STARVING ARTISTS “SING FOR THEIR SUPPER”
New York, NY – The biggest bands in the world have a concept to promote their tour. U2 did Zoo TV and the 360 Tour, the Rolling Stones had A Bigger Bang; so when Americana singer-songwriter Israel Nash Gripka and indie garage rockers The Fieros began planning their U.S. jaunt, they decided to be candid and “Sing For Their Supper.”
In March, the artists will set sail from New York City to the southern United States, stopping along the route to locally owned and operated diners and other food joints, with guitars, and forks, in hand. Both acts will sing a song or three for one free meal, a tour premise not only feeding the bands their much needed daily sustenance, but also presenting a departure from the way individuals hear independent artists.
“Everyone eats food,” says Gripka. “So we’re going to bring our music to them, while they’re dining, for a completely different way of performing and listening to music and meeting people across the country.”
During their journey, both bands will be video-blogging from the road. The videos will be up hosted by The Alternate Root, an interactive music magazine featuring all genres of traditional American roots and Americana music.
Israel Nash Gripka, the son of a Baptist minister, grew up in Ozark churches and was exposed to gospel music in all of its forms. His father also kept a collection of records that granted access to the world of classic rock n’ roll. Here, Gripka learned about song-craft from The Beatles, grit from The Stones, and story telling from Credence Clearwater Revival and Townes Van Zandt.
Gripka is touring in support of his debut solo album New York Town, which reached #18 on the U.S. Americana Airplay Charts and #2 on the Euro Americana charts. Americana UK called New York Town, “an album that mixesthe ebullience of a storytelling RichardThompson with the songwriting panache ofRyan Adams. A real gem to start off 2009 and a name I will be keeping a close eye on for sure.”
The Fieros are a straight up, no-frills Texas-American rock band. Formed in 2005 and honored with Dallas Observer awards for “Best New Act” in 2006 and “Best Indie Rock” in 2007, their fan base has continued to grow steadily. In their short time together they have opened for such acts as The B-52’s, The Polyphonic Spree, Okkervil River, The Redwalls, The Whigs and The Black Angels, and played over 200 shows in the southwest region. In 2008 The Fieros relocated to Brooklyn and recently released their self-titled debut EP.Front-man Joey McClellan, fresh off a tour with Hymns and Daniel Johnston, brings the melodic guitars and hooky riffs that make their songs feel instantly familiar. His co-songwriting brother Aaron McClellan provides the warm growling bass tones and powerful harmonies. Drummer McKenzie Smith of Midlake, Regina Spector, and St.Vincent fame brings the infectious drum grooves that make the EP a foot-stomping, anthemic classic. Recorded live at Midlake Studios in Denton, Texas over three whiskey-fueled nights, The Fieros EP is a throwback to the days when Rock and Roll still had swagger.
The "Sing For Your Your Supper" touring band is Israel Nash Gripka(Harmonica, Vox, Guitar), Joey McClellan(Guitar, Vox), Aaron McClellan(Bass, Vox) & Chris Grace, lead singer of Black Light Rumble (Drums, percussion) taking over on drums while McKenzie is on the road promoting the new Midlake album.
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THE SING FOR YOUR SUPPER TOUR – w/ Israel Nash Gripka & The Fieros:
March 7th Bridgeport, CT Acoustic Café 5:00pm
March 8th New York, NY Jae Deli** 7:30pm
March 9th Baltimore, MD Broadway Diner ** 1:30pm
March 9th Richmond, VA Gallery 5 7:00pm
March 10th Asheville, NC Burgermeister’s ** 5:30pm
March 10th Asheville, NC The Garage 8:00pm
March 11th Knoxville, TN WDVX Radio # 12:00pm
March 11th Knoxville, TN Big Fatty’s ** 1:30pm
March 11th Knoxville, TN The Square Room # 7:00pm
March 12th Nashville, TN Elliston Place Soda Shop** 2:30pm
March 14th Denton, TX Nx35 % TBA
March 16th Dallas, TX All Good Café ** 1:00pm
March 17th Houston, TX KPFT Radio # 11:00am
March 17th Houston, TX Mango’s 9:00pm
March 18th Driftwood, TX Salt Lick BBQ ** 1:00pm
March 19th Fredericksburg, TX KFAN Radio # 11:30am
March 20th Austin, TX MANIC FEST DESTINY At The Belmont 5:15pm
March 20th Austin, TX UT Block Party Benefit % 8:00pm
March 21st Dallas, TX La Grange 9:00pm
March 22nd Oklahoma City, OK Nic’s Grill ** 12:30pm
March 23rd Monett, MO Mocha Joe’s ** 6:30pm
March 25th South Greenfield, MO Grandma’s ** 1:00pm
March 25th Springfield, MO Lindberg’s 8:00pm
March 26th Lebanon, MO Cornerstone Subs & Pizza ** 12:30pm
March 26th Columbia, MO BXR Radio # 5:00pm
March 26th Columbia, MO The Blue Note 8:00pm
March 27th St. Louis, MO Iron Barley ** 6:00pm
March 27th St. Louis, MO Off Broadway 9:00pm
March 29th Louisville, KY Lynn’s Paradise Café ** 12:30pm
March 29th Louisville, KY WFPK # 3:30pm
April 2nd New York, NY Pianos 8:00pm
** Restaurant Gig
# Israel Nash Gripka only
% The Fieros only
For more information on THE SING FOR YOUR SUPPER TOUR, please contact:
Jeff Kilgour @ Tijuana Gift Shop
(917) 678-4420
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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