#153, #154 – Peace Out
#153 - FFD House - Braddock, PA [December 19th, 2011]
#154 - Ruby Room - San Diego, CA [January 16th, 2012]
I'm going on indefinite hiatus, with an emphasis on indefinite. If you see me playing music in the future, I bet it will be with other humans whom I consider friends.
Peace.
#152 – Brooklyn, NY
Show #152
December 10th, 2011
Acheron - Brooklyn, NY
w/ Uncontrolled, Melissa & Paul
Paul Blest, Krista Moya
Paul Blest
Melissa & Paul
Another bad-ass NYC show. This one was Kristia Moya's (Dead Ringer) farewell NYC show. She's moving to San Fransisco, which is pretty great, especially since we'll get to hang when I'm out there in January. Plenty of friends, old and new alike, were there, which is always pleasant. Mostly everyone helped Kristia sing-a-long during her set, and that made me smile. I like when crowds participate. Melissa & Paul's set was also very great, and I sure hope they play more acoustic shows in the future. Paul Blest played a Ladderman song and a Weakerthan's song, which gets two thumbs up from me. Uncontrolled were entertaining as well.
I had more pictures, but these were the only two that were decent.
p.s. This crowd totally owned "Triangle Choke" (Devon's A Douchebag). I think I saw a few cameras recording while I was playing, and if you happened to record this particular song, please send it my way, as I would love to email it off to Devon. I'm sure he would enjoy it. Thanks!
#151 – Braddock, PA
Show #151
December 9nd, 2011
FFD House - Braddock, PA
w/ Mace Ballard, Homeless Gospel Choir
the Beehive Collective, Justin Sane
If someone would have said to me, "you're going to play hundreds of shows with this [the Ghostwrite]" when I first started this project, I would have replied with, "you are absolutely insane." Now, however, in the present-tense, I'm starting to think that's probably not so insane.
This show was, in a sound bite, was one of the most stellar and pleasant shows I have been fortunate enough to participate in. Seriously, it ranks up there with the last show of Jon Creeden and I's last tour [Ottawa, ON], the Generic Insight Fest [Brooklyn, NY] and this past year's 222 Ormsby Acoustic Fest [Pittsburgh, PA]. Whoa! When I think about it, I have been a part of some ridiculously amazing shows.
Mace Ballard
I love this band. They have [along with the Freshman Years], restored my faith in pop-punk.
p.s. Their new album, "The Next Time You See Sky," is ridiculously great.
Sam [part-time Beehive Collective member
I have known Sam for well over a decade now. We grew up in the same school district. We organised shows together. He has been on tour with me [twice]. Seeing him give the "True Cost of Coal" presentation was beyond great. I mean, it's always stellar to see childhood friends holding onto [and pursuing] punk rock ideals, and it reminded me that we're not on this island alone. p.s. I adore the Beehive Collective. Brilliant artists, story-tellers and activists.
Homeless Gospel Choir
If Derek and I grew up together, I think we would have been best friends. No matter, since first meeting him at the first 222 Ormsby Acoustic Fest, he has continued to inspire me, both as a musician and in the day-to-day that is life. A true comrade, and I sure hope we can make a tour happen sometime in the future. As Derek might put it, I think that would be great.
Justin Sane
What can I say here? Justin has performed all over the world, to hundreds of thousands of lovely humans with Anti-Flag, yet he still hasn't lost sight of what's really important. He is also still very aware about how remarkably incredible playing DIY punk rock shows are. Having him close out this show was the perfect ending to a perfect night.
Oh FFD House, you will never be the same again. I am both enthused and saddened by this notion. A gigantic thank you goes out to everyone who attended this show. You played a pretty big role in helping make this show remarkable, and I sure hope to see you at the next one!
