MunkeyFist News!
--12/23/08 Hey Fisters! This is the time where we write about the last year,
what we accomplished, what we didn’t, what (and who) we did, etc.
2008 was an interesting year for MunkeyFist. Apart from a few other shows,
we played almost exclusively at Side Splitter’s Comedy Club in Tampa.
Week after week we came in at 5pm to setup for an 11:30 show. Without tiring
and without abandon we brought even more hi-jinx to an already fun and charged
night.
We created an ongoing RockStar Karaoke night at Side Splitter’s that
was soon copied by other venues. If you missed it, by all means, check out
some special performances on www.youtube.com/MunkeyFist2002.
We made so many new friends there and performed & partied with some pretty
famous folks: April Macie, Reno Collier, Jim Florentine, Eric Grady, Jon Reep,
Greg Hahn, and the legendary Bobby Jewell, just to name a few. We also developed
a loyal group of Karaoke “Rockstars” who were there, night in and
night out, belting away with the full power of MunkeyFist behind them. The
three of us really enjoyed ourselves and will always be grateful to you, our
celeb singers (and drummers), and Side Splitters for creating such a special
destination. In true MunkeyFist fashion, every night was a party, with us cutting
up with you guys. It was great.
MunkeyFist also returned to Ybor City after being the kings of 7th avenue
for 4 years straight (2002-2006) at the, now defunct, Irish Pub. Gaspar’s
Grotto had us out for a show and it was quite nostalgic. Watching the goings
on on 7th, worrying about our cars, fending off homeless people who wanted
to “help us load our gear for $5”…
It got so crazy, that the cops came in to shut us down. Good times….
MunkeyFist also played a very weird show at a local watering hole in Pinellas
county.
It wasn’t our crowd (although when we walked in and 2112 was playing
on the Juke box, Chris and Steve-0 were quite happy), and we were a little
apprehensive, but the sound we got out of ourselves that night was one of the
best we’ve ever sounded. Everything was “on”, and everything
clicked and fell right into place. It was one of those shows where we kicked
ourselves for not recording it.
MunkeyFist also got to play for the enlisted men at MacDill AFB. On the beach,
at the southernmost point of South Tampa, with sand in our foot pedals, and
sun burnt faces, we had an awesome time with our nations hero’s.
MunkeyFist has been playing in public since early 2002. MunkeyFist has probably
played every venue in the area on one occasion or another, and has always evolved.
Because of that tenacity, longevity, fortitude (and hopefully talent), Creative
Loafing nominated MunkeyFist for the best Alt-Rock band of the Bay in 2008’s
reader’s poll. The readers voted, and to get a nomination was a shocking
honor. It’s because of MunkeyFist’s unwavering and supportive fans
that we got that nomination. Of Course, we didn’t win, nor did we expect
to. We are the constant underdogs, who always have a funny bone to pick with
authority. But once again you all came through for us. Thank you so very much.
What’s on the slate for 2009?
More RockStar Karaoke. We invented it in 2006 in Florida; we tweaked it in
2007, and perfected it in 2008. We’ll be doing a lot more of it in
2009. We’ll put it in traditional shows (last set of the night) at
normal shows, and bring it back to Side Splitters (or other venues) for a
long-term tour.
Original album - we’ve already got a couple tracks down. We’ll
be putting it out in the next few months. Same sass, just original songs. We’re
all really excited about this!
We’ll return to some old haunts: We want to get back to some of the
places we used to play (long ago) and get back to our “roots”.
So please stay tuned, MunkeyFist is getting ready to get back out there in
2009.
Can’t wait? Well, call up your favorite watering hole and tell them to
book MunkeyFist!
We’ll see you all soon!
Love and gratitude,
Chris
J-Dawg
Steve-0
-09/17/08 - Thanks to you guys, our friends, fans, and families, MunkeyFist
was nominated in the Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2008 readers' poll
for Best Alt Rock Band. One of only three such bands to get the nomination.
This is an incredible accomplishment. The other two bands nominated are darlings
of Creative Loafing, won multiple awards last night at the awards show, have
more than three members, and are skinny and good looking guys (mostly). MunkeyFist
is a 3 piece, cover, and we aren't going to get any "Skinny Body" awards.
We're very happy to have been recognized by you, our fans. We couldn't have
continued for almost 7 years without you. Thank you fromthe bottom of our hearts.
