The Kiltlifters

Kiltlifters - rallying on New Years Eve!!

2006-12-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

Kiltlifters on New Years Eve!!! That's right, we're pretty stoked...we haven't played a New Years Eve show since the huge CHUM TV bash in downtown Nanaimo a few years ago. Deli trays were rallied then, and Saltspring Porter will be rallied this time.

Kiltlifters New Years Eve Party
Moby's Pub, Ganges, Salt Spring Island
10pm start
$4 cover... cheaper than any pub or bar you might go to!
19+

And... to the Nanaimoites... come on down and check out side projects of different Kiltlifter members: Jimmy Hazzard and Macaque, playing at the Cambie on Friday, Dec 29th!

December shows

2006-12-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

Aight, here's the heads up....

We Kiltlifters have two shows booked in December. The first is a return to the Mt. Washington Alpine Ski Resort... Fat Teddy's Pub, to be precise, Saturday Dec 16. We're playing with a number of other acts as part of the mountain's annual food bank benefit. So, it's only gonna cost ya some food or toys to get in!

Event starts at 9pm...not sure what time our set will be. Anyway, we'll be rallying down the slopes all day during the day, so come find us on the lifts or in a heap in front of a pine tree.

Second show is up in Cumberland, and one of our fave venues: the Waverly (Waverley?), Friday Dec 22. Give yourself an early Xmas present and come out to the show... rumour has it that Dr. Tre is! Start time should be somewhere around 9pm, I'll confirm this as we get closer to the show.

Finally...a quick reminder that 4 of us Kiltlifters are in a side-project band called "Macaque." We're opening up with the Droptones for the legendary Skatalites at Legends Pub in Victoria, this Sunday, Dec 3rd. Doors are at 8, so I expect Macaque to be in your face at around 8:30. Tix are 25 bucks at the door, or 22 in advance at Fascinating Rhythms in Nanaimo or at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records, or the Strathcona Hotel in Victoria. Check this show out!!

we're working on it

2006-11-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

whoa, long time coming

2006-11-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

Got hassled by Jer and Elyse as to the state o' the blog...and rightly so. Apologies for the lack of updates. I'm wearing your pants.

Status right now: working on the new CD. Slowly but surely. Schedules of us band members are pretty conflicting at the moment. But there be many tracks of drums done, some bass, a bit of guitar and horns, so it's happening, and we're pretty stoked.

Gigs? Looks like Dec 16th on Mt. Washington is gonna happen. And we've been invited to play a gig with the most excellent Skatomatics in Vancouver in December, still have to see if that's rallyable.

Also, some of us are taking part in a project band that's going to open up the Skatalites show in Victoria on Sunday, Dec 3rd. It's called Macaque (say it out loud, heh heh.)

More info to come soon, and more often. We love you all. And you, sure.

Labour Day weekend

2006-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Labour Day weekend! Who be up for some beers? It's Longwood time!

So, the Pender Island gig -- not happening. But we've got two shows lined up:

Friday Sept 8: The Gathering Place (790 North Road), Gabriola Island -- all ages show!! W/ NASA Took This Picture, and a guitar solo competition sponsored by Music Maxx. Winner gets a bitchin' axe. No word as to if Kayle is going to take part. 7pm-11pm.

Sat Sept 9: take an early ferry back to Van Isle and get down to Vic for the Great Canadian Beer Fest (Day 2!). Looks like we'll be playing an acoustic set sometime during the event (noon-7pm), then jamming at a big afterparty. I look forward to sharing stories of the carnage.

Pender Bender?

2006-08-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

So we're supposed to be playing on Pender Island next weekend, the Sunday o' Labour Day long weekend. We want to be there. The Resort wants us to be there. But there's a middleman that hasn't confirmed the whole process. So while we'd love to advertise the gig...well...

At least we can advertise that we're playing at the Great Canadian Beer Fest, in Victoria, Saturday September 9...

...and possible good news about an opening slot with Cat Empire? We'll keep ya posted...

Bathtubbin Fest!

2006-07-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

yo MC MC lay me down some phat phunky beats:

So enough of this ska fest talk cause I'm here to say
The kiltlifters be tuning up again and ready to play
Swylana lagoon you know there won't be much room
cause all our ska homies wanna hear the kilts go boom!
So if your feeling fresh and ready to get jiggy with the best
make sure you pop down to Thursday Night at the Fest
9'oclock's the time to be, the band stage by the sea
So all ya crazy hosers come party with thee

Heh heh, Matt thought he was the only one who could drop da rhymes.
Last minute post to announce the Kiltlifters will be playing from 9-10PM at Swylana Lagoon in Nanaimo to kick off this years Bathtub Marine Festival. Its an all ages FREE show of course so come one come all. What post would be complete without paying homage to our main man Tim Horton. It wouldn't. We are playing the Tim Horton's Marine Festival Entertainment Stage in case there was any confusion about 'where' in Swylana Lagoon.

Victoria Ska Festival 2006

2006-07-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

.... was the best party ever. We rallied hard with crash times averaging 4:30AM every night.

A breakdown of the tomfoolery will be coming soon! For now, I want to give a shout-out to all those who came to the final show and danced hard at our set... we received tons of great comments (malfunctioning lights won't slow these hosers down!) and made tons of new friends. Cheers to Dane and the BC Ska Society and all of the bands for another excellent festival.

(photo courtesy of r_o_b_s_o_n, check his awesome ska fest photos on the message board section of http://www.livevictoria.com )

the important stuff

2006-07-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

What should we wear at Skafest? hmmm...

Vancouver - last show of the Puke 'n Rally tour

2006-06-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

At least 3 puke 'n rallies happened on this tour. Aww yeah!

After a stunning drive through the Rockies and (good ol') BC -- where we shaved about 2 hours off of the expected driving time, and rallied Wendy's for lunch for one last heroic time -- we arrived in Vancouver and freshened up at Bobbi Jo's apartment before getting to the Railway Club... just in time to watch the last few minutes of the Oilers 4-0 win in Game 6. Calls for a beer, so more Big Rock Trad did we drink.

This show was the Elixxxirs CD release party, and they played a great show, sold tons of CDs, and brought tons of friends. The opening band - The Golden Wedding Band - was very cool. Live dixieland! Yeeeeah!

Tons of friends came out for the show: Jer and Elyse (thanks for the graduation card, avec the nakedness), Naomi, Nate, Keesha, Kirsten, Dr. Tre (nice freestyle session), Tre's cravers, many of the Karmacanix including drunk Sean, April and Chelsea (who would have been killed by Bobbi Jo if they didn't show up, I realize), our crazy Czech friend, Irish and Austrailian girls, and Mexican cockblockers.

Thanks to Peter and Ila for hosting the afterparty...keep it rockin' till the break of dawn.

The ferry ride home always leads to much contemplative time. That, and burgers and stale tap water. As these brief posts have shown, perhaps the best part of touring is all the people you meet or get reacquainted with. The scenery is great, the music rallies hard, but the people really drive the memories.

We Kiltlifters will see y'all at Skafest.

Calgary

2006-06-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

You can tell you've been on the road for a while when the cuisine at "Denny's" appears "hearty."

The Underground is a metal bar. Nuff said. Kayle's laundry fit in nicely here.

No Scot at the show, so all of his tunes were sung by others with improvised lyrics, generally revolving around the topics of "cravers" and "beer."

Second consecutive show with tourism/rec representation in the crowd, this time via Nanaimo! Cheers!

Another night of Dave and BJ rallying all night... clubs and cravers are vibrant crucibles to staying downtown. In fact, when dey done, they walked about 4 hours outside of downtown to make the motel for a stunning 1.5 hour sleep.

Back to the van for the long trip through the Rockies, back to BC, homecoming show. Dave was stoked that we passed a town called Balzac:

Almost home!

Red Deer

2006-06-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Scot, who figured he had lost his wallet 3 days earlier, went to the police, then found it in his backpack.

