tag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2018-09-13T14:46:25-06:00Third Wheel Projectfalsetag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/49410022017-11-20T14:13:48-06:002024-03-25T23:47:49-06:00Wisdom Tour 2017<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/84a9472c1e78492befd8a6458e4e7148b75e1d06/medium/wisdom-tour-poster.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />11/9/17 <br>Day 1 & 2: <br>What a wonderful time in Maryville! If you are ever in north western Missouri, there’s a road called double E. If you like roller coasters, I highly suggest traveling it. Cell phones do not work there. We had a great gig at the pub last night. Big shout out to Jeff Zeller for having such an awesome venue and for being such an amazing host to us. Another shout out to Zoe for putting up with our shenanigans :-) Tia, we missed you:( Both of these ladies are amazing artists by the way :) Before our show yesterday, Jeff took us to the Northwest Missouri State University radio station ( go BEARCATS!), where Mike and I recorded a live show for about an hour. Quite unexpected and it put us back on our heels a bit. We cannot wait to see this show that the media class is putting together. <br>Mike took the couch last night and I slept upright in recliner sawing logs. This morning we had our coffee and went to our first wisdom home of the day, Oak Pointe. We walked in to the common room filled with the wise with almost every chair taken. Immediately we had explain why we missed our performance for them yesterday. We had them laughing and the music was great as people were singing along and playing percussion on their laps. We also let them know that we were going to re-coin what we call retirement homes to Wisdom Homes. They loved the idea :-) We said our goodbyes and are now heading south on 71 to Butler Missouri. We have another radio show today, playing live on the Air @ FM 92.1 KMOE. Folks can tune in on the web @ www.921news.com. We figure around 3ish. Then we are playing a second wisdom home before we go set up at The Union, for tonight’s public show. READY SET GO!!!!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/43103905ec0d668e58d65e566011148a2e17a3bb/medium/union-chicken-picken.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/49407282017-11-20T10:51:18-06:002024-03-25T23:54:25-06:00Northwest Sessions<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="peR2qCm694w" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/peR2qCm694w/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/peR2qCm694w?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Here is a fun interview we did on our way through Maryville MO this last tour. 10 Days, 10 performances 1820 miles!</p>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/48550712017-11-20T10:33:10-06:002024-03-25T23:50:36-06:00Hello McCarthy<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/4d753a68227e39fa6cf4484df711ed6904766954/large/img-0745.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" />Alaska in July is simply amazing. People come out of the wood work from a long cold winter of hunkering down. In the second week of my July tour, I headed out to the remote town of McCarthy, Alaska with my friend, Jonas Moser. We just had a busy weekend at the Girdwood Forest Fair, running sound, playing music and keeping the black bears at bay. After a week of music in Girdwood, Jonas and I took off in a Toyota Tundra to McCarthy Alaska, where I would spend the next week teaching families percussion, song-writing and guitar - SUPER AWESOME FUN! </p>
<p>While in the woods up a 4-wheeler trail, the 2nd day of my time in McCarthy, I was sitting at my cabin writing a song for my brother. Noon rolled around and I grabbed my tooth brush, scrubbing my pearly whites, I meandered about 40 yards to the river bank which was a 15 foot cliff. I was doubled over brushing my tongue hacking and yaking when I heard a tumbling through the soap berry bushes (similar to blue berry bushes) coming in my direction behind me. I turned around and saw a black bear 30 yards out, ears back, locked onto me and charging. Without so much as a thought, I charged back screaming and yelling something growly and fierce. I got a few strides into my charge and the 400+ lbs bruin broke off to the left and trucked it through the woods. My heart started beating again and I was dumbfounded by what had just happened. 30 years of living in Alaskan woods, around bears, never have I been charged.</p>
<p>I spent the entire week reflecting and thinking what I did wrong. I conclude that the male bear was in the area stalking a moose with 2 calves. The black bear must have thought I was a baby moose in distress because of the gagging noise I was making! Yikes! After my return to Minnesota, I wrote the song :) One of my favorite to perform, Tooth Brush Bruin.</p>
<p>The rest of my Alaska Tour was amazing. Music, fishing, squirrels in the suburban, the Youkalop in McCarthy, Copper's Landing, late night jams and songwriting. I love Alaska. I'll be returning in April of 2018 as well as July of 2018. Here is a little video I made of my Alaska tours over the past year. The song is the one I wrote for Adam the day I got charged. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Much love.</p>
<p>Chris</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Mb_Zkb1HsQY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Mb_Zkb1HsQY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mb_Zkb1HsQY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/46504832017-03-29T13:05:49-06:002024-03-25T23:51:18-06:002017 Ozark Tour<p>With a cup of coffee, a loaded Tahoe packed full of musical equipment and a cooler full of cheese curds, I left my house to pick up The Messenger. Embarking on a 2,300 mile tour to the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas and NE Oklahoma, we set off across the Twin Cities to catch I-35 south. <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LDrb6pEz7Zg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/LDrb6pEz7Zg/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LDrb6pEz7Zg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Over the past several years since losing my brother, I've continued to play a beautiful house concert series in the community of Flint Ridge in Kansas, Oklahoma, for my parents and all of their great friends in the area. It had been a couple of years since I have visited them in their beautiful paradise, and having just come from four months of touring and songwriting in Alaska, I decided now was the time. With a full music schedule in the Twin Cities, I left Grant with the responsibility of the Minnesota TWP Chapter, and I was fortunate enough to be able to have brought the Messenger along for the ride. </p>
<p>A mutual friend and music booker of <a contents="You Rock Promotions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.yourockpromotions.com/" target="_blank">You Rock Promotions</a>, Mark Goodroad, connected me with Nashville’s amazing song-bird, <a contents="Melody Guy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.melodyguy.com" target="_blank">Melody Guy</a>, who after talking to on the phone a few times, quickly became as familiar as a sister. Accepting my invitation to come play the house concert with me, her voyage would take her westbound through Tennessee and Arkansas before arriving at my parent’s house. Before leaving Minnesota, I had contacted <a contents="Joe Mack" data-link-label="Joe Mack" data-link-type="page" href="/joe-mack" target="_blank">Joe Mack</a>, a local Okie and musical powerhouse, and told him of my plans to come down. He invited me to play with him at <a contents="The Branch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Thebranchtahlequah/" target="_blank">The Branch</a> restaurant in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for a Saint Patty show. I graciously accepted and invited him to be a part of my house concert the following day. Before I knew it, I realized that I was bringing together some amazing musicians who had never played together, one of the raw essential elements of Third Wheel Project (aka TWP). The road was set and put in motion. That is when I asked the Messenger to come along with me. Having not known Mike outside of the local Stillwater, MN, music scene, I had a tugging voice and a deep-rooted feeling that we would be able to bond outside of the stage. I could not of been more correct. </p>
<p>I have always wanted to set up a solid corridor tour between Minnesota and the Ozarks….. Stillwater, MN to Stillwater, OK. My past tours south had been a straight 11 hour shot, bypassing everything in between. It was as if my prayers were answered when an old father-figure friend reached out to me and told me that I would be 40 miles east of where he lives if I was traveling through Missouri on I-35. I went to school with his only son, Ryan Calkins, who sadly passed away a short time ago. I was filled with happiness at the idea of seeing JR and his wife, Jean (my adopted parents), and to play for them and their friends. Music I have written over the years since my own brother's death could possibly be as healing for them as it was for me. Ryan's father lined me up with a show in his beautiful little town of Maryville, MO at a great venue called <a contents="The Pub" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Pub-253642008148127/" target="_blank">The Pub</a>. </p>
