Every now and then I take an interest in a band, and sometimes, when I’m lucky enough, they take an interest in me. On these wonderful occasions, I get to do something more than simply buying an album or attending a show. When things really line-up right, I get to book a tour for the act, and sometimes I even hop in the van.
This Summer, the Hamilton Trading Company is one such band. Of course, I’ve crossed paths with this lovely collection of Toronto folk before, and my past roommates will probably never forget the sight of having eight to ten strangers descend upon their living room for a few nights to sleep, do laundry, eat and chat. Since that time, I’ve slept on at least a couple floors belonging to an HTC member or two while in Toronto, and with any luck this back and forth will continue.
Right now, I’m happy to say it’s my turn to host the band, and that means they’re making the trek to Newfoundland. With stops on the west coast and a three-day stint in St. John’s, there are plenty of chances to check them out before they head back, taking me with them.
That’s right, I’m leaving the province with the band, and I doubt I’ll be back in the near future. It’s been interesting to say the least to be home, but it’s time to see what else is out there, and leaving with a great band is one of the best ways I can think to do it. So, not only do you have a chance to see a great touring band and some awesome local acts, you can also send me off to the wild west. How can you beat that?
The Band: Hamilton Trading Company
The solo work of Keith Hamilton backed by an impressive gathering of friends…. Minimal instrumentation with haunting choir.
The Dates:
Tues, Aug. 2nd | Clancy’s Bar | Stephenville | Facebook Event
Wed, Aug. 3rd | CBTG’s | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Thurs, Aug. 4th | The Ship | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Fri, Aug. 5th | The Levee | St. John’s | Facebook Event
Sat, Aug. 6th | The Bar Room | Corner Brook | Facebook Event
Booking a tour is not just about finding the best venue and the popular local bands. One must also find a place to rest the heads of everyone in the band that does not involve the need of a credit card or a continental breakfast in the morning that consists of Tang and stale donuts (true story). Sure, the ride that got you to the venue can be the same ride that covers your head at 4am when you’ve packed-up and left the stage soaked with sweat and beer, but if you’re doing more than a weekend on the road this can be a serious hazard to the health and happiness of everyone involved.
So, what to do?
You make friends. You contact twice-removed family members who you only met one Thanksgiving years ago when you could barely chew solid food. You casually mention how bad the van smells, and the horrendous snoring of your bass player to anyone buying merch. You treat the sound tech extra nice in the hopes that he/she actually has a regular job that would allow them to live in a decent place instead of squatting on their friend’s couch. Of course, the really industrious tour booker would check places like Better Than the Van to meet friends and find floor space all before they leave the comforts of their own home.
At this point, let’s say you are lucky enough to have someone take you in. You’ve managed to calm the nerves of the clean freak keyboard player who is worried about the relationship between this person’s personal dress code and the state of their living room floor… if they even have more than one room. You’ve followed the directions to their humble abode, manoeuvred skillfully through streets you don’t know with them driving in front of you, or managed to find them a spot on a floor tom in the back of the van before you left the venue. Basically, you’re out of the van for the night.
[pause]
I’m going to skip the lecture about taking all your prized possessions with you because I’m assuming you either have your vehicle tricked-out like Fort Knox or you have a simple container with everything you love inside it. If not, I hope someone is sleeping in the van, and they’re a light sleeper with a heavy object close at hand.
[resume]
I’ve been housing bands and musicians for a few years now, and I am happy to say I have never had a problem. Sure., the top of my toilet tank was split by a peanut butter jar flower pot that decided to defy the law of glass versus ceramic when a band member opened the bathroom window, but that’s par for the course. I will continue to offer musicians a place to stay for as long as I can, and I’m not even sure if a few bad apples would make me stop. What I do know is this: those who do the dishes or any other common chore receive gold stars from me and my roommates.
That’s right, do the dishes. Especially in cases where those housing you are working through the day and then catching your show that night, taking a few minutes of your time spent tweeting or updating your website to wash a few dishes or even sweeping the floor can go a long way. I’m not suggesting you go above and beyond this like the Hamilton Trading Company did the first time the 9-piece act graced my home, but a few simple acts of kindness can go a long way. Leaving smiles behind you instead of squished toothpaste tubes and Subway crumbs in the couch cushions is a sure sign that you can show up there again at 4am a few months down the road when you’re back in town.
If you’re not so much for doing the dishes, then simply be the one who sleeps in late enough for someone else to do them!
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