Last night our band, Shanghai Butchers, had a gig at Macs Bar here in Lansing.  They’ve played there before, but not with me as drummer (I’ve only been with the band “officially” since November or December 2008 and have only been playing drums since October).

We opened for Portland punk rock band, Vampire Lezbos.  They are on tour at the moment and stopped at Macs to do a gig. Thankfully, we were contacted about opening for them, because I was excited about doing the gig. Macs is a fun place and I think it is pretty neat to have played a show there.

We did a quick set run through at our practice place and loaded up for Macs, which thankfully was only just down the road. Seeing our name on the sign out front was pretty dang neat, I gotta admit. (click on photos to see bigger versions)

Unloading and set up went smoothly, and we met the guys from Vampire Lezbos.

Due to a snafu, we were told that we’d either be one of two bands playing (the other being Vampire Lezbos)…or one of four. But, it ended up just being the two of us, which was good because the crowd was sparse (but remember, it was a Monday night and MSU isn’t in session).

Our set went OK.  Brian had some issues with his guitar strap coming undone mid-song, and during one song it even pulled his cord out–resulting in some funky feedback as he tried to get it back in (amusingly, a few in the audience thought it was part of the song…)

I think I did alright, all things considered. I messed up a few times, but nothing major. I was dying under the stage lights though, and sweating like crazy–it was hot in Macs to begin with (I think it was nearly 90 outside all day), and the lights didn’t help matters. But between the heat and the drumming, I’m sure I worked off my pre-performance pint of Guinness.

Our set was six songs and after that we quickly tore down so the Vampire Lezbos guys could get ready.  We dashed back to Jon’s (bass) to drop off our gear and then returned to Macs to catch the latter half of Vampire Lezbos’ set–and I’m glad we did, they were great.  I even bought their album.

I told the guys we need to work on their between song banter/song intros a bit…or just get me a microphone. I think the latter option is the favorite for the moment.

While not a perfect performance on our part, it was still a great experience and I hope the first of more to come. Thanks to everyone who came out.

See  more gig photos here.

Mirrored from Daniel J. Hogan. If something doesn't look right or show up, view the original blog post. Feel free to comment here or on the original post

Our band, Shanghai Butchers, has our first show at the famous (to some, infamous) Macs Bar, June 22nd (Monday) at 9 PM. Cover is $5 and we’re opening for Portland punk band, Vampire Lezbos. We’ll also be joined by Tahquamenon Falls. This is an 18 and up show.

For those that don’t know, I play drums in the band. This is our first gig at Macs with me behind the drums and our first gig at an actual venue ’round Lansing (our first being at a charity event in Grand Ledge last month). Enjoy the lameo online flier I made.

Mirrored from Daniel J. Hogan. If something doesn't look right or show up, view the original blog post. Feel free to comment here or on the original post

Here are the promised photos from our gig a couple Saturdays back, click the cut to see 'em. View even more on my Flickr page. ( click to see photos )

Our band, Shanghai Butchers, had its first gig since I joined back in the fall (I play drums) this past Saturday. It was part of the Skate or Die event held at the Red Salamander in Grand Ledge.  The event was held by a few concerned citizens who want a new skate park built near Grand Ledge to replace the one that was torn down in Fritzgerald Park.  Read all about it after the cut.

( click to read all about the rockin )

Photos from the Skate or Die gig will be in the next post, as I left my memory card reader at home (d'oh). Oh and we have a Facebook page now too (since everyone is fleeing MySpace like rats from a fire).

Tis true.  The eardrum slaughtering band I am a part of, Shanghai Butchers, has a gig this Saturday, May 9th.  So if you live near Lansing or Grand Ledge, MI come check us out. I'm the drummer. This is my first gig since joining the band back in the late fall.

Where/When: The Red Salamander, 902 E. Saginaw HW, Grand Ledge, MI. 11:00 AM until 9 PM
Cover: $7 (goes towards building a new skate park)
I've heard that you can get your hand stamped so you can leave and come back if you want for later bands.

We're the opening act of a day full of bands--we take the state at 11:30 AM. Yes, 11:30 in the morning. As I said, this is a full day of bands.  It is a charity event to raise funds for a new skate park in Grand Ledge, MI.

Band order:
Stage 1:
-12:00-12:30 Death Canoe
-1:00-1:45 The Hex Bombs
-2:30-3:00 The Playback
-3:45-4:30 CbJ
-5:00-5:45 One Without Reason
-6:30-7:15 Feel Good Violence
-8-8:45 Cartridge Family

Stage 2:
-11:30-12:00 Shanghai Butchers (That's us!)
-12:30-1:00 Obsidian
-1:45-2:30 DJ Ruckus
-3:00-3:45 3 AM Delirium
-4:30-5:00 Ben Hassenger, raffles
-5:45-6:30 Edible Intention
-7:15-8 Danger Society

For those curious about my history with the band, their original drummer quit maybe a year ago (or sometime in the summer, can't remember). Anyway (this is a funny story), I started playing a lot of drums on Rock Band and really wanted to try actual drums. Since the guys didn't have a drummer (but had a kit) I asked if I could just mess around while they jammed. They said sure. Fast forward a few months, and they asked me to join the band. Since we practice twice a week, I've become better and better over the past few months--playing with a band is the best way to really pick up an instrument.

Some come by and check us out--but don't be late, we only have a half hour set.

I started burning CDs of the Magic of Eyri podcast to give out at Penguicon next weekend. Take a look at my work load:



Granted, I got less than a week to burn 100 CDs (well, probably about 80 by now) but this is quite a task.  Oh, and then I have to print labels and put them on all of these. Although at least with labels I can print them in batches. Haven't decided if they'll be color or not yet.

I did decide on going the data CD route, for a couple reasons. I realized that if I gave people audio CDs and then if they made their own .MP3s from those that their .MP3s wouldn't have any  ID tags or information (unless of course the person entered it them self). So with my own .MP3s on the disc, they'll contain the web address, my name, artwork, etc. Plus, the other advantage is that I can include a ReadMe file on the CD to explain the podcast and again link to the website.

Ah, the joys of self-promotion.

Speaking of, the band I'm in (I play drums) has our first gig (with me in the line up anyway, I'm the second drummer): Saturday, May 9th at the Red Salamander in Grand Ledge, MI.  We're the Shanghai Butchers and I don't know yet when we'll be on, but it is a benefit concert with a bunch of bands--it runs from noon to 7 PM (cover is $7 I believe).