The Vat is a cool little place; for you Nanaimoites, it's like a large, bright Cambie. Some Tourism/Rec homies from Red Deer College had to leave early before our set, so, uh, I hope you enjoyed the soundcheck. Also a shout-out to the Skalactic crew...hope you enjoyed yer beers, and hope to see you guys at the Vic skafest. Also, more representatives from the Chris King family rallied down!

We are glad Brodie is still alive after cruising up and down 1-way streets for an evening. U-turns avec le grand trailer are not easy.

Another show with Skratch3, these guys rule. The overall vibe for this show was pretty sweet.

This day marked the first day the Meatball was able to do laundry, dear lord. Those of us in the penalty box appreciate the fact our prayers are answered.

Gas under $1 per litre = elixir. Yay Alberta!

Regina

2006-06-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

We begin the brief post-deconstruction of the Puke 'n Rally tour here, in Regina.

Another day of booking a motel for 3 people, ahem, with 5 friends. At least this place had a pool, which is a wonderful tonic for the the kinds of stickiness that only come from sitting still in a van for over six hours.

The SoHo Restaurant/Manhattan Room complex is amazing. A huge open building with easy traffic between the dance club (bottom floor), restaurant (ground level) and live music venue (top floor... with some questionable carpeting.)

Above the bar in the restaurant is an upside-down scale model of Manhattan. Cool.

The show itself was sparsely attended. However, we got to play with Skratch3, an excellent ska/rock band from Toronto that had the unfortunate incident of having their van burn down to the ground a few nights earlier. The remains of their van fit into a tote bag.

Thankfully, their trailer survived, so they rally on. In good humour, too, about the whole thing. Of course, the "the roof, the roof, the roof is on fire" jokes were kept to a tasteful minimum. Right.

Prairie thunderstorms are pretty awe-inspiring for us islanders.

Big ups to Zandria for having the coolest name ever, and Dave Kapp and the ska crew for the heckling!

Also, big ups to the Regina Winners store, and to the dude at McDonalds who sprints from station to station.

rallying in Winnipeg

2006-06-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Yarrr..... full of fish 'n chips 'n Guinness...a fine day in Winnipeg so far...

Not much time left at this internet cafe, so time for a few highlights:

1. Sudbury. Why is Sudbury always, always, always so frickin' cool? The people, the venue, the food... etc etc etc. Big ups to the Townehouse and everyone that rallied with us.

2. Relaxing at Garnet's. Best steaks 'n burgers.

3. All the family and friends we've met up with over the last few days!

4. The folks that have let us sleep on their floor(s), including Rebecca and Yvonne in Toronto and Niki in Ottawa. With more to come, hahaha...

5. Dave flying down the Thunder Bay hills in a shopping cart at 2:30 AM

6. Enlightening the Elliot Lake locals on the proper way to sing "Mony Mony"

7. "Applesauce, bitch!"

8. Everyone arguing over whether we stopped at a Tim Hortons in Thunder Bay or elsewhere for breakfast or for lunch... for HOURS

9. Pukin' 'n Rallyin'!

More updates soon!

Tour update #1

2006-06-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

Location: Nanaimo

No, the band isn't in Nanaimo -- I am, after flying back for my grad. An awesome time, and I'm glad I came back to be part of the ceremony. For that, I give the band huge thanks for driving straight from Edmonton to Elliot Lake...36 hours of driving. Apparently, there has been no strangulations or stabbings involved. Phew! Hopefully BBQ Man is rallying up the burgers and Blue for 'em right now...

So five of us left on the last Duke Point ferry, Thursday night. We spent most of the ferry sitting and talking in the Suburban, which was a little odd; I figured they didn't realize how much more of this exact activity we'd be doing over the next 2 weeks.

The ceremonial first beer, marking the start of a Kiltlifters tour, was cracked. It was a Sleemans Honey Brown, and They were Happy.

Picked up the Elixxxirs in White Rock at a little before 1AM. Bobbi Jo is the only one of us with a suitcase, heh heh, it's backpacks for everyone else. Methinks she can get away with it, though; Corrinne from the Skatomatics/Furios gave her some tips on what to pack for touring, especially with guys (who knew a hair dryer would be so essential?)

Off we went. I drove from Chilliwack, and did most of the Coquihalla. Blue sky started appearing a little after 3:30AM; a beautiful sight through the mountains. Brodie and I rallied the Suburban through the early morning as everyone slept. For such a loud band, the snoring was wonderfully quiet. It always amazes me the angles at which some people can sleep.

Breakfast at Humpty's in the Rockies. Yay for orange juice and napkins. This particular one had a space for bands to put up their stickers! The Elixxxirs represent there now, and the Kiltlifters learned not to pack their merch so far back in the trailer, under trombones and tom toms.

The Rockies were cool, as always. We did see a massive elk -- probably 12 feet tall, I tell ya -- along with some tourists who thought it was a good idea to walk up to it for a closer look. No maulings were witnessed as we cruised by.

Got to Calgary a little after 3pm, and headed to the airport to pick up the Swedish Meatball. He had arrived at 1pm, and spent most of the afternoon drinking at Moxies and inviting waitresses to our show there on the 16th.

Calgary rush hour traffic sucks. Avoid the Trans-Canada at all costs. Kayle was having a blast pointing out all of the liquor and porn stores, and was downcast at the lack of gun stores.

Now, a full Suburban; 6 'lifters, 2 'lixxxirs. Let the durrrrrrs commence.

No one is arguing over the stereo as much as I had predicted. This is because everyone has MP3, DVD, and CD players. They have been the cause of our battery dying twice. Time to get some Duracells, boys. Food mess has been kept to a minimum, and I managed to sweet out all of my spilled wheat puffs off the floor before anyone noticed. Once again, the back seat has been dubbed "The Penalty Box."

Gig in Lethbridge, at the Tounge N Groove. Lethbridge is even windier than we thought it would be. Dust wails through the air outside, and people smoke at the bar on the inside. We all are dehydrated, which makes things worse. Scot pops two allergy pills and can't figure out why he clogs right up when he has a beer; I point out that his pills are 24hr-lasting. Brodie's mini-football is getting a good workout, but is a challenge to throw around the gusty streets.

The gig goes pretty well. The crowd is small but enthusiastic. The TNG is kinda like the Cambie back in Nanaimo, but thinner. Someone bought the band 2 extra rounds of Sleemans Honey Brown...seems to be the official beer so far. My aunt Debbie shows up, and we have a great chat outside the venue... this should be the first of many Kiltlifter/Elixxxir relative appearances.

Later on, Dave nearly falls off the roof.

In the morning, a few bananas and peanut butter sandwiches later, we're off to Edmonton. Quick and easy drive, but we're even more dehydrated.

Edmonton is beautiful today; sunny, 27 degrees, nice breeze, and very, very clean. We soon realize that it is clean because...there's nobody out on the streets...anywhere! Everyone is on Whyte Avenue, go Oilers go. (Poor Roloson.)

We are treated to a wonderful meal by Chris's (Elixxxirs) family; BBQed burgers and chicken, oriental salad, chips, veggies and dip, beer (Dave, Kayle and I snaked the last Kilkennys, sorry Brodie.)

For the most part, the Edmonton gig sucked.
1-we tried for days to find out when soundcheck was; got no response, so ended up showing up 2 hours late for it. Arguing ensues for a while before cooler heads prevail. (Mike, the sound guy at the Starlite Room, is a pretty cool guy.)
2-it's a big massive room with a killer system... but it's nowhere near Whyte Avenue. Because we were away from the hub, there's wasn't much of a crowd expected...and thus, it came true.

However, tons of Chris's relatives showed up gave awesome support. Good prairie folk, they are!

After the gig, Scot had to be rushed to the airport to catch a 12:30 AM flight to Sault Ste. Marie to meet up with family. Dave and BJ got a little lost on the way -- the airport is wayyy out of the city core -- but rumour has it that Scot made it, heh heh. They got back, we packed up, and we're ready to leave before 1 AM.

