December 27, 2005First off, I suppose congradualtions are in order for our good man David. His recent engagement was announced in Sunday's edition of the Statesman Journal. You can the announcement itself along with a picture at the paper's Milestones page by searching for engagements on December 25th.
In other news, a DVD of the final Widgets performance is now available at Ranch Records for $15.00. It's a very limited production run of individually numbered discs, and if you time it right you may be able to get it signed. Don't miss out on the chance to have a record of one of the best shows Salem has ever seen!
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May 22, 2005Was that a great time last night? Or was it just me? I didn't think so. I'm glad we all came together to give our friends, the Widgets, the proper send off they deserved. And in return, they rocked our asses like they've never been rocked before. A great show from a legend in the Salem music scene, and we all played a part.
I noticed a ton of people with cameras and camcoders at the show. If you have digital copies you'd like to share please send me an email. I'd love to get a page up with some photographic evidense of the blowout for generations to come. Also, feel free to use the guestbook to share your thoughts on the night, and the band.
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May 8, 2005And so it comes to pass that the Widgets will unite one last time on the evening of May the 20th. In an all star performance featuring CAC, The Watsons and The Dearling Darlings a great tumult will rise as The Widgets say farewell to the Kingdom of Rock, casting their bodies into the deeping well. Or possibly just rocking out until midnight when we'll all be booted off the premises. It promises to be epic.
The wake will be held at The Columbus Club at 725 Shipping NE. The doors open at 7pm and the music starts at thirty after. It's all ages and there's a five buck cover. You can pick up tickets in advance at Ranch Records.
Those of you with parents who get the paper may have noticed the article in the Statesman about the final performance Saturday. They're soliciting fan memories and stories for a future article, so if you've got something you want to say, shoot them an email.
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April 9, 2005It is with a heavy heart and sagging socks that I must report the results of my fact finding mission last week. Braving dozens of minutes in public, and at great risk of exposure to fresh air, I made a pilgrimage to our Mecca, Ranch Records. After many hours of torture (we took turns) Nick revealed to me the unthinkable. I am told our sweet Dougy-boy has decided to pursue his dreams, moving to Florida to attend a prestigious circus academy. Or was it drumming school? I can't remember, but it was one of those two. This of course means, due to the prohibitive expense of gas, the end of the Widgets as we know them. I guess the shirtless wonder thinks 4000 miles is too far to commute for shows at $2.50 a gallon... Cheap bastard.
Anyway, I think they are now planning a farwell show, probably at the Governor's Cup. I'll post details once I know them. Now I'm sure many of you have already unlatched your windows and are on the verge plunging to the streets below in a final act of despair. Don't be foolish. There isn't a single building in Salem tall enough to gurantee fatality. You'd probably just spend months in traction and miss the last rocking hurrah for your folly! Do what I did, buy both of the Thermals' CDs, crank 'em and trash your bedroom like a healthy young adult!
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August 25, 2004OK, sorry for the short notice, but the Widgets will be playing tonight at Heminways. It's the Mopps and Hacks' farewell show starting at 8:00 PM.
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August 19, 2004Well, I talked to Nick and Dave today so I've finally got something to tell you guys distressed by the lack of updates. I talked to Nick and Dave today and it sounds like they may have a show coming up next week. I should be getting final confirmation in the next couple days, at which time I'll post all the important details.
David also told me that work is continuing on the next album. They've got 14 songs written they're happy with and now it's just a matter of whipping them into shape and setting down some tracks. There has been a little drama in finding a rehersal space due to moves and traumatic laziness.
Be well assured, the reunion tour begins shortly.
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March 24, 2004I've updated the schedule. The show at the Governor's Cup has been moved up to April 16th and there's a new show in Eugene on the 17th.
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March 11, 2004I hope you guys all had as much fun as me last week at the Governor's Cup. Good times, and they keep on rolling, or so I've heard. Check out the schedule to see what I'm getting at.
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February 26, 2004You may have already heard this in the recent mass mailing, but there are some new shows coming up in March! You know where to look for the exciting details!
