The BellRays

Calgary 6 26 11 and Billings 6 27 11

Sunday we played the closing gig for the Sled Island Festival. It was at the Republik and it was as good as it gets bill and audience wise. Demon Claw, Cheesburger, the Bare Wires and the Oh See’s were a blast to play with and it made for a really great, varied gig. The audience was really into the whole show. Annie did an amazing job setting this up and seeing that it went off the right way. We were really fueled by everything that was going on and our set was really, really on FIRE! Top that off with pulled pork sandwiches and It was the ultimate send off to what everyone agrees was an awesome festival, certainly one of the best I’ve ever been too. Again, I can’t say enough about how great this festival is and how great the people who put it on are. At every point we had what we needed and always with a smile. Can’t wait till next year!

Soon after we were done we jumped into the van and headed back to the states for what turned into an 11 hour drive to Billings, Montana! Our border crossing this time was uneventfull. We didn’t even have to get out of the van. We rolled into Billings about noon and immediately hit the Cracker Barrel next to the hotel. DELICIOUS!!

Something about Cracker Barrel though. they sell a bunch of “These colors don’t run” and “America: Home of the free because of the brave” t shirts, mugs, etc. and all this shit is made in China or Bangladesh! Seriously?!

The show in Billings was at the Railyard and I was a little apprehensive at first. It was a Monday night and this show was added last minute so I really wasn’t expecting much crowd wise. But the place filled up and even though most of the people there had NO idea who we were, by the end of the night we were friends with everybody there, a really great bunch of people! I had a couple of the better tasting beers I’ve ever had. It was a local brew called Huckle Weizen and it was tasty. After that we were directed to “the ‘bow” or a local bar called the Rainbow bar because that was supposedly where everyone was going post show. We did, they didn’t. the place filled up with weirdos so we left after a quick beer. Good times. Today we’re off and driving to Boise! Yeehaw!

Today we made the drive from Kamloops BC to Calgary, Alberta,  7 hour through the Rockies! It’s honestly one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done! This is the second time we’ve done it but the first time was in the dead of winter so while it was beautiful then too we were so freaked out about black ice and avalanches that the scenery was a moot point. Not this time though. When we got to Calgary we checked into the  Fairmont Pallister hotel and it rocks. All the amenities and we’re two blocks away from the venue! saw two interviews that Lisa did here in the Calgary papers so we’re hoping the shows are going to be packed!

Vancouver 6 22 11

Today we braved the Canadian border and made it across with a minimum of hassle, at least less hassle than the woman who was in there that they led away to be cavity searched because she tested positive for cocaine…

We played the  Biltmore and it’s a great club! There’s a Howard Johnson’s upstairs and Lisa and I had lunch/dinner there while we watched Canadian Football pre season games and the NHL awards. The Mac and cheese, a ceasar salad and pepper squid were all delicious and the pitcher (they called it a jug) of Honey Lager was really tasty.

The show was a great bill again (somehow Vancouver knows how to build a show). The Ford Pier Vengeance trio and the Strugglers were a blast and the audience was out of it’s mind! A special thanks to all the ladies who  made it such a sexy dance party!!

Today we’re off and driving towards Calgary (through the Rockies, should be beautiful)

Seattle  6 21 11

Hung out with Justin’s friends Chris and Angie just outside of Portland and ate a great late breakfastat their place. Waffles, fruit, bacon and sausage. Also got to try the homemade ciders and beers Chris is doing. Really, really good, especially the  coconut beer!  Met ‘Squeeker” the goose! It was an absolutely beautiful day for driving through some really beautiful country. Got to Seattle with just enough time to check in at the hotel and then get to the club. Our good friend Darrel met us there and we got to catch up with him. Also met a cousin I never knew I had, Jeff, who lives here in Seattle. Great to meet him! Had dinner at Hatties (Nachos, a salad and hotwings). Kinda pretty good! The gig was really on fire and the crowd was very into it! It’s a nice club.  Thanks all for dancing and rocking out!!

Portland 6 20 11

Lisa drove all the way up from Oakland yesterday as I spent father’s day in the back seat “relaxing”. Portland is always a cool city to visit. It’s always a laid back and worried free vibe for me as soon as I get out of the van. We pretty much stayed in the hotel all day since yesterday’s drive was such a beast. I went out for food at Tom’s Pizza. It was more of a bar really but the food, lisa got a turkey sandwich and a salad. and I got a burger, was pretty good. The show was a lot of fun. The venue is a theater that turns 100 years old this month and the city is helping the club owners renovate it so it’s really nice inside.  We ate at the club (barbecued shrimp bento for me and lisa). Stevie the sound guy says hi to everyone. Afterward we went to Dante’s for karaoke from hell. It’s karaoke with a live band and it was awesome. Saw our good friend Kelly from the Fireballs of Freedom while Justin sang “When Doves Cry” and Stef sang “Rebel Yell”.  A fan rocked so hard she lost a toenail.

Hey Guys!

The tour is off to a great start with much awesomeness last night at the Uptown! Thanks so much to those of you that made it out and made it a party!

FYI, anyone planning to make it out to see us at WOW in Eugene, OR- We will not be there!

We will be heading straight to Portland to play The Star Theater, June 20th.

See you there!

Lisa

The show in Bolzano, Italy, April 29th, has been cancelled! Sorry for the inconvenience.

The most taste-o-licious olives have been found in Plaza del Sol, Madrid. So good!

Pope will be in Santiago tomorrow. Translation: we have to get a hotel 1 hour away from the club!