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Recent Happenings:

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_Marching on North
2.28.2012



Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen, it's that time again.  The Ford Theatre Reunion is BACK ON TOUR!!!!  This time around we'll be bringing the madness all across the Great Northeast and Mid-West for a full week of non-stop circusgypsyprogjazzpunk shenanigans!  Check the dates below to see if you'll be in the path of debauchery!

Friday March 9
Columbus, OH
@ Circus, w/Sex Kitten Purrlesque
8:00pm $5 21+
FaceBook Event!

Saturday March 10
Wilmington, DE
@Mojo 13, w/Couples Only
8:00pm $5 21+

Sunday March 11
New York, NY
@Parkside Lounge, w/This Way to The Egress
9:30pm $5 21+
FaceBook Event!

Monday March 12
Pittsburgh, PA
@Howler's Coyote Cafe, w/Unfinished Symphonies
Details TBA

Tuesday March 13
Lakewood, OH
@The Foundry, w/Oliver Bean
8:00pm $5 21+

Wednesday March 14
Detroit, MI
@PJ's Lager House, w/Haley Jane
9:00pm $5 21+

Thursday March 15
Lansing, MI
@Mac's Bar, w/Mosquito Bandito
9:00pm $5 21+

Friday March 16
Lexington, KY
@Cosmic Charlie's, w/Hellblinki, Deadly Sins Burlesque
9:00pm $7 18+ ($5 surcharge for those between 18-20)
FaceBook Event!

Saturday March 17
Cincinnati, OH
@The Redmoor, w/Hellblinki, Marmalade Brigade
8:00pm $10advance/$15 DOS 21+
FaceBook Event!
BUY TICKETS!!!!

We're also quite pleased to announce that, for most of these dates, we'll be joined on stage by the irresistible Trixie Deville as well as renowned bassoonist, Miss Jackie Royce!  That's right.  We said bassoonist.  These shows are not to be missed!

And, for our all of our lovely friends in the great South, FRET NOT!  Stay tuned, as there are more southern dates to be announced soon!

Finally, to all those who donated to our Kickstarter over the last several weeks, THANK YOU!!!!!  It's because of your unwavering and foolhardy support that we're are able to announce the release of our NEW SINGLE on 7" vinyl this spring!  The exact release date will be announced soon, but make sure you pay attention!  The physical records will be available in a very limited run, and they'll be the ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD that you'll be able to hear our B-side!  We assure you, you won't want to dilly dally in ordering.

Until next time....




7" Vinyl to win THE WAR ON EVERYTHING!!!!!
2.01.2012

The day has finally arrived. 

Listen.  I'm going to be frank with you.  There are three FACTS that I know in life and they are all that I know for sure.  FACT.  Vinyl records are cool*.  Really cool.  FACT.  Vinyl records are expensive to print because the format is outdated**.  FACT.  There is no bad time for chocolate milk.

We here at The Ford Theatre Reunion would love to bring you a 7" record to love and enjoy at home (because of fact number one) but we are currently unable to do that (because of fact number two).  This is where you can help.  You know what kickstarter is, you know what it can do.  All we want is to be able to bring you our finest new music in the finest form*.  We are only asking for what we need to make this happen.

But surely you would like to know what grooves*** are going to be on the 7", right?  The A-side song is called "Tea & Cakes" and it's about our good friend Marauding Aunt Matilda who does some rather unpleasant things to passers-by.  It's delicious****.  The B-side is an as-of-yet-unnamed polka freak-out that will ONLY BE AVAILABLE ON THIS RECORD.  It will be pressed LOCALLY (if you're in Kentucky, that is) and the artwork will be SCREENPRINTED by the band!  Beautiful, yes?

So there it is.  Head on over to our KICKSTARTER, read the list of EPIC incentives, enjoy the EDUCATIONAL video, click the "DONATE" button, sit back, and prepare to receive your GLORIOUS PRIZES!!!!  Keep in mind, though, that this is a VERY LIMITED TIME OFFER!  So DONATE GENEROUSLY TODAY!!!!!


*Read: Retro
** Read: Cool
*** Literally and figuratively.
****A sample, perhaps





Tour Blog!!!
1.03.2012

Did you Know!?  You can FOLLOW US ON TOUR!  Or at least watch our tour videos and be sad that you're not with us.  Currently updating as we go at our YouTube Channel!  Here's a taste to wet your whistle: 



Winter Tour & Hot Club Returns!
12.8.20011

Greetings, comrades.  We've got some pretty good news for ya.

WE'RE GOING BACK ON TOUR!!!!!

