the temperature, we put on a very cool show with some great young acts preceding us. I must say that a great feeling of community was present throughout the afternoon and all our friends carried that enthusiasm along with their shirts that read, "I'm With The Band," to the Up Front that night. Although it was a rough drive home, there was no snow, but we had to catch the Redskins vs Dallas game on nfl.com, waiting for plays to update while dialing up through my mobil phone. Crazy. Oh, Skins Win.

Chris



September 24th, 2008 - Rathskeller Biergarten: Indianapolis, IN
It's time to put a new flag in the map, and turn a new state blue!!!! This was our first time playing in Indiana after our many many trips through the hoosier state. We've recorded here, we've peed here, we've even eaten here, but never a full show till now. Feels good to be a part of some more history no matter how small it seems to be.

The Rath is such a nice venue to play in. Besides the perfect weather, full German beers, and amazing staff, sound engineers etc. the patrons are music lovers, and we love music lovers. Although my view of the crowd was limited by the nice lights, I could here the applause and screams as we finished every song. Do you like Pretzels?? The Rath has some amazing hot pretzels with cheese and spicy mustard.

Chris



September 23rd, 2008 - Duffy's: Chicago, IL
We commonly deal with our fair share of road mishaps, van disasters, setbacks, weather related issues, etc. Following previous traffic backups in August, September is setting out to be another rubber-necking travel month. We left in good time for Chicago, so our 60 minuet wait on the Ohio Turnpike didn't quite kill the day, but it was minor nuisance considering it came right before we were going to stop and eat, therefore prolonging starvation and dehydration.

Duff's is a great little joint in the northern part of downtown Chicago. Our usual friends were among the listeners and our van made safe haven in our new found parking spot that has for 3 trips now been successful in keeping thieves at bay. At Duffy's I enjoyed $1 hamburgers and Fat Tire Ale from Colorado, one of my favorite American brews. Noting our success in van parking, this has also been 3 trips without eating Chicago Style pizza....shame. Remember to drive safe, stay off the phone, NO TEXTING, or you'll end up exploding like the tanker truck below.

Chris