Five Years of Merrymaking

The Hollands! We are obviously more than just a band, we are a family. However, as we celebrate our five year anniversary of full-time travel, we thought it would be fun to take a look at all of the merrymaking our little family has made. 

Our children, Graciana and Banjo were 14 and 10 when we hit the road full-time but began performing with us well before. I can’t even imagine how many total shows they have already played at their young age, but the list below showcases approximately 90 shows a year since 2011, and displays the hard work of touring through the whole of the US, Canada, Australia, and SE Asia. Even more than that, every single one of these performances we had the honor of teaching and leading our favorite song “Old Man’s Town.”    

If you haven’t heard “Old Man’s Town” have a listen here. Video was recorded in 2014 at the Habanero Collective in Phoenix, AZ

The song was written in 2010 and originally appeared on our album Ashes to Beauty. However, the song quickly became our families heart song and appeared again as a more rollicking version on our 2013 release, Over Land and Leas. We are currently laying down tracks for a new project and the hope is to add another version of the song to that album.

“Old Man’s Town” is based on the Banjo Patterson Poem, ‘The Road to Old Man’s Town.’

The fields of youth are filled with flowers, 
The wine of youth is strong: 
What need have we to count the hours? 
The summer days are long. 
But soon we find to our dismay 
That we are drifting down 
The barren slopes that fall away 
Towards the foothills grim and grey 
That lead to Old Man's Town. 

And marching with us on the track 
Full many friends we find: 
We see them looking sadly back 
For those who've dropped behind 

But God forfend a fate so dread -- 
Alone to travel down 
The dreary road we all must tread, 
With faltering steps and whitening head, 
The road to Old Man's Town!

We had been doing an Australian folklore workshop and found the verse in one of Banjo Patterson’s books of poetry. The poem really struck a cord at the time as I had been working in nursing homes doing music therapy and was really taken by how important community was in our understanding of meaning and quality of life. At the same time, Craig and I were journeying thought a reconciliation process in our marriage and the poem just really hit home. The song showcases a sing along chorus that encourages our audience to see the value in each other, to push through the storms of relationship, to find the beauty in community, believing the ancient words, ‘that when one falls, we all fall and when one is honored, we are all honored.’ 

Sing my woes, sing my joys
Sing my friends, now don't be coy
Sing my sad and pretty song
Sing oh sing, oh sing along

unspecified-1We have lead this song at festivals and in more intimate gatherings to handfuls of kinfolk all willing to bellow out the chorus with us. Whether a large or small group, hearing others heartfelt voices in one accord has brought more joy than anything else on this musical journey.

Of course, we’ve had a few cherished moments that stand out including leading the song in our hometown venue, Kavarna, which we performed at the night before we left in the bus. We were covered in sweat from packing and getting the bus ready, and rushed over to Kavarna, set up the stage and together with all of our kinfolk we sang with bittersweet voices as the last note rang out.

thehollands_0110Another of our favorites was in Chuck Parson’s basement in St. Louis MO. The crowd of kinfolk packed in and stood about two feet from us in a simi-circle. They danced and danced and sang their hearts out. Another would be at the last ever Cornerstone Festival in 2012 where 1000 or more kinfolk sang along, while our friends and former members of Seeds and Ballydowse joined us on stage. Then there was that time in Jesse and Janae’s backyard in Austin TX, under all of the twinkle lights and another time at the Fox Valley House in Appleton, WI when all the counselors from Camp Tekawitha came up on stage and sang with us. Speaking of Camp Tek, some of our fondest memories are of our Wednesday night sing-alongs. And, even that summer when we couldn’t make it, the campers still sang the song and our friend Eric sent us the video.

Teaching the song to our first French speaking crowd in Vann and Chantels barn in Quebec, CA was a blast and prepared us to teach it to all of our kinfolk in SE Asia. In fact, on of our favorite memories was leading the song in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). We were playing on our hosts front porch, which opened to the busy street and many gathered around. We asked for a translator and a beautiful young woman stepped forward. She translated the lyrics and those standing there began to sing along with gusto. Then there were all the folk festivals in Australia, boy do folkies down under like to sing! And our kinfolk in Glenrowan, such a fun, rowdy bunch. Whew! Honestly, the list could go on and on!! 

I reckon, even if touring comes to a close, even if we never make another album, our family will keep singing this song, with whomever, and where ever the Spirit allows. 

And so, here’s a peak at our nearly 500 shows over the past five years. Have a gander, maybe you were at a few?

