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Jack and the gang just got back from a short excursion to visit our neighbors to the north, and he received some loveback from The Queens Journal. Check out the interview which features some interesting tidbits, like:

 

If you could be anywhere in the world with any drink in your hand, where and what would it be?

I like to be in new strange places. I like to just drink and play cards with my wife. I like martinis, margaritas, bloody marys, whiskey, beer and wine. I don’t like white zinfandel.

 

For more juicy details on the new album and hints at some past misdeed, read the rest of the article here.

 

Jack has finished tracking the new record and is set to start mixing at the end of this month. Lots of new and groovy things are in store, so stay tuned for more teasers.

 

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August 2011

Get a sneak peek of one of Jack's new tunes that he's polishing up for the new album. This one's got a little Latin feel and a whole lotta great horns and vocals (with extra Daria!).

 

 

The recording is coming along nicely. Nice horn touches throughout, some groovy mellotron courtesy of the inimitable Bruce Martin and a whole lot more.

Jack and crew are off to Block Island for their yearly summer excursion as well as a trek up to Provincetown and the Javelina Festival. In September, it's back to Canada to spend some quality time with Luther Wright and escape the heat of the dog days (even the dogs don't care for it).

 

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The Journal News in the Lower Hudson Valley did an excellent feature on Jack last month that includes some teasers on the new record.

"Things (aren't good) right now," he said. "There's greed, hard times, things looking bleak, the end of the middle class, people losing their right to age with dignity."

"And there are love songs," added his wife, Daria, who plays bass in Grace's bands and often sings duets with him.

She said Grace's humor is still there: "Each song has a bit of a wink."

The next album, Grace says, will be less country and more rock, with a lot of the Latin flavorings that have spiced up previous records.

 

The article also quotes many people Jack has worked with over the years who have VERY nice things to say (naturally) and includes interesting tidbits on Jack's adolescence, including stories about being chased through the woods by the cops, Read it here.

Speaking of the new record, Jack just added the horns this week, and he's pretty excited about how great they sound. J. Walter Hawkes never disappoints.

Brooklynites can catch Jack at Summerfest in Redhook, sponsored by BrooklynCountry.com on July 9. Should be a good time. It's happening at the Urban Meadow community garden on the corner of President & Van Brunt Streets in the Columbia Waterfront District. Go sit outside, have a hotdog or two and enjoy Brookyn's finest musicians down by the river.

Photo by Peter Carr/The Journal News

 

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June 2011

Many people aren't aware that Jack Grace started out his musical career in a rock band. Fans just know his country rocks pretty hard. For his next album, he returns to his roots, straying a bit from his usual stylings and delving more into the music he cut his teeth on. More guitars, less twang. That said, he still likes to keep things interesting, this time adding a mellotron to liven up the sound. Duets with wife Daria are on tap too, and you'll still hear your three favorite drummers throughout: J Bird Bowman, Russ "the Fuss" Meissner and Bruce Martin too. Bruce can be heard playing keyboards as well. Jack will even record a cover song, Lee Greenwood's "Summer Wine," a fan favorite honed and polished from many live performances over the years. Rumors of a string section abound, but we'll wait and see about that.

The most recent trek through Canada was a smashing success, and Jack and Luther Wright will serve up a live album this fall that documents all of the fine music and onstage shenanigans for those of us who stayed south of the border. More details to follow.

In the meantime, the General Store is packed with back catalog in case you're missing something you sorely need. With this warm weather, surely a new T-shirt is in order. Check some dates to see where you can wear them and impress Jack with your fealty.

 

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May 2011

 

Jack is tracking his new record this week, which means that some time in the future you will be visiting the General Store to buy it and possibly the entire back catalog for a loved one. In the fall will come a live album recorded during Jack and Luther's Wright's recent sojourn to Canada. Even Lady Daria is gearing up for some time in the studio with the Pre-War Ponies. With all of that going on, how will they ever have time to play shows?

