On the Cover of The Current!
The Ragbirds Story: "A Green Journey"
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Between shows last month The Ragbirds did a photo shoot and interview with Ann Arbor's Current Magazine - all about Eco-Touring. It became the cover story for the April 2012 issue, and we posed with our beloved (and nearly-departed - see article to the right) tour van "Cecelia". The article gives some depth to the experience of traveling with an alternative fuel.
Take a minute to read the story (click on the cover image above) all about our "Green Journey"
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SXSW Recap
It was an honor to participate last month at SXSW in Austin, TX, the world's largest music conference and festival!
The Ragbirds performed four times at the festival, including the official Jambase showcase. It was an exciting experience and we were especially proud that Michigan was so well represented at the Michigan Tastes & Tunes Party - with Greensky Bluegrass, Flash Clash, Stepdad, Garrett Borns, Jill Jack, and more!
Thanks to Joe Choma, our long list of sponsors, and all the hardworking people who made this event possible! |
Quote of the Month
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
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Goods Worth Consuming
BRAND NEW T-SHIRTS!!
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I asked at the market for a good worth consuming, for some soap for my brainwash, a box of quick fixes. . . " (from "Tipi Baya")
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At our online version of the merch table you can purchase most of The Ragbirds merchandise that you see at the little traveling market that unfolds at each show.
We have a brand new tshirt design to celebrate the new album, featuring the Travelin' Machine logo. So far, the new design is only available at our shows, but will be online soon.
If you'd like to buy The Ragbirds music, our debut studio album, Yes Nearby, our 2007 CD, Wanderlove and our 2009 album Finally Almost Ready and our NEW record Travelin' Machine can be purchased directly through our website. Erin's new SOLO album Scenes From the Fragile, Agile Avian World is also available.
You can also listen to and purchase MP3s of your favorite songs, or entire digital albums.
CHECK OUT THE NEW STORE!!
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Join The Flock!
Earn Tickets and Merchandise! 
As an independent touring band, we count on our street team (affectionately called "The Flock") in many ways. At the most basic level, our street team puts up flyers when we are coming to town. On a deeper level, these are the people we know we can call on to be ambassadors of our music - to tell their friends and family, to actively help us promote on Facebook and other places online, and to be a part of our support system on the road. If you'd like to be a part of our team , CLICK HERE for more info You'll find out how you can earn tickets to shows and free merchandise. |
Video: Live in WYCE Studio:
CLICK To Watch "The Bully" LIVE on WYCE
Here's a great fun video of The Ragbirds performing "The Bully" Live at WYCE in Grand Rapids!
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In Search of the Next Cecelia
The Hunt for New Wheels Begins. . .
Since October 2008 we have been traveling in a very special high-top white diesel van, whom we call "Cecelia". We had her converted to run on waste vegetable oil through the addition of a few extra tanks, gauges and heaters. Two ½ years and 162,000 miles later Cecelia has seen her last long tour and we are in search of the next vehicle to carry us on the journey ahead. We are putting out the word in case you, our loyal fans, friends, family and supporters, might be able to help us in any way. It took us months of searching to find Cecelia because we are looking for very specific criteria. We hope to find something in less time this time around. Here's what we need: *Engine: 7.3 Turbo Diesel (Must be 7.3 and manufactured before 2002 - when Ford switched to a newer engine model which is not as reliable), 5.9 Liter Cummins, or possibly an International or Catapillar engine. *The new ride must be as big as Cecelia or bigger. That means big enough to comfortably seat 6 adults for long hours and with enough space in the back (behind the last seat) to accommodate two extra tanks and our instruments. It would be an extra bonus to find a medium sized Diesel RV or a vehicle that some could sleep in, but this is luxury, not necessity. We do all right finding kind folks and hotels to house us. *We plan to convert the new van to also run on SVO (straight vegetable oil) by transferring the veggie system over to the new frame. We also tow a trailer to haul all our gear. Of course we have a limited budget. So keep your eyes peeled and let us know if you have a lead or suggestion. Thanks for your continued support! |
4/11/12 Erin performs (violin) for The Moth Grand Slam
at The Ark in Ann Arbor
7:00pm Doors / 8:00pm Stories begin
Featuring the winners of 10 previous StorySLAMs
♥ 04/13/12 Houghton, MI |
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO and MORE CONCERT DATES through the Spring!
♥ 04/14/12 Neenah, WI
Diablos Cantina
♥ 04/15/12 Menomonie, WI
The Waterfront
♥ 04/16/12 Madison, WI
High Noon Saloon
♥ 04/17/12 St Louis, MO
Off Broadway
♥ 04/18/12 Urbana, IL
Canopy Club
♥ 04/19/12 Muncie, IN
Center Stage
♥ 04/20/12 Terre Haute, IN
The Verve
♥ 04/21/12 Knoxville, TN
Rhythm & Blooms Festival
PLAN AHEAD:
MAY 3rd Erin will perform as part of
"For Pete's Sake: A Pete Seeger Birthday Tribute"
at The Ark in Ann Arbor
7:30pm Doors / 8:00pm
featuring Chris Buhalis, the family trio Gemini, Mustard's Retreat, Sally Potter, Dick Siegel, and Paul Tinkerhess. All proceeds benefit The Ark!
May 25-27th The Ragbirds will be at SUMMER CAMP Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO and MORE SHOWS throughout the Spring!
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Follow Us On Twitter!
We are Birds - so naturally, we TWEET!!
 You can follow us on Twitter to get live updates from the road at @theragbirds
Follow Erin at @fiddlebird for her view on life, pics and haiku's! |
Tour Video
Photos from the road
Erin put together this little video including photos from our winter tour and SXSW. The photos are set to the song "Silence is Everywhere"
Enjoy!
| | Travelin' Machine Tour |
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Ragbirds: "Best Folk Artist/Group"
-Real Detroit Weekly
In March we were named by Detroit's Real Detroit Weekly as their "Real Best Folk Artist/Group." As voted on by the Real Detroit readers it's an honor to receive such nice recognition from the D! Click HERE for the full list of winners! |
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