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Entries in Alex Oliveira (2)

Saturday
Apr172010

Two Headlights

Sorry we haven't been able to send more footage and live broadcasts from down south here (or maybe that's for the best.)  That was our intention after we discovered the technology on the way down a few days ago.  The problem is that the hotel we're staying in has "balls" internet (and Alex Oliveira quote) and we haven't been able to find the bandwidth to get to you good folks.  We did manage a brief broadcast last night @ 2 am from an ATM bank shelter (of course I'm serioius) and it looked as sketchy as can be (and felt even more so, particularly when three cop cars when screaming past us).  Of course, that was after we walked into a nicer hotel and snuck around the darkness of it's really fancy and really expensive conference rooms looking for a wired connection.  Had we really wanted to we could have stolen all the Gideon's video gear (and bibles), but we're good Canadian boys and we opted instead to just keep searching for internet.  Alas...

Today brought new fun and excitement.  The rain and humidity vanished and the temperature dropped 10-12 degrees.  As such, it's pretty damned brisk outside (and that's where we're playing!)  If anyone's ever wondered what it's like to play an outdoor rock and roll show at Snow Jam or Winterlude or Carnivale I can probably tell you in a few hours.  We're looking at similar conditions because the hard way just seems to be The Free Press way.

I'm not complaining.  Please don't think that.  I'm not even complaining about the van which broke down as Alex was trying to (again) fix the tail light wiring for the trailer.  This time he somehow managed to blow a fuse while repairing the lights.  He replaced the fuse and had to take it to a mechanic.  The mechanic said that we had probably effed the computer in the van.  You know, the brain of the car.  The thing that controls the brake lights, the fuel gauge, the turning signals, the odometer, the hazards.  So, unless a miracle happens tonight or tomorrow morning, we'll be driving home with head lights (at least there's two of them...currently anyway), winning smiles and the best of intentions.  I wasn't kidding about The Free Press Way. :)

So, say your prayers for us, think warm thoughts and keep your house lights on if we're driving past.  With all apologies to the Earth, every bit will help tomorrow.  Hopefully we'll come to you live from the van sometime tomorrow afternoon or evening.  Dig it. 

 

Monday
Jul132009

We've Got Your Back, Will Smith

In the absence of a Will Smith Independence Day blockbuster film, TFP took it upon themselves to entertain America. In the absence of a record label or large corporation to distribute us instantaneously and internationally to all of America, we had to confine ourselves to Pennyslvania. Not all of it, but most of it.

Pennsylvania is known prominently for its chocolate and its Dutch communities. There are few places in the world where one can go to a huge amusement park, do some outlet mall shopping, tour a chocolate factory and then buy some handmade, Amish furniture. This is just another day in Lancaster County. There something about this community that’s akin to the east coast. The people are friendlier, the sun is brighter, the air is better.

The Free Press at Freedom Fest in Lancaster, PA on July 4.

Freedom Fest is an outdoor celebration of America’s birthday now in its 7th year, so we were pretty honoured to be included in such an occasion. They set up two stages at either end of a pedestrian street/walk that was lined with bars. It's the kind of thing that we can only find in Montreal or Quebec City. A shame there's not more of it because it makes for a fantastic atmosphere.

We invited back to Lancaster on the strength of our shows we played at the Launch Music festival back in April. A wonderful business man, musician, manager and human named Jeremy Weiss was instrumental in both trips. He’s the guy who – having just seen our show – gave us the gem, “That was…fucking religious.” He brought his brother–in-law, Tom (also a super nice guy), to Freedom Fest. Loquaciousness must be taught within the family, because after we finished our set, Tom was heard to say, “If you don’t feel something when you watch those guys…you are not alive.

The (G)Len(n) doing that thing he does with the music at Freedom Fest.

We felt pretty good about the show, but after a while the shows sort of melt together. However, getting the chance to talk to fans or fellow musicians are the things that linger long after. In this case, we’ll take kind words like that with us to our graves. Thanks to the USA for a hell of a birthday bash. And thanks to Will Smith for giving us a chance to shine.

Dallas doing something along the lines of making music at Freedom Fest.