Not to worry. There are plenty of chances to see all of your favorite band members throughout the summer. Once Triple Crown season ends, Festival season begins, so you can go be festive at the Strange Creek Music Festival or Beacon Riverfest or find other alternatives on the Gigs page that will allow you to be the best audience member you can be. We can't wait to see you.

In the meantime, here's to swimmi' with bow-legged wimmin'.

 

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It's that time of year again. March Madness is upon us, the snow has finally melted (least 'round this corner of Brooklyn) and SXSW looms larger than a heapin' helpin' of Texas style ribs with lots of fixins. That sounds pretty tasty. And so does a slew of dates in Austin for that storied yearly gathering in the Lone Star State. Here's how it's all gonna go down:

  • March 16th: 7:30PM SAXON PUB Hill Country SXSW Showcase 1320 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX
    Official Sanctioned SXSW Showcase w/ Heybale, Paula Nelson and more! Wristband required or first come, first served @ $10.
  • March 17th: 2PM TROPHY'S SXSW Free Ballard Showcase 2008 S Congress, Austin TX, 78704
    Jack Grace Band backing up Carolyn Mark w/ a few JGB songs.
  • March 18th: 12:30AM to 2AM G&S LOUNGE 2420 S First St Austin, TX 78704
    SXSW - full length, classic Jack Grace late night show in this legendary dive bar.
  • March 18th: 12 Noon sharp! Yard Dog Gallery Bloodshot Records Party 1510 S. Congress, South Austin, TX
    Carolyn Mark w/ Jack Grace Band
  • March 19th: 4PM Sharp THREADGILLS SOUTH SXSW Music Fog Showcase 301 West Riverside Drive, Austin, TX (512) 472-9304 Threadgills South / Music Fog
  • March 20th: 6:45PM- 8:15 Sharp! HEADHUNTERS located at Red River and 8th Street in Austin, TX. (across from Stubbs) SXSW w/ CB Radios, Cabinet, Uncle Lucius ...
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    Jack is also busy recording new tracks for the next record, though he's taking his time and getting it right. It's a pretty busy month all right, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have time for you, the fans. Why not drop him line on his Facebook wall and tell him how you feel about dogs, fine meats and your favorite brand of whisky (for starters). And while you're at it, with warm weather returning, shouldn't you be sporting some new finery? Like a Jack Grace t-shirt from our General Store? Yes, we know you'd ruined the last one in the wash when you got bleech all over it. We hate it when that happens.

     

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    February 2011

    Well rested from his yearly pilgrimmage to Mexico and armed with enough new tunes for a double or triple album (you wish!), Jack has jumped right back into the thick of things and announced that he's heading back to Austin for this year's SXSW music extravangza.

    We'll send along some details in the near future, but if you're interested in the really near future, you should head on over Helsinki on Hudson for the Ball and Chain Revue. Long overdue, WKZE presents "rock and wedlock," three bands, all with married couples writing and performing, now together on one stage. Besides Jack and Daria, you can check out Jason "J Bird" Bowman who plays with his lovely wife Acacia in Five Points Band, and Popa Chubby and Galea in Vicious Country. The gals all have the bass in common, and Daria and Acacia have the same birthday, so it's all very weird in a really cool sorta way. Jason is odd man out since he plays drums and not guitar. His mom indulged him. Most parents really don't want their kids to take up the drums, because they're really loud. Still, it beats hearing your kid play the violin. That one can be pretty rough.

    If you can't make that show but are already checking flights to Texas, check out Jack and the gang from 2010 at the Music Fog showcase at Threadgills and try to be patient. March is just around the corner.