2016

Oct 2 Red Poles Mclaren Vale SA
Sept 30 Metro Mt. Gambier SA
Sept 29 Sianni's House Party Warrnambool VIC 
Sept 17 Rhys and Esthers Wedding Yackandandah VIC
Sept 11 Camperdown Rest Memorial Park NSW
Sept 10 The Factory Kirrawee, NSW
Sept 3 Kihilla, Lawson, NSW
Sept 1 House Concert Glebe, NSW
Aug 25 Lazy Bones Lounge Marrickville, NSW
Aug 14 Live-n-Lounge Macarther NSW
Aug 6 Hidden Valley Farm Ourimbah NSW
June 24 Selah Farm Mullumbimby NSW
June 10 SeeChange Community Jannalli, NSW
May 14 House Concert Gundaroo, NSW
May 13 Folk Session St Barnabas, Canberra, ACT
May 8 River City Albury, NSW
May 3 House Concert Glenrowan, VIC
April 29 Old Church on the Hill Bendigo VIC
Feb 20 Bonnie Doon Folk Festival Bonnie Doon VIC
Feb 12 Albert Park Folk Club Melbourne VIC
Feb 9 House Concert Glenrowan VIC
Feb 8 Euroa High School Euroa VIC
Feb 6 St. Leonards Winery VIC
Feb 5 Cocoa Collective Albury NSW
Jan 31 Zac's Place Harden NSW
Jan 29 Smith Alternative Canberra ACT
Jan 22 Humph Hall Sydney NSW

Jan 16 KCC Singapore 
Jan 10 Muditar Yangon Myanmar
Jan 2 Art in Chai Pai Thailand 

2015
Dec 23 Tamar Center Pattaya Thailand
Dec 11-13 Alongsiders Phnom Penh Cambodia
Dec 2 Red Apple School Phan Thiet Vietnam
Nov 28 Haven Bar Vung Tau Vietnam

AUSTRALIA TOUR
Nov 5-8 Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival Bendigo VIC
Oct 29 Barb's Kew House Concert Melbourne VIC
Oct 25 Concert in the Park Wodonga VIC
Oct 24 Court House Concert Series Yackandanda VIC
Oct 21 Nethercote Music Factory Nethercote NSW
Oct16-18 Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival NSW 
Oct 11 Illawara Folk Club Kiama NSW
Oct 10 Northern Beaches Music Festival Collaroy NSW
Oct 9 Kimandi House Concerts Port Maquarie NSW
Oct 4 Tintenbar Upfront Tintenbar NSW
Oct 3 The A&I Hall Bangalo NSW
Oct 1 Treehouse on Belongil Byron Bay NSW
Sept 25-27 Wallaby Creek Music Festival Rossville QLD

Sept 12 Mountain Vista Music Albuquerque NM
Sept 7 Golden Grace House Concert Golden CO
Sept 3 Kearney Public Library Kearney NE
Sept 2 5150 House Concert Des Moines IA
Aug 30 Phoenix Band Shell Delavan WI
Aug 27 Harbor Park Egg Harbor WI
Aug 23 GBCC Green Bay WI
Aug 21 Waukegon Library Waukegon IL
Aug 13 House Concert Milwaukee WI
Aug 10 Hackley Library Muskegon MI
Aug 9 C3 Grandhaven MI
Aug 7 Concert In The Park East Jordan MI
Aug 6 Courthouse Concerts Charlotte MI
July 18 Delorey Barn Severin De Beauce QC, CA 
July 14 Music on the Green Calais ME
July 9 Old Town Library Old Town ME
July 5 Community House Hamilton MA
July 3 Dover Free Library Dover VT
June 28 Grace and Truth Chapel Boston MA
June 26 Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center Middletown CT
June 23 Roots Cafe Brooklyn NY
June 20 Caffe Vivaldi Greenwich Village NY
June 17 Allentown Library Allentown PA
June 12 Harrisburg Improv Theatre Harrisburg PA
June 1 Music on the Steps Fredericksburg VA
May 30 Dante's Bar Frostburg MD
May 25 Savage River Farm Lonaconing MD
May 17 Chatham County Community Church Chaple Hill, NC
May 16 Hayes House Concerts Pittsboro NC
May 10 Feed and Seed Fletcher NC
May 9 Crooked Door Marion NC
April 19 Satellite Bar Bluegrass Jam Wilmington NC 
April 9 Dukes Wilmington NC
April 4 One Life Camp Winnabow NC
March 30 NTMH Sanford FL
March 28 Spring Beach Fest Melbourne FL
March 8 The Beach Church Pensacola FL
March 4 Music Camp Gulf Breeze FL
Feb 13 Island Folk Concerts South Padre Island TX
Feb 4 Zeplins Creative Gathering Austin TX
Jan 6 Fort Stockton Library Fort Stockton TX
Jan 4 Monterey Court Tuscon AZ 

2014
Dec 29 House Concert Phoenix AZ
Dec 21 Foothills Albuquerque NM
Dec 20 Burton House Concert Albuquerque NM
Dec 13 Jones Wedding Lafayette LA
Nov 24 MLF Thanksgiving Feast for the Homeless Austin TX
Nov 21 House Concert Round Rock TX
Nov 19 Vespers Service ARCH Austin TX
Oct 24 New World Deli Austin TX
Oct 4 St. Francis Celebration New Braunfels TX
Sept 25-28 SWRFA, Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Conference Austin TX
Sept 14 Sweetwater Bar Austin TX
Sept 6 Listening Session Lafayette LA
Aug 28 Caney High School Caney KS
Aug 26 Coffeyville Community College Coffeyville KS
Aug 19 House Concert Lexington KY
Aug 15 Waukegon Public Library Waukegon IL
Aug 13 Benefit Concert Milwaukee WI
Aug 9 Seaquist Orchards Door County WI
Aug 1 Gordon Lodge Bailey's Harbor WI
July 26 Packerland Concert on the Ledge De Pere WI
July 19 Fox River House Appleton WI
July 13 GBCC Green Bay WI
June 12-16 Steel Bridge Songfest Sturgeon Bay WI
June 9-11 Construction Zone Writers Camp Sturgeon Bay WI
June 8 Phoenix Band Shell Delavan WI
June 7 UUFD Dubuque IA
June 6 Anderson Barn Concert Mt. Vernon IA
June 6 Burlington Library Concert Series Burlington IA
June 1 Ox Cart Farm Bowling Green KY
May 16 Newell House Concert Austin TX
May 10 Under the Canopy Concert Series Dripping Springs TX
May 3 Two Rocks and a Hub Cap Santa Fe NM
April 27 Foothills Albuquerque NM
April 19 Front Porch Concerts Phoenix AZ
April 13 Prescott Public Library Prescott AZ

