San Fran-SUCKS-o!

Posted on April 6, 2012 by rahrahraina

The last time we caught up with Hollerado, we were in Reno, heading to San Francisco for the Noise Pop festival — the reason for the whole trip down south.

We left Reno after hanging around playing penny slots in the morning so someone would give us free bloody marys. (IT WORKED!) Then, we hit the road to California.

First stop in California: IN N OUT BURGER! I’d never been, so it was a pretty exciting occasion. We were in heaven. A heaven filled with burgers.

The Happiest Boys In The World

cheeseburger and animal-style fries

And in the In N Out parking lot, I saw my first palm tree of the trip!

We continued on to San Francisco. The drive in was stunning. The sun was setting as we drove across the bridge, and I tried to take a million pictures that didn’t do it justice at all… but here are a couple.

Just look at that traffic! It takes us a while to get into the city… we’re a little late, but we’re almost at the venue… and THEN…

It sucked. But we make it to the venue just in time. The boys play a great show. We survive San Francisco without any earthquakes.

To celebrate, we head to L.A., and then to my favourite place: Palm Springs! Stay tuned for the next entry, when you’ll see more of Hollerado than you ever could have dreamed… or possibly, wanted.

Drown The Town Of Reno

Posted on March 22, 2012 by rahrahraina

As soon as you cross the border from Utah into Nevada, there are casinos. We didn’t stop at them, though, because we had BIGGER ASPIRATIONS! No, no… not Vegas.

RENO! The BIGGEST LITTLE CITY IN THE WORLD!

See, it even says it right on the sign!

Hollerado played a show at a place called the Biggest Little City Club. The folks there were super rad, and let me shoot lots of confetti at their patrons.

Oh, and of course, they played this:

‘

When that was done, it was time to do exactly what you’re supposed to do when you’re in Reno- GAMBLE AWAY YOUR FORTUNE! We stayed at the beautiful El Dorado Hotel and Casino, where they have, among other things, valet service. While we waited for Nick to go find the valet, Jake, Dean and I made up a new game:

But we couldn’t spend all night playing “Combine All The Movies Denzel Washington Has Ever Starred In.” Especially not when there was blackjack, slot machines and roulette nearby. Not to mention, priceless art!

This really speaks to me.

Watch out for that floor!

Turned out Menno was the lucky one. After losing a bunch of money at the roulette table and subsequently going to bed, he told us that he got up again in the middle of the night, went back down and won it all back while we slumbered.

I was not as lucky.

These kitties did not share their glitter with me

But I did finally achieve my dream of playing blackjack in an actual casino. Something I’ve wanted to do since I was eight years old playing Leisure Suit Larry on my grandma’s computer. What’s that? You never played Leisure Suit Larry? Well. Here you go:

Totally appropriate for eight year olds, and grandmas.

Oh, and a guy at the blackjack table yelled at Menno, Dean and I for not being good at blackjack and ruining his game. That was pretty neat, too.

We leave Reno slightly richer and hit the road for the whole reason for this trip: California! Palm trees and paradise, coming soon…

The Saltiest Day of My Life

Posted on March 20, 2012 by rahrahraina

I know, I know. You’ve been sitting at your computer refreshing my blog for three days waiting to find out what Dean lost.

Well, the WAIT IS OVER!

We all hopped in the Hollerado van in Wyoming and started on our way to Salt Lake City, Utah. Much like the Mormons once did when they were escaping persecution in the 1800s. Only with far fewer wives. And with a lot more alcohol in tow. And there are some other major differences, too. Okay. Mostly there are differences, but we WERE going West. So, there’s that.

We hit up a Whole Foods on our way – which was exciting for me, because they have a lot of free samples. Even more exciting? Seeing the Mormon Temple! So big! So white! So… TEMPLE-y!

whoa dude

But as big and white as that temple was, it was nowhere near as big and white as the salt flats that you drive through once you leave Salt Lake City. It was the perfect place to take some band photos.

And this… THIS…is where Dean lost his glasses. On the biggest, flattest expanse of white that any of us have ever seen. In the one place where you’d think it would be difficult to lose ANYTHING. A pair of black framed glasses are sitting out there, still, lonely and sad and salty. Also, Dean is now blind.

We think it probably happened during this:

or this…

Dean was kind of bummed out after, but in the immortal words of Homer Simpson: “He probably misses his old glasses.”

Bonus discovery: Menno can fly!

Menno can also play roulette really well, despite it being a game of chance. Learn more in the next installment… when we go to Reno!

John Denver Is Not Actually Full Of Shit

Posted on March 17, 2012 by rahrahraina

Hollerado and I left Denver with the intention of hitting Salt Lake City by nighttime. See, Menno and I really wanted to take a look at the Mormon Temple there, because… well… you know. Mormons. They’re crazy.

But our plans were foiled by the weather in Wyoming. Snow! High wind warnings! Winding mountain roads! Possibly large monsters we couldn’t see but definitely may have been out there somewhere!*

(*Note: I slept through all of this.)

Nick saved us from swerving off the highway into snowy scary doom by driving like a champ, but we decided to stop early for safety’s sake. We stayed at a motel in Wyoming. Things got cuddly.

