Starving Artists Israel Nash Gripka, The Fieros To "Sing For Their Supper"

The biggest bands in the world have a concept to promote their tour. U2 did Zoo TV and the 360 Tour, the Rolling Stones had A Bigger Bang; so when Americana singer-songwriter Israel Nash Gripka and indie garage rockers The Fieros began planning their US jaunt, they decided to be candid and "Sing For Their Supper." In March, the artists will set sail from New York City to the southern United States, stopping along the route to locally owned and operated diners and other food joints, with guitars, and forks, in hand. Both acts will sing a song or three for one free meal, a tour premise not only feeding the bands their much needed daily sustenance, but also presenting a departure from the way individuals hear independent artists.

"Everyone eats food," says Gripka. "So we're going to bring our music to them, while they're dining, for a completely different way of performing and listening to music and meeting people across the country."

During their journey, both bands will be video-blogging from the road. The videos will be up hosted by The Alternate Root, an interactive music magazine featuring all genres of traditional American roots and Americana music.

Israel Nash Gripka, the son of a Baptist minister, grew up in Ozark churches and was exposed to gospel music in all of its forms. His father also kept a collection of records that granted access to the world of classic rock n' roll. Here, Gripka learned about song-craft from The Beatles, grit from The Stones, and story telling from Credence Clearwater Revival and Townes Van Zandt.

Gripka is touring in support of his debut solo album New York Town, which reached #18 on the US Americana Airplay Charts and #2 on the Euro Americana charts. Americana UK called New York Town, "an album that mixes the ebullience of a storytelling Richard Thompson with the songwriting panache of Ryan Adams. A real gem to start off 2009 and a name I will be keeping a close eye on for sure."

The Fieros are a straight up, no-frills Texas-American rock band. Formed in 2005 and honored with Dallas Observer awards for "Best New Act" in 2006 and "Best Indie Rock" in 2007, their fan base has continued to grow steadily. In their short time together they have opened for such acts as The B-52's, The Polyphonic Spree, Okkervil River, The Redwalls, The Whigs and The Black Angels, and played over 200 shows in the southwest region. In 2008 The Fieros relocated to Brooklyn and recently released their self-titled debut EP.

Front-man Joey McClellan, fresh off a tour with Hymns and Daniel Johnston, brings the melodic guitars and hooky riffs that make their songs feel instantly familiar. His co-songwriting brother Aaron McClellan provides the warm growling bass tones and powerful harmonies. Drummer McKenzie Smith of Midlake, Regina Spector, and St.Vincent fame brings the infectious drum grooves that make the EP a foot-stomping, anthemic classic. Recorded live at Midlake Studios in Denton, Texas over three whiskey-fueled nights, The Fieros EP is a throwback to the days when Rock and Roll still had swagger.

SING FOR THEIR SUPPER TOUR

• March 7 Bridgeport, CT Acoustic Cafe 5:00pm
• March 8 New York, NY Jae Deli ** 7:30pm
• March 9 Baltimore, MD Broadway Diner ** 4:30pm
• March 9 Richmond, VA Gallery 5 7:00pm
• March 10 Asheville, NC Burgermeister ** 5:30pm
• March 10 Asheville, NC The Garage 8:00pm
• March 11 Knoxville, TN WDVX Radio # 12:00pm
• March 11 Knoxville, TN The Square Room # 7:00pm
• March 12 Nashville, TN TBA
• March 14 Denton, TX NX35 % TBA
• March 16 Dallas, TX All Good Cafe ** 1:00pm
• March 17 Houston, TX KPFT Radio # 11:00am
• March 17 Houston, TX Mango's 8:00pm
• March 18 Austin, TX SXSW
• March 19 Fredericksburg, TX KFAN Radio # 11:30am
• March 20 Austin, TX MANIC FEST DESTINY @ The Belmont (Unofficial SXSW) 5:15pm
• March 20 Austin, TX UT Block Party Benefit (Unofficial SXSW) % 8:00pm
• March 21 Dallas, TX La Grange 9:00pm
• March 23 Monett, MO Mocah Joe's ** 6:30pm
• March 25 Springfield, MO Lindberg's 8:00pm
• March 26 Columbia, MO BXR Radio # 5:00pm
• March 26 Columbia, MO Mojo's 8:00pm
• March 27 St. Louis, MO Off Broadway
• March 29 Louisville, KY WFPK # 3:30pm
• April 2 New York, NY TBD

** Restaurant Gig
# Israel Nash Gripka Only
% The Fieros Only

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