So...off to a pub!

Chris recommended one on Jasper Ave., and we went in and had a good time. Good amount of cravers; one grabbed Brodie in the goolies. I did a solo Sheepwash dance (read: goofy) and ran around the dancefloor. I told some old guy that Brodie got his anime-style haircut by sticking his finger in a socket, and the old guy got in my face and told me that was a horrible thing to say. Oops.

After most of us headed back, Dave and BJ walked down to an after-party that turned out to be an all-night rave, with tons of stoned people that couldn't even talk straight. Crazy dancing, apparently. With no more beer in sight, they went to Chris's friend's house and got 1 hour of sleep before meeting us for breakfast.... bacon, waffles with fruit and whipped cream, yogurt, juice, etc. etc.... once again, huge big ups to the King family!!!

So, not sure how the rest of the guys are doing; I'm back home after an excellent flight (WestJet: well recommended) and a good afternoon spent in Vancouver with Lauren. (Sandeep, sorry we didn't make the pub -- but I nearly passed out and fell on the bus floor. Erf.)

The variety of footwear in big cities is amazing, especially Vancouver.

The rest of them are in Elliot Lake, I'm in Nanaimo, tomorrow we meet up in Toronto and re-rally the tour (and finally get more stories to tell.) I'm hoping to get to the Hockey Hall of Fame, wish me luck. I'm really optimistic about the rest of this week..Toronto, Ottawa, Sudbury. Bring it on!

'eeeeeeeeeeere we go!

2006-06-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Puke 'n Rally Tour 2006! Yeah! Give'r!!

(who thought up this name, anyhow?)

Anyway...

Bags are packed, CDs are stocked, t-shirts are boxed, we're ready to go. Hope to see tons of people at the shows! Keep checking this blog for tour updates -- I'll try to get on here as soon as possible.

Oh..and catch us on the radio!

June 2nd, Lethbridge, 5pm (local time) CKXU 88.3
June 8th, Ottawa, 3-4pm CHUO
June 12, Thunder Bay, 5pm CILU 102.7

Also..interviews to be set up on CITR, CITR, CKLU, etc...updates to come!

Big ups!!!!

tour poster!

2006-05-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Puke and Rally Tour 2006

2006-05-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

First off: throw cardamon pods and a big ol' pinch of curry powder into your rice when ya make it. Beauty.

Now the main event. The Puke and Rally 2006 is coming up quickly, featuring us Kiltlifters and the Elixxxirs. Oh, we play nice, share van, all good.

Initial listing of dates:

Tour warmup! March 27 - Quadra Island

June 2 - Lethbridge, Tongue n Groove
June 3 - Edmonton, Starlite Room
June 7 - Toronto, Sneaky Dee's, w/ The Makeshift Heroes
Jun 8 - Ottawa, Dominion Tavern
Jun 9 - Sudbury, Townhouse Tavern
Jun 10 - Sault Ste Marie, Eastgate Nightclub
Jun 11 - Elliot Lake, Theatre Show
Jun 12 - Thunder Bay, The Apollo Bar
Jun 13 - Winnipeg, Cavern AKA Toad in the Hole
Jun 14 - Regina, Manhattan Room
Jun 15 - Red Deer, The Vat
Jun 16 - Calgary, The Underground
Jun 17 - Vancouver, The Railway, w/ the Golden Wedding Band

The final show is also the official release of the brand new Elixxxirs CD. Rumours say that it sounds awesome! It features myself on tenor sax and Meatball on trombone on a few tracks; not the first time we've done some horn session work. The two of us also rallied on the Street Prophets Union disc (along with a bevy of other horn players) and on Amoral Minority's "Juno Thief" album.

Anyway, dammit, see you at the shows!! If you can't make it...tell yer friends we're coming to town! Tell your mom!

superstoked

2006-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Great news all around!

First off, the Kiltlifters are confirmed to play the MAIN STAGE at the 7th Annual Victoria Ska Festival! Much credit to Dane Roberts, Enigmatic Entertainment and the Victoria BC Ska Society for putting us on this tremendous bill with La Severa Matacera (Bogota, Columbia), The Aggrolites (LA, California), and Junior Reid & The Reggae Angles (Jamaica).

Not only is this bound to be an amazing show, but the entire festival is going to be incredible!! Other artists playing over the July 12-15 festival include:
Georgetown Orbits (Seattle)
The Skatomatics (Vancouver)
Subcity Dwellers (Winnipeg)
The Real Deal (Montreal)
The Wedgewoods (Winnipeg)
Barrington Levy & Detour Posse (!!) (Jamaica)
The Next Big Thing (Toronto)
DJ Fresh-Lee Cut (Vancouver)
One Drop (Victoria)
Matamoska (LA, California)
Natalie Wouldn't (Seattle)
The Fabulous Rudies (Oceanside, California)

So...before all that excitement, we Kiltlifters are hitting the road for a Canadian tour, June 2-17, starting in Lethbridge and ending back in Vancouver! Dates to be posted shortly!

What a great way to enter the spring season...

Queens show

2006-05-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

First off, big ups to Vilot for playing with us at the Queens. These guys bring the blues/rock something fierce, and anyone that can get that cool of a guitar tone out of an orange amp is cool in my books. They play a lot around Nanaimo, go check 'em out.

Secondly, thanks to all the hosers who came down and made another hometown show a success. We saw tons of old friends, made new ones, and entertained the Good Crew and milfs everywhere. Thanks to Eliza for sittin' in and helping us on a Katchafire song!

2006-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Awesome Salt Spring crew: check.
Dancers who appreciate the double-horns and the ska: check.
Opening band that covered Radiohead and the Cure: check.
Afterparty with a Saltspring Porter: check.
Fries and onion rings for breakfast: check.

Salt Spring Island... so hot right now.

concluding april

2006-04-27T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all... sorry for the lack of updates, but we 'lifters have been pretty sleepy this month. Helped me make some serious progress on the BA degree, but you aren't here to hear of such things -- you want tunes. So, here's the deal:

Friday April 28 - Salt Spring Island, Mahon Hall, all ages! 8pm
Saturday April 29 - The Queens, Nanaimo, w/ Violet, 10 pm

Only other news: the studio is getting much, much closer to completion, and the beer fridge is in a comfortable spot. If only Kayle would stop replacing our fancy beers with Kokanee...

Vancouver Blitz!

2006-03-19T23:43:00.000-08:00

Her ye, her ye, the Sweater Vest in the house,

Lots to talk about and would like to first begin by sending good karma to former Kiltlifter Mr. Jeremy Hale for playing both Vancouver shows with us. A wicked guitar player indeed.

The Kiltlifters played Malaspina Pub for their annual "Kiss my ass, I'm Irish" Party. Lots of good people, lots of good green beer, and a great time had by all. Thanks to everyone who came out and partied hard.

The next day we all loaded up the truck with plenty o time to spare and headed for the ferry's....and got there just in time to see it sail away (cue styx song). The panic began to sweep across our faces as we thought we were going to be royally screwed for the big show at the University of British Columbia. With some stellar driving through the madness that is Vancouver by scot we pulled up to the gig with enough time to load and soundcheck in a hurry. Hundreds and hundreds of people at this show, and thanks to all the UBC crew for coming out on the day of the Irish. There's many different things that occured after the show, including a mini keg party on a Dorm Floor. Scot wandered aimlessly around campus, Matt chilled with his buddy at the flat, and the Meatball and I took the 31 foot beast out on the road hittin up wreck beach looking for a bonfire party (I will add that I had not consumed any alcohol in the previous 4 hours so was in fine form behind the wheel).

Saturday on to Malones with Vancouvers Elixxxers for the hangover party! Another great show- good food, good people, and good energy. Elixxxers sounded great, kiltlifters rocked it hard, including Matt and Dave in a soloing battle (which I awarded a tie). Headed up to an after hours bar for a nightcap and some mingling, and to bed to catch the ferry early the next morning (which we made!).

