tag:katevargas.com,2005:/blogs/bremen-town-musicians?p=4Kate Vargas & The Reckless Daughters2019-09-27T01:32:48-04:00Kate Vargasfalsetag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/59142132019-10-03T12:50:17-04:002022-05-09T03:00:09-04:00Good Golly, Miss Dolly<p>Left Nashville for Strawberry Plains to connect with Eric Davis (aka <a contents="Feathered Mason" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.featheredmason.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">Feathered Mason</span></a><span style="color:null;">). Nice Tennessee drive. We arrived on a large farm and were greeted by Eric and Jennifer and shown to our house for the night. Shared homemade ginger beer on the epic porch and watched the sunset.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Woke up early for the WDVX Blue Plate Special, a daily noontime radio show with 2 live acts hosted by Red Hickey and performed in front of an audience. Met the other act, Trevor Ohlson, and we were given the rundown of the show. It felt like a lot to keep track of but Red Hickey and the WDVX team really had things running smoothly. </span><a contents="The show will be available to stream here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wdvx.com/program/blue-plate-special/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">The show will be available to stream here</span></a><span style="color:null;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Said our goodbyes and took off for Dollywood. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Minor guitar debacle upon arrival, which we will be speaking to Ms. Parton about. We couldn't leave the guitar in a hot car in the parking lot but we were told repeatedly that there was no place to store it. We were sent from person to person until, finally, package pickup made an exception for us. Thank you to those kind gents.</span></p>
<p>The park was practically empty. Zero wait times for rides. 100% thrills and butterflies.</p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Dollywood was everything we imagined and more.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:null;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/875e22fb3232d402f83ed8457ba6c4fc5b88de44/original/img-2992.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/ee784850ca87231622687c0a334f17cb8bd2dc89/original/img-2993.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8dcdc22201e43442abac11fc7fbb6cf715171a21/original/img-7604.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/503c97e7495a3ae4361720bc2cfa7dc068ffaebf/original/img-0285.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/59141812019-10-03T12:21:52-04:002019-10-03T12:21:52-04:00Biscuits, Boo Ray, Bluegrass, Broadway<p>Biscuit brunch with <a contents="Boo Ray" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://booraymusic.com/"><span style="color:#3498db;">Boo Ray</span></a> and our old friend Elena. Then thrifting through Nashville. Pit stop at Third Man Records.</p>
<p>Hit the Sunday night bluegrass jam at Station Inn with Lizzy's old NYC roommate, Amanda. The place was packed. We wanted to hop in on some tunes but didn't know the rules, so we just listened and ate pimento on Ritz.</p>
<p>Met up with our new friend Michael to brave Broadway, Nashville's Times Square. We had the goal of finding a good old honky tonk and ended up at Robert's Western World. Tried our best to keep up with the two-steppers and Kate got twirled around by a surprisingly sprite 80-year-old woman. We tapped out at 30 minutes. Back to East Nashville to end the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/836a79582384a6e9466acec86a8d49f5fc8768ef/original/img-7539.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8de1f0286b9be16a45944510200dc172d8e2d79e/original/ee6699dd-bb17-4976-b23f-8589f9ca79d3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/0ebcf98f2217b4ae70bbd5343a7cdc33dbb09735/original/img-2980.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/59106002019-09-30T15:52:59-04:002019-09-30T15:52:59-04:00The Grand Piano Debacle<p>Off to Nashville. Stops included America's Thrift Store and Dog Days Flea Market. </p>
<p>Dropped our stuff off at our hosts' place in Madison, TN before heading to our Sofar Sounds in East Nashville. The venue was a gorgeous old private home designed by the same architect who did the Ryman Auditorium. There was a grand piano debacle upon arrival (see photo) but the Sofar crew carjacked that thing right back into place.</p>
<p>The lineup was all women. We were joined by Trishes and Chloe Hogan.</p>
<p>Blankets were laid out on the floor and the room was soon packed with seated listeners. It was the same lively and engaged Sofar audience we know from NYC. A couple old friends came out too, one from New York and one from our New Mexico days, both now Nashvillians. A lovely crowd.</p>
<p>Late night bites in the neighborhood. Joy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/b478199eec4b03482d17900ee567ecc878b56ac6/original/img-7532.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/eed432e22e8beb7d0cd09034357cf510ac364526/original/img-7527.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/59088992019-09-28T16:39:03-04:002019-09-29T17:58:30-04:00Karma XL<p>Boiling hot day in Opelika. Per suggestion, we stopped by Side Track Coffee, an Instagram-worthy spot based on a "pay-what-you-want" model. It was stressful but it boosted our faith in humanity that it's been able to stay open and thrive for five years.</p>
<p>Headed to Auburn University for our Kate date at Sunny's food truck, <a contents="Good Karma" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/augoodkarma/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">Good Karma</span></a>. Despite the heat, students were lined up to get their curries and masalas. Sunny hooked us up. We're beyond impressed with his skills. The recipes, for sure, but he also showed us a few card tricks.</p>
<p>Off to Birmingham. Mango lassis in hand.</p>
<p>Quick check in at the hotel, then to <a contents="MAKEbhm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.makebhm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">MAKEbhm</span></a><span style="color:#3498db;"> </span><span style="color:null;">for The Loft Show. The Loft Show was started in founder Josh's loft as a house concert series. Once it outgrew his loft, Josh teamed up with MAKE, an artists co-working space, to put on shows every month.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">We were playing in a lineup of 4 acts - Will Solomon, McKenzie Lockhart, and Lylak. Enjoyed listening to everyone and the crowd was welcoming and supportive. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">The mission of The Loft Show is an admirable one and one we see less and less. It is to support live music. 100% of the money goes to the musicians. Josh, you are a true advocate and we celebrate you.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Ended our night at Walmart with a photoshoot of extra large food items.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/6cd57d4e7c7c9de1968e3f648cab0aa62b565458/original/attach0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/d877f00efc35a02a2007578aaee4239611a5d345/original/img-0251.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/5178015e2d19ffce1a604de0fba981a1bc4ef64e/original/img-0252.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="color:null;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/26a09f64960c49d7a40443c550eb3dcea874a9fc/original/img-7519.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Elizabeth from Lylak modeling the new RD tote</strong></p>
