Brother Trucker: Blog

July kicked off with our 2nd appearance at the 80/35 Festival. Mother Nature was in full sweaty-arm embrace. It felt like Summer. Something I'm bound to repeat in this blog - the full force of Iowa's July heat index beats the ever-living-shit out of electric and acoustic instruments alike. Despite the conditions I have to say that something "happened" while we logged Brother Trucker songs (old and new)  through the full brunt of weather that's optimum for growing 12 ft corn stalks.
I've only heard of the term runner's high... that zen-like state of euphoria a persons body achieves from breaking though the peak of maximum physical exertion. One could rightly assume for a member of Brother Trucker - athletically speaking - this could be achieved by say,  returning a grocery cart. Why do Scandanavians melt their muscles in saunas? I get this now. There is something seriously soothing about locking in with Jim and Lyle's pocket when the gears shift and Mike and [...]

Brother Trucker made it through the other side. Valley Junction Farmers Market - 111 degree heat index... brutal. I don't think I've ever played music for that long (3 sets)  in that kind of heat. I felt pretty good about our general effort  - that is, until I saw Dennis and Nancy... who to my recollection - NEVER miss a BT show... cutting a rug - like they do - full tilt.
80/35 was swealtering for some - but honestly - we were all so cooked from the Thursday before - it didn't effect the band a bit.  The short version of our particiapation in the 2011 80/35 fest is full of gratitude for being invited. I'd venture to say Des Moines/Central Iowa music as a scene is energized and self-aware. I'm excited and hopeful for the future. Congrats to those who put their skin in the game.
Summer is half way through - hope it's going great for you. Hope to see you at show soon!
Best - andy
 

Brother Trucker has been invited to play all 3 Rendesvous on the River... The first was rained out...The second was rained in (indoor location) -- and the 3rd was beautiful... Provided you weren't facing the setting sun for 4 hours... we were... Some Brother Trucker observations... Lyle Kevin Hogues comment regarding my multiple T-shirt changes... "hold up, we have to wait for Cher"... Mike Fitzpatrick beat the heat... going Zollo...barefoot...jeans rolled up - said it worked. -- Lyle Kevin Hogue comment two regarding my red bandanna and shades... "Hey Willie - make sure you're drinking that gatorade". There is something very satisfying about letting it all out for 4 hours in the blazing heat.... I think we got to that marathon runners high.
Night 2 - The All Iowa Wine Fest... dark skies and rain the whole way to Adel... the lone spot of blue sky hoverd directly above the fest - and continued to spread out from there for the remainder of the day/night. Just about a perfect Iowa Night... [...]

BT - with our buddy Matt Jesson back from his Iceland vacation on keys. Played at the Jasper Winery on Thursday Night. - We were able to play until around 8 pm. before the saucer sized raindrops began. Most of the gear made it in doors before the rain went side ways. Special thanks to Jenni Rae Snodgrass, Bryan & Pat, Sallie - and everyone who grabbed a cord or case. THANK YOU!! And BIG THANKS to Cathy and Kelly - (hope I got that right) - the two very nice Ladies who towled off our soaked gear as we brought it inside! Some of the very nicest people I've met in my life have been at Brother Trucker shows. fact.
Adel's Penoach Winery had us a little gun-shy about the outdoor setup under the dark clouds... I think it spooked some of the crowd. But not a drop. It felt good to get the full night of music in-  with the Full Trucker in effect. We're outside next week Friday and Saturday.
Surprises/observations randomly noticed blog style.
A. First ever Magic Bus by The Who played [...]