That's RIGHT!  Your friends at The Ford Theatre Reunion are saddling up once more for eleven days of untold debauchery in the GREAT AMERICAN SOUTH!  The stampede begins on December 28th, carving a chaotic and somewhat swervey path through Dixieland, all culminating in the vaudevillian glory that is The Hot Club Cabaret!!!  "Holy CRAP!" we imagine you must be saying to yourself "I live in the GREAT AMERICAN SOUTH!  Can I attend!?"  Well, folks, that all depends.  Will you be in one of these places at one of these times:

Dec 28-w/Tinderbox Circus Sideshow
                 Preservation Pub, Knoxville TN
                10:00pm  $5  21+


Dec 29- w/Christ, Lord
                 Star Bar, Atlanta GA
                 9:00pm  FREE!  21+

Dec 31- NEW YEARS CARNIVAL
                w/Helen Keller's Ukulele & Tinderbox Circus

                Flying Monkey Arts, Huntsville AL
                8:00pm  $10 
Jan 3-w/Freaksheaux to Geaux and Joe Carrol            
          The AllWays Lounge & Theater, New Orleans
          10:00pm  Details TBA

Jan 5- w/Music City Burlesque
             Exit/In, Nashville TN
             8:00pm  $8  18+

Jan 7- The Hot Club Cabaret III
              Natasha's Bistro & Bar, Lexington KY
              8:30pm  $10  ALL AGES!
Jan 8- MOTR Pub, Cincinnati OH
              10:00pm  21+  FREE!!!!


If so, CONGRATULATIONS!  You will be witness to NEW SONGS, NEW ANTICS, and the same old never ending carnival that you love so very much.

And all you fine people in Lexington should be feeling a little extra titillated as well.  On January 7 FTR will present the RETURN of Central Kentucky's premier (and possibly only...) vaudeville review, The HOT CLUB CABARET!  This year's event boasts a line up of such variety and talent as you've never seen before FEATURING:

Rakadu Gypsy Dance
Helen Keller's Ukulele
Deadly Sins Burlesque
Acrobat, Holly Price
Tinderbox Circus Sideshow
Juggler, Michael Sikora
Comedian, Ben Parks
Robin Marks Magic
http://www.facebook.com/RobbinMarksMagic
All followed by a blistering set from your favorite local circus punks: The Ford Theatre Reunion!

So begin the preparations and get ready to beat back the Kentucky winter with THE HOT CLUB CABARET!!!!

And, as if that wasn't enough exciting news to keep your blood boiling through the winter months...  Dust off that old turn-table, because we are hard at work to bring you some of our new material in a 7" package of full analog ecstasy.  Stay tuned.  More details coming soon.




Freaks In Fall
10.17.2011

Hello, dear friends.  If you're receiving this message, it's because you've made the choice to stay privy to the various exciting and important happenings of your comrades, The Ford Theatre Reunion.

A wise decision.

First thing first, good people.  We have been hard at work, making a royal mess of the practice space, to bring you BRAND NEW MUSIC.  "But, FTR," you say, "you guys JUST released an EPIC EP!  And it's AWESOME!!!!  Isn't that enough!?!?!".
Well, first of all, thank you for the kind words.  And second, no, it is not enough.  We here at the world-famous Ford Theatre Reunion will continue to strive for the greatest heights of YOUR musical satisfaction.  That's just how we roll.  You're welcome.  Keep you eyes peeled for news of new releases soon!

But in the meantime, fall is here.  This means a lot of things to many people.  Changing leaves, apple cider, pumpkin carving, costume planning, hard apple cider, holiday shopping, hay rides, orchards, hard apple cider with an extra shot of whiskey, and so much more.  But for you folks in the know, it means so much more.  It means The Ford Theatre Reunion's HALLOWEEN HOOPLAH!!!!  That's right kids, this year we're bringing the shindig to not ONE but TWO great Kentucky cities for a weekend of unmatched wonder and debauchery!  Featuring the DRUNKEN PIRATE SHANTIES of Drunk & Sailor, the SULTRY LADIES of Deadly Sins Burlesque, the DEATH DEFYING FEATS of The Tinderbox Sideshow, and a full-scale VAUDEVILLE REVIEW featuring incredibly talented SPECIAL GUESTS from all around the region, this year's event is shaping up to be one of our biggest undertakings to date!  Don't miss out!  The show will kick off in Louisville on October 27 at the oh-so-lovely Bardstown with our good friends Jack Holiday and The Westerners.  Then, the following night (October 28 for the numerically impaired) back home at Cosmic Charlie's in Lexington, featuring a most outrageous costume contest!  Central Kentucky will never be the same.

