Po'Blog

2011-10-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

We've been selected to be featured on the 2011-2012 season of WXXI's OnStage. (Woah, it's back!) We'll be recording an hour-long set next week, and we want YOU, our most awesome fans, to be a part of it!

Monday, 17 Oct 2011

6:30-8:30pm

WXXI Studios (State Street, Rochester, NY)

If you can commit to being there, you can be our audience, and for FREE! Here's the deal:

***Email our Po'Girl, Michelle, and tell her you want in. We'll get back to you with details. (Super-secret television recording details!!!)***
Michelle@PoBoysBrassBand.com

Also, after the recording, there'll be a wrap party - wine, beer, music, and mingling. So, you get to have drinks with the band!

Wait, what the heck is OnStage?

It's Happenin' in June!

2011-06-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's finally summertime in the Northeast! And we've got lots of goodies on our calendar for the summer, and more to add soon. In June, we're covering the town with brassy funk, and it all starts tomorrow...

The East End Festival is the officially the unofficial start of the Rochester festival season. And it's the only major Rochester music festival that the PBBB hasn't played yet. So, we're stoked to get out there! The show's at 7:20pm tomorrow. All the details (including which stage and where the heck that is along East Avenue) can be found here.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival is the most happenin' event in the history of Rochester. And we're back for our annual appearance on the most happenin' stage - the Jazz Street Stage. We're closing out the festival this year with two sets on Saturday, June 18, at 7:15 & 9:15pm, and it's FREE. Not to be missed!

Water Street Music Hall, in Downtown Rochester, is hosting Love in Stockholm, a very brassy rock band from Boston. And guess who's opening the show? The PBBB takes the stage at Water Street on Friday, June 24 at 9pm. Tickets are $7 in advance (which can be purchased at either of the above-mentioned shows, or here), and is a bargain of a price for the amount of brassy rock funk that will be packed into this night!

We've also got some radio show appearances happening this month:

Open Tunings w/ Scott Regan - 9:30am, Friday June 24 on 88.5FM. Listen Live And...

Sunday Night Shakedown w/ Frank & Woody - 8:30pm, Sunday June 19 on 98.9FM. Listen Live

Roll up your sleeves and get funky with the Po'Boys Brass Band in June!

Lighting up Roc City with some Po'Funk!

2011-04-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hey, Po'Fans! The Po'Boys Brass Band has two shows on Saturday evening. Cause we just love playing for six straight hours!

At 9:30pm, we'll be at our regular haunt, Abilene (153 Liberty Pole Way, Downtown).

Admission is only $3. But, it's FREE if you bring a couple canned goods.

This show is to benefit Catholic Family Center's Food Pantry. So, let's all pitch in! On Facebook? RSVP to the Event, and invite your friends!

And, if you still haven't purchased our new CD, we'll have 'em here (with t-shirts and posters, too). (Can't make it? Buy online!)

If you've got some extra cash in your pocket, and you want to support some seriously important culture in our fair city, you should check out our earlier engagement.

At 7pm, we'll be performing at ArtisanWorks to benefit the Hochstein School of Music and Dance. The event is called "A Night in the Big Easy." Did they hire the right band, or what?

There's gonna be Creole food, a fortune-teller, street artists, a silent auction, and lots of other NOLA-inspired stuff. And, of course, dancing to PBBB! It's a $50 ticket which can be purchased by calling 585.454.4403. All the details are here.

Now that the weather's FINALLY getting nice, we know you're itching to let loose with some funk. So, come and get it!

XRIJF 2011 Lineup Announced

2011-03-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today, the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival announced their official 2011 lineup. We're so excited to have been asked back for the 3rd year in a row on the Jazz Street Stage! This year we're appearing on Saturday, June 18th (the final day of the festival) at the center of it all. As in years past, we'll have two sets. One at 7:15pm and the other at 9:15 pm. Get there early to get a good view. Things get pretty packed pretty fast!

CD Release Party Details - TONIGHT!

2011-03-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night! That's right, Po'Fans, it's the party of the century! We're celebrating and we want you there with us!

You'll get a bumper sticker just for walking in the door!

Give aways all night long - door prizes AND toss-offs.

There'll be Zappa-themed drink specials. Check these out:

- "Titties and Beer" Draft Special - 3 Heads Blimey 4.00

- "The Yellow Snow - 3.00 Bud Light Bottles

- "Why does it hurt when I Pee" - 4.00 Vodka Cranberry Drinks

And Special Merch:

- Special new CD price - $10 this night only!

- New CD/Poster bundle - $15

- New T-shirts - $16 any size

- Ultimate Fan Package raffle - $1/ticket or $5/6 tickets. (Package includes one autographed CD, one autographed poster, and one t-shirt.)

8pm - Doors open.

9pm - Opening set - Funktastic KRISTEN MAXFIELD.

10:30 - Main set - PO'BOYS BRASS BAND rockin' the galaxy! We'll play two sets, so plan to hang around awhile.

Lovin Cup Bistro, 300 Park Point Dr. (in Henrietta, next to RIT)

Admission - $8 or $5 with student ID

Don't miss out. You'll be sad, and we'll be sad. So, see you there! With smiles and 'staches.

PBBB on the air!

2011-03-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

The band has a gig tonight - a gig that everyone can attend! It's on the radio (and streaming online)!

At 9pm tonight, Frank De Blase will feature PBBB on his regular Sunday Night Shakedown show on 98.9 The Buzz, Rochester.

We'll be giving away autographed copies of the new CD, Intergalactic Mustache Parade.