<p><span style="color:null;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/82e6e27cddeed4117080c7c22615b287213c1cb0/original/img-2946.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/dff038f176a81e2a2db227fa7256a67d936a6396/original/img-2954.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/59071482019-09-27T01:32:48-04:002019-09-27T01:32:48-04:00Opelika The Show<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/26a4ef27d44cc0a52e5d2c7cef756aff178d978d/original/img-2897.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"I realized something tonight. All the music I've listened to before tonight was garbage." - Sunny Merchant</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Reckless Daughters are back on the road after a year away. We're hoping to get back to Germany in 2020, but we opted to head south this year.</p>
<p>We'll be hitting Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.</p>
<p>Flew into Atlanta yesterday and had a lovely night with friends from <a contents="The Holiday Music Motel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://holidaymusicmotel.com/home" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">The Holiday Music Motel</span></a> crew.</p>
<p>Picked up a cajón from a friend of a friend on our way to Opelika, AL (pronounced oh-puh-LIKE-uh) and headed to our venue, The Sound Wall.</p>
<p>Stopped by Pannie George's for some chicken and dumplings, okra, and cornbread. 10/10 recommend.</p>
<p>Had some time before soundcheck so we went for a little walk around Auburn University. We struck up a conversation with one of the food truck owners on campus, Sunny, and we invited him to our show.</p>
<p>Got to The Sound Wall and dropped our things in the artist loft above the venue. It's a beautiful open space fit for Apartment Therapy. The venue itself is a newly renovated house built in 1907 that's part recording studio, part listening room. Owners Rob and Jen Slocumb have created a stunning place. <a contents="See before and afters here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thesoundwallopelika.com/story" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3498db;">See before and afters here.</span></a></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">We had a quick soundcheck with Rob and met Kate Hood, The Sound Wall's superb Event Assistant.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">First time playing together in a while. Felt good.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">The highlight of our night was the arrival of our new friend Sunny and the time we got to spend with him after the show. Sunny moved to Alabama a few months ago after graduating college in May, bought a food truck, and is now serving his mother's recipes to the students of Auburn.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Having a lunch date with Kate tomorrow at Sunny's food truck, Good Karma, before heading to Birmingham.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:null;">Stay tuned, stay reckless.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8c98a13175479e3690e1c77d96ed6b5dce47a64c/original/img-2916.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:null;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/85ee168af6cda1251e8569a336e7ebd9227c1255/original/img-2904.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54429472018-09-25T12:27:46-04:002019-07-20T09:03:54-04:00Long Geschichte Short<p>Shows are done for this trip. We made a lot of friends in 10 days and stocked up on stories, from the heartwarming to the absurd. Lena goes on to star in a one-woman show in Rochester, and Kate & Lizzy are off to explore Switzerland. </p>
<p>Here’s a quick recap: <br>- Drove a tractor bike through a farm <br>- Stumbled upon Kartoffelfest (potato festival) <br>- Ate the best ice cream of our lives <br>- Drank way too much coffee & way too little water <br>- Got challenged to a ping pong match & showed up <br>-Felt like outsiders <br>-Felt like insiders <br>- Slept in a circus trailer surrounded by chickens & sheep <br>- Slept in the dreamiest hammock paradise <br>- Performed in a tantra massage studio</p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Kate, Lena, & Lizzy</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/4b52c35961ab8f3be1d02e5780338cf1c2bb76fd/original/0c2f38a5-6720-40f1-b3bc-4266b7e8fbf0.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Kurt Schaffer</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/66f5717d98b3184a5dba55d9494021222742e74a/original/e0e09de1-f298-4c95-9155-a0026e01b447.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Thomas Dimroth</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/9e0e3106e472626200db3986cb473280890cc4f2/original/1c9660e9-0c5e-4457-9a58-7be61a4b08b4.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Thomas Dimroth</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/eff25bbf970bac5e253fd1259b33eefad4ee8ff4/original/e9d458bf-a94b-4ca2-99f0-4dfb1587684d.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Thomas Dimroth</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/77ac7d2c4f0133d58d5ad88a55f0d126a85108e4/original/fcbd0825-45b3-45f1-9e32-2bb293085a4c.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Photo by Thomas Dimroth</p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54411512018-09-24T06:55:38-04:002018-09-24T06:55:38-04:00Eye Are High??<p>Spent the day walking around Zürich, mostly just peeking into expensive shops and drinking coffee. There were some weird ducks we enjoyed watching for a bit. </p>
<p>We weren’t told when to be at the venue, so we opted for a car nap. </p>
<p>Arrived at the venue address, but couldn’t find where we were supposed to go. After following some other lost-looking people, we ended up in The Zürich Academy of The Senses, a large open space that hosts a variety of tantric offerings. The show was part of a Meetup aimed mostly toward expats. </p>
<p>The food was nearly gone by the time we found it, except for a full plate of muffin tops. We each had one. During a conversation with an attendee, just before playing, we were informed that they were possibly space cakes and we began to question our mental states.</p>
<p>We miss Lena.</p>
<p>We were ushered into the room and given a quick overview of the night’s agenda: brief introduction of us, form a large circle, 1 minute eye contact with a stranger, 1 minute shoulder massage from and for a stranger, 1+ minute of silence before we start playing. Kate was not informed of the silence part.</p>
<p>After the 1st set, we learned we weren’t high and felt good about that. Finished off strong. </p>
<p>We made 2 German friends. Glad for that </p>
<p>At the end of the night we learned we’d be staying with the organizer of the evening, a flirtation coach and Eye Contact Experiment leader. </p>
<p>Although we weren’t able to snag any proper food during the pre-show, we did go “home” with a full black forest cake.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/a547b430b2736d262cea04fb042af8567dd5087e/original/28d15335-2bc0-4c87-9630-7241008c9a05.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/ae5df0e7ad1a2086b2fc1d561940c50b2a894512/original/76bd292a-3e46-49d8-8398-1175f0d693c1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54411422018-09-24T06:01:15-04:002018-09-24T06:01:15-04:00Pardon Me, Swisster<p>Got a little behind, but here we are. Had a nice little outdoor breakfast in Freiburg and left for Switzerland. It was an easy 2 hour drive. At the border, we were asked if we had anything to declare and then let through. We had a small living room concert in Winterthur, just outside of Zürich. We briefly met our host, Nicola, before heading upstairs for a nap. The exhaustion was hitting us hard. </p>
<p>Once we woke up, people started arriving with food and wine. We made our way downstairs and attempted to make conversation, but it felt we were missing something. It was the 1st time we really felt out of our element, like there was some disconnect and we couldn’t figure out what it was. Where we unaware of some Swiss etiquette? Was there a language barrier?</p>
