Well, Nadas Nation, say goodbye to the old Blah Blah format.  It looks like we will have a hip new html email to send you next week.  It’s the passing of an era; a simpler time when we focused on the words themselves, painting our own pictures of the events described.  Oh well, I guess it’s time for me to get over it and move on.  It’s not like these are hand-written letters being sent to everyone individually.    No, that art form is long gone. I wonder how future generations will connect with the past when there are no longer any boxes of letters up in the attic waiting to be read. Have you ever thought about that? What are they going to do, hand down your Hotmail account to your great-grandchildren? Oh, gloomy; and all because we’ll be sending out a hip html email beginning next week. That was quite a leap. I apologize.  On to the fun stuff.

RAGBRAI 2008 - Party on Wheels.  We had a blast up in Ames last night with the tens of thousands of cyclists and all of the others who just came out to enjoy the night.  The Dueling Pianos Band rocked the house as well as The Nadas.  I’m always amazed at the energy that RAGBRAI riders have after a day of peddling 75 miles.  I’m not sure I could pull it off; perhaps I’ll give it a shot next year. What do you think? Anyone with me? We could put together an Authentic Records team; we’ll spend the daylight hours peddling and the nights will be filled with music and parties.  Let me know. We’d definitely have some good competition - I’ve seen some crazy RAGBRAI teams.

So today we’re back in Des Moines resting up.  Why? Well, it’s going to be a crazy weekend. We’ll be spending Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Evergreen, Colorado playing three shows at the famous Little Bear Saloon. That’s right, Friday night (9PM), Saturday night (9PM), and again on Sunday (4pm - 8pm) we will be shaking and quaking the Little Bear.  I love that place; there isn’t anything about it that I would change. And talk about a cool group of people; I can’t wait to get there.  I hope you will all come out and join us.  We’ve got a cool guy from Denver opening for us - Xiren. I know you’ll have a good time. I think everyone should plan on getting to Evergreen on Friday around 9 and just sticking around for a good 48 hours. How often do we play there for three straight nights?

Okay, I’d better get going. There’s a lot to be done - mowing, laundry, dinner, go see The Dark Knight, sleep, prepare my fly-rod. . . It just doesn’t end.  I’ll drop you a line next week. Until then, be as good as you want.

Oh, and before I forget, go check out Authentic Records online if you haven’t already. The entire site, along with the Authentic Records online store, has been revamped for your listening and shopping pleasures.

Love and Training Wheels,
Dr Tyler & The Nadas

QOTW: What’s your craziest RAGBRAI experience? OR What’s the craziest RAGBRAI Team out there?

The most bizarre thing happened last week, Nadas Nation. We had three outdoor shows in three days and not a single one was rained out. Actually, the weather was amazing at all of the shows; it looks like we’re finally being rewarded for our patience.

We had fun last week, I’m not going to lie. Why would I lie about something like that?    We got the chance to play with some friends from Authentic Records - Brother Trucker, The Josh Davis Band, and She Swings She Sways - and had amazing outdoor shows in Ames, Sioux City, and Okoboji.  Thanks to the literally thousands of people who came out and partied with us on a great 4th of July weekend.  Let’s do it again next year.

This weekend we are making a big circle - almost a complete circle, more like 3/4 of a circle - around the state of Iowa.  Where will we be? That’s a great question.

Thursday, July 10 - - THE HUB, Cedar Falls.  Ah, we love The Hub.  Marcus and the gang treat us very well.  And the crowds at The Hub are not shy about having fun. I encourage any of you in the greater Cedar Falls area to come over for the show.  I believe doors open at 7pm and music starts at 9:30.  We’ll see you there.

Friday, July 11 - - Quad City Summerfest, Moline, IL.  You ready for this? Nadas at 8:15PM. GIn Blossoms at 10:30PM. What else do you need to know?

Saturday, July 12 - - The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE.  At long last we return to The Waiting Room. Have you been there yet? I know at least 300 of you that have; I saw you all at the show the last time we played there.  Well come back out and bring some friends.  Another great room in the cool music scene of Omaha. We’re glad we get to be a part of it.

Have you seen the show Mad Men? There’s just something about it.  I watched a few episodes tonight, thanks to the magic of downloadable television.  I’ve decided it’s time to wear sharp suits and drink rye whiskey.    Wait, I already have half of that handled. Anyone know a good tailor?  I’m thinking a vested, two button in navy.  You have my email address if you have suggestions.