We'll be giving away tickets to the CD Release Party (March 19 in Rochester).

We'll be debuting songs from the album.

We'll be playing our horns.

We'll be talking about music, recording, our most excellent fans, and the color of everyone's socks.

Check us out at 98.9 FM Rochester or online at Sunday Night Shakedown.

Don't miss it! And don't miss our CD Release Party - Saturday, March 19.

Sellout, featuring Alyssa Coco available as a FREE Download

2011-03-09T06:51:00.001-08:00

We're happy to announce the release of our second single, Sellout featuring Alyssa Coco. Alyssa is the amazingly talented lead singer of Rochester band Tinted Image. You might remember her as Rochester's darling a few years back on American Idol. Tinted Image is going places, and we're super-lucky to have been able to collaborate with Alyssa before she's a mega star. We know you'll like her work. You can download Sellout for FREE today!

IMP Presale Glitch will be Resolved Today

It was brought to our attention last night that there was a glitch in our website shop. Apparently when people clicked to preorder Intergalactic Mustache Parade for the fantastic preorder price of $10.99, the cart would show that you owed $14.99. The good folks at Nimbit are on it, and the issue should be resolved today. Be sure to check the store and preorder your copy of IMP while it's still only $10.99!

We're Going to Debut Several IMP Tracks LIVE on the air!

On Sunday, March 13th, the PBBB will be live and in-studio on the Sunday Night Shakedown with Frank de Blase in Rochester, NY (98.9 FM). This will be your chance to hear tracks from the album before the official release. Not in Rochester? No problem! You can stream live from any computer here.

Enjoy the new single y'all!

- PBBB

Pre Order Intergalactic Mustache Parade TODAY!

2011-03-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Today marks a big day for mustache lovers throughout the universe! Our new album, Intergalactic Mustache Parade, is available for pre order starting TODAY! Didn't get a chance to get an early copy through Kickstarter? Just head on over to our web shop and order today!

Click Here to Pre Order Intergalactic Mustache Parade TODAY!

Here's the link: http://poboysbrassband.com/shop.html

Don't forget to download our FREE SINGLE, Groovebone, on our web store too!

- PBBB

Last Day: BIG Prize!

2011-02-27T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hi Po'Friends,

It's the last day of our Kickstarter campaign! YAY! We're so excited with how far you've taken us, and eager to move into the second phase of promotion...our first FREE SINGLE!

But before we get there, we've done something big. We created a new 'ultimate fan' donation package! Not only have we COMBINED the best parts of all our biggest packages; we've also REDUCED the price! $800 gets you unlimited PBBB tickets for life, a private performance, and an ultimate care package complete with 5 autographed copies of the new album for you and your friends!

The prize is limited to 2 people, so first come, first served. If you know of anybody who hasn't donated yet and is a big Po'Fan, let them know about this! We're just $800 away from meeting our ultimate funding goal for this album, and with little more than 15 hours left, it's crunch time!

Thanks so much everybody!

- PBBB

Save the Date: Monday, March 28th

2011-02-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

That's the day when the first single from our new album will be available for FREE DOWNLOAD on our new web store. That's right. We love you so much for helping us that we're giving you the first single for FREE! The download will be available on our new online store at our website:

http://poboysbrassband.com/index.html

And there's only 4 days left to donate to our Kickstarter campaign! Be the FIRST to get the album, a week before it's released! Here's the link: http://kck.st/fdczSs

Set your alarms, bookmark the PBBB website, and get ready to shake your 'Groovebone'...

- PBBB

Minimum Funding Reached! Um...Now What?!

2011-02-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Dearest friends,

After just over one week, due to your tremendous outpouring of love and support, we've managed to make our minimum funding goal! Reaching this minimum amount means that the album is guaranteed to be funded. And you're guaranteed to get all your cool prizes!

Now what? Well, album costs are pretty steep. $2,000 will barely cover the cost of the first pressing, licensing, and distribution. Album costs include mixing, mastering, graphic design, online promotion, merchandize manufacturing, Release Party costs, and promotional costs (even down to the envelopes and stamps we have to buy for promotional distribution).

What does this mean? This means that we still need your help! Please get the word out! We still have 7 days left on the campaign and would ideally like to make an extra $1,000-$1,500. Is this a tall order? You bet! But we came prepared!

Unfortunately, we've had to limit the number of prizes at the $100-$250 range. This is mainly because to get the CD manufactured in time we've had to stop taking more Kickstarter names! Don't worry, though. Everyone who purchased a prize at the $100 and $250 level to date are in the album's thank you section! You're actually on the album, how cool is that?!

So...that just means we needed to come up with more cool prizes. And we have cool new prizes at the $100 level that, although might not get your name in the album, will still make you feel plenty satisfied!

Please email, blog, smoke-signal, and slap your friends in the face if they haven't gone over and donated to the great trombone-sousaphone-drums-guitar-funk-rock-pop-jazz-gospel-ska-reggae-album of ALL TIME!!

Mustachely Yours-

- PBBB

The PBBB Featured by Eastman's Institute for Music Leadership

2011-02-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

We wanted to take a moment to share this with you. The PBBB was recently interviewed by Eastman's Institute for Music Leadership.

The IML is the first of its kind in the country- a professional institute within a music conservatory whose sole purpose is to prepare their talented musicians for the business end of music. This is a program we wholeheartedly endorse, and a few of the members are also graduates of the program (CVH got his start in radio through it).

We're very humbled and excited that they decided to do a feature on us, and we're right on the front page of their website. Check it out!