<p>Once we started playing, the room felt lighter and somewhat familiar. We invited the guests to create their own percussion instruments with objects around them. Nicola ran out of the room and returned with arms full of auxiliary percussion. It was the most lovely version of “7 Inches” yet. </p>
<p>During the break, we were able to connect with a few attendees over travel and guitar talk. </p>
<p>Finished off the night and went to bed. </p>
<p>Lena left for New York in the morning. </p>
<p>Lizzy and Kate had a quiet breakfast with the family. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/32a238852b98089c4011c719a46e839ccd42861a/original/a473ee49-5963-4c87-9bcb-0f8374fc86b3.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54379092018-09-21T07:26:49-04:002018-09-21T07:26:49-04:00Klimperstube<p>We were sad to leave Reiner’s hammock haven but we had to get to Lena’s table tennis match. An hour in to our drive, we realized we forgot a bag. Luckily, it was only CDs, gummies, and fake nails. Could’ve been much worse. </p>
<p>Only 2 hours to Freiburg. We dumped our laundry at the Wash & Art and met up with Raimund from last night. He gave us a quick tour of the area, then went to his office, an audiophile’s paradise. He treated us to some vinyl sounds on his incredible system and a bit of ping pong on his table. </p>
<p>Soundcheck at Kimperstube with Mathias. We were instantly taken by the venue, a 70s-themed co-op for musicians with recording and rehearsal studios, that opens into a performance space a couple times a month. The owner, Daniel, has created a really unique and important place. </p>
<p>People filled the room, sitting on couches and cushions, and Theo opened up the night with some sweet solo tunes in 3 languages. </p>
<p>It was another single-setter and we closed out with an unplugged version of “Rattlin’ Bog”. It felt like we were playing to friends. </p>
<p>There’s really something good going here.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/b28e8386feae6349d4edde96fdbfd4a1f83dfab7/original/image4.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/13e79602645737bd52510dfd3a1def0241c3ed28/original/img-1729.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/795a9cc15753a777bd2e6bf665826e898f03e650/original/img-1732.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/1648cbcf5a1de77751a48b479aac9889a1df8b54/original/img-1731.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54378992018-09-21T07:07:47-04:002018-09-21T07:07:47-04:00Hammock Haven<p>Longest drive of the trip. 3 and a half hours from Marburg to Stuttgart. Not too bad. Parked outside the venue, Café Galao, and explored the secondhand shops along the street. We were told ahead of time that Galao is under renovation, so our show would be at a venue just a few minutes away. Even though there was construction going on inside, there was a line of filled tables outside. Reiner immediately welcomed us with food and coffee, then took us up to the apartment where we’d be staying the night. It was out of a dream, beds on beds, hammocks on hammocks, gymnast rings hanging from the ceiling. We want Reiner to design all of our apartments. </p>
<p>Our show was at Galerie Kern Weine pretty much the most hip place we’ve ever been. And a very good-looking crowd. We just played one set. Met a whole bunch of interesting people afterward, including a fellow New Yorker and Raimund from Freiburg, who challenged Lena to a table tennis match before our next gig. </p>
<p>We ended the night with sweets in the square.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/3893be7dcaf892c3f9c0d2810b6af795776252a8/original/img-4410.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/f2ccc460461cc947535fffb3b2f04f81f1520bd8/original/image2-2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/5750aeb431ebcfa0c44ff1cdea7a2f2464fd18a5/original/image1-3.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/92bf324d9bfc4e7dfe1c83b7905dd7afdb5184a6/original/image3-1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54347212018-09-19T05:53:34-04:002018-09-19T05:53:34-04:00Stefan, Z, and The Brand New Key<p>Started our day with Lena-made cappuccinos, a review of "Angel from Montgomery", and quickly learned "Brand New Key". Then we took a walk up to Landgrafenschloss, the castle that overlooks Marburg. Lots of stairs, but the view was worth it. We rewarded ourselves with kaffe and kuchen in the marktplatz of the old city.</p>
<p>5:30 soundcheck. Our venue for the night was an intimate cafe turned listening room. Stefan put a lot of care into making the space look inviting. His passion for music was evident. </p>
<p>We played 2 sets, including Stefan's requests. Stay tuned for a new cover in car! Very attentive and percussive audience, who showed off their foley skills during "7 Inches". By invitation, of course.</p>
<p>Hung out on the patio afterward and enjoyed the beautiful weather. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/7d319ffeb3368d8eb6241ff7773a6c0296b53c95/original/img-9776.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/106709440727e4a87d3b005cc64e378706173cdc/original/img-1706.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/3d22cccdc8456ba974c7a0092c35867337ac4985/original/image2-1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54347202018-09-19T05:51:59-04:002020-06-30T20:27:54-04:00Dog Day Off<p>Day off. Woke up in our converted circus trailer and had a hearty breakfast with the chickens and rooster. Headed off to Marburg, home of the Brothers Grimm. It's castle-crowned* university town with great energy. We had a few hours to explore the old city on this unusually hot day before we met up with event curator, Stefan. He gave us the rundown of the event and directed us to our place for the next couple nights. We were greeted by our host “Z”, dentist by day/funk-master by night, and his dog Fidel. We dropped off our bags and joined Stefan and Z for dinner. We talked music and dogs. Stefan requested we play "Angel from Montgomery", ala our cover in car, and a tune we had never done, "Brand New Key" by Melanie. Then we went back to Z's and talked more music and dogs. </p>
<p>*stolen from Wikipedia, but it's just so good</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/9b164d65607507921e3ed946b8bc975f5b47b5a0/original/img-9769.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/a4888f52522291a69fe555a2977277db6a94159f/original/img-1701.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/b2bf3dc6b2c03bfd956b3a854eafb5b6480fcade/original/img-9757.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/0f66a1df2ee95c3eb329a6d32f3d0f8e10310f5d/original/img-9771.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/fdc5aabd57f97dad7f79b659b5012755a3c20fd3/original/img-9780.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54308812018-09-16T15:56:23-04:002021-06-28T02:47:13-04:00Offenbaa-baa-baach<p>Show for the day is at Hafen 2 in Offenbach, only 20 minutes drive from Schalander. It's an open air venue on the water with a cafe, bar, and loads of space for people to lounge outside. They also have sheep and a rooster roaming around. Andrea showed us the renovated circus trailer we'd be sleeping in for the night.</p>
<p>The lawn filled up and people really listened. A woman painted us - see below.</p>
