Well hello again from your friends at juniperRED. Last Friday, March 5th, we were given the opportunity to play at the Polk Theatre as part of their “Underground @ the Polk” series. What a great show. Thanks to all who came out to see us and the other bands. Here’s a little recap of the show along with what’s going on in the next few weeks.

The Polk Theatre is such a cool place to play. The sound and lighting crew is awesome and Sarah, on of the people on the committee, is one of the sweetest people around. Starting off the show was Joshua Michael Robinson who is an amazing artist. His bluesy, soulful style is so cool. Whenever he plays it seems a lot bigger then just him and his guitar. We were up next with a solid eight song set of our originals. Playing in front of around 100 people, including a rowdy group in the balcony, we started off with “Red, White, and You” with Mike pulling off one of his trademarked “its always going to be different but somehow it always still fits and still sounds really good” guitar solos. We played through a few more songs but things really started to get together when we played “Not Believing” with the slick new half time break down. That break down got really funky and awesome and everyone in the crowd really seemed to like what we were doing from that point forward. We then got into a little “Use Me” which is quickly becoming a favorite of both the band and our listeners, and ended the set with “Every Time” with the “FreeBird”-esq solo. We video taped the show so we’ll get that soon and put a few of the songs on the website for you guys who weren’t able to make it. Next up was Nancye Blair and her trio. She writes some really good music as well that is very soulful and smooth. Her drummer is a very cool guy and it was fun hanging out with him before the show. Finishing off the show was Magnificent Applesauce. This is a band you need to check out. Our friend Chad has an amazing vocal range and supports it by playing with all these crazy effects and knobs and tubes and just overall craziness. I can barely work a computer to type this blog and have no idea how he can play with all that stuff and make it sound so good. The whole band is a great group of skilled musicians. They had created a video that played on the screen in front of them creating a really cool effect. Overall the show went really well and we look forward to playing at the Polk Theatre and with those awesome bands again.

And now for the future... THIS SATURDAY, March 13th, is the downtown street party to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The nice people at Molly’s are closing down Kentucky Ave and JR will be out there playing a 3 hour set from 8pm – 11:00. Come on downtown and hang out and enjoy some good music. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the songs on the setlist to wet your whistle: “Hard to Handle”, “Don’t Stop Believing”, “The Kill”, “Every Time”, “Shipping Up To Boston”, “Come Together”, “Whiskey in the Jar”, “Not Believing”, “Free Falling” and many others. Even if we were just playing those songs I feel it would be a great show. Make sure you come out and wear your green so you don't get pinched. We have one other show booked on April 10th and we’ll have more details for that coming up. We have not been back to the studio, but we have been in the process of writing songs as a group for the first time and are excited to start showing those off and getting them on the CD. I’m personally really looking forward to one new one that has a ringing chorus of “I’m not afraid” and is shaping into something awesome.

As always, thanks for coming by the site. Thanks for reading all of this. And thanks for just being you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

- the band that is, juniperRED

Well, hello there friends. Thanks for stopping by the site as always and taking time to read this new post. We are right in the middle of a busy spell here for juniperRED, but busy is good. First off, the website has undergone some more additions and changes. We now have a news feed on the homepage so you can see everything that’s new and exciting going on with us. We also now have a guestbook on our contact page where you can go post whatever you want. Well, almost whatever you want. Also we have two new songs on the webplayer at the bottom from…

The upcoming CD. Yes, we promise it is real and it is coming. The last few trips to the studio have been very productive. (Watch the video blog below to see just how productive.) The new mixes of the songs sound really good and the whole band is very happy with the sound of the music and the quality of the product we are going to be putting out. We will let you know when it is going to be released and defiantly mark your calendar for the CD release party whenever that will be. That is going to be a party for sure. We’re hoping to do it real big so please try to make it when that time comes.