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    January 2011

    Happy New Year readers! We survived the great blizzard of 2010, the bacchanalian free-for-all we call "the holidays," and countless Jack Grace shows. Well not exactly countless. Did you know he and the gang played 171 shows in the past 12 months? That's nearly half the year! Two continents, three countries and several livers were involved (and nearly destroyed). Impressive numbers. He toured with Luther Wright and the Wrongs in the US and Canada, headlined at Dunmore East in Ireland (three-peat!) and hit several other festivals, including SXSW in Austin; Las Tortugas in Yosemite, CA; Elphin Roots in the Great White North; Brooklyn Country Music Festival and the Harwich Cranberry Festival in beautiful Harwich, MA. Problem was that Jack was spending too much time booking those dang Gigs himself and not writing or grilling as much as he would like to. So, we staged an intervention, pried the booking book away from him and signed up with Simon Says Booking. Now we just need to wait for all the snow to melt to get the grill goin'.

    Jack managed to write over 20 new songs, even with all that activity, and he's polishing them up right now. A late February recording date has been set. Jack promises that not all of the songs will be about drinking (but I suspect a healthy number may mention a beverage or two. -- Ed.)

    By the way, don't forget it's a new decade. What are your New Decade's Resolutions? This is very important because it will shape the next ten years of your life, so you better make them really good. We in Jack Graceland have decided to stick to our guns and stick it to the man every chance we get, while enjoying good music and all of the other fine things life has to offer. Another excellent idea for a resolution is to give Jack as much cash as you have. If you didn't get everything you wanted for Christmas and/or the War on Christmas holidays (you know who you are, heathens), why not stop by the General Store and get some stuff for your mind, body and soul.

    Dogs, of course, don't care what decade it is.

     

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    December 2010

    It's been a while since we updated the news, dear readers, and for that we are truly sorry. We've been busy enjoying roaring fires, hot toddies and fine foods. Jack has been busy playing here and there, writing new tunes for a February recording date and gearing up for a trek to Mexico in 2011 to celebrate the missus' birthday in style.

    As we look back on this eventful year that (FINALLY) saw the release of Drinking Songs for Lovers, loads of TV appearances, stopping in and chatting witih Chris and Meredith on Road Dog Trucking, another trip to Ireland and lots of good times on the road with Luther Wright, we remember that none of this would be possible without you, the fans, and your continued indulgence. We thank you and hope you and yours have a very Merry holiday season and propserous new year.

    And now our dear leader gives out some additional thank yous to all of yous and some others:

    A special thanks to WKZE for having the best and most supportive staff we have ever worked with.

    Thank you to Eric King for making the quite special "The Worst Truck Driver" animated video:

    Thanks to Music Fog for putting together live videos for: "Sugarbear" and "True Tonight".

    Thanks to all of the venues: The Black Swan, Rodeo Bar, The Ear Inn, Barbes, Dunmore East, The Mansion, Kaffe 1870 and all the rest.

    Here's a holiday toast to the man the Jack Grace [gang] misses everyday.

    Dogs don't care when the year ends.

     

    We'll see you in '11, even if it's only through one, blood-shot eye. Oh, we'll see ya alright.

     

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    Earlier Than Now

    Just when you thought things couldn't get any hotter, we have news that is sure to make you melt on the spot. That's right Jack Grace Band will be performing at Las Tortugas: Dance of the Dead V in time for that most hallowed of holidays, Halloween (actual dates are October 29 - November 1, so you have some before-and-after trick or treat action as well). If that weren't enticing enough, the festival takes place in Yosemite, CA, home of one of our most storied National Parks. Las Tortugas isn't your run of the mill music fest either. Last year's had costume contests, theme nights like Voodoo Circus (Yeah!), Boogie Nights (Oh Yeah!) and the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance (Wait, what? I missed that??) and this year's will have that kind of groovy stuff plus a whole lotta great artists.

    If you haven't seen it yet, or haven't seen it yet today, it's time to watch the Eric King animated opus, the animated video for Worst Truck Driver. But first, bone up on the terms that make this song so dang funny here.

    Done? Ok, now yer ready.