MunkeyFist is now one of the top three Alt-Rock Bands in Tampa/Pinellas. Check
out our Blog on our myspace page for some more details....
--08/16/08 - Wow, Jim Florentine was funny as hell. I bought his CD's andmade
themistake of listening to them on the way home (at 4 am). Had to pullover
and stop i was laughing so hard....IF you didn't come out last night, you missed
a helluva show. RockStar Karaoke was in fullswing and man, it was hard to pick
a winner. Luckily people didn't stay till the end (3 am) and it was easier
to judge based ont he folks remaining. The thing we love about Side Splitter's
shows is that you get the chance afterwards (during Karaoke) to hang out with
real celebrities. we;ve partied with the likes of John Reep, April Macie, Jim
Florentine, and others in our brief stint there. The staff and comincs are
always super cool and the whole point of an evening there is to have fun (and
the scenery is nice to look at!). So come on out.
--07/31/08 - End of July Update! RockStar Karaoke is still going strong after
our July Vacation! We'll see you Tomorrow night at Side Splitters.
-- 06/29/08 - Hey Guys & Girls - Had a wonderful time last night returning
to Ybor's 7th ave. Gaspar's Grotto was the place and it was a blast!
Thanks again to all you guys that came out to make it so special on such VERY
short notice!
- 06/22/08 - Big News for the fisters! Read about it on the main page, and
check our calendar. The bay area innovators of RockStar (live band) Karaoke,
are here to stay! Thanks Rolling Rock and Side Splitter's!
-06/21/08 - Great time out at MacDill AFB to thank the troops. Special Thanks
to our friends, Down Jr. These guys rocked hard! Please go see them when you
get a chance! More thanks to 1st Sergeant Neri for putting it on and allowing
us to participate. With Jay's brother being deployed, Steve's Dad a combay
Veteran, and Chris a Combat Vet, it was the very least we (or any band) can
do to thank those who provide us the freedom to be able to play music. Again,
we were deeply honored to be included.
--05/10/08 -Two words describe last night. Friggin' Awesome. All our new
lead singers kicked ass, and what an insanely fun time had by all. Special
thanks to Brian, James, and Eric! You all were so great it's scary. It's taken
a few years since the close of the Irish Pub for MunkeyFist to finda new home,
and by God, it looks like we have. Much love and thanks to all you guys! -MF
-- 05/09/08 - Ok rockstars! Go check your bad self out online. You got up
and sang Rockstar Karaoke, and want to show all your friends? Check
your performance out on YouTube:
--04/23/08 - Hey Kids. been taking a real breather for a while at the old
MF camp. Been writing, polishing and re-writing some tunes. We decided to come
out of our cave for a spell and head over to Side
Splitter's Comedy Club in
Tampa to support some other funny people for two dates in May. We'll have short
sets, and we're definately doing Rockstar Karaoke, so come out and sing lead
for the three stooges of Tampa Bay Rock, MunkeyFist....May 9, and May 23. Get
tickets early. If you go to the Comedian's show at 10pm, you get three $ off
the cover when you put in the code FIST. So come out to a fun, upscale, place
where you can eat, drink, laugh, cry, and come be a rockstar.....MunkeyFist-
Side Splitter's
--12/07/07 - Pearl Harbor day. 66 years ago, America entered WWII. Just take
a moment to remember that. On a less serious note, after 6 years of heavy gigging....MF
is taking some time off for the holidays. Then starting out in January 2008,
we'll hit the studio and start writing an original album. I know what you're
thinking, "why?". It's just time to put out an album, we've always
had a heavy creative side to us (as anyone who's been to a show can attest),
so...why not? As always, we'll keep you posted!
-- 10/21/07 - as the one-hit-wonder band, EMF, says.....UNBELIEVEABLE! we
had the most fun ever this past weekend at Halloween-a-Palooza at Channelside
theaters! We rocked the courtyard like they've never been rocked and got plenty
of folks up on stage with us for Scar-A-Oke! Horror Movie Icons Trent Haaga,
and Tiffany Shepis added
to all the fun and turned the Horror Film Festival into a load of fun! Lots
of great movies were seen by all, and we can't wait till next year's show!!!!