AUSTRALIA TOUR 
April 1 The Old Church on the Hill Bendigo VIC
March 30 Theatre Royal Brickyard Concert Series Castlemaine VIC
March 29 Kelly's Bar Olinda VIC
March 28 Ranges Concert Series Upway VIC
March 25 House Concert Glenrowan VIC
March 21-23 Yackendanda Folk Festival VIC
March 15 Fiddlehead Yinnar VIC
March 14 Surrender Conference Belgrave VIC
March 13 A Quiet Place Concert Series Castlemaine VIC
March 8 House Concert King Lake VIC
March 1 Gibson House Concert Eden NSW
Feb 26 Old Kirk House Yamba NSW
Feb 25 New Earth Tribe, Cloverdale House, Byron Bay NSW
Feb 22 Troubadour Folk Club Woy Woy NSW
Feb 16 Norwa Folk Club NSW
Feb 15 Illawarra Folk Club Wollongong NSW
Feb 14 Humph Hall Allambie Heights NSW
Feb 8 Daniels Wedding VIC 
Jan 16-19 Illawarra Folk Festival NSW 

2013 
Dec 19 Old Town Library Fort Collins CO
Dec 17 Cowgirl Bar Santa Fe NM
Dec 15 Foothill Church Albuquerque NM
Dec 14 Main Library Albuquerque NM
Dec 12 Erna Fergusson Library Albuquerque NM
Dec 10 Desert Trails Tucson AZ
Dec 7 La Cocina Tucson AZ
Dec 6 Monterey Court Tucson AZ
Nov 8 Habinero Collective Glendale AZ
Nov 3 Kineo Phoenix AZ
Nov 1 Eight Day Coffee Phoenix AZ
Oct 21 House Concert Carlsbad CA
Oct 13 Gathering by the Bay Monterey CA
Oct 6 New Hope Oakland CA
Oct 5 Queen Bean Modesto CA
Sept 25 CSL Concert Roseburg OR
Sept 21 Kenyon Hall Seattle WA
Sept 19 The Green Frog Bellingham WA
Sept 8 Vast Sisters, OR
Sept 6 House Concert Boise, ID
Aug 31 The Branch Park City UT
Aug 30 Miner Park Park City, UT
Aug 25 Avogadro's Number Fort Collins CO
Aug 25 Fort Collins Covenant Fort Collins CO
Aug 23 House Concert Golden CO
Aug 21 Hillside Garden Concert Series Colorado Springs CO
Aug 20 Secret Garden Colorado Springs CO
Aug 18 P.C.C.R.S Parker CO
Aug 17 Music on the Mesa Castle Rock CO
Aug 16 Hays Public Library Hays KS
Aug 14 Fremont Library Mundelein IL
Aug 4 Black Soil Firehouse Lansing MI
Aug 3 Cornbread and Jazz Elkhart IN
Aug 2 The Avenue Lansing MI
July 28 Sun Dog Farm Concert Series Maple Plain MN
July 25 Concert in the Park Long Prairie MN
July 24 Fon du Lac Live Fon du Lac Wi
July 23 Knights on the Fox De Pere WI
July 21 GBCC Green Bay WI
July 20 Fox River House Appleton WI
July 15-19 Camp Tekawitha Shawano WI
July 14 Top Deck Gordon Lodge Bailey's Harbor WI
July 13 Blackhawk Folk Festival Mt. Morris WI
July 12 Town Hall Concert in the Park Bailey's Harbor WI
July 10 Lake Park Wonderful Wednesday Milwaukee WI
July 8 Ephraim Town Park Ephraim WI
July 6 Galena Performing Arts Festival Galena IL
July 3 Sister Bay Concert in the Park Sister Bay WI
June 27 Jackson Square Concert in the Park Green Bay WI
June 25 Hayner Public Library Alton WI
June 22 Bishop Hill Summer Festival Bishop Hill IL
June 16 Summer Concert Series Antioc Library Antioc IL
June 14 Courtyard Concert Series Waukegon Library Waukegon IL
June 6 Music on the Green West Branch IA
June 2 Park Farm Winery Bankston IA
May 31 Two Way Street Coffeehouse Downers Grove IL
May 26 New Hope Greenwood IN
May 18 Official Showcase SERFA Montreat NC
May 10 Charles and Myrtles Chattanooga TN
April 27 Doss Barn Concert Evansville IN
April 20 Luxemburg High School Luxemburg WI
April 14 Neenah Public Library Neenah WI
April 13 Cup o Joy CD Release Green Bay WI
March 23 House Concert Lafayette LA
March 21 Sound Scape Workshop Austin TX
March 19 House Concert Austin TX
March 13 Opening Bell Listening Room Dallas TX
March 10 United Methodist Lubbock TX
March 9 Dinner and Song Lubbock TX
March 3 Foothills Church Albuquerque NM
March 2 Solid Grounds Albuquerque NM
March 1 Burton House Concert North Foothills, NM
Feb 27 Australian Folklore Workshop ECM Albuquerque NM
Feb 22 Apple Mountain Music Albuquerque NM
Feb 16 Santa Fe Center for Spiritual Living Santa Fe NM
Feb 14 Red Sands Mission School Winslow AZ
Feb 13 Apache Mission School Show Low AZ
Feb 10 Grace Church Show Low AZ
Feb 8 Bookman's Flagstaff AZ
Feb 7 Cornville Mission Cornville AZ
Feb 3 Center for Spirituality Salt Lake City, UT
Feb 2 Folk Songs for Climate Justice Concert Murry UT
Feb 2 Sound Scape Workshop Salt Lake City UT
Jan 26 Artistree Arts Conference Phoenix AZ
Jan 20 Kineo Phoenix AZ
Jan 19 Multicultural Festival Chandler AZ
Jan 18 Quartzsite Bus Rally Quartzsite AZ
Jan 16 Wine and Song Firefly Bistro South Pasadena CA
Jan 13 New Hope Oakland CA
Jan 11 House Concert Oakland CA
Jan 6 Center for Spiritual Living Roseburg OR
Jan 5 Axe and Fiddle Cottage Grove OR 

