Rocking Out with the Orphans (Or Centralia, Sweet Heart O' Mine)

A drive through scenic Centralia, Illinois, nestled deep within southern Illinois, one thought comes consistently to mind: Wow, these people are all about orphans. Signs are posted at nearly every intersection in some neighborhoods, lauding the accomplishments of the orphans, heaping on the praise and adulation. It's enough to be confusing to a poor city boy until one learns that the mascot of the Centralia High School is the Orphans. How did they come by such a unusual moniker? Well, the story I was told was that long ago, the Centralia High School found themselves involved in a basketball play-off. The program lacked funding (but not spirit), and so the basketball team members showed up in whatever they usually played in, a mish-mash of shorts and shirts that one could barely recognize as a "branded team". Gazing upon the players of this rag-tag bunch of loveable misfits, legend has it the announcer uttered "These kids look like a bunch of orphans!" In true Mid-western fashion, that barbed insult was adopted as the delightful mascot for Centralia High School and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Empty Pockets were pleased as punch when the Centralia Orphans asked us to come rock out at the Tailgate party for their Homecoming Football game against the Wesclin Warriors. So we hopped in the van and headed down south, around five hours, to party the night away with the fine people of Centralia. And an awesome night it was! Not only was there a party, complete with delicious food, fun games and some sweet prizes, but the Centralia High School Rock 101 program made a rockin'-good appearance as well, putting the seal on Rocktober and pushin' it down, old-school. They even gave us some totally sweet Centralia Orphans football jerseys! (Photos to come, look for 'em!)

After rocking out for the fine Tailgaters and diving into some delicious food, we got to watch the Centralia Orphans pound the living daylights out of the Wesclin Warriors, 62 -21. How often do you get to say the phrase "We watched some Orphans beat the snot out of a bunch of Warriors?" At least once, my fine friend. At least once.

More? You want more?

We had a great time partying with the Orphans and fine folks of Centralia and we hope to be invited back next year. Special musical props go to CHS music director Kevin Devany for his awesome half-time show featuring the music of our much-loved hero, Micheal Jackson. We had a great time, Centralia, and thanks to Hannah for searching us out!

Peace, love and pancakes,

-Nate Bellon(bass)

An Empty Pockets Book Report (or The Blogg on the Dogg)

In my ramblings through the library, I often come across something that jumps off the shelves and into my hands, screaming to be checked out. Such a situation occurred when I came upon my latest hard-cover conquest, Tha Doggfather: The Times, Trials and Hardcore Truths of Snoop Dogg. I clutched it close as I checked out, filled with anticipation of the Hardcore Truths I would learn about Cordozar Calvin Broadus, the man and the legend.

These truths were pretty hardcore.

Snoop talks about his time in the Rollin' 20 Crips, his frequent interactions with the judicial system, and his famed 1993 murder trial, in which he was charged in connection with the murder of a man shot by Snoop's bodyguard. He also talks about his love for Long Beach and his mother, and his rapid rise from a music-loving young man to one of the most influential G-funk rappers ever. Snoop proves to be a effective street-philosopher, offering not only the facts of a situation as seen by Snoop, but also a the overall negatives and positives of the situation wrapped into a lesson. The book is written in the conversational tone of Snoop Dogg and can prove to be an awkward read at some points where the vernacular becomes unclear, but it proves to be a satisfyingly good stylistic decision throughout.

Having recently pulled "Doggystyle" out of the musical mothballs, Snoop's Doggy Dog's premier 1993 album bloomed with salient connections in the history provided by the book, especially tracks like "Murder Was The Case They Gave Me" and "Lodi Dodi". It will surely find itself back into my regular rotation for some G-funk enjoyment with the Doggfather.

If you're a fan of Snoop, this is a must read. It was published in 1999, so it is a bit dated, but it proves to be a fun read with the Snoop Dogg style we've all come to love. Co-author David Seay colors the book with a subtle brush that allows the flavor to be 100% Dogg.

