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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006 7:32 PM PDT
Happy Summer!!
Hey folks,
Looks like we've been seriously lagging on the good ol' wide world web for awhile. What can we say, computers are scary creatures ladies and gentlemen.
Believe it or not, we've all been keeping pretty darn busy. Ryan went back east to hang out with his folks for a bit, drank waaaaaay to much beer and caught waaaaaay to little fish. (none to be exact, but who's counting?)
Sean http://www.seanleahymusic.com continues to wow audiences on a nightly basis with whatever band is lucky enough to have him at the moment.
Our stupendously amazing rhythm section (Jenn and Daria) have been trekking up and down the west coast, melting folks with their beautiful brand of funk and soul http://www.londonstreetmusic.com .
And our keyboard/accordian/singing maniac James Riddle has been lighting up unsuspecting coffee houses around the bay area with his latest batch of tunes. http://www.jamesriddlemusic.com (word on the street is that he even convinced his trusty partner Marnie to Marry him next year!! Congrats James, didn't think accordian players actually got married!!)
And in case you haven't noticed we've had a talented and handsome dude by the name of Dave Zirbel http://www.myspace.com/davezirbel gracing us with his spectacular presence on the pedal/lap steel and the occasional telecaster. Dave has a tendency to light a fire under our butts when he's around that needs to be seen to be believed. Don't miss the trio shows we have coming up with Dave, Ryan, and Sean.
All this being said, in addition to beer drinking and fishing, Ryan's been writing some tunes as well. A new record will be in the very near future. We swear!!!! In the meantime, check out the gigs page and come say hey!!
Special thanks to Kelsey Rae and everyone else who came out to the Music Hall show a few weeks back. You are all beautiful people.....we hope you know that. See ya soon,
Ryan and Four Year Bender
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005 10:22 AM PST
Hey folks!! It's holiday time!! Why not take a break from all the things that come with that (stress, traffic, over-eating etc.), and come join us for an amazing night of music on Saturday December 17th with our friend Garrin Benfield. Garrin is truly a local treasure, (although he seems to spend more time travelling these days than gracing our fair city). He's one of the best singers, songwriters, and guitar players around, and his superb band is matched only by the likes of ours. (c'mon....some props to the band!!!) Anyway, you don't want to miss this show folks, our buddy Dave Zerbel from the Mother Truckers will be joining us once again on the pedal steel. Tickets are available at http://www.tickets.com
Check out Garrin's press release about the show.
Hello Friends,
Plans are coming along for our big "Garrin Benfield and Friends" show at the Independent on Saturday, December 17. This is our last San Francisco show of 2005 and for some time after that so we strongly encourage you to get advance tickets now at Ticketweb.com.
In order to celebrate the end of the year we have invited the great Four Year Bender to open the show as well as numerous special guests from the local music scene to help me with my set! This show is a benefit for the Rex Foundation.
I'll be joined by my regular band of Russ Gold (drums) and Joshua Zucker (bass). Joining us throughout the night will be:
James Nash (The Waybacks)
Steve Adams (Animal Liberation Orchestra)
Jordan Feinstein (The Ritual)
Corinne West (The Posse)
Ryan Smith (Four Year Bender)
JP Cutler
Mokai
Kenni
Plus more to be announced!
This show is a one-of-a-kind event! In addition to my band acting as the primary "house" band, I will be joined by some of the best players, singers, and songwriters in San Francisco, all on one stage, interacting in various combinations that have never occured before and may never again!
PLUS, a full-length set by local favorites Four Year Bender.
Celebrate the holidays by bringing a friend to the show, and celebrate some of the brightest lights in the Bay Area music scene. We need and appreciate your support.
Tickets are available now at ticketweb.com or the Independent Box Office at 628 Divisadero in San Francisco.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Love, GARRIN
Links:
www.garrin.com
www.fouryearbender.com
www.rexfoundation.org
www.independentsf.com
www.ticketweb.com
Tuesday, August 30th, 2005 7:14 PM PDT
Alright folks,
Summer is almost over, which all of you SF folks know means only one thing--it's finally gonna get warm around here!! What better way to welcome the sun back to our fair city then by putting away a few icy-cold brews with FOUR YEAR BENDER on the back patio of The EL RIO. And on a MONDAY AFTERNOON no less!! That's right, FOUR YEAR BENDER will be headlining El Rio's Annual "COWGIRL-PALOOZA" this Monday, September 5th (Labor Day). And word on the street has it that Dave Zerbel will be joining us once again on the Pedal Steel!
Six amazing bands!
Free Louisiana Gumbo!
Cheap-as-hell drinks!
And the SUN!! (weather permitting)
What more could you ask for? You want girls? They'll be there!! You want guys?? They'll be there!!!! Not sure ?? They'll be there too!! Don't miss it folks! Details listed below.