2012  
Dec 30 McMenamins Bend OR
Dec 30 Antioch Bend OR
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service Bend OR
Dec 23 VAST Sister OR
Dec 20 Operation Elf Box Celebrate Salem OR
Dec 19 Operation Elf Box Celebrate Bend OR
Dec 15 Morford House Concert Bend OR
Dec 7 First Friday Art Walk Bend OR
Dec 1 High Note Cafe Boise ID
Nov 30 Cypress House Concert Salt Lake City UT
Nov 28 Folk School Workshop Salt Lake City UT
Nov 25 ECC Fort Collins, CO
Nov 24 Avogadro's Number Fort Collins, CO
Nov 18 1st Pres Colorado Springs CO
Nov 14 Swallow Hill Denver CO
Nov 11-13 Timberline School Winter Park CO
Nov 9 The Urban Farm Denver CO
Oct 22-25 Sedan High School Sedan KS
Oct 21 Epiphany Episcopal Church Sedan KS
Oct 15-19 Coffeyville Humanities Program Coffeyville KS
Oct 13 Town & Country House Concert St. Louis MO
Oct 11-14 Folk Alliance Midwest Conference St. Louis MO
Oct 7 Snus Hill Winery Madrid IA
Oct 6 Progressive Voice Concert Series Des Moines IA
Oct 5 Zekes Ames Ia
Oct 4 Barn Concert Mt. Vernon IA
Sept 26-30 CCDA Reconcile Conference Minneapolis, MN
Sept 23  GBCC Green Bay WI
Sept 21 Venture Theater De Pere WI
Sept 16 First Methodist Church Sturgeon Bay WI
Sept 15 Appleton Farmers Market Appleton WI
Sept 14 Brummel Haus Concert Green Bay WI
Sept 13 Soul Rebel House Concert Appleton WI
Sept 8 O'Morey House Concert Elkhart IN
Sept 7 Magnolia House Concerts Grand Rapids MI
Sept 6 The DAAC Grand Rapids MI
Aug 30 Zeppelin's Music Hall Lansing MI
Aug 23-24 Back to The Roots Chelsea MI
Aug 16 Brewed Awakenings Grand Rapids MN
Aug 16 Green Scene Farmers Market Walker MN
Aug 13 Baudette Train Depot Concert Series Baudette MN
Aug 12 Concert in the Park Bemidji MN
Aug 10 Legends and Logging Festival Park Rapids MN
Aug 9 Glacial Ridge Winery Spicer MN
Aug 8 The Local Blend St. Joseph MN
Aug 6 Camp Tekawitha Shawano, WI
Aug 4  "Un-Regatta" Banquet Menominee Park Oshkosh WI
July 29 SBCC Sturgeon Bay WI
July 28 Picnic in The Park Beaver Dam Park, Green Bay WI
July 27 The Fox River House Appleton WI
July 25 Terry Naturally Farmers Market, Green Bay WI
July 24 Concert in the Park Red Smith Park, Green Bay WI
July 22 Gordon Lodge Baileys Harbor WI
July 21 Parallel 44 Winery Kewaunee WI
July 20 Fri Private Event Kewaunee WI
July 19 Brilliant Stranger Fish Creek WI
July 18 Lunchtime Live Fon du Lac WI
July 11-15 Lifest Sunnyview Expo Center Oshkosh WI
July 3-8 Cornerstone Music Festival Bushnell Il
June 23-29 Camp Tekawithia Shawano WI
June 22 Gordon Lodge Baileys Harbor WI
June 20 Terry Naturally Farmers Market, Green Bay WI
June 16 Fyr Bal Festival Ephraim WI
June 14 Summer in the Park Jackson Square Green Bay WI
June 10 Steel Bridge Songfest Sturgeon Bay WI
June 3 Green Bay Botanical Gardens Green Bay WI
May 30 Windhover Center for the Arts Fon du Lac WI
May 20 SBCC Sturgeon Bay WI
May 18 Kavarna Green Bay WI
May 11 Cedar Vally House Concerts Cedar Falls IA
May 9 Barn Dance Mt. Vernon IA
May 5 Benefit Concert Shenandoah IA
May 4 inCOMMON Community Development Omaha NE
May 1 El bait Shop Des Moines IA
April 28 Private Event Kansas City MO
April 27 Starr's Cave Nature Center Burlington IA 

