As the Summer came, we made plans to move out West for a bit to try out the scene there and take in San Francisco and the surrounding areas.  Then August came and turned our lives upside down but in a very good way.  I am now spending my days teaching middle and high school students the art of orchestra on a daily basis, a dream come true.  The position came unexpectedly but I’m excited for my new adventure.  So Miles is seeking his adventure as well and that means exploring the West Coast. Even though the “miles” will separate our music for the time being, it motivates us to use our transition and change in a very meaningful way.  Our Winter will be spent writing music in anticipation for our next album and Spring 2012 Tour.

If you haven’t seen us in awhile, October 7th will be your last opportunity to see yours truly before we go into hibernation/songwriting mode.  Its probably a good idea to get your Monk fix.  Your Winter will be better for it.

Please join us at The Subterranean on October 7th in celebration for Miles’ move out West and our lovely friend’s North Pilot new release!  Plus, you can pick up our latest vinyl release, its never to early to start thinking about holiday gifts, or, pick up one for yourself, you deserve some love.

FRIDAY OCT 7TH
SUBTERRANEAN ( 2011 W. NORTH AVE. )
w/ North Pilot, Guillermo Sexo & GlitterMouse
8:30pm | 17+ $8 | BUY TICKETS

Photos By by Mitchell Cepaitis

I’m so very excited to show off some TRUE polaroid pictures of our memories.  Thank you Glenn Ross for the film, I owe you gummi bears.

In Kansas City we felt at right home playing the RecordBar. Thank you again for the incredible sound provided by Aaron Clark!  Also thanks to a good night’s rest, we woke up to a wonderful KC morning and shared smiles with buddies Brian and Scotty.  Then it was off to the most delicious lunch at Oklahoma Joe’s which is situated on one side of a gas station.  We devoured the pulled pork and had our sights set on the Rockies.

It took us about 8 hours to drive to Denver.  As the evening settled, we drove through the most epic purple clouds and disarray of lightning and thunder clouds.  Miles got his wish as he shredded the skate parks of Boulder the next day while I fawned over the dress of my dreams at a Goldmine Vintage on Pearl Street (kicking myself because I didn’t purchase it).

We then traveled out to Colorado Springs to play at the Modbo for some of the most wonderful experiences that we had on tour.  The two galleries are situated in a tiny alley.  It was cello heaven that night as Lisa Show, Ian Cooke, and yours truly filled the night with cello goodness.  It was sooo lovely to reunite with everyone who showed us support that evening.  We had the opportunity to view an amazing dance routine choreographed to our song, Andante Cantabile. It was magical!  My vintage cravings continued at The LeechPit where you can find anything from Michael Jackson pins to 80′s skateboards and the coolest guy ever, Alex!  Thanks to the dance troupe and infinite thanks and hugs to Brett & Lauren for your continued vision and friendship.

Then it was back to Denver for our last round of warm Summer days and cool mountain nights.  We performed along with an eclectic night of music at the Walnut Room.  A beautiful flamenco dancer and guitarist adorned the stage and the Kailin Yong Peace Project serenaded our ears with happiness.

Saturday night was all about the adventures at our friends’ gallery/music venue called 1.21 Jigga Watts (yay Ralph!). It was a sweet ending to our trip and we were thrilled to perform with amazing musicians, The Marrow, Moon Tides, and be surrounded by inspiring art (Adam, I will pay you for the art piece very soon!)

We can’t wait to pass through KC & Colorado next Spring.  You are a gem.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

P.S.

Please join us for our last Summer performance at the Outdoor Ravenswood Remix Festival!
September 3. 2011
4100 N. Ravenswood
6pm All Ages

The Long and Winding Road

Oh the road.  I find its where a band can truly find themselves for better or for worse.  Kudos to the bands that can tolerate one another after a long tour: shows night after night, lack of sleep, McDonald’s (I admit its delicious the first time, chicken nuggets!) Using up all the drink tickets like you will never be able to have a free drink again, and the overall stress of making sure no gear is left or stolen at the venue.

Blake, Our Secret Weapon

Miles and I have had the immense pleasure of touring with our best road friends, Blake and Mitchell.  For those of you that have been to our out-of-town shows have met these wonderful gentlemen.  They never complain! They don’t need much, Blake can use his shoe for a pillow, they put up with our bickering (nah, we don’t argue) and they don’t mind the long driving.  For instance, Mitch helped drive us from Austin to Chicago, it took 24 hours mind you, just so I could get back to my cello students the next day.

