Jan 27: Jason, You da Man!

It's Sunday afternoon I need my guitar tightened up. I don't usually rave about anything but here's someone I just want to brag about. Just had to give some proper respect to Jason, the owner of Jason's Guitar and sounds. He's been responsible for recharging my creativity by making my guitars into physical extensions of my inner soul. Not sure how he does it but whenever I send a guitar in for a repair it comes back feeling better than ever. In this picture he's holding my new Fender Strat that I've named "Buckey". If you play or want lessons he's the man to talk to. Check out his site at www.jasonsguitars.com

That's it. Thanks for the hook up's Jason!

Magz

Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 26: New Braunfels, Tx

It's time to hit the interstate for more funk and bad food. We're doing a gala for the American Cancer Society tonight. As we rolled into town we saw bikes everywhere. It looked like a mini biker rally but they all looked like weekend warriors to me. Some of them walked into the BBQ joint we were eating at with their chests out and tried to stare me down as if they were bad asses. When I looked them fierce dead in the eye they looked away. Back to wall street son. You ain't for real.

So we headed to the gig and unloaded our junk in the green room. I brought my lap top in order to do some recording. I'm doing this little blues project that seems to be growing by the minute. It was one year ago to the day that I was in the same room playing the same show and recording my sax player for the song "Spiritual Friend". Now the ladies in the kitchen were making so much noise I had to shove the mic into the sax hole. Junior did one helluva job tracking bass on my mobile set up. Can't wait to dump the tracks at the home studio. They fed us in the green room and after eating the worst Chinese food in the world it was time to make the big noise.

This gala was also an auction. Someone donated $18,000 for this pic of some artists on the spot. Must be something avant garde because I ain't feeling it. But then again one persons art is another's angst.
Now to describe this show as just "fun", I would be misrepresenting an awesome night. This was the best show of 2008 without question. The people here showed more love than any club has all month, and we gave some love back. After a few encores it was time to hit the I-35 at top speed and dream it all up again. Just as I start the drive I turn on the radio because I couldn't find my iPod. I'm not really paying attention because a commercial is playing but something caught my attention. That's my song on the radio! Oh snap. KLBJ is playing "Get Away" from our last CD. I smiled ear to ear for the rest of the way. It's like watching your baby take their first step. So, How YOU doi'n!!

Bu-bye!

Magz

Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 25: Shooters..Austin,Tx

We're playing a new venue tonight. I'm not sure what to expect. It's got that "blue collar " vibe to it so I hope they're funky. Regardless, I plan on doing what I do even if they're not. Some harp player came up and did his thing with us. I love a good jam session. It was cool to see so many people who we haven't seen us in years most of them said they don't go out much anymore and rather not drive downtown. We all agreed that vibe here is very care free and not as uptight as some of the people can be at some of these trendy spots. It was nice to park at a venue without having to pay and seeing people dancing first song out is always welcomed. Being that we didn't play Thursday everyone seemed to have more energy than usual. Maybe having a few days off ain't a bad thing after all. Well at least for some people!



Magz

Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 18: Speakeasy

It was nice not suffering through another cold night at an outdoor shot. I think we all got some much needed rest. Of course I submerged myself in the recording studio so I'm recharged and refreshed.

I'm thrilled tonight because the folks from Burgentone are coming out tonight and I get to use one of those fine amps. They say it's 39 degree's tonight and its raining. I wonder what the crowd will be like?

Boom! People are out tonight and ready to dance. I have to salute our sax player hook for putting some fire on stage tonight. He was taking no prisoners on every solo and that inspired everyone else in the band to do the same. At one point a random babe came on stage and started kissing him after his solo. That's crazy! And that's what we like. All night was wild. I can't even remeber half of it. I bought a new camera and it was giving me issues so nothing to post. Just let it be said. Tonight was a blast. Thanks to all the people in Austin who still have soul.

I'm out!

Brother Magnum


Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 19: The Ranch, Temple, TX

This our first time playing this spot so we have no idea what to expect. Ownership has recently changed and up until now it was a red neck bar. TC and Selton reminded me of the Blues Brothers movie as we drove closer to the venue. I took a picture of one of the marquis. Dysfunkshun Junkshun, Lightning Leon and chicken fried steak. I don't know who Lightning Leon is but I know this place has some good CFS according to hook. Look at the size of that sucker! He's got balls for eating that before a show. Poor Will is battling allergies and passed for something healthy. I'm finaly feeling 100% tonight so I'm gonna keep an empty stomach so I can be on top of my game. I'm glad I did, because the despite the hill-billy vibe the crowd got off on most everything we played. Hell, we even witnessed a good 'ole country boy shoving match in the middle of the dance floor. The only thing missing was the chicken wire.








