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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 U.S. 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.

TOUR PROMO VIDEO

“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 U.S. 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.

The “Sing For Your Your Supper” touring band is Israel Nash Gripka(Harmonica, Vox, Guitar), Joey McClellan(Guitar, Vox), Aaron McClellan(Bass, Vox) & Chris Grace(Drums, percussion) taking over on drums while McKenzie is on the road promoting the new Midlake album.

THE SING FOR YOUR SUPPER TOUR – w/ Israel Nash Gripka & The Fieros:

March 7th – Bridgeport, CT – Acoustic Café – 5:00pm

March 8th – New York, NY – Jae Deli** – 7:30pm

March 9th – Baltimore, MD – Broadway Diner ** – 1:30pm

March 9th- Richmond, VA – Gallery 5 – 7:00pm

March 10th -  Asheville, NC – Burgermeister’s ** – 5:30pm

March 10th – Asheville, NC – The Garage – 8:00pm

March 11th – Knoxville, TN – WDVX Radio # – 12:00pm

March 11th – Knoxville, TN – The Square Room # – 7:00pm

March 12th – Nashville, TN – Elliston Place Soda Shop** – 2:30pm

March 14th – Denton, TX  – Nx35 % – TBA

March 16th – Dallas, TX – All Good Café ** – 1:00pm

March 17^th- Houston, TX – KPFT Radio # – 11:00am

March 17^th – Houston, TX – Mango’s – 9:00pm

March 18^th- Austin, TX – SXSW

March 19^th - Austin, TX – SXSW

March 19^th – Fredericksburg, TX – KFAN Radio # – 11:30am

March 20^th – Austin, TX – MANIC FEST DESTINY @ The Belmont – 5:15pm

March 21^st – Dallas, TX – La Grange – 9:00pm

March 23^rd – Monett, MO – Mocha Joe’s ** – 6:30pm

March 25th – South Greenfield, MO – Grandma’s ** – 1:00pm

March 25^th – Springfield, MO – Lindberg’s – 8:00pm

March 26^th – Columbia, MO – BXR Radio # – 5:00pm

March 26^th – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note – 8:00pm

March 29^th – Louisville, KY – WFPK # – 3:30pm

April 2^nd – New York, NY – TBA

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

www.israelgripka.com

www.thefieros.com