But where was I going with this blah blah? Oh, here’s something. We have a new intern at the Authentic Records office.    His name is Joel. He’s pretty cool. One thing Joel is working on is keeping all of you up to date on what is happening on the different branches of the Authentic Records family tree.    Be sure to check www.authenticrecordsonline.com for constant updates from around the family. You’ll hear from our cousin Dick Prall in Chicago, our kids She Swings She Sways as they travel the country, my uncle Benjamin Wagner in NYC, and all of the other crazies. I think you will get a kick out of it.

Okay, that’s it for now.  It’s nearly 2AM and I need to get some sleep; tomorrow is a big day full of wonder and excitement.  Hopefully I will see you at a show this weekend. Be as good as you want.

Love and Magical Television,
Dr Tyler & The Nadas

QOTW: Which branch on your family tree is the craziest?

The Nadas along with the Christopher Hawley Rollers, Sharon Temple, and The Quiet helped raise nearly $2500 for the United Way in their benefit concert last night at 14 Below in Santa Monica, CA. A HUGE, HUGE thank you goes out to those who were able to make it to the benefit show. And another big thanks goes out to Tyler Kamerman, Jessica Kamerman, and Joe Cockrell for organizing the event.

For highlights of the show, check out FOX’s coverage of the event HERE. For pictures and opportunities to donate if you were not able to attend the event go HERE.

And don’t forget about the Authentic Records’ Flood Relief Benefit Bootleg! Another great way to help out if you were not able to make it to the benefit show in LA.

Once again, THANK YOU to all who have donated to the Iowa Flood Relief.

Well it’s Wednesday, Nadas Nation; some people call today “Humpday.” I don’t get it. Regardless of what you call it (”Mercredi” is my favorite), I hope you’re having a good one.

I didn’t say this enough in last week’s abbreviated Blah Blah, but a special thanks to everyone who has supported Authentic Records’ efforts to help flood victims across our great state.  Two Sunday’s ago we raised nearly $3,000 at our Unsanctioned and Uncensored Hy-Vee Triathlon After Party & Benefit Show at AK O’Connor’s in Beaverdale. It was a great night.  Authentic Artists Benjamin Wagner, Mike B and Jason W, Brother Trucker’s Andy Fleming, Fat Andy’s Will Petersen and Jim Stockberger, She Swings She Sways, Tony Bohnenkamp, Josh Davis, and Stephanie Walsmith all performed and helped keep the crowd inspired. A huge thanks, also, to Capital 106.3’s Deeya for keeping the night rolling by being our emcee. The “bootleg” version of the show is available for download at www.thenadas.com/store. Technically the download is free, but we do ask that you chip in some coin to help our neighbors around the state who are still recovering from the floods.

Last night Mike and Jason were in Santa Monica, CA, joining with LA for Iowa in an attempt to raise more money for flood relief efforts. I just talked with Mike and it sounds like it was a tremendous success.  Thanks to Tyler and Jessica Kamerman and the team they assembled for making the event possible.  I heard that People Magazine even showed up to document the event.  Crazy.

We will continue to do all we can for the people in our state and surrounding areas who have suffered due to the flooding.  But we will also keep rocking throughout the summer.  And this weekend it’s the 4th of July, which is when the USA celebrates Bastille Day ten days early.    Kidding! Yikes, don’t be so sensitve.  But really, Independence Day weekend is always a lot of fun and this weekend will be no different.  Here’s the rundown:

Thursday, July 3 - Nitefall on the River at People’s Court (those floods again).  Doors open at 6 and music begins at 7.  This is a special Authentic Records showcase night featuring She Swings She Sways, Brother Trucker, The Josh Davis Band, and The Nadas.  It promises to be a lot of fun. Tickets are $8.

Friday, July 4 - Ames on the Half Shell.  We’re heading up I-35 to celebrate the 4th in the birthplace of The Nadas.  We’ll be playing at the Bandshell downtown beginning at 4pm.  I believe it’s a $5 charge.

Saturday, July 5 - Saturday in the Park, Sioux City, IA.  Yes indeed, our first of two shows on July 5. We play an hour set beginning at 12:50PM. It’s supposed to be a perfect day out for a party so come help us get the day started.  You can either stay in Sioux City and eventually wrap up the night with Phil Lesh (kind of a legend) or . . .