Overall a pretty solid weekend...

St. Guinness Day weekend

2006-03-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

Honestly; if there was one holiday that we Kiltlifters could surely revel in, it must be the culturally-appropriated St. Patrick's Day, yes?

(My ancestors came to Canada from Ireland, so I maintain a tenuous link to that country, which includes cheering for their soccer team whenever I can. And, Guinness tastes good.)

With all that in mind, it's time to play some shows. Nanaimo and Vancouver! Overseas trips always tend to be gong shows. I expect to see Dr. Tre in attendance, and we shall lay down some sick lyrics!

Thursday March 16
3rd Annual Pre-St. Patrick's Day Party
Velvet Underground Pub, Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo
w/ DJ Bunny Dub (who spins incredible dub, reggae, and dancehall)
9 PM start - $5 cover

Friday March 17
UBC Ski and Board Club St. Patrick's Day Beer Garden
UBC - SUB Partyroom
8pm

Saturday March 18
Post-hangover Party!
Malone's Bar and Grill, downtown Vancouver
w/ The Elixxxirs! Yay!

See y'all at the shows!

"Beatles of Ska"

2006-02-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

So the Kiltlifters were lucky enough to play with 3 great bands in Victoria over the weekend. Major Props to Satori, Westbound Train, and the Toasters. And much love to Dane Roberts for the slot to open. Amazing, Amazing bands.

Also cheers to Terri Upton for slapping the axe and filling in with us on the low end....and welcome back to Barry Campbell who has resumed his shredding on the guitar!

So this Friday Night in the spirit of a great cause the Kiltlifters will be taking to the stage at John Barsby Secondary School in a Drug Awareness Event. All ages event so those of you in the John Barsby Community come out and dance yo!

Big shoooow!

2006-02-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

Geez, I'm sure you already know about this show, but I better remind ya, because I'm stoked, and so should you be!

The Toasters
Westbound Train
Satori
The Kiltlifters

Saturday Feb 25
Victoria Event Centre
8pm Tix $20
All ages!!!

We 'lifters are stoked to re-introduce handlebar-mustached Barry Campbell and legendary bassist Terri Upton as the cornerstone riddim players for this show! Come on down and buy 'em a beer!

Great start to 2006!

2006-02-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

So its been nearly a year since I "officially" joined this faction, so its about time I lose my "blog virginity". The meatball left out some important highlights from these recent 3 shows.

Mal Pub
- Dave crashing through not 1 but 2 tables in the final song
The Waverly
- Driving half hour around Comox Valley so Chris from the Elixxxers could get a bag of sunchips
- Waking up and finding some suspicious discharge on all our doorhandles in the morning
Silva Bay Resort
- MC getting dunked by pints of Gabriolas finest mid-set
- Maddog somehow finding himself locked outside his room on his way to the bathroom
- The heater getting cranked to 100 degrees and being able to visibly see the alcohol oozing out of scoty's pours

A final note: major props to the Hooligan and Maddog for the good times and good luck with your future musical projects

heh heh heh

2006-02-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

First off: we were drinking beer IN THE FERRY LINEUP, not while driving. Thank you, Beavis!

Gabriola rallied hard... thanks for putting those photos up, Meaty de la Swede!

I take responsibility for not updating the blog as well as I could have... I'll throw some blame onto the fact that it is my graduating semester: BA in Creative Writing and Media Studies, which is a clue to why the guys lovingly call me the (ahem) 'grammar natzi.'

Big ups to Cumberland and the Mal Pub for the great gigs earlier this year... next up, we rally down in Victoria with the Toasters, Westbound Train, and Satori, Saturday February 25!

More details to come later...

Cabin Fever on Gabriola

2006-02-08T19:26:00.000-08:00

HEY HEY HEY meatballs back in action. bin 4 ever since ive posted on this crazy ass site. Well just have to say that our last show with the hooligans was pretty intence. got in a whole lot of SHIT met some really nice and generouse people. (f*u grammar natzi). Uhhmmm well lets start with these pictures....drinking on the way over and scot pissing by the truck while filling up at the gas station...that was sweet stuff.
Cravers in the front row should watch out for the meatball leaping from de fireplace mantel over the stage into the crowd. too bad i didnt get a picture of that. i did however get some craverly pics...here...and the crowd rallys here...

egg nog!!

2005-12-25T00:41:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays, everyone!! Have a fun time as y'all head into the new year... drink some beer 'n some nog for me. See you all at some great shows in 2006!

the weekend!

2005-12-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Yarrr, some great shows this weekend. Here's the lowdown:

Steamers, Dec. 2
-Karmacanix kicked ass. They sound great. Can't wait for the CD.
-King Drew saying "Hey cougar! Check out deze nuts."
-Haig's bari sax. nuff said
-Chucho just plain surviving the night
-Brandon from One Drop showing up with one hand and a Hawaiian shirt. I can't believe we missed that afterparty...
-Meatball waking up in Langford at 10AM, not knowing he's in Langford
-passing out on the Karmacanix hi-hat stand
-rum 'n cokes 'n seaweed jello and Karmacanix marshmallow stains, sick
-meeting a "Japanese Jew"

Waverley, Cumberland, Dec. 3
-Meatball vs. the Calamari
-the mp3 player with only 4 songs providing the canned music
-who the hell bought a case of Kokanee? In cans?
-Brodster's drum stool is melting!
-the Richmond crew driving 4.5 hours to see the show after I told them it was only a 2.5 hour drive
-Matt C. vs. Dr. Tre in a second epic hiphop battle -- Matt C triumphs with the TKO
-coolest bar staff ever
-happy birthday Mark 'n Glen
-Meatball, please don't get naked in the hallway again with Nanaimopoly
-who the hell spilled most of the case of Kokanee? On Scot's pants?
-and, as you can see, the hallway didn't forget about Tre

See ya at the Queens, Friday December 9th!

steamers!

2005-12-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

This girl brought me a beer! I am fully indebted!! I will write you a song.

2005-12-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Snow the weather? Will it be in Victoria tonight?

Snow the rapper? Will he be drinking Olde English tonight?

Dave the meatball? Will he be drinking out of Brandon's sock tonight?

Come down to Steamers Pub to find out....

breathe in the asbestos, meatball

2005-11-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Upcoming shows:

December 2, Steamers Pub, Victoria, w/ the Karmacanix!

December 3, Waverley Hotel, Cumberland!!!

December 9, The Queen's, Nanaimo

So the guys are putting the touches on our rehearsal space, turning it into a full-fledged studio! Constructing actual walls, ceilings, soundproof areas, putting in doors and windows... pretty impressive stuff. After I spent 3 hours trying to put in screws with an electric drill on the 'reverse' setting, they sent me home. Ah well, wasn't any beer left, anyway, and I was likely to drywall my own hand or something.

While our rehearsal space may be reduced to a 'too small to breathe' size, we'll finally have a proper studio where we can record and track *everything* for the new album if we so choose! Bwahaha! Meatball, don't spill the beer on the new carpet! fark....

Meanwhile, now that I've progressed out of the 'cream of flu soup' that I was in this week, it's time to get back to writing new tunes for the album...

PS - check out the Impending Loom blog -- I'll be putting up playlists from the radio show there from now on!

Overtime Frenzy!

2005-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

The recording has been going well for the new album.. big ups to the Hooligan for some fine bass tracks!

This week: Beer, hockey and ska!

Or, to focus: Lucky Lager, Canucks, and Kiltlifters!

Big night at the Velvet Underground, the Malaspina pub, this Thursday night! (Nov. 10)

First, at 7pm, check out the Canucks vs. those no-good-bums Avalanche on the big screen! As soon as the game ends, we Kiltlifters will take to the stage and fire up the ska into the wee hours! If you are at the pub during the game, I believe you'll be offered a mighty discount on cover charge for our show...

