Here’s the Orbitsuns in Detroit when we opened for them.

Other then those few shows it’s been a pretty slow month.  Gunnar’s been in the Keys for the past week, Robby’s been working and trying to figure out what makes mirrors reflect, J-Con has been booking GGB shows from work, Joe Rood has been learning how to effectively argue and communicate with people, Shane’s learning how to perform a reverse vasectomy and I’ve been writing this for the past several weeks.  I think it’s safe to say we get restless when we don’t play.  I wish we had some exciting news for you there.

This weekend we’re going to be on 99.5 WYCD in Detroit Thursday night to play some acoustic songs.  You can come into the studio and listen or watch/listen online.  Friday we’re going to Mt. Pleasant to play at Rubbles.  This is our first time there.  I’m excited.  I love college towns.  They remind me of the 5 years of my life that I don’t remember at MSU.  Anyway, Saturday we’re honky tonkin’ at The Traveler’s Inn in Leroy, MI (up near Cadillac).  There’s something about these small northern MI towns that immortalizes the true feel of country music.  When Merle sings a sad song you can just sort of see him sitting at a bar in some small northern town listening to the juke box.  That vibe is disappearing but we’re going to try to keep it alive Saturday.

The weekend after that (2/9-2/12) we’ve got a little road trip planned.  Unfortunately we’ve lost our piss jug.  This will be a huge issue for me personally.  I’m looking for alternatives.  Anyhow, Thursday we’re opening up for Colt Ford at The Intersection in GR.  We’ve got tickets *cough* and it’ll be an awesome show.  I think I saw that Ty Stone was opening too(?).  After some quality, sober rest we’ll be heading to Knoxville, TN to play at the Relix Variety Theatre.  Again, after sober, restful sleep we’ll be headed to Louisville, KY to play at ZaZoos on Saturday night.  This is our first time here as well.  Sunday we’re going to be at The Tiger Room in Fort Wayne, IN.  This isn’t as far from home as the others but it’s our first time here as well.  We’re really excited to see some new faces and venues.  Hey, do us a favor and call your friends in these cities and tell them to check us out!

That’s all I’ve got for now.  I just wanted to keep everyone updated.  When we start to get busier again I’ll have a lot more to say.  Check back after next weekend (like two weeks from now) and I’ll have stories/pictures from our trip.

Stay grizzly America,

C.C. DeNewberg

We started December out heading to the Heartland.  The first weekend in December saw us driving to Chicago before taking a two day trip down to St. Louis.  In Chicago we rocked out with some metal heads and in St. Louis we drank Tanqueray and tonics with multi-millionaires.  No night is ever the same…ever!  It’s cool to see how different types of people react the same when we blast them in the face with our neon grenade of country music.

I think we all agreed that St. Louis has some of the nicest people you’ll find, outside of MI of course.  A lot of places claim that but we definitely noticed it here.  We were generously put up in a super-nice hotel in the nicest part of town (a risky move at best).  We hit a few local bars, the Anheuser-Busch plant and then rocked out; the perfect storm for a killer weekend.

Two weeks after our St. Louis trip we hit the road again to play the Lansing and Indianapolis Wild Beavers.  Lansing was awesome as usual producing a lot of familiar faces as well as a surprising number of first-timers. The next day we ran down to Broad Ripple, outside of Indianapolis.  I forgot to bring my hipster pepper spray but, luckily, we avoided peril.  Broad Ripple was a really cool town.  It had a lot of culture and seemed like the perfect place to play.  In fact, there were two other venues touching the building that we were playing in. You really don’t see that outside of places like Nashville.  Anyway, we played a long set, had a few choice adult beverages and, hopefully, won the heart of Indiana.