And in other news, we're just a little over $500 away from our Kickstarter goal. If you haven't had a chance, check out our Kickstarter page. $10 gets you a pre-release digital copy of the new album. You'll have it before anyone else!

Here's the link: http://kck.st/fdczSs

Can't wait to share more with you soon!

- PBBB

Album Artwork has Arrived!

2011-02-14T09:45:00.002-08:00

Welcome to the Intergalactic Mustache Parade!

Original Artwork and design by Beth Sumner (www.otakulab.com)

- PBBB

The PBBB Launches a Kickstarter Fundraiser!

2011-02-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

The PBBB is just about set to release their new album, Intergalactic Mustache Parade. There's only one issue! They need your help!

As we all know, the music business is constantly changing. The influence of the almighty record label over the industry has all but vanished, leaving a great opportunity in its wake. You, the fan, can now pick and choose what you believe to be good music and worthy of your support. And you can do this in an intimate way which has never before been possible. The Po'Boys Brass Band has recently launched a fundraiser through the website Kickstarter.com. This is a new interactive website which allows fans to make direct contributions to their favorite artists' various projects. We've seen several other bands which we love succeed in the releasing their music independently because of this great tool.

We hope you'll take a second to watch this video for more info:

If you're interested in helping, CLICK ON THIS LINK!

Thanks so much!

-PBBB

PBBB Live on the air

2011-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

The PBBB recently took a trip over to the Jazz 90.1 FM studios in Rochester for a live performance! We'll put some samples up on line soon, but here's a video clip for now...

Get in Shape with Mike and Erik...Po'Training!

2010-09-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Erik is losing the flabbity flizzab for the CD Release, and he's taking Mike down with him! Come along and see how the PBBB gets in Funky Fighting Shape....

Fill out our Po'Survey and be the first to hear our new album!

2010-08-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

We need your help, and have something very special to give you in return- a sneak peak at our new album!

All you have to do is follow the link below and fill out a quick survey for us. The survey is confidential and will only be used for our self-improvement. In return we're giving you a link to download a pre-mixed copy of Burnout, a new track off our upcoming album. This is a rare chance to hear a behind-the-scenes track and get a little insight into the recording process...not to mention the song is awesome!

Click here to take survey

Thank you so much! Oh, and let us know what you think of the new track!

Ithaca Brass Band gets their time in the Spotlight

2010-08-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

I remember what it felt like the first time I met one of my musical heroes. It happened for me when the PBBB opened for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Party in the Park in 2008. I grew up listening to BBVD. I remember how cool it was to see them on the silver screen in Swingers with their zoot suits swinging it out. I never would've thought I would have the opportunity to not only meet them, but share the same stage with them. It's a gig I'll never forget. And their support and friendship ever since has been a guiding light for the PBBB and our career as a band.

Turns out there's a band in Ithaca that's fixing to do the same thing this Saturday. They're young, hungry, and out there hustling. And this Saturday they're opening for a band that they look up to and admire. They're about to meet some of their heroes.

Willie Nelson? Bob Dylan? Nope.

Their name is the Fall Creek Brass Band, and they're playing with the Po'Boys Brass Band.

Wow...you can imagine what it felt like to check these guys out and read their biography on their website and find out that they consider us one of their main influences. Here I am doing the same thing they're doing...young, hustling, and anyone who knows me knows I'm always hungry.

When did the Po'Boys Brass Band go from weekend novelty act to 'major influence'?? I can't tell you how honored it makes us to know that people out there are actually touched by what we do. I guess at the end of the day that's the best thing you could ever ask for.

So thank you, Fall Creek Brass Band. Now let's rock it out on Saturday.
-ej

Photo Journal from the 2010 XRIJF

2010-07-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, 2010 the PBBB took center stage at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival...and rocked the house. This was our 2nd appearance at the XRIJF, and just like the first one, it blew our expectations out of the water. It's hard to explain to anybody who's not in music what it feels like to have the opportunity to take the stage at an international music festival, in the heart of your own town. You loved us Rochester! And we can't thank you enough!
In order to show our appreciation for you making this gig so special, we decided to ask our good friend and photographer, Gary Ventura, to come out and document the experience through our eyes. After sifting through over 300 photos, we put together a photo journal of sorts to share with you!

Gary has shot the Gym Class Heroes, and is a regular road-warrior, touring with famous bands and snapping amazing live photos. We hope you enjoy his work with us. Let us know what you think!

Exclusive Fan Download Live from the 2010 XRIJF!

2010-07-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Po'Fans. Our good friend Craig from Audio Renaissance was out for our first set at the 2010 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest. Because we love you SO MUCH, we wanna give you a FREE download of Evan's new tune, 'Get Duppy'.

All you have to do to get it is go to this link. If you're already signed up for our email list, simply download the tune! If you're not on our mailing list yet, join today!

For a chance to win a download of our ENTIRE SET (10 songs), be sure to join the Street Team and join our newest Mission! Winner gets the entire concert on download!

-PBBB

Delaware and Gulf Coast Aid

2010-07-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

We have a busy 4th of July weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow we head out to Delaware where we'll be making our 'First State' debut on beautiful Rehoboth Beach. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand has an ongoing free outdoor concert series and we're excited to be a part of it. The show kicks off at 8pm on Friday, July 2nd and goes till 9:15. Get there early and get ready to dance!

There's another reason why we're so excited to travel to Delaware. We've been given the great opportunity to help raise funds for the Delaware Coast Gulf Aid benefit. There will be a donation bucket that will be passed around the audience during our show. So hit up the ATM and unload those Benjamins to help out those in need!