As always, on Thursdays, bottles of Lucky Lager are only $2.75. Pints of other fine beer only $3.50!

Soon, we rally...

trouble with the monarchy

2005-11-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

Ack. Owing to no fault of our own, we've been bumped from the Queen's schedule this month -- our gig that was originally booked for Sat., Nov. 5 has been moved. It wouldn't have angered me if they had just called us up and told us, but we found out by reading their online schedule! Ah, the music biz...

Anyway, catch some Kiltlifterness at the Malaspina pub, the Velvet Underground, Thursday Nov. 10th. Party for your right to fight, then, the next day, remember those who fought for our right to party!

Our shows in Vancouver were a blast -- thanks to all of our friends and many returning fans who came out and skanked away! The Elixxxirs kicked ass! Many sordid stories from the weekend, but it concluded with sippin' Guinness at Jeremy Hale's place and eating pancakes on the run.

Speaking of which, it's off to school for me... but check out our new promo video on this site!

UBC update

2005-10-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Looks like OktoberfEUSt (this Friday, 6-10pm) is going to be taking place at MacInnis Field... it's right beside the SUB building. Also, it looks like you have to be a UBC student or a friend of someone who is to get into the event. (I'm not convinced they'll be totally sticky on this point, heh heh, but you never know. Consider yerself warned!)

Now, let's get drinkin'.

it's well wicked

2005-10-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hey hosers! Tons of good stuff going on in Kiltlifter-world recently...

We've secured some national distribution!!!! Thank you, Nuff Entertainment!

First off, our website has been dramatically re-rallied. (Thank you, Nev!) Finally, we have new, updated content... including some new songs, recorded live from a recent show at the Queens. Also -- if the thrill that is this blog isn't enough for you, sign up for our new mailing list! You know the address: kiltlifters.ca.

We've also been working on some recording of new tunes... yup, the new album is underway. Dave is underwear.

Finally, we 'lifters are heading over to Vancouver for a few shows this week... bring on the mayhem.

Thursday Oct. 20 -- Piccadilly Pub (620 W. Pender), w/ the Elixxxirs
Friday Oct. 21 -- UBC, Main Mall, outdoor beer gardens, for OktoberfEUSt! Engineers know how to rally!

will I get nekkid again?

triple trouble

2005-10-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

w00t... "Dynomite" was just featured today on The Zone's new rock inbox, along with Bloc Party ("Helicopter") and the Offspring ("Next To You").

Three shows this weekend! Back to the stage we go!!

Thursday Oct. 6: Steamers Pub, Victoria
Friday 7: Velvet Underground (Malaspina U-C)
Saturday 8: Underground Pizza, Courtenay (update that website, guys!)

Joining us on all shows is the Elixxxirs, from Vancouver!!

Queen's Hotel Update

2005-09-22T00:57:00.000-07:00

Bad news -- due to a family matter of one of our members, we can no longer play this Saturday, Sept. 24th. Our apologies!

Good news, however, we are still playing on FRIDAY the 23rd -- and it'll be an awesome show! Not only are we recording some of the audio for a future project, Shaw Cable (you know -- the guys who do the Extreme Joe show) will be filming some of the action as well!

Also, this show at the Queen's is the official after-party for Malaspina University-College's Welcome Back dance --- bring yer ticket to the Queen's before 12:30AM and get in for.. uhh.. free? less money? Something like that. It's all good. Do it.

Other news: our first single for the album is basically DONE. More word on that later. Our trip to SunPeaks kicked ass -- they know how to treat a band right, and we treated the crowd to some killer ska. Got to play with the Elixxxirs and Skaboom in White Rock -- very cool bands, and I got to hear a Villains tune!!

Our pub night show at the Velvet Underground was spectacular -- lineups all night long, and a record-setting haul for the bar. They sold out of Lucky Lager! Ah, Nanaimo's legacy!

If you didn't make it in that night, we better see ya at the Queen's!

august heat!

2005-08-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

bonjour tout le monde! or something like that! Big ups to Luc Bourdon!

Today we go in to the studio to record drums for a bunch of new songs. "Dynamite" ("Dynomite"? hmmm.. must decide on final spelling) is almost completed and should be released to radio as the first single in October. The whole album, you ask? Probably mid-2006. Anyway, the new tunes are rallying hard.

While we'll be rehearsing and recording madly through August, the live shows will be comin' at ya hot and heavy in September! On the books right now:

Fri 9th - Steamers. A benefit featuring a number of acts, put on by Nicola Linde, I believe!
Sat 10th - all ages in Victoria, more info TBA
Thurs 15th - first pub night at Malaspina U-C
Fri 16th - Sawbucks in White Rock w/ The Elixxxirs and Skaboom
Sat 17th - Masa's @ Sun Peaks Resort! All Kamloops hosers come to this show, eh?
Fri+Sat 23/24 - Queen's, Nanaimo. The Friday show we're going to record - audio and visuals. Huge party. Holy krap, be there!

ska weekend

2005-08-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Kiltlifters @ Steamers Pub tonight... along with the Undisputed Champions. First gig w/ the new rhythm section and the complete horn section! Tons of new tunes! Whooeeeeee

We're also at the Sooke River Music Festival tomorrow (Sat. Aug 6th.) We're on at 7pm!

big rally

2005-07-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our website is back! Well, it needs to be updated, but at least it's there. Thanks to Malcontent Media and Nev! Keep checking this blog, though, yeah?

Reminder: Kiltlifters, this Saturday July 23rd, at the Marine Festival Beer Gardens! (19+, of course, sigh.) Undisputed Champions will play a short set first, starting at 1:30, then the almighty 'lifters will rally the stage for 3 sets, interrupted by a bikini contest around 4. Music goes to 5:30, and who knows when the beer flow might actually stop!

Rumour has it that prairie ska hosers Skavenjah may drop by... watch for them as well at their set at the Tim Hortons stage for the same event Saturday evening, and at the Queens Sunday the 24th (when yours truly will be downing a few birthday beers!)

The 6th Victoria Skafest was awesome! Meatball and I were stoked to be able to jam with the Allentons on stage -- very cool band, very cool guys. We also got to play a tune with Those Rapskallions, ripped it up at the Friday skafest house party, and Meatball got to play some solos with Fishbone and hang out with Eric Wilson (Long Beach Shortbus)! I, meanwhile, drank a lot of beer with the Karmakanix crew and learned dirty Japanese words.

Mmm, mojito!

Victoria Ska Festival!

2005-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Yarrrr mateys, it's time for ska! The 6th Victoria SkaFest is upon us, starting tonight (Wed) with Victor Rice giving a keynote speech and a dub demonstration. Arrrgh, this hoser has to work, but I'll be rallying hard at the Thursday and Friday shows. Do tap me on the shoulder and say hi! (I'll be the guy in the skull 'n bones Chucks.)

In other news, it looks like Kiltlifter Dave will be Fishbone's personal chauffer this week... I sense Angelo giving him a killer noogie!

See ya at Steamers on Thursday!

canada day!

2005-06-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

So yeah -- we'll be rallying on Dominion Day at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon in Maffeo-Sutton Park in Downtown-Nanaimo. Weather looks to be nice, so come on down and dance the ska!

Not sure what time we're playing at; my best guess would be 2. There are bands all day though, so come early, down some pancakes and ceremonial cake, throw a football at the Meatball, etc etc.

For those of you who be 19+, it looks like we'll be playing the Marine Festival (Bathtubs!) beer gardens again, on Sat. July 23rd. Ska and beer in the sun! Right before my birthday! Excellent. Will Doogie enter the bikini contest again??

radio silence

2005-06-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

Quick free plug here: I co-host a radio show with the intrepid "DJ Doc" on 101.7 FM CHLY, Nanaimo's campus/community station, on Fridays from 5-8pm. It's a healthy mix of fun and funk, including a good bit of ska, so if you wanna hear some, send us a request @ impendingloom at chly dot ca. Out of listening range? Tune in online at www.chly.ca!

musing June

2005-06-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Werd! Thanks to all of y'all who rallied down at Swy-a-lana for our 'soundcheck' set last Saturday. Some fine skanking in full effect in the front row. We promise to get up-island sooner than later!