<p>It was an afternoon performance, so we had time to eat our 1st currywurst of the trip, catch up on the blog, and hang out with the sheep.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/08a6b8aea1b870fb5717462400afdf7c79086c5e/original/img-1697.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/fab898313e9d760213ef3c47ce32fa6cb006ddb9/original/img-9738.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/15192be98698c1d8faa012e5ec779e4ca70b37c1/original/img-9744.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/76e24b9f8b0a4c4dfcad571c0ae3f5336b5a7d69/original/img-1696.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54308542018-09-16T15:09:13-04:002018-09-16T15:09:13-04:00Hand Claps & Hand Cheese<p>Arrived in Maintal and greeted by Birgit at Schalander. This is our only repeat venue from last year and it's one of our all time favorites. We were immediately presented with a stocked food basket. We had plenty of time to rest before our show and go to the local ice cream shop. </p>
<p>Our show was sold out and there were some familiar faces. We didn't think our experience could top last year, but we were wrong. Birgit is an outstanding host, bringing such a warm energy, and attracts true music appreciators. After performing, we exchanged stories with audience members. Our new friend Simone gave us a culinary mission to eat handkäse mit musik, a Hessen specialty. It's a handmade cheese marinated in oil and vinegar, topped with raw red onion. Birgit offered to prepare some for us before we took off. </p>
<p>Best sleep so far.</p>
<p>We went to our hand cheese appointment and then drove to Offenbach, smelly but satiated.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/0bcbfc8f6b8c063eae6163cace362685a771858d/original/img-1690.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/28798d4419bef7220119d7539f007947cc91f420/original/img-1678.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/71f538521e030d42032f2766081ffa4b8eea333a/original/img-4367.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/73e97243be77fc9ad909a58fb4e34a4f499eaf6c/original/img-1680.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/e97f69ba68b2cfda813f7d383d310d02e8d04827/original/img-9723.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/f878cf0c136202ab1b24ac868fec13580d44db55/original/image1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c72806031e3c2eb4ffb024f478e92dc340e28e52/original/image2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54302912018-09-15T19:14:38-04:002018-12-31T02:30:15-05:00Have You Heard the Neuss?<p>Woke up refreshed, got some groceries, and headed to our next destination. On our way to Neuss, we stopped in Cologne for a picnic and an outdoor rehearsal. Tonight’s gig was a Sofa Concert called Rhinestage, hosted by Maik and Silke. We were greeted with coffee and cookies and enjoyed them by the Rhein with our hosts and their daughter. We settled in to their beautiful home and they showed us the outdoor space we’d be playing. Had a minute to unwind while Maik set up his new sound system. People started to arrive with food, dogs, kids.</p>
<p>We played 2 sets, with a mingle and fire-lighting in between. It was a perfect “welcome back” to Germany. The kids presented us with bracelets to take along with us. Hung out with guests post-show, learned some new German words, got a bit of dog time. Wiir leiben hunde.</p>
<p>In the morning, Silke prepared a delicious breakfast spread including fresh figs from their garden. They set us up with a snack pack for the road and we were off to Maintal.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/198434cd30dcb00c5478569709ca586c958b2b50/original/cbe883f9-435f-409d-ad30-40d437acef80.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/de3887994c27a966caea440bea891715cb615035/original/dd80a6ce-ba70-4cd9-9253-f2d7f483c6fe.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/2862b659b374bad9d13dadd517c561624c414c15/original/e3cf33cf-ddc6-4435-8df0-d783f566dbae.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/03df5f33668c5e6451c373f8d2ea993cf94ebd75/original/628ddda7-7dd0-4e3c-b889-4fe25000892b.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c796c87f57071897c9ab7bd0354925667f1c7d14/original/4146a7b8-5d93-4aaa-8275-7d7a71710ad9.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/6ef861ff8d7c781b13d5c08e596ded37d4d312f3/original/558090da-e19c-4ded-8242-7ac236cd951f.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/54293712018-09-14T19:30:24-04:002018-09-14T19:30:24-04:00Return-a-me to Germany<p>*currently one day behind, but we intend to get on track*</p>
<p>Easy flight. Had the royal treatment on Singapore Airlines economy. Picked up a sweet Schlagwerk cajón from Henry at Cream Music (the oldest music store in Germany, according to Henry). Drove to our Airbnb in Villmar, a quaint apartment on a farm complete with tiny horses, a trampoline & tractor bikes. Before we became deliriously tired, we got our Shnitz fix at a local joint in a neighboring village called Weilburg. It was a serious storybook town. Back to the farm for a good nights sleep, gearing up for gig 1 in Nuess tomorrow</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/3561ef5ebc1aa15d17877a17781fe68e28237efe/original/a1941653-0702-4d08-b87e-85e9047a9b37.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/96a7dc33ff1556f953c6c96846c27374854dccbf/original/864d0c16-60a4-40c3-a1cf-f16754458349.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/7ef8e830ae4d286b2844a27749e9b083d768af66/original/ed75803f-0435-4e88-9396-5cc5a61024cb.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/b4e89c13ec36d1e65d20cd6d6e57f982d069747a/original/17585bca-2be3-43aa-954d-1d3f98b7a2db.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/264ac2fe36f4f61fd342ed23eb3344b4347308c3/original/f81fda7d-deb5-4658-bf7a-5bcfe9041c3e.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47649332017-07-03T14:07:58-04:002019-04-08T05:19:11-04:00Tschüss<p>Last blog post, last day in Germany. We decided to make it a vlog.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="o_lQmWW6kW4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/o_lQmWW6kW4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o_lQmWW6kW4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/0e81b7ae9bda712107c75caf4a294d102c32e637/original/img-7069.jpg?1499098247" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Tracy Byrnes of Riddle & The Stars</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/1f08bc7303c65a96935d2c5fc6c02577fa01d9ea/original/img-7062.jpg?1499098645" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Saying bye to Lena</p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47645322017-07-02T18:39:17-04:002018-04-03T14:52:32-04:00Cajón ya get any bigger?!<p>7/1</p>
<p>Last round of laundry and more exploring in The Quarter.</p>
<p>Traveled through lots of country roads to get to our venue in Brake. At ten til 7, the place was empty and we were sure we'd be playing to no one. But, by 6:59, the room was packed. It seemed to be one of the few things happening on a Saturday night in this small town.</p>
<p>This audience made up for the night before. One member even had a perfectly timed sneeze and everyone found it as funny as we did.</p>
<p>After playing, we had a mean craving for ice cream. We were told there was an eis café in the square and we had 20 minutes til closing. We made it with minutes to spare.</p>
<p>Another drive back to Bremen. Just as we're getting to know these roads.</p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p>***Bonus photos: We opted to use Songs & Whispers cajón instead of flying with one. It turns out to be the largest cajón to ever exist. See below.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/7c4962036180fb3a0b1777ef20e85d5fa78d228b/original/fullsizerender-2.jpg?1499034699" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/ce5efd97eedfb6408691be15f789b358cfb563b6/medium/img-7043.jpg?1499034823" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/cf57cd749cfb76e0f5f45427aa337fc3afa387c4/medium/fullsizerender.jpg?1499034956" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47639302017-07-01T17:37:22-04:002017-07-01T18:15:32-04:00GypSchnit<p>6/30</p>