Anyone who knows this band knows the close ties we have with the great city of New Orleans. It pains us to see that this region of the U.S. is once-again threatened by devastation. It's important that we all do everything in our power to keep the Crescent City and all her neighbors and inhabitants healthy and vibrant. We're happy to do this little thing and hope you'll come out and support the effort.

We'll be staying in Rehoboth Beach overnight and hitting up the beach and local brewery: Dogfish Head! Of course, if you have a 4th of July party and are looking for a little NOLA brass funk rock to get things rollin', we'll be around!

While we'll be working hard to create awareness and raise some bucks, this weekend is all about PARTYING!! HAPPY 4TH, YAY AMERICA!!

-ej

2010 XRIJF Recap

2010-06-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

The XRIJF is over, and like the rest of Rochester, the PBBB is still trying to catch our breath (and nurse our hangover). The 2010 edition of one of the greatest music festivals in the country ended with a bang...the last night bringing in well over 160,000 people (over 30,000 more than last year). And the PBBB was once again in the middle of the thick of it, playing two blistering sets on the Jazz Street Stage on the last Friday night of the festival.

The Jazz Fest is a busy time for the guys in the band. In addition to all the work we do in preparation for our performance, the guys were all involved with several other projects that played at the festival: Dave Rivello Ensemble and Rick Holland Evan Dobbins Little Big Band to just name a few. And when there was a spare minute to breathe, just like the rest of the city, you found us out listening to Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Trombone Shorty and the rest of them, jumping and screaming and hootin' and hollerin' like the rest of em'!

This was our second Jazz Fest in a row, and without a doubt I can say that the XRIJF crowd is hands-down the greatest crowd we play in front of all year. I don't know exactly what it is...hometown crowd? well-informed jazz-lovers? music appreciators of all kind? Whatever it is, from the first to the last note Rochester gives you an unbelievable amount of love and we hope we gave you a fraction of that love back on Friday night!

There were some personal highlights on stage. For me, the band really hit its stride in the 2nd set. From the very top, RAF Riff was on fire. Probably my favorite moment came out of Jimi's Bones. That song more than any other seemed to just have everything lock in place...Nick's FX really started working right, the sound and mix was great, and the band was feeling it...and boy YOU were feeling it too. We're going to look into releasing a few songs from our live recording of the show for you, our fans, for FREE. We'll keep you posted. I'm thinking Jimi's Bones might make the cut...

We had a great photographer come out, Gary Ventura. His work is what you see in this blog. There will be a full photo journal of our two sets available in the near-future for your viewing pleasure.

Without trying to get sappy, I just have to tell you how great it feels to get so much love from a home crowd. In the short 2 1/2 years we've been together, Rochester has really opened up its arms and claimed us as one of their own. I can't tell you how many people came up to me on the street just to thank me and tell me how much they loved the band. First, I was in shock that people recognized me (although as officially the biggest dude in the band, I guess I shouldn't be that shocked), then alone to know our band and music. THANK YOU ROCK-CHESTER!

I'll leave you with this thought that Rachel Barnhart from 13 Wham Tweeted: "Jazz Fest is the best thing to happen to Rochester in years."

I couldn't agree more. I hope we do it again. And again. And again...

Doctor Tuba...

2010-04-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Tuba T. J. stays busy these days. As the only guy in Rochester who plays -among other things- orchestral tuba, funk sousaphone, upright and electric bass and contrabass trombone (yes that's right), Tuba T. J. is but a blur on the stage as he runs from one gig to the next. If his onstage antics aren't impressive-enough, T. J. recently graduated from the Eastman School of Music with his DOCTORATE in tuba performance! T. J. is the first guy to to attain the title 'Doctor Tuba' from the highly selective school in over a decade, and he has the funny Galileo-like hat to prove it. In addition to the title El Doctor, T. J. has a group of his own. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the late Johnny Cash, T. J.'s band, CASH Back, is not your regular cover band. They breathe new life into these tunes and a new generation is falling in love with Cash's music all over again. CASH Back's debut album is now available for purchase. To purchase the album, contact T. J. Click here now.

T. J. is also engaged and soon to be married to our own Po'Girl, Sarah! You can see Sarah at many a Po'Boys show as well as T. J.'s other gigs. Sarah, a musician and Eastman grad herself, is also highly active in the music world around Rochester. Congrats to Sarah and Tuba T. J., our very first Po'Mance!!

We recently shot a YouTube Video about Tuba T. J. Check it out!

For more info about Tuba T. J. and how/where to buy CASH Back's CD, visit his website at TJRicer.com

PBBB Launches Education Outreach Program

2010-04-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

After a year spent in development, we're happy to announce the official launch of the Po'Boys Brass Band Education Outreach Program! It's something we've been thinking about for a long time. Wherever we've gone, we've always been asked if we do education performances. It made sense to really sit back and think about what we wanted to accomplish with our time spent with students, and exactly what we wanted our message to be. After a long time thinking about it, we've come up with this: Education Outreach Outline.

So...if you're a student reading this who loves the Po'Boys, and want to have us come to your school, send your teachers the link above! If you're a person who feels the PBBB could make an impact in your community and schools, please take the time to read about our mission and start making some noise!

I'm happy to say that we have multiple education tours across the country in the works for the coming Fall 2010/Spring 2011. Of course, if you have suggestions on where to go next, we're all ears!

Hope to see you soon!

-ej

Baby it's COLD Outside!

2010-01-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hi there Po'Fans!

