Reel Big Fishin

Another band field trip occurred on Mon when we ventured over to House of Blues to see Reel Big Fish, Starpool and Chase Long Beach.


Starpool (essentially a reformed Save Ferris) were up first and were amazing, as always. We have had the pleasure of plying with them a few times.
We watched the Vikings lose in overtime until RBF went on. This was my first time seeing them live after having listening to them for over a decade.


These guys were unbelievable! Great sound except when the guy next to you is singing along in your ear. So many young, sweaty kids stepping on my feet and ripping my jeans. Oh well, the price price of the pit I guess. Back to the house for drinks and taco bell afterwards. Good show old boys.

Twintoos

The inspiration


Branded with pride


Jonny's ink

2nd born, 1rst under needle

Hope you're comfortable

Stupid Store: download songs or our whole album!

CD Release Party

So much to tell...so, here goes:

On February 10th the Flanders crew attacked the stage at DiPiazzas in Long Beach for our long anticipated CD Release party.  This was our first show with our rising-star, good ol boy trumpeteer: Shane.  Our stage was shared with some of our favorite bands, and friends, that we have made over the last few years.  First up was Not A Chance, a fusion of ska upbeats and anarchist punk, followed by our sexy, eclectic friends Fire At Play.  The newly reformed rock gods, Warner Drive, owned the stage with their blend of hard rock and punk.  We couldn't have had more fun on stage.  Veg bobbed ominously in his yellow shades as Joey laid down some delicious solos.  The horn section was a force to reckoned with now doubled in size but not to be outdone by Matty's hammering on the snare and double-bass pedal.  Shane amazed our fans with his vocal talents on Johnny Cash's Get Rhythm not to be outdone by our guest vocalist, Ashley, who blew everyone away by singing All Grown Up.  The room was filled with friends and family and could not have gone any better.  Until the next CD release...

Stupid Flanders cds!!!

The days of recording have come and gone. Deliberation over a cd title and artwork flew by. Delay after delay from the duplication studio is just a memory. Now a crude cardboard box is the home of 100 clones of five guys musical investment over the last few months. The result: a fantastic representation of the last few years with some of my best friends; a cd entitled: Mr. Cabury Kensington.
Now you ask, how do I get my copy? Simple. Just mail me a check for a mere $10 and I will happily mail up a copy of our...dare I say...masterpiece. If you want one faster, I have a Paypal account and you can just add funds there.
This cd is a stepping stone to better things for the Stupid Flanders clan. We just added a new trumpet player, Shane, who is amazing and a perfect fit with the band. Our cd release party is on February 10th at Dipiazzas in Long Beach so come by and celebrate with us. We also have the fortune of playing with the legendary band Fishbone at the Coachhouse on February 26th. Come out and show some stupid love!
Buy a cd. Support our band. Tell us what you think, good or bad. We are where we are due to the support of all those that are reading this blog. Thank you.

Mmmm...turkey...

An unsuspecting turkey lies in wait, submerged in a sodium and sugar bath. Various cans in all sizes and colors are opened, emptied then pushed aside like presents on Christmas morning. The fire burns, hungrily awaiting its own dinner of beans, tubers, marshmallows, tofu, and our ominous bird. Stuffing's are re hydrated and potatoes smashed, by the delicate hands of the Kelly's, join the stubborn cranberry jelly who apparently refuses to succumb to the effects of gravity or vanity. Fermented and crushed, grapes fall into glasses while delicate rolls turn Cajun in the oven, negligence due to engaging conversations. All communication stops albeit that between forks and delicious nourishment. Empty plates litter the table followed by shoeless feet attempting to force much needed blood towards the orgy of digestions commencing in the torso. The room of once witty patrons is replaced with moaning, sluggish zombies drunken with tryptophan and anchored down by a years supply of sweet-sweet potatoes. The fridge, earlier relieved of its' generous payload, is stacked Tetris-style with Tupperware, crock-pots, and aluminum-covered bowls of mashed potatoes and peas. The door is grudgingly closed on the delicacies inside as well as on another fantastic Turkey Day.

Thank you St. Valentine

In ancient Rome, Emperor Claudius II was having trouble reqruiting young men for his army. This was due to the boys not wanting to leave their new loves discovered during Lupercalia, a festival to honor Juno, Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The emperor cancelled all engagements and St. Valentine headed the call of the lovelorn and began to secretly marry couples. Once he was caught, he was beaten to death and beheaded on February 14th. Now we celebrate his love every Valentines day and if my math is correct, my parents celebrated this ancient holiday exactly 9 months before I was born. Gross as that may sound, it is nice to know that your parents celebrate the most cherished day of love throughout the year.

So now I'm 29 and still have no clue what to do with my life. I have about as much direction as a drunk baby. My birthday was good. I was texted and phoned various accolades, in French, Spanish and English, starting the day before, and continuing throughout the rest of the 'celebration.' Stupid Flanders performed down at eVocal and played brilliantly, if I do say so myself. Many of my friends/fans made some custom t-shirts with pics of me on the front of a time when I was not 'completely with it' as I donned my 'I'm The Evil Twin' shirt as an homage to Jonny. Afterwards, we retired to casa de Nate-O and drank vats of White Russians and shared in the experience of the the libation known as Absinte, graciously given to me by Veg. After hours of sips, trips, and spanks, I enjoyed some enthralling conversation then passed out on my new satin Playboy sheets, spread out for me by Ali and Lisa, along with custom pillows stamped with our inside joke. It is always good to be surrounded by good friends who care about you, even if their feelings are misplaced at times. Knowing who you are and where you came from gives you strong footholds towards the future.
On a sad note, my moving picture box (tv for the layman) of the last four or five years died. Not a huge loss. I only paid $50 for it off ebay. It served me well and got me through many a lazy nights. I stacked my alternate tv atop if for a few days and made a white trash snowman. Guess I need to buy a plasma tv now...

VIV Infomercial!!!

Finally have a video of the infomercial that Veg and were in. Have a peek, take a gander at the goodness...

The Superbroke Brass and Tin and Strings Electric Marching Band Ensemble

The opportunity to play with the Superbroke Brass and Tin and Strings Electric Marching Band Ensemble was presented to my hero, Wingman, by the Bossman, whose assistant is Danny from the Untouchables. This group of superheroes fight against the evil Anti-groove and my hero, Wingman, was thrilled to be a part of the show. We gathered outside of Molly Malones in LA to go over the upcoming set. The ensemble tonight consisted of three guitars, a bass, drums, two claramins (synthesizers), two vocals, bongo drum, trombone, two trumpets, flugelhorn, and two tenor saxes. Wingman hit the stage and did his best to keep up with the eclectic group of heroes. The center stage and mic was shared by Wingman and Bossman. What an honor! After about an hour set, and flying through the crowd, as well as some super posing, hands were shaked, congratulations given and received, and the ensemble dispersed until the next time they were needed again to battle the evil that is the Anti-groove!