#149 – Pittsburgh, PA
#149
Venue: Wherehouse (Pittsburgh, PA)
With: Ivory Weeds, Waiters & Bellboys, Danny Malone, Dean Cercone
Date: September 6th, 2011
Give the organisational credit to John (Ivory Weeds) on this one. Give Dean a hand for providing a last minute venue. This show was supposed to be in a park, under stars, but the weather hid all the stars and doused the land with liquid pestilence. Okay, that's a stretch. Rain water is not pestilence. In fact, it's pretty much the exact opposite. Even so, this night turned out fucking stellar.
Wherehouse - Pittsburgh, PA
All the performers were great. Videos from this show are up at the Ghostwrite You Tube Channel. More pictures can be found, if you're an interweb friend.
#146, 147, 148 – Detroit, MI & Cleveland, OH
#146
Venue: Northern Lights Lounge
With: Tell All Your Friends, Johnny Roastbeef
Date: August 27th, 2011
After a few hours of sleep in Buffalo, NY, after pondering cutting through Canada (I decided against it), after interwebs and black bean soup, I arrived in Detroit. I should have taken a nap, had I known what was going to transpire.
The show was great fun. Jason and Rob of Hell City Records always take care of me when I'm in Detroit, and I am infinitely grateful for this.
Hell City Records!
Eventually, the show came to a close, and eventually all the last-call lurkers exited the bar. Eventually, we made our way to an after-hours party. Eventually, we made it back to Jason's place. Eventually, a certain brand of liquor took hold. It was in this moment that Jason and I came to the conclusion, we were not going to get any sleep. Another night spent hanging with grand friends, sharing conversations about the DIY scene, heartbreak, punk rock bands, all while watching night turn to day.
Eventually, we took showers. Eventually, we ate a Coney Island breakfast. Eventually, we visited the Hidelboro Projects. Eventually, we arrived at the People's Art Festival.
People's Art Festival
#147
Venue: People's Art Festival
With: a zillion starving artists.
Date: August 28th, 2011
Jason and I were in and out. We, obviously, were starting to drag a bit. I played a handful of songs. We chatted with some of Jason's friends, and that was it.
Back at Jason's house, I drank my fill of water. I said my goodbyes, and then I was off to Cleveland. I sure do love Hell City Records, Jason and Rob. I'm sure the Ghostwrite and Hell City will figure out a way to join forces and conquer the world. Don't laugh. It could happen.
Jason (Hell City Records)
At this point I had been awake for about 26 hours. Personally, I would never recommend driving, especially solo, any amount of distance while one is in this state of consciousness... unless, of course, you are a vehicle-driving ninja, such as myself.
#148
Venue: DAG House
With: Ridgemont, All Dinosaurs, Two Hand Fools
Date: August 29th, 2011
Unreal. The DAG House, that is. This show was a stud. Every act, a touring machine. Every band, exceptionally great at what they do. Those who gathered at the DAG House to enjoy delicious food, ales, conversations and music know what I'm talking about. Keep being amazing.
Ridgemont
All Diinosaurs
Two Hand Fools
As an aside, the DAG House and 222 Ormsby are giving a giant assist to the Rust Belt DIY scene. Both of these places are definitely keeping their respective city scenes very alive and very well. Feel very fortunate and lucky if you live in or around one of these two cities. You would be hard-pressed to find any other DIY spaces doing it any better in the States.
So back at the DAG House, everyone celebrated long into the night. I shared so many laughs and conversations with friends, new and old alike. And then, after about 48-hours of consciousness, Adam showed me a couch I could crash on. My lights went out instantly.
p.s. Two Hand Fools are quickly becoming a personal favorite. Yep, add them to the list - Audio/Rocketry, Two Hand Fools, Run Forever, Jon Creeden. Summer jams!
p.p.s. Yes, this world can be maddening. Yes, this world can beat anyone down in the flick of any given moment. Try to live well. Try to focus on creative passions.
I hope these these digital transmissions find you well.
Rust Belt USA
#145 – Buffalo, NY
Venue: The Last Stand
With: Dick Shot, Melissa & Paul, Dead Ringer
Date: August 26th, 2011
the Last Stand, Buffalo NY
What a small, strange world one can create, if one is able to pull away from the (insert tv or computer screen here).