Erik here. It's been a while since I sat down to give you all an update. I'm so sorry! The band's taking a much-needed and deserved vacation. It was only supposed to be through the holidays, but then work started piling up with other projects and, well...you know.

TJ is getting ready for his comps. He's working toward finishing his Doctorate at Eastman and has literally been in the books for quite some time now. Nick is getting ready for the big move to NYC. That's right! Nick is heading out to the city this summer to take a shot at the Big Apple. CT is busy working for the rights of freelance musicians in Rochester, creating awareness and a sense of community through the Rochester Freelance Musician's Forum on Facebook. Mike, CVH and Evan continue to work their butts off with their various jobs, projects, etc.

As for me, I'm in the middle of my third year of study at Eastman and am enjoying work with other things. I wrapped up a tour with the Eastman Wind Ensemble this past December where we played at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in front of over 4,000 music educators, performers and students. It was a wild experience! Totally different vibe from a PBBB show, but still just as electrifying. I played bass trombone for that tour...something I'm still working on and enjoying. Who knows, there might be a PBBB tune in the future with me on the big horn....

So with all this change and work, what's happening with the band? Well, taking time off is a very healthy thing for a band. It gives you time to reflect on the positives, and the things that need room for improvement. Once you have the time to clear your head and think about it all, it helps clear your head and see the way forward a little more clearly.

The first and most important thing is we've realized how much we love playing together. And for that matter, we absolutely love our fans. You guys make what we do so enjoyable! We have had a bunch of really excellent shows lately and we want to keep that going. We're changing up some things on the business end that will make what we do a little easier and fun.

So when's the next PBBB gig? We're not looking to book anything this winter. We're going to start things back up here with a series of rehearsals aimed at one thing: new music. We'll continue to meet and build up new material throughout the winter and come out this summer swinging hard. We're happy to announce that we'll be going back to the Rochester International Jazz Festival this year. We will also be returning to the Geneseo Summer Concert Series in July.

A lot more than that is in the works, but too early to announce anything just yet.

Whew! Okay, glad I finally sat down and did this. We can't thank you all enough for sticking with us and showing so much love! We're constantly humbled with the support we receive from you. We like hearing from you! Please don't hesitate to let us know what you think! Drop us a line sometime!

Best,

ej

Day 4: Ithaca and Recap

2009-10-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

After NYC, the Po'Trailer hit the road again, this time to Ithaca, NY. We arrived in about 4 hours and immediately hit up Ithaca College. If you've never been to this part of NY, it's amazingly beautiful. Ithaca's a quaint college town in the midst of the Finger Lakes region of New York. The band has been through here a few times and we know one thing about Ithaca for sure: they love their live music.

We ended up at Ithaca College doing a performance lecture for the students there before hitting a local establishment to finish up the tour. The crowds were awesome and we were very appreciative. At that point in the tour, I think I can speak on behalf of the entire band when saying that it was time to get back home. We love the road but our beds were calling us. Regardless of how tired we were, we still melted faces at the shows and gave it 100%.

Looking back at the entire tour, I have to say how happy I am with the end result. In total, we drove over 700 miles and played over 12.5 hours in front of great crowds all in a little over 3 days. There were never any diva moments or guys arguing. I think most-importantly, the music developed and got better as we progressed through the tour. There were a lot of amazing musical moments that happened throughout the course of the tour. Maybe things that would be hard to pick up when you're watching, but for the guys in the band I know it makes all the difference when you can have the freedom to open things up and try new stuff without running the risk of everything getting messed up.

We can't thank everybody enough for the love and support. To the fans who came out and watched, to the folks who put us up for an evening, to the sponsors and promotion people who made it happen...we can't thank you all enough.

Look out for more tours in the near-future. And watch the website for some important announcements.

Yeah you right!!!

ej

Day 3: NYC

2009-10-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

After lots of laughs with old and new friends at Penn State it was time for us to hit the road and drive on through to the Big Apple. The drive itself was gorgeous. It's fall around these parts and the hills of Pennsylvania were an amazing site and inspiring to drive through.

After another 4 hours of road time logged in (the Po'Wagon is about to hit 100,000 miles!), we began to see the New York cityscape in the early afternoon. We knew there would be free parking at the club so we made sure to get to the city around an hour before parking became legal to get us a good spot in front Sullivan Hall. We made our way through with Maggie (our GPS system) and hit the Holland Tunnel ready to enter Manhattan. As we were about to hit the checkpoint, I said "Wow, this trip has been good logistically speaking so far." Without a surface of wood to knock on, I knocked on my head...

Not more than a minute later the lady at the gate told us trailers weren't allowed into the Holland Tunnel and we would have to be re-routed to the Lincoln Tunnel. We obliged, but not before a Port Authority policeman stopped us to search our trailer. By the time we got back on the road, the infamous NYC rush-hour began and we were soon stuck in a complete traffic jam.

Moving on for what seemed like an eternity, we finally got close to the Lincoln Tunnel. The traffic eased off and we were soon going at a decent speed when we got stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel traffic! ARGH!

Needless to say, NYC kicked our ass that evening and we were all a little on edge driving through Manhattan with the Po'Trailer. Luckily we managed to find the club okay and there was still free parking right in front of Sullivan Hall.

After a quick dinner of falafels and Mexican food, we walked around New York for about an hour and then quickly realized that there simply wasn't enough time to really do anything, so we found a nice looking sports bar in the Village and settled in to watch the the Vikings/Green Bay game.