<p>The dash of our Chevy Tahoe holds the very distinct view of life on the road. The wrapper of a beef jerky stick, a Bluetooth speaker, three pairs of sunglasses, two hats and a recent gas receipt blowing around because the windows are down. The Messenger snatches it out of the air before it escapes to the highway. He turns and looks at me in a gravely voice then says, "You better hang onto this son." I stash it in the pile of receipts clipped to the visor, which are already exponentially growing. The drive to Maryville was full of Jimmy John jammies, good music and a forever setting sunset. It was late when we got to our beds. I cannot give enough thanks to JR and Jean for hosting us and filling our bellies with wonderful Midwestern cooking. </p>
<p>On Wednesday, some call it Hump Day, we set off towards downtown to set up the stage and stopped at the local radio station to introduce ourselves and to promote our show that evening. We were welcomed with open arms and new friends. Jeff, the owner of The Pub, is an amazing individual and an incredibly hard worker. When we arrived at the venue, he was single-handedly moving couches and chairs down from the stage to put in their positions throughout the venue. One of his worker bees, Tia Calkins and an incredible artist, was rotating artwork from a previous art show throughout the venue. It instantly felt like a home venue to Mike and I because of their hospitality and kindness. The show was great that night. We had two guitars, vocals and a piano. We were well received by the locals and the students from the University, the Bearcats. After the show, we started thinking we would play here on our way back north the following week. We came back home at about 2 AM and were not quiet enough on our tiptoes. Jack, the beautiful and wonderful dog of the Caulkins’, greeted Mike and I in a barking tumble. We quickly slunk away to our rooms and found slumber. </p>
<p>The next morning, the Caulkins greeted us with meaningful conversation, home cooking and artisan coffee from Alaska. We hit the road south on 71 towards Kansas City and rode with our arms out the window. One of our missions, was to find strings for my new Charango I had picked up from a gentleman in Wisconsin who had acquired it in Bolivia on his last work trip. Just south of Kansas City, we happened across a billboard sign advertising a guitar shop with over 2000 guitars in a town called Butler. The music shop was awesome and they treated us with so much kindness. If you are ever in the area, stop in and tell Jack that we sent you. He told us of a music venue across the street called the Union. We walked into the <a contents="Union" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/UnionRestaurant/" target="_blank">Union</a> and found the owner, Brandon, sitting in the corner working. He greeted us with a smile and we booked a show the following Thursday on our way back to the Twin Cities. At first glance, the Union Restaurant is a tall, 1860’s styled saloon with an arched brick doorway leading into another room which houses the bar. The entire venue screams “Americana”. On the bar side, Brandon and his brother, Rodger, painted a huge American flag on the interior wall. The plaster which the flag is painted on, breaks away in places leaving the original brick structure as a 3D backdrop. The menu looked amazing, and we left with big smiles on our faces, knowing that when we return northbound, our senses would be dazzled. </p>
<p>With four hours to go, Mike is behind the wheel, and I am sitting in the passenger seat rattling off bad jokes and old memories. Driving south, the sun is sitting at about 2 o'clock in the sky and I am singing the lyrics to my song, Kansas City, with the windows down and my hand surfing the airwaves. With 12 miles to go, Michael turned the keys over to me as I wanted to be the one to pull into the driveway. We pull up to the gated entry of Flint Ridge and I pushed the button. </p>
<p>Almost to Mom and Dad’s! The narrow winding road snakes its way immediately to the top of the ridgeline where the term “Gateway to the Ozark’s” begins. The setting sun flickers through the passing, tall evergreens where wildlife is abundant and turkey and deer forge on the forest floor. The beautiful sound of birdsongs fill the air with the occasional shadows of larger predatory birds soaring above the canopy. The road somewhat resembles a roller coaster with sharp turns and hills that cause my belly to lift. This roller coaster keeps getting faster and faster, as I cannot wait to see Mom and Dad. </p>
<p>We pull into the driveway at about 6 PM. Melody Guy is standing outside waiting for us. Mom opens the door and Dewey pops out to greet us. We jump out of the car making our introductions with big hugs and smiles. Of course, Mom has dinner almost finished and we crack a beer on the back porch. This place is hard to describe. But it is a place that will always exist in my heart. As a young kid, I read the book “Where the Red Fern Grows” in English class. I absolutely love that book. The story of a boy and his two dogs running amongst the tall sycamore trees hunting raccoons. The filming of the movie was shot on the same stretch of river that my parents live on while the book’s setting was the river valley below & southward. After a good night’s sleep, I woke up early and took my guitar outside on the back porch and wrote a song about the Red Fern and what it means to me. After coffee and breakfast, the Messenger and Melody took off towards Fayetteville, Arkansas, to run errands and to do a radio interview regarding our upcoming local shows. I took off with Mom and Dad towards Fayetteville and Springdale, Arkansas, to look for strings for my armadillo guitar. In my quest to get this awesome little instrument up and running, I found a beautiful venue and guitar shop with an incredible staged area that offers a continuing concert series. I did not find any strings, but I did make a good connection for a future venue we will play on one of our next tours south. </p>
<p>On our way back home, we stopped in every antique store and pawn shop we came across where I found a vintage suitcase. I've always wanted to have a stomp box when I'm playing guitar and singing and ended up picking up a drum kick pedal, as well. Dad and I spent several hours in his shop and successfully mounted it to the case. The sound is fantastic! The rest of the day was filled with music and food. </p>
<p>On Friday, we headed south to Tahlequah where we met Joe Mack for our Saint Patty's show at the Branch Restaurant. It was an intimate venue with great food & where we were very well received. It is truly an honor to play with such wonderful musicians! </p>
<p>Saturday came quickly and preparations for our house concert commenced. Mom and Dad reserved what was formerly known as the Round House before a tornado took it out in 2011. It was rebuilt into a beautiful little venue with a large covered deck overlooking the Illinois River and valley below. We had about 35 people attend and the evening was magic. By the end of the night, Melody was leading us in song, Joe was on the mandolin, Mike was on a lead guitar, I was on Cajon but jumped to the piano when my dad got up to play percussion. I never realized how good of a drummer my dad was. I think he must've been practicing quite a bit since the last time I saw him. The full band sounded like we had been playing together for years. The night was filled with children playing, laughter and heartfelt tears; truly a captive audience. We, as musicians, live for this kind of moment and fully appreciate the continued support from our Flint Ridge family. At the end of the night, the few stragglers that stayed behind kindly helped us load all of our gear and we went home and found beautiful slumber. <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5R9Qmb6qVhc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/5R9Qmb6qVhc/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5R9Qmb6qVhc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>After waking the next day to coffee and breakfast, and headed to Rogers, Arkansas, to <a contents="New Province Brewing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.newprovincebrewing.com/" target="_blank">New Province Brewing</a>, a beautiful little brewery in the bustling town of Rogers. We were greeted with kindness and well received by all of the Sunday fun Go'ers. After our show, Melody decided to stay one more day and we headed back to Kansas, Oklahoma, to Gatortailz, a local biker bar under new ownership. Some local musicians run a jam on Sunday nights and we joined them. It was a lot of fun to play a local bar and one we will definitely revisit our next tour south. </p>
<p>After reluctantly saying our goodbye’s, Melody headed back to Nashville Monday but not before she & I hopped on the four-wheelers to visit a new family in the neighborhood. This beautiful family has five wonderful kids who all love music. We gave the kids a Cajon that my dad and I had built two years ago and left them with the mission to keep playing music. It was so wonderful to see the smile and joy on their faces. </p>