"No one knows more of the truth about the life, and no one tells it more like it is, than Tha Doggfather, Snoop Dogg."

-Nate Bellon(bass)

Snoop Dog on Wikipedia: [link]

Doggystyle on Wikipedia: [link]

The Book!: [link]

J&tEP Newsletter!

J&tEP Newsletter, Volume VI

The New Sound Is Coming Round

This summer was a sizzler to be sure but it's about to get hotter in here: Josh and the Empty Pockets are headed into the studio in early September to record their long-awaited (and oft-requested) third album! That's right, Pocketeers, a brand new disc will be soaring your way in no time with new tunes and 92% more Erika. Empty Pockets Producer and Engineer Extraordinaire Rick Fritz will be helming the recording wheel as the lads and lady lay down their highly anticipated third studio album with fan-favorites "You Know I Do" and "All I Need" among others, along with a few brand-spanking new tunes to melt your faces and move your feet. We're all super excited and we're sure you are too! Keep an eye on the upcoming Newsletters, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace for more information on the upcoming album. This is going to ROCK.

The studio is a magical place filled with sunshine and awesomeness

A Summer of Fun

As the summer concert season winds to a close, we here at the Empty Pockets would like to say thank you to every fan who rocked with us this summer, both established Pocketeers and new-comers alike. We'd also like to thank every sound person for helping us to rock to our utmost and every liason, crew member and assorted job-doer for sweating with us and rocking with us. You all make the experience very special and we all agree that Josh and the Empty Pockets couldn't have had nearly as fun and successful a summer without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You all seriously rock. Let's do it again next year!

Here's to the rockin'est summer ever!

Free September Shows!

Friday, September 3 - Hanson Brothers Tap, Northfield, IL: 9:30 pm - 1 am
Saturday, September 11 - J Patricks Irish Pub and Grill, Chicago, IL: 10 pm to 1:30 am
Friday, September 24 - Gruben's Uptown Tap, Plainfield, IL: 8 pm to 12 am

Keep your rock aprons on people, because the new album is hot on the stove!

-Nate Bellon(bass)

J&tEP Newsletter!

J&tEP Newsletter, Volume V

NASCAR + Coca-Cola + Empty Pockets = Sizzling Summer Sensation

Josh and the Empty Pockets live in the fast lane and are slipping it into high gear at the Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, July 10 for the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk. The walk begins at approximately 3:15 p.m, around the surface of the 1.5-mile D-shaped tri-oval of Chicagoland Speedway and includes not only a ripping concert featuring Josh & the Empty Pockets but also a sweet Q &A with Coca-Cola Family drivers Denny Hamlin, 1999 Sprint Cup Champion Dale Jarrett and 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte. Holy schnikes! Neutral-drop on in and enjoy some healthy lifestyle tips, free Coca-Cola products and rip up the track with Josh and the Empty Pockets!

[ Event Link ] [ More Info ]

Arbor Theatre Summer Music Festival

One of Josh's dreams, aside from being a nationally-acclaimed rockstar/pitcher/economist, a rock-cono-pitchstar if you will, is playing at a Nike Missile silo. Thursday, July 15, witness dreams become reality as Josh and the Empty Pockets play the Arbor Theatre Summer Music Festival at the Arbor Theatre, a former Nike Missile silo converted into a lovely theatre in majestic Vernon Hills. The concert starts at 5 p.m. and includes music by Leah Druzinsky and Cleavland band-buddy Nate Jones. There is a suggested donation of $5, but any and all donations will be accepted. Come on out as we deploy a full payload of rock right into those summer-time blues!

[ Event Link ]

Par-tay in the Park!

Back by popular demand, Josh and the Empty Pockets bring Millennium Park a pocketful of rock on Thursday, July 22 with the WTMX Party In The Park. Held at the gorgeous Park Grill, the Party In The Park is a sure-fired cure for the heat. The show kicks off with Juniper Mays at 4 p.m and the Pockets take the stage at 5:30. So why not kick out of work early and enjoy a beer and a burger, or better yet, bring your boss along and enjoy a bonding experience fused with good times and great music. Rock!