After a few brews it was time to hit the club. The Sugartone Brass Band was laying it down good and funky. Man, these guys have soul. They took me right back to the sights and sounds of New Orleans and made me homesick more than ever! Nick sat in and jammed with the band since they were short a trombone player and of course he kicked ass.

As the evening continued, the crowd started thinning out. With it being a Monday night, I was happy we had any crowd, but by the time we took the stage (11:40-ish), a few dedicated friends and fans were around but the rest of the place was empty.

Undeterred, the 'Boys unleashed a fury of funk in the faces of all. We hit em' hard with good old favorites like RAF Riff, Garbage Platin', and Man Power while introducing a few newer ones like Sellout and our version of Carry on Wayward Son. The evening concluded with Jimi's Bones. The amazing lighting system in the club created an ethereal atmosphere when Nick began shredding the intro. The crowd of the mighty few exploded at the end and our first show at NYC was over.

After the dust settled and we made it out of the city, I began to think about the experience. What was great, what could've been better, and what we'll never do again. Overall, I'm excited about last night. There were some logistical and technical issues that came up, but we were well-received by the people who stuck around and the club management really enjoyed us. We know we're welcome back to the city any time.

Shows like last night aren't anything the band makes a ton of money on, but I can't think of a musician out there who wouldn't agree that it's one of the most-exciting things in the world for your band to play NYC. It's a mixture of intimidation and all-encompassing love. And for your music to be well received is all the payment we need. We'll be back, NYC. Thanks for the good times.

We're off to Ithaca today for the final leg of the tour. We teach at Ithaca College for the good people in the Ithaca Trombone Troupe and Hal Reynolds. Then we take the party to a local favorite club called The Nines. It's the first time we've played there and we're looking forward to it.

Thanks for keeping in touch with the band and our adventures! Leave a comment and let us know what you think about NYC!!

-ej

Day 2: Penn State

2009-10-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

After a great show at the Bullfrog, we packed up the Po'Trailer and headed to State College, PA to play for the great students at Penn State! We did a performance lecture for music students where we talked about music entrepreneurship, freelancing, etc. We heard some great feedback and it seems like we were able to give them some good info.

Later that night we rocked the house at Esber Recital Hall. The crowd was bumpin and the music was thumpin! We ended the night with drinks and food at Champs with Trombone prof. Mark Lusk. Man this guy is awesome and we really enjoyed our time with him and all the students. Thanks for the good times guys! We hope to come back.

We just arrived in NYC and checked out our club for the gig tonight. Sullivan Hall is pretty sweet and we are all anxious to rock the joint! We'll let you know how it goes!

-ej

Fall Tour: Day 1

2009-10-04T06:55:00.001-07:00

The tour got off to a great start when Rochester decided it was time to stop raining and let the sun come shining through. We had a beautiful drive through Western NY and Northern PA, with the changing leaves and the rolling hills.
Our first hit on the tour was extremely successful; Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, PA. The food and the beer are incredible at this local brewery. It also helped that this was one of the most supportive, excited crowds we've played for. Special thanks to Steve, the owner, who went out of his way to make the trip more comfortable!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Tour!

2009-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Sorry it's been a few weeks since we wrote anything, but a lot's been going on in PBBB-land. We wrapped up a very successful summer tour schedule with a BBQ celebrating all that's been accomplished this summer. We rocked RIJF, made thousands of new friends and fans, launched a new website and new merch line, and had a lot of fun doing it. Now it's time for fall!

Now, I love the summer in upstate NY. The southern boy in me enjoys the days in the 80s up at the lake, the BBQs, the midnight pina coladas on the porch with the neighbors and the bonfires, but my heart is really with the fall up here. The air turns crisp, the nights get chilly the leaves turns beautiful shades and everybody gets a little closer ;-)

With the fall comes something new for the PBBB. We're hitting the road. Now we've taken road trips before to Pennsylvania and throughout NY. But we've never actually toured longer than a day. In October we'll be embarking on a tour covering upstate NY, PA, and making our debut in NYC! We're all very excited about this and have been hard at work in rehearsals and in preparations for the trip. Be sure to stay tuned to our blog as we'll be updating it daily with pictures and little notes about our travels.

I've gotta say that I'm very excited about what the future holds. We're working on some new material and planning a few future tours, including a big one in the spring and a few small ones in the winter. We're also working on a new clinic/lecture that we'll be presenting to schools and universities while on our travels. Entitled "Is Your Music Ready For the Street?", the presentation will focus on music entrepreneurship, composition/arranging, freelancing resources, and technology in performance practice. We believe strongly in the 'pay it forward' aspect of being musicians. And we want to see lots more brass funk rock bands out there spreading the gospel.

Oh, and sit tight Rochester. We have a few cool things in store. We'll have a major show at Lovin' Cup on October 24th with special guests Mosaic Foundation. They're a brand new reggae band to the area with tons of killer vibes to spare. They're amazing and we know you'll love them. We'll also have another Abilene date up soon for sure.

The pic is of Nick shredding at our Back To School Labor Day THROWDOWN at Lovin' Cup on September 5th. Enjoy!

-ej

Hospice Regatta and Abilene

2009-08-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Friday marked the last gigs of a great summer series for the Boys, back-to-back shots at the Rochester Yacht Club and Abilene Bar and Lounge.

The first was a real steamer of a clam bake fundraiser for the Rochester Hospice Regatta. Great people together for a great cause meant that the Po' Boys were in top form; rockin' the tent and even getting a traditional N'awlins street parade going. Finished the gig off by chugging 7 dozen clams and we're off to Abilene.