After a few hours of sleep, we picked up our venerable videographer, Nick Miller, who we flew in to Indy from LA.  Rolling on very little sleep we trekked back to Grand Rapids to open up for another local band, Wayland, at The Intersection.  This was a HUGE success.  This was the biggest show The Intersection saw all year and a great majority of the people there had never seen us before.  All of the bands and music we’re awesome!  As soon as Gunnar dangled from the rafters during Fat Bottom Girls, we made out way back to Grizzly Acres to film a series of music videos.  We brought back a number of people, drank 1,000,000 beers and did questionable things on camera.  I’m learning that’s the best way to make a music video…

The following week we went down around Indianapolis with Wayland to play at Mitch’s (singer from Wayland) hometown venue The Bluebird.  We’ve been eyeballing this place for a while and it was nice to finally get in.  It was a sweet place.  The stage was big, the sound was good, there were lots of people, etc.  Everything was just right.  We drove through the night to get back home listening to Sandstorm at least 5 times.  As an added bonus, somewhere in Bloomington we picked up a new piss jug.  That means no more frequent stops!  Pictures to come…

After Christmas we were all geeked up to hit the road again.  Good thing we had a 4 day trip to NYC planned.  We’ve got some videos of the trip up on youtube…check them out.  Anyway, we took off early Tuesday and got there even earlier on Wednesday.  The majority of the trip was dark and we had a number of distractions but we made pretty good time.  Wednesday we spent the whole day in the city.  We hit a few bars, saw the 9/11 memorial (beautiful) and got a watered down tour of the city.  I think it’s safe to say we were all skeptical at first but, as it turns out, New York City is a great change of pace.  Yeah, you have to run everywhere and everything costs three times more then it should but I, for one, already have plans to go back.  We played at The Rodeo on Thursday night.  We had a very nice turnout for a new city and got an invite back.  We made some great connections and had a blast.  It was a victory all around.

On behalf of the band, I want to offer infinite thanks to Joe Connolly’s family for offering us such fantastic hospitality.  We had a whole house to ourselves.  Again, this may be perceived as a risky move but to our credit we only backed the septic tank up once.  Yep, were the band that makes s**t come out of your shower…that’s hardcore.  Anyway, our generous hosts gave us copious amounts of nice beer, food, showers, rides and advice on the city.  It is some of the finest hospitality we’ve ever encountered.  If it wasn’t for that this trip would not have been possible.  It’s awesome to have that kind of support.  Thanks again!

Friday morning came way too soon and we were on our way back home.  This time we got to see Pennsylvania in the light.  The mountains, rivers and trees make an endlessly interesting landscape for travel.  The unusual “nipple clouds” also occupied us for a while.  We ate some foods high in trans fats and finally made it home in record time.

The next day was New Years Eve.  We had a party.  You might have heard.  We sold 100 tickets and booked a conference room at a hotel.  Then we played and partied.  We rocked out a 3 hour set, watched the ball dropped then celebrated as a group at the hotel bar.  It was great to see so many familiar faces all getting down in one place.  This show was a fundraiser of sorts to help finance our new sound system and 15 passenger van.  We genuinely thank each and every person who came out.  It couldn’t have gone better.

Now we’re in 2012 and already looking at a busy schedule.  This Thursday and Friday we’ll be in Nashville for the first time.  More details to come.

We got lyrics up.  We have new hats.  Ummm, anything else?  I think I’ve said enough.  Gotta feed the tapeworm.

-Chris-

Hour 5
Our buddy Gunnar and his band Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys is going to be in Nashville this weekend. We wanted to help him out and promote his show, but that always comes with a cost. We decided to change around some of the lyrics of one of the songs he plans to sing.

I recorded this off my computer. Doesn’t sound the best but you get the point! Thanks You for the support Free Beer & Hot Wings!

I can’t wait to see you in Nashville!

Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys will be performing at National Underground feb. 9th! It will be a sweet show!

Gunnar

http://www.youtube.com/user/grizzlybackstage?feature=mhum

Also, I’m going to Nashville tomorrow to see my good buddy Micheal Allen. We will go to Tootsies open mic night 2-5pm. Then Rob Wilbur has invited me into a round Sunday night at Hotel Indigo. I think that means we sing songs we write. And listen to others? Sounds super fun!

I’m hoping Free Beer & Hot Wings talk about us! I sent Zane the newly demoed “I’m the Reason Why Jesus Died”  Go to the home page to listen to it!

