Chicago here we come

In eastern Iowa, headed into Chicago, should be there by mid-late afternoon. Rode through a killer storm last night, now we gotta do it again...hope the guys have no trouble (they're flying in). It wouldn't be a "Challenge" if it was easy, although it might make for some soggy concerts when we play on the street. The Weather Channel has me a bit concerned, but then again, they got to make it interesting for everyone I figure. Happy Mother's Day everybody (especially you, Mom)

Do you remember why we are putting ourselves through this?

Bruce

Loading Up for Route 66...

Loading up...what was I thinking? A minivan? I told everyone to pack light, but how do you compact a double bass? I've got between here and Chicago to figure out how to do this (the guys are flying in). I guess we can always tie Devin to the roof...maybe I'll bring the dogs too?

Isn't that Joey? He looks familiar...

I hope I don't need to remind you all why we are doing this?? Why are we doing this??? Go to JazzMasters Workshop and find out!

Bruce

Route 66 - My Way

Did I say I would do this again? I don't' remember agreeing to this, after all I have traveled down this road with this band twice already, and though those trips had some unforgettable moments, they also had those "other" moments. Think about it - one woman; 4 men (boys, some); one van; lots of instruments, bags, amps and other flotsam; and the stress and strain (and sometimes smell) of touring and playing music.

But, you know what? I love it!!! I love music and singing, and I love men. Don't get me wrong, I have really profound and special relationships with my close girlfriends, but I have loved the company of that other sex since childhood. I come by this honestly; my mother, and even her mother are the same way (I could tell you stories about them, we'll save that for another day . . .). We are of Scottish descent, and i guess we've got that Celtic blood a'boilin.

So here we go again - I'll rest when I'm old . . .

Luv,

Pinto Pammy

Devin Shares his thoughts on Route 66, Part 2

Cow Bop bassist Devin sat down recently to talk about some of his thoughts on the upcoming Route 66 tour...and a couple of things he's a little concerned about...

Devin shares his thoughts on the Route 66 Tour

Recently, I sat down and talked to Devin about his thoughts on the upcoming Route 66 tour with Cow Bop. He's by far the youngest member of the band, so check out what he had to say...

Challenging Times

It seems like every time we go on one of these trips, the price of gas makes the Route 66 Challenge more of an odyssey. But $4 a gallon...that's $1 a quart! Well, we'll tough it out no matter how, we've gone too far with this to turn back. Plus, with all of our going away parties I'd hate to disappoint my friends by sticking around.

Show biz is in my life: the smell of the crowd, the roar of the grease paint! Watch out everyone, we're coming to a town near you...and you can help out by pledging to ensure that music performance remains an important part of youngsters lives...I'll bet you can find a button to push that'll make that happen...look around!

Keep swingin'!

Bruce

Cow Bop Route 66 News!

Check out this recent news article in the Monterey County Weekly about Cow Bop's recent CD release party at the Carmel Valley Athletic Club!

Here's a brief excerpt:

"Listening to Cow Bop’s new album Route 66, it’s easy to see why the band’s music would appeal to all sorts of music fans. A lot of Route 66, the group’s second release, sounds like Django Reinhardt playing Bakersfield honky tonks. Throughout, Forman’s incredibly fluid guitar-playing weaves through the songs like a fresh, desert stream."

One more Route 66 Prep with Gilles Apap!

Cow Bop plays up in Carmel Valley at Hidden Valley Music Seminars with Gilles Apap!

Point of No Return

Can't turn back now.

Sitting in with a couple of Jazz Masters!

We had a fun party at the Carmel Valley Athletic Club to begin the push for the trip. About 140 people showed up. We had three bands of kids from the workshops that played: high schoolers, elementary schoolers and a band of alums (now gone pro, some finishing up college as well). Of course, we couldn't help but sit in and grab a few choruses ourselves. Then Cow Bop finished it off with our trademark acoustic set with Mike playing the box, he'd better get his chops up for that, gonna be doing it a lot on the road.

A younger Jazz Master!

Lots of people were very generous and we are in good shape to start some new programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs this summer. Now we have all the logistical details to sort out and believe me those dates on the calendar are much closer than they appear!

If any of you have an ideas for something out on the open road, let us know, and hey, why not come and play a tune or two? Or make a pledge?

See you soon!

Bruce

Cow Bop is making Route 66 News!

Cow Bop is making Route 66 news--again!

Check out this article on the Route 66 News Blog!

Crazy!

Cow Bop playing "Crazy" their recent show in Carmel!

Stories from the Road, Entry #2

A few more tales from the road--you can't make this stuff up...

Besame Mucho featuring Gilles Apap!

Gilles Apap played a couple of tunes with Cow Bop at their recent CD release show up in Carmel, California--here's their performance of Besame Mucho!

The excitement is building...

Stories from the Road, Entry #1

Bruce shares some of his experiences from past Route 66 trips...

Cow Cow Boogie Featuring Gilles Apap

Check out a recent Cow Bop performance featuring Gilles Apap!

Great Things Come in Threes...

Ever wanted to try something outrageous? Ever wanted to experience a part of history and connect with the legacy of our country and culture? Ever wanted to do something for others...and have fun doing it?

They say the third time’s the charm…let’s hope they are right! We are excited about our new trip, seeing old friends, making new ones, more wacky road pathology and discovering gems along our most storied road.

'You guys are crazy'… that was the most common response to our original Route 66 odysseys. It was always intoned with a forlorn nostalgia and had a vicarious quality, the very sentiment evoking a sense of freedom.

If it’s crazy to believe in the power of music, to be committed to an important cause and have faith in people--that they will rally and support us--then that’s a quality I gladly accept. I invite everyone to come along… and bring your axe!

Bruce