AUSTRALIA TOUR
April 14 Box Forest Wesleyan Concert Series Glenroy, VIC AUST
April 10 Ringwood Folk Music Club Ringwood, VIC AUST
April 8 Hickinbotham Winery Dromana, VIC AUST
April 7 Brunswick Hotel Brunswick VIC AUST
April 6 Wesley Anne Northcote, VIC AUST
April 1 St Stephens Anglican Church Warrandyte VIC AUST
March 24 Private Party Wallan, VIC AUST
March 18 St. Martin's Collingwood, VIC AUST
March 17 The Chandelier Room Moorabbin VIC AUST
March 11-12 Burke and Wills Folk Festival Mia Mia VIC AUST
March 10 Chambers Rosewood Vineyards Rutherglen, VIC AUST
March 2 Solid Grounds Littleton CO
Feb 26 The Grove Chandler AZ
Feb 24 Fiddlers Dream Pheonix AZ
Feb 18 Isley House Concert Vacaville CA
Feb 11 RiverRidge House Concert Series West Linn OR
Feb 10 Skyway Bar & Grill Zigzag OR
Feb 6 The Record Room Portland OR
Feb 4 The Black Dog Snoqualmie WA
Feb 3 SoulFood Books Redmond WA
Jan 29 Sisters High School Auditorium Sisters OR
Jan 13 Green Plow Coffee Redmond OR
Jan 1 New Years Celebration Skyway Bar Zigzag OR

2011
Dec 31 NYE Celebration House Concert Bend, Or
Dec 9 The Beech Party Portland, OR
Nov 26 Sisters Christmas Parade Sisters, OR
Nov 20 J&J House Concert Series Bend, OR
Nov 19 Pike Place Market Seattle, WA
Nov 17 Backyard House Concerts Kirkland, WA
Nov 4 Skyway Bar Zigzag, OR
Oct 28-29 MORE Married Conference Sisters, OR
Oct 26 Ella Street Social Club Portland, OR
Oct 22 Whisky Poets Room Far-West Eugene, OR
Oct 22  Bill and Kate Isles Room Far-West Eugene, OR
Oct 21 River Ridge Room Far-West Eugene, OR
Oct 11 Bon Voyage Party! Kavarna Green Bay, WI
Oct 7&8 MORE Married Conference Manitowoc, WI
Oct 5 Terry Naturally Farmers Market Green Bay, WI
Oct 2 SBCC Sturgeon Bay, WI
Oct 1 Night of Jubilation 1st United Church of Christ Green Bay, WI
Sept 30 Chefusion Green Bay, WI
Sept 18 SBCC Sturgeon Bay, WI
Sept 17 Bus Conversion Fundraiser  Green Bay, WI
Sept 11 Wausau Festival of the Arts Wausau, WI
Sept 10 Parallel 44 Harvest Festival Kewaunee, WI
Sept 7 Windhover Center For The Arts Fon du Lac, WI
Sept 4 Gordon Lodge Bailey's Harbor, WI
Sept 3 Appleton Farmers Market, Appleton, WI
Sept 2 Concert in the Park Two Rivers, WI
Aug 31 Mequon Country Club Mequon, WI
Aug 30 Red Line Tap Chicago, IL
Aug 24 Hoi Polloi  Grand Rapids, MI
Aug 21 House Concert Crystal, MI
Aug 20 Black Soil Church Lansing, MI
Aug 20 Brighton Farmer's Market Brighton, MI
Aug 18 Canterbury House Ann Arbor, MI
Aug 12 Legends and Logging Festival Park Rapids, MN
Aug 11 Terrapin Station Nevis, MN
Aug 11 Green Scene Farmers Market Walker, MN
Aug 6 Three Crows Cafe' Delano, MN
Aug 5 318 Cafe' Excelsior, MN
Aug 4 Glacial Ridge Winery Spicer MN
July 30 Riversong Music Festival Hutchinson, MN
July 29 Private Party St. Joseph, MN
July 28 Sixth Ave Wine and Ale Alexandra, MN
July 25 Ephraim Concert in the Park Ephraim, WI
July 23 Parallel 44 Winery Kewaunee. WI
July 22 Brumder Mansion Milwaukee, WI
July 20 El bait Shop Des Moinse, IA
July 17 Duffy's Lincoln, NE
July 18 & 19 Camp Nebowa Onawa, IA
July 17 City Church Omaha, NE
July 16 Barley Street Tavern Omaha, NE
July 9 Ledge Stone Vineyard Greenleaf, WI
July 8 Cranky Pats Neenah, WI
July 6 Windhover Center for the Arts Fon du Lac, WI
June 29- July 3 Cornerstone Music Festival Bushnell, IL
June 22 Mequon Country Club Mequon, WI
June 18 & 19 Thistledown Faerie Festival Bonduel, WI
June 17 Cup O Joy Green Bay, WI
June 8 Terry Naturally Farmers Market Green Bay, WI
June 5 Green Bay Botanical Gardens Green Bay, WI
May 21 Chives School House Suamico, WI
April 21 Hinterland Green Bay, WI
April 16 Glas Sturgeon Bay, WI
April 9 Boarders Oak Park, IL
April 8 Molly's Cafe' Chicago IL
March 26 318 Restaurant Excelsior, MN
March 25 Red Rooster Aberdeen, SD
March 24 Sturgis Center for the Arts; Writers Workshop Sturgis, SD
March 22 House Concert Spokane, WA
March 20 SCC Sisters, OR
March 19  Harmony House Sisters, OR
March 18 Mississippi Pizza Company Portland OR
March 17 Maes House Concert Portland OR
March 15 Ides of March Folk Festival The Linen Building Boise, ID
March 13 The Laughing Goat Boulder, CO
March 12 Stella's Denver, CO
March 12 Edgewater Coffee Denver, CO
March 11 Da Buzz Coffeehouse North Platte, NE
March 10 Family Fun Night, River of Life Ceder Rapids, IA
March 7 "Reflections" Workshop, Gibralter HS, Fish Creek WI
Feb 25  Parallel 44 Winery Tundra Fest, Kewaunee, WI
Feb 23 Writers Workshop The Appleton Public Library
Feb 13 The Appleton Public Library Concert Appleton, WI
Feb 12 Sweetwater Sea Concert Series Manitowoc, WI
Jan 1- Feb 10 Recording "Ashes To Beauty"