Saturday, July 5 - Arnolds Park.  Yes, back to Arnolds Park for a sunset concert on Lake Okoboji.  “No rain no rain no rain STOP! Yes! $50,000.  Thanks, Peter. I think I’ll pass the rest of my spins.” What? Sorry. Sometimes Press Your Luck just creeps into my thoughts.  But the forecast is great for Saturday night, too. We are happy to have our friends The Josh Davis Band opening up the show.  Music starts at 7:30pm. Get there early for a good piece of lawn and a nice view of the sunset.

Okay, there’s a lot to be done today so I’d better wrap this up.  Hope you have a great 4th of July weekend. Remember, when it comes to fireworks, safety comes first.    Be as good as you want.

Love and Humpadays,
Dr Tyler & The Nadas

QOTW: Do you have a Whammy Poem?

Jason and Mike are heading out to Los Angeles for a very special show to benefit Iowans who have suffered due to the horrible flooding this Spring. The guys will be playing at 14 Below in Santa Monica on Tuesday, July 1.  The show starts at 8:00PM.  Help spread the word in the LA area and be sure to show up for this great cause.  Thanks to Tyler K and all the good people in LA who have put this event together.  For full details on the event, please go here.

Thanks to everyone who has given so generously to our efforts here in Iowa. Last week’s show at AK’s in Beaverdale was a tremendous success, raising nearly $3,000.  Many of you have also gone to the Authentic Records online store and downloaded the eight track “bootleg” recording from the show that night; the recording is free but we do ask that you consider giving a gift to help with the flood relief efforts.  So far we’ve raised almost another $1,000 from the bootleg album.Okay, that’s all for now. I wanted to give you a quick update and a heads up about the LA show this coming Tuesday.

Love and Clear Skies,
Dr Tyler & The Nadas

Authentic Records’ artists She Swings She Sways, Jason Walsmith and Mike Butterworth (of The Nadas), Will Petersen and Jim Stockberger (of Fat Andy), Andy Fleming (of Brother Trucker), Benjamin Wagner, Stephanie Walsmith, Tony Bohnenkamp and Josh Davis performed Sunday night to raise funds for Iowa flood relief.

Donations, silent auction bids plus CD proceeds netted nearly $3000 for United Way of Central Iowa and Governor Chet Culver’s fund for disaster and flood relief.

The AK O’Connors Beaverdale event was hosted by Capitol 106.3’s Deeya.

“It was a magical night,” she said. “It’s just doesn’t get much better than musicians in the community coming together to bring out the best in each other and their fans.”

“We decided to do this event at the very last minute and only had about a week to plan and promote it. Capital 106.3 really got behind the event, and due to their promotion the place was packed” said Jason Walsmith.

But the Des Moines-based label’s flood relief efforts don’t end there.Starting Tuesday, fans can download an eight-track “bootleg” recording of the show in exchange for a contribution of any amount — all of which will go to flood relief. Tracks include an all-star performance of The Nadas’ chestnut, “The River,” plus “Promise” from Wagner’s brand-new Authentic Records release, “The Invention Of Everything Else.”

“The Nadas are Iowa’s band, and Authentic is Iowa’s label,” Wagner said. “If someone was do something, it had to be us. ‘Cuz every little bit counts.”

Visit Authentic Records to do your part!

And if you missed out on Sunday’s benefit, you can go HERE to check out some pictures that were taken during the evening.

A HUGE thanks to everyone who came out last night to the Authentic Records Benefit for the Iowa Flood Disaster Relief. Thus far we’ve raised $3000 and want to keep the ball rolling.

Stay tuned for more on how you can pitch in…

No, New Addition is not playing at Sunday’s benefit show.  But we are happy to announce that The Tyler Thompson Band has joined the lineup for Sunday night’s Authentic Records Unsanctioned & Uncensored Hy-Vee Triathlon After Party & Benefit Show at AK O’Connor’s in Beaverdale.  Music will start at 8:00PM.  See you there. Be sure to check back for more announcements about ARUUHVTAPBS. 

