It’s been a while since I played “Kirsten Dunst” with a band. The song, which was put on tape during my run with the Speakeasy Heroes in the summer of 2000, has remained a fan favorite (and a Toby favorite) despite the fact that I only play it when I play solo at unsuspecting coffee… Continue reading Kirsten Dunst to Make an Appearance at Dinkytowner Tonight!
Category: live shows
Dinkytowner with Charlie Van Stee, Shivering Fits, and Lisa McGuire
I read today that Wednesday night’s Charlie Van Stee Trio show might be one of their last as a band, which saddens me. Those guys have been staples of the local scene for some time. Though, I guess if they are exiting the local stage soon, I am glad that I get to do one… Continue reading Dinkytowner with Charlie Van Stee, Shivering Fits, and Lisa McGuire
Nerds and Booking
I was fully expecting and hoping to watch Revenge of the Nerds today (a key component of my expansive VHS collection), but instead I found myself sending emails to bars and coffee shops in an attempt to book some shows. While doing so, I realized that if I sent even one booking email per day… Continue reading Nerds and Booking
Rahm the Attack Dog
Today I might be playing a show with local rock legend, John Stowell, over at the Acadia Cafe. John called the other day and asked me to sit in with his band on the ukulele. Sounds like fun! The show is at 2 p.m. and is free to get in…I think… Also, I am trying… Continue reading Rahm the Attack Dog
Dubliner Pub – Yeehaw!!!
Lots of fun at the ol’ Dubliner Pub on Thursday, I tell ya! JFK, LOUDRAY, and all sorts of rowdy hooligans showed their faces. Check it out: [nggallery id=18]
Acadia Cafe Wrapup – March 18, 2009
I had a blast playing the Acadia Cafe tonight! Eliza Blue warmed up the stage for us, and we, in turn, warmed it up even more for Jack Ventimiglia, who is a fresh face from Detroit, MI. Jack really played some nice songs and provided a great close to the evening. Dave sat in on… Continue reading Acadia Cafe Wrapup – March 18, 2009
Show Tonight at Acadia Cafe with Eliza Blue, Jeffrey James, and Jack Ventimiglia
It’s that time of the month again! I am playing a full set with Dave Rowley (of “Heat It Up!” fame) tonight at the Acadia Cafe in Minneapolis. It’s free to get in! Here’s the lineup: 8 p.m. – Jeffrey James 9 p.m. – Eliza Blue 10 p.m. – Toby Cryns 11 p.m. – Jack… Continue reading Show Tonight at Acadia Cafe with Eliza Blue, Jeffrey James, and Jack Ventimiglia
Creating a Buzz for my Band (Step 1)
I had a great meeting today over at Spyhouse Coffee with Shirani, a young dynamo/promoter in the Twin Cities. Among the topics discussed were: – Promoting the new album, “Faraway Farm” – Email distribution list – Booking shows for April, May, and beyond The goal of the meeting was to start to put together the… Continue reading Creating a Buzz for my Band (Step 1)
The day after a great show is always kind of depressing.
The day after a great show is always kind of depressing. Last night I was a rock star, and today I am Toby Cryns, mild-mannered computer geek. Last night I was empowered and could potentially change the world. I had a microphone. Today I have a blog, which is a much more passive device. I… Continue reading The day after a great show is always kind of depressing.
Tired but Cannot Sleep
Maybe it’s pre-show jitters, or maybe it’s the fish and chips I ate earlier, but it’s 2:15 a.m. and I’m up. Hmmm… I did discover two fantastic bands/performers in my post-nap/pre-sleep binge. First, check out Metronomy’s “A Thing For Me” video below (Thanks, Liana!) and then check out Matt Latterell, a brilliant up-and-coming songwriter from… Continue reading Tired but Cannot Sleep
Practicing Like Mad for Saturday's Show!
Our drummer, John, can’t make it to the show on Saturday, so we have been working with a fantastic guy, Dave, to round out our rhythm section for the show. I am happy to report that after three practices, it is clear that Dave will totally kick ass on Saturday. Just in case you missed… Continue reading Practicing Like Mad for Saturday's Show!
Can We Fill Those Seats?
My dad recently asked the question on Twitter, “Do you really want to be famous?”, with the following video of Britney Spears getting harassed by the paparazzi: So, I have been thinking – Do I really want to be famous? I don’t know. On the one hand, the end goal of pretty much any musician… Continue reading Can We Fill Those Seats?
I Like to Play Guitar Really Really Fast.
Sometimes when I practice, I like to play along to a random selection of The Meat Purveyors’ tunes. That band plays upbeat bluegrass faster than any other band I have heard. Their music is great, but the way they burn through certain songs is more impressive than their songwriting. During my time in Los Angeles,… Continue reading I Like to Play Guitar Really Really Fast.
Valentine's Day Fundraiser! Fight Slumlords!!!
I am so pumped about this! We are planning our 3rd annual fundraiser this Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14th) at the Hexagon Bar in Minneapolis. Titled, “Heat It Up!”, the fundraiser will be raising money to purchase thermostats so that local renters can monitor their apartment temperature and report heating violations to the city of Minneapolis… Continue reading Valentine's Day Fundraiser! Fight Slumlords!!!
Dinkytowner Last Night
Holy cow, did we ever rock it last night. I haven’t felt so good about a performance in a long time. We were well-practiced, Ryan hit his quota of half a beer before we took the stage, John was hot on the sticks, and I was caked in sweat by the end of it all.… Continue reading Dinkytowner Last Night
Valentine's Day Fundraiser
I am working with Minneapolis Family & Children’s Services on a fundraiser concert for Valentine’s Day Weekend. Do you think Friday the 13th or Saturday the 14th will be better for getting people to show up? On the one hand, Saturday seems better, because folks will be out and about romancing each other and making… Continue reading Valentine's Day Fundraiser
Wednesday at the Dinkytowner!
Come check us out on Wednesday at the Dinkytowner! Booyah! We’re putting the band back together!!! haha! 9 p.m. Free to get in. Drink specials! See you there!
Eagles vs. Rockets KICKED SERIOUS ASS Last Night at the Acadia Cafe!
Last night’s Eagles vs. Rockets show at the Acadia Cafe kicked some serious ass. We had some minor issues with sound to kick things off, and we took our dear time about developing momentum, but the final four songs were played from heaven on high! Ripping through Ticky Ticky Tembo, Con El Sol, Revolution, and… Continue reading Eagles vs. Rockets KICKED SERIOUS ASS Last Night at the Acadia Cafe!
Eagles vs. Rockets this Friday at the Acadia!
I would be overwhelmed with joy if one or two of you showed up to the Acadia this Friday, Nov. 7 to support the second live performance by my new old band, Eagles vs. Rockets. The band features my former Corrupt Senators, Speakeasy Heroes, Big Jerry, Cryns #3, and JC & the Moonshine Band mate,… Continue reading Eagles vs. Rockets this Friday at the Acadia!
Duluth, MN!!!
Here’s a video journal from the trip home: Yesterday afternoon, I made the 3-hour journey to Duluth to play a 3-hour set at Fitger’s, a local bar/restaurant with immense popularity up there. It was an interesting show for me and reminded me more of my days playing Thursday night shows at Sportsman’s Pub than of… Continue reading Duluth, MN!!!