<p>Mike and I stayed at my parents house all day enjoying rides on the four-wheelers and the smell of the smoker as my father worked his magic on a few racks of baby-back ribs. For any of you who know me and how much I love to grill and smoke meat, my father is where this passion came from. Tuesday brought more relaxation in preparation for the coming onslaught of shows. Wednesday night, we headed back off to Springdale to set up for our show at a brewery on the White River called <a contents="The Saddlebock" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://saddlebock.com/" target="_blank">The Saddlebock</a>. The brewery is housed in a red barn perched outside of town on picture perfect farmland. The locals came out and we had a wonderful time playing music for them. Needless to say, we made some friends and promised to return when back in the area. </p>
<p>The following day, we took the four-wheelers and brought Adam’s remaining ashes to the river’s edge where my brother loved to sit and write. We emptied his ashes into the Illinois River and let him go. It was a very heartfelt moment, surprisingly filled with happiness and tears. A couple of hours later an old friend of mine in Alaska called me and told me he just had a dream about my brother. In the dream my brother told him to call me to tell me that he was happy and that he was OK. My friend in Alaska had no idea we were doing this, but the time of his dream was the exact time we were dropping his ashes into the river. It shook us both to the core. There have been several times over the years when my brother has reached out to me through various friends and acquaintances. <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="x4KhTy-WHTM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/x4KhTy-WHTM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x4KhTy-WHTM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Early Thursday morning we loaded both vehicles, my Tahoe & Mom’s Subaru for the drive north to Butler, Missouri. We took off up Highway 10 where Mike & I listened to the song that I wrote several years ago called Kansas City. I wrote this song chasing a girl north and is one of my favorite songs to perform. "Kansas City here I come, cattle trails and two lane roads. Highway 10 you're my friend again, my queen is waiting on the other end..." </p>
<p>We pulled into Butler listening to the local radio station airing our interview and music that was recorded the previous day. Since we had a scheduled community service show at the Breezy Meadows Nursing Home that afternoon, we quickly dropped off some of our gear at the Union Restaurant, and rushed back to Breezy Meadows to set up our sound system. Soon the room was filled with smiles and clapping from residents and staff, bringing so much joy through music. After playing a little over an hour, Mike, went around to every person shaking their hand. It was as if he was a vessel of youth transferring his energy into those he touched. </p>
<p>Afterwards, we headed over to the Union and set up. If there is one bar that represents this great nation, it is the Union in Butler, Missouri. Brandon and his brother, Rodger, have done an amazing job turning this old brick corner building of the town square into an Americana-themed restaurant. We were greeted by the smell of amazing food, kindness and hospitality from everyone that works there and felt a deep-rooted sense of America's heartland. The stage was set perfectly and we had the support from the entire community. The first half of the show was to a dinner crowd. Most dinner crowds I have played, I am simply the background music. But this dinner crowd was a captivated audience and the venue turned into a listening room very quickly with dancing between tables. My father played percussion for us all night long and he absolutely killed it :-) I mostly played originals but did sprinkle some of my cover songs into the mix. We ended up playing for about six hours that night. We made some great friends and, by the end of the night, found ourselves back at Brandon's house crashed out on adjacent couches. The next morning, we woke up early and Mike was still in dreamland. I thought it would be funny to start talking gibberish to him. It took him about five minutes to realize that I was just messing with him but it gave us both a belly laugh. We went back to the Union for breakfast and to pack our gear down and say our goodbyes. I would like to give a big shout out to the Union, Brandon, Jackie and Rodger for making us feel like family. We will definitely be back soon. </p>
<p>Our next stop on the tour would bring us back up through Kansas City and back to Maryville. Mom and Dad decided to come follow us for one more show. We arrived back at the Calkins house at about noon. I wanted so badly for my parents to meet JR and Jean. Both having lost a son, I knew that there would be an instant bond and a lot to talk about between them. They literally seem like they were cut from the same cloth. Mike and I headed off to The Pub to set up and get ready for our final show on this tour. Jeff was cleaning and working hard when we arrived, getting ready to open the doors. We set up the stage and got set for the night. Being spring break, Jeff had expected it to be a slow night but it was quite the opposite. We ended up playing about five hours that night with most of the town coming out to listen. Tia, a local artist at the college, brought out her paints and painted the Third Wheel Project logo on the front of my new suitcase kick. Dad rocked out on the percussion again and Mike sang a little blues. The Caulkins’ family & friends joined in for the evening. It was amazing! Against our better judgment, we decided to break down the following day even though the forecast was calling for 80% chance of rain. We were greeted in the morning by biscuits and gravy and lots of hugs with promises to return soon. We loaded up our equipment in a downpour and began our 400 mile trek back to Stillwater, Minnesota. </p>
<p>The drive-through rule America is quite humbling. The vast expanse of farmland and amber waves of grain, reminds me how hard these farmers work to feed us all. It was good to see a persistent rainfall across Missouri and Iowa. The land south of Kansas City is rather dry right now with fires popping up everywhere. An occasional lightning strike with low hanging clouds blowing east to west made for a beautiful drive northbound. Once we made it to I-35, it was smooth sailing. Mike is a walking encyclopedia of musical knowledge. He gave me several history lessons and soon took over driving as I grew tired. As we grew closer to the Cities, the price of gas also rose. On the drive, we called music venues in towns that we were passing to book shows for our next trip south. By the time we arrived at Mike's house to drop him off, we had clocked 2,331 miles. This time, we gave each other a big hug with the promise of playing music the next day. I headed straight to a small venue on the St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minnesota, to join my friend and brother in arms, Grant Walker, as he had a show Saturday night. I set on the Cajon and sang a few songs. It's funny how music is the one thing that relaxes me as well as pumps me up. This was a wind-down for me. I was completely and utterly exhausted from the haul that we had just finished. For any musician out there, you know what I'm talking about. You’ve just played the most incredible show of your life and after the show, your body is pumped full of adrenaline and good vibes, making it very hard to sleep. </p>
<p>Looking back, I made a new brother and his name is Mike. I was able to spend time with Mom and Dad, releasing Adam to the river, which he loved so much and passed upon. I made a sister in Melody Guy. I can remember every time I have cried on stage while performing, and I will always remember playing percussion to Melody's songs as they drew up the tears from within like a mountain spring in the Ozarks. I will always remember the joy upon my mother’s face when she sees me after too long. I will always smile upon the memory of my father and all of his hard work throughout the years to provide and shelter us, and the connection we made when he finally joined me on stage after all this time. I will never forget the happiness it brought the folks in the nursing home in Butler, Missouri, when we sang to them, lifting the room out of their forgotten stare. I will never forget Lew's burritos. I will always remember the moment that Melody Guy called Joe Mack a foxy minx. Thank you so much for reading. We have some great things coming the next six months so I invite you to come back often to see what we are up to. From the Third Wheel Project and all of the love we bring, have a blessed day and love, love, love. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>CLS</p>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/45414292017-01-07T18:32:05-06:002024-03-25T23:53:29-06:00Full Band TapRootSuper excited to be playing with the AK TWP chapter as a full band tonight! We are playing the late show with several quest artists coming out through the evening to play a couple songs with us. Our layout tonight will be, Cody Tanner on lead guitar, Jonny Stixx on bass, Bruno Zinno on drums, myself (Snyder) on Vocals / Guitar and piano. Our good friend and musician, Devin Whitney will be jumping up to play a couple blues numbers. We kick things off at 10pm! Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/45246892016-12-24T18:32:37-06:002024-03-25T23:54:25-06:00A 2016 to RememberDear God,<br><br>As i have sat at the worlds end, memories have tugged at my heart strings. Sitting alone on the beach for hours on end has left me reflecting and truly feeling whats important in my life. Time is all we have and how we spend can be good as gold. I am so blessed to have such wonderful souls in my life. With the closing of this year, I send all of my love out to the universe. Please watch over my family and loved ones. May you bless us with good fortune and empathy. I love you world.<br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="R1SQqB8t5iM" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/R1SQqB8t5iM/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R1SQqB8t5iM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/44721862016-11-17T15:36:55-06:002023-09-16T01:53:36-06:00Songwriting ModeToday's technology can really help in bringing out the creative force. Especially in songwriting. I am convinced that without my ability to capture the moment, so many of my songs would be lost. The songwriting process is unique and different from person to person. Some sit with ink and paper and first write the idea. Some do this in outline form and some in poetry. I do this when I am traveling and my guitar is out of reach (which never really happens). I have found that simply putting myself in a place of inspiration, the feelings and words just flow. So I hit record and repeat this 2 or 3 times. Then at a later time, I sit down and write my song based on the feelings and emotion brought to life while in the moment.<br>Now there is no wrong way to write a song and when that tune hits, stop everything and capture it! One of the reasons I have stayed in Alaska longer is to song-write. I spent almost 2 weeks in solitude over looking the Katchemak Bay in Homer Alaska. Here are a couple of songs in their very beginnings. Not even songs yet, merely ideas. This is how I can best formulate my songs with a healthy balance of emotion and content. After I spend a couple weeks with them, they take new life and become real songs, or something for the trash can.<br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7yrYfGDXLQ0" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/7yrYfGDXLQ0/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7yrYfGDXLQ0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WrW0jVsUUds" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/WrW0jVsUUds/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrW0jVsUUds?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/44387512016-11-01T11:13:31-06:002023-12-10T10:42:56-06:00On the Road<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/c24f42921972ef0fa34517b0c3d03fd70ed26dc3/original/img-4709.jpg?1478020548" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Coming home to Alaska has been exceptional. Re-kindling old friendships and relationships long thought to be lost memories. Driving hours and hours through majestic mountains and their alpine passes leaves plenty of time for the mind to unwind.<br>After landing in Anchorage we settled in fast, playing a couple shows around the bowl area. One of the venues sits downtown on 5th and C st.; Sullivan's Steakhouse, where <a contents="Joel Kachel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jkmusic.com" target="_blank">Joel Kachel</a> and I have been the resident musicians the past 3 weeks. A nice, upper class cliental looking for that classy low lit mood lighting. Old friend Tommy Potts is behind the bar making it a familiar venue even though much of the traffic is tourists with the good chance of friends stopping through for an app and drink.<br>The next night was a Thursday at Garcia's, my first job back in high school. Holy AWESOME BatMan. So many familiar faces and friends. TWP Showcased Joel this night where I mostly sat on the Cajon and backed him. It was a good night. After the Shenanigans, we headed up Eagle River Valley and stayed at my buddies house. Waking up on a mountainside to a glacier sunrise was quite spiritual. Especially when the black bear walked up to the open tour van we were loading!<br>After coffee and farewells Joel and I hit the road for Homer. But not before we picked up Jonny Stixx on our way through Anchorage. The road to Homer is simply one of the most breath-taking drives I have ever ridden. I do not say that lightly. South Anchorage spills down into the Turn Again mud flats. A railroad and inlet ocean on the right side with the sheer rocky cliffs of the Chugach Mountains on the left. In the summer months it is common to see Dahl Sheep on the low cliffs next to the road. When the salmon are running, Beluga Whales give chase, riding the powerful incoming tides, feasting on salmon ready to spawn.<br>This truly is gods country. Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/44272752016-10-19T17:46:15-06:002022-08-25T04:59:02-06:00"Ride My Road" is now LIVE!<a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itun.es/us/s1FCfb" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/3b6772cf87018f2a13c1d163d418b0ba4266d247/original/img-3933.jpg?1476920308" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/43847902016-09-22T07:36:29-06:002022-05-16T01:10:06-06:00The Way We Move - Bounce 1<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="EWBarcqVZic" data-video-thumb-url="http://img.youtube.com/vi/EWBarcqVZic/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EWBarcqVZic?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br>Here is a song I had written back in 2012 before moving out of Alaska. During the first scratch recording my good buddy Cody Tanner was in the room playing guitar. These past couple weeks have moved me to write new songs and dig a couple old ones out of the closet. This recording and much of the video was captured in and around Wild Horse Studio, just north of Stillwater Minnesota. Daryl Bolicek has taken my music on and is helping me create an EP with my new single, Ride My Road. The full record will be out by spring of 2017. Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/43838092016-09-21T15:53:45-06:002023-12-10T10:41:04-06:00Alaska Tour 2016<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/d048f80362b970edbefacd525028cdd6a68e6a08/original/img-3404.jpg?1474494808" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/39243512015-11-12T08:24:21-06:002023-09-26T04:17:53-06:00Pretty Little Victim<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/39805949" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Before I packed up my music and headed across the Lower 48 from Alaska, I had the pleasure of being on the set and writing music for this short film. Director and Producer, Paul Rufus Jones and myself go all the way back to 4th grade where we shot movies on an old Hi8 shoulder camera... the big clunky kind. Years later he is still chasing his dreams with his work growing with every project. At the 5:25 minute mark, the scene goes into a bar and thats where myself and my crew of Third Wheel Project boys comes into play. The song I wrote for the film is called, "Completely Yours" and was a collaboration between Paul and myself as to what words we would use in the song. The Third Wheel Project crew this day was Jonny Stixx, Jason Germann, Cody Tanner, Mike Oviat and myself. Share if you like it!<br>Sincerely,<br>Chris<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/39805949">Pretty Little Victim</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/paulrufusjones">Paul Rufus Jones</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/39116622015-11-03T14:29:41-06:002022-05-25T11:11:58-06:00Lions Main Live<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/2adbf9e29701016200420a4d02ad9044f853b5b7/original/image.jpg?1446582552" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38991002015-10-15T13:25:04-06:002022-05-19T15:56:46-06:00Chris Snyder 2015 Fall Music Schedule<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/180950/bbfb1f75073d0696c73751160b241106d721083d/original/2015-chris-fall-schedule.jpg?1444937080" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987002015-06-10T09:21:00-06:002018-05-10T01:28:20-06:00Alaska Tour 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LiQSFfzYWQ/VXgyiO-x58I/AAAAAAAAA1A/jX0nFc7XDNY/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LiQSFfzYWQ/VXgyiO-x58I/AAAAAAAAA1A/jX0nFc7XDNY/s1600/15%2B-%2B1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a></div><br>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987012014-12-09T14:43:00-06:002021-09-10T04:51:04-06:00Preston Gunderson<div style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Fauna One, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><i>Give a warm welcome to the newest musician of<b> Third Wheel Project. </b>Everything about this guy is awesome. Be sure and check out his detailed work at <a href="http://www.prestongunderson.com/">www.prestongunderson.com</a></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Fauna One, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 20px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Fauna One, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i>Preston Gunderson</i></b></span></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Fauna One, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4p2HgnvNPQ/VIdeqXMDi9I/AAAAAAAAAtY/Jf0ZMXSDTSs/s1600/HM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4p2HgnvNPQ/VIdeqXMDi9I/AAAAAAAAAtY/Jf0ZMXSDTSs/s1600/HM1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="309" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></span></div>
