In a rare moment of downtime, Shane Leonard confirms dates with tour promoters while a wistful Jessi Lee McIntosh plays a high, lonesome tune on her harmonica.

Dearly beloved readers, it pains me to share what will be my last blog post from Kalispell’s Fall Tour 2012.  While unforeseen circumstances called for my immediate return to WI, rest assured that the highly skilled and meticulously trained duo known as Kalispell, whom you’ve come to know and love through my own heartfelt and timeless description, will continue folkin’ around the country in high fashion.

Where did we leave off? Of course, of course. Michigan. Our second night in Michigan was… magical. Yes, quite right- it was magical.  Kalispell and Red Tail Ring shared the bill at the DAAC (Division Avenue Arts Collective) in Grand Rapids, MI.  Opening the evening’s entertainment was Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, the lovely Kalamazoo-based pianist and composer. She has a beautiful voice, folks, and knows her way around song-writing.

                                         The Pixley-Finks!

Shane and Jess played their music to a reserved but appreciative audience. Perhaps the most telling way to gauge how listeners receive Kalispell’s music in a situation like this isn’t how loud the cheering is but the compliments one can overhear after a show.  Also, my constant and dedicated presence often leads people to assume that I’m Kalispell’s tour manager (I am not- Shane is the tireless architect who builds each tour months in advance), so they sometimes bring compliments directly to me.  I thank them and share (untrue but entertaining) stories about how I used to leave bowls of cream outside my doorway for the busquing duo of skinny folk musicians and eventually talked them into a life on the road.  But forgive me, for I am wont to digress.

Kalispell’s tunes lead perfectly into a very enjoyable set by multi-instrumentalists Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo ofRed Tail Ring.  These are some really great people and talented musicians. Their love of music is ever-present during sstheir performances. Check them out!

                                                Red Tail Ring

The evening at the DAAC was closed out with a righteous spiritual performed by Kalispell and Red Tail Ring together.  But the real magic, in this humble reviewer’s opinion, had yet to begin.  After guests slowly made their ways home, the musicians commenced an epic folk jam with guest appearance by the globe-trotting step dancer and Michigan native Nic Gareiss.  This was a definite highlight for yours truly, never having personally witnessed a dancer anywhere near Nic’s level of skill.  Surrounded by old-time musicians, his dancing added such sweet percussion that this modest blogger’s mind was nearly blown. 

Nic Gareiss, left, considering jumping in and shaking things up. To date, cameras are unable to do his nimbleness and agility justice.

Michigan, though we’ve since departed, a piece of my heart will always remain.

Next stop on Kalispell’s Fall Tour 2012 was Lafayette, IN for an awesome house party hosted by friends Steffan (whose band was evening’s opening act) and Hannah Yazvac. Joining Kalispell for an evening of delicious food and beautiful music were Louisville, KY-based Bro. Stephen, aka S. Scott Kirkpatrick; and John Davey, a singer/songwriter bread and buttered in Lafayette. I’ve known Scott for about a year and I’ve since been a huge fan of his music, and I was really glad for the opportunity to familiarize myself with John Davey, an excellent songsmith with powerful lyrics and a truly memorable voice.  

                           Lafayette, Indiana’s John Davey

We also had the pleasure of meeting 4 (out of 13) other Davey siblings: Beniah, Naomi, Maria, and Hope. Great people! It was such a striking effect that while we listened to John sing, his sisters sang along to his songs very beautifully. Thanks for the hospitality, Lafayette!

                                Party people in Lafayette, IN

The last show for this faithful blogger was an excellent show in Louisville, KY home of the always wonderful Bro. Stephen who was joined by guitarist/fiddler Cheyenne Mize. The two performed separately and together. The crowd here really dug in and enjoyed the show.  Many colorful and interesting people attended this show. 

  The inimitable Bro. Stephen at his home with Tiffany, Ben, and Shane

There was a marked spike in album sales after this show.  I generally man the merchandise tables and for my efforts the firm but just Shane Leonard will often throw me bits of not yet stale bread or other bits of savory goods. I jest- everyone I spent time with during this tour has been so generous and helpful. I only wish I could continue on to meet more memorable people and be introduced to other great musicians.