We never stopped grooving the whole time because the girls just ignored them and kept on dancing. This was a suprising evening. I don't think anyone expected the amount of love they gave us tonight. After a few pictures with the lovelies we headed back out into the cold for another late night trip down I-35. Civilization never looked so uncool!


Magz
Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 17: Belont One Last Time ... Or NOT !

For our last night here, mother nature turned the heater down and its about 36 degrees. I'll be shocked if anyone comes but I damn sure hope they do. Let's see. Then again let's don't. After consideration between the managment we thought it would be best to take the night off and reschedule on a Friday when it makes since and our fingers won't freeze. Good choice! I'm gonna stay home and "F" up some Rudy's BBQ!

Lata's!

Magz
Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 11: The day I almost killed myself for this sh*t!

May the gods of rock-n-roll have mercy on my soul tonight. My flu hit full speed this morning and I'm dreading tonight. Not the gig, but just my fear of multiple bathroom runs. I'm taking lots of drugs, drinking Gatorade, and eating only soup broth. Damn, I'm hungry! After tonight is over I'm plan on eating like a Roman. I arrived on an empty stomach and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the crowd here. This place is Cougar Central. If one more single soccer mom offers to buy me another drink or pinches me on the ass again I'm gonna lose my composure. We started off with a bang and the party was going great. So many women on the front row giving me those flirtatious looks. I don't care what anyone says in this business, it never gets old. I made it through the first two hours just fine but at midnight something hit me. I started sweating like I was Bobby Brown at a child support hearing and then the room began to spin. But I'm the show master I can't stop ...(right!). I kept going and going, with the show that is. No one in the band seemed to notice that I was on the verge of passing out. I always said I wanted to die on stage or on top of someone like you and I almost got my wish. I was refusing to give in because for some odd reason I did not want to "let anyone down". The show was beginning to suffer and the crowd was thinning out. I couldn't even remember what songs to pick because my brain felt like it was on fire. I just had to sing until 1:15AM (I kept telling myself) but at 1:10 my common sense told me to FTW and I said good night and walked off stage. This lady in the audience walked up to me and asked for a "shout out" for somebody (I still think that's corny) and I remember me telling her I can't because I need to throw up. The look on her face was priceless. I went to the back of the bar and collapsed. I was a bit disappointed that no one seemed to give a shift in the whole place. I have to give props to my light man Big K. for looking out for me afterwards and helping me get to my car. From that point I drove home in a total haze and crashed on my couch downstairs because I couldn't bear to walk upstairs. 2008 has started out as one F'd up year in so many ways but I'm not the least bit discouraged. If anything I'm more motivated than ever. I can't wait for next week and every week after that. I thank you for reading about "mi vida loca". I've got big plans baby...big plans.



Vladimir Dracula Von Stankfinger


Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 10: Back in Austin at the Belmont

So here we are again. Back at our regular Thursday gig. We're and old school soul band playing outside at 8pm in the cold under a plastic tent. Hmmm...Being an optimist has it's advantages, for a little while I guess. I think the most exciting thing about this evening is the potential of a show in Europe. It's not for sure at this point but it's looking good. Haven't seen the boys this excited since the free beer which by the way we are due a few cases. Ya know, I was feeling great then my stomach started doing cart wheels. Oh no. My sax player Hook had a bout with this last week. Damn. If I can make it to my car for the immodium. It aint pretty people. It's real.

Thanks for reading. Where's the bathroom?