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February 4, 2004Bad news, the Love Show planned for the 14th has been canceled... A moment of silencce please
...
With that out of the way, you can warm the cockles of your heart with the knowledge that a new show is in the works for March 13th at the Meow Meow in Portland.
In exciting site news there are some new photos for your looking enjoyment! AND the site has now become INTERACTIVE thanks to the brand new guestbook! God bless the Intarweb and it's many innovations! Please express yourselves, we promise ot to giggle!
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January 29, 2004The band has another show lined up for the 26th next month. This one's in Portland and is 21 and over only.
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January 26, 2004The band has a couple new shows lined up for the first half of February so click on over to the show schedule for details.
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January 24, 2004Hey folks, long time no see and all. I hope you didn't have any trouble access the site these last few days, I'm in the process of switching the site to a new server.
I've also got a message from the band...
"Where have all the widgets gone?
"So it's been a lazsy winter for the widgets in the sense of only a handful shows and staying home more to write new tunes, We have hybernated and we have awoken hungry and ready. We are busy booking shows for Febuary and trying work our schedules out to record our follow up to How Come the Kids Don't Dance. So look for third Album Bring Out the Badger sometime in 2004, I know that's a pretty vague Date but we are pretty lazy too, But have no fear the Widgets shall play again, we have at least four dates that need to be pegged down So stay tuned and thanks for patience. We love everyone who listens.
"love,
"The Widgets"
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September 13, 2003Well, looks like there's another show at the Reed Opera house planned for the beginning of next month. Details, as always, over on the schedule
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September 3, 2003Another show at the Triangle coming up on the 12th. As always check the shows section for details.
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August 21, 2003There's a show at the Triangle coming up on Friday. Details over on the shows page.
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August 10, 2003It looks like Nick is older and smarter than anyone thought!
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July 29, 2003Looks like Dave hit the jackpot.
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July 10, 2003Hey, I've got some new dates posted over on the schedule letting you know where to see the Widgets over the next month.
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July 6, 2003The band forwarded this email and asked me to post it (now with the full exchange!):
>>>From: "janet sheridan"
>>>To: "All the Widgets"
>>>Subject: Rock n' Roll Preservation
>>>Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2003 22:34:42 -0700
>>>
>>>Prehaps the children don't dance because the Widgets don't Rock
>>>enough.
>>From: "All the Widgets"
>>To: janet sheridan
>>Subject: Re: Rock n' Roll Preservation
>>Date: Thu, 03 Jul 2003 08:18:06 -0700
>>is that a Funny remark or just crass?
>From: "janet sheridan"
>To: "All the Widgets"
>Subject: Constructive criticism
>Date: Fri, 04 Jul 2003 20:27:07 -0700
>
>
>No it's not a funny remark, because not rocking is never a funny
>matter.
>It's also not a crass remark because Jesus agrees with me and the
>son of god knows not how to be crass.
>I'd classify it as a sincere opinion of a concerned rock advocate.
>I'm just sayin',
> who the hell did you grow up listening to (musical influences)
>because I'm sure they'd agree you could probably rock a little
>harder if you put your hearts into it. Maybe ya'll should lock
>yourselves in a cabin for awhile and find out what is distracting
>you from rocking.
> Then again what do I know, americans obviously eat up
>soulless half assed rock like it was Angus Beef, look at P.O.D. or
>Chevelle.
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May 21, 2003Welp, new shows and junk. Stuff, you know.
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April 17, 2003The Widgets have made it to the Battle of the Band finals at the Paradise Cove, set for this Friday. It's all ages with a $5 cover. More details over on the shows page. I hear the winning band gets free sandwiches, so let's support the Widgets!
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March 26, 2003Word has reached me of another couple shows coming up for your friends and mine, the Widgets. First, in just a couple days on the 28th is the semifinals for the battle of the band at Paradise cove you may remember from a month ago. Then we've got a big weekend next week as the Widgets play two shows on two consecutive nights! First at the Governor's Cup with Before Braille, who I'm told are quite good. And then, the next night the band will be playing with a number of other acts at a benefit for Morrison Alternative School in Dallas. As always, check the shows page for details... I'm optimistic that we can cram enough folks into the Governor's Cup to earn them a fire code citation! Let's make it happen, people!