[ Event Info ] [ WTMX ] [ Juniper Mays ]

Let's Get Artsy In Here

Saturday, July 31, the Empty Pockets showcase their artsy side as they rip the Lincoln Park Art and Music Fest a new rock-hole. The Empty Pockets go on at 2 p.m., but the festival goes all day Saturday and Sunday on Racine Ave, between Fullerton and Webster. The fest will be showcasing the talented local artists and musicians that make Chicago a world-wide powerhouse in the artistic community. So don your berets, take a bracing shot of Absinthe and get impressionistic with Josh and the Empty Pockets.

[ Event Link ] [ Lincoln Park CoC ]

More Free Summer Shows!

Thursday, July 8 - Deans Clothing Store, Naperville, IL: 5 - 8 pm

Friday, July 9 - Northfield Library, Northfield, IL: 6 - 8 pm

Saturday, August 14 - Norton's Restaurant, Highland Park, IL: 9:30 pm - 1 am

Saturday, August 21 - DeKalb Corn Fest, DeKalb, IL: 12 - 2 pm

[ Show Listing ]

Enjoy the summer,

-Nate Bellon(bass)

J&tEP Newsletter!

Josh and the Empty Pockets Newsletter #4

Let the Outdoor Rock Season Begin!

Josh and the Empty Pockets begin their outdoor festival shows with an evening at the Saint Bartholomew Carnival on Saturday, June 12. The music starts at eight but the carnival and the fun get rolling at noon. Enjoy the weather with a sweet carnival and a rock show. Who could ask for anything better? St. Barts is located at 4949 W. Patterson Ave in Chicago.

[WGN Press Release] [Event Info]

Skokie Nights Pick the Pockets

The Skokie Library welcomes Josh and the Empty Pockets as they rock open the 2010 summertime "Skokie Nights" series. The outdoor fun starts at 7 p.m. so why not mosey on over and enjoy the evening with some excellent music in a pretty setting. You can even visit the library while we're playing, we don't mind! Tuesday, June 15th at the Skokie Public Library is when the rock hits the fan. Who knows, you may even see Danny heading to the Media section.

[Library Link] [Event Link]

Dreams for Kids Benefit

Josh and the Empty Pockets like kids. And we also like dreams. So when we heard we could play music to help the organization Dreams for Kids [link], we jumped. June 16th, 8pm at Miska's Bar finds the Dreams for Kids Open Mic Night Fundraiser showcasing three bands, various comedy, sketches, performance art, and an open mic to close out the evening. There is a $10 donation at the door. Come out and enjoy a diverse night of entertainment that also helps Dreams for Kids continue it's wonderful mission of reaching out to underprivileged and special needs kids.

[Dreams for Kids] [Event Link]

Keep it greasy,

-Nate Bellon(bass)

J&tEP Newsletter!

Josh and the Empty Pockets Newsletter #3

Bottoms Up!

The place: The Bottom Lounge. The date: May 8th. The event: The rocking of faces from here to there and back again! That's right folks, Josh and the Empty Pockets barrel in to the Bottom Lounge on Saturday, May 8th to rock the house until it can be rocked no more. Come on out and join in the fun as we boogie the night away with fellow rockers Cobalt & The Hired Guns, Green Sugar, How Far to Austin and My My My. Be sure to get your tickets early, so you don't end up missing what's sure to be an awesome evening of face-melting rock and roll! (Plus, if you buy beforehand, you save $2.) Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is ages 17+. Rock!

Jam Along with J&tEP

Sure, we've all done it: the music comes on, the guitar kicks in, and you can't help but air-jam along as the sweet music takes you away. Well, now you can play along with Josh and the Empty Pockets with the hot online music game, JamLegend! That's right, thanks to some righteously awesome help from a user there, now you can play guitar with Meaningless Words, the rocking track from Under the Bed. You can even use your computer-compatible Guitar Hero or Rock Band controller to enjoy the experience to it's finger-shredding fullest. Can you rock the house at the Legendary skill level?