On Friday, February 26th, we played at Mojo’s for the first time. It was a good place and a pleasure to play with the other bands. There was a band from Arizona that was passing through Florida while on tour that had a nice reggae/rock sound, a lot like sublime. They had an awesome drummer, but not as good as our Goo. Then we came to the stage to play a 7 song set of originals that are going to be on the CD. We played some of the standards like “Use Me”, “Red White & You”, and “In Three”, and also busted out the emotional power ballad, “Don’t Forget I’m Here”, which we haven’t done in a while. Feed back from the crowd was positive, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Finishing off the show was Mansions on Memorial with our good friend Chris Torres, and local act Love Cunningham. A big thanks to all our friends who were able to make it out. We hope you had as good of a time as we did. Highlight of the night though was definitely this old grungy man with a giant beard, who probably hasn’t seen a shower since ‘Nam, hitting on this poor young lady who did all she could to avert his advances. She was a trooper and he finally left her alone.

Coming up though, we have two awesome, awesome, (awesome) shows! First one is THIS FRIDAY, March 5th, at the Polk Theatre. It is part of their “Underground at the Polk” series and we a delighted to be playing there. The roster for this show is stacked. Starting off the night will be Joshua Michael Robinson who is, in your humble author’s opinion, one of the sickest guitar players out there. He is a solid singer/songwriter and an amazing local talent. We will be on next and try to put on a halfway decent show to keep up with the other bands. We haven’t decided on a set yet and are probably going to do one cover song so: Email us a cover song and we’ll pick one of your suggestions to do at the show. Really. Following us will be two more great local acts: Nancye Blair and Magnificent Applesauce. Nancye is a fine singer/songwriter in her own right and we are looking forward to hearing her music. Magnificent Applesauce, for how amusing their name is, is a legit band that plays some really good music. The show is relatively early (doors open at 6:30, starts at 7:00), so come on out and see some good music then you and your friends can go out on the town, go see a movie, take a walk in the park or do whatever else you had planned after. Tickets are a steal at $6 and there will be beer and wine and the theatre’s world famous popcorn available.

It is March, and the only important thing in March is….? St Patrick’s Day of course!!! It’s a chance for everyone to be a little bit Irish. To celebrate, Molly’s McHugh’s is shutting down the street and having us play 3 hours of your favorite originals, covers, and Irish drinking songs. There will be plenty of Guinness and it’s gonna be tons of fun. Mike may even pick up the banjo, just saying. It is on March 13th, the Saturday before the actual feast day. The street party is 21 and up to get into and costs $10. We will be playing from 9 – 12 so come out and be sure to bring your dancing shoes. We will be playing rain or shine for sure this time as we have a contingency plan (no we didn’t have a plan for rain last time, live and learn). Bring your friends out and wear your green so you don’t get pinched.

I feel like there is one more thing that I was supposed to say but I’ve been too wordy already. Thanks to yLakeland for featuring us in a recent article. We really, really hope you can make it out to these shows. Thanks for stopping by the website reading this blog that was way too long. Keep checking back for new updates, new songs on the webplayer, and new shows. For 120 character posts on what’s going on in our world, follow us on twitter @ twitter.com/juniperRED. If you do not have twitter we also have Facebook and Myspace.  If you don't have those then you just need to get with the program.  Thanks again for stopping by and we hope to see you soon.

-juniperRED

Hello all.  juniperRED was in the studio last Saturday and got a ton accomplished.  As promissed, we had a video camera and got some interesting things caught on film.  Watch the video below to see what a day in the studio is like!

As you can tell, since you are here at juniperRED.com, we have a new layout. Mike put together this new custom design and I think it looks really good. We are super curious though to know what you think so please email us and let us know. We are driven by your feedback, and without your feed back we go no where.

We have a little bit of news since we have last posted something here. First things first, we have 2 new shows booked. Both are going to be awesome times. The first is at Mojo’s on US Hwy 92 E in Lakeland. Come join us in their screened in porch area on February 26th to hear a sweet set of originals along with some other great local bands. There is a dance floor and the bar right there so we hope to see some booty shaking. The next show is a definite booty shaker, and that is the St Patty’s Day street party in downtown Lakeland. It is not on the actual feast of the birth of St Patrick patron of Ireland, but the Saturday before, March 13th. We will be playing a super long set of covers, originals, and your favorite Irish songs.