We’ve had a blast reminiscing, remembering your sweet smiles, and gusto as you sang along. Thanks for all you’ve done to keep us folkies going! We couldn’t keep rolling without you!!

thehollands_0174
All Photos by Kara Counard, Bloom Photography
Advertisement

Festival Life Down Under

20140122-144637.jpgThis past weekend we performed at the Illawarra Folk Festival in Bulli, NSW. Bulli sits just outside of Wollongong about an hour from Sydney. It was our first time in this part of the country and we were smitten. Beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and a dense eucalyptus forest sat as the main backdrop to the festival and reminded us of the Smokey mountains.

We were welcomed by warm weather and a wonderful host family; Andrew, Kathy, Erin, Jerad and their little toy poodle, Celeste. Andrew, a Scottsman and Kathy, an Aussie, met in the IT world, fell in love and the rest was history. Their two children Erin (15) and Jared (12) are homeschooled like our children and there was an immediate camaraderie between our families. Banjo and Jared were mates straight away and spent more time at the beach and gaming than at the festival itself.

At the festival grounds, we performed four sets. On Thursday we shared a half hour set in the Grandstand Bar, just enough to get into the grove.  Craig’s sister, Kerrie and her fiancé Tim came to the show. It was our first time meeting Tim. What a joy to see two people in love!

We also connected with Warwick and Alison Marsh, long time friends of Craig’s parents. Warwick and his family (five kids) traveled full-time in a converted bus, for years. They played music as a family, speaking out about social injustice and encouraging faith in family life. In 2002 Warwick & Alison established the Dads4Kids Fatherhood Foundation to encourage fathers and promote excellence in fathering. It was a privilege and encouragement to dine with them and hear their story.

Back at the festival, we had a second performance at the Nags Lounge. We had an hour set but it was cut short because of a glitch in the sound gear. There was also a drum circle in the tent next door that offered a bit of a distraction. However, we all worked together, including our sound guy, Tim and by the end we were able to redeem the show. Obviously, we aren’t just a band, we’re a family. So, when moments like this arise I’m always so impressed by my children’s ability to stand poised and push through. They truly are professionals.

Our third show was beautiful, everything just clicked. The sound was smooth, the venue was full and guests were very attentive. We performed a fantastic 45 min set in the Grandstand Restaurant showcasing our vocal harmonies, including the Russian Lullaby, Mockingbird, Old Man’s Town and Over Land and Leas.

20140122-144629.jpgOur fourth and final set was in the sweetest little venue on the whole grounds, La Petite Grand. It was a Sunday morning set. Being the first of the day, we weren’t sure how many folks would show up. But, the tent was full and everyone sang along graciously. We decided to do an old timey sing along set and sang Amos Lee’s, Black River, Orphan Girl, Will the Circle, Do Lord, I’ll Fly Away, You Are My Sunshine, Oh When The Saints, and more.

20140122-145638.jpgAn older Dutch chap, who introduced himself before our set, sang along heartily and on our last number he jumped up and spontaneously joined us on our Ukelele. Come to find out, he was an accomplished flamingo guitarist.I wish I could remember his name but I’ll never forget his sweet old face. Funny thing was we met a number of Dutch folks at the festival. It made me feel right at home, as my mom’s side of the family is of Dutch heritage. Who knows, maybe it’s a good sign, that we are meant to go to the Netherlands this year. Wouldn’t that be something!