Scot and I did a 'ska clinic' for a group of exceptional music students in Port Alberni on Wednesday. We ran down the roots of ska music and demonstrated the differences between ska and modern rhythms/styles; they picked it up right away, and by the end of it, were cooking on a great version of Work Song! It was tons of fun. Thanks to Sarah for having us up there, and hopefully we see all you guys at a show there soon!

We 'lifters are rehearsing a ton of new music and working in some new members (!) these days, so there's not much for shows in June. Next up is Canada Day in Nanaimo, all ages, outside, fake maple leaf tattoos everywhere, etc etc. You should still check out some music, however; I recommend:

tonight! Fri 17th - Diego's, Victoria - Those Rapskallions and the Bloodwarmers. Meatball will be there. Mayhaps I will too. @$*(@*$(@ tequila shots with (@*$(@ Kevin (@*$(
Sat 18th - Providence Farm, Duncan - all ages! - w/ Where's Veronica, Black Tie Social, Killing Flaw, and tons tons tons tons more
Sat 25th - The Slackers!!! at Sugar in Vic. 'nuff said.

Our website is still (@$*(@*$ down! check out myspace.com/kiltlifters.

nanaimo all ager!

2005-06-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

This just in -- we'll be playing at the bandshell at Maffeo-Sutton Park (Swy-A-Lana Lagoon) this Saturday, somewhere between 11:30AM and 2pm.

Not sure if any other bands are playing. More details soon.

For those folks 19 and over, be sure to check out some rippin' ska at the (Nanaimo) Cambie later that night -- Hoochy Girls and Couch Addiction will be rallying hard!

Plus, we're on for Canada Day in Nanaimo as well; at the bandshell again, along with Banshee (from New Brunswick!) and a few other groups.

new bass player

2005-05-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

That's right, the search for our new bass player is over -- welcome Nolan Hunter Rounding, the newest member of the band, born today at 3AM! He already looks older than Doogie and is telling cleaner jokes than the Meatball!

Congrats to the Rounding family!

media warfare

2005-05-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

More 'lifter tunes on the web - check out our myspace and purevolume sites. The myspace.com tunes are downloadable! Be sure to leave us a comment!

Our new rehearsal and office space is almost ready to go! Nothing like taking over a warehouse with old carpets, posters and a beer fridge...

haha poor Courtenay

2005-05-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

yikes...there was some severe Dark Side laid on the toilet in the women's washroom in the Chevron. Wha' happened?

Kiltlifter consensus is that the new Star Wars is pretty good, but the movie would have been
over a lot faster if the sabre battles had involved a few quick jabs to the nose, rather than full-on
roundhouse swings every time.

Plus, like "Shaft" would actually get beat down from the Emperor!

Review: new Planet Smashers CD, "Unstoppable." It's pretty good. Not as good as "Mighty," but still with some really solid tracks -- hey, it's the Smashers, if you are a Canadian ska fan, you know you'll buy it. Fave tracks include Police the Nation, Blank Stare, Cool Your Jets, and Bad Mood.

Argh...our website is still down...hopefully it shall be revived shortly!

May daze!

2005-05-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Holy krap, what an odd month for the band. Half of us are moving, preparing to move, preparing to have children, or just plain acting like children (see: Halo 2 beer 'n pizza fest.)

Big thanks to everyone who came out to the Dave Roberts fundraiser in Campbell River, and to the bear we sideswiped, hope your ass hair grows back before Meatball and Doogie grow their first ones. On their chins.

Sad to say that we aren't playing the Victoria Ska Fest this year :( But, it's all good: we'll be there as fans and consumers of the beer! It'll be hard to top last year but Dane always brings in the top-flight talent. And, he laughs well. If his laugh was a food, it'd be beef stew.

In terms of 'lifters shows, we're getting our summer bookings worked out right now... watch for the usual Canada Day madness in Swy-a-lana Lagoon (Nanaimo!) as well as a weekend at the lovely Silva Bay Resort on Gabriola Island, July 29th (Meatball's birthday!! the big 1-7) and 30th.

On a last note: the server that hosts our website crashed worse than Craig attempting a sudden stop on skates! So, our site has been down for a bit... hopefully it should be back up in the next few days.

More gig news and some exciting news regarding some surf tunes in the next few days...

PS. I meleed Stone Broker and Doogie hhahahahahahahhahaah

Curling Rocks!

2005-04-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be , I wanna be a Curler!
Congrats to canada on winning the worlds curling championships!
Go Team Furby!
Hehe the only current action on ice

Meatball.

end o' school weekend

2005-04-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to those Mal students who rallied at the year end party (#1 of 2) at the Velvet Underground on Thursday... any gig where the pub chef comes flying out of the kitchen, jalepeno poppers dropping from his apron, to grab the band's horns and whip off some jazz solos must get notice. I'd also like to thanks those who appreciated the "Return of the Son of Lucky Man." (Photos to arrive shortly.)

Now... tonight... Saturday... we're playing at the massive, throbbing UVic grad party at the Students Union Building. I've heard many rumours about the decadence that goes on there; and that's just in the food lineups. We're playing outside early on, then we'll commence beer sampling. Do drop by and flash a few metal signs! I can't wait to check out some of the other bands that will be there -- especially our good friends in the Hoochy Girls and the Bloodwarmers. Who will Al Pleasants attempt to accost this time? Come on down to the SUB and check it out!

Party on

2005-04-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

.......Meatball here....BLUE....u know the rest. So yeah just want to put in my 2 cents cause with the price of gas now days, that pretty much all I gots in my pockets. Getting ready for the weekend, we got 2 huge party's coming up. Thursday at good ol Malaspina we're gunna hit it hard with some local Nanaimo students and celebrate the end of the year, as well, saturday we are goin to party just as hard with the Uvic Grad Students.

This paragraph goes out to the zone. Man can they ever put up with my stuff, with the amount of calls i put in to Rick Lee. I spent most of my free time last week harassing the Zone Ranger and her crew and not once did they call the cops on me. Although I have been getting on their good books lately. I went out to their Zone Band of the month show, which I've bin telling them id go to for over 5 months now, and I even got a recognition from Layne Mitch 'your morning bitch'. yep he waved at me. What a cool guy, although layne u might want to think of getting a bigger repertoire on your big organ there, cause I mean lol howmany times can u play boulevard of broken dreams? So yeah big thanks to the zone for supporting local talent and huge thanks for always helping us out when ever I show up at their desk with puppy dog eyes asking for support on shows and such, kudos kudos kudos. Anyways enough of that I'm outta here.

Dave St.Jean
(The Swedish Meatball)

Malaspi-duh

2005-04-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy that the Malaspina Students Union printed up good lookin' colour posters for our year-end gig at the Velvet Underground, this Thursday (April 7th).

However, did they have to spell "pieces" incorrectly?

i remember april

2005-03-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hey hey! Thanks to everyone who rallied the 'on the road to skafest' shows with us, The Furios Soundsystem and One Drop... it's nice to see area groups hit the ska hard! Big ups to Dane of Enigmatica and the V.I.S.A. crew for all of their hard work. (PS. - If the Saltspring mafia reads this, send us your email -- we lost it! fark!)

With the university semester coming to a close, it must mean a few Kiltlifter gigs to celebrate the closing of the textbooks and the raising of the beer mugs... we'll be at the Velvet Underground (Malaspina) on Thursday, April 7th, and at the big University of Victoria grad party on Saturday, April 9th. At the grad party, we'll be playing in a big outdoor area from 9-11, then we throw on some tuxes and pretend to be grads and get deals on beer and spout stories about that time in Quantatative Methods class where Dave got his nuts caught in the pencil sharpener to colourfully-dressed girls. Yes!

