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Gallagher Garage - 5.20.10

Chadds Ford, PA

w/ Spraynard, Eric Ayotte, Toby Foster, Nona, The Cool Ranchers, and Lavis Blake

all i will say to preface this is that Mimi and Joe are saints. they are the only two kids in the West Chester scene right now doing exactly what we all talk about doing. REPPIN.

also, this was technically the first day of our incredible weekend tour with Lavis Blake, and a perfect way to start it off.

the first band to play was The Cool Ranchers. like i've said before, i'm really excited about these kids. it's super rare in our scene for a young band to be playing punk music nowadays. even in the short time they've been a band, i can tell they're improving every time i see them. plus, they played a plow united cover, and who can complain about that?? stoked on this band.



the next band was Nona. i play drums in Nona with Mimi on guitar and Ed on bass. again, i feel strange about talking about my own band. considering Mimi writes most of the songs, i will say that i really like the songs that Mimi is writing. she captures her love of Green Day with a more contemporary pop punk sound perfectly. not sure when Nona will actually kick into high gear, but for now look for us hopping on various local shows.



Eric Ayotte went on third. i have heard Eric's stuff on various internet music outlets a few times, and while it was good, it never grabbed me too much. his live show was way different. Eric's got a really powerful voice and the lyrics to match. it always pleases me when acoustic performers' lyrics aren't entirely based on love stories. while his songs were similar to that of his band Halo Fauna, they were also extremely different. i hope he comes back very soon, or at least i see him in Bloomington.



next was the cutie pie Toby Foster. it's awesome that i have already posted an entry about seeing Toby considering he's from Bloomington. apparently he picked up Eric in Bloomington and didn't even stop home. what a trooper! again, Toby was amazing. he plays that perfect style of Plan-It-X acoustic songs mixed with eloquent lyrics about love and places he's lived. again, i hope i see Toby in Bloomington when Spraynard is there this summer.




Spraynard played next. this was one of the best times we've ever had at Mimi's house. everyone there is always so supportive and outwardly excited. i hope this enthusiasm never wains. Maddie actually snapped some fancy photos of us this time around, so i suppose i'll post one.



John Crodian then stepped up to bat since Lavis Blake's singer Kyle was still on his way from Philly. John's sets at Mimi's are always super fun (and always inevitable). this time around Dos played drums for everybody's favorite Failed Attempts at Facial Hair song "Launchpad." it was great, and i think John got bit by the "full band" bug during that song... hopefully!



as John finished up, the rest of Lavis Blake set up their stuff and played some improvised tunes with hilarious vocal stylings by Joe Gallagher. as they finished up their smash hit "ETA of Kyle," Kyle ran in and Lavis Blake literally started as soon as he grabbed the mic. considering i am about to have three other posts about Lavis Blake, i will just say that they are always the best current live band i watch, and they are always beautiful people (like Marilyn Manson).



Mimi's house is putting on the best shows in West Chester right now. 'nuff said.

stay sweaty!