And for any of you Tahoe folks, the Bender is playing the SUGARBOWL MUSIC FESTIVAL on Sunday September 4th at the Sugarbowl ski resort with an unbelievable line-up including The John Butler Trio and Jackie Greene. Thanks for reading folks!!
Love, Four Year Bender
SUGARBOWL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 4th, Doors open at Noon.
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
REELTIME TRAVELERS
JACKIE GREENE
POOR MAN'S WHISKEY
FOUR YEAR BENDER
KEVIN WELCH
629 Sugarbowl Road, Norden CA
Tickets Available at
http://www.sugarbowl.com
http://www.virtuous.com
http://www.tickets.com
More info at 1-530-426-9000
EL RIO'S 3RD ANNUAL COWGIRL-PALOOZA
Monday, September 5th, Doors open at 3pm
FOUR YEAR BENDER (8:00)
VALERIE JAY AND THE AMERICANOS (7:00)
BOOTCUTS (6:00)
REAL SIPPIN WHISKEYS (5:00)
TRAIN WRECK (4:00)
KITTY ROSE (3:00)
HICKS WITH STICKS CD RELEASE
(We're just guessing on the times folks)
El Rio
3158 Mission St. @ Caesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
1-415-282-3325
http://www.elriosf.com
http://www.fouryearbender.com
http://www.myspace.com/fouryearbender
http://www.cdbaby.com/fouryearbender
http://www.valerie4music.com
http://www.bootcuts.com
http://www.kittyrose4country.com
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2005 6:33 PM PDT
Hey folks,
WOO-HOO IT'S SUMMER!!! So for those of you here in San Francisco of course that means don't forget your sweatshirt cuz it's COLD OUT THERE!!! Anyway we're doing all sorts of fun stuff this summer, here's just a few.
Ryan, Sean, Jenn, and Daria are heading up to High Sierra for the Fourth of July weekend. Anyone there make sure you check out LONDON STREET and GUITARMAGEDDON. (By the way, LONDON STREETS album in finally available and it rules!!!!) Check them out at http://www.londonstreetmusic.com
July 8th - LONDON STREET'S cd release party at The Elbo Room, with GUITARMAGEDDON, and others opening the show.
July 9th - Our friend Tacl's birthday, we'll be canoeing up on the Russian River. I know this doesn't have anything to do with music but it sure is fun.
July 15th, July 16th, and July 18th - on tour with Boz Scaggs.........yep, you read correctly. Check out the gig page for details. http://www.fouryearbender.com/gigs.html
July 28th - The Bender hits the heralded Great American Music Hall stage again for our only San Francisco appearance of the summer. We'll be joined by Shantytown and Javier Matos.
Lots more in the works, check back soon for more details. How are you by the way???
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Wednesday, April 6th, 2005 7:13 PM PDT
Hey folks,
Special thanks to everyone who made it out to our show with The Mother Truckers at El Rio a few days back. That was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life. And I'm serious about that. And even more thanks to the Truckers for hopping on stage and playing with us (and not mention letting us use their gear).
To the future: We've got a HUGE show coming up at the Great American Music Hall with The Devil Makes Three and The Robber Barons on Friday, April 22nd. This is one of the nicest venues in the country folks, and we couldn't be more thrilled to get in there again. Don't miss this one, check out http://www.gamh.com for more details.
Also, we've gotten off our butts and are finally getting some new material together for another album. More details on that in a bit.
We've been added to XM sattelite radio and I'm not really sure how it works but if you have one of those things, please request they play us more. (Do they let you do that?) I think they are currently playing "New Orleans Lament" and "That's What I'm Talkin About". Hit 'em up! C'mon, what are you waiting for?
Enough about us, how are you? Feel free to email me at ryan@fouryearbender.com if I can be of assistance in any way. And as always thanks to the amazing Lindsay Dellas for keeping this site up and running. She da best.
Love, Ryan (Four Year Bender)
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Monday, January 10th, 2005 6:59 PM PST
First Off......HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! All of us here at the Four Year Bender camp would like to thank everyone who: came to a show, booked us a show, requested a song on the radio, played a song on the radio, signed up on the mailing list, didn't laugh when we messed up on stage, did laugh when we messed up on stage, played a show with us, let us borrow thier drums, wrote about us in the paper, gave us money for any reason whatsoever, cheered when we were good, not booed when we stunk, and of course all of you who so kindly bought our record or a beer for us. We can't thank you enough!!!
Secondly, Sean, Ryan, Jenn and Daria will be playing this Saturday at Slim's as part of GUITARMAGEDDON!!!! In case you are wondering what this means, check out this brief press release to get up to speed.