Love ya, buy a ticket to the Wayland show Sat. 17th!  Seriously, great local bands for $5!  Contact a Grizzly Boy!  We are service with a smile!

Only 28 more tickets left for the New Years Party! Pick em up and thanks to those who have!

I actually missed it too, do to the fact that I was buying a Bad Ass new van with my Dad. Grizzly fans I introduce to you the newest member of the Grizzly family. Along side the Legendary “Hillbilly Hummer” is the “Hummer Deluxe!” We are riding in style now folks. With gigs in  Chicago, St. Louis and all over AMERICA in our sites the Hummer Deluxe will escort us in wonderful  comfort. Behind a V10, on top of 4 seats, with tinted windows, and a rocking stereo this thing is a music making machine. Coming to a city near you, the Hillbilly Deluxe! Check out pics on Joe Roods Facebook.

So! if you missed Free Beer & Hot Wings like me, here you go! Another pounding… but honestly they are being way too nice, weak insults this morning dudes? WTF

gunnar could be me break

stay grizzly

I arrived at Curts house at 11pm to record Free Beer & Hot Wings Song “Im the Reason Why Jesus Died” We suddenly found ourselves Honky Tonk’n till 4am creating this song! Could Be Me is the most personal song I have ever written because its all 100% true! Its about the year I toured in the music ministry band called Captive Free. I still remember walking up to Brad Paisleys home town sign, and into Sun Studios, Graceland, and Tootsies like yesterday. Each event brought me closer to the realization that Country Music is the Greatest music in the world! I was fresh out of high school and had no idea what I wanted to be? After a year of living in a van with 6 strangers turned family, it was clear I was born to make music, and ramble throughout Americas freeway system.

I have met so many awesome people since the journey has begun and I cant wait to meet more. With GGB shows booked in Chicago, St. Louis, New York City, Nashville, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids I’m finally back on the road 5 years later. Come check us out! Me and the Grizzly Boys can’t wait to meet you crazy Hillbillys. We’re going to give you an unforgettable show!

So here it is! My lifelong personal realization of a dream coming true before my eyes. Thank you and Stay Grizzly!

Could Be Me MP3

Grizzly Mafia! much love

We we’re 13 years old, Me, John, Dave, and Rob, all way to cool to dress up and go door to door, but still sporting enough baby fat to desire some of our old candy honey holes. You see in the country folks don’t get over run with 600 tricker treaters over the course of 4 hours, in fact they’re lucky to get 6. This results in great candy!   Deciding to delay the toilet paper dedicated for Rachel’s house, we grabbed some plastic bags, jumped on our 4 wheelers and began our candy, crusade across the country!

First off, we hit all our grandpa’s. With pop corn balls from grandma Humphrys, and about 3 full size twix bars each from grandma Dee our bodies we’re on full throttle sugur buzz as our thumbs pressed onward for more candy. We thought the new develpment down the road with all the big houses would be a good place to hit up. We knew the trail, and could stay off the road.  Slinging gravel down the drive way, our chariots arrived at the first door. It opened and we were immediately  asked what we were? We all looked at eachother and Rob replied “Tricker Treaters of course!” with a big smile. “Well your not dressed up” says the Vovol driving soccer mom? That’s when John blurts out “We’re kids on 4 wheelers! now give us all your candy.”  “We don’t have any left” she replies, turning her pathetic frown into an empty smile literally mid sentence. Knowing damn well they had all of 2 visitors the whole night, and a salad bowl full of fun size snickers I quickly said “thanks” then we proceeded to spin out of the development leaving perfect donuts down the drive assuming the rest of the houses were a bust.

