Happiest of Holidays to all you Pirates!

Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year from the Intercoastal Pirates!

We've made a few ports since last we spoke here, and had a good time sharing the holidays with folks in Alvin, Pearland, Freeport, Churchill, and Pasadena before heading off in different directions to spend time with friends and families for Christmas. We have all enjoyed the opportunity to slow down a bit and appreciate those irreplaceable gifts of love and friendship that no amount of money, pillaged or otherwise, can buy. We sincerely thank every one of you for your support and fellowship throughout 2008, and invite you to join us in 2009 for even greater adventure aboard the Black Pearl of the music world!

We'll be playing this very night (Saturday, December 27th) at the Angleton Icehouse, a place everyone in this band has played at one time or another. It's been a long while since we've been there and we're looking forward to rekindling some old friendships.

We'll be playing the New Year in with friends at a private bash in Jones Creek before rejoining old comrades at Castaway's in Surfside Beach on January 3rd. Adventure, music, and merriment await... so get out of the house and dance off some of those Christmas calories with the Intercoastal Pirates!!!

HISTORY IS MADE !!!

There are a few occasions in the span of years we call life when you cross paths with a person or persons who have seen the green flash a time or two. These are people who have been there, done that, done it again, and are back for more... personages of true historical significance.

In the music world, there are only a few of those sorts, and even fewer who still share the same air we do. Chief among that latter group, from an American perspective, are The Beach Boys. Long the most successful band from these shores, the Boys have been about the business of music making since we were in Pirate diapers. We grew up, made good memories, and lived all of our days with that incredible music as an influence, and as a musical soundtrack to our lives. It takes a lot to make a Pirate remove his hat in respect... and our collective hats are off to these musical giants.

ICP received the call to open the concert for The Beach Boys some weeks back, and were doubly thrilled to be able to share a stage with a legendary band, while also doing our part to bring Galveston (a favorite town of Pirates everywhere) back to its proper glory. And now, finally, the day arrived...



We got to the Moody Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater early, and spent the day moving things about until a suitable arrangement was made for all three bands. The Coastliners, a longtime area favorite, would also share the bill and provide their signature harmonies to the night. Then came show time!!

The band hit the stage, and the crowd of over 7000 music lovers were immediately into the spirit. The cheers were loud, and the night was off to a great start. The Intercoastal Pirates love playing for an appreciative crowd, and the people of Galveston can be justifiably proud of hosting just such a group. ICP music went on for an hour, and the band was rewarded with thunderous applause. The night was, to quote the Captain... "almost surreal"

The Coastliners were next up and played a set of standards from the fifties and sixties, in addition to receiving a round of spirited applause for their rendition of "Proud to be an American." The Pirates and Coastliners set the proper mood for a momentous event... and no one would go home disappointed.

The Beach Boys took the stage, fronted by original members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston. Joined by a stellar band, and bolstered by incredible crowd support, Mike and the crew ran through hit after hit after hit... to the unending delight of their adoring fans. The Intercoastal Pirates remained right next to the stage, taking in an event that would go in the ship's log as a night not to be forgotten.

The Intercoastal Pirates thank The Beach Boys, The Coastliners, Garvin and the staff at Moody Gardens, all of the booking and talent persons, and family and friends of the band for the opportunity to play, and your help and support throughout. It was a blast!

Rick, my boy, I said wear a costume...

Well, there we were, the Thirty-first day of October, Halloween night! The ship made its way back up the San Bernard River to Dido's, always a favorite retreat for the boys.

Now, the plan was this: The Intercoastal Pirates would break with their normal habit of disguising themselves as local townfolk when they raid the port this time. No "normal" clothes, shaving, or the like on this trip. Just dress up like a fictional character, and go have at it!

So, Captain Faulk decided he would make it a Knight to remember, while it seemed Steve had a bone to pick with the idea. Ronnie got into the spirit, and was running around like a demon getting ready. It is possible Stu did not get the parchment-memo on this one.

Now Rick, faithful lieutenant to the Captain, got the wise idea that the people at Dido's wore normal clothing for their land-lubbing life... so why put on something new? Just wear what he wears on the ship and who would be the wiser? So, with little fanfare and even less hair care, he came ashore as... you guessed it... a Pirate! I am sure he would call it ship-savvy... but it was, at least, efficient!

The crew had a great time, and were even joined onstage by Proprietor Andrew for a song. Some new tunes were tried on the crowd, with a rowsing applause being the result. All in all a good night, and the costumes were put away for another year. No, Rick... put something on...

Good, Good, Good Vibrations

As you can see from the little announcement in the upper left of the page, we have been accorded a mighty honor. One of our longtime favorite seaside towns, Galveston, recently took a hell of a blow from Hurricane Ike. We seafaring types like to stick together, and the Crew hated to see such a lovely port in this condition.

We were contacted by some old friends and offered an opportunity to help in a concert to benefit the fine folks of Galveston. Well, that would have been a mighty YES from captain and crew in its own right, but there was a surprise...

