Apr 28 2013

The North Pond Hermit Sessions

The Van Gogh of the Banjo

We spent the weekend in the studio. We’re making a split EP with a fellow named Stan Keach and his friend Dan the Mandolin player. Both he and Troy wrote songs about the North Pond Hermit. The recordings should be ready in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

Here’s Troy’s song and his dog Hook. The HMJB version will have less cute dogs, but more drums and bass.

Here’s Stan’s take on the curious story of the Hermit.


Apr 6 2013

On stage at Geno’s

The Van Gogh of the Banjo
The HMJB at Portland's venerable Geno's Rock Club.

The HMJB at Portland’s venerable Geno’s Rock Club.

The doors were open at Geno’s Rock Club on Congress Street. The doorman was collecting the cover. The stage was set. All three bands were present and accounted for. Folks were milling around at the bar. They were hanging out in the corner by the Indiana Jones pinball machine, right next to what may be the last cigarette machine in Portland.

There was just one problem: there was no sound man.

Due to some crossed wires, he wasn’t there and he wasn’t coming.

Luckily, Squid Jigger and sound man extraordinaire, Dave Rowe, was nearby. A quick cell phone call later, he was on the scene and ready to save the day. He’d never been in Geno’s before and had about 15 minutes to figure out the system. A bit of squealing feedback ensued. Some rumbling and buzzing occurred. But, given the circumstances, everything turned out just fine and the crowd was treated to some mighty fine music.

Thanks Dave!

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Apr 1 2013

Geno’s? Geno’s!

The Van Gogh of the Banjo

Friday night, April 5, 2013 in Portland, Maine.


Mar 26 2013

Out of hibernation!

The Van Gogh of the Banjo

geno's rock club portland maineYawn! Stretch! Yawn some more.

Winter is finally, maybe, coming to an end. The calendar says March has just about met its match. So, its time for us to venture forth and play some music.

We’re rubbing the winter salt and sand out of our eyes and playing a set at the (in)famous Geno’s Rock Club here in Portland Friday night, April 5. Its been several years since our last appearance, and who knows when we’ll be back. So, don’t miss us.

As an added bonus. It’s a First Friday Art Walk night in our fair city. That’s when the whole downtown comes alive with arty people walking around doing arty things. It happens once a month and there’s more to do than you can shake a damp paintbrush at. Come to town, take in the art, have some supper and head over to Geno’s Rock Club for music and drinks. We’ll be there, waiting for you.


Feb 24 2013

Working on a new kids record with the SJs

The Van Gogh of the Banjo
Mike & Steve-O sing.

Mike & Steve-O sing.

We started this kids record with The Squid Jiggers about a year ago. We’re still not done, but we’re having a good time trying to finish it.

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Troy & Steve-O.

Dave twiddles the knobs.

Dave twiddles the knobs.

Troy & Mike share a moment.

Troy & Mike share a moment.

 

 


Apr 19 2012

Watch us star in the Star Wars

The Van Gogh of the Banjo
Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Mar 21 2012

Campfire Grille get’s Foolish

The Van Gogh of the Banjo

Join us March 31st — April Fool’s Eve — for our first-ever performance at the Campfire Grille in Bridgton. The HMJB tomfoolery and tunes start at 9 p.m. Come have dinner and enjoy the show with some adult beverages. Heck, why not make a weekend out of it? The Campfire Grille is located at The Pleasant Mountain Inn.