Mighty Mitchell

For the “Hiding Places” Tour, we are embarking on our first tour as only two.  You would think that we would be used to this seeing how we’ve played every concert as a duo.  But there’s a first time for everything and our trip to Kansas City, Colorado Springs, and Denver will feel like a new adventure, just as long as we don’t get roped into the usual road cuisine of McDonald’s.  Plus, we won’t have anyone to referee our quarrels, lady cello is 90% right most of the time anyway   We’ll have a couple days in between our shows to really take in each city.  Maybe we’ll try Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City, play my cello on the top of the Rocky Mountains, or drive through the “Garden of the Gods” on the way to Colorado Springs.  One thing we’ve learned while on the road is to make it the best vacation that you possibly can.  We’ll have our trusty GPS that we appropriately named, Nicki, because of her Aussie accent, and all the red vines and gummi bears to keep me sugared up before our shows.

More importantly, what do I wear?

We learn a million things while on the road, but this is just a few that stands out.

Top 5 things that we have learned about from touring on the road:

1. OK, the venue says to be there at 8pm, you don’t have to be there right on time. The sound guy is probably still on his way to the venue or outside for a smoke break (I have trouble dealing with this due to my classical training where you have to be in your seat ready to go at least an hour before the downbeat, I’m working on this Miles!)

2. The little towns you least expect to do well in are the ones most likely to wow you because of the amazing people and loyal following: ex. Terre Haute! Colorado Springs! Providence!

3. Try out a new idea on stage and take a chance: A new audience means fresh ears.  A mistake to you won’t matter to the audience because it’s a brand new song to them.

4. Talk to the other bands that you are performing with that night. If you make the right connections and network you will have a new found friend in the city, trade albums, etc. a new friendship goes a long way.

5. Play your heart out. Your hometown will be happy to know that you are representin’.

I’m envisioning the open road now.  See you soon Kansas City, Colorado Springs, & Denver.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

We have a present for you Kansas City and Colorado.  It’s perfectly candy red and spins on a record player.  August 15th marks our first stop on our Hiding Places Mini Tour and we are so thrilled to be heading out to some of our favorite stops along the way.  Our tour may be small but our hearts and hugs are grand for Kansas City, Colorado Springs, and Denver!  We’ll be bringing our new vinyl release with two fresh tracks and it comes complete with the “Domestica Monk” photo booklet by IshootRockstars.

Also! What better way to celebrate my birthday week than to request a cheer in more than one city?  Hint: I like candy

August 15 – Kansas City, MO – RecordBar  - 10pm

August 18 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Modbo - 8pm

August 19 – Denver, CO – Walnut Room - 7pm

August 20 – Denver, CO – 1.21 Jiggawatts (DIY art showing/musica) – 9pm

See you soon.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

You can pre-order the album starting today.  Each pre-order includes entry to our release party, and while you wait for the physical copy you will receive a digital download of the two tracks.

Please join us in the celebration and official release party at Reggie’s Rock Club on July 8, 2011 with special guests Stephen Paul Smoker and Flying Cars (Brooklyn, NY).

Pre-order the vinyl here!

Remember: all advanced purchases include entry to the show, the 7″ Vinyl, plus a bonus photo booklet that will be available to pick up at the party.

REGGIES ROCK CLUB | JUL 8TH
The Loneliest Monk
Stephen Paul Smoker
Flying Cars
8pm | 18+ | $10 adv / $12 day of
Pre-order/Purchase Tickets
Facebook Event

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

Let’s Hideout

June 2nd brings the Hideout as our musical setting, and to celebrate are Chicago gents La Scala, and California songstress Eliza Rickman who will be serenading you with her mighty toy piano in tow. We performed our debut show at the Hideout back in August of 08, and are thrilled to be back once again!

I can’t decide which Eliza Rickman music video that I like better, it’s like trying to decide between the strawberry or cherry starburst, maybe you can help me decide. Cinnamon Bone or Black Rose?

Plus, I know your walls are looking a little bare and need a bit of sprucing up, well, you are in luck because FugScreens has designed a magnificent poster for the night! The first 30 people to preorder tickets gets the 19×25″ beauty.

Say Hi

The Hideout
6.2.11
9pm $8

Detroit. What?!

5.28.11 marks the Saturday in which we will embark on The Juliets territory in Detroit with Ornery Little Darlings.  Our caravan of kids will surely bring some trouble and we are apologizing in advance.  Michigan, please come out and watch this concert go down because we will be asking for witnesses at a later time.

