Well folks, as we start to see more light at the end of the tunnel, it gives me great pause after all we've been through...it also means I'll finally be dipping my toes back into the outside world and slowly getting back on the dusty trail, including some upcoming gigs starting next month.
It's definitely a weird feeling after being on the sidelines for over a year, kinda like someone has hit the 'unpause' button on life, but I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again and playing some tunes outside of my living room :)
You can check out the currently scheduled dates on the Shows page, with more to come.
See you all soon in the 'Real World'...
News
On The Road Again!
Hey friends, it's been a minute! I hope everyone is safe and well here in this ongoing weird trip that is 2020.
First off, 'thank you' doesn't even begin to convey how much I am grateful for all those who've called, checked in, sent emails, sent messages to my parents, and have just been keeping tabs on me. Whatever the message or question or just 'hey man', it has always put gas in my tank during a time when a lot us have been running on fumes and just trying to make it to the next station.
Second, I hope this message finds everyone hanging in and weathering the storm OK. With all of this time I've had to reflect, I've thought and prayed a lot for all of you out there as we've navigated these uncharted waters, separately together.
I've been pretty hunkered down here at my compound since all this started, treading lightly and cautiously. Channeling my inner Howard Hughes (though not peeing in jars...yet) and in the mirror I'm starting to look like an old school Bob Seger. I don't think I've lost much weight so far, but haven't really gained the 'Covid Quarter' either, so I'm putting that in the win column. I'm also fairly certain that at this point there is now hand sanitizer in my bloodstream.
Like I'm sure all of us have oscillated, I've had good days and not so good days just trying to wrap my head around this Brave New World and figure out where things are going from here. I've gone off the rails at times, and at others have found myself more centered and thankful and accepting than ever. Throughout this whole ordeal I've had to make a lot of tough decisions I wish I didn't have to make, and have had to figure out a lot of things, too (and still do). But I also have been incredibly fortunate to have avoided the virus so far while still keeping the lights on, both of which I know have caused incredible hardships for so many people. 'Count Your Blessings' has been an understated mantra in these times.
There's been a lot of silver linings, too. I've read more than I have in a long while, gone for a lot of walks on the canal along the Potomac, finished some long neglected projects, and I think my house is the cleanest its ever been. I've also spent more time in my studio than the entire time since I built it several years ago, so I'm hoping to put out at least a few new things before the year's end. And somewhere along the way I rediscovered my childhood love of Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody'...who knew that song would take on a deeper and slightly darker meaning down the line, but damn if it still doesn't get you out of your seat!
I know everyone has had a very wide variety of perspectives, interpretations, and levels of comfort through all of this. And that's all good, this is America after all. Me, I've been playing it pretty conservatively and plan on continuing to do so as events unfold. Yes, I was the neighbor wiping down his mail every day and spraying enough Lysol to asphyxiate a small town. But like Bill Murray in the classic movie 'What About Bob?', I'm taking baby steps (If you haven't seen it, treat yourself). Mashed potatoes and gravy, Marie.
Every day seems to bring new developments and information (or misinformation), and I'm just laying back and keeping an eye on things. If the situation looks OK I may peak my head out of isolation somewhere around Labor Day and try to play a few gigs, but no guarantees or concrete plans at the moment. As we all know from the crazy ride we've had already, it's all subject to a week by week, month by month evaluation. Seems like none of us knows if or when the deck might get shuffled again.
I'll also still be taking a break from my personal FB profile for the time being, which, for someone who has been tied to it out of necessity for as long as I can remember, has been a welcome break from the Pavlovian overstimulation of social media. For the first time in a long while, I can honestly say that the last several months I've looked at more trees and clouds and woodland creatures than posts and memes, and it has been really good for the soul.
Anyway...I just wanted to check in and say hello, let folks know I'm still alive, and give my best to everybody. I also want to give a special shout out and a whole lot of love, appreciation and admiration to all of the frontline folks who have been putting themselves in harm's way everyday to keep the rest of us afloat. Thank you for standing on the dark side of the light.