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Fauna One, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">A singer-songwriter originally from the Iron Range located in North woods of Minnesota. The former iron ore miner always had the drive and passion to create honest, and heartfelt music. His full length album "While I was Gone" cracked the top #200 on the iTunes pop charts, and "The Recluse - EP" peaked at #25 in the world on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts. <i><b>The 2014 Bob Dylan singer-songwriter competition grand champion</b></i> was also a casting finalist on NBC's "<b>The Voice</b>" and Fox's "<b>American Idol.</b>" His latest full length album, "Getting Good at Starting Over," was made possible by the incredible support of his fan base via Kickstarter. With his powerhouse voice, catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, Preston's music has the ability to connect and move people from all walks of life.</span></span></div>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987022014-12-04T13:31:00-06:002022-04-30T13:11:06-06:00Mike TheMan MyersA few weeks back Nici and I had a show at the oldest bar in Minnesota known as Neumann's. We had a great show as the audience was super involved and our host, Joey Gagliardi was killing it on the Harmonica. That is when we met Mike. A quiet sort, slinging brews and making burgers with the rhythmic head bob that so many musicians subconsciously do. Well, it turns out that Mike is TheMan on the drums. He's got a great style with so many varieties of rhythm. You can find him playing with a number of acts as described in his bio below. You can also find him out at Pub 112 on Thursday nights providing the sweet beat to Firefly's Acoustic Showcase. Needless to say, he is an amazing individual and we welcome him with open arms to the Third Wheel Project!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJi1Wrqj8-A/VIC1oNTmBNI/AAAAAAAAAro/tRs7v6Byx9E/s1600/MikeTheManMyers%2BB%26W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJi1Wrqj8-A/VIC1oNTmBNI/AAAAAAAAAro/tRs7v6Byx9E/s1600/MikeTheManMyers%2BB%26W.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="400" /></a></div><br>"When I was 10 years old I discovered my dad's drum set yet we were not allowed to play it... that did not stop me. After years of pain for practice, I started playing in punk bands; loud fast mean sounding music I love the motion its intensity it's no prisoners attitude. I found a few like-minded musicians and formed OFP. We were asked to join the gasoline music group along with bands like Vaudeville in Phoenix philosophy. We started gigging, building crowds, and breaking noise ordinances all around. I was hooked shortly after disbanding. I found blue is this was it the same intensity of emotion that I had fell for originally but this had class it had style it was polished like like a manicured inferno. Once again I was hooked, assert, exposing myself to all the Blues I could find: Coco Montoya Elijah Adam Mike Valles Quez and many many more. I would eventually find myself in Elijah's band. Finally a kick ass blues band since parting ways with that group I found so many talented musicians who are also awesome people Harrison Street pick me up and we were instantly compatible. Through them I met Nici and Chris and the Third Wheel Project, what chemistry! Once again I have pulled someone into thinking I can play drums. Anyway... I am so thrilled and thoroughly blessed to play with such awesome musicians and I'm not done yet! Gotta keep going! Challenge yourself and I'll keep time."<br>~Mike the man MyersThird Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987032013-12-09T16:40:00-06:002023-12-10T10:44:04-06:00Firefly's Alaska Album - Alive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKHjNgG5REI/UnUdRswKM3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/S2m5Lfz93lQ/s1600/Album+Art+2013+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKHjNgG5REI/UnUdRswKM3I/AAAAAAAAAcc/S2m5Lfz93lQ/s400/Album+Art+2013+-+1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is a compilation of recordings from different shows from Firefly's tour of Alaska. The result is a high energy, and often entertaining, album of live performances from headlining The Fiddlehead Festival in Girdwood, AK, to the listening room atmosphere in the venue they kickstarted, Anchorage City Limits.<br>*"Nothin' But Lovin'" is a song by Chris Snyder in which he has a chorus but makes up the verses on the spot. In the track, the band makes fun of Nici running to the stage from the bathroom! Not the beer tent!<br>* "Truth Truck" was written by Nici in the bathtub after a particularly unpleasant discovery about an ex.<br>* Nici left for a solo show, through the tunnel, in Whittier, AK. Chris wrote "Be My Light", one of the catchiest songs on the album, while she was gone.... and you guessed it- she said yes :)<br>* "I Belong to You" was written after deciding the concept of the current project, "Four Seasons". It was Nici's first winter in Alaska and seemed to be winter in their relationship as well. With spring coming, she wrote with that in mind, a reminder that love stays, even when times are cold and dark.<br>* "Familiar River Bends" was originally a poem Chris wrote about his passion for fishing and all the years he's spent on the rivers in Alaska catching salmon and rainbow trout. This song captures his unique "Alaskan Reggae" style.<br>*Chris and Nici originally met in Minnesota while Chris was on tour in 2012. "Firefly" is one of the first songs he wrote after they met and is the inspiration behind their band name.<br>* Nici went and house-sat with a dear friend. In the corner sat a beautiful, well-loved guitar that she picked up and came up with "You Alone". The song was written in about ten minutes.<br>*"Hurricane" was written by Chris and Nici the morning after a disagreement. They sat together and created the song that was basically an apology to each other for things that were said out of anger.<br>* "Bluebird" is a song that Nici wrote a couple years ago. Having become a very special song for her mother and her, Lori Peper often joins them on stage to sing harmony with them when they are touring through Wisconsin. It's a song about friendship and how we need each other- especially when times get difficult.<br>A huge thank you to all the incredible people who have and continue to support us along the way- our sponsors, Lithia Chevrolet of Fairbanks and Jim Shanklin, and The Alaskan Coffee Roastery and the Maclure family- you guys rock! Our wonderful families who send hugs and love to where ever we happen to be, our friends- we could not do this without you! Thank you to Robert, Kelly, Jonas, Darren, for your talents! A special thank you to our wonderful friend and fellow musician, Johnny Stixx, for your talent, your skills, your energy, and your friendship- we've learned so much from you. We love you all!!!<br><br>We hope you all enjoy "Alive" by Firefly!<br>Peace,<br>Firefly and the Third Wheel Project crew</span>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987042013-12-09T15:24:00-06:002021-11-18T23:22:25-06:00Stillwater Minnesota<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuVgp71rQEg/UqYyz-8fX1I/AAAAAAAAAos/t2kl0XFppKM/s1600/Stillwater+MN+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuVgp71rQEg/UqYyz-8fX1I/AAAAAAAAAos/t2kl0XFppKM/s400/Stillwater+MN+-+2" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>After months and months on the road, Nici and I are finally settling down in Stillwater Minnesota! This beautiful historic logging town on the St. Croix river, has got to be one of the best American towns I have ever seen. We found a wonderful 3 bedroom house with a big yard and yes, there is a room for our recording studio! We can CHEEE DA MOON!!! We will have a guest bedroom set up for our touring musician friends and plenty of venues to play.<br>The next few months we have some great shows lined up and a big project that we are working on for Chevrolet. We even have a date set for our wedding which we will announce in the coming weeks. Next summer, we will be touring up to Alaska for a gamut of shows and to headline the Girdwood Forest Fair. Stay warm out there friends!