It was the first day of the first national Stick Figure Livin' It tour in Flagstaff, AZ. Along for the ride are San Diego based reggae pop sensation HIRIE and Huntington Beach rockers Pacific Dub. The bands hadn't even arrived yet but there was a thick sense of ease at The Green Room, a great venue with a great stage mere feet away from historical Route 66. The mountain town had a vibrant energy and the music was going to take it to another level!
Stick Figure just wrapped up the Count Me In Tour with Rebelution, Iration, and The Green in sold out amphitheaters and auditoriums throughout the nation! They were eager to ride the momentum they've gained with their recent singles - releasing a new adaptation of fan favorite "Livin' It" from the "Smoke Stack" album and their summer 'hit' "Smokin' Love" featuring Collie Buddz. Stick Figure and Collie Buddz are stoked to be playing a few shows on a Hawaiian voyage through Honolulu, Kona, Maui, and Kauai right after the end of the Livin' It tour.
HIRIE has also been riding her own momentum since the release of self-titled release from Roots Musician Records September last year. Thanks to her supporters on Kickstarter, HIRIE was able to tour with Tribal Seeds and Fortunate Youth last year and was a focal point on the The California Roots Carolina Sessions 2013, so much so it earned her an opening slot on the 3rd and final day of California Roots 2014 on the Cali Roots stage! She's also been playing a lot of great California shows and regional festivals throughout California, Utah, and Arizona adding to her already growing fan-base.
Pacific Dub spent the last two summers on the road raging in front of HUGE crowds on Vans Warped Tour 2013 and 2014!! Unfortunately the last week of this year's Warped Tour someone stole the band's trailer but that didn't slow down the Pac Dub crew. Their positive message would not be stopped - they were able to finish the tour and gear up to join Stick Figure and HIRIE in Flagstaff, AZ for the Livin' It Tour kickoff!!
The northern Arizona college town was excited for the evening of reggae rock! HIRIE set the pace for the night; her band was eager to give the concert-goers more than their money's worth. They smashed their set and the crowd was electrified as they ran through familiar and brand new tunes, the people were ready for more but Pacific Dub shortly followed and continued the strong vibes. Their positivity echoed the concert venue and their directive was gladly received as the crowd roared! Finally Stick Figure came to bat as the heavy hitter of the evening. Kbong, Stick Figure's keyboardist and backing vocalist who recently released his full length album (Hopes & Dreams) was the driving force of the night. Perpetuating the vibes and flowing impressively on the mic, while the rhythm section was flawless (Tommy Sulliman- bass and Kevin Offitzer- drums). Stick Figure front-man, Scott Woodruff, was feeding off the energy from the band and the crowd but was not feeling well. The next night of the tour in Albuquerque, NM Stick Figure called out but Kbong, HIRIE and Pacific Dub were still able to hold down the fort and bring the vibes.
The bands were not the only artists bringing the zeal, Erica Shaw and Haven Art Studios have joined the tour to collaborate their beautiful talents while the bands play. In the words of live artist Al Scholl, "Art is not a popularity contest... It is the voice of roots and culture and the path to positive change!" Truly amazing to see the love and positive energy throughout the crowd and the crews. There is a force of nature and spirit in their art. The tour embarks on California Roots: Carolina Sessions 2014 where the feelings and energies will be flowing even more so. If there's an opportunity to catch a stop on this tour, don't ignore it because life needs more of these experiences. Stick Figure, HIRIE, Pacific Dub, and Haven Art Studios will do their part, all you need to do is show up and the rest is easy.
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