Band on the Diaper Run: Tour Kids!
On tour with Death Cab for Cutie and Magnolia's new pal.
by Kori Gardner of Mates of State
December 28, 2006
On tour with Death Cab for Cutie
When Magnolia walked into her first arena venue she did not want to talk to anyone. We tried our best to get her to say hi to the band and crew but she got shy. We were a little overwhelmed too. This place was meant for hockey games. And here we are with Death Cab, a band we've know for seven years. We watched them play at Bottom of the Hill to 300 people. We went on tour with them three years ago on their first bus tour. We were eating sushi one night with Ben and his girlfriend when we first announced we were pregnant. We watched them go from being this respected indie band to superstars. And you know what? They are still the best band ever. They know how to treat an opening band and they know how to put on a show in an arena. Magnolia had to take her naps in the dressing rooms backstage, so we brought a little mattress for her and put a "shhh, Magnolia is sleeping" sign on the door. The Death Cab crew gave her her own dressing room after a few nights. By the end of tour, Magnolia started pounding it out with the boys. Every rock kid should know how to give knuckles.
On tour with the Starlight Mints
We're heading out for a three-week tour with Starlight Mints. Magnolia can't wait to do sound check and play Daddy's drums. She also loves Ryan, our sound guy, and has informed us she will be playing hide-and-seek 
with him every night. The best part is: the Mints have a daughter, Penny, who is two. We love that they will have playdates on tour. Sound check used to mark the most annoying hour of time each day. Now, it's Magnolia's time to perform. Mags likes the drums the best, but only if she can sing into a microphone at the same time. She loves sound check. She also loves Penny.
©2006 Mates of State and Nerve Media
About the Author
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Kori Gardner is the organ-playing half of the band Mates of State; her husband, Jason Hammel, plays drums. Known for their vocal harmonies and euphoric melodies, Mates of State has been described by critics as "unabashed joy", "honesty at its best", a "two piece with balls", and "a band that you must see live." Their daughter, Magnolia, was born in 2004 and started touring with the band at 10 weeks. Hear their latest album, Bring it Back, at www.matesofstate.com. |
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