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BLOG – CLASSIC

Next up, Joe Berry.

January 9, 2015

He’s the horn leader, sax player, 2nd guitar and my main co-writer for the new stuff. The first time I met Joe, I thought he was adorable and an incredible musician. The next day he showed up to the studio and had charted every horn part for every SF song, in one night. Joe can pick up an instrument he’s never seen and know how to play it in 15 minutes. Fun fact: Joe is also a puppeteer at David Arquette’s “Bootsy Bellows” night club in Hollywood. He and his marionettes are the stars of my annual Chrismahannukwanzika party. Joe charms my guests while the marionettes creep them out. I love you Joe. Knowing you has truly changed my life for the better. You are one of the most positive and creatively encouraging souls I have ever met. Now SF fans, meet my sweet friend Joe Berry… (Text by Monique Powell) Happy Skanukkah, Save Ferris Fans!

LADIES AND GENTS, MEET JOE BERRY: SAX, GUITAR PLAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE

What do you for SF?
I am the saxophonist and horn leader with the occasional rhythm guitar and back up vocals 🙂

How long have you been playing your instrument/practicing your chosen profession?
I have been practicing and involved in music professionally for 15 years and counting. It is my morning coffee, my drink at night and reason I love to wake up everyday 🙂

Do you love playing, practicing your chosen profession and why?
I don’t know what else I would do if I wasn’t involved in music. I have been very fortunate and blessed to be able to pursue music and part of that blessing is being taught the world from music and because of that I could not imagine doing anything else.

Is this something you always wanted to do and why/why not?
When I was younger I actually used to want to be a professional skateboarder until my mom started telling me that by the time I turn 50, most likely I will have to retire from skateboarding because lets be honest, how many elderly professional skateboarders are out there? (if the art form has even been around long enough for that :-))

But then my mom said that if I were to ever pursue music, I might be in the prime time of my career by the time I turn 50. At that time I of course was to naive to really know what she was talking about but for some reason that has always stuck with me over the years and looking back now, I guess I listened. I mean, Mother’s are always right thats for sure 🙂

Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Granite Bay California, I’m sure no one knows where that is, but it is basically Sacramento.

Favorite SF song:
I get really stuck on the subjectivity of the word “favorite” but I think my favorite SF song is a close tie with the new Save Ferris song that y’all haven’t heard yet, and “Super Spy” because there is just awesome horn madness in there 🙂

Favorite Piece of SF Merch and why:
The pins of course. I’ve never been on a pin before so I was pretty stoked to see that and naturally have a bunch of them. No shame of course 🙂

Top 3 Favorite Bands (Besides SF, of course 🙂 ):
This changes all the time, but right now I’ve been digging Skatalites, Tune-Yards, and the electronic group BlueCheckeredShirt.

Top 3 Favorite Albums of all Time:
Currently:
John Coltrane’s “Innerstellar Space”
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
Chirgilchin “Tuvan Throat Singing”

Top 3 Favorite Musicians:
Currently (too many):
Tim Shagoian
Michael Jackson
Wayne Shorter
Wayne Kramer

Your greatest accomplishment:
One of my greatest accomplishments thus far in life was completing my masters degree in music. If you knew me in high school (still don’t know how they graduated me) I was the last person you would ever think could go to college, let alone finish a masters degree.

Your 3 Favorite things in the world:
Family, Friends, Music. All the best things come from these.

Your Favorite Holiday and Why:
I am a sucker for christmas. My mom is a mid-west girl at heart and when I was young she really went all out for christmas and it gave me some of the most fond and favorite memories so every time christmas comes around all I want to do is go home and hang with family and friends, eat all the holiday food, watch Christmas Vacation over and over… I guess that sounds pretty cheesy but cheesy anything makes us smile, even though I am lactose intolerant 🙂

Best thing you ever ate:
Bill’s Donuts in Granite Bay, CA. I once didn’t eat any sugar or sweets for over a year and when I had a bite of a donut after that long, I swear to god, I had a Ratatouille moment, my eyes were closed, moaning, and I could see colors and I was speechless for about 2 minutes. My friend at the time was like “uh… are you ok?” Donuts are pretty much the best food, with a lactose pill of course 🙂

Best gift you ever received:
When I graduated high school my parents asked me if I wanted a saxophone or a car. I figured I could use the saxophone to buy a car so I chose the saxophone and that saxophone is still the saxophone I play to this day. Even my last 4 digits of my phone number spell SAXO, which I didn’t not do on purpose, fate I suppose.