I’ve just now returned home from one and a half weeks on the road with Kalispell. Slouching towards my little house in Menomonie, WI, to shake off the miles of highway dust and to rest my achy bones, it occurs to me that Shane and Jess are on a six week tour.  This type of living ain’t easy, fair reader, but during short time I spent with them I was more than able to get a glimpse of the rewards reaped by these hard-working musicians. 

I hope that the next time you stumble upon a performer you realize that for many of them, this is their way of life. So buy a drink, an album, or do whatever you may to help a musician on his or her way.  Your kindnesses are never forgotten!

-Yusef Kazemzadeh, esteemed music blogger and Iranian spirit guide to the band Kalispell

Dearest readers: from a beautiful living room in sunny Kalamazoo, MI, I bring you tour news live and direct. 

Having left Iowa after taping “Fairfield 2.0”, a local television program, Kalispell returned to Illinois with trusty band historian, yours truly, in tow.  Recovering some ground we’d already traveled once seemed to go a bit quicker, and we eventually made our way into Peoria, IL.  We were hosted by local music enthusiasts Steven Hinrichsen and his girlfriend, Jessie, in their home near the Bradley University campus.  These folks are kind and generous and had put together a great potluck before the show.

Beginning the evening’s entertainment was Peoria musician Jared Bartman, who played some beautiful original music and was joined on vocals by his wife, Stephanie (holding their darling 8-month old son, Henry) and Jessie, whose house party we were enjoying.  The combination was pretty stunning, and if you have an opportunity to check out Jared’s music, you will likely enjoy it as much I and others did that evening.  Kalispell was well-received by this enthusiastic bunch, incorporating some effects into the mix as I have previously described.  These effects, especially fiddle-looping, have a curious hypnotic quality that often renders listeners pleasantly paralyzed with waves of lush sound.  Following Kalispell was a guitar/drums duo called Denim Dragon whose unique sound was highlighted by their frontman’s distinctive vocal delivery.

From Peoria we embarked to Chicago where Shane and Jess performed at Columbia University’s Fine Arts building regularly held by the Coriolis Theater Company. 

The man responsible for the arrangement of this downtown studio space is the peerless Chicago actor and Menomonie, WI native, Josh Salt.  Josh is an awesome guy and very talented performer who hosted Shane and I during a Chicago stop in a tour that I accompanied Shane on last year.

The Coriolis Theater Space was a delightful performance venue with guests enjoying wine, cookies and some mouth-watering shortbread made by the delightful Abi Christian. The always-entertaining Anna Torgerson, joined by colleagues Lawrence and Adam - all members of Chicago-based Monkey Island Improv - kicked off the evening and had myself and other guest crying tears of laughter with their spontaneous hilarity.  The next performer was Chicago actor and musician, Peter Oyloe.  Oyloe, though suffering from a nasty cold, informed us that he’d never once missed a performance and wasn’t about to start.  He was joined in performance by his friend Greg, a classically trained violinist who added to Peter’s songs beautifully.

Kalispell’s songs resonated within this lively Downtown Chicago studio space as guests reclined on couches and floor cushions.  We spent the night in a Lincoln Square apartment shared by Anna and Abi, two gracious young women pursuing their respective dreams in this city that excites me with every visit.

After a hearty breakfast we bid our hostesses and Chicago farewell; Shane and Jess, by now expert packers, loaded equipment and personal effects into Shane’s majestic Subaru, and we were off to Michigan.

Friends, I have a confession to make.  Readers may be startled to learn that in all the years of living in a state that neighbors this heavenly place, I’ve never once had the opportunity to visit Michigan until now.  Michael and Laurel, better known as the Kalamazoo-based folk duo Red Tail Ring, have been most gracious hosts. They will share the bill with Kalispell and Elizabeth Pixley-Fink later tonight in Grand Rapids.  Having just finished a great breakfast with these folks, Shane and Jess are rehearsing a song with them that all four will perform together tonight.

Michigan is indeed gorgeous this time of year.  I was overjoyed to arrive yesterday afternoon amidst the joyful cries of children chasing an ice cream truck as a slowly setting sun cast its rays on brightly colored autumn leaves.  Last night’s show was a packed house concert at a much venerated venue known lovingly to Michiganders as “Miss Muse”.  It’s an amazingly comfortable three-story house where many popular musicians have played and stayed.  Upon our arrival, we were met by Miss Muse resident Paul Jansen, a very friendly and welcoming gentleman who later gave us a full tour including some of the house’s rich musical heritage.