Meanwhile back on the trail we decided to take a shortcut to more family members houses. David couldn’t resist the giant mud hole John and I so quickly avoided. I look back and see Daves feet on the racks with quad completely berried and water bubbling behind it from the submerged ex oust pipe. “Idiot” We all scream, short of rope, and strapped for chain, we decided muddy kids on 4 wheelers would be way more convincing? With Rob, John, and Dave pushing and, my more educated driving skills manning the ship, we were out of the mud, wind drying our pants into stiff dirt logs on down the trail. Later in the night now, the rest of our crusade consisted of our aunts, uncles, neighbors, and family friends dumping excessive amounts of left over candy into our grocery bags. “Not a bad night” Dave mumbles from a mouth full of Toostie Roll, as we trade Almond Joys back and forth atop Big View Ridge. We could only imagine how much easier it will all be when we finally have cars to drive………

That My friends is a Hillbilly Halloween! Fourwheelers, mud holes, grandma, and soccer moms! Perfect!

I wish you a blessed Halloween and ask that you send all your twix to: 1473 4 mile rd. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544 Feel free to eat your other candy, but the Twix go to Gunnar!

Stay Grizzly!

Its the weekday so lets do some work.We are 6454 strong on facebook. I think that means when we post something, 6454 people see it. If all 6454 of you respond to somthing our power is mighty! Very mighty.

Country Concert Is a huge festival! Road trip anyone? lets go to an Ohio Country Concert next July. The 5th, 6th, and 7th is when Hickory Hill Lakes hosts a giant event called “Country Concert” in ft. Loramie Ohio. They’re currently hosting an online survey to determine opening acts!  Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys could be an opening act if 6454 people tell them they want us there. Its simple and fun!

Step 1.       Click any link on this page. Then scroll down and type Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys in the space were it asks, “any other opening act you would like to see that’s not on the list”

Step 2.       Enjoy picking 10 other acts you would like to see. I had the most fun at this part, cause it was like creating the perfect personal concert. Frankie Ballard is an option so we could help out another local boy too!  Frankie your cool and its time we start talking. He was my 6th pick behind a very respectable Willie Nelson, David Allen Coe, Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, and personal number 1, Jamey Johnson.   Wouldn’t that be a sick concert? Create your own super sick concert!

click the link, and fulfill your mission.  Lets go to OHIO!

DO WORK and Stay Grizzly, my hillbilly redneck, country lovin family!

Vote Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys

This saturday the Hillbilly Hummer will roll into Ferndale Michigan to perform the Camp Casey Festival. The festival consist of food, drinks, live music, and fighting cancer. Camp Casey helps kids with cancer heel and feel comfort through horse therapy. We jam at 5:30 and Josh Gacin will be performing after Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys! We have had so much fun Rocking the east siders! this show is no exception. Head out and have fun!

Sweet Video promoting event: Country Girls

October 16th

Sunday, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys roll back to the ridge to perform a 2 hour concert!  My church is located in Kent City on fruit ridge between 14 and 15 mile rode. Mamrelund Lutheran is the name of it, and we are bringing you sweet country music to help pay for Mamrelunds new basketball floor! I play on the church basketball team and I feel a championship coming, now that we aren’t breaking our bones on concrete. Tickets are $7 and doors open at 5pm. Concessions are available and the praise band will be rockin for a little bit before. Its a good feeling coming Home

event info: http://www.gunnartunes.com/tour/events-2/?event_id=65

Hope to see you this weekend!

Stay Grizzly

Let me teach you why those who hunt become wise.

Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys aint the dumb hunter who runs as fast as he can, to the “perfect” spot. We wont race there, then look around to see everything we ever wanted. Then Draw back and launch ourselves at the closest target. That story ends with the dumb hunter losing an arrow and missing all the chances of a succesful harvest. Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys aint the impatient hunter who starts off in the perfect location then decided to relocate. We don’t plan to prematurely uproot like the impatient hunter, only to scare off the reason why we were waiting. We’re just getting comfortable, and a trophy will show up in sweet time.

Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys are teenage thrill seekers who dream of hiking to Alaska and tangoing with the Great Grizzly Bear, and mighty Brown Bear. We’re going to work our ass’s off until we are equip to tackle and kill the dangerous game with our bare hands. Now, at this point we’re still sitting in the tree hoping to poke a 145” pope and young.     We must sharpen the trade, practice mistakes, and wise up.

We’ll get that buck! Until then, we listen in the wind.

Stay Grizzly