Magz

Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 5: Pignettis, Killeen, Tx

Onward to the next town. Tonight were at a bar called Pignettis near Ft. Hood. This town can be pretty wild and that's alright with me. I have family that live in the area so I'm sure someone will make it out. Another unique thing about this town is that it's one of the most ethnically diverse cities we play which is way cool to me since I'm a product of diversity. We all made it home from Dallas for about four hours. Just enough time to be home to realize all the things you miss like kids, your woman, hot food. Yeah right! I ain't got none of that shit at my house. I changed guitar strings, ate some pork rinds and packed clothes for the next show. You are my family people and I'm ready to wreck a new town, son! Now that we made it I look at everyone and can tell that everyone is running on empty. One thing about Killeen is that if they love you they buy you drinks all night. Shot after shot of straight liquor and I don't have enough since to say no tonight. I even convinced Junior to take one I thought he was gonna hurl any second. I feel bad about because I'm not the kind of cat to pressure anybody to do that. Drink after drink. It kept coming and we all kept drinking. It made tonight unmemorable for me. Well at least we've got some pictures to prove that I was here becuase I don't remember a damn thing. Hello!?
Magz
Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 4: The Glass Cactus, Grapevine, Tx

A few hours of sleep and we're on the road again, this time heading to Dallas. Actually Grapevine, which is in the burbs. The Glass cactus is an awesome venue with state of the art sound and lighting so we'll be shooting video and pictures for the web site. We have to be at the venue extra early for sound check so we were on the road by noon. I think production headed out two hours earlier. I have a love/hate thing about the road. I really enjoy it once I'm rolling but when I'm at the house in the studio I don't wanna leave. This isn't for everyone. I've seen so many people come and go in my time. I've bought into this fantasy and I'm still as excited as the first time I ever hit the road.

Then suddenly....oh shit! I'm watching a car rolling over multiple times right before my eyes directly in front of us. We're doing about 70 MPH but we were able to stop. When I looked in the rear view I saw cars locking brakes and I was very worried someone was gonna smash into us from the rear. As I look in the mirror I see a car coming at us top speed with the brakes locked and tires smoking. I remember looking in the mirror saying "Please stop" out loud. Luckily it did but cars continued to streak by. Oddly enough no one was stopping. It was smack in the middle of Dallas on the Interstate and were the first ones on the scene. I walk to the car expecting to see a mangled body but instead I see a frightend woman trying to call 911. Not a scratch on her. After trying to force open the door of an upside-down van. An ambulance and Police car arrived so we made the scene. What a trip. Just shows you how fast things can change. You have to live people. You never know when you card will be punched.

At last we arrived and I was blown away by the size of the stage and the lighting. The staff was top notch and uncharacteristly helpful. It's like I've gone to heaven. The resort adjacent to the hotel was as cool as the venue. TC said it reminded him of something in Vegas. I have to agree after seeing the biggest damn wall of projection TV in my life. After a quick bite it was showtime and we had no idea what to expect considering it was our first time here. The women were at the front of the stage and treating me like a rock star. They all wanted pictures and if I went to the edge of the stage they all reached out wanting to touch my hand like I was god-like. Well since I am, touch me babies. I don't mind. Feels so good to do this and be appreciated. Austin could learn a thing or two about how to enjoy themselves instead of being uptight. Well not everyone. Just the climate. After the show as were walking into this huge resort I observed a huge circle of people, most of them smiling and clapping to a few guys playing guitar and a blues harp. Not to miss a late night jam session I jumped and started singing. They were a bunch of Jesus freaks down for a convention. After several choruses of singing "amen" and "jallelujha" I realized there were no women around so I realized I had enough of this action. I'm not one to hang out at sausage fest.
Besides, our light man Big K brought some wonderful chocolate flavored booze he picked up in Germany a few weeks back and after several glasses the room is beginning to spin...good night!

Magz

Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com

Jan 3: First Show of the New Year

Wow! I can't believe I'm still at it. Thought for sure I'd be old and matured by now. Not hardly baby! I still have the burning desire to do this every chance I can. It was freaking 30 degrees today and the show is outside. I really wish we would have started this gig in the spring. Mother nature is a gray haired bitch and she won't let all of her daughters come out in the cold. We only want a few of them. Starting on an ever changing note, I get a call from Hook. He's sick as a dog so we need a sub tonight. The talented Nathan Peoples was kind enough to oblidge. The attendance around here has been a bit hampered due to the cold. It's under 40 degrees out here and I can't blame anyone for not wanting to be outside but I wish they were. Even with a smaller crowd we had a great time jamming together. Tony bought a new key board and I chose to entertain myself by looking at all of the dazzling lights on it. After the second set, it began to rain on parts of the stage, so the bar manager gave us the OK to go home early. I'm looking forward to Dallas tomorrow night. If you're reading this I hope you made it.

Magz


Dyfunkshun Junkshun
www.funkparty.com