Victor Rice at Skafest this year? That's pretty rad.

St. Paddy's Day Gig - Malaspina

2005-03-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

Well, at this point, it looks like the strike action by Malaspina U-C faculty is on hold.. which means we Kiltlifters will be able to play a St. Patrick's Day show at the campus pub, the Velvet Underground! Thursday the 17th, of course. As far as I know, there isn't enough time to sell tickets, so there will be a cover charge at the door. Probably around 10 bucks or so...?? I think Sleeman's (sadly, not Guinness) is sponsoring the event, so expect a buncha prizes to go with the usual tomfoolery. And Tom Delamerey.

So yeah...see you at the VU, 9PM, this Thursday! Wear green and warm up yer liver!

next shows

2005-03-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Last night at the Mal Pub was cancelled...double-booking. It's ok, I can't even blow up a balloon right now, much less play and sing, so it's for the better. Save me some beer.

We are booked for St. Paddy's Day at the Mal Pub - though it looks like the Malaspina Faculty Association is going on strike. Will the pub be closed? Hard to say, as it's run by the Students Union, so it may be seperate enough to open... time will tell!

After that, we're rallying two amazing shows:

Friday March 18th - Pandora Project - Victoria - all ages w/ Los Furios, One Drop
Saturday March 19th - Sugar Nightclub - Victoria - 19+ w/ Los Furios, One Drop

We'll also be at the Queen's in Nanaimo and at a UVIC Grad Party in the second weekend of April... more info to come!

post-coma!

2005-03-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

arrarrarr...finally, awakened from the haze... now, to comment!

Thursday: Calgary. 15 degrees!

Brew Brothers is an excellent place - some of the best food and beer from any pub! I recommend the Black Pilsner and the Steamer. (Of course I recommend the Steamer!)

My informant Matthew warned me that Calgary was not a town that supported ska... unfortunately, he was right. Our crowd, he said, was bigger than the Toasters and Chris Murray combined from last year... eek. However, a lot of old friends showed up and danced, so we salute you, and hope you liked the private concert (aka. the 'second set.') Big ups to the Plaid Tongued Devils, who rocked and were very cool guys! Best version of Miserlou!

(also, credit to the two girls who joined the entire band in the elevator and proclaimed it a 'sausage party.')

Friday: Vernon

Enjoyable drive through the Rockies. Doogie wouldn't stop taking pictures, so we beat him with a stuffed monkey.

When we got to Vernon, we did what any self-respecting band does: went shopping at Winners. Ah, fresh clothes!

Sneakers Pub was a lot of fun. After an awesome dinner at the connecting restaurant, we rallied three sets to a very appreciate audience. The (hot) waitresses wore plaid skirts and drank harder than we did! Thanks to head chef Dave for not beating up Scot.

Saturday: Sun Peaks resort.

We got there in just enough time for the band to get a few runs in. Doogie was in pain for a while until we found out his wrist-guards were on upside-down! Afterwards, we downed pitchers of Black Bear Ale and ate ribs n' pasta at the foot of the slopes under blue skies. Awesome stuff.

This show rallied hard as well -- the lifties and partiers and usual resort rabble-rousers were thirstin' for some ska, and went hard from the second set on. (Finally, my first taste of tequila this week!) A rowdy waitress kissed Doogie and tried to kidnap T-Bone; he responded by saying "fuck-a-pizza" over and over again, and refused to smile. We celebrated the last show with a bunch of 'za and Heinies in our chalet-loft-style rooms, though Tyson didn't show. In fact, I have no proof he's alive. Ah, rock 'n roll!

late wednesday night...

2005-02-24T02:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone is sleeping 'cept for me 'n Craig, rallying the internet service in Fernie in a hardcore way!

Monday gig:
We played on an ice stage -- outside -- at the Silverstar resort just outside of Vernon. There was only a small heater, and we were cold. However, the worst problem was that Tyson was ill, ill, ill. Some seeeerious food poisoning! We were late getting to the mountain, so he just puked out of the window while we flew down the highway. Big splatter on the windows, haha!

So... Scot and I had to trade off on the drums. We're pretty funky guys, but not the funkiest drummers. But...we got through the gig and the folks there enjoyed it before rallying a fireworks show. Lots of dancers, especially youth. The guys stepped up to the plate and played well... very impressed, I am. Then...we drank beer. I shared a bed with our tour manager, erf!

Tuesday gig:
Cranbrook. We got a lot of free Guinness but not much of a crowd. (It was Tuesday night, after all...) By the time the third set rolled around, there was maybe 8 people in the place. Band played well, but it was hard to rally. Oh well -- at least we got 6 large beds in a seniors-friendly motel and caused a lot of havoc in Tim Hortons afterwards!

Wednesday gig:
Fernie. Beautiful town, this Fernie. We played at the Fernie Hotel... very cool place with very cool people. Awesome to finally get to an internet cafe. The bar was PACKED. Lots of guys who told us they haven't had any ska in town in soooo long, and rallied hard. Tons of beer...fark.. big ups to the Team-Sized pitchers! Dave had to be pulled away from it. Tons of spilled beer too...here's hoping the organ is ok! (The Hammond, you sick knob.)

Kingsley is taking TONS of photos, and I'm not far behind. When we get back home, there will be a severe update to our photos page!

Off to Calgary tomorrow...looking very much forward to rallying with the Plaid Tongued Devils: coooooool band, they are!

missing Nanaimo though!

sunday reflections

2005-02-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

It's our only day off for the tour, and we've taken full advantage of it! Sleeping in, eating homecooked food, and drinking juice and water instead of beer.

Tyson and Tristan are rallying in Chilliwack, and Dave took off to Silverstar early with Big G, so our first big drive tomorrow will contain a pretty relaxed Suburban. Yay! Yay!

Quick recap on the previous shows: Elusions in Chilliwack went well, mainly because Tyson's entire extended family showed up and drank more beer than the band! We re-named "Regina Nights" as "Abbotsford Nights" to get the first dancers of the evening. Tyson's parents are awesome -- thanks for the beer, beef jerky, dinner, and stories about Tyson wearing leotards and capes! Go Pink Peanut go!

Last night was the 1st Annual Ska Smackdown in Vancouver; a very awesome show! The Elixxxers (ah, a leather clad Bobbi-Jo) opened up the show and judged the smackdown between ourselves and The Hounds of Buskerville; we alternated two 45 minute sets and both bands rallied hard. The Hounds kick ass! After a hard battle, the Kiltlifters reigned supreme; thanks to Peter V. for the bling, crown, beers, cheers, and women's brassiers! (spelling!) Also, thanks to the Furios for getting on stage with us and rallying some Rancid, and to Matt for the killer Drunken Master Freestyle!

Big shout-out to my bro and his girlfriend for coming out to the show and dancing big time..I'll get you that CD asap! No thanks to Elise for bringing the naked photos to the show! Thanks to the Swiss girls for being Swiss! Thanks for the cans of Kokanee at the afterparty, and we're working on a new song about backlickers!

Off to Silverstar tomorrow...

day 2 - last resort tour

2005-02-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

Sitting in Tyson's family home in Chilliwack...2pm.

First gig went over well, at Pub 340 in Vancouver last night. Los Furios kicked ass as always -- great to hear some of the new songs! -- and Karmacanix had a great energy and cool stage show. Some of the guys promised they'd be well improved from when we last played with them, and I had to agree!

It was also great to see a bunch of friends from back in the day at the show that we hadn't seen in awhile! Jer and Elyse, Megan and Chris, Beth, the Malaspina actresses, Ska-T, Lisa and Kevin, some of Scot's relatives...