<p>Last meeting with Songs & Whispers. Said goodbye to Julia. One more stop at Lloyd's, the coffee shop in the shipping yard.</p>
<p>We'll make this short and to the point. This night's gig was our toughest yet. Let's just say, it wasn't a listening crowd.</p>
<p>We got through it, no one got hurt, and we got this bonus slo-mo video out of the night. We also got gypsy schnitzel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qVRvvuont70" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qVRvvuont70/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVRvvuont70?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47630342017-06-30T16:21:47-04:002019-04-08T05:20:15-04:00Roll Me To Hahn's Haus<p>6/29</p>
<p>Solid night of sleep. Round of two of pool. Explored the beach village and froze our toes in the Baltic Sea. </p>
<p>Classic German weather- it poured all day. Drove east to Kühlungsborn another beach town. Arrived with time to spare so late taught Lena and lizzy "Roll Me", the song Kate recorded for Pat Macdonald tribute album. Since it was raining, our only option for filming was with an iPhone in the car. This makes for a surprisingly good sound booth. </p>
<p>Our venue for the evening was Tillmann Hahn's Gasthaus. Tillmann is a Michelin-starred chef. The dinner was delicious. The dessert was divine. </p>
<p>Once again, we felt like we were playing for friends at a dinner party. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, Tillmann had to cover as chef at his other restaurant, so he couldn't be there for our performance. But he was kind enough to stop by after the place closed to meet. We traded a CD for a cookbook and took a couple photos with the team. </p>
<p>Long drive back through the downpour, but we kept ourselves awake by making up songs based on our German adventures. </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="S1xRKHjjJZ8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/S1xRKHjjJZ8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1xRKHjjJZ8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c22820309ac6c380f07edce9820e9b6527e07268/original/fullsizerender-2.jpg?1498854029" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/35cc2a68250430363163bbb8e34072104da732be/original/img-6991.jpg?1498854039" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/bb36c6b094cf59a07237f4b667b3d25409b98ba3/original/img-6998.jpg?1498854058" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47624312017-06-30T06:58:57-04:002020-01-22T06:07:51-05:00Dip and Steam<p>6/28</p>
<p>Left early for the <a contents="Iberotel Boltenhagen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.iberotel.de/en/iberotel-boltenhagen-baltic-sea-germany.html" target="_blank">Iberotel Boltenhagen</a>, a resort on the Baltic Sea, in order to take full advantage of their pool and sauna. We got there with just enough time for a quick dip and steam. </p>
<p>It was overcast, so our performance was moved inside. We played for 3 hours, our longest gig yet. People were mostly passing through, but we had a few dedicated listeners stay for the whole time.</p>
<p>We've learned that hotels are not our favorite venue, but glad for the stay. </p>
<p>This day was mostly spent driving through the countryside. Pretty uneventful, but pretty views.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/e421d413ce1118c3fb8e0bb3be3444d943cd444f/original/img-0432.jpg?1498820280" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47605302017-06-28T18:11:59-04:002017-06-28T19:12:37-04:00Corner In The Quarter<p>6/27</p>
<p>Chill morning/afternoon. Found a cool semi-secret coffee shop in a shipping yard and had lunch at the lake. </p>
<p>Back to the music & glad to be in Bremen for the evening. We played at Heldenbar, a small bar above another cinema. Our stage was a cozy nook in the far corner of the room. The neighborhood, The Quarter, is a Brooklyn-esque scene with clothing boutiques and restaurants. Walking around before the show, we ran into a couple familiar faces - the musicians that played before us at Aromatico, our second Germany gig, were out having drinks with friends. They ended up coming to our first set down the street and weren't the only familiar faces either. One of the guests from the living room concert came with a buddy and our new friend Petra was there as well. The space really filled up. </p>
<p>Great way to kick off our last week. Tomorrow we're headed to the Baltic Sea. </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/e89502ad245d1da8f344a60c6670d7c977998379/original/img-6972.jpg?1498687617" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/fa20e7ba7c8670f0a87231882186d48ab91badc3/original/img-6977.jpg?1498687631" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/3141b63930b2d28be9cbd72725574bf130db0aca/original/img-6979.jpg?1498687786" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47579742017-06-26T16:48:24-04:002019-03-27T06:24:20-04:00Midday Scream<p>6/25/17-6/26/17</p>
<p>2 welcome days off.</p>
<p>Took it real easy on day 1. Kate and Lizzy ventured out to <a contents="Universum Bremen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://universum-bremen.de/" target="_blank">Universum Bremen</a>, the science museum in the shape of a giant clam. Their activities included cranking gears, slapping tornadoes, and dancing in art installations. Lena stayed behind to do some work. The day was pretty uneventful. In the very best way.</p>
<p>Day 2 - check-in meeting with Julia to go over our last week of shows. Visited an old school copy shop and had a midday spaghetti ice cream. More errands and emails. For dinner, our favorite neighborhood spot, Fisch and Chicken. We got to tell the owner what fans we are of his and what a great addition his place has made to our tour diary turned food blog.</p>
<p>Lazy days before another busy week.</p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8ff6c06c563a0452abd84de042fb38b09441eac2/original/unnamed.jpg?1498509975" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/b3f5e5a80525eb093c32108687bb8915b4c09921/original/img-6964.jpg?1498510024" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47565982017-06-25T07:47:00-04:002017-06-25T07:47:00-04:00Sony and The Spice Girls<p>6/24/17</p>
<p>Our first private living room concert. A few years ago, Frank won a private show on a radio contest and has been booking them once a year since.</p>
<p>Our schedule advised us to get there at 12:30, about a solid hour earlier than we were expected. No one said anything, but we think it caused a bit of confusion. We hung out in the dining room eating sandwiches and drinking coffee.</p>
<p>Once we started playing, things got more comfortable. It felt like we were hanging out with friends. We learned that Frank's guests had traveled from all over Germany to be there. And they were ready to have a good time.</p>
<p>We had a tight schedule and needed to leave right away for our next gig, but we made time for their impressive dessert spread.</p>
<p>Left for <a contents="Sonnendeck" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://sonnendeck-dangast.de/" target="_blank">Sonnendeck</a> in Dangast, a beach town in the north. Driving in and out of rain, we weren't sure how things would play out when we got there. We arrived with no time to spare, set up in their covered patio, and played to a full room. After a few songs, our friends from <a contents="Litfaß" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://de-de.facebook.com/LitfassOl/" target="_blank">Litfaß</a> walked in. We were pretty exhausted, but we pushed through two sets. The energy of the little kids in the front row kept us moving.</p>
<p>Kay generously offered to treat us to dinner and drinks back at Litfaß and we gladly accepted. Sony, one of the chefs, made us the best Indian food we've ever had, using his mother's spices imported from New Delhi. It was the perfect way to end a long day.</p>