I miss the music, I miss all the good times, and I miss all of you. Take care. Stay healthy. Be safe. Get some sunshine. Pet your dog. Eat a sandwich. Read that book you bought 3 years ago. Put on a record and dance in the kitchen. Hug the ones you're quarantined with a little longer, and sweat the small stuff a little less. Hang on, take a deep breath, and be thankful that you can. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. And when the world slows down, you just gotta go ahead and let it.
Oh...and wear a mask for Christ's sake :)
See you on the other side,
-Freddie
First off, 'thank you' doesn't even begin to convey how much I am grateful for all those who've called, checked in, sent emails, sent messages to my parents, and have just been keeping tabs on me. Whatever the message or question or just 'hey man', it has always put gas in my tank during a time when a lot us have been running on fumes and just trying to make it to the next station.
Second, I hope this message finds everyone hanging in and weathering the storm OK. With all of this time I've had to reflect, I've thought and prayed a lot for all of you out there as we've navigated these uncharted waters, separately together.
I've been pretty hunkered down here at my compound since all this started, treading lightly and cautiously. Channeling my inner Howard Hughes (though not peeing in jars...yet) and in the mirror I'm starting to look like an old school Bob Seger. I don't think I've lost much weight so far, but haven't really gained the 'Covid Quarter' either, so I'm putting that in the win column. I'm also fairly certain that at this point there is now hand sanitizer in my bloodstream.
Like I'm sure all of us have oscillated, I've had good days and not so good days just trying to wrap my head around this Brave New World and figure out where things are going from here. I've gone off the rails at times, and at others have found myself more centered and thankful and accepting than ever. Throughout this whole ordeal I've had to make a lot of tough decisions I wish I didn't have to make, and have had to figure out a lot of things, too (and still do). But I also have been incredibly fortunate to have avoided the virus so far while still keeping the lights on, both of which I know have caused incredible hardships for so many people. 'Count Your Blessings' has been an understated mantra in these times.
There's been a lot of silver linings, too. I've read more than I have in a long while, gone for a lot of walks on the canal along the Potomac, finished some long neglected projects, and I think my house is the cleanest its ever been. I've also spent more time in my studio than the entire time since I built it several years ago, so I'm hoping to put out at least a few new things before the year's end. And somewhere along the way I rediscovered my childhood love of Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody'...who knew that song would take on a deeper and slightly darker meaning down the line, but damn if it still doesn't get you out of your seat!
I know everyone has had a very wide variety of perspectives, interpretations, and levels of comfort through all of this. And that's all good, this is America after all. Me, I've been playing it pretty conservatively and plan on continuing to do so as events unfold. Yes, I was the neighbor wiping down his mail every day and spraying enough Lysol to asphyxiate a small town. But like Bill Murray in the classic movie 'What About Bob?', I'm taking baby steps (If you haven't seen it, treat yourself). Mashed potatoes and gravy, Marie.
Every day seems to bring new developments and information (or misinformation), and I'm just laying back and keeping an eye on things. If the situation looks OK I may peak my head out of isolation somewhere around Labor Day and try to play a few gigs, but no guarantees or concrete plans at the moment. As we all know from the crazy ride we've had already, it's all subject to a week by week, month by month evaluation. Seems like none of us knows if or when the deck might get shuffled again.
I'll also still be taking a break from my personal FB profile for the time being, which, for someone who has been tied to it out of necessity for as long as I can remember, has been a welcome break from the Pavlovian overstimulation of social media. For the first time in a long while, I can honestly say that the last several months I've looked at more trees and clouds and woodland creatures than posts and memes, and it has been really good for the soul.
Anyway...I just wanted to check in and say hello, let folks know I'm still alive, and give my best to everybody. I also want to give a special shout out and a whole lot of love, appreciation and admiration to all of the frontline folks who have been putting themselves in harm's way everyday to keep the rest of us afloat. Thank you for standing on the dark side of the light.