Happy Thursday, Nadas Nation. I hope that wherever you are, you are enjoying the same amazing weather we are having in Beaverdale right now. It’s helping to make up for the 9 weeks of rain and the horrific flooding we’ve witnessed.

Speaking of the floods . . . Announcing The Authentic Records Unsanctioned & Uncensored Hy-Vee Triathlon After Party & Benefit Show.

Join us after the big race (Sunday, June 22) at AK’s Beaverdale in Des Moines, Iowa.

Proceeds from sales of Benjamin Wagner’s brand-new CD, “The Invention Of Everything Else,” an Authentic Records silent auction, a forthcoming charity EP, plus cash donations will all benefit the United Way of Central Iowa.

Featuring:
Benjamin Wagner
The Nadas - Mike Butterworth & Jason Walsmith
Josh Davis
Tony Bohnenkamp
Fat Andy’s Will Petersen & Jim Stockberger
Brother Truckers’ Andy Fleming (JUST ADDED!)
She Swings She Sways (JUST ADDED!)
And More!!!

I’ve heard rumors of some pretty cool silent auction items, too; I’m pretty sure you will regret it if you don’t make it out for this =20
important show. So come have some fun and help our fellow Iowans who have suffered such tremendous losses.

Oh yeah, and Sonic Factory Studios’ producer (and Nadas’ bassist) Jon Locker will be on hand to record an all-star version of The Nadas’ “The River” for immediate release as an online-only charity EP. We’ll have more information on that in the coming days.

But before Sunday gets here The Nadas will be playing a full band show up in the great town of Odeboldt, Iowa. If you happen to be in Northwest Iowa on Saturday night, come on up and join us. We’ll start rockin’ at 9:00PM. I remember the last time we were there; I slept under a tarp on the grass in the city park.

There are a lot more shows on the way, so stay tuned to www.thenadas.com for details. I recommend checking the site on gig days to see if we will, indeed, be webcasting the show on ustream.tv.

Other than some suspect sound, the webcast of our Philadelphia show last week went quite well.

Oh yeah, we were out east last week. I almost forgot. Wow. It was a lot of fun, kids. Thanks to those of you who came out to show your support. The highlight for me? Eating a hot dog at 430AM across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theater in NYC. It wasn’t a good hot dog but it was a great moment.

Okay, the weather is excellent and I have a lot to do before heading down to Sec Taylor Stadium to catch the I-Cubs game. Be as good as you want. See you this weekend.

Love and Levees,
Dr Tyler & The Nadas

QOTW: What’s the best street food you’ve ever eaten?

Authentic Records’ Artist Benjamin Wagner got it into his head a few months ago that it would be a good idea for him to run the Hy-Vee Triathlon, and then play a benefit rock show afterwards. And who were we to disagree?

Little did we know that our beloved Hawkeye State would be submerged beneath one of the worst floods in its history. So now it’s official:

Announcing The Authentic Records’ Unsanctioned & Uncensored Hy-Vee Triathlon After Party & Benefit Show. Join us after the big race (Sunday, June 22) at AK’s Beaverdale in Des Moines, Iowa.

Proceeds from sales of Benjamin’s brand-new CD, “The Invention Of Everything Else,” an Authentic Records silent auction, a forthcoming charity EP, plus cash donations will all benefit the United Way of Central Iowa. Details:

June, 22 8pm-12am
AK O’Connors
4050 Urbandale Ave
Beaverdale, Iowa

Benjamin Wagner
Josh Davis
Tony Bohnenkamp
Fat Andy’s Will Petersen & Jim Stockberger
The Nadas’ Mike Butterworth & Jason Walsmith
And More!!!

Silent auction items include:

- Mike Butterworth on your voicemail
- Signed and framed photograph by Jason Walsmith
- Personalized Benjamin Wagner song
- Complete 2008 Authentic Records Discography
- Autographed Nadas t-shirt
- And more!!!

Bidding starts at $20. If you can’t make the show but would like to bid one one of the items, please email us by 8pm CT Sunday, or you can make a monetary donation at Authentic Records Online.

What’s more, Sonic Factory Studios’ producer (and Nadas’ bassist) Jon Locker will be on hand to record an all-star version of The Nadas’ “The River” for immediate release as an online-only charity EP. We’ll have more information on that in the coming days.

Meanwhile, we hope to see you Sunday night for this most righteous, rockin’ and worthy event!