Special thanks go out to Rick at Enigma Films, Adam at ChannelSide Theater,
Andrea, Trent and Tiffany! Pics will be up soon!
-- 08/28/07 Hey Kids! What a wild time at the Slug last weekend! Pics are
online at our Myspace page!
It seems once again, Chris fell in love with a dandy young lady......When will
he ever learn?
--08/02/07 Ok Lakeland fans! You've been waiting and wanting us,and here we
come! August 17 & 18th at Lillian's!
--07/16/07 Whew! Who Knew? Crazy weekend! Thanks to all you guys for heading
out to the Big Shots bar in Clearwater! Your support was overwhelming! We had
a blast, as did all of you! Thanx again! Also, over at the Char-Pal, it was
really nice meeting all you guys and we might have even had more fun there!
And what about the Karaoke? You guys were awesome! Thanx so much for helping
us out and getting up on stage with us, we had a blast! Catch ya next time!
--07/11/07 Ok Kids, checked out Big Shots (map
here) , and we need all you
fisters out there! It's tough to find, so check the map!
We'll tease you in the first set with our new/alt First
set (also known as the foreplay set). 2nd set is the World Renowned '80s for
the ladies dance set! And third set is the Rockstar Karaoke Set. what's rockstar
Karaoke? Well, it's karaoke, without the perfect CD, lyrics on a screen and
all the effects that make a tone-deaf dog sound good.
It's you getting your butt up on stage with MunkeyFist, as the lead singer
of a rock band, and all the glories that go along with it.
In typical Lead singer style, you'll show up late, get on stage drunk, attract
plenty of groupies, and leave without packing up any gear! It's a win-win situation!
We'll have a nice big book of lyrics for you on a music stand! How cool is
that?
And did i mention the song selection? No it's not 40 songs by the canadian
supergroup Rush (although we'd like that), but it is a ton of all the same
cheesy covers you hear all the time anyway!
What? A list? Sure...head to our myspace
blog for the list!
-- 06/13/07 - New updates......New website coming soon......stay tuned kids.....
-- 06/10/07 - MF is bringing in the Rush concert weekend bu warming up over
at the Slug on Friday before the show. Lots of hot girls, hot guys, flowing
drinks & good old rock and roll for everyone. Come on out and see what the
buzz is about.
-- 04/12/07 - Has it really been this long since we posted anything? Ok lots
of recent developments, some new shows. UA Hangout last Saturday night was
lots of fun with the Stripper Wedding Party! Pics omitted due to legal issues,
but let's just say that when the Stripper Party and Marky Mark's crew hooked
up, it was a sight to behold. Some private functions lined up, and the usual
nickel beers as well. Catch you all real Soon!
-- 02/10/07 - I believe we found yet another place to call home last night.
The Slug was
a ton of fun and excitement. the staff, the guests, the band, all turned out
to be a potent combination of pure MunkeyFist Fun! Pics will be up shortly!
Special thanks to guest vocalist Chris for his assistance on our Pearl Jam
cover! Also special shout out to our gorgeous bartenders who took VERY good
care of us last night! See ya next time, guys!
-- 01/26/07 - Loads of slippery fun last night at the UA hangout! Nickel Beers,
3 birthday parties and lots of crazy, drunken, dancing youngsters ensured a
good time for everyone! New pics will be up very soon! Also, our '80s retro
buddies,
Rubix Cubed, will
be playing the Kumquot
Festival tomorrow (Jan 27) so if you're in the area and want to catch a
good show.....head out!
--01/01/07 - Happy new Year! Man was last night a blast! Totally awesome party
opening up for the '80s retro band Rubix
Cubed. Everyone was excellent! and how cool was it to play for Rick Derringer?
Rock and Roll - hootchiecoo!
--12/22/06 Thanks to all you folks last night at the UA Hangout. It was the
Hangout's biggest night yet, with over 850 folks through the door, you
guys made the party a smashing success! Thanks to all you $.05 drinkers, fun
guys and girls and our own personal screaming section, we had a great time
as well! Thanks!
--12/17/06 Ho ho ho. Xmas season is upon us. Last night at the UA hangout,
Somme folks (not Ho's) were getting festive.
Much appreciated. Everyone drive safely, have fun, spend time with friends
and family, and enjoy yourselves this Holiday season.
--- 11/06 - 1/06 can be found online at our MySpace Blog