Presently, your humble narrator is honored to accompany Kalispell and Red Tail Ring on the road to their show in Grand Rapids, MI at the Division Avenue Arts Collective, or DAAC.  Rest easy, friends; before long this fearless music journalist will return to you with tales of music and lessons learned from the road.

There’s precious little time to waste, old friend. It’s Wednesday September 26th, and I just woke up on the floor in a living room in Fairfield, IA.  But to really understand how I got here and to answer timeless questions such as “What am I doing with my life” and “Can I wear these socks again today?” we need to go back in time, to retrace our steps….

Three nights ago we were in Milwaukee @ Tonic Tavern in the neighborhood known as Bayview.   Kalispell played in between the Honest Sleeves and The New Seven.  Tonic is a sweet joint for live music- a small stage with plenty of character.  The bartender killed the house music and stopped everyone for their attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen- the bands tonight get a percentage of what YOU spend on drinks, so please do your job and they’ll do theirs.  Please welcome the Honest Sleeves.”  I have to say it was probably one of the most righteous introductions a band could ask for anywhere. 

The crowd was receptive to all three bands, and I met a handful of really entertaining people.  Good times were had by all.  Among the  listeners and merrymakers who came out for the night were Shane Leonard’s mother and Jess’s mother and older brother. Shane and Jess may say otherwise, but I found the highlight of the night to be when Shane’s mom, Carol,  caught him smoking a cigarette during a conversation with a group of local musicians. She marched right out, snatched the cig out of his mouth and stomped it out, and proceeded to upbraid him in front of the amused onlookers. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen Shane smoke in the several years I’ve known him,  and I am sure I can stop counting. I swore a blood oath to Carol to report any further tobacco use on tour forthwith.

The next morning, Shane and Jess were in downtown Milwaukee for an interview on “Local Lunchbox” on 91.7FM,  WMSE and selecting songs from the new album Westbound for listeners.  From there it was on to Rockford, IL for a live recorded studio program called “Concert Conversations” which was really enjoyable and offered the studio guests an opportunity to ask questions. 

We rose early and drove from Rockford to Rock Island, IL for a recording session at Daytrotter.  Another tour highlight, Daytrotter has been recording awesome bands for about 6 years. Much of the new music I hear that resonates with me comes from this small studio’s sessions. Shane and Jess were on their game to record a handful of Kalispell songs from the album and some previously unreleased songs as well. It was an awesome experience for me and I think Shane and Jess really appreciated the opportunity to hear their new work recorded.  I am hopeful that this session, when released, will make Kalispell’s music available to new listeners everywhere.

From Rock Island we crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, and hit the road for last night’s house show in Fairfield. Taylor Ross, our hostess, had put together an awesome gathering complete with unique and friendly guests, a treehouse, and homemade pies.  Out in the backyard, Nicholas Naioti from the Mr. Nasti opened up with some really great tunes.  Shane and Jess followed, playing to a great bunch of people on picnic tables and blankets.  It was a beautiful night with dogs running around, trains in the background, and rhythmic insects.  Also performing were four interesting young fellows from Detroit, Justin, Jeremy, Johnny and Kyle.  An epic indoor hootenanny followed and afterwards the Taylor, the boys from Detroit and a few other guest musicians joined us for a midnight walk in the woods complete with live music. 

And those, beloved reader, are the circumstances that led up to this very moment- on a living room floor in Fairfield with birds chirping outside and the sun streaming in.  Thanks, Fairfield! You cats know how to party.  I will now rouse the talent and lead them in our daily fitness routine of yoga and patented vocal exercises. How lucky they are to have such a learned and health-focused individual as myself to keep them from the self-destructive patterns of behavior exhibited by other bands that you read about in magazines.  Milwaukee, Rockford, Rock Island, and Fairfield- thank you for the good times!