PJ’s Lager House
5.28.11
9pm $5

Hiding Places Red Vinyl

Our 7″ red vinyl is being pressed as we speak! We had the honor of working with Narwhal Audio once again and are so thrilled to be sharing two new songs with you.  The release will also include a photo book series depicting a 1950′s take on the day in life of TLM and shot by IshootRockstars, of course!  We’ll be announcing our release show very soon.

We have more tricks up our sleeve for the Summer including a series of tours so stay tuned…

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

4.30.11

On top of that we are currently hiding out at EP Theater recording our new 7 inch with Narwhal Audio.  Its been 2 years since we recorded with the mighty Mitchell Cepaitis and we are glad to be home again.  This petite but violent vinyl will include two new songs along with a hot photo book series brought to you by IshootRockstars.  It will be released in July with a fresh party and special guest performances.

Cello excite!

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

There’s something about Denver, I can’t put my finger exactly on it, maybe its the elevation or the happy people with their smiles.  It could be that the audience wants to welcome you and make sure you have a good night (more about the amazing Modbo Gallery in CO Springs will be discussed in another post).  Though the sound that evening at the venue was not ideal, it was OK because we were all reacquainted with wonderful company.  Mitchell had visitors that travelled and drove through the night from Wisconsin to celebrate his 25th.  I had a chance to play for my Cousin who I hadn’t seen since we climbed the trees in my Nana’s backyard in Phoenix.

Then there was Glenn Ross, a super talented Photographer that captures the movements and moments of Denver’s vibrant music scene.  It was our second meeting with Glenn, and after the performance our evening turned into an impromptu photo session in the back patio of the Meadowlark.  In his trusty photo bag he also came equipped with a vintage Polaroid camera, bulb flash and all.  Thanks to Glenn for the wonderful photos, I’ll make sure to bring more laffy taffy and gummi bears next time.

 

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

We had an amazing time at our session.  During the drive from Chicago to Rock Island, we spent the time listening to other band’s sessions to get inspired and we wrote the rest of our lyrics to the new songs we were debuting at the recording session that day.  Mike Gentry, the engineer, was patient, cool, and a super nice guy.  Once we entered the room we couldn’t help but feel the energy of all the music that had been recorded in the same room through the years. Yes, we were geeking out a bit   Some of our favorite Daytrotter sessions even take precedence over the artist’s albums themselves; its raw, unique, organic, and the beauty is in the little mistakes and raw delivery.  Ohh, and everything is recorded to analog tape (so if you mess up, you feel a little bad for wasting the tape).

We are Daytrotter'd!

Listen to our session! It includes 2 new unreleased songs: We Remember When & Hiding Places

We came away from our session that day feeling accomplished, thankful, and overwhelmed with joy that we were able to experience Daytrotter like so many of our favorite bands.  To celebrate, we had a yummy pizza.

Angelo's Pizza

Daytrotter is a true gem.

Love.

The Loneliest Monk

Lady Cello @ Chrononaut Club, San Diego

Be sure to check out Narwhal Audio for an insightful blog of photos and an introspective look into our road travels by Mitchell Cepaitis. The blog will be updated in the next couple of weeks.  Also, check out our Facebook page, we’ll have some tour photos up soon that will make you smile.

Road Warrior Mitchell

Mitchell, you ARE the best friend that anybody could have, Team Monk sure does love you.

Miles in Ralph's Warehouse, Denver

Thanks to our hometown Chicago crew for the encouragement.  Muchas gracias to Brian & Kato, Ralph Brown, Elizabeth & Sean Meltzer, Ingred Chamberlin & Eric, Frank & Lucy Morales, and Jessica & Elijah Deleskey for the hospitality and offering a roof over our heads while on the road.

San Francisco Boats

Here’s lookin’ at you Record Bar, Meadowlark, The Modbo, Aubergine After Dark, Mama Buzz, Chrononaut Club, Ruby Room, Bootleg Theater, Rogue Bar, and Midcoast Takeover. Much love to the bands we were able to connect with.

La Jolla

Super thanks to our friends and family that we were able to hang with on tour and cheers to the awesome new aquintances and lovely fans.

Chicago, we’ll see you at our homecoming show as we celebrate our friends, Scattered Trees’ album release @ Schubas w/ Chaperone.

4.30.11 @ Schubas 10PM 18+

Meadowlark by Glenn Ross

So Much Love!

The Loneliest Monk