My boss at Greenleaf asked me to write something in honor of Levon’s passing yesterday. You can read my thoughts and watch some amazing videos at the Greenleaf blog.

It’s safe to say that The Band—and Levon in specific—has been more than just an influence for us as a band. We lost someone special yesterday. We’ll always hold his music close to our hearts.

We’re on a little break now. So keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for weekly news musings. We’ll resurface over here soon.

We’re hitting the road this week to Austin TX. It’s been awhile since were last a part of South by Southwest, and we’re happy to be taking the sojourn that so many other bands have and are making. It’s always been a good time before, and this time has the promise of being even better.

First, on Thursday afternoon, we’re playing for Rachael Ray at her Feedback party at the Greenhouse. It’s an RSVP-only event, so if you are in or around Austin that day, drop us an email and we’ll put your name on the list. No bottle service, but that’s pretty VIP, right?

Next, on Saturday afternoon, we’re playing as part of the Red Gorilla Music Festival that runs concurrent with SxSW. We’ve played the Blind Pig in Kalamazoo but haven’t graced the stage at Austin’s version of the venue. We’re pretty excited about it. This one is free to the public, so drop by and check us—and the other great bands—out.

Other than that, we plan on hitting some food carts, this BBQ joint that boasts one of the few true open-pits, and maybe even see the resident bats exit their bridge-home one evening if they cooperate. Joe D is in talks with Fender about doing some sort of Ambassadorship/gear-test clinic, so look for news on that. Who knows, maybe this means he’ll get a brand new Jimmy Vaughan Stratocaster reissue! But seriously, he deserves his own signature Jazzmaster, don’t you think? We’ll call it the Joezzmaster… or the Dashmaster!

Alright, enough tomfoolery. We’re just excited to be making the trip, that’s all. If you’re in Austin, hit us up.

When

Friday, March 9, 2012 – 9:00pm

Where

MOTR Pub [map]
1345 Main St
Cincinnati, OH, USA 45202

We’re happy to be playing this Saturday at Sub-T with our new friends Pet Lions—well, actually, Jim went to high school with the PL drummer Matt Dahl, so I guess we’re old friends. We’re digging on their debut record. Check it below.

The night is the fourth annual Windy City Winter Ball. What that means is that peeps are getting dressed up for the occasion. There will be a photographer there snapping shots of your hip fashion sense. BMA will also be naming our pick of Best Dressed and supplying him or her with a free vinyl copy of our new EP, Billboard Sun, so go big.

RSVP at the Facebook event. Ticket info and everything else is over there.

We’re happy to announce our next show as part of a formal ball at Sub-T on Saturday, March 3rd. There are a limited number of tickets for sale for only $5 which you can get here.

This will be our SxSW send-off party as we will be playing in Austin this March. If you’re headed to SxSW, stay tuned – we’ll send out our show details as we get closer to the gig. So come out, dress up, have fun and wish us well on our way to Austin. We’ll be giving out a free vinyl copy of Billboard Sun to our own personal best dressed winner. RSVP at the Facebook event.

Over and out.

BMA

We’re happy to report that our next and as-of-yet untitled full-length album is all done. Last night, Engine Studios—where we recorded and mixed the record—was generous enough to allow us a listening party for all those involved. What started as a listening session, turned into an epic hang that went into the wee hours of the morning. We’re all still recovering from the good times.

As is customary with BMA meetings, there was a Spirit Award given. By unanimous decision, the highly sought after honor was handed to producer, engineer, sailfish-wielder Brian Deck. His contributions throughout the process were invaluable, and we thank him for his support. What a mensch.

A round of applause for all the extras that helped make the recording even more special: Mark Yoshizumi, Dan Smart, Max Crawford, Pauly, and everyone at Engine.

We’re looking forward to sharing this music with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Billboard Sun EP is still as fresh as a sweet Sunday morning.

And for those who like feeling their music in their fingers, we have a beautiful 10″ vinyl package for you. Purchase at our Bandcamp.

Happy listening.