GUITARMAGEDDON (1/15) - Originally the brainchild of Tea Leaf Green´s guitar madman Josh Clark, Guitarmageddon has quickly morphed into a beast that can, and will not be stopped. While paying homage to their respective guitar heroes the boys (and girls) have been having the time of their lives, and lucky for them, so have the audiences. This time around the gang consists of Josh Clark, Trevor Garrod, and Scott Rager from TEA LEAF GREEN, Sean Leahy and Ryan Smith from FOUR YEAR BENDER, Dan Lebowitz from ALO, and Jenn Curiel and Daria Johnson from LONDON STREET. They have ripped legendary versions of entire Hendrix albums, rock anthems from everyone from Skynyrd to Queen to U2, and have yet to play a song twice. While the set lists are always a closely guarded secret, you can rest assured, anything can, and will happen. It is, as overheard from one band member, "The most fun I´ve ever had in my life" and a rock lover´s dream!
That pretty much speaks for itself but I can assure you we have been having an absolute blast with this, even rehearsals have been fun!!! Unfortuneately I am forbidden to tell you what we are playing but I can tell you that we are devoting the entire evening to one of our favorite artists of all time, and if you like Four Year Bender at all, you will have a blast at this show. AND, I get to play my Les Paul all night!!! No acoustic at this show!! Having the Tea Leaf Green and ALO kids involved in this insures a packed house, check out http://www.virtuous.com for advance tickets.
Lastly, thanks to all of you who voted on the KFOG year end poll. Thanks to your kindness we placed 29th on thier poll for best album of the year, and we are in some seriously heavy company. Quite an honor, check out the link for all the details. http://www.kfog.com/AlbumTool/faves04/cds.asp
Thanks again for the support folks, come say hi at the next show!!!
Love, Ryan
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Tuesday, October 19th, 2004 11:29 AM PDT
I've seen this quote around before but just couldn't quit resist.
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and where good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
Hunter S. Thompson
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Tuesday, October 19th, 2004 9:45 AM PDT
What's happening folks?? Long time no update. Sorry about that, the Bender can be somewhat computer-phobic. The summer has come and gone, and we've been holed up writing some new tunes for another cd, sheduled for release sometime in 2008. (kidding, hopefully won't take too long, but you don't want to rush these things.) Of course our label and management might disagree with us, oh wait we're still looking for those too.
Had an amazing show with our buds in Tea Leaf Green a few weeks back. The boys were kind enough to have Sean and Ryan up for a rippin version of a Marshall Tucker Band tune, serious fun. If you don't have New Year's plans yet, don't miss Tea Leaf at The Great American Music Hall, it should be amazing.
For the immediate future, we're at Thee Parkside this Sunday the 24th for the Free Oyster Barbecue, and we're at El Rio on November 6th with the amazing folks in The Mothertruckers! If you haven't caught them yet, you aint done nothin!! Check em out!!
http://www.themothertruckers.com
Thanks for checking in, and spread the word!!! See ya at the gigs!!!
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Friday, August 20th, 2004 12:43 PM PDT
Upcoming Bender Endorsed Shows:
In Rare Form--Sunday August 22nd @ The Cafe Dunord in San Francisco http://www.cafedunord.com
Our good friends last show for awhile in San Francisco. Should be quite a party, and oh yeah, the unbelievable Will Bernard is headlining.
Jim Campilongo and the 10 Gallon Cats Reunion--Friday, August 27th @ Ivy Room, 858 San Pablo, Albany 10pm
Former teacher of mine, Jim is a true "twang-guitar" genious who flew the bay area coop a few years back and now resides in Brooklyn. This Bay-area "one-off" is not to be missed.
Junior Brown--September 2nd @ The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco
http://www.gamh.com
Dude rips like you wouldn't believe.
Wednesday, August 18th, 2004 5:53 PM PDT
Hey everybody. Sean, Jenn, and Daria have been travelling around Europe the last few weeks backing up Kofy Brown and have finally returned. So we are even extra fired up to play this weekend at Slim's (August 21st with Dave Alvin, http://www.slims-sf.com ). I personally am a tad bit anxious because I happen to think Dave Alvin is the greatest, and sharing the stage with him is a ridiculous honor, and I wouldn't want to make a fool of myself if I get a chance to talk to him. So if you think of anything cool to say, please let me know.
On another note, I finally caught a fish a few weeks ago. 12 inch rainbow trout on some salmon eggs out of a stream next to June Lake. Woo-hoo!! My year long slump is over!! COME SEE US ON SATURDAY AT SLIM'S!!! IT'S GOING TO RULE!!!!!!