Worst gift you ever received:
I definitely believe that any gift is a privilege, even if it seems “bad” it’s usually something good in disguise. Another thing I learned through music.

Favorite Holiday Song and Why:
My favorite holiday song is the Chipmunk christmas song “Christmas Don’t Be Late”

There is an awesome Bari Sax line in that song, but also, there is something about the melody and the way it sounds with the chipmunks singing it that brings me back to being 6 years old and just so happy to have the family that I have. God, I feel like I talk about family so much but aside from music, I guess that’s what matters most. That and playing my Sax off during a Save Ferris show!!! 🙂

Happy Skanukkah!

December 9, 2014

For the next eight days, get to know a little bit about the people that make SF run. First up… Gordon Bash, bass player extraordinaire! I met Gordon through Alex Burke, our keys player who you’ll get to know in a few days. The two of them have been close friends and played music together for a long time. They also play together in their other band, Magnolia Memoir. Gordon is really the greatest, and, next to my bestie, #AbbyTravis, the best bass player I’ve ever had the honor to take the stage with. His musicianship, his voice, his playing, his knowledge of music, of theory, his stage presence: UNMATCHED to any musician I’ve ever worked with. We love you, Gordon. This holiday, you are OUR greatest gift! (contribution by Monique Powell)

What do you for SF?
I play bass (upright and electric), sing, and write some songs here and there.

How long have you been playing your instrument/practicing your chosen profession?
I started playing bass almost at the same time as the inception of Save Ferris, but I started playing music before I began kindergarten.

Do you love playing, practicing your chosen profession and why?
I’ve always loved to practice. It feels good to have the instrument in your hand and to feel the vibrations through your body. And to be able to make a living “playing”, like in the sandbox, is such a gift. Plus, music has taken me around the world, so I can’t complain.

Is this something you always wanted to do and why/why not?
As a kid, I quickly realized that music was my central destiny because even in high school, I had an adult schedule packed with gigs and shows. I was working as a professional before I went to college. And when Los Angeles called, I jumped right in and it has been full speed ahead since.

Where are you from originally?
Born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and lived in New Alexandria, PA.

Favorite SF song:
It’s really a toss-up between Lies, Angry Situation, and Superspy.

Favorite Piece of SF Merch and why:
A signed poster from our OC Show July 27, 2013 because it’s signed by Mo and it’s evidence of the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Top 3 Favorite Bands (Besides SF, of course 🙂 ):
The Police, Fugazi, and ¡BASH!

Top 3 Favorite Albums of all Time:
Outlandos d’Amour (Police’s first album), 7 Songs (Fugazi’s first album), and Charlie (Melt Banana’s 4th album).

Top 3 Favorite Musicians:
Jill Sobule, Oscar Peterson, Dave Grohl

Your greatest accomplishment:
Finally putting together my own band ¡BASH! and recording our debut vinyl album with a great producer in a top-notch studio.

Your 3 Favorite things in the world:
Playing in a killer rhythm section, wandering the streets of an exotic foreign city, the sound of the tabla.

Your Favorite Holiday and Why:
Halloween: the one night when more girls dress up like sluts than any other night of the year.

Best thing you ever ate:
A plate of authentic shrimp fried rice in Hong Kong.

Best gift you ever received:
A badass pair of Yves Saint Laurent boots in which I’ve walked the world.

Worst gift you ever received:
I’m racking my brain, and I’m not sure I’ve ever received a horrible gift. Maybe I’m just an grateful optimist 😉

Favorite Holiday Song and Why:
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer because it’s maudeline and funny at the same time.

Greetings, SF Fans and Friends!

August 7, 2014

After a lovely hiatus, We are BACK!!!!

Here’s what’s been happening over the last few months…

Well, I got LA Married!