Also of note: we are going to be back in the studio all day on Saturday (Maybe even with cameras and a live video blog??? Maybe??? Who knows???) We are thinking it’s only going to take a few more sessions before our first release. Hopefully you’ve been enjoying the songs on the audio player at the bottom of the page. Mike’s new “angry sex song” which has a couple of names is down there now. Do you like it? Just like everything else, tell us how you feel about it. We love getting feed back and info from you, just like we love seeing you at our shows.

We hope you guys can make it out the shows we have coming up. Thanks so much for visiting the site. We’ll try to get a video blog up from the recording studio this weekend. In the mean time, buy a shirt for your lover for Valentines Day (shameless, I know). Cheers.

-JuniperRidazzle

We just want to use this forum to say congrats to Sean who now has a new member to his family. His new baby girl, Claire McGee, came into world on Monday January 11, 2010. Baby and mommy are healthy and doing well. We wish Claire all the best in her life and hope that she takes on her mom’s looks.

We have big breaking news here at juniperRED. Unfortunately it is a bitter-sweet piece of information. The band now has a new look to it with Kevin Hodges playing the bass and Sean McGee moving to the drums. We are excited about this change as we think it will bring a new sound and hopefully good things to come. Regrettably it means that friend Ken Dauphinaus is no longer part of juniperRED. We do wish Ken all the best in the future and thank him for the memories that he left us with.

Well, it certainly has been awhile since we’ve last posted here. We hope you all had a great Christmas, Hanukah, Roman Festival of Lights, Kwanza, Festivas, Boxing Day, or whatever you celebrate, and New Years. We here certainly all did. This past weekend was a busy one for us as we had the New Years celebration on Thursday, Scott and Mike throwing down an awesome set and a lot of fun on Friday at Molly McHugh’s in downtown Lakeland like they do every 1st Friday of the month, and a full band show at the Social in Orlando on Saturday with the Matt MacKelcan Band. We want to thank Matt and the Social for letting us play again with them and at a venue that we really enjoy being at. Opening the show was James Boyd who is extremely talented and very cool. His real name is Jose, which is a little confusing, but we all really enjoyed his style and hopefully can work with him again. We were up next and rocked out a solid 10 song set with 9 originals, and a cover of the Black Crows “Hard to Handle”. Also we premiered “Fire Burns” and “Use Me”. Both were met with a lot of positive feedback which means we must be doing something right. Finishing of the show was the Matt MacKelcan Band from South Carolina. They rocked out with an awesome, high energy show. The last song was a giant sing along with guest singers, including our Scott and Jose of James Boyd, and guest guitarists to an awesome rendition of “Free Falling” by Tom Petty. This 10 minute epic had people poking their head in from the street to listen to all the harmonies and soul that the talented musicians on stage put on display. It was truly a sweet way to end an awesome night. We want to thank all the friendly faces that came out that night. It means a lot to see you guys there and to hear you appreciating our songs. Thanks a lot.

At the moment we don’t have a lot going on in the future as far as shows are concerned. We are getting back to the studio and will be having practices to get Kevin and Sean acclimated to their new parts. Without giving too much away, I will say watch out for a giant March to be coming including some sweet shows, and hopefully a CD (I know; that pesky CD thing). Keep checking back for details and as always let us know what you think by sending us a message here. Thanks for taking the time to read this diesel 500 word post and we look forward to seeing you soon.