     

    Was it good for you? You got the CD already, right? NO. Well damn. Do it friend. Buy it from the General Store today!

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    June 2010

    Jack Grace and Luther Wright are continuing their trek across North America with their Drinking Songs for the Man of Your Dreams Tour. Dates in the midwest and Canada were a great time, and now the band heads southward across the border down the west coast and over to Colorado where they wrap it up at Bar SS in Laporte.

    A highlight for those old-timers in Boulder who still reminisce about the old days with Steak, a reunion, of sorts, is on tap with Jack and Luther Wright teaming up with Erik Lieblein.

    Jack's recent dispatch from the road regales those clever fans who've signed up for the mailing list with details of fine dining in his old stomping ground of San Francisco.


    " Last night we went to the House of Prime Rib where it always feels like Christmas 1957. Not a place for someone that even knows a vegetarian. I had my chicken mole burrito from Balazo. Will hit House Of Nanking tomorrow.
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    More excitement awaits when the gang rolls back into town, including the video debut of "The Worst Truck Driver" and dates in NYC.

     

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    May 2010

    Drinking Songs for Lovers is out just in time for Cinco de Mayo! The album that Jack Grace was born to make is finally available to the masses. Chock full of songs of wit and woe, drinking, gambling, truck-driving, a little hooch and a whole lotta heart, Jack's latest opus celebrates the trials and tribulations of the average drinking man in a completely safe, intervention-free, non-judgemental sorta way. Get it here or here.

    The day that Mexico celebrates its defeat over the French army (Yeah, not what you were expecting either, huh? Oh, and my previous note about it being the Mexican Independence Day? Wrong. — Ed.) is also the day Jack made a huge splash all over the media spectrum. He started out in the early morning on Pix Morning News, moved on to Road Dog Trucking on Sirius radio in the afternoon and then continued on the margaritas at Rodeo Bar backed by his band and the Broken Mariachi Horns in the evening (Incidentally, "In the Evening" is also a fine tune by Led Zeppelin, a group greatly enjoyed by all members of the Jack Grace Band. Used to really irritate the hell outta my mom with that one — Ed.). Check out the band on Pix Morning News:

     

    More video from Pix and other TV appearances here.

    Later on Sirius, the band spent part of the afternoon drinking, playing and chatting with Chris T.and Meredith Ochs, proving once again that Jack is the best banterer in the business. The hour found the gang offering history lessons, tequila talk and a brand new song called "I Lost My Perm in the Fire". Cinco de Mayhem indeed, Meredith! Listen here.

    Jack is fresh on the heels of his Canadian adventure with Luther Wright and is dragging the poor fellow around both the dusty and moldy parts of the Lower 48 throughout May and June, with planned excursions across the northern border just to test the resolve of customs officers who like to search Jack's goatee for contraband. Check Gigs to find out what show is within driving distance of your town!

     

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    April 2010

    Jack returned safely from Austin with plenty of Texas BBQ in his belly, his EP It Was a Really Bad Year (featuring the Broken Mariachi Horns) for sale at the iTunes music store and a great video to boot! Check out "Sugar Bear" live at Music Fog. What a way to end the month!

    The EP, which can be purchased from iTunes here, also features "Morning Margaritas" and "If You're Gonna Raise a Drunk" or you can get the full length CD, Drinking Songs for Lovers, exclusively in our General Store.

    Speaking of that most famous of North American independence days next to our own, of course, Jack and the Mariachi Horns will be playing at the Rodeo Bar for a very especial show. It's the perfect time to see the band drink too many margaritas (you know the Rodeo Bar has muchos flavors).

    In the meantime, check out "Sugar Bear" and enjoy.

     

     

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    March 2010

    March rolls in like a lion in Jack Graceland every year, but this time it's bigger and hungrier than ever. With Drinking Songs for Lovers now playing at radio stations across our fair nation, citizens (and visitors alike) can now look to the coming spring with renewed optimism as they hum along to "It Was a Really Bad Year" coming from homes, cars and even from the Interwebs.