Did you know that Greenland is the largest island in the WORLD that isn't also a continent.  Makes one think about things...

As wonderful as this fall is shaping up to be, ladies and gentlemen, we all know that it can't last forever.  Which means winter is about to rear it's chilly head.  Well, fuck that.  We're headed south.  That's right!  We're going back on tour, and this time we plan to survey the great American south!  We'll be heading out in late December and bringing our strange brand anywhere below the Mason-Dixon that will have us.  So, hey!  If you happen to live way down where and you'd like to see us come to YOUR TOWN, let us know who to call about a show!  We want to see you too! 

Well, friends, that's the news for now.  But keep your ear to the ground.  We've got a lot in the works.  More announcements soon.

Until then....

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1051699149186

www.fordtheatrereunion.com


The Ford Theatour 2011
8.24.2011

DIARY OF TOUR, 8/18 - 8/23.
THE FORD THEATRE REUNION.
ARCHIVED BY: JOE
PHOTOS BY: JOE / LUKE / JOSH


We are the Ford Theatre Reunion and we crept through the world this week like a small plague (see photo).  We took full advantage of your drink deals. We smelled bad on your couches.  We loitered in your parking lots.  We took up your coffee tables with our Scrabble (see photo) and chess and go boards.  We made vegan zucchini subs in your kitchens.  And we will be doing it again before you even have time to scrub the sawdust and mustache hairs from your carpet (see photo).

It's been a week.

First things first.  Let's have a big hip-hip-hipster-hooray for all the fine folks that helped and hung and harangued.  If it weren't for you amazing people out there, we would have been drunk alone and lost in the suburbs of Chicago where some guy wants to steal our computers.  Fact.  The people of the north-of-center United States are beautiful and inspiring and terrifying like all the best things.  Also, the biggest of thanks to Mr. Joshua Flowers (see photo) for jumping behind the drums last minute and making us sound like a real band.

A brief recapturing.  We headed out towards Louisville in our borrowed van (thanks, Walker) which I'd like to name Blood Angel Tactical Pleasure Van (see photo) if that's not too presumptuous.  That night we shared the stage with the terrific Ut Gret and our always chummy chums Jack Holiday & The Westerners.  How can anyone argue with a group of people that will provide you with not only two solid hours of blistering dance-inspiring rock-for-crazies but also a floor and a massive plate of bacon (see photo) in the morning?  Tremendous.  Lucy learned to read this trip (see photo).

Louisville.  Award issued: Most Excellent Woodwind Bacon Morning Experience

From there is was off to Champaign, IL, which despite the homonym was not afloat on a river of bubbly.  Slight disappointment on that discovery, but the show was fantastic and I'm pretty sure that Champaign couldn't have been any better even if it was filled with sparkly alcohol.  We were, anyway.  Big, big thanks to our new friends Hayley Jane, David Der Geist, and all of the truly stupendous folks at Psychic Joker.  Never felt more at home (see photo); straight-jacket escapes and open bars and children's dress-up chests at every vantage.  Also, there was a gas station that was plopped down right in the middle of a graveyard, and the guy there had a vocal tic that is the stuff of legend.  How about that.

Champaign.  Award issued: Best Complimentary Children's Costume Closet (see photo)

We hit Chicago early and everyone was talking about some giant bean, although I'm not sure what they were talking about.  Parking wasn't as bad as we expected (see photo).  The Chinese joint had the biggest to-go container I've ever seen and our fortune cookie said: "Behind every able man, there are always."  Truer words have never been printed on a tiny piece of paper and shoved in a confectionery.  What can we say about Pretty Swans?  What poise!  What virtue!  And so many songs about fire.  It was possibly the hottest thing that any of you can imagine.

That night and the next day were filled with adventure.  Our friend Eric almost got his car stolen by an absolutely tremendously terrible criminal.  Allen ate the biggest Reuben in the world (see photo) at the best diner in the world.  Damn good coffee, and hot.  We tried to go laser-questing but instead spent an hour taking photos of pretty swans Russ and Meghan with Brother Carlos: Blood Angel Tactical Space Marine (see photo and photo).  In the van, Luke and Alex and I managed to fit an entire bunch of eight bananas in a bathroom vending machine condom, but it broke (see photo).  That's not some kind of metaphor.