The rain kept us off the patio, but Abilene was ready to bring the full force inside to the bar. I think this was our first indoor, all-amped show here, and it was loud and raucous. The crowd was charged and receptive, spurring on memorable versions of Black Dog, RAF Riff and others. Always a great place to hang and play.

The band has next week off, but be sure to come out to Lovin' Cup at R.I.T. on September 5th for the big back to school show, as it's going to be engorged with funk! Don't forget to check out the new website at www.poboysbrassband.com for updates on the fall tour happening in October.

CT

Drumroll please....

2009-08-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hiya folks,

Our new website went live last Wednesday and since then we've received a flood of emails from friends, family, and fans who wanted to let us know what they think. The verdict??

The new website ROCKS!!!

And you know who else rocks? YOU rock. Because as a Po'Fan, you're one of the greatest fans on the planet! So we want to thank you...

As part of new website promo, the first 10 people who contacted us about the website were entered to win an autographed copy of Bone Break as well as 2 comps to the next ticketed PBBB show in their city. We had a drawing at our last show and the winner is...

Sheila S. in Rochester, NY!!

Thanks to all of you who left your comments. You all deserve a high five or a hug or something!

We continue to be blessed by the support you, our fans, give us on a daily basis. The only reason funk rock band comprised of trombones and tubas would survive this long is because you demand it. We will keep on rocking and funkin' it good and we hope you'll stick around for the ride!

In other news, we had a great show at the Lansing Harbor Fest this past Saturday. This show marks the official end of our summer festival tour. Although we're sad to wind down the summer, we're extremely happy to be returning home to the good ole' ROC!!

We're doing a show at one of our favorite venues, Abilene Bar and Lounge on Friday, August 21st. If you haven't been there, next Friday's a great time to go. This place is jumpin all the time. The owner, Danny, LOVES music and always has great stuff going on. The joint is truly a collection of some of the greatest musical minds in Rochester. From local music heroes to record label execs and major promoters, there's rarely a night where you don't bump into a local hero of the music scene...

...and when I say bump, I mean BUMP into them. One of our favorite things about Abilene is that it's a small venue where we're right up close to the fans. The dancing gets hot and the music hotter and there's always great vibes. Come on down and spend an evening with us!

See you soon ROC.

-PBBB

Website is LIVE

2009-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

www.poboysbrassband.com

Let us know what you think and be entered to win free stuff.

werd.

-pbbb

New Website and coolness!

2009-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hiya folks. Erik here. How's it going?? It's going pretty darn well in Po'Boys land! We're wrapping up an awesome summer festival season in Lansing, NY next weekend and looking forward to unveiling the long-kept-secret Fall Tour everybody has been anticipating! Are we coming to your neck of the woods? You'll find out soon!

In the meantime, dig this. After weeks of compiling data and working hard, lonely nights, our web designer, Beth over at Otakulab.com is coming close to meeting our slave-driving demands for a spankin' hot new website!!!

The website will be your one-stop shop for all things Po'Boys. You'll be able to access our Street Team missions, download full-size tour posters and even shop in our online store for brand new merchandise!! There will also be a ton of free goodies for you to download and play with, and even better ways to contact and keep in touch with us! YAAY!

Official Launch Date for PoBoysBrassBand.com: Wednesday, August 12th...just 4 days away!

Tell your friends and get ready...the first 10 fans to contact the band and let them know what they think of the new website will be entered to win a free Bone Break CD signed and autographed by the band, and two free tickets to the next PBBB show in your city!!!

Keep checking back on Wednesday, August 12th for more trombone than is humanly possible!

-PBBB

Geneseo

2009-07-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday the PBBB headed south to Geneseo, NY to play the village's summer concert series. One thing was for certain, after the fiasco that was later coined 'The Gowanda Incident', we decided to leave the trailer behind for this one.

One cool thing about this gig was that we had a guest drummer come in a play with us. Dave Goebel, a fellow Eastman-ite, stepped in and we had a blast. The crowd was great. Some intermission-rain chased off a few, but there were many dedicated followers of the funk who stayed to weather it out. They weren't disappointed. The rain let up quickly and we played another hour of in-your-face rocking craziness.

We're going to Shortsville, NY in a week and a half or so, and will have lots of friends playing with us on that one. Catie Hickey, an old friend, is back in town and will sit in on this one with us while Chris Van Hof and TJ are in Germany on a tour with their brass quintet. Coming in on bass will be Dave Baron, another Eastman-ite who is quite ridiculous on both the string and electric bass. We're also bringing our old friend, Mathew DeGuarnere, sound-extraordinaire as well as the producer of our debut album, 'Bone Break' to run our sound and maybe sing a few with us.

That's all for now. There are many exciting things coming up that I can't get into now, but suffice it to say we're close to announcing our Fall Tour dates as well as a special debut appearance in NYC. Spring Tour dates are upcoming as well and many many more. Thanks for all the love and support. We'll keep you posted!

A Tale from the Road...

2009-07-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the PBBB headed out of town to play at a music festival in a great little town south of Buffalo called Gowanda for the Gowanda Moose Fest; a charity event made to raise some much-needed dollars for a much-needed cause. Sometimes things just go wrong and lemme tell you, yesterday was a story that could never be made up...you had to be there to believe it!

The band was heading toward our destination, having a good time and enjoying laughs. We had the gear in a trailer and many of the guys were driving out to meet us there. As we entered the Buffalo area, all of the sudden, the tire on the trailer exploded...literally exploded. We were on a pretty busy stretch of the NY State Thruway and there was really no place to pull over. We had to make an immediate stop on the median between the 4-lane highway.

