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?