Saturday, July 10th, 2004 8:41 PM PDT
What's up kids? Hope everyone had a festive and safe 4th of July. Ours was definetely festive, I'm not sure if I'd call it safe. Special thanks to the Rogney/Genoa clan for once again overwhelming us with their special brand of hospitality. We played one of the most fun sets in recent memory on their front lawn, went fishing in the morning, and spent entirely too much time in the Genoa bar. A seriously good time was had by all.
Back to business. The KFOG "Local Scene" compilation cd is available on their site for a measely $5 dollars. It features 19 different bay area artists including Spearhead, Chuck Prophet, Forrest Sun, Beth Waters, Jackie Green, Kingstreet, and of course Four Year Bender. All the proceeds go towards keeping music in schools. Great tunes, and you get to do something nice to boot. Check it out!! http://www.kfog.com
Keep an eye on the GIGS page as we are very busy this month with all sorts of great shows. Thanks to all the crazies at the Blackthorne Tavern for making us feel welcome the other night!! We'll talk to you soon!
Monday, June 28th, 2004 1:12 PM PDT
Hey foks,
Once again, sorry for the delay with the news updates. We're not so good with computers in Bender land. Special thanks to Lindsay Dellas for designing/creating/maintaining/updating/babysitting our lovely sight. Any bands need some web help? contact us and I'll point you in her direction.
Anyway, July is a busy month. We're heading up to Genoa Nevada for the 4th of July to stay and play with our friends the Rogney's. They are some wonderful folks who seem to really like the band and treat us like family. Unfortuneately, this one's private, but this party is destined to grow to epic proportions over the coming years. The Bender is really hoping to catch some fish as well, we'll keep you posted.
In possibly more important news. KFOG is releasing a "Local Scene" compilation CD with one of our songs on it. It also has songs from our friends in Kingstreet and Beth Waters as well. Listen to KFOG, 104.5FM or check into www.kfog.com for details.
KFOG is also having us for another show which is going to absolutely rule. Don't miss us opening for the incredible CALEXICO in San Jose on July 15th. Check out http://www.sjdowntown.com for details.
In other news, the yankees beat the crap out of the Mets this weekend, Iraq is still a huge mess, gas is really expensive, and the bender needs a record label and distribution. Any thoughts? Please feel free to contact us!! See ya!!
May
12th, 2004
Hey Folks,
KFOG will be playing portions of Four Year Bender's "Emerging
Artist" concert recorded back in April, on their
"Live At The Archives" show tonight from 8:00
untill 10:00. For those of you who couldn't be there here's
your chance to hear what you missed. Tune in to 104.5
FM. If you're looking for the real thing, the Four Year
Bender Duo (this time
featuring Ryan Smith and James Riddle) will be playing
at the Blackthorne Tavern on 9th Ave. and Irving on Thursday
May 13th. Also playing are good friends Darrin Schaffer,
Deek, The Swamees, and Petaluma's Son. This songwriter
showcase is not to be missed.
If that's really not enough the full band will be opening
up the Footstock concert in the Polo Fields during the
Bay to Breakers race this Sunday the 16th. We go on at
10:00AM!! Yeah that's right!! If you know the Bay To Breakers,
you know that's getting late into the party. Don't miss
it, the route is littered with such amazing talent as
The Swamees, El Rickochet, In Rare Form, Jimbo Trout and
the Fish People, The Ritual, Ron Jeremy Explosion and
Funky Beulah just to name a few. This is always one of
San Francisco's greatest parties of the year.
Don't
sleep through this one people.
April
1, 2004
Sorry
about lagging with the news folks, fortunately our only
excuse is how busy we've been. But never fear, lots
of great things on the horizon.
1. The Bender just got added to the third and final reunion
show with the Mother Hips at Slim's on April 18th.
Get tickets now folks, this show will sell out. http://www.slims-sf.com
2. KFOG is continuing with their fabulous support, by
putting us on their next "Emerging Artist"
show with "Wheat" at the "Little Fox Theater"
in Redwood City on April 22nd. As far as we know
the only way to get tickets is to listen to KFOG
(104.5) or check http://www.kfog.com
for more info. Huge thanks to the nice folks at KFOG!!!
3. The wonderful people at the "Bay to Breakers"
race have asked us to perform at the "Footstock"
event at the end of the race. If you are unfamiliar
with this event, it is one of the best parties of the ever, it
is FREE and is over before 1:00 in the afternoon. Don't
sleep through this one folks, go to http://www.baytobreakers.com
4. The Bender would like to extend our deepest gratitude
for everyone's amazing support over the last few
months. Everyone who picked up the record,
came to a show, shared a bill with us (Mother Truckers,
AJ Roach, Guitarmageddon, London Street.....and anyone
else we forgot), and especially everyone who dropped
us a line with your kind words. Thank you, thank
you, thank you , and thank you!!!!!!!
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