But, we had pulled up in the dark and had no idea what our surroundings looked like… until we woke up the next morning and saw THIS:

the beautiful Wyoming Coachman Inn

I got excited

And if you thought it couldn’t get more beautiful than the Coachman Inn, you were wrong. We left for Utah, and this is what we saw…

Turns out John Denver was not, in fact, full of shit.

Next stop: UTAH. Home of Mormons, a Whole Foods, and lots… and LOTS… of salt. Also… Dean loses something important. Stay tuned to find out what!

Altitude + Alcohol = Altihol… or Alcotude?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by rahrahraina

Denver, Colorado, is a mile above sea-level. That’s important to the story. Also, Hollerado rhymes with Colorado. That’s good, too.

ANYWHOO, Hollerado played at a sweet venue there called the Hi-Dive. It was dark, but I tried my best to get a picture.

Either way, by the time Hollerado and I arrived at our hotel in Denver after their show, most of us (minus Menno, who was driving) were feeling the effects of either altitude, alcohol, or both. See below for video evidence.

But, not even an altiholitude hangover could stop us from visiting the world’s largest liquor store the next day (seriously, it’s in the Guinness Book of World Records), it’s called Daveco Liquors and it’s basically a Wal-Mart for booze.

Dean explores the various spirits

I bought THIS:

Yes, that’s right. Whipahol. Which brings us to a new word, “Whipaholitude.” Try using it in a sentence.

Next, off to Salt Lake City… but lo! Danger awaits!

To be continued…

Sierra Madre

Posted on March 2, 2012 by rahrahraina

I am staying in a place called Sierra Madre for a couple days while Hollerado plays an Ottawa Senators game up in- you guessed it – Ottawa.

Sierra Madre is just outside of Los Angeles and happens to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

Here’s a picture:

So… uh… how’s Canada and stuff?

I’m SORRY!

Posted on February 21, 2012 by rahrahraina

Seriously, I am. I’ve been missing in action, big time. Haven’t had internet in 48 hours and my phone is still offline so I can’t update from the van, only when we get to a hotel… IF they have wireless.

Who know unlocking a phone would be such an ordeal? I didn’t. But, on the bright side, I’ve gotten to see several of America’s fine shopping centres. I think I’ve spent at least 5 hours in malls in the last couple days just trying to get my phone working. At least they have good food courts!

We’re about to pile in the van and head from Kansas City to Denver. It’s gonna be a long drive and apparently I’m going to have driving duty at some point. I’ve never driven the van. It’s a beast. I’m afraid. I’ll make sure someone takes video.

In the meantime, this is my usual view in the van, from the back seat (which happens to also be the best seat for napping).

And here’s a shot from their show in Welland on the weekend. It was at a pizza place/bar called the Rex Hotel. It reminded me of my grandpa’s house but with really good pizza, tons of booze and rad people. And also, Hollerado playing live with Topanga and the Snips.

And here’s what I get to come home to every night:

Jake and Dean in something "more comfortable"

Jake and Nick in the photo I think they should put on their Christmas card this year

I know, I know, you’re jealous. But just try to remember… beer + boys + hours and hours together in enclosed spaces = I kind of wish I brought a clothespin. For my nose.

And now, TO DENVER!

First Stop: Buffalo

Posted on February 18, 2012 by rahrahraina

My touring adventure with Hollerado has begun! We’re in Buffalo, after being held up at the border for a little while by a REALLY NICE GUY WHO WAS REALLY NICE. On an unrelated note, what’s the best way to communicate sarcasm on the internet?

Everyone talks a lot of shit about Buffalo, but it’s actually a pretty rad place… except that we’ve hardly seen ANY people. Had some of the best French Onion soup I’ve ever tasted at this place called Gabriel’s Gate for lunch, and then headed over to check out the venue. It’s called the Town Ballroom, and Hollerado and Wildlife are playing with the Arkells. It should be a messy, Canadian night. Especially because we stopped at the Duty Free on the way here. You can never have too many litres of whiskey! AM I RIGHT?

Now that we’re in the States, I’m gonna start posting photos and videos. You’ve been warned.

Rain’s World is Going On Tour with Hollerado!

Posted on February 13, 2012 by rahrahraina

This Thursday, I’m heading out on an adventure! I’m going on tour with Hollerado- we’re going to be driving across the U.S.A. to San Francisco and L.A., stopping in a bunch of cities along the way. I’ll be helping them out, selling merch, shooting confetti cannons and shooting video for this blog.

imagine spending 3 weeks in a van with these dudes

Now, I’ve never been “on tour” before, and I’m gonna be gone for a few weeks- so here’s what I’m asking you for:

1) MUST-HAVE things to pack for the road. Ever been on a long road trip? Is there something you think I won’t be able to live without?

2) SONGS for the road! We’re gonna make mix CDs! What should go on them? Your favourite road trip tunes.

3) Any other advice for life on the road… with four dudes.

Leave your ideas in the comments!

Oh, and by the way, if you need a refresher- this is their Juno-nominated video for their song “Good Day At the Races.” Ostrich racing, anyone?

New York Update #1

Posted on January 22, 2012 by rahrahraina

I am in Brooklyn! Staying in an apartment with Hollerado. Jake (the drummer) is currently beatin Dean (the bassist) with socks. I will keep you updated.

Rain's World

Category Archives: On The Road