2008 Year In Review

Ah, the new year. A chance to reflect on the great things that happened in 2008 and to look forward to amazing times in 2009. Here’s a recap of the fun we’ve had this year:

• We brought the music and the silly antics to a bunch of new rooms in 2008: Dead Freddie’s, Sylvester’s, Champions, Memories, Westminster Greene Turtle, and Lightning Jacks.



• Early in the year, there was a string of dates at Frederick’s Olde Towne Tavern with some of the area’s best fans. At one of these shows we captured the first live video footage of the band.



• During the year, Major Mit and BJ both inked the Phoenix Rising logo on their arms.



• Our radio appearances increased with in-studio spots on 98.1 FM in OC, MD and 98 Rock.



• We got to show our support for the men and women in law enforcement with a performance at the 98Rock Blue Thunder event at the Pimlico infield.



• We played our first private party for some very special fans. An event that may become tradition.



• The revolving door of drummers continued with Eric coming and going during the year. Thankfully, good friend Brian Fruend lent a hand while we searched for permanent replacement, John Burkhart.



• Some shows got the better of you, with a veritable hurl-fest going down at a late fall Greene Turtle show in Mt. Airy.



• We added new music by bands like Live, Theory of a Dead Man, 3 Doors Down, Simple Plan, Carolina Liar, Korn, Gavin DeGraw, and Jimmy Eat World to name just a few.



• You came in ever-increasing numbers throughout the year, leaving lines at the door and packing the dance floors at the Frederick and Mt. Airy Greene Turtles, Champions, Bamboo Bernies, Brewster’s and McAvoys. A thousand thank-yous!



• The season ended with many bangs: a packed Thanksgiving Eve show at the Frederick Turtle and building crowds at Bamboo Bernie’s and Memories. We capped the year off with a great crowd, some power outages, and a family-reunion for Major Mit at the Mt. Airy Greene Turtle on December 27.

We can never thank all of you enough who come out to see us week in and week out. And we heartily welcome ALL the new fans we’ve been meeting along the way. If you get a sense that this band is something special, you’re right. And it’s you all who make it so.

Thank you, God bless, and we’ll see you out there in 2009!