    Speaking of visitors, with so many up in Canada last month for the Winter Olympics, we were feeling a little lonely, so Luther Wright has offered to swing by some of our favorite spots to join Jack and the gang for a handful of very special shows this month. Ordinarily, we would make some crack about thawing out from the Great White North or some other puerile comment, but with all the white stuff around these parts, that really doesn't seem all that funny. Check out the Gigs and see which show is best for you.

    There is something on the calendar for you also, Texans. Our hero will brave the hordes at this year's SXSW festival, alone and unarmed except for his goatee and a guitar or two (and some stellar talent from the Austin area to back him up).

    Also on tap for the month, a most exciting event will take place very soon, which someday all of you will get to watch on Ye Olde You Tube, so stay tuned for more teasers about that good fun. In the meantime, we're building our You Tube Channel with some vids of live performances, interviews and the hilarious Onion News Network piece that STILL makes us laugh.

    If you haven't gotten your copy of Introducing the Pre-war Ponies, there are still a few copies available, so head on over to the General Store. Act now, and we might throw in a snuggie or slap chop or some pork rinds that have been sitting around a while.

    And always, beware the Ides of March (you know if you don't, you'll wish you had).

     

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    February 2010

    In order to stave off his February darkness, Jack is heading down to Mexico with the wife (seen here working on her hangover) to enjoy some Morning Margaritas, catch some rays and get caught up on songwriting while his minions plot World Domination. Drinking Songs for Lovers is on its way to radio stations across our fair nation, so in the coming weeks listen for the first single "It Was a Really Bad Year" to take over the airwaves. The full album is set for release in May, and we anticipate a really good year for 2010.

    In the meantime, you can take a listen on our new and improved Music section where we've added new artwork and a few different tunes for your enjoyment. The band will be back in Brooklyn mid-month if you want to check out Jack's tan. Details can be found on the Gigs page.

    Jack has a fresh new Facebook fan page, so become a fan and get those wryly entertaining status updates from our hero on a regular basis.

    If you've been hibernating and haven't gotten around to purchasing Lady Daria's Pre-war Ponies debut, now's your chance to get this incredible EP to cure your winter blues. Visit the General Store and get your copy before they run out.

     

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    December 2009

    Jack and the gang are very busy with holiday preparations while gearing up for a very exciting 2010. We look back on this topsy turvy year that saw shameful shenanigans from the media and our elected officials, a pathetic Climate Change conference and lots of name calling. We prefer to concentrate on personal highlights including good times touring with Luther Wright and the Wrongs in Canada, two trips to Ireland, Jack's first reissues, days in the swimming hole and nights by the fire pit and Daria's release of the Pre-War Ponies EP extraordinaire. Next year we hope to repeat many of these activities and look forward to the official release of Drinking Songs for Lovers.

    We hope your holiday season is filled with good spirits (and you know we like spirits), good cheer and good friends. We'll see ya'll in the next decade. If you can't wait that long, come see the band at the Black Swan in Tivoli for New Year's Eve. Ring in the new year right, and everything else should fall into place.

    Cheers!

     

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    October 2009

    Jack is holed up at Brand Royal offices in Portland, ME, working on CD art for Drinking Songs for Lovers. Early previews are laugh out loud hilarious, and you're sure to love it when you see it. Truly inspired.

    Other secret ventures are in the works. All will be revealed when the time is right. In the meantime, the band has busied itself with gigs with Luther Wright and the Wrongs, margarita-fueled stints at the Rodeo Bar with the Broken Mariachi Horns, nights by the fire pit back in Bearsville or cooking up a delicious sauce for dinner.

    Lady Daria has finished up her Pre-War Ponies recording and will unleash her opus on the public in the coming weeks. It's full of great ditties from the old days, with our lovely chanteuse playing uke with Walter, Mike, Tom and Russ too. Catch 'em live if you want an extraordinary experience.