-Yusef Kazemzadeh
Accomplished Journalist and Health Professional

Hello and good day, faithful reader and fellow music enthusiast. I’ve been thinking about you and your eager, almost childlike anticipation of this most excellent musical blog. Each morning when I wake, I look forward to these talks.  Come sit yourself down, little one, and I’ll tell the tale of a warm house full of friends gathering for food and music on a dark, chilly night on the south side of Madison, WI.

A “House Show” is a lesser known term describing the phenomenon that we in the industry like to use for when a band performs at someone’s house. And folks, last night was a real doozie, let me tell you.

Kalispell performed in Madison at the house of some dear and exquisitely lovely friends, Pakou and Megan. We kicked the event off with a great group of people who all brought delicious dishes for a potluck. After relaxing and getting to know some new friends, we listened to a solo set from Jeff Parks. Jeff is an immediately likeable dude who played us some songs on guitar and harmonica.  As I found myself wondering how often musicians play in these most intimate of settings, Jeff casually mentioned that this was his first solo show. He has a really clear, beautiful voice and he primed us perfectly for the hard-traveling, no nonsense indie-folk act Kalispell who have been blessed to secure my services as band historian and spiritual advisor.  I am hopeful that my tough, spare-no-facts approach to music journalism can offer you a glimpse into the lives of these two touring musicians and the artful tapestry of American music that they weave while on the road.

During some Kalispell shows Shane and Jess add to their unique sound by using an array of pedals and effects, it is worth noting that they often play nothing but their instruments and voices. Last night in Pakou and Megan’s living room there were no microphones or amplifiers. Just a handful of honest, young musicians and an intimate gathering of interesting and friendly listeners. It’s an honor to catch a candid glimpse of the traveling musician such as this. Both seated, Jess fiddling barefoot and Shane keeping time with boots tapping the floor, they created a soft and haunting soundtrack tinged with a beautiful sense of longing. Some songs are actually traditional Appalachian melodies that Shane arranged and added words to. The atmosphere created by Kalispell’s music played for a small gathering in a comfortable, inviting setting was one of the most memorable I’ve experienced.

Joe Johnson, an old friend of mine who now lives in Madison after founding My Buddies Bar and Restaurant just over a year ago, was able to stop by and hear both Jeff Parks and Kalispell.  We hadn’t hung out in years, and when we last did I doubt either of could say we’d enjoyed this particular type of show.  Joe had this to say afterwards, “What an incredible moment in life that just was, dude. I’m incredibly proud of the people you’ve surrounded yourself with- tears in my eyes, dude.” 

In so many words, I couldn’t have described better what the effect of a “House Show” is when it’s done right. 

Thanks Madison!

Hey friends, we’re on tour! Today is only the 5th day of a 6 week odyssey, and who knows what glories await. Luckily, our friend Yusef is along for the ride to tell you about it after it happens (because I’m terribly lax at keeping up on this blog deal). Behold, the first of many posts:

Good day to you, fellow curiosity seeker! Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Yusef Kazemzadeh. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a musician and I live in Menomonie, WI. People that do know me know that I’m a musician who lives in Menomonie, WI. I’ve been playing music and traveling with bands since I was 15.  In that time, I’ve been influenced by a great many different musicians and styles of music. We can talk about these things later, if you wish, gentle reader. But first…

For the next three weeks or so, I will have the extraordinarily good fortune of joining the band Kalispell on their Fall Tour. Kalispell is the project of Eau Claire, WI musician and all-around great fella, Shane Leonard. Shane plays banjo and guitar, and accompanying him on this tour is his lovely and talented partner, Jessi Lee McIntosh, an accomplished violinist.  The two also perform as the old-time Appalachian style duo “Stoop Singers”.  Having had numerous opportunities to watch both Kalispell and Stoop Singers perform on different occasions, I have a great deal of appreciation and respect for the dedication to and study of music that these two share.

I met Shane several years ago during which time we have played in a couple different bands together. A multi-instrumentalist, Shane was playing drums when I met him in 2006, and currently we both play with the traditional Irish pub band The Shillelagh Lads monthly in Eau Claire, WI.