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February 27, 2003Hey, we're fully functional again so there are a few updates to mention. First, if you were wondering how to find the place for tomorrow night's show there are now directions on the shows page. (hint, find Chuck E Cheese)
While you're looking at that schedule, you might notice another posting for a gig in April. The band will be playing with Before Braille at the Governor's cup.
Oh, and I've also updated the Photos Section with pictures taken during the Widgets' live performance on KPSU. If you missed it they've posted some MP3s of the session here.
That's all I can think of for now.
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February 19, 2003Word on the street is the Widgets have a date scheduled for the 28th at the Paradise Cove on Lancaster dr. It's an all ages show with a small cover and a number of bands playing, like jrop and precursor. Traditionally I would link you to the show page with details, but I'm still unable to update the site except for the news. But I'm a-working on it.
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February 17, 2003Hey folks, sorry about that unscheduled downtime. Had some major server problems (it got fried) and the page was gone along with my email access. Looks like we're back now, though, and without any data loss. If you tried to send me an email in the last week and it got bounced you should probably send it again.
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February 5, 2003In case you missed out on the Widgets' radio appearance, the folks at KPSU have been kind enough to throw up a few MP3s of the band playing in studio. Follow this link to the KPSU.org MP3 page and scroll down till you see "The Widgets. Make sure to check that out as two of the songs are new so you might not have heard them before.
They were also kind enough to provide me with some photos from the broadcast and I'll get those up here as soon as I can.
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January 14, 2003The band is scheduled to open for the butt trumpets on the 24th. More info can be found on the shows page.
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January 11, 2003I have recieved word through the grape vine (an honest to goodness grapevine, I was touring a local vineyard, heard something ringing, picked up a bunch of grapes and Dave was on the other end... Curious.) that the Widgets have a radio appearance scheduled for January 27th, from 6 to 7 on KPSU. They broadcast at 98.3 FM on the PSU campus and 1450 AM with wider coverage. If you can't get the staiton over the air, they do stream over the net from their website. The future is NOW!!!
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December 22, 2002It had to happen sooner or later, but there's finally some content around here to reflect the release of the Widgets' second CD, how come the kids don't dance? There are several MP3s to download, which sound brilliant-by the by, and I'll work on getting the lyrics up. Hey, if we were all really good this year maybe Santa will give me the 411 on some upcoming shows so I can post information on them as well!
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November 12, 2002I give you the bios. Out of the mouths (fingertips) of babes (the band).
My apologies for the lack of updates.
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September 25, 2002Hey everybody. Just thought I'd post a little somethign today in honor of the website's 2nd birthday. It was two years ago today that I registered the domain name for the site. And traffic's been pretty damn steady ever since then. Some plans for the future include a possible redesign, or at least a change in the color scheme. I'm thinking about writing up some bios for each member of the band, and I'd also like to add a message board to make things all interactive around here.
In other news, I've been told the new CD was actually pressed yesterday. That means the CD should be available in 3-4 weeks, finally! Associated with the new album, there should be a new influx of content for the site, the cover art, a bunch of new photos and some new MP3s. So stay tuned!
Oh, and if anyone has any suggestions, complaints, etc, drop me a line!
Brad Grenz
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July 4, 2002A note from the band:
Hello widget fans and friends
just another update on the state of affairs. the album art is coming we wait not-so-patiently and I/we can't hardly wait to have it in our hot little hands. We have a plethora of shows coming up with all ages shows and bar shows so you got lots of choices. We thank you for your excitement regarding the second album and we will have major fuckin promotion for the CD release show. Thanx again and keep listening to local music.
love and rock
the widgets
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June 29, 2002After so much silence I have finally added a bunch of new shows to the schedule. Check the list and mark your calenders!
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April 17, 2002I knew about this one a little while ago but I hadn't posted info about it yet because I was trying to build up some suspense. It's been brought to my attention that that is stupid so head over to the shows page to get the details on a gig this weekend. Ta ta!
