No, we've just been doing other things. To be hanging around our home turf for a hot minute we sure are busy. So, I will shove lots of things in this episode. Plus, I was looking for all of these cool pics we don't have, I apologize in advance.
Thursday (8/21) we did the Epicenter after 5 show. It is the first time we have ever played two hours straight (approaching Springsteen territory)! It went by like that, and we had more songs believe it or not. It shocks the hell out me how many people show up there to drink $5 Bud Light! Must have been the kick ass band playing:) The Epicenter is cool though, because, when you are with a group of people, and debating what to do, where to go, the Epicenter has something for everyone. If Whisky River sucks, go to Suite, hungry, go to Black Fin, it's all right there.
Friday (8/22) we trekked it to Raleigh and hung out with the guys from WKNC. We played Billy Mitchell acoustic, also a first, and just shot the shit. DJ Stevo has always been a friend, and did a terrific rendition of the Mario theme before one of our shows about a year ago. Then Saturday (8/23) we had a show at The Pour House in Raleigh. Raleigh had their own downtown festival going on so it was crazy! We appreciate everyone coming out, and also appreciate Mad Tea Party for playing with us. 
They were fun as hell, and kept the music going way into the night. I had no idea Raleigh had that many people, much less that many who could get "tore out the damn frame." That means drunk as hell in case you were wondering. No kidding, we sound checked, some drunk guy had wandered in the bar, he watched all of sound check, digging the tunes it seemed, we got done, and he came up to me and asked "who is playing tonight?" I said, "Well, we are, the Sammies," and he was floored. How dare we send ourselves to sound check, where were our minions, why can't the instruments play themselves? This guy was just one of thousands of snookered Ra-layians that day, who came out in full force to see…Puddle of Mudd?
Speaking of, we needed some stuff for the show, so we swung by Harry's Guitar shop in Raleigh. I grabbed some really dumb stuff you hate buying; strings, a strap, Conrad got a new speaker cord, nothing fun at all. When I approached the counter a guy sitting behind it asks," You playing tonight?" I said, "Yes!," feeling pretty good that I was recognized in a decent environment, he said, "Puddle of Mudd right?" What a damn let down:( Not only am I now confused b/c I have no idea how I resemble any of those dudes, but do we look like a shitty, redneck band when we walk around town? Do I need new threads? Please send me some clothes to:
3006 Swan Quarter Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Shit, I haven't even mentioned our CD release party the other night!
That was awesome, and our hometown of Wadesboro really represented well. Our former guitarist Murphy Upshaw and his new band Souldozer opened up, along with our former neighbors in college The Broken Strings. Both bands started the night off on the right foot! We were so pumped to be playing in Charlotte again, and to finally have our new CD available we could barely contain ourselves. 
We grew moustaches on the spot,
decorated quite well, and had piñata's hung for in between sets. Little did everyone know, but should have thought, we stuffed those piñata's ourselves. When the first one bust, people went diving all over the floor. Sure, there was real money, a fair amount I might add, there were glow sticks, other knick-knacks, but there were also coupons for $1 off merch, coupons in the form of male playing cards; nude male playing cards. A bit of shock fell over the crowd, that quickly turned to laughter. You've gotta keep people on their feet, do the exact opposite of what you should do, it keeps it interesting. The rest of the night went well, and we had a blast, and again, we really appreciate those who came out and grabbed a CD! Next Charlotte show is Nov. 13th with The Spinto Band (see previous blog regarding Spinto!).
The Sammies made their yearly trip to Macon, GA on 9/6. We went back to Dwayne and Berry's gravesite, which had been redone and made up quite nice. The added fence will keep idiots from tearing up their resting place, but also is done so well it really adds to the experience. It rains every time we go there, a little creepy, but also inspiring since we have taken so much from the Allmans. If you haven't watched the DVD on Tom Dowd (producer, helped find the Brothers) you are missing out. I wish Tom Dowd was still in his prime, b/c I'd love a chance to work with such a musical man. Anyway, we had a good show at The Hummingbird and hope to be back sooner than later. Thanks Vic and Adam.
Last Saturday, 9/13, we made the trip to the coast, and port city of Wilmington. We have played the Soapbox ever since we were a baby band, and they have always been kind. North Elementary opened, we appreciate those guys, and the night went well, dancing and all to boot! We met some cool people we hadn't had the pleasure of meeting before, so we thank you all for coming out. The foosball games got a little intense, and my skills have wavered a bit since college, but we pulled through. Always nice to finish the night off with a Clearly Canadian, and the breeze off of the Cape Fear River…ahhhhhhh.
Davidson College, see your ass on Friday night, Stephan Curry is awesome! Double duty Saturday; ATL and Atlantis you're up to bat first, then we pack up and head to Birmingham for the late night slot. Sunday, the Panther's will kick the Viking's butt 23-10, and I will go 3-0 in fantasy football, due in part to former NC State QB Phillip Rivers.
Don't forget to grab our album on Sept 23rd! Available for download at your favorite music download site, I like iTunes. Email me (frank@the-sammies.com)
if you prefer the physical album. Take care, and do something nice for yourself today, OK?