<p>Now for 2 days off!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p>*we were so beat today we didn't take any pictures so we found a picture of Sonnendeck online. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VAP_qRGodU8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VAP_qRGodU8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VAP_qRGodU8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47565912017-06-25T07:46:44-04:002019-03-27T06:25:10-04:00Break Kino The Rules<p>6/23/17</p>
<p>Evening gig at <a contents="Kino-Hotel Meyer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://hotel-meyer.de/en/" target="_blank">Kino-Hotel Meyer</a> in Harsefeld. It's a hotel with a cinema inside that features indie films. Each room is named after a famous director. We were put in Ethan and Joel Coen. We were given our own private dining room to enjoy our dinner.</p>
<p>Then things went a bit downhill. Perhaps it was all miscommunication, but we seemed to be unintentionally irritating the staff and breaking some German rules. Still not sure which ones.</p>
<p>We sought solace in our rooms with a few of the delicious gummy hearts from the front desk. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47548292017-06-23T06:54:40-04:002019-04-08T05:20:57-04:00Out Of The Storm<p>Drove to Oldenburg to do a quick radio spot at <a contents="Oldenburg Eins" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.oeins.de/home/#&panel1-2" target="_blank">Oldenburg Eins</a> to promote our nighttime show. We did a brief interview and played "Second Skin" live.</p>
<p>Kate had to grab a spare capo, so we stopped by the local music store. Have you ever seen a bass recorder? We did. We had a couple hours to kill, so we walked around the town square.</p>
<p>Got to the venue, Litfaß Oldenburg, a little early, met with Kay and he showed us his place. It was a big bar/restaurant with several rooms, including a game room and outdoor patio. Kay had planned for us to play outside, but there was a storm rolling in, so we set up on the stage inside and sat down for dinner. Their specialty was burgers and they were no joke.</p>
<p>The room filled up quickly. Although the audience was reserved during the first set, they really loosened up by the second one and even started making a little noise. A group of guys in the back corner was particularly enthusiastic and we stayed to have a drink with them and talk music & politics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/185eafb2fa6f96e11de403926c44cff37669ef5c/original/rdpicday14-3.jpg?1498215202" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/083984d96360b5d6c1c03c39261ea51f099169cc/original/rdpicday14-2.jpg?1498215229" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47530122017-06-22T03:29:45-04:002020-10-05T02:18:54-04:00Clap-happy Time Travelers<p>We're back on track! Up to date.</p>
<p>Finally got to do laundry. Discovered Ali Baba, our new favorite neighborhood Turkish spot with ayran* on tap.</p>
<p>We were looking forward to our show at <a contents="Kreismuseum Syke" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kreismuseum_Syke" target="_blank">Kreismuseum Syke</a>, an open-air folk museum. When we got there, we found out we'd be playing in a farmhouse built in 1747! Heidi prepared an abundant spread for us in the back room. Eating dinner in there felt like we'd gone back in time. </p>
<p>This was our most clap-happy crowd yet and we were digging it. Strangely, the space felt churchier than last night. Something about this performance felt particularly comfortable and connected.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p>*On our first German grocery trip, we intended to buy creamer for coffee. Without being able to read any labels, we mistakenly got ayran, a salty Turkish yogurt drink. It's still in our fridge. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/be10316de93606103b768189e57edbf736568832/original/rdpicday13-3.jpg?1498116547" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/49254229d585afe698ce269d75a8b6fad3f1a1fb/original/rdpicday13-2.jpg?1498116425" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47529582017-06-21T18:11:42-04:002017-06-21T18:15:11-04:00Take Me To Church<p>6/20/17</p>
<p>Check-in meeting with Julia from Songs & Whispers to go over our upcoming week. Our show was at Immanuel Gemeinde in Bremen, just a short drive from the apartment. Our first church gig. Heiko of Songs & Whispers met us there and introduced us to our host, Hieko. While we were setting up, we noticed a gigantic gong in the corner. Heiko #1 lined us up in front of it and struck the gong repeatedly, making the sound grow until it was nearly vibrating the whole room.</p>
<p>We shared the show with Aaron English and Elizabeth Hareza, who are also our flatmates during the tour. Their voices blended beautifully and filled the space.</p>
<p>Petra, a dedicated follower of Songs & Whispers, requested "Rattlin' Bog". We weren't sure it fit the venue, but we promised her we'd play it. Once again, "Bog" didn't let us down. We were glad to have Julia in the audience and Heiko #1 help with soundcheck. Heiko #2 gave us a lovely introduction and pointed us in the direction of a good ice cream café.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c682fe2dd5e8d1b197346c9b8f6c0c3989f7b13a/original/rdpic-day-12-1.jpg?1498083052" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47518052017-06-20T19:53:24-04:002021-03-03T03:53:28-05:00Howling in Hannover<p>6/19/17</p>
<p>Said our goodbyes to Birgit and left for Hannover. Our first stop was 25music, another in-store performance at a record shop. One guy popped in while we were playing and started howling along. The Germans asked him to be quiet, but we didn't mind. It made us feel like we were back in New York City.</p>
<p>Our next venue was Kulturpalast, just a 10 minute drive away. A few people from the record store came for seconds. We didn't expect such a listening crowd for a Monday night. The staff was great too: Pascal the booker, Martin the bartender, & Paul the sound guy.</p>
<p>We came back to our Bremen apartment after 5 nights away. Walking in the door felt like coming home.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/bfd83c60969ad13714f8fb120bcb5551a703e5bc/original/rdpicday11-2.jpg?1498001810" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47503122017-06-19T20:14:30-04:002017-06-19T20:16:10-04:00Birgit & Brewskis<p>6/18/17 </p>
<p>Good sleep and breakfast at the B & B. Back to Germany. 4 hours to Hochstadt-Maintal, just outside Frankfurt, for a private concert hosted by the lovely Birgit. We met her at <a contents="Schalander" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.hochstaedter-landbier.de/" target="_blank">Schalander</a>, an extension of her family-run brewery. It's a small room with a bar and seating where they put on private concerts twice a month. Birgit was a perfect host. She walked us to our apartment for the night and gave us a picnic basket with a delicious meal cooked by her husband. </p>
<p>We played an acoustic show for a room full of music enthusiasts. It was a pleasure. We gladly used our few German words again. Got to try out "geistergeschichte" (ghost story) to describe "Mama Watched Me Sink". It was a hit. We hope they enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed playing for them. </p>
<p>Birgit surprised us with ice cream and even sent Lizzy home with her favorite mug full of beer brewed by her husband, Ingo.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/f7d8cf7916d89391e2dbbace432e8d0da48bca76/original/rdpic-10-1.jpg?1497917270" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/142c107c4a6b29af11c47899abf7895813c91239/original/rdpicday10-2.jpg?1497917430" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47491202017-06-18T18:20:11-04:002022-05-09T15:05:45-04:00Mr. P<p>6/17</p>