    With Halloween right around the corner, you should order yourself some booty from the Store and dress up like a Jack Grace fan for the night.

     

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    September 2009

    On this last day of summer we celebrate successful trips across both the Atlantic Ocean and the East River for our heroes. The band had a mighty fine time the second go 'round at the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Ireland and headlined a great show at the Brooklyn Country Music Festival at Southpaw this past weekend. It's always nice to make new friends then come home and see some familiar faces too. Check out "True Tonight" from the show.

    Now that fall is nearly here, Jack and the crew are going to lay off the travel for a spell and get some writing done so we can all look forward to some great new tunes when we need 'em the most. That doesn't mean he's just sitting around plucking strings while driving the missus crazy. A double bill kinda deal with Luther Wright and the Wrongs is something you can look forward to, in Manhattan, Tivoli and Troy (and you Canadians, don't worry, they're coming back to you, but y'all have to wait it out til December).

    Staying close to home, Jack is playing every Friday night in October at the Black Swan in Tivoli, except for the 9th when they perform at the Andes Hotel. They have nice rooms, wi-fi access and an impressive beer list (seriously), so why not check out the band then sleep it off upstairs?

    You city folk who are allergic to fall colors, head over to the Rodeo Bar on the 22nd to herald the re-releases of two Martini Country classics, I Like It Wrong and Stayin' Out All Night. Have a couple of margaritas and handfuls of peanuts while you're at. You know peanuts are good for you (unless you're allergic to those too).

    Last but not least, Lady Daria's uke-ing it up on her first Pre-War Ponies CD, due out October 26. Finally!

     

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    August 2009

    The band is gearing up for a return trip to the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival on the southeastern coast of Ireland, kicking off August 27th. While the dog days of summer are a little cooler over there, they offer plenty of delights with over a dozen bands playing indoor and outdoor venues in the seaside village their tourism board calls "a bluegrass picker's paradise". Catch Jack on "Ireland AM" on August 26 at 8am, their version of the "Today Show" that is actually watchable.

    Meanwhile, Jack has caved to the special interest shills that have been heckling him during shows while they hold up signs comparing him to Hitler. Heeding their cries, he has decided to re-release two classics from his catalog, Stayin' Out All Night and I Like It Wrong. Fans in Ireland can get the first second editions.

    If you missed recent NYC shows and are keeping it local, you'll just have to be patient until September 18 when he and many others perform at the 6th Annual Brooklyn Country Music Festival. It's always a good time, and you Manhattanites can always take a cab out there if you're freaked out by riding the subway over or under the river (but honestly, if you live in that kind of fear, how can you live in New York at all?).

    Then on September 20, you can ferry over to Governor's Island to hear Martini Country renditions of children's songs at the Shel Silverstein Birthday Celebration. It will still be kid-friendly, in spite of the fact that Jack makes albums called Drinking Songs for Lovers, which, incidentally, will officially be released in 2010.

    So with all that going on, you should get a tank top from the General Store before they sell out like the jerseys have. You'll never forgive yourself if you wait til it's too late.

     

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    July 2009

    Jack is off to Canada once again to bring his special brand of fun to our northern neighbor and keeping out of NYC as much as possible during the sticky summer months. The band will also share some dates with Luther Wright and the Wrongs before heading back to Ireland for the Dunmore East International Bluegrass Festival, naturally sponsored by Guinness.

    The Ireland Bluegrass Blog, which keeps tabs on such events, had this to say about our hero:

    After some headline-stealing performances at last year's festival, the Martini Cowboy is back. Described as 'gritty down-home country as it should be' by Time Out New York, the Jack Grace Band brings a unique New York urban style to bluegrass and is definitely not to be missed.

    Sounds about right. If you missed the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, you should book your tickets now and make your way to Dunmore. Jack's playing four nights from August 27 - 30th.