Chicago.  Award issued: The Behind Every Able Man, There Are Blood Angel Tactical Space Marines Annual Award

Last stop was Lansing, MI, where we stayed with Eric's aunt and uncle.  They filled us with so much food.  SO MUCH FOOD.  Fantastic, just downright and damn fantastic.  The show was at Mac's Bar, and let me tell you this, brothers and sisters.  If you're ever in Lansing and somebody walks up to you and says "hey, wanna go to Mac's", you say yes no matter how frightening they may be.  That bar is quite simply the bee's knees with a black mass (see photo).  Everybody there is a champion and a stallion, on fire and soaring through the rainbows.  Seriously, can't say enough about that place.  They played fucking Megashark Vs. Giant Octopus on the TVs while we played.  Mac's Bar, Mac's Bar.

Lansing.  Award issued: Epic Shark-Eating-747 Scene Award for Excellence in Battle

So that's that.  We got in a van, saw a bunch of stuff, and now we're back.  In case any of you forgot, our CD release show is this Friday at Al's Bar (more info on that elsewhere) and we'll also be hitting MOTR pub in Cinci on Saturday.  We hope to see you out there.  We'll tell you stories and give you back rubs and play loud, long songs for you.

XOXO
Joe / The Ford Theatre Reunion



In The Epic Month of August
8.02.2011

Golly geepers, we've missed you.  But hot DAMN, you're favorite down-home gypsycircuspunkrocksymphony has been busy!  All leading up to this...

YES, dear Friends, it is TIME!  We are proud to announce the upcoming release of the SPITFIRE SUITE!!!!  A BRAND NEW EP consisting of exactly one song in five acts that tells the HARROWING TALE of a pilot that crash lands in the desert, then WALKS AROUND for a while!  Trust us.  You'll be ASTOUNDED at how truly EPIC and MIND-BENDING we can make the story of a guy walking.  How epic and mind-bending you ask?  Well, you won't have to wait too much longer to find out.  The first, limited pressing will be available for purchase internet-wide, as well as in a few select stores and all of our shows beginning AUGUST 26!

But, oh NO, that's not all.  In celebration of the release of this modest little piece of music we will be hitting the road later this moth to bring the GLORY and ADVEUNTURE to a city near you!  That is, if the mid-west happens to be near you... 


August 18
The Zanzabar, Louisville KY
w/Jack Holiday & The Westerners, and Ut Gret

August 19
The Psychic Joker, Champagne, IL
w/Haley Jane, and David der Giest

August 20
Regie's Music Joint, Chicago, IL
w/Pretty Swans, and more TBA

August 22
Mac's Bar, Lansing, MI
special guests TBA

August 26
Al's Bar, Lexington, KY
w/The Rough Customers, Burning House Sideshow, and more TBA

August 27
MOTR Pub, Cincinnati, OH
w/The Swells

It'll be our first time invading many of these fine locales, so HELP US GET THE WORD OUT!!!!!!  If you live in or near one of the cities we'll be visiting, and can help us harass your fellow citizens LET US KNOW!!!!  Just send an e-mail to band@fordtheatrereunion.com with your suggestion.  If it pans out, we'll get you and a friend in to the show of your choice FREE OF CHARGE!  Now, that's some kinda deal.

And don't forget, we'll also be appearing at The Southgate House in Newport, KY for Queen City Cabaret's TIME TRAVELER'S BALL on September 24th!  Ticket's are on sale now!  Grab them while you still can.  This should prove to be one of the most eclectic, bizarre evenings we've ever been a part of, and we know you wouldn't want to miss that.


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DON'T FORGET, DAMNIT!!!

Friend us, follow us, watch us, listen to us...all that new-age technological mumbo jumbo, NOW at these fine websites:
FaceBook
Twitter
BandCamp
YouTube

    Keep in touch, won't you?  Join the mailing list!

    Well, gosh. Waddaya think goes here?

Want us to play a show?

Well that's just swell.  We'd love to!
booking@fordtheatrereunion.com

Friends, Allys, and other Delightful Vagabonds:

Friends of the Theatre:
Queen City Cabaret
Tinderbox Sideshow
Deadly Sins Burlesque
Rakadu Gypsy Dance
Jack Holiday & The Westerners
Ian Thomas
The Seedy Seeds
The Sundresses
The Spooky Qs
Lucky Pineapple
The Rough Customers
March Madness Marching Band

We've Also Played with:
The Dresden Dolls
Man Man
The Yard Dogs Road Show
Jason Webley
Miss Tess
Zoe Boekbinder
Hellen Keller's Ukulele
Vermillion Lies
The Two Man Gentlemen Band

Other Influences:
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
Two Foot Yard

Reverend Glasseye
Faun Fables

Fancy Photos by:
Meagan Jordan
Allan Courtney
Craig Robert
Mick Jeffries

Daily Dose o' Wisdom

"A good listener is usually thinking about something else" -Kin Hubbard

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Ye Be Warned