We''ll be opening for the Coastliners and THE BEACH BOYS! That's right... Endless Summer, Little Deuce Coupe, California Girls... that's the ones!

Needless to say, we are looking forward to it. November 1st, at the Moody Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater. We go on at 7 pm. The Coastliners will follow, and the Beach Boys are scheduled for 9 pm. It will be a great time, and it's all for a great cause, so click the link up there, and see about some tickets for friends and family!

Long time, no post... Or "Now I Know How Tina Felt..."

Well, has it been a while since we last shared a pint?

It has indeed!! The band has made many a landing in the time since last we spoke, and then the ship was nearly run aground by a really nasty fellow named Ike. Made a shambles of the home port, but we were finally able to clear dock and unfurl sail. Now we are back out and about like it never happened. Well, almost...

Now there are quite a few things going on for the boys these days. Bass player and vocalist James Harvey has moved on to other interests, and the crew wish him all the best in his pursuits on solid land.

An old hand controlling the lower tones of the ship has returned for another tour of duty. We are all happy to see Ronnie Churchill's familiar face roaming the ship these days. If we don't abuse him too badly he might just stay aboard! We could always nail his boots to the deck...

Otherwise, more opportunities to add to the friend base are a'coming. We'll be at the Brazoria County Fair in a few weeks (October 17th), near all the beer in the aptly names Beergartens (you thought otherwise???). Then we'll be back to see the fine folks at Texas Junction the following week (25th) before going back to team up with Andrew for a night of fun and frolic (in masks, no less) at Dido's in Brazoria for Halloween! Come join us... it's your chance to dress how you really want to without having to explain it!!

There are more ports to explore, and many more friends to be made 'fore year's end. We want to see YOU there when the mighty ship rolls to shore next!

Captain Chris and the crew will be looking for your smiling face...

Where the fish is...

We have a new design on our t-shirts. Be in style at any Pirate gathering! Scream out "Avast, ye bilge sucking rats!" in proper attire. Available for a miserly sum at any Intercoastal Pirates date, so buy several for family and friends!

Well, the hunt was on. You can't play Pirate without proper culinary supply. So, the mighty ship came upon what was said to be a new mall... Pearland Town Center. Set to sing the songs of pirate life, love, and linguini (yes, we sail through all food groups) in the Spark Energy Pavilion, we began to look around this new place. Certainly more than a normal mall. The streets are lined in palm trees, kids are playing in water squirting right up out of the ground, swank housing abounds for those who don't like the feel of an ocean under the bed, and there are stores of every persuasion. A Piratess (sounds like a likely term for a Pirates other half) likes stores... of any persuasion. But how to feed the crew???

Several of the crew's better halves (Piratesses?) went in search of supplies. Darn stores kept getting in the way, but we made the best of having to shop our way through. Finally, we found a place that sounded proper to feed a Pirating crew... Fish City! The place was packed, and for good reason. The food was great, and not priced beyond a working man's wage! Not bad for our first sojourn in these waters. Back in time to feed the boys before show time!

The music and merriment went hand in hand with the soft southern breeze and laid back atmosphere. Some danced, some watched, the aforementioned kids played in the water, and we all had a great time. The band is looking forward to a return to this port later in the year, so keep an eye on our Ports of Call. We'll be back soon!

A night with Willie Manchew

You just never know what manner of man or beast these Pirates will be raising the rafters with...

On July 26th the crew went in search of a landmark. Not exactly a set-in-stone sort of landmark... but still something they knew they would keep a weathered eye open for until they came to the spot of its yearly return. And suddenly, there it was. A mosquito so large it could only come from Texas. You might think the citizens of Clute would run from it, but no. They actually hold a festival in honor of the old boy every single year! His name is Willie Manchew, and he is the official mascot of the Great Texas Mosquito Festival.

As it turns out, Willie's festival is just the sort that the Intercoastal Pirates love. Good times, good people, and insane amounts of food and drink. Thanks to our old friends from Dido's, and new friends, the Smoking Chilis, for great food, along with the Festival Crew for making certain we never ran our of liquid refreshments.

The guys had a great time on stage, and the crowd joined in on nearly every song. The stage was shared with Mickey and the Motorcars and Kevin Fowler. The music was great throughout the night and everyone; bands, fans, and festival folks enjoyed the evening together. We all made new friends, renewed some old acquaintances, and discovered Bud Lime is pretty darned good. After hours of fun, the sails billowed and the Pirates were off, Willie flew to wherever 26 foot tall mosquitoes go in the off-season, and the crowd went home happy.

A well-deserved week off is on the horizon before a brand new port of call will be seen over the bow... Pearland Town Center! Plenty of merchants there to help you find something for the lad or lass of your life... while rocking with the best band in the county! Come on out and help us break it in Intercoastal Pirate style!

The 4th, The Trifecta, The Aftermath...