I miss the music, I miss all the good times, and I miss all of you. Take care. Stay healthy. Be safe. Get some sunshine. Pet your dog. Eat a sandwich. Read that book you bought 3 years ago. Put on a record and dance in the kitchen. Hug the ones you're quarantined with a little longer, and sweat the small stuff a little less. Hang on, take a deep breath, and be thankful that you can. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. And when the world slows down, you just gotta go ahead and let it.
Oh...and wear a mask for Christ's sake :)
See you on the other side,
-Freddie
Summer at Seacrets in Ocean City, MD!
The Freddie Long Band will be performing at Seacrets in Ocean City, MD every Wednesday this summer from Jun 12-Aug 28. Check out the latest updated tour schedule at http://freddielong.com/tourdates -- see you at the beach!
The Freddie Long Band voted one of Frederick's Best 2013
My heartfelt thanks to both Frederick Magazine and all those that voted us one of Frederick's best bands for 2013, a great honor!
The Freddie Long Band voted Best Of Frederick 2012!
The Freddie Long Band was recently voted Best Of Frederick 2012 in Frederick Magazine! Huge thanks to Frederick Magazine and everyone who voted--I am incredibly honored to be recognized in such a big way by my hometown! For more info, visit:
New Nashville Videos
Thanks to the technological saavy of some friends that were at a few shows here in Nashville last month (thanks Kirstin and Cheri!), I now have some new YouTube videos to share!
'Four Long Years' (at The Commodore) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6f8jfVLXZI
'Natalie' (at The Rutledge):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYkRhteOe_c
'Feelin' Alright' (at The Rutledge):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me_CtRqCgJw
Upcoming East Coast Shows
I will be returning to the east at the end of this month with a jam-packed schedule of shows! Look to the sidebar on the left for upcoming dates and for a full schedule visit the Tour Dates section.
New Year's at Liberty Mountain Ski Resort
This New Year's Eve, The FLB will once again be returning to perform at Liberty Mountain Ski Resort in Carroll Valley, PA! This year's Liberty Mountain NYE show in McKee's Tavern will again feature complimentary champagne toasts, party favors, and fireworks atop the mountain at midnight.
AND just like last year, the performance will be FREE to attend, though advanced reservations are highly recommended. For those planning on staying in the area, start making plans and booking your hotels now--Liberty Mountain's hotels and many of the areas lodgings are already filling up!
For more information, visit:
Liberty Mountain NYE Celebration
East Coast Holiday Tour
(Picture: my Nashville Charlie Brown Christmas tree!)
I'll be headed home for the holidays soon and will be playing several shows in the east while I am home for Christmas and New Year's. Here's the current holiday schedule:
12/21 - Bushwaller's/Frederick, MD (solo)
12/22 - Austin Grill/Silver Spring, MD (solo)
12/23 - Valley Grill/Middletown, MD (duo)
12/24 - Cellar Door/Frederick, MD (solo w/ friends)
12/27 - Memories/Mt. Airy, MD (solo)
12/29 - Canal Bar/Frederick, MD (solo)
12/31 - NYE at Liberty Mountain/Carroll Valley, PA (band)
01/05 - Austin Grill/Silver Spring, MD (solo)
01/06 - Flinchy's/Camp Hill, PA (solo)
01/07 - Monkey La La/Frederick, MD (band trio)
For showtimes and more information, visit:
http://www.freddielong.com/tourdates
Videos from first Nashville band show featuring Jeff Lopez from the Taylor Hicks Band
I recently had my first Nashville band show on October 21st at a great club called The Rutledge downtown off of 4th Ave. The show featured a few familiar faces (lead guitarist Christopher Bell and former FLB drummer Mike Ball), as well as some new special guests including bassist Joe Schneider, violinist DeMetri Moon, vocalist Marion Grace (also a Frederick County native!) and saxophone player Jeff Lopez from the Taylor Hicks Band!
A friend of the band was able to get some great video footage for several of the songs (thanks, Wanda!), including a few new ones. Here are the links to the YouTube vids:
Leaving You Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZb9FoRxbf4
Right Here And Right Now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYeS9B4nqTQ
Natalie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdmFYrt1w4U
Feelin' Alright (encore)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cNLaxB_xqU
