Hefe and Company At Point Roberts Fest

The band tries to look cool but the mood was hot with a side of Roadhouse!

Point Roberts, WA The Jackalopes gave a respectable, yet slightly restrained show at the Music Festival this past Sunday, sharing the stage with Bottleneck, Circus of Flames and Bocephus King. New guitarist Richard Baker (Doug and the Slugs) was on hand to bring his great country rock licks to our Roadhouse blend alongside the guitars of Johnny and Hefe, the show managed to leave a great impression on the crowd, who were themselves sweltering from the midday sun.

El Hefe avoids all Hot Tubs

The view behind the Pender Harbour Hotel is transcendent, along with a road that reaches the water at a mere 40 degree angle, good for those early morning power walks!

Pender Harbour B.C. Our recent trip to the lovely Pender Harbour area to play the Grasshopper Pub was pleasant to say the least. The mood was high as this new venue, and the decor and food offerings were sublime. Apart from the acoustics, which the owners agree need work, the stage and dance floor were spacious and abundantly packed with revellers. Hefe was heard to say when offered a late night excursion to visit local hot tubs, "..its a good idea, but not the right thing to do..."

Our new host Paul Joy placed this sign in the hotel pub's window, letting the locals know they may be forgiven for past transgressions.

Coalmont, B.C. Arising from the uncertainty that was left when previous manager Peter Jack left without warning (but with many of the treasured fixtures, including the wolverine) the Coalmont Hotel owners parachuted a capable, cocksure fellow in to guide the hotel into the future. A slow beginning, as the hotel suffered plumbing damage due to lack of heat in the upper floors and kitchen. But the old girl was still looking hopeful as El Jefe and myself climbed the creeky front steps once again after a three month absence.

The Coalmont was the inspiration behind much of what is the core of the Jackalopes, as the music is rough hewn and full of promise, just as so many of those early miners who dug the coal and minerals in Granite City almost a century back.

As the weekend wore on, and the duo magic ensued, we could feel the ghosts and the cold dry air, the clear water, and the mountian air lift our spirits. The spirit of Coalmont seems revived, like the wake of an unfortunate storm that left damage, but with dedication, could be rebuilt and overcome. We are looking forward to many more visits to this area.

Graduation declarations beaming from the ridge next to the town of Ashcroft, not unlike many Canadian cities, this rite of passage is evidence that graduation for many is a peak of performace. Good thing I never did.

Ashcroft, B.C. The locals gave us a warm welcome once again as we performed at the Ashcroft River Inn this past weekend. Along for the trip was Dr. Q who was quick to dis still medical advice to all those who needed. A recent disagreement with a wayward chain saw meant El Jefe was sporting another in jury, but Dr. Q was able to administer the appropriate meds and bandages. You can never fool a medical mind. Jefe tried to water down the meds, but Q. brought more meds than was needed. "Good for country, bad for blues..."

Travelers enjoy a cup of coffee and a high octane breakfast off the griddle

Cache Creek, B.C. The diner was always packed at this fine local hotel called The Oasis. We ate many dizzy breakfasts there, shaking off the body aches that occur after profound musical experiences. The Greyhound busses came and out popped some rather weary late night souls, all headed to a place called work or home, and in some cases, the end. El Jefe was heard to say "hmm, bad for country, good for blues!" Perhaps neither. Next door the desolate strip mall looked like a tornado had recently raged through. The economy stalled here after 9/11, except for fuel sales, of course. Go figure.