Forget the Times explores the Northwoods

We spent the last couple days exploring Michigan’s upper peninsula and experiencing an even deeper appreciation for the state we live in. Josh ate a pasty for the first time. Witnessed Lake Superior still frozen in mid-May. Played two very cool shows to some very supportive people. Spent a handful of hours hiking through the woods until we found a waterfall. Mae sighted not one, but two black bears. Too sore to do much in the way of exploration today so we meandered our way through the long drive to Flint. It was a bit disappointing to cross that bridge back into the mitten so soon.

-W∆GS

The North

We’ve spent the last two+ weeks dreading and regretting our decision to tour through the Upper Peninsula. It seemed like a great idea a few months ago, but we had been hearing lots of stories that everything was still covered in snow and fucked up. Turns out, its BEAUTIFUL up here! Sure it’s colder than the bottom half, and there a few spots of leftover snow piles, but nothing like what we had been led to believe. Feels good to be surrounded by so much Pure Michigan!

So here’s the catch up:

James states home in MPLS. Couldn’t do the full rout this time. Duty calls.

On the way out of town, we made a pit stop on the side of the highway. Spent some time exploring a river, bridge and nature trail. The kind of thing that makes tour really worth it.

Played Tuesday night in Wausau, WI. It’s been two years since we played at The Stank (Wausau’s premier basement). Bar we played at ruled. Good vibes. TONS of free beer. Electronic jukebox where we found a 19 minute Captain Beefheart song to play. Played with the band Poney. Those dudes have come a long way. Really liked their set. Heavily influenced by Baroness and Mastodon. Our set started with a solid crowd and ended with 2 people. That’s when you know we’re on some next level shit.

Ended up getting a hotel after the show. We’re somehow making enough to afford this rare luxury.

Played a killer show tonight in Houghton, MI. Currently staying the night at the house of Silence Dogood (we’re playing here tomorrow). Will post with more details on all that tomorrow. Still have a bunch of pics and a few videos. Stay tuned!5

-sean

Minneapolis cont’d

Minneapolis is certainly one of the most beautiful cities I’ve had the pleasure of spending my time. Can’t say enough positive things about a city with this much infrastructure for cycling, free art museums, and bowling allies with weekly punk nights. Also, James Duke.

-W∆GS

On The Road Again

After two days in MPLS, we’re back on the ol’ dusty. Driving to Wausau, WI. Last time we played here it was awesome. Looking forward to what round two has for us.

Before leaving we checked out the amazing Minneapolis Institute Of Arts. Maybe the best one I’ve ever seen. Huge variety of styles represented. Could easily spend a full day exploring that place.

Excellent breakfast from the local food co-op and we’re all ready to experience the rest of this tour.

Check out some pics:

-Sean

Minneapolis Recap

We’re currently stationed in Beautiful Minneapolis, MN. Day off yesterday and just played out 2nd show of tour tonight at Memory Lanes. The dudes are back at the venue and I wandered off to find food ($6 pizza slices at the venue will not be tolerated). Waiting for a pizza at Domino’s while I write this.

MPLS rules. Probably the cleanest big city in America. James gave us the hot tip on several spots to explore today. Bought some dope vinyl at Treehouse Records and Extreme Noise. Walked around the Sculpture Gardens and a cool park. Got some radd food at the local co-op.

Tomorrow we’re gonna check out the Minneapolis Institute Of Arts then drive to Wausau, WI. Best tour. Best friends!

-Sean

Concord Zoo

When in beautiful Wisconsin, be sure to stop at the Concord Zoo, which is in fact a petting zoo – and a delightfully cute one at that.

-W∆GS

Krangin’ Out

Minneapolis, MN

-W∆GS

This is what you’re supposed to do at rock clubs, right?

-W∆GS

Forget the Times Team Breakfast

Collective breakfast effort at Scheme City in Milwaukee.

-Wags

Milwaukee

This city is beautiful. As James has said, it seems to get better every time we come here. Come to think of it, I’ve never really had a bad experience.

Last night ruled. Played a killer outdoor shows with a Pixes cover band, an Alkaline Trio cover band and a dude doing acoustic covers of the 2004 Rock Against Bush CD. You’d think a weirdo noise rock band wouldn’t fit in with all that, nut people seemed to be all about it!

Followed the music with a Pizza Shuttle party then crashed with our dudes at Scheme City. Russ and Josh went to a bar while the rest of us got our beauty sleep.

Day off today. Driving to Minneapolis. Gotta get some vinyl sleeves, Iron Skillet and Jon’s Bass Head. Adventure awaits.

-Sean