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April 7, 2002Word on the streets is the Widgets will be plaing a show at the Governors cup next weekend. I've got details up on the shows page. David and the band also passed along a note they've asked me to post.
"dearest fans and friends,
it is with much pleasure that i can tell you today that we have finished our second full length. We spent a weekend in PDX recording it @ Smegma Studios with the very proffesional Mike Lastra, Those who don't know he's recorded a ton of cool shit, by Hazel, the need, the NO-NO's, poison idea and so many more. So it's with a little pride that i can say we are on his list as well. It's gonna be called "how come the kids don't dance?" And it's a racing twelve songs in the tradition you've come to expect. I've never been more proud of us as a group then now with the work we put in. I hope it's out by late may or early june. we stayed At the official Slyrecords house slash recording studio slash bordello, and had matt fargo(international recording star for the japanese branch of virgin records and of the prominent "pretty to look at")flown in from japan to overlook the final touches, so you know who to blame. Lastly the band appreciates everyones patience and support for us until we got our asses in gear to put this record out. Love and Rock.
David & the widgets"
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March 9, 2002Unfortunately the show that was planned for next week in Eugene has been called off or cancelled or called in sick or something. It ain't happeneng. Too bad, I was totally going to attend.
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February 24, 2002I just recieved word on a show the Widgets will be doing Friday in Corvallis. Hit the show page for details.
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February 12, 2002Great show on Saturday night, I hope everybody made it. The Governor's Cup was stuffed to the gills again and those of us there were treated to some new songs that'll be on the 2nd album. The kids who opened up are called alterEGO. They're from Eugene. The Widgets are going to go down to play a show with them on campus at the U of O March 16th. There'll be specifics on the shows page as soon as I know them.
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February 4, 2002The Widgets'll be playing the Governor's Cup once again this weekend, Saturday night to be specific, and the shows page has been updated to reflect that. David let me know the band has booked studio time for the new CD for the end of March with Mike Lastra who'll be producing. If that name doesn't mean anything to you, don't feel bad, but he has produced albums for Hazel. Good times...
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January 16, 2002I've got information posted for another show at the Triangle this Friday over on the shows page. That's the only upcoming show I know of at the moment. I talked to David the other day and he tells me the band have been busy writing a bunch of stuff for the new CD they'll be recording in February. I'm really excited about the new album myself. The band's song writing keeps getting stronger and stronger so I'm eager for a recording of their latest work.
Go see the Royal Tenenbaums. Wes Anderson rocks the proverbial casbah.
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December 6, 2001Turns out there are going to be 2 shows at the Pointe. The shows page has been updated to reflect that change.
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November 19, 2001I've added a couple new shows to the list with info for one on November 23 and the other on December 29.
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November 5, 2001More complete info on next weekend's show has now been posted, along with details of another in December.
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November 4, 2001A couple new shows have made it on to the shows page. I'm kind of short on information about the show at the Y, but I'll update again when I hear more.
The poster section in the gallery just went up. There's a whole mess of 'em. Quite nifty.
On an unrelated note, why is it so hard to find 2 liter bottles of Dr. Pepper at the south Salem Winco (formaerly Waremart)? They're always out in the beverage aisle, and if you can find an end display it'll be out there to. Hey Winco. Order more Dr. Pepper.
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October 20, 2001Whelp, I've been told the Widgets have been eliminated from the battle of the bands. Bummer.
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October 17, 2001I've done some work over in the gallery section of the site. There are new photos, as well as some new clippings from news papers. I've also got a bunch of poster in the chute and I hope to have them online soon.
In other news, I'm told the Battle of the Bands show at the Triangle Inn went well. But the winner won't be know until this weekend. I'll update as soon as I know what the results are.
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October 6, 2K1
Ah, yes. The Shows section has been updated once again to reflect the fact that the Widgets will be playing at this year's Battle of the Bands at the Triangle Inn.
And there's more good news. I've posted a new MP3 up in the music section.
October 2, 2K1
I've added info about another show later this month. And the lyrics from every song on the CD have been posted over on the Wannabe Renegades page. More new stuff coming soon.