<p>Got to Doetinchem late afternoon and went straight to <a contents="Wim's Muziekkelder" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wimsmuziekkelder.nl/" target="_blank">Wim's Muziekkelder</a>, a record store in the middle of the town square. We were super tired but pushed through an in-store session. The duo who played after us was made up of two young brothers from the neighborhood playing full drum set and a guitar made out of a shovel.</p>
<p>Over dinner, Wim shared with us that he had opened up his store in 2013 with 70% of his own record collection. The store is now going strong and features live in-store performances every weekend. It was clear that Wim has made a name for himself in town, introducing us to the who's-who of Doetinchem. He also hooked us up with a great dinner and a lovely bed and breakfast with a private garden.</p>
<p>Our night gig was at Café Merleyn, just around the corner from Wim's. It was a small crowd, but a lively one. There were tears, a marriage proposal, and a 15-year-old Corgie named Mr. P(erfect).</p>
<p>After playing, we joined our new crew at Hendrixen down the street to hear <a contents="Big Bo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bobrocken.nl/" target="_blank">Big Bo</a>, a local bluesman we met earlier in the day. At the encouragement of Wim, Kate sat in for "Trouble in Mind".</p>
<p>Doetinchem was an unexpected party town, continuing on long after we turned in.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/521119c1663ec3ae4df5eade5862457a5100e78e/original/rdpic9-2.jpg?1497824368" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/dbd2e0d5781c39da9efffad2ce04c696ffcec74c/original/rdpic9-3.jpg?1497824396" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47489242017-06-18T13:19:48-04:002017-06-18T18:21:09-04:00Traumland<p>6/16</p>
<p>Morning in Bruges. Lizzy and Lena went shopping at the secondhand stores. Kate met with Gilbert, the magic man at the massage parlor down the street. RDs united for Belgian lunch of mussels and waffles. </p>
<p>Back in the car toward the next venue, Zennegat 13, in Mechelen, Belgium. We were told this place was hard to find. It doesn't even show up on Google maps. After ending up across the water from the venue, Kate ran into what appeared to be a men's social club to ask for directions. One of the men happened to be a former bartender at Zennegat and happily pointed us the right way. We ended up across the water from it, yet again, and carried our instruments across the walking bridge.</p>
<p>What we found was a small one room bar with a patio that opened to an expansive view of the river, fields, and sky. Jan, the bar manager, (think: Chocolat Johnny Depp + Willy Wonka Johnny Depp + Pirates of the Caribbean Johnny Depp) gave us a quick hello between serving drinks and cooking food. Maybe this place was so hard to find because the locals want to keep it to themselves. </p>
<p>We played two acoustic sets in the narrow sunroom between the bar and the patio. People gathered around and joined in, including our friends Ingrid and Oswald from Radio Centraal. </p>
<p>When we finished playing, we got to talking with the folks outside. We even got offered accommodations for our next stay in Mechelen. Another irresistible offer came our way when Peter, aka Captain Sunset, said to Kate, "Would you all like to take a ride on the solar boat I built?" And off we went. With a motley crew from Zennegat 13, we boarded Captain Sunset's astro-turfed vessel. Last to board was Jan, who said he needed a ride downstream.</p>
<p>Powered by the solar panels overhead, we set off on our moonlit cruise, passing houseboats and frog croaks.</p>
<p>In the distance, in big bold letters on the the side of a docked boat we read Traumland (German for Dreamland). Our captain pulled up beside it and Jan hopped off. Jan lives on Traumland. Docked the boat and strolled back to Zennegat 13. </p>
<p>This night was a real Traum.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/5acf7cc18570c0a7525c60dc51548f73da52ab83/large/rdpicday8-1.jpg?1497805543" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/2ab0448ef9440c342442cadfbe5cf1ba2effa03e/original/rdpicday8-3.jpg?1497806243" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/f2e9a8e0df1c6f35a952c000ef438e31853ae9a5/original/rdpicday8-2.jpg?1497806145" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="4J-ItFE4e28" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/4J-ItFE4e28/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4J-ItFE4e28?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47483882017-06-17T19:33:15-04:002017-06-17T19:33:15-04:00FrankenSnuffel<p>Apologies for the skipped post. From 6/15.</p>
<p>Woke up in Antwerp and enjoyed some fresh eggs from the Kabas chickens. After a stroll through city center & a necessary Belgian chocolate run, we were off to Radio Centraal. The space was once a bar and now houses a unique radio station. We were greeted by a cast of characters including Ingrid, Oswald, Frank (the show host), and a former New Yorker with a bowl of freshly-picked strawberries. Frank is a long-bearded wonder and it was a pleasure to play on his show. </p>
<p>We made the two-hour trek to Bruges in the afternoon. Driving into Bruges was like driving into [Snow White town]. We dropped our bags at Snuffel, our venue for the night. Snuffel is a recently renovated youth hostel complete with ping pong, foosball & a courtyard hang-out. Since we had some time to kill before our show, we took a short walk through town. We stumbled upon an old, abandoned house that had been converted into a secret garden, filled with herbs & flowers planted by the local community. </p>
<p>Our audience was a mixture of locals & travelers of all ages. A highlight of the evening occurred when a group of guys joined in singing a version of "Rattlin' Bog" in Dutch. </p>
<p>Closed out the night with a late night walk through the streets of Bruges.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c1dbfccd6abf3e91e7431a366d542f49955a008b/medium/rdpicday7-2.jpg?1497742178" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/69f95a6c1162573a61821aa71c2d9eacb00aa10e/medium/rdpicday7.jpg?1497742178" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/92525b0d9f7b93a2a985cc16ffca41ae498d3973/large/rdpicday7-4.jpg?1497742183" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47449592017-06-14T19:34:10-04:002017-06-14T19:53:35-04:00Twerpin' it out<p>Lunch gig at Hochschule Bremen, the university of applied sciences. The sun was out, so we got to play outside. We have the farmers tans to show for it. There was a nice crowd of students gathered, along with the school's dean, Dr. Helmut Eirund, who gave us a warm 'thank you' after our performance. Shout out to Ole and Jan, our hosts and volunteer roadies for the day.</p>
<p>Then we set off for Belgium. Pit stop in The Netherlands for a quick croquette. Got in to Antwerp around 8pm. We've only been here a few hours, but we're already taken by it. Our home for the night is <a contents="Kabas Hostel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kabashostel.com/" target="_blank">Kabas Hostel</a>. It's the coziest. We're really looking forward to a good night's sleep here, along with a breakfast of fresh eggs from the chickens who live in the back courtyard.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/5283215ae8bd8aad6e7fbeafaf4216953a21328a/original/img-6880.jpg?1497483749" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8bc6ee09f540b96f1508f88ef0bf093a997d4543/original/rdpic2day6.jpg?1497477618" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/2dff66d88a0197fc1923d446d777cd6a4e7fa1db/original/img-6896.jpg?1497484372" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47437502017-06-13T18:40:13-04:002017-06-14T04:33:49-04:00My Oh My <p>Headed to Delmenhorst to record a song at Radio Weser TV. We decided to do "November", a newer tune that Kate co-wrote with Patrick Kelly and Loren Tee at <a contents="The Holiday Music Motel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.holidaymusicmotel.com/about" target="_blank">The Holiday Music Motel</a> in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. It will be posted on Radio Weser TV's YouTube channel in the next couple weeks, along with a short interview.</p>