With cars wizzing by at ludicrous speed in close proximity, Chris Teal, Mike Frederick and I went to work like a NASCAR pit crew trying to fix the situation. We realized this would be a difficult task since we had no car jack, and apparently none of my wrenches fit the actual size of the tire's lug nut. CRAP.

Thus began a 45-minute endeavor to find help...either by a tow service or AAA. I had to call the festival and let them know we'd be late getting there. In the chaos of the situation I ended up slamming a car door on the trailer's lock, thus lodging a key inside the lock and making it impossible to open.

And then it began to rain...

Well after quite a tribulation we were able to get a tow service out to help us put on the tire (never felt like less of a man before) and we were on our way to the show!

After getting a little lost, we finally manage to make the festival...but couldn't get into the trailer because of the broken lock and lodged key. So after several firefighters and a few hacksaws and cable cutters, we were able to get into the trailer and play the show...45 minutes late, agh!

Well the good news was that the people in Gowanda were truly understanding of the situation and were very sympathetic. I have to give props to Delaney Peters, the man running the show, and his great attitude toward the whole thing.

We managed to rock out the house and the people were definitely feeling the groove. We made lots of new friends in Gowanda and will be coming back soon!

We'll be out in Geneseo next Saturday, hopefully a little wiser after this weekend, and will definitely come ready to rock!

Thanks for all the love and support, Gowanda! Keep it good and funky!

-ej

Whirlwind-weekend

2009-07-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,
We had a heck of a Saturday this week, playing the Big Rib Blues and BBQ in Highland Park and booking it on over to downtown ROC for the Cornhill Arts Festival.

Despite the deluge that forced the opening act off the stage, the Po' Boys pushed on with a hard rockin' set for the couple of hard-core funk and rib fans who stuck around. . .

Over at the Corn Hill Arts Festival, they were cleaning up after the rain, but the sun came out for a beautiful Rochester summer afternoon. We kicked things off with an old-school second-line parade through the art exhibits and vendors that took us all the way up to the main stage for another solid hour of the groovebone.

When we finished all of the guys were pretty well worn out, but several headed out for evening gigs with jazz and Latin bands. . . It may be a sign of the Apocalypse that four trombone players each played 3 gigs in one day! Even Tuba T. J. got three gigs in (but the third was on bass). . .

Be well and keep it funky, Rochester!

Keepin it funky all summer long...

2009-07-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! This is Erik from the Po'Boys. We've been basically neglecting this blog thingy since Nick came up with the idea to start one. But here's my attempt at getting into it. The 'Boys have been very busy this summer. As you can imagine, when you live in a region covered under a thick layer of ice for half the year, when the sun comes out, the people want to dance and have a good time. That's where we come in!

It's been a great summer for us both as a band and as individual musicians. We just finished playing the Rochester International Jazz Fest. This was the first time we have been able to truly play on an international stage in front of an international audience and we didn't disappoint. Neither did the people who came out in droves! Between our two set we must've had at least 5,000 people crammed on our tiny street corner to hear some good old funky brass! We can't be more appreciative to John Nugent or the rest of the great guys at the Jazz Fest for taking such good care of us and giving us a chance to shine. And of course, without our fans this would've never been a success and we're so appreciative of great people like you who let us go and do our thing!

As for individuals in the band. Well everybody up and graduated the Eastman School of Music this spring (with exception to me...the 'baby' who will be in school another 2 years). Mike, Chris Teal and Nick Finzer all walked the stage. Nick got his BM in Jazz Performance, and Mike and Chris both got Masters Degrees in Jazz and Contemporary Media. TJ is about ready to wrap up his Doctoral work and will soon be the first tuba player to receive a doctorate in over 10 years at ESM.

In addition to all this, Dubblestuff, Nick, Chris Teal, and Mike Frederick's other band/project, are set to release their newest album with a new lineup of characters. If you've never heard Dubblestuff, you've gotta hear these guys. I call them 'sophisticated funk' and they're amazing. You'll have your chance at the Corn Hill Arts Festival. Don't miss it! More info about Dubblestuff here. Buy their CD at Corn Hill!!

We have several more shows this summer all over New York and plans are in the works now for a pretty ambitious Fall Tour through New York and Pennsylvania. We're also developing a new website with the big help of Beth Sumner of Otaku Lab. And of course I'd be remiss to forget mentioning Blank Media, the newly-launched project of the Po'Boys Art Team and those great folks responsible for our new logos and merchandise line!

That's enough blabbering for now. I should do this more often so I don't have to waste your time with all this stuff. Thanks for reading and for supporting us as always!

Enjoy the pic from RIJF. The crowd was great and the vibe was good!

-ej

Stool Update!

2009-01-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hi bone fans! Chris T. here (the Chris without a job), and I just wanted to let everyone know about my recent stool upgrade. For about a year, I've been puttering around on a lightweight Pearl drum throne that is only mildly padded. Ouch!!! With a grant from National Arts Councilman Lee Greenwood, I was able to purchase this brand new Sound Percussion extra padded throne:

In case anyone's curious, I'm rehearsing my most recent composition for the Po' Boys, "Concerto for Cowbell and 2 Cowbells" with minimal rump discomfort! Thanks Lee Greenwood!

Welcome to the PBBB's Blog!

2009-01-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Po Boys brand new blog! Here you will find periodic updates (more frequent than the website) with pictures, videos and more!

Also notes from the guys (not just Erik!), and updates about shows, and maybe even some of Chris Vanhof's famous WXXI blogs...

Until then...

- Nick