The only annoying part was that the soundman is a knob... I didn't deal with him directly, but he had Scot and Chris (Furios) absolutely boiling over. Soundcheck was supposed to be at 8:30, show at 9... and he didn't even show up until 9:10. He lives upstairs from the club. *shrug*

Walked around most of downtown Vancouver with Dave and Tyson in the morning... big ups to Rickys for the breakfast. The rest of the guys are somewhere in Maple Ridge after staying with Kyle Furios, and surely rallying some playstation.

Gig at Elusions in Chilliwack tonight... lotsa relatives o' Tyson to be there, apparently. Should get rowdy. Tyson's dad keeps feeding us beef jerky.

day of the tour!

2005-02-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

Alright... Thursday and it's the first day of our spring break tour! We leave on the 5pm ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver, and things are going as smoothly as always:

-I've got a midterm this morning before running out to buy something to pack my stuff in. The guys threatened me with death if I bring my hockey bag again;
-T-Bone is classified as a "young offender" and isn't allowed to drive;
-The meatball isn't allowed to drive unless he gets his driver's abstract in, which is funny, since we're taking his dad's Suburban;
-do we have enough cash to pick up the merch;
-Craig is still looking for his ID;
-Jon wants to listen to Prince all tour;
-and, best of all, Doogie had an audition IN TORONTO yesterday for U of T; he's flying out THIS MORNING in order to make the Vancouver gig TODAY. fark.

At least I've remembered my alarm clock this time....

see the website for tour details! First show should be a doozy, with Los Furios and Karmacanix!

big hairy steamer

2005-02-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

Steamers...fun and filled with beer (1516s) as always. Bit of a small crowd - understandable with all the big shows going on in Victoria this weekend - but some of the best skankers we've seen in a long time. Big ups to the Salt Spring crew, the Parksville representatives, the ol' Tentoolatians, and, of course, the chef named Don. The only bogus happenings were car break-ins that happened to two groups of friends of ours... what the hell? That's no way to have to leave a ska show.

New songs sounding sweet...swedish meatball talks about his nutz...

rallyin' victoria

2005-02-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Steamers Pub - in Vic - tonight! 3 sets o' Kiltlifter madness, with a handful of new tunes thrown into the mix!

Tour booking is basically done... a cool mix of ska shows, pub rallies, and ski resort parties. Check the website for more details! I'm stoked we get to play near Kamloops, whooeee!

One of the coolest things about touring is getting to play with other bands, and getting recommendations on the local beer. Los Furios, Karmacanix, Hounds of Buskerville, the Elixxxers, Plaid Tongued Devils... we shalleth raise thy goblets of rock and douse thyselves in majesty! While wearing dirty socks.

island life

2005-02-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Oh man....Salt Spring Island always rules. Big ups to the mad dancers, and Rob for the stunning dinner, even if he remained hidden on this night. Go to the Anise Restaurant in Ganges. Eat. Eat a lot. Especially the ceasar salad!

New songs almost ready to go... tour planning going smoothly... dirty jokes being planned...

yay! yay!

2005-01-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

Quick shout out has to go to DJ Mike Cherry of CHLY 101.7 , selector for the awesome "reggae, rocksteady and dub" program 'Roots Train.' Sadly, the show is going off the air after this weekend... I'm hoping only temporarily! Mike's brought Jamaican music to the airwaves for decades and decades, and his professionalism is second to none. He wears cool shirts and knows a lot about the Skatalites. Hope to hear from ya soon!

Thanks to all who came to the Malaspina show... not very often are there hour-long lineups to get in to that place! The people danced, Andrea kept filling up the pitchers of Vitamin K, and Tyson talked about teabaggings in Tim Hortons afterwards. Thanks also to DJ Bunny Dub for spinning some cool dub and ska tracks in between sets. Bernard, we salute you.

New tunes on the way..I love it. Gotta finish off the tunes about:

1. dating the principal's daughter
2. the crew of "Futurama"
3. standing naked with Jean Chretien
4. tequila
5. bass, not bombs

See ya on Saltspring next Saturday!

arrrgh

2005-01-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

farkin' snow.

Saltspring Island show cancelled.

Poor Doogie...trapped on a snowy island with chucho and the stone broker, looking for the skinniest guy to share a cot with...

Kiltlifters w/ DJ Bunny Dub at the Mal Pub! Thursday 9 PM! Bernard rallies hard!

yay yay

2005-01-11T23:41:00.000-08:00

Excellent gigs at the Queens! Thanks to all who came out and braved the blizzard... as blizzardous as it gets 'round these isles.

Our new songs and covers went over well -- who woulda thunk "Boys Are Back in Town" would have rocked as a shuffle ska with Motown horns?

Two new originals went off well -- "Sacred Cow" (not about John's wife, thank you, Scot) and an untitled one that the boys seem to want to dedicate to the Swedish Meatball. Nice 'hummer' shirt, by the way!

Gigs comin' up... this Saturday at the Anise Restaurant on SaltSpring Island, and Thursday Jan 20th at our home rink - Malaspina's student pub, youuuuuuurrrrr Velvet Underground!

Now, we rally.

happy new year!

2005-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Honestly, who looks better in red vinyl pants? Me or the dude from Loverboy?

Big ups to 2005...should be quite the year. We're starting it off with some cool gigs:

Jan 7-8 at the Queen's
Jan 15 at the Anise Restaurant on SaltSpring Island
Jan 20 at the Velvet Underground! Good ol' Malaspina!

The fine folks at Shaw are still diggin' on the Extreme Joe theme song and video... check it out!

Mark's the sleeper keeper

2004-11-19T14:18:00.000-08:00

Forget the pads...I have doubts Amero can hold up the blocker.

I'll defintely give Jones (Todd, not Steve) a kick in the groin and we'll get going on this Goalie video... especially once this farkin' semester is done. (If anyone wants to help tear the duct tape off of my leg pads, please offer...please)

The shaw video looks awesome...and they are making a series of videos out of the footage! I can't wait till it gets on the air. Apparently a few students of a certain C. Luvisotto *cough* really want to check out the 'bowling' scene. (Thankfully, it's not in the first video; the highlight for me was T-Bone's hendrixian leap before the chorus.)

Gonna go check out Los Furios tonight down in Victoria at Steamer's -- will have to put a review up here after sobriety kicks in *hic* This show will be especially exciting as Kiltlifter Swedish Meatball will be manning the trombone for 'em!

Go get 'em, Dave!

Goalie

2004-11-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Matt Sed:

"We need to finalize production on our "I Wanna Be a Goalie" video, too...."

Yeah. If anyone out in the wild who reads this thing (does anyone read this thing?) was at the video shoot, I want to say thanks so much for coming out. I know I've been really bad about sending out the email thank-yous.

We should definitely start pestering ol' "Odd Todd" down at Shaw to get his camera ready to go. We should also get Matt's farking goalie pads FIXED for the love of GOD!! Those things are atrocious. I'm looking forward to seeing how tired "the goalie" gets after running around in them all day. heheheh.. (MJA, you'd better start hitting the gym!)

Hey when do we get to see the finished "Extreme Joe" video? Should we drop some hints about what people might see?

video shoot!

2004-11-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

You guys are cretins. We be heading out Thursday to do a video shoot for "Let's Go Extreme Joe," the theme song we recorded for Shaw's Locker Room Van Isle sports show. Thanks for the killer bass slide, Doogie *waves fist*

I'm not sure I'm looking forward to seeing chucho and stone broker run around the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre in swim fins....but at least they are buoyant enough not to need lifejackets! On the other hand, suit up, Amero!

We need to finalize production on our "I Wanna Be a Goalie" video, too....

hello hello hello???

2004-11-06T01:47:00.000-08:00

I'm not getting any dial tone???

fark

2004-11-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

dear lord...I'm surrounded by genuises

wow

2004-11-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

that was great craig

FRIST PSOT

2004-11-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

FIRST POST!! FIRST POST!! FIRST POST!! FIRST POST!! FIRST POST!! FIRST POST!!