Thesixtyone is Beautiful to Us

Online music-romp site Thesixtyone recently featured Josh and the Empty Pocket's track "Beautiful To Me" on it's main page! What's Thesixtyone? Only a seriously awesome online-music game, complete with quests, experience points, and magical long-swords! (Alright, no magical long-swords, but it's still as hip as can be.) It's also a great way to find new music to listen to, along with many options to support artists. It allows you, the fans, to judge what's hot and what's not. Will you use your ultimate power for good or for awesome? Only you can decide! Stop on in and check out Josh and the Empty Pockets on Thesixtyone today. We'll love you forever.

Help, I'm a rock!

-Nate Bellon(bass)

The Music and the TV (or Clever Rock Reference? )

"Now look at them yo-yo's that's the way you do it

You play the guitar on the MTV

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it

Money for nothin' and chicks for free"

Indeed, Dire Straits, indeed. Wise words from wise-man Mark Knopfler, a man so respected in the world of rock as to have a freaking dinosaur named after him. (Where's the Diplodocus Claptonus or the Dilophosaurus Jethro Tulli? C'mon, paleontology.) We here in the Empty Pockets feel the words even deeper, having spent much a portion of our pre-rock time moving refrigerators and color television sets, whilst delivering and installing custom kitchens... or the nearest labor equivalent. That being said and with all due seriousness, we are all very much looking forward to playing the guitar on the MTV. So, if you'll just send us our free money and chicks, that would be sweet. About the chicks: Will the come hatched or do we need an incubator?

Nate and Dan seen moving, delivering

Speaking of MTV, my ramblings about and around the internet brought me to an article about American Idol, posted on MTV's website. Before we get to the article, allow me to say this: I don't really watch American Idol at all. I understand it's appeal and I'm clearly in the minority, but it's just not for me. I have only a select amount of TV viewing time and choose to spend it on different forms of entertainment. I also haven't watched MTV too terribly much since... well, since Beavis and Butthead were originally aired, but that has more to do with access to cable than anything else. I do enjoy Rob and Big as a dirty pleasure and Silent Library, originally a Japanese game show, is often as painful and awkwardly funny as it is a salient look at the ability to find humor in the potentially painful or embarrassing situation of others. Moving on.

The Article in Question

The article, written by MTV News correspondent Jim Cantiello, is a mildly-acerbic, tounge-in-cheek 60 second wrap-up of the recent happenings on American Idol. Nothing staggering, but quick and effective, allowing those of us who don't afford the time to consume the product to at least converse on a certain level with those who do. Until this:

"But "Idol" is first and foremost a music show (just kidding)..."

Whoa, MTV. Whoa. I know you're the grand-daddy in the room when it comes to music videos and promotion, but whoa. Isn't that a bit too cheeky? I mean, really. Inspecting the MTV and MTV2 lineups shows a large majority of the programming isn't really music related at all. Sure, you can stream music videos from MTV.com, but that doesn't satiate the burning need for music videos on my television screen. However, I'm aware that advertising revenues are probably better with a channel playing more diverse and culturally-targeted programming and running a television channel must be expensive, so I present you a deal:

Just gimme one week.

Make your money, pay your bills, do your thing for fifty-one weeks a year. Just give me one week where I can sit at the telly, hit the MTV and soak myself in delicious music. Surely, Viacom would most likely say, you can gain your video-based jollies from MTV Hits or MTV Jams, which provide mainly music videos. Honestly, I say I cannot. They don't come with my basic cable package nor are the packed with the nostalgic je ne sais quoi that can only come from pure, uncut MTV. Come on, MTV. I loved you once. Just hit my with that delicious juice for one week a year and you can say anything you want to anyone you please about their musical credentials. For as Sting so stirringly opined in "Money for Nothing", I want my MTV.

Rock it hard,

-Nate Bellon(bass)