But before that I had my Moroccan Henna celebration! (yup, only your SF favorites were invited)

Then after that we went on a lovely honeymoon…

(I made sure to fill my pockets with maple syrup and pancakes in case we made contact with one of those adorable little bears…)

(Selfie-weds)

There was a lot of stuff in between, but I wanted to get to the most important part:

We’ve been WRITING NEW SONGS!!!!

With the help of the band, we now have what is looking like a NEW album. Also on board to help with this beauty is Ed Kampwirth from Suburban Rhythm and Larry (also co-writer on “Mistaken”).

We’ve also begun a new contest: The next 25 people to purchase a SF shirt, Poster or Bag from this website gets a free poster with their order. So hurry up!

Show dates and album updates coming soon… but until then, keep checking here and on the Save Ferris Official Social Media Pages for more info:

Facebook: Facebook.com/SaveFerrisOfficial
Instagram: Instagram.com/SaveFerrisOfficialBand
Twitter: Twitter.com/SaveFerris_1

We’ve missed you! But we’ll be seeing you soon!

Xoxo

mo (and the boys)

Tooooootally at peace. Now go fu*ck yerself.

Hi Friends!

December 8, 2013

What an incredible few months this has been! Firstly, I would like to thank the thousands that made it out to our show at the Pacific Amphitheater on July 27th, 2013. The outpouring of love and support was incredible. Thank you to everyone all over the world that sent well wishes, and to everyone that made this show possible. In case you missed it, here is a link to some YouTube videos from the show and fan pics on crowdalbum.

Thank you to the OC Register and the OC Weekly for the great reviews of the show! Read the reviews here.

Have you gotten your Save Ferris 2013 merch yet? We’ve added Tobias Geye’s gorgeous poster from the OC Fair show to our merch page. Buy it here.

Now, on a more exciting note…

We have confirmed TWO MORE SHOWS. Save Ferris will be playing Halloween shows in the two cities hosting the greatest Halloween parties in the country: The Regency Theater in San Francisco, CA on October 30th, and the El Rey in Los Angeles on November 1st! Get your tickets before these shows sell out.

My 37th birthday is in a few days, and I just want you to know that you all are the greatest birthday gift I have ever gotten. You mean everything!

Special thanks to all who made July 27th’s show possible, starting with the immense abilities of the TRUE, unforgettable talent on stage: Joe Berry, Denny Weston Jr., Gordon Lysle Bash, Patrick Ferguson, Alexander Burke, Erik Hughes, Josh Shpak. Creative Director: Leon Gazarian. Behind the scenes talent: Bill Hardie, Danny Hayes, Lauren Kilgore, Jay Bowen, Michael Fiszer, Jenni Weinman Voake, Melissa Dragich-Cordero, Jon Reiser, Piper Ferguson, Deverill Weekes, Ashley Gonzalez, Jenai Hartt & Salon Patrece, Mikell Powell, Gilbert Duenez, Wesley McKenzie, Kelly Marie Pugh, Tobias Geye, Ann Devaney and Action Gym, Sarah Lux Marderosian, Tom Lu, Christy Carter and Barry Funkhouser and Big Tad, Alicia and Stop Staring Clothing, Michele and Steve and Ms. Vintage in S.D., CA ; Lisa Sexton, Ray Woodbury and The Pacific Amphitheater family, the OC Fair, OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS and most importantly, YOU: THE FANS. THANK YOU FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON US!! Here’s to a future brightly filled with more Save Ferris and the joy these shows bring to everyone that gets to see them. YOU are the ONLY reason why we do what we do. YOU mean EVERYTHING!!!!

xoxo, Save Ferris

Hi Friends!

December 7, 2013

Welcome to the official Save Ferris page. We’re so happy you’re here. Please take look around and keep a lookout for the mailing list that’s coming soon so we can keep in touch and let you be the first to know about breaking Save Ferris news.

First on the agenda: SAVE FERRIS IS PLAYING their first show in ten years at THE PACIFIC AMPHITHEATER AT THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR ON JULY 27th. Buy your tickets here now, because this show will sell out!

Be sure to stop by the official Save Ferris Facebook page and post pics of your favorite Save Ferris memories, set lists, videos, and etc.

And while there, don’t forget to let us know what songs you’d like to hear at the shows.

Stop by the official Save Ferris Twitter page as well and say hi! @SaveFerris_1

Can’t wait to hear from you all!!

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