You have to love a good homecoming.
For The Congress, having returned home to Richmond after forming in Denver, that will never ring truer than tomorrow night, when the band celebrates the release of its new record, The Game, with a host of hometown friends, family, and fans at The Broadberry.
The Game, the band’s second full length record, was self-produced and recorded in both Denver and Richmond. It sizzles with the band’s blend of psychedelic old school country soul.
Having toured with the likes of Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, and Hard Working Americans, The Congress is now set to make a run across the country on a headlining tour.
Perhaps the most memorable stop on the run will be tomorrow’s release party. There is just nothing like pulling out all the stops for the hometown folks.
I was happy to catch up with the band and pepper them with questions about life on the road.
BRO – Best way to pass time in the van?
TC – Turd Ferguson. Yes, Turd Ferguson. This is a trivia game we created a few years back using Trivial Pursuit cards from 1981 and 1984. Over the years, we have written an extensive “constitution” of sorts that outlines the rules of the game. We have spent days playing and have gone through four boxes of trivia cards. The game is temporarily stalled, as we haven’t purchased more cards, but Turd Ferguson will live on.
BRO – Any preshow rituals?
TC – We have an exercise we call “stirring the pot.” We link hands and make a circular motion while screaming nonsense louder and louder as the rotations get quicker. It’s pretty silly, but usually it gets us pumped up.
BRO – After the show, I just want to . . . .
TC – . . . dance with somebody, somebody who loves me.
BRO – Three items you would like to add to your rider, just to see if you could get them?
TC – An O2 tank. We had one backstage at Red Rocks and it was awesome. A ping pong table, as we pride ourselves on being an exceptional ping pong band. And an M&Ms and Goldfish mixture, which makes for a surprisingly delicious combo.
BRO – City you have played that made you think, “Yeah, I could live here.”
TC – Seattle.
BRO – Most interesting item ever tossed on stage?
TC – Someone put a napkin filled with psychedelic mushrooms on stage in Jackson, Mississippi, a few weeks ago.
BRO – One item you cannot hit the road without?
TC – Pillow. Crucial.
BRO – One thing you never want to hear the sound technician say?
TC – “This is my first day.”
BRO – Lastly, how does it feel to be putting this record out in front of the hometown crowd?
TC – Comfortable. It’s hard to say how this record will be received by the world, but we know that the home team in Virginia will always show support, as they do with all local bands. It will be a good boost of confidence before we hit the road.
The Congress will be celebrating the release of their new record, The Game, tomorrow night at The Broadberry in Richmond. Trail Mix wants to give you and a friend the opportunity to check out the show for free!
Take a shot at our trivia question down below. Email your answer to [email protected]. Don’t drop you answer in the comments section here! A winner of two passes to tomorrow night’s show at The Broadberry will be chosen from all correct answers received by 8 A.M. tomorrow morning. Good luck!
Question . . . . . . . How many people currently serve in the United States Congress?
If you can’t make tomorrow night’s show, surf over to the band’s website to see when The Congress might be rocking a stage near you. Also, make sure you check out “The Game,” the title track from the new record, on this month’s Trail Mix.