Buffalo, NY, you are rather interesting. The kids are back! College! Woo! If anyone was curious, yes, I second Chris Hannah's notion of cannibalizing humans, especially those of the college freshman type.
Don't be scare, new friends. I am not talking about you or anyone in particular. This is merely a societal observation. I am pretty sure if you are reading this, you can rest safe, knowing cannibals will not be knocking on your door tonight.
After our show at the Last Stand, I ventured down to another show. The crowd above Amy's Place was not having any of Devon is a Douchebag, so the perfect batting average is officially snapped. Probably the most bad-ass-looking dude in the room, "I'm definitely not singing that." Fair enough.
Anyway, The Last Stand (99 Custer Street), you are awesome. Melissa & Paul, Dead Ringer, you are awesome, too, and I already miss you all. Keep kicking ass.
#144 – Pittsburgh, PA
Venue: 222 Ormsby
With: Protected Left, Melissa & Paul, Dead Ringer, Westboro Bastard Church
Date: August 25th, 2011
Stellar line-up. Too bad Pittsburgh was a jerk-face and decided not to show up. Boo, Pittsburgh, boo. Regardless, the show was stellar. A special guest acoustic performance from Chris (Mace Ballard) to seal the night. Awesome.
Protected Left
Melissa & Paul
Dead Ringer
Westboro Bastard Church
Chris (Mace Ballard)
#143 – Pittsburgh, PA
Venue: Most Wanted Fine Arts
With: Unraveler, Steve Layman, the Otis Wolves
Date: August 19th, 2011
Thanks to Brett and Don't Let the Scene Go Down on Me for setting this show up. Thanks to Most Wanted Fine Arts for offering up their performance space to this particular musical endeavor.
At first, it seemed like the scene might, in fact, go down. However, as the moon rose above the streets of Garfield, a small handful of lovely humans showed up to lend a bit of support. Special thanks to Hultman, Elizabeth and Robby K for coming out. I know your house is a mere two blocks away, but still, it made my night to see your lovely faces!
Elizabeth & Hultman
Unraveler, Steve and the Otis Wolves were all great. I especially loved the Otis Wolves' set. After he played, I said something like this, "Max, that was fucking great. Definitely the best set I've seen you perform. He replied with, "this is the most sober I've been while playing a show." It was stellar.
the Otis Wolves
I will admit, even though this was a small crowd, the chorus of "Devon is a Douche Bag" sounded beautiful. I need everyone who was at this show to come sing the gang vocals when I finally record this particular song.
Post-show, a quick stop at the BBT was had. Drew, Steve, Max, Kayla and I shared conversation and pints, and then my least favorite part of the evening arrived, saying goodbye.
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** There are a bunch of live videos up over at my You Tube page @ 0theghostwrite0.
** Like me on Facebook. @ theghostwritemusic
** All my music is available for free download @ theghostwrite
#142 – Ottawa, ON
And just like that, this tour is over.
Every one performed exceptionally well tonight (Jon Becker, Justin - the Rough Seas, Jon Creeden). To everyone who attended, thank you. Seriously, it was a very pleasant way to end a tour.
Since the show ended a bit on the early side Chris, Karine, Jon, Jon, Jen, Alice, Sara, Geordon, Derek, Lisa, Dave, and I ventured to Chris' house. We were way too loud, so we migrated to Stratcona Park.
Here we had ourselves a few sing-a-longs, shared pleasant conversation, and we drank ourselves silly. Eventually, we ran out of cigarettes and booze, so we decided to call it a night.
Scraped knees and bruised hands. I asked, "are you going to leave me here?" She replied with, "yes."
The Elgin Street Diner became the constellation prize.
As I knocked on the window, waving a middle-finger of kindness, Jon, a bit confused, "how the fuck did he find us?"
I'm a fucking professional vagrant, that's how, mother fuckers.
Anyway, I love Ottawa. January will be here soon enough.