<br>Sincerely,<br>ChrisThird Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987052013-11-25T10:44:00-06:002021-12-17T21:40:50-06:00Firefly on NBC!"You Alone" is a song Nici Peper of Firefly, wrote while on tour across Alaska during the late fall of 2012. While visiting the Coffee Roastery and our dear friends for the weekend, Nici went out to a cabin in the woods all alone and wrote this song in the presence of a Llama.<br>This video was shot at Underground Live and aired on the Venue on NBC after Saturday Night Live.<br><br><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QHDLa23KE-o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987062013-11-24T18:54:00-06:002023-12-10T11:18:40-06:00October 12, 2012Song of the Day "OnThe Road Again" Willie Nelson We just had an incredible tour. I'd say this is arguably the best month of my life. We met some crazy people, some amazing people, and made life-long friendships. My family has grown. Brian and Janice Snyder are two of the most sweet, welcoming, wonderful people I have ever known. If you know them or get a chance to meet them, you will understand. From their hugs to their coffee and soups. You two have a special place in my heart. Thank you.. Chris and I both teared up when we left Flint Ridge, OK today to begin the next chapter of our tour. The Great Escape is heading north loaded to the brim with fireflies, guitars, amps, and a beautiful new keyboard to embark on our next two months of shows in the Land of 10,000 Beers ( aka Minnesota and Wisconsin ). These are my stomping grounds- cheese, beer, camouflage, fingerless gloves, cow tipping, and the Packers. ( Let's not talk about purple here. My cousin has a shirt that says "The Good: Packers, The Bad: Vikings, The Ugly: Cowboys" ) A land of good solid folks that will help out at your fundraiser, stop and pull you out of the snowbank ( I know this ), and/or buy you a Leinenkugals on tap. I'm excited. Being on the road for the last 30 + days have taught Chris and I some valuable lessons.. #1. When you're in the car long enough, tourrets kicks in. #2. If I'm wearing 2 shirts, a sweatshirt, and a sweater, and Chris is wearing a t-shirt, we both enjoy the same temperature in the car. #3. When in Eureka Springs, keep your crystal wand with you at all times. Also a place where a half hour wait is worth it for a good latte. Drink your coffee slow and your beer fast. #4. When in Arkansas, learn the Razorbacks call. Don't ask what it means. Just learn how to say it. Correctly. #5. Chris reeeeeeally likes cows. #6. It's possible to play a country venue, a jazz lounge, and a biker's blues rally all in one week. #7. Armadillos suck. (If you ever see one dead on the side of the road, put 2 beer cans in his paws. This wasn't my idea, it's just what you doooo...) #8. Everyone should hear Kellie Joe Phelps play "Good Night, Irene". (Thanks, Brian :) ) #9. If Chris ever tells you he's going to rip your f*ck%#g sideburns out, he means business! #10. High kicks are hilarious! Do not challenge Chris to a high kick-off- one of our new friends, a sequined vest and pants of blue camouflage wearing bass player, made this mistake..... He over-shot it in his enthusiasm and landed flat on his back. I almost peed my pants. Honorable mention: Gas station food ends unpleasantly. "That smell may or may not be a turkey farm......................" We'll keep you updated. Life on the road is entertaining, exciting, scary at times, but a great way to get to know yourself and someone else. I'll take it :) I'm going to return to making jokes about Iowa now. Love, smiles, and rattlesnakes, NP P.S. if you ever get a chance to go to Chelsea's in Eureka Springs, listen to the Jeff Horton Band out of Fayetteville, AR, or dance to the music of Chad Lee, do it. And stop in to see Joe ( The Mack Daddy ) Mack at the Currentland Magazine office in Tahlequa, OK and give him a big ol' smooch. He's good people and puts on a dang good show. Love from highway. xo <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFatpar84Jc/UpD8QcG4eNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/vz2H_9xOo7Q/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFatpar84Jc/UpD8QcG4eNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/vz2H_9xOo7Q/s320/IMG_1870.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a></div>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987072013-11-23T14:14:00-06:002022-05-18T11:25:01-06:00Warm Place to Stay- FireflyLast fall while Nici and I were touring around MN and WI, we created this little music video using our iPad. We had written and recorded the music a couple weeks before while in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. It was a fun little project :)<br><br><br><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5sWs5YJWcAM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987082013-11-23T12:07:00-06:002022-05-11T12:27:32-06:00On the RoadSeptember 11, 2012<br><br>Song of the Day: "Time For The Sun to Shine" by: Nici Peper & Chris Snyder<br><br>Summer has never been so hot. It's as if all of the moisture is getting pulled from the trees and river day after day. It is a blessing to see a lonely cloud with scant hopes of ever holding enough water to catch a ride back down with gravity. Hurricane Issac tipped his hat and showered the bible belts prayers for rain with a day of rain, but it almost felt like a steam bath once the rain struck the baking pavement.<br>Our home and central command center for our recording sessions and tour across the South sits atop a bluff over looking the Illinois River in Flint Ridge Oklahoma. Most famous for the book written in the area, "Where The Red Fern Grows", this region is also the home of Cherokee Nation, destination of the Trail of Tears.<br><br>At night coyotes can be heard in their howling ballads amongst the rolling farmlands below. The hundreds of birds that flock in daylight, take roost by nightfall making way for the nocturnal to forage the old forests. Our headlights catch the gleaming eyes of dear and raccoons leaving the imagination to second guess what is really watching us.Twinkling diamonds shine down on us all in their majestic glory littered with wishes on shooting stars. This is Gods land.<br><br>We have set up our connections with a local magazine which covers all live music across Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas called The Current. They cover musicians from Willie Nelson to up and coming new artists and bands. It is quite the magazine and network for musicians. We hooked up with the editor and accomplished musician, Joe Mack. He invited Nici and I out to Tulsa to open for his 33rd Birthday show at a small but famous venue last week, our first show in Tulsa. We plan on booking some shows as a Trio for this month and December.<br><br>Nici and I also cruised down to Little Rock to be a part of the biggest tailgate party in America for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where we set up a stage in the bed of my fathers pickup truck. Tens of thousands of people celebrated their beloved Hogs.<br>We made our way to downtown and enjoyed an evening of conversation and laughter.<br><br>On our return voyage to Fayetteville, we stopped in the famous town of Hot Springs to visit the Bath Houses and prospect future venues. Instead of taking the freeway home, we decided on a winding country route that took us through the national forest of the Ozark Mountains. What beauty.<br><br>I have never been so in love. Weather we are sitting in perfect silence or writing a song that tugs at the heart strings, I would be no where else but at her side. Nici is my godsend. Our eye beams dance and catch all emotion. It's as if I have known her forever... I keep pinching myself to ensure this is all real.<br>OUCH!..... Yup I'm still here:)<br>Here is to life. Here is to releasing all fear. Hear is to true love.<br>Chris<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E1mD9V45RQ/UnUdRhDEs8I/AAAAAAAAAcM/zIz00Jyi4dA/s1600/Album+Art+2013+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/--E1mD9V45RQ/UnUdRhDEs8I/AAAAAAAAAcM/zIz00Jyi4dA/s320/Album+Art+2013+-+3" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987092013-11-23T12:04:00-06:002022-05-24T10:34:06-06:00Newspaper InterviewFeb 24, 2011 Article Written and published in the Anchorage Press~<br><br>Posted: Thursday, February 24, 2011 12:00 am<br>By Laura Chartier<br>Most local musicians will tell you that Anchorage has a surprisingly large and diverse music community—and one that is supportive of new musicians. And for such a far-flung city, Anchorage also attracts a fair number of Outside acts. Not many groups could claim to both build local talent and bring in Outside artists to collaborate, but Anchorage’s Third Wheel Project is designed to do just that.<br>This week, Third Wheel Project—a cross between a regular band and a music workshop—is hosting a member from Outside, Joel Kachel, at several shows. “Third Wheel Project is a band and a group that I started to help grow musicians,” says Chris Snyder, the group’s creator. According to the group’s website (www.thirdwheelproject.com), Third Wheel Project is “a band of musicians with the same common goal… to get people to smile and tap their foot in beat with our feel good music.”