Some of our favorites about the festival:

20140122-145615.jpg– The food venders were amazing! There was food from all over the world (except Mexican, which we missed and will probably be the first thing we have when we return to the US) When you ordered a french crepe, a french person made it for you. When you ordered a german brat, a german made it for you. I don’t how they found venders that were authentic, but it made for a really neat experience. My favorite vendors were the Balinese food tent, the ginger lemon drink served at the Hare Krishna tent, and the Chia at the Trantic Turtle (also a nomadic family).

-The variety of attendees made the festival so rich. There were newborns to 90yr olds, Brazilians, Danes, Irish, Japanese, Gypsies, Gambians, Americans, Aussies, and more. There were dancers, from belly to flat tappers, Hippies, Yoga instructors, Ukelele clubs, choirs, Hare Krishna’s, and everything else in-between.

-The music range was vast, but Klezmier seemed to be the flavor of the year. Rapskallion, from Melbourne, took the cake in this category. Their music was high energy and the show was full of gypsy, pirate, cabaret antics. In fact, they were so believable that you could imagine little street kids wandering through the crowd picking the fans pockets as they were distracted by the enticing wave of breasts and tambourine that shook on the stage. In a Moulin Rouge sort of way, the show was largely entertaining.

Our very favorite new discoveries included, Oh Pep! (Australian), The Latchikos (Irish), Afenginn (Danish), John John Festival (Japanese), Jaaleekay (Gambian) and Handsome Young Strangers (Australian). There were also a few fellow countrymen present, including The Underscore Orchestra (Portland, OR), Dom Flemons (Phoenix, AZ), and The White Top Mountaineers (Whitetop, VA). It was an honor to be included among these talented artists.

We also connected with friends, The Beez (German), who we met two years ago at Burke and Wills Festival. They are the real deal! Genuinely funny and absolutely amazing musicianship.

Our final night at the festival was cool and the moon was high above the clouds that washed over the mountains.  There were children dancing, stilt walkers bringing a spirit of merrymaking with their bubbles and big smiles. We shared one last meal with our host family while listening to Archie Roach. It was surreal to be serenaded by this living legend and a perfect way to end the festival. 

20140122-144524.jpgThe Illawarra Folk Festival originated at Jamberoo in 1985, and has grown to be one of the largest festivals in Australia run entirely by volunteers, including the upper management. We learned that the proceeds made from this festival are donated into the youth program as well as other fantastic causes. Good on ya Illawarra Folk Festival, good on ya!

If you find yourself in Australia in January, definitely consider putting this festival on your calendar. We sure are looking forward to our return visit!

Dream Talk 2014

…But when desire cometh, it is a tree of life!

We were able to travel over 17,000 miles, repair the brakes on our bus, create a new album, start a new way of home school (road school), welcomed travelers on the bus, begin the healing process from Skin Cancer, and learned so many wonderful things from experts and laymen alike. We were graciously welcomed into over 40 communities and homes through out the USA, all open to hearing our message of reconciliation and restoration, sharing our gifts of music, craftsmanship, mentorship, merrymaking and community building. 

Dream Talk for 2014.

These are all tentative plans and dreams. Your prayers and well wishes are so appreciated as we move forward.

Jan-April;  AUSTRALIA, excited to see what adventures wait for us down under.

April-June; 

-A young friend, Greg, has graduated from University and is looking for an opportunity to serve, play music and seek mentorship. He has asked to ride the bus.

-We hope to serve again, alongside Hope in Transit in Show Low, AZ and East Central Ministries, in Albuquerque, NM

– We hope to connect with communities in Austin TX, Hot Springs AR, Memphis and Nashville TN, St. Louis MO and Mt. Vernon IA, and anywhere in between.

June/July/Aug,  We made a commitment to volunteer at a Catholic youth camp in Shawano, WI June and July. We will be helping with maintenance, mentoring counselors, bonfire jam sessions once a week with the campers and working in the kitchen.

Sept-Dec, We are looking for a community that is open to caring for us for a season. Our hope is to rest, create, record a new album, and prepare for 2015 where we hope to nurture verbal invitations to Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Philippines, Israel, Germany and Italy. We’re delighted to go where ever the doors open and are actively pursuing what it might look like to serve globally.

Will you consider helping us on our way in 2014? 

We have partnered with Modern Day Missions and hope that you find the giving process safe and efficient.

Please visit Modern Day to set up your tax-deductible giving account TODAY. 

 

 

Welcome Home Weekend

20130501-170532.jpgIn April, we made our way from New Orleans, LA up to Green Bay, WI. Our trip north coincided with a booking that we were offered to open for Ruth Moody and our CD release party for “Over Land and Leas”. The morning of our arrival we were welcomed by a snowy northern spring and dear friends that we had spent 2006-2011 with. These were the friends that listened to our dreams and desires, that shared our woes and joys. They are the friends that helped us build our bus, pack up our home, and encouraged us on our way. And so, it was with great anticipation and excitement that we pulled into this most recent home town of ours.

Three hours after our arrival we connected with our host family, The Walls, then went to the Brummel home for welcoming hugs and drinks. For dinner, we went to our favorite, El Sarape Mexican restaurant where the Gokey’s meet us. Followed with more friends joining us for a wild Wisconsin night of cosmic bowling. The next morning, all of us girls went to the Y for Zumba and coffee at the Jitterbean. And for lunch we had a visit on our bus from Team Thomas and the VanFossen’s.