The project known as Kalispell was formed by Shane two years ago. Since then he’s performed been joined by a variety of musicians for performances, and often plays solo. The debut of the album Westbound in Eau Claire on May 17th of this year found Shane playing with a 10-piece group that included a string quartet and pedal steel player Ben Lester, whereas the tour we’re now on is simply Shane and Jess playing songs from Westbound.  Even with far fewer musicians than I’ve seen them play with at past performances, none of the richness of the music is lost in their stripped-down yet surprisingly full and melodic renditions of the album’s songs.  I’ve heard Kalispell’s music described in a variety of ways, but you can have a listen to Westbound here to decide for yourself how to best describe it.

Today, Saturday the 22nd of September, is the fifth show of a six week tour. We are in Sheboygan, WI about to depart for Madison.  The dates for the tour are:

9/13 Hayward, WI | (solo) Park Theater w/ The Daredevil Christopher Wright, Adelyn Rose
9/16 Minneapolis, MN | (pre-show set) Hymie’s Vintage Records
9/16 Minneapolis, MN | Icehouse “Duotones” Series
9/21 Sheboygan, WI | Oktoberfest w/ Icarus Himself

9/22 Madison, WI | House Show
9/23 Milwaukee, WI | Tonic Tavern w/ The New Seven, The Honest Sleeves
9/25 Rock Island, IL | DAYTROTTER Session
9/26 Peoria, IL | House Concert
9/27 Chicago, IL | Coriolis Theater w/ Peter Oyloe
9/28 Kalamazoo, MI | House Concert w/ Small Houses
9/29 Grand Rapids, MI | The DAAC w/ Red Tail Ring
9/30 Lafayette, IN | House Concert w/ John Davey, Bro. Stephen
10/1 Louisville, KY | House Concert w/ Bro. Stephen
10/2 Bloomington, IN | Bear’s Place w/ Bro. Stephen, John Davey
10/3 Bloomington, IN | Super Secret Extravaganza w/ Tim Felton
10/4 Louisville, KY | Zazoo’s w/ Murals
10/5 Lexington, KY | Natasha’s Bistro w/ Mitch Barret
10/6 Asheville, NC | House Concert
10/9 Knoxville TN | (early show!) WDVX’s “Blue Plate Special”
10/9 Nashville, TN | 12th & Porter w/ Chance McCoy, Stacy Lantz
10/10 Johnson City, TN | House Concert & Potluck!
10/11 Bristol, TN | Pickin’ Porch
10/12 Atlanta, GA | The Drunken Unicorn w/ Under White Pines
10/13 Savannah, GA | Private Party
10/16 Chapel Hill, NC | The Cave w/ JPhono1
10/18 Durham, NC | The Pinhook w/ Phil Cook (Megafaun), Brice Randall Bickford
10/19 Greensboro, NC | House Concert
10/20 Floyd, VA | (early show!) Floyd Country Store “Americana Afternoon”
10/20 Elkins, WV | Davis & Elkins College - The Icehouse
10/21 Charlottesville, VA | The Pink Warehouse
10/22 Thomas, WV | The Purple Fiddle
10/23 Columbus, OH | House Concert
10/24 Chicago, IL | The Double Door w/ Shelley Miller, Little Light
10/25 Chicago, IL | The Grafton banjo showcase w/ Old Town School faculty
10/26 Madison, WI | TBA w/ Pioneer
10/27 Eau Claire, WI | UW-Eau Claire at The Cabin

If any of these dates are in your area, come check out Kalispell!

I don’t keep up with the blog thing and it’s a new goal of mine to do it more often - to keep an ongoing record of what I’m up to for my own sake, and for anyone else who’s interested.

Also, I found this video today and wanted to share it out of recent interest in collaborations between visual and musical artists. I’ll try to post more collaborations soon.

No Depression has featured a full preview of Kalispell’s new album on their blog! They will also have an in-depth interview with Uprooted Music Revue’s Chris Mateer posted soon.

I’ve been on the road for two weeks of shows, accompanied by Colder In Moscow’s Eric Carlson on guitar. So far every show has been special for different reasons, and we’re very thankful to our hosts who show us great restaurants, host awesome square dances, lend us their couches, and usually own pretty cool dogs.

Largest paper towel dispenser I have ever seen. (Taken with Instagram at Good job, Fort Wayne, IN)

At the threshold of completion, box-cutter in hand! (Taken with Instagram at Eau Claire, WI)

listening party - made stuffed zucchini for 18! (Taken with Instagram at Eau Claire, WI)