Salinas is probably the last place you'd find a band like us.
The migrant knows this town for work. The literati know this town because of John Steinbeck. Servicemen remember Salinas because it was every soldiers destination upon leave from Ft. Ord. Youve probably had a salad with components from the Salinas Valley. James Dean died on his way to a race here.
But all that is neither here nor there. The fact is, none of Rum & Rebellion grew up in Salinas. But this town is where were at right now, and thats reflected in our music.
Were part of the towns migrant tradition. We didnt come here to work the fields, but we did come to Salinas because of work. Just like every other migrant, we brought along our memories and traditions and sought out a community familiar to the ones we left behind. Like the others, we found a community in the bars and the shows and over time, we became part of something that exists, happily, on the fringe.
There arent any established English-language acts here. Most touring bands skip this town altogether. For shows, weve got house parties, a few friendly community spaces, and an all-ages café run by some down folks. Most of the records that come out of this town are done without the help of a label. And thats all right. Theres no standard that casual observers expect the bands, poets and emcees to live up to. After a few shows, all the faces quickly become familiar. Sure, weve had some scraps at the shows, but theres also an intimacy, respect, and care because the shows are all weve got.
Our songs are political and heart felt. After all, what is politics without love and what is love if not a political stance, a declaration of one's self-determination? Our inspiration is equal parts Ian McKay and Alejandro Escovedo, hardcore and the Harry Smith Anthology of American Folk Music, with the boom-chicka-boom of Luther Perkins for fun. (Truth be told, Rum & Rebellion came together in the wake of the Lucero/Against Me! tour in 2004.)
In July, a friend asked us what we call our music. Straight from the heart and bit from the hips.
Take a listen to the record. We recorded it with Craigums at the new Dutch Oven in Alameda, CA one weekend in April. Weve also got a song, The San Luis Waltz, on the Someday Coming Round: Deviant Twang Revisited compilation put out by our friend Paul Davis of Mule Train in Santa Cruz, CA.
Youre invited to the next show at the Cherry Bean in downtown Salinas, our home outside of the practice spot. Afterwards come along to where ever we end up and have a drink with us. When you drive through Salinas, dont be a stranger. Theres so much to be lost by keeping yourself to yourself.
thanks for the add!
come check out the music!
Also, if ya get the chance come check out my curling teams website, were heading to vancouver this february to represent the USA at the OLYMPICS!
peace&love from minneSNOWta!
-Chris
------------------------------------------
www.teamusacurling2010.com - www.twitter.com/chrisplys - www.purevolume.com/chrisplys
THIS THURSDAY - August 13, 2009:: THE SHAKEDOWN in the 562:: SOUL -FUNK- REGGAE-DANCEHALL-CUMBIAS-WORLDBEAT- + Live Performance by STEPPING RAZOR(Reggae) - DJ Tony Tigah - DJ ABEL 21+ Only....GuestList? Shoot us a Message!
please come support! this thursday june 25! this month hosted by: CANDYFLIP last thursday open mic has changed locations! we are now at chapala’s! free and all ages as always... musicians, artists, actors, singers, poets, bands, writers, mimes...
Event: Chamber of commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Where: An Olde Town Tattoo Parlour
431 B Webster St.
Monterey CA 93940
When: June 23, 2009 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Info: We are kicking off our one year anniversary of An Olde Town
Tattoo Parlour by celebrating with a complimentary barbeque and ribbon cutting. Please come by to show your support and let
us thank you for a great year! We will
be raffling off a free tattoo, a colabrative painting and Olde Town shirts.
P.S- This is a public event, do not hesitate to bring family and friends. Hope to see you there and have a great day.
4/16/2009 9:00 PM at CASA SORRENTO PIZZERIA 393 SALINAS ST, SALINAS, California 93906 Cost: WAZUP MIDTONES FANS!!! COME AND SEE US UP FRONT AND PERSONAL IN SALINAS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT CASA SORRENTO PIZZERIA... 393 SALINAS ST. 9:00pm 831-757-2720... HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!! CURBSIDE ARMYcsa
..