    It's always a good idea to stock up on some merch before you head out to a big festival to show your support and be stylish all at the same time, so visit the store, then Aer Lingus to see if there are any good deals.

    If you can't make it across the pond, check Gigs for more local dates, including the Brooklyn Country Music Festival on September 18. We'll see you there.

     

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    June 2009

    Jack and the gang have a busy summer ahead. Trips to Massachusetts, Block Island and Ireland are planned, along with stops at the Ear Inn, Barbes and the Rodeo Bar as well as a slew of dates in Canada in late July. A trip to the Great White North is a good way to beat the heat, so head on up there and check out a gig north of the border for a change. The band is also spending some quality time on the road with Luther Wright and the Wrongs.

    You'd think that with all the hustle and bustle in the spring, performing with Junior Brown, making the first journey to Ireland, the Steak reunion benefit concert and a guest spot on WKZE, Jack would take it easy. No chance. Though he'll probably take some time to do some grillin' in the backyard in Bearsville or take off on his motorcycle from time to time, Jack is doing his part for our sagging economy by providing quality entertaiment to those in need.

    If you're house-bound and can't make it out to one of the gigs, you can at least buy yourself a t-shirt from the General Store and wear it proudly.

    In a new article from the Wayne Independent, Jack has some sound advice for you youngsters out there thinking of starting a band:

    1) If you are touring for, say, six weeks in a van, throw out your socks and buy bags of new ones as you go. Keeps you and the van fresher.

    2) Don't hire a manager. Learn how to do everything yourself. Then when you know what you are doing, you can pass the work on to a manager. This be the way of music in the 21st century.

    3) Don't ever get mad at a crowd you are playing to even if they deserve it. It will ALWAYS backfire on you.

    4) A safe vehicle for touring is the most important tool you will ever have. A faulty amp won't kill you but a bad axle...

    5) Pick your first round of band members very carefully and then try to keep the same unit forever if you can.

     

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    May 2009

    Still drying out from the journey to Ireland earlier this month. We missed the Derby, alas, but we made some new friends, heard some great music and helped to celebrate the 250th year of Guinness' first brewing of that sweetest of nectars, stout.

    Guinness was the official sponsor of the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival. Jack and crew played to throngs of dancing ladies, bongo-playing hippies and regular folk who just like to have a pint and hear some good music. At five different pubs all over town throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, the crowds were grooving on Jack's witty stage banter, seductive gesturing eyebrows, J-Bird's drum solos, Tom Hanway's pickin', and the scarab tattoos sported by the lovely bass-playing chanteuse, Lady Daria.

    The group then trekked across the Emerald Isle in search of ring forts and platefuls of sausage and mash, through Tullamore, Sligo and Longford, among others.

    Fresh on the heels of this latest breakthrough across the pond, Jack performed at Joe's Pub with the Broken Mariachi horns to preview "Drinking Songs for Lovers." Quite a busy month for our crew.

    What's next? Enjoying the thrills of summer in Bearsville while venturing out for the occasional gig in Massachusettes, Pennsylvania, Canada and finally back to Ireland for the Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in late August. And take a listen to Sirius Radio's Road Dog Trucking show with Meredith Ochs and Chris T. Jack and Daria will be on the show June 19 for some improvisational fun.

    And now for the obligatory plug for our merchandise in the General Store. Music, clothing, books -- why not spend your unemployment check right here!

     

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    April 2009

    Jack and company have just returned from a successful swing through Canada while this Editor stayed home to watch the Kentucky Derby prep races. First, Musket Man had a great run at the Illinois Derby, then I Want Revenge took the Wood Memorial. Last but not least was the Santa Anita (made famous in the Jack Grace tune "Put On Your Shoes Moonshine") with Pioneerof the Nile coming in first. There are some great three-year-olds competing this year, and we're excited to watch the Run for the Roses in Kilkenny, Ireland (crossing fingers one of the pubs has a TV tuned to it). The Kentucky Derby is a very special day in Jack Graceland. Not only are we big fans of playing the ponies at the track whenever possible, but Jack proposed to Lady Daria on that auspicious day some 6 years ago. Mint Julep memories...And remember, Belmont Park opens at the end of this month.