<p>We got to talking with Maria, the station intern, who did a year exchange program in Houston, Texas. As a funny coincidence, she also happened to work at the theater next door to the place we were playing at night. Maria taught us a couple new German words to help us introduce our songs.</p>
<p>Our night show was at Shakespeare's Theater-Pub in Wyhe. Our sound guy, Tobias, got us set up in record time and we enjoyed a meal at Garb's next door.</p>
<p>At the end of our 2 sets, the audience asked for more. We ran out of songs to play, so we winged it. After scrambling to find an initial groove, we each settled into our parts. The lyrics were language-blind (gibberish), until the chorus, where the words that came out were simply, "My oh my", as a sort of reference to <a contents="our favorite Punch Brothers song" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/_H2o217hqJU?t=50s" target="_blank">our favorite Punch Brothers song</a>. It was easy enough for everyone to sing. And they did.</p>
<p>Tomorrow we play at a university in Bremen, and then it's off the Belgium and The Netherlands. Gonna be a bit of a crazy week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c4633e246d392de5911a7d99277a88fa85eb8595/original/rdpic2day5.jpg?1497429216" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47423232017-06-12T17:07:25-04:002022-03-16T07:10:36-04:00Monday Mis-jeff<p>Had the day off. These are the things we accomplished:</p>
<ul> <li>Laundry</li> <li>International phone plan hunting</li> <li>Gas in the tank</li> <li>Planning meeting for upcoming week (headed to Belgium and The Netherlands)</li> <li>Feast at Fisch & Chicken </li>
</ul>
<p>Due to the relaxed nature of our day, we'd like to offer an assortment of Jeff photos. For those who have yet to be introduced, Jeff is Lena's dog and he is our mascot. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/8b22f1089db85d368f7d0b389948678cac5d719a/medium/jeff6rd.jpg?1497301269" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/22700045048ca1896db62f7303567a7c370a5506/medium/jeff4rd.jpg?1497301410" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>`<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/10bc712b1cecd210fe59cdeaa6e2b335c6284d38/medium/jeff5rd.jpg?1497301261" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/3665dd5f1a35d13a7937990e5213d1b44b15d3f8/medium/jeff2rd.jpg?1497301259" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/42f7b3475a258d7a5b2e0262de82bd2cc07c5c9d/medium/jeff3rd.jpg?1497301253" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47414362017-06-11T19:20:04-04:002017-06-11T19:20:04-04:00Brat Bowl Busk Bust<p>Early gig today. Big plans to busk, so we packed the brat bowl that Lena cooked yesterday and headed to the venue, a latin dance school in Bremen. The owners, Ines & Alexey, are German and Cuban and teach salsa, bachata, hip hop, & dancehall, out of a charming space behind <a contents="Union Brewery" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://brauerei-bremen.de/" target="_blank">Union Brewery</a>. We made fast friends with their 1-year-old daughter, Amada. We were so impressed by her determination to lift a very large bucket during our soundcheck, that it inspired a song. </p>
<p>After our performance, we were invited to play a last minute set at Schauburg Kino, an art house cinema. We opted for that instead of the busking. Great little theater. We play there once more on our last night.</p>
<p>Looking forward to our day off tomorrow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>STSR</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Oa0Mx9GtAKA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Oa0Mx9GtAKA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oa0Mx9GtAKA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47408882017-06-10T20:05:30-04:002018-07-06T01:38:31-04:00One Woman Dance<p>Late morning jam resulted in a new mash up. We added "Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby" (as heard in O'Brother Where Art Thou?) to our set and found a way to weave it into The SteelDrivers' "If It Hadn't Been For Love". </p>
<p>Drove to Rotenburg which reminded Kate and Lizzy of a German Corrales (the farming village they grew up in). </p>
<p>We knew we liked Aromatico, the venue, before we set foot inside. As we pulled in, we could see an abundance of flowers inside the green house and we could hear the faint melody of "Sweet Home Alabama". </p>
<p>Kristin and Daniel greeted us with hospitality in our favorite form: food. And a beautiful space to play. The audience was quiet and still, but receptive. One member stood out. One woman dancing. Amidst her fixed counterparts she moved like leaf in the breeze. Her joy was contagious. She's a true reckless daughter. </p>
<p>A guitar strap incident inspired an added improv number. Audiences love mishaps.</p>
<p>The big yellow moon accompanied us back to our Bremen flat. </p>
<p>Stay tuned, stay reckless.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/128397/c8da8df3814267b240bf1e103b0b7ae52b62997c/original/pic2rdgig2.jpg?1497139498" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47401172017-06-09T20:15:19-04:002021-10-29T03:31:22-04:00Be Hair Now<p>AM meeting with Heiko at Songs & Whispers, the German label/booking agency we're working with. Loaded up the car with our traveling sound system, worked out a set list, and hit the road for our first gig. Drove an hour to Nordenham and arrived at the venue, Headliner: hair salon by day, music venue by night. It was a seamless transition. The owner, Lela, along with Dani and Svenja, made us feel so welcome. Not only with their energy, but also with the köstlich* homemade meal they had waiting on the table. </p>
<p>The audience was eager to listen to and engage in our 2 hour set. "Rattlin' Bog", a sing-a-long song we picked up on our trip to Ireland, was a favorite. It's become our back pocket tune when we really wanna get the people moving. This may have been our best "Bog" crowd yet.</p>
<p>Perfect show to kick off our tour.</p>
<p>Tomorrow we play at a greenhouse.</p>
<p>Stay tuned, stay reckless.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*so so scrumptious</p>Kate Vargastag:katevargas.com,2005:Post/47384142017-06-08T16:48:15-04:002017-06-08T16:48:15-04:00Bremen Town Musicians<p>Woke up at noon, like proper musicians. We slept well after a delicious meal at Fisch & Chicken, the restaurant down the street from our Bremen flat. We need to learn more German. But we did eat well.</p>
<p>Two French Presses later, we drove to <a contents="Bremer Marktplatz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://bilder.t-online.de/b/42/48/78/98/id_42487898/920/tid_da/zusammen-mit-der-roland-statue-auf-dem-marktplatz-wurde-das-bremer-rathaus-in-die-liste-des-weltkulturerbes-der-unesco-aufgenommen-foto-imago-.jpg" target="_blank">Bremer Marktplatz</a> in city centre, where we met the <a contents="Bremen Town Musicians" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://germanstories.vcu.edu/grimm/bremereng.html" target="_blank">Bremen Town Musicians</a> face to face. Stiff competition.</p>
<p>We have our first meeting with the Songs & Whispers team tomorrow and then we hit the road for our first show.</p>
<p>Stay tuned, stay reckless.</p>
<p> </p>Kate Vargas