September 23, 2K1
I've recieved word that the Widgets are playing in Portland on October 6th. Head over to the shows page for the details.
September 15, 2K1
I'm back online. And the history section has finally been updated!
July 14, 2K1
Coming up later this month the Widgets will be playing at Summer in the City. For details head over to the shows page for details on when and where.
May 30, 2K1
I've recieved word on a few new gigs and the shows page has been updated to reflect this. I've only got specifics on one date right now, so that's all you see, I'll update again when I have more solid info on the others.
May 16, 2K1
Man, I wish I had the money to buy Weezer's new CD. Oh, well. At least I get to see Frank Black tonight in Eugene. Anyway, I've a little more info on the Widget's show at PSU Saturday. I'm told it starts a 6:30 in the PM and will be outside somewhere on campus. So look for a crowd or just follow the music. If you need direction there's a link over on the shows page to that info on PSU's website.
May 11, 2K1
A couple new shows have been added to the upcoming schedule. This includes one tomarrow night at the Salem Guitar Shop or Jimi's Guitar Planet. Again, please bring a can of food but the show is otherwise free. Another show is planned for next weekend at PSU but I don't have the specifics yet.
April 15, 2K1
Things have been pretty slow for the last month or so, but at least the site hasn't died again! But things will be picking up later this week. I just recieved word of a show that has been lined up for this coming Friday. The show is free, but make sure to bring a can of food.
March 19, 2K1
Ugh. The site's back again and shouldn't being going down again anytime soon. Again, I'm sorry for the down time.
The shows page has been updated with a couple new dates scheduled for April. And the method for buying the CD online has changed a little. Now if you click on the "Buy the CD online" link you'll be taken to the widgets' gift shack. Right now the Wannabe Renegades is the only item there, but stuff like t-shirts and stickers and whatnot will be added soon.
March 8, 2K1
Hey everybody! As you can see the site is back now. I'm really sorry if you tried accessing the site recently and got nothing. You know the story, somebody somewhere pulled a plug when they shouldn't have. There was nothing that could have prevented it from happening, save some guy somewhere with a cord in his hand not being such a dink. Ah, well. It's all good since we're back in buisness. I should thank Jim over at the Hardware Group for his effort in getting this, and a bunch of other sites, going again.
Oh, and if anybody tried to send me email recently and it was bounced back, or if you're just not sure if I read it, try sending it again to this address. Thewidgets.com email was nonfunctional for a while and still is at the moment. This is a backup you can use for now, webmaster@thewidgets.com should be back in a few days.
Don't forget now, the Widgets are playing the Give Peace a Dance After Hours thing Saturday. The address and other info is up on the shows page.
February 10, 2K1
Did a bit of reorganizing on the music page today. Now it's organized by recording (ok, so there's only the on CD, but I'm looking forward to the bright, bright future!). I've got complete track listings and this way it'll be easier to add stuff like more mp3s, lyrics when I get them, etc. And just for the heck of it I posted another mp3 for your listening enjoyment. Go to the wannabe renegades page and click on the Fast Jazz Alternative link. It's a spiffy tune that's good for dancin'.
Hmm... maybe I should trim some of the old news from the front page and archive it. Maybe later, I've not the energy for it right now.
February 8, 2K1
Due to popular demand, and with the help of Becki's brother, Jeff, you can now buy the Widgets' first CD, Wannabe Renegades, can now be purchased online! All you need to do is click on that "Buy the CD" graphic on the left and you will be magically transported to site where you can place your order. Ah, e-commerce.
Jauary 24, 2K1
Nick sent me some updated info on the Widgets' upcoming gigs. The next one is another performance at the Paris Theatre this Friday. I highly reccomend you pick up your tickets ahead of time for $7.00 down at Ranch Records. For one thing you save a buck, and if you buy in advance, the band will actually make a couple bucks. They don't get a cut of any tickets sold at the box office. Plus the guy'll be pissed if they don't sell 30.