    We'll miss opening weekend, however, as we jet off to the Emerald Isle for the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots festival and several other dates in Ireland. Jack performed at Cleere's in Kilkenny last summer, and he's ready for more. He's going to debut Drinking Songs for Lovers to a Guinness loving crowd, and we're sure to have a great time. For those who must remain stateside, check him out at the Ear Inn afterward for some fresh Blarney.

    Even though it doesn't feel like spring yet, warm weather is just around the corner, so be sure to get yourself a Jack Grace T-shirt from the General Store. You'll think it's summer if you drink enough while you wear it. And don't miss the New York debut of Drinking Songs for Lovers at Joe's Pub on May 16. It will be a very special night, probably with special guests, and maybe drink specials too. You won't know unless you go.

     

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    March 2009

    As March rolls in like a lion, Jack and Daria are slipping away to an undisclosed location for a little R&R. Don't worry, they'll be back in action in time for St. Patty's Day, soaking up some good Irish American vibes before heading back to the Emerald Isle for the real deal at the first of two festivals this year.

    We begin with the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, May 1st - 4th, where Jack shares the spotlight with acts from across Ireland, the States, Scotland, Sweden and even Greece. Who knew Americana was big in Greece? The gang will also hit Carraig-On-Bannow with full-on Martini Country on May 9, so why not make a week of it? Drink plenty of Guinness too (it tastes great, and it's low on carbs).

    Then, in August Jack will gear up for his second trip to the Dunmore East Festival. In Dunmore, you can enjoy archery and windsurfing by day and the thrills of drinking songs and drink with the Jack Grace Band at night. They also have something they call orienteering, which sounds like a bad idea if you have a hangover. Nonetheless, you really can't go wrong with this kind of family friendly excursion, so book your tickets now!

    In case you're curious about how it all went down the last time, you can check out our special Ireland section and see some pics, videos and other stuff OR wander over to Flickr to see some exclusives. Oh yes, Jack's got all that going on now. You can Become a Fan on Facebook or Twitter away the hours in an offhand way and waste even more time inside than ever before. And don't forget about MySpace, where Jack posts some new tunes from time to time and writes some interesting tidbits just for you fans.

    With spring only weeks away, it might be time to get yourself a new T-shirt at the General Store, so why not spend some cash while you've got it?

     

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    January 2009

    Drew

    Come in here, dear friends, and have a cigar. We at Jack Graceland are celebrating this historic week that saw Jack opening for Dale Watson, the Pre-War Ponies at the Rodeo Bar, and Lady Daria's well-timed birthday (imagine getting a new president for YOUR birthday!).

    Also check Jack out BB Kings in the Gotham Ole Opry, doing his uncanniest Johnny Cash (with Alex Battles as Hank Williams,
    Carolyn Sills as Patsy Cline and Lil' Mo as Loretta Lynn).

    Jack reminds us:

    "Remember, unless you are going to a show...the winter is also a fine time to enjoy staying inside and listening to Black Sabbath."

    So, Happy New Year, and while we're at it,, we should remind you that you might want a new t-shirt to wear so why not visit the store and get yourself something nice? Oh, and check out Morning Margaritas. It's to your right. Down. Down. Yes. You've got it... (As this becomes older and older news, expect NOT to see it, sorry).

     

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    Buy Drinking Songs for Lovers, full length CD here!

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    Jack Grace Is Contributor for Nationally Syndicated Public Radio Show, The Takeaway.

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    Jack Gets Satirical on the Onion News Network.

    Jack's Blog

    Surprises, Flotsam and Jetsam in Extras!

    Jack Grace Quote of the Day:
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