Wearied of the challenge of pillaging a port at a time, The Intercoastal Pirates hatched a plan of diabolical proportion... three towns in three nights. Surely to be spoken of in pirating lore for years to come, the boys loaded the ship without intention of returning for rest until making prize of a fishing port, a riverside celebration, and a beachside home for partying castaways in one fell swoop!

Sailing in behind cover provided by the Catfish Mafia, the Pirates stormed the stage at the Freeport Fishin Fiesta... taking no prisoners (but making lots of friends) the boys had their way with a crowd of revelers into the night. It's sure this place will be on the re-pillage list for next year. After hours of music and merriment, the ship slipped off into the night...

The very next night, ready to see familiar faces in familiar places, the ship went up the San Bernard river to dock at Dido's. It was a great day, the 4th day of July, and all were ready to spend time (and a few pieces of eight, to boot!) on wine, women, song, and recognition of the Pirates only true home... THE GREAT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!! There has never been a port made that can match the ol' US of A, and nay, never will be to our eyes! Then, while the the rockets were glaring red... aye, and the bombs were bursting in air... on to port three...

Having been to a place with years of history on day one, then to a place we all love to swash our buckles on day two, it was time to come in under full sail and crash a new port of call. A few blocks off the main thoroughfare in Surfside Beach, within cannonshot of the sandy shore, we found a place with a name begging a good pirating.. Castaways! The swords were flashing (as were other things through the evening, but that's another tail.. I mean tale), and the crowd was won over to the Pirate way of life, love, and laughter. By night's end, the Castaway's were feeling that old Pirate magic, and the boys had made Pirate history.

As you can see, it took a few days below decks to gain the strength back for the telling of this tale. And just in time! The swashbuckling quintet has located one of their own long lost members, and then went and found another body of water they've yet to violate! And you know they can't leave that alone.. so off to Dow's Reservoir to party and play with the company folks.

Do these sea dogs ever rest????

A Blog With No Name…

The big ship docked in Brazoria on Friday the 13th, surely a good day for pirating! A festival it was, with food and drink… aye, and lads and wenches aplenty. Plenty of plunder on the auction block too, and everyone from judges to the constabulary having a time of it. What was it called, ye ask? Well, it doesn’t really have a name… actually, the fact it has no name is its name… or it’s named after not having a name to name itself.

No one move… I dropped my brain…

Of course! It’s the Brazoria No Name Festival. It’s been held for years, and they haven’t found a need to name it yet! The boys were there to keep the fine folk of Brazoria entertained into the wee hours, and had a great time of it, too! While watching them do their swashbuckling, I even recorded a bit of it on my own and posted it for the pirating world to see. The boys have set sail, but will be in three ports in three nights come Independence Day weekend, so be sure to meet them when next ship meets sand!

"The average man will bristle if you say his father was dishonest, but he will brag a little if he discovers that his great-grandfather was a pirate."

Pirates Day Declared at Dido's

It has been a while since my last tale of the adventures of the Pirates, as I had gone inland to visit family. I am back now and wanted to catch everyone up on the Pirates recent activities.

On May 24th the Pirates made port on the San Bernard river to visit the Legendary Dido's. Unbeknownst to the Pirate's Captain and crew, Dido's had declared May 24th "Pirates day" in honor of their visit. All the bar maids and bar lads were dressed as Pirates. Even Captain Chris Faulk of the Pirates was accompanied on his guitar by his faithful side kick Maurice the Parrot. It was a rowdy crowd and crew, and food and drink was plentiful. Arrrgh!

Next Port of Call --- Brazoria No Name Festival June 13.

Land Ho

The Intercoastal Pirates dropped anchor May 2nd at the Lake Jackson Civic Center, to play in the Summer Concert Series. Although foul weather was on the horizon, it didn't keep a large crowd from gathering to meet the boys when they hit land. The Pirates were in fine spirits and had a good time filled with wine, women, and song. They did the songs... the women (and their men) did the dancing! There was wine involved, but that's another story...

The Concert Series is a new concept for the City of Lake Jackson, as they test the waters to see if the idea will float. There were many, many people out having a good time with the band and we hope they will call in to the Enchanted City and tell them they would like to see more of this sort of entertainment, and more of the Intercoastal Pirates!

Next landfall will be at a private wedding in Houston May 17th, then on down the river to Dido's on May 24th. Join us there, as it is a great place to eat, drink, and be merry!

Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Diet Coke

Last night the Pirates made Port at the Municipal Park in Freeport.... to Play in Freeport's annual Riverfest. It was Awsome... The Lions Club and the City of Freeport really knows how to throw a festival.... As usual the band sounded great and the crowd seemed to really enjoy the concert. I know I did... A big Thank you to the Salty Dog Cooking team for the delicious BBQ dinner.... They fed the entire Pirates Crew before the concert.... What a feast they provided!!!

The next schedule stop will be May 2, for the City of Lake Jackson Concert Series at the civic center... Hope to see you there...