Also of note, the Music Millenium show has been pushed back to February 17th, and I had the wrong address posted on the shows page, but I've updated it with the correct one (on Hawthorne). I've been given some preliminary information on a couple shows in the works for March, but I'm holding off posting them in the list of shows until they solidify. Just so you know, one is penciled in for 3/2/01 at Salem Heights Hall and the other is a dance at some church midnight on the 10th of march.
Jauary 11, 2K1
Nick emailed me even more show dates, you now the drill.
January 10, 2K1
David gave me the information on a couple new shows this weekend when I talked to him before the Widgets went on stage at the Paris Theatre on Sunday. Friday night they'll be in Albany playing with the Catholic School Girls and Saturday night it's the Governor's Cup with Shorthanded. Pop on over to the shows page for details, as always.
I never heard back from the guy at the Statesman Journal so I've decided I'm just going to post at least the photos they printed, consequences be damned. I figure it won't hurt the sales of that issue too much. Well, what you waitin' for? Go ahead and check out the gallery page if you missed them when they ran in the paper.
December 26, 2K
Hey, I hope everybody is having a good holiday season this year. David dropped me a line with some more info on the Portland show on Jan. 7th. It's a matinee performance and begins at 4:30pm. If you want to buy tickets in advance, you can pick them up for $7.00 a piece at Ranch Records. Otherwise you can pick them up for $8.00 at the door. The address is listed on the shows page.
I've been informed also that Nick and David are working on writing a bio, gathering together old posters and collecting a pile of photos for me to post on the site. So, that'll be pretty cool. Anyway, I hope to see everybody at the show on 1/7/2K1!
December 19, 2K
Hey, did you all see the gigantic spread the Statesman Journal did on the Widgets in yesterday's paper? Very, very cool. They even mentioned the web site! I don't want to step on anybody's toes, so I'm working on getting permission to reproduce the article here. Hopefully I'll be able to post the whole thing with photos.
If you're here for the first time because of the article, welcome. There are some MP3s of the first album in the music page. Download and be merry. And make sure to come back, I should be getting a drop of new material from the band any day now.
December 18, 2K
See what happens when I look the other way? The guys played the Governor's Cup again on the 14th, a show I missed. By all accounts it was a good one. I've also been informed that a gig is set for Jan. 7 at the New Paris Theatre in Portland. I'll post more info on the shows page.
October 20, 2K
Tonight is the record release party for the widgets' first CD, wannabe renegades! Details have been posted on the shows page. Hope to see you guys there!
October 1, 2K
The Widget's first album, wannabe renegades has been released and is now available for sale at Ranch Records which is located on Court street in downtown Salem, Oregon. It's only ten bucks and well worth the price. I've made a few mp3s of songs on the CD that you can download on the music page, but that's only 3 of the 13 great tracks. I've also posted the tracks on MP3.com. It's the same three songs, but the file size is a little smaller and sound quality a little poorer. But you might give that a go if you're a dial-up user.
I've been informed that a record release party is going to be held on October 20th at the Salem Heights Hall with the widgets, naturally, and some other groups TBA. Details will be posted on the shows page.
September 16, 2K
The band played another show tonight at the Governor's Cup, they really do pack 'em in at the free shows. Unfortunately things were cut short when some equipment failed and they couldn't continue playing. I still enjoyed myself, but it was kind of anti-climactic.
The good news is the band 'll be releaseing their first CD very, very soon. It's going to be called wannabe renegades and will be available at Ranch Records in downtown Salem. And maybe mail-order through this site as well.
One of these days I'll have some real content on this site. Just kinda got busy with other stuff over the summer, but now I'm motivated.
April 23, 2K
Well, I've got the site structure pretty much finalized. I think the design looks good, and now I'm just working on the content. I've got the band members all working on bios for the band section of the site. Dave's also gathering up some photos and all the posters from the gigs they've played. When I get those I'll start scanning them and get them posted in the gallery section. Hopefully I'll have a demo CD in my hands aswell so I can get some mp3s made and posted in the, you guessed it, music section. Info on upcoming engagements will go in the shows section, and I'm toying with the idea of posting reports of each show afterwards with stuff like attendance, playlists and how much the widgets rocked that night. Back to it then!
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