Whew! Shortly after lunch we loaded up our gear and went over to the Cup o Joy Music Venue to prepare for our CD release concert that evening. Having played there over the course of the last five years, there was a comfortability and familiarity as Mark, our sound guy, met us at the door and welcomed us back. We had a quick sound check, and went to the green room for dinner. Paula brought us pasta and salads, and Jan O brought us dessert. Yosemite showed up on time and brought their joyful presence with them. A young reporter from UWGB, the local university, arrived to do an interview with our family. My brother and his family arrived a little early to say “hi” and then the Blumreich’s came back to welcome us. Excitement was building and we were ready to roll.

Yosemite, (Greg and Kevin) gave a wonderful offering of music and quirky stories of studying abroad, girls, etc… They delight us every time and eased us into the night perfectly. After a short intermission, we took the stage. It was the first time we performed our new songs in their entirety and in any other setting, nerves would have been high. But here we were on a fantastic stage, in capable hands, with our kind listening ears and bright smiles cheering us on. The exchange was simple and spiritual.

Our son, Banjo, who is going through quite a transformation, blooming from adolescence and into manhood, but not quite yet, was the darling of the night. There is a greater demand on a percussionist, their tone and tempo can make or break a song, such a big responsibility for an 11 yr old but he was spot on! And, Graciana, who is branching out even fuller, came into her own and surprised a few, I’m sure. As parents, it is an honor to perform alongside our children, this was a proud moment and one we will cherish well after this is all said and done.

The next day we found our way to the Neenah Public Library for a lovely afternoon performance and then made our way up to Sturgeon Bay for a couple of nights with family. My brother, sister-in-law and 5 precious darlings, live there. Memories came flooding back of our time living just down the street from them in 2001-2006. It was fun to be back in our old neck of the woods and of course, Pizza night at the Arnold’s was the highlight of our Door County run.

Although our time was filled with community gatherings with more friends, homeschool and family time, by the middle of the week we were coming down with a cold. The weather didn’t help matters as the snow and freezing rain continued to pound Northeast Wisconsin. It was dark and gloomy and we were all longing for our time in Louisiana, where it was warm and sunny. Honestly, if it wouldn’t have been for the obligation to perform that weekend we would have probably started to drive south.

We’re glad we stayed however. The performance opening for Ruth Moody at Luxemburg High School Auditorium was sheer delight. We didn’t know much about Ruth before hand, only that she was in another group called the “Wailin Jennys” which we didn’t know much about either, but found out that they were on Prairie Home Companion, which is a dream of ours. So, then it all made sense. She was a darling young lady and her band was very impressive. Even with a terrible head cold and Craig breaking a string two songs in, our performance went fantastic. We shared a half hour set of Holland tunes, including a few from our new album as well at Old Man’s Town and Morning Star. We invited the stoic crowd to sing and clap along and by the end of our set we all felt like old friends.

Our last night in town was my very favorite. Girls night out, Sushi and Sauna. One of our favorite foods is sushi and believe it or not, Green Bay, WI has one of the best sushi restaurants called Koko’s. The “A” club”, well it’s not really a club, it just how it all worked out, Kara, Tara, Sara, and Paula met Graciana and myself (Jana) at Koko’s. (Get it? All of our names end in “A”) Anyway, we had a feast and after dinner we went down the street to the Downtown YMCA for a sauna.

We couldn’t have asked for a more fantastic welcome home. Life is rich and we don’t take it for granted. We are grateful for those who love us and allow us to love them back. See you in July Wisco!

New Album in the Works

The life changes we have made over this past year have been so mind altering and soul stretching. It’s been a process to digest it all but over the last few weeks we have put our minds and efforts into writing songs. We hope to record these new songs this December in Portland, OR with David Fuller. Looking to have it available Spring 2013.

Crux of the Album:

There is a great love and purpose for us that is worked out in the messes, storms, blue skies, daily work, and dreams of our common lives.  This album gives narrative shape to actual people and circumstances in their dealings with God, each other and the inner workings within themselves.

Themes: Community, Common Lives, Storms, Injustice, Faithfulness, Long-Suffering, Circle, History, Pastoral, Poetry, Kingdom, Voyage.

We’ve decided to redo Old Man’s Town from our latest album, ‘Ashes to Beauty’ and feature it on this upcoming album. It’s a song that has aged well and our hope is to really allow the energy that has been building in that song to have a second chance to impact.

We’ve also been working to incorporate the unified sound that has developed in us as a family, not just a duo. Over the last two years we’ve performed as a family 355 times. There is a solidity that has developed and we are looking to incorporate that into this album. So, although we will still have room for guest appearance’s, on this recording we will feature “The Hollands!” as a band and as a family, including musical parts and songs that have been written by our children, songs like “Lanie Done Did” written by Graciana Holland.

Here is an excerpt from that song:

“Just about 26 seconds ago/Lanie done something bad/That time that time that time/Was all it took to make him mad/And the waves came down/Like an earthquake ready to rumble/Rolling round, Lanie, done did stumble”