<br><br>On the musician development side of things, Snyder records all of Third Wheel’s live shows to help artists work on recording and songwriting. “We end up collaborating a lot,” he says. “I play a lot of piano and guitar and ukulele, and I really enjoy engineering sound, so it’s fun for me to help produce music. And by doing this I’ve been able to form a band of core members that I feel are pretty good.”<br>One of those core members is Kachel, a singer/songwriter based in Minnesota. Third Wheel Project first invited Kachel to Alaska in October 2010. During that trip, the group played “12 out of 14 days” he was here, says Kachel. Third Wheel also played at the Whittier Fall Barbeque, with a range of musicians sharing a stage, instruments, and songs. The type of music Third Wheel plays varies widely. “We play a lot based on the audience,” says Synder. “It could be acoustic jazz, other times it will sound more like Sublime, or Ben Folds Five, a kind of upbeat full band sound. Basically I would rather have someone say, ‘Hey, turn it up,’ than ‘Hey, turn it down.’”<br>Kachel agrees: “It’s not overplaying your space,” he says.<br>Kachel is focusing on recording during this trip, though the group will also be performing at a few shows. At home in Minnesota, Kachel runs a landscaping business in the summer, so winter, he says, is his primary time to tour. After his last trip to Alaska, he was inspired to keep traveling, and took a road trip to Nashville to perform and network with other musicians.<br>Sharing inspiration and material is a main focus of the Third Wheel Project. “Everybody that’s a part of the group is able to bring their music to the group,” explains Snyder, “and everybody will learn their music.” That culture encourages artists like Kachel who focus largely on original music. The name Third Wheel, says Kachel, refers to how musicians might feel when entering a new group, something that this project aims to alleviate. Both Snyder and Kachel are self-taught musicians, so they can relate to newcomers to the music scene. “I’d sit at home in front of the piano when I was a kid and just learn it [by ear],” recalls Snyder. As for Kachel, “Every time I record I say hey, if we’re not having fun we need to switch it up,” he says. “And I think that’s important. That’s what music is all about, people can see your excitement and your enthusiasm when you perform.”<br>As for future plans, Third Wheel will be bringing a group from Hawaii, called Lights Out Project, to Anchorage in the near future. Snyder and Kachel have other ideas, too, about reaching out to communities using music, such as bringing recording equipment to villages to run songwriting workshops. Synder once traveled extensively with Up With People, an international education and music performance program, and he brings a global perspective to Third Wheel’s work. He recently agreed to help write the score for a documentary about indigenous tribes in Guatemala, which focuses on themes of interest to Third Wheel, too. “The ability to record music can really inspire a lot in a kid,” he says.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xeV-V86bhs/TMsjs-sIHwI/AAAAAAAAANA/GPHIMF5K2Lo/s1600/Little+Boy+Whistle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-0xeV-V86bhs/TMsjs-sIHwI/AAAAAAAAANA/GPHIMF5K2Lo/s320/Little+Boy+Whistle.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="247" /></a></div><br>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987102013-11-23T11:56:00-06:002023-12-10T11:03:39-06:00Song of the DaySeptember 9, 2012<br><br>Song of the day: "Make You Feel My Love", Bob Dylan<br><br> This trip has been life changing for me. From armadillo hunting to skinny dipping, Tulsa to Hot Springs, I've found myself in new situations and new country I've never experienced before. Whether my magic carpet has been a 2001 ford escape or a four wheeler, always with my faithful 6 string Yamaha and one incredible man by my side, I've now realized that my life will never be the same. It's like drinking Brian Snyder's cappuccinos.. Once you've tried it, your standards raise. You've tasted the best, the cream of the crop, the best life has to offer.. Mine eyes hath now been opened.<br> Oprah makes thousands of dollars talking about living our best life. Magazines thrive on giving advice about how to do it. Working out a certain way, buying this new pair of shoes, best tactics with which to please our significant other.. We all want to be happy. We all want our best life. In the beautiful, rugged hills of Flint Ridge, Oklahoma, I realized I have found it.. I've never been so happy, so content- and simultaneously wholeheartedly excited about what the future holds. I feel more myself than I ever have.. Being with someone who not only accepts me but loves me completely has given me freedom from the anxiety and loneliness that has always seemed to follow me.. I miss my family and friends like crazy but I know when I do come home, I will be a better friend, daughter, sister, musician, and source of love.<br> It's not a money making idea. In fact, it's a rare and treasured blessing. I know things like this don't come along every day. I'm not working out, just doing fun things, exploring Chris, my heart, and this incredible land. I can't remember the last time I ate ice cream or drank good- I mean, Good- beer without planning on cutting calories the next day. I'm happy in my sundresses and cowgirl boots. He tells me I'm beautiful without makeup and I believe him.<br> Thank you, Chris Snyder, for the gentleness in how you handle my heart. I am humbled and grateful for your friendship, encouragement, and love.<br> I have been in numerous relationships and I tried to fit every one into the box that was my Love Story. I knew it would happen eventually and I was impatient. Although the thought crossed my mind that I wish I would have waited, I now know my path was what it was for a reason. It led me here. Be patient. Know that good will come. May you all feel as blessed as I do.<br> Love, peace, and capos,<br>xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo<br>Nici<br>P.S. Chris says hi :)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkEPtolpw5M/UpDsRTKkOxI/AAAAAAAAAc8/4Bmj5Zf7bcg/s1600/6F957BB1-DF14-4131-B0FD-3B857F2A3B46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkEPtolpw5M/UpDsRTKkOxI/AAAAAAAAAc8/4Bmj5Zf7bcg/s320/6F957BB1-DF14-4131-B0FD-3B857F2A3B46.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="249" /></a></div><br>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987112013-11-23T11:52:00-06:002022-05-06T10:17:07-06:00New TWP Band, Firefly!August 26, 2012<br><br>You found us! WELCOME!<br>Thank you for taking the time to listen.<br>The spirit of Third Wheel Project is simple; play music that inspires and empowers people to grow in a positive direction. The third wheel artist lineup is a group of artists from around the world, each hand picked for their own unique sound and gifts that they bring to the table as a collective whole. <br>A key focus in our travels is to inspire our youth to explore their creative tendencies. Be it through music or be it through visual design, be it through video editing or be it through writing, creative arts are important for the development of our society as a whole. We is the artists of Third Wheel Project, desire to share a gift with the world in hopes of touching someone. Inspiration takes seed at any age.<br><br>A month ago, magic happened in the land of 10,000 lakes. World traveled artist and producer, Chris Snyder of Third Wheel Project, began creating music and performing with arguably the best female singer / songwriter of our time. It's a bold thing to say, but just you wait as her music speaks for itself. Nici has been compared as a female Bob Dylan with regards to her meaningful songwriting. She has a variety of original music and covers ranging from Jonny Cash to The Temptations.<br>Currently, Nici and Chris are on tour across Wisconsin and Minnesota, joined by TWP touring artist, Joel Kachel. In the next 6 months, they have invites with plans to tour in Alaska, Arkansas, Austin TX, Florida, New Zealand, Ireland, and Austria.<br>Nici and Chris recently started a new project named Firefly, an acoustical duo that bounces Nici's sweet country-prairie sometimes Patsy Cline'esque style with Snyder's Surfer Americana. Throughout their performance, both take turns playing guitar, singing, harmonizing and their hand at percussion. It really is a captivating experience to witness these two musical spirits as one song.<br><br>Before leaving Minnesota and Wisconsin to head south to continue their tour, Nici and Chris have been asked to open for Bret Michaels in Minneapolis at the Pourhouse.<br>They have also been approached about being a weekly acoustic act at the Belagio in Las Vegas!<br>Stay tuned and follow us at www.thirdwheelproject.com.<br>You can book the Artists of Third Wheel Project on the website! Take the time to explore the site and share! We also have free Android and Apple APPS on the main home-page making it so easy to follow us and stream our music for free!<br>One big shout out to our newest member of the TWP community, web-designer technical genius, Morgan Tuttle. Living in Austin Texas, Morgan took 10 years of my self produced websites, and in a month turned it into a fantastic hub for our collective projects. Thank you good sir!