-JR

Well goodness, it’s been a while since we blogged so I feel like it’s time to get back on that horse. Since Thanksgiving we have been back in the studio to record some more and the songs are starting to sound very good. I think we all are happy with the quality of music that we are putting out. Hopefully you all feel the same. This past weekend, Scott’s parents were nice enough to deal with us for a while, and we were able to get away and go on a song writing retreat. It was extremely productive and we were able to bring 3 new songs home with us. It was great getting different influences from the different members of the band and we have new songs that are great and different from what we already are putting on the album. Speaking of that, the album should be finished soon and we are shooting for it to be done right at the beginning of spring. Also we were able to book a new show as you might have seen from the events on the home page. We are very excited to be playing at the Orpheum in Tampa on January 15th. If you can make it out to the show, please come. It will be an all originals show and we are very excited to show you the new songs that are sure to quickly become staples on the old iPod. We will be sure to give you more details and ticket information. Also, if you haven’t gotten a stocking stuffer for someone, we have juniperRED t-shirts available here. They really are snazzy shirts and very comfortable. Scott is doing a Christmas tour with a church group and has more details on that here. If you can make it out to see Scott, please do. Thank you very much for stopping by the website and reading this rather lengthy post. If the website isn’t enough for you, make sure that we are virtual friends on Facebook and Myspace, and that you know the deepest secrets of our lives by following us on Twitter. We here at juniperRED wish you all a very happy holidays and hope to see you soon. Feel free to hit us up from our contact page as we always enjoy getting the love. Thanks.

-JR

Hello everyone! We here at juniper RED would like to wish you a belated Happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully you were able to get into the holiday mood by hearing some sweet tunes at the street party on Wednesday. What a rough day with the rain and all but we stuck it out and are very thankful to all of you who stuck it out and braved the elements with us. We had a great time playing for you and it was awesome to see some people dancing in the streets. Big thanks to Molly’s/Gym/Hurricane’s family of businesses for putting that on and allowing us to play. We were able to get in most of our set, including some new covers like “Plush” by STP and “Rock and Roll All Night” by Kiss, along with some of our originals. We all had a good turkey day, though not all of us ate turkey (I know, very un-American). Scott was able to eat 14 pieces of pie by himself, surely an impressive feat. On Friday, while most of the world was out shopping and getting great deals on awesome stuff, the band headed back to the studio to continue working on our first CD, Red, White & You. We were able to lay down some new tracks, including the title track, and are very excited about getting this CD finished and available to you. The songs sounded great and I’m sure we’ll be getting them on the site shortly. Also, some really big news, we have t-shirts arriving that will be on sale starting December 5th! Check back on the website then to get them. You can see what they will look like here. They are really nice and are a great way to show your support for the band. They may even be on sale on December 4th when Scott plays at Molly McHugh’s in downtown Lakeland. Maybe… We’ll see…. Well, that’s all that’s new with us. As always thanks for stopping by.

- juniperRED

What a evening for juniperRED last night. Opening for the Bacon Brothers at the historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland, FL was an experience we won’t forget any time soon. Although the full band was not able to perform, Scott and Mike still brought it with a rockin’ acoustic set. It couldn’t have gone better. The song choices won over the packed auditorium and there was a really great energy in the room.

I guess now we go back to life as usual. We still have the big Thanksgiving Eve show this upcoming week and then a couple days in the studio next weekend to finish the album. Yay!

Check back over this weekend for pictures from last night’s show. There should be some good ones. As always, we’ll be in touch.

-juniperRED

Welcome to Monday my friends. Today starts a big week for us here at juniperRED. As I’m sure you know by now, or at least you should, Scott and Mike will be representing the band as an opening act for the Bacon Brothers! We are super pumped to be going back to the Polk Theatre that we love so much and opening for this really great group. The show is Thursday the 19th and tickets are still available. Also that morning make sure to listen to the radio interview on AM1430 “Mayhem in the A.M.” during the 7 o’clock hour. Kevin Bacon will also be phoning in so it’ll be lots of pleasure for your listening ears. Also be sure to check out the awesome articles that have been put up on YLakeland.com. There is a band interview along with a write up about the Bacon Brothers’ show. And finally to the last note of business, don’t forget about the street party that will be going on Thanksgiving Eve (Nov 25th) in downtown Lakeland. JR will be playing a super long set of covers and originals that everyone will enjoy. We have been working hard on making sure that people will be talking about this show until next Thanksgiving, so make sure you come out, bring your friends, and enjoy the good time. Thanks, as always, for stopping by the site and reading up on what we have going on. Look for a small addition to the site this weekend as we’ll add a new page to give you an even closer look into what’s going on with us. In the mean time, get your friends to check out the site and our music.

Love-
JuniperRED