The Straight Up Chumps Return
What did you do on your summer vacation?
Thanks so much for coming to the show tonight…make sure to take care of the servers and bar staff–we’re going to take a quick break…we’ll be back in August.
August?!
For devoted and die-hard Straight Up Chump fans, July may have felt devoid of meaning, as the Chumps were on a little hiatus. As you might have noticed…it is AUGUST, and…
The boys are back in town…
And, not to worry it was all in the band’s plan. Nothing to see here…
The Chumps bassist and vocalist, Seagers Rodrigues, noted that, “(This is) 2 years now and will most likely continue doing so moving forward. It’s a good time to recharge and allow for a good break in performing.”
The does beg the question…What did you do on your summer vacation?
For Seagers it truly was a time to recharge…it was about…“Reconnecting with family and childhood friends from different parts of the world in a completely neutral environment away from home really filled my cup and rejuvenated me. Quality time celebrating loved ones and enjoying exploring Scotland, England, Kenya and Tanzania were the highlights…”
And…it was time to gently step back from music–“Speaking for myself (I) completely stayed away from the music to truly allow the mind to reset.”
For Aryn Ross, Chumps lead guitar and vocalist, the break was a time to explore.
“…I'm probably the most restless one of the group when it comes to music/the Chumps. Sometimes I feel like if this train stops, will it start rolling again? Did we miss any opportunities while we were in the station?"
To stay fresh on the creative side, Aryn said, “I helped form a trio, Water’s Edge - which is a collaboration of myself as ‘green, green, grass,’ Bubba Fontaine and Nodnard (Brandon Schaefer from The Long Arm) - we booked and play 3 gigs in July.
On the pragmatic side, Aryn noted, “The hiatus allowed me time to map out the Chump setlist, decide what to trash and what new mashed potato mash ups I want us to try and butter up for the second half of the year. Time is limited, July let me gameplan how we can be most effective as a band when we stoke the fire and the steam starts rolling again.”
When it comes to summer, or any break…have you ever had the experience of your body holding out and holding out, and then the break comes, and you get sick?
Enter one James Jay, the kit master…the Chumps drummer…“I had an ear infection and came down with vertigo so the scheduled break was much needed.”
Drummer with vertigo…well boo…
Nonetheless, for James…“I look forward to grooving with the guys…” And, he’ll be getting further musical inspiration through his first trip to Red Rocks. He’s headed out to see a double-header of Goose with his sister.
The good news…the guys are back…
Apparently July worked. 😅
Duo Show (Aryn & Seagers): Tuesday Aug 11 from 7:00 to 9:00 at Barringers Tavern.
First Full Show: Saturday Aug 22 from 7:00-10:00, Draft Day Pub in Greenwood.
Food truck Friday in Bloomington at Switchyard Park, Aug 28 from 7:00 to 9:00.