<br>Most Sincerely,<br>Third Wheel Project<br>www.thirdwheelproject.com<br>email: picturealaska@me.com<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tz_WparV8M/UpDrZfrUeOI/AAAAAAAAAc0/OQ6BdE-8o3E/s1600/584B05BD-9BC0-47D5-A6F7-01F0C11F66EB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Tz_WparV8M/UpDrZfrUeOI/AAAAAAAAAc0/OQ6BdE-8o3E/s320/584B05BD-9BC0-47D5-A6F7-01F0C11F66EB.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="248" width="320" /></a></div><br>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987122011-07-01T08:54:00-06:002023-12-10T13:34:03-06:00South Bound<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">June 29th 2011, Anchorage Airport 11:30pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">The Sockeye Red IPA hit smooth and quick at gate B5. It's 11:33pm and you would think the reds just started running on the Tarmac judging by all of the cheap fedoras and Flyfishing vests. The little old lady next to me has waaaaaay too much of the musk deer going on in her custom gucci fufu juice.... I think I'll move. Have you ever noticed how disorganized we become when traveling? I can't find my boarding pass that I wrapped around my ID and it's in my left hand.... Wtf? These moments in transit bring my life to a grinding awkward slow down that can only be cured with sleep or an iPad. But even then, the iPad gives me way too many choices. Do I blog or game.... Social network or update my web site... Surf the app store or google news it? What ever happened to the days of reading a book or talking to the old man next to me? Sometimes I wish the batteries would just die.... Oh crap, 15% left on my iPad... Better save my entertainment factor.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">20f. That's my seat. But wait.... The stewardess just told me to pick any seat..... Hmmmm leg room sounds nice. I think I'll kick it behind 1st class. It sure beats the middle seat 13 rows back behind with the screaming baby.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My jaw does the dance every 10 seconds or so, to level out the pressure between my ear drums. Bear mountain all of a sudden looks minute in comparison to the Alaskan range to the north. Soon enough the clouds look like cotton balls in a big bowl of water and the earth disappears from sight. Before I know it, all that I know leaves me except for the love that I hold for my beautiful homeland.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">What do you do when it's 5 minutes into the flight and it's time to pee? Hold it. The undercarriage just retracted and it made me have to take a little break from anything and everything. My ears sound like a popcorn machine. 30,000 feet is a breeze for mr redenbocker. A foot away from me they are indulging in crab cakes and pasta with wine or beer. Here, In business class, they are teasing me with almonds and tonic water, all for a charge... With a 3.00$ surcharge... WTF? "take my first born why don't ya?!" </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">At least they don't charge me for wearing underwear.... I think I'll be using the full extent of my call button. Wait... Perhaps I will release these SBD's ( silent but deadly's) to the unexpected people around me. TSA will either bag me or join me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Seattle airport seems like it lost it's luster a bit. The babbling water fountains quit babbling and the aroma of coffee no longer lingers. This next flight is full. I feel like a salmon packed in a sardine can. Surrounded on all sides by people, all I have is my gas to expell the onslaught of my personal spacial bubble. The thermostat is broken on this ride, serving stale and recycled air.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">6/30/11 Denver Airspace 10:35am</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Landing in Denver was a bit hectic. I had 10 minutes to run from gate B7 to B57. I was feeling rather hopeless when I noticed a little lady with a cane was standing faster than I was walking.... Oh that's right! The lower 48 has those horizontal-aters that makes airport walking a breeze! I hurdled the rail and off I went. I did notice that it's not a good idea to text and walk on one of those things.... When I reached the end I about ate it. So I made my flight in the nick of time only to realize that I had left my iPad on the check in counter! Arg! Lucky for me the lady working it was already on her way to the Tarmac to bring me my beloved little tablet. 2 more hours of flying left, and I will be landing in Little Rock Arkansas. I think I'll sleep.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6QjVripocI/Tg3fBLc6DMI/AAAAAAAAAO8/83BOxq508To/s1600/2011+business+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6QjVripocI/Tg3fBLc6DMI/AAAAAAAAAO8/83BOxq508To/s320/2011+business+cards.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="187" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br></span>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987132011-03-10T23:17:00-06:002022-05-20T17:18:32-06:00"Colors" in Alaska - Computer.m4v<iframe width="480" height="295" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R69sEB3eC2A?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987142011-02-24T19:21:00-06:002022-07-29T07:50:45-06:00An Atheist In The WoodsAn atheist was walking through the woods.<br><br>'What majestic trees!'<br>'What powerful rivers!'<br>'What beautiful animals!'<br>He said to himself.<br><br><br>As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.<br><br><br>He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.<br>He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him.<br><br><br>He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer.<br><br><br>He tripped & fell on the ground.<br><br><br>He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.<br><br>At that instant moment, the Atheist cried out:<br>'Oh my God!'<br><br>Time stopped.<br>The bear froze.<br>The forest was silent.<br><br><br>As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.<br><br>'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident.'<br>'Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?'<br><br>'Am I to count you as a believer?'<br><br>The atheist looked directly into the light, and said: 'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian?'<br><br><br>'Very well', said the voice.<br><br><br>The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke: <br>'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.' Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987152011-02-19T13:51:00-06:002021-03-26T09:45:09-06:00S LoungeThis is going out to our 2 followers not counting my mom :) <br>Our show at S Lounge went well. The show was last minute as the band that was supposed to play cancelled only hours before the show. Cody and Mike missed it as they were already headed to the valley, however, Jonathan Germann and his twin brother Jason stepped up to the drums and bass and filled in rather perfectly not to mention it was their birthday too!!! We kept our sets on the acoustic / jazz side of things as the audience seemed to dig that style. <a href="http://www.joelkachel.com/">Joel Kachel</a> and his music blended well with the recent additions to the Third Wheel Project. I had the stage set up with the piano on stage right with a single conga on its stand to my left. To my right was my mac book pro which i had logic pro set up and running projects that we have been working on in the studio recordings to act as backing tracks. Drums sat in the back right with the bass just behind me. Lead guitar sat to my left leaving just enough room on the stage for 4 beers! It was a tight fit but we made it work! The sound at S Lounge was nice! It is always a plus to walk into a venue that has a sound system in place! Props! We will be back at S Lounge tonight rolling through our acoustic sets!<br>Today we have planned a sit down interview with a reporter from the Anchorage Press publication. We hope to get a article on our shows and what TWP is to our community. Time for another cup of coffee :)Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987162011-02-18T17:37:00-06:002020-11-14T03:50:10-06:00There's an App for That...I just spent 2 hours setting up a mobile app for the Third Wheel Project to be shared on all of the smart phones out there.... It's almost done. Good Stuff!Third Wheel Projecttag:www.thirdwheelproject.com,2005:Post/38987172011-02-17T18:33:00-06:002021-12-13T05:09:25-06:00Back to TracksDay 2 of recording in the TWP studio with Joel Kachel. Inspiration comes in all shades of color but for know we'll call it green and orange in honor of the lettuce and carrots we ate for dinner. Congas- CHECK, Piano- CHECK, mic- CHECK, Guitar-CHECK & Ukulele- CHECK. It's a go. But wait... whats this? Before we get acoustic with it, check out this sweet instrumental / beat i made in the fantom s-88 a few years back... combined it's a hit :)<br><br>John Germann and the other guys are heading over soon to get in on the sweetness. Check us out at <a href="http://www.thirdwheelproject.com/">www.thirdwheelproject.com</a>Third Wheel Project