Scene from a rehearsal studio.
MTV VMAs?
It seems strange to me that MTV still hosts the Video Music Awards. (Key word here is "video".)
Tourganic Podcast
I was recently interviewed for the Tourganic Podcast! Dave Bailis and I had a great conversation about music, touring, food, mediation, exercise, and lots more. Check out Episode 6 from any of the following links. Please be sure to leave a comment and/or subscribe if you like what you hear. Thanks for listening!!
tourganic.libsyn.com
tourganic.com/ttp-6-stephen-chopek
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tourganic-healthy-living-on-the-road/id1249586072
Studio inspiration
I've been shopping around for gear to start my home studio, and got inspired by this classic pic of Pete Townsend, circa 1970.
Stand with Trans Rights TODAY on Bandcamp
"Bandcamp is a platform for artistic expression, and all manner of variance in experience and identity, including gender and sexuality, is welcome here. We support our LGBT+ users and staff, and we stand against any person or group that would see them further marginalized. This includes the current U.S. administration, and its recent capricious declaration that transgender troops will no longer be able to serve in the military. That this announcement was motivated in part to help fund the border wall exposes it as part of the administration’s cynical, discriminatory agenda."
For more info...
https://daily.bandcamp.com/2017/07/31/this-friday-stand-with-bandcamp-in-support-of-trans-rights/
Metta
I retuned home yesterday from a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat. I've been attending about once a year since 2009, and there's always something new to learn. If you'd like to know about the practice, visit the website at dhamma.org/en-US/index
Vipassana
Taking a road trip tomorrow from Tennessee to Illinois for a 10-day Vipassana mediation retreat. I'll be off the grid from July 12th to July 23rd. See you on the flip side.
'tis the season
John Lee Hooker says "Boom Boom".
A star is born
Played last night at the Blue Canoe in Tupelo, MS (hometown of the Presley family). After my gig, I went for a late night Elvis tour. Here's the house where he grew up.
Tav returns!
Tav Falco presented his new movie, Urania Descending, last night in Memphis! Check it out here...
www.uraniadescending-themovie.com
Home Sweet Home
Good to be back in Memphis! Played a fun show last night at a cool new venue called 831 South Cooper.
Singles silver anniversary!
I saw Singles in the theatre when it came out 25 years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. I recently got the double album deluxe edition reissue! Super excited to give the vinyl a spin and hear all the unreleased material on the bonus disc!!
Spring Tour update #8
Got home yesterday from the second half of my Spring Tour. I drove 5700 miles through 7 states for 15 gigs in 15 cities. Had a blast! Thanks to everyone who helped makes it happen and to everybody who came to the shows. Until next time, stay tuned here for all the latest music, news, performances, etc.
Great music for pennies
I stopped at Schoolkids Records in Chapel Hill, NC and found these gems in the 99 cents bin.
Spring Tour update #7
Playing three shows this week in Virginia and two in North Carolina! Check the SHOWS page for details.
Tourists on tour (AL)
Visited some cool spots while passing through Alabama this week.
Spring Tour update #6
After a rare two days off (in a row), I'll be back on the road tomorrow for shows this week in Alabama, Georgia (x3), and South Carolina! Check the SHOWS page for details.
Full moon in NOLA
Second half of Spring Tour started on Wednesday in New Orleans, LA. Love that town. Went for a walk through the French Quarter after midnight under the full moon, and couldn't pass up this photo op
Spring Tour update #5
On my way to New Orleans, LA to start the second half of Spring Tour! I heard there's a new vegan restaurant in NOLA. I'm gonna get me some gumbo. Also playing this week in Lafayette LA, Birmingham AL, and Meridian MS. Check the SHOWS page for details.
Spring Tour continues in May!
The first half of my 2017 Spring Tour was great! I'll be back on the road during May for shows in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina. Check the SHOWS page for details.