Gig Report
Creek Week
October 1, 2008
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Telluride Mountainfilm at UCSB
September 30, 2008
Ventura Hillsides Music Festival 2008
September, 13, 2008
2008 Ventura Hillsides Music Festival
Saturday, September 13, 1–5pm
Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura, CA
The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a land trust operating in the City of Ventura for the purpose of acquiring open space through gift, sale, or other lawful means. The organization was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by concerned citizens dedicated to working with property owners, public agencies and the community to encourage preservation and restoration of the landmark Two Trees and surrounding hillsides.
One of the “lawful” means of raising money is having one great party – The Ventura Hillsides Music Festival! It’s a great time and it’s for a great cause. Music will be flowin’ by Little Feat, Taj Mahal, Mason Jennings, Todd Hannigan & the Heavy 29's and Rey Fresco. Kate, a Toadette who lives in Ventura and helps to organize the event has this to say about the concert:
I live in Ventura, 20 short miles door-to-door from my house on the beach to Toad Headquarters. My husband is a native Venturan. Ventura is one of those special places that sneaks up on you. Its geography is incredible – which is one reason why everyone is interested in getting their hands on it for development. It has served as sacred ground for the Chumash, an agricultural wonderland, a world famous surf town with breaks to satiate all board lengths, an oil town and a stopover on the 101 freeway. Most recently, its verdant hillsides have seen a boom of development – not the good kind.
So, as developers threatened to tackle one of the last stretches of hillsides along the south coast, we organized. I was a founding member of Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) along with my sister-in-law and a handful of other die-hards, we produce this music festival each year. This is our 6th, and like wine, they get better and more fun every year. The festival is a wonderful reflection of how engaged and committed the community is. What’s more, it’s fun in the sun, dancing to great music all to raise money that goes entirely towards land preservation.
I proudly say that Horny Toad is a sponsor of this event – how could we not participate in our community? If you live within striking distance of Ventura, please come join us for a great afternoon in a beautiful park that is the gateway to the hillsides we are protecting. Dig it dadio!
Keeping it Cool
August 25, 2008
If you have ever lived and played in an area where snow covers the mountains most of the year, you can appreciate the subtle shifts in what may seem to be an unchanging landscape. Snow is one of the most dynamic materials on earth, and unless you look super close, the differences won’t be revealed to you.
A group of scientist and other field researchers in Colorado have started a non-profit organization called Center for Snow & Avalanche Studies (CSAS) to do the up-close work of analyzing snow systems and the effect they have on the human/environmental relationship. Not only does all this information aide in research but all data that’s collected at their stations is shared with Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) to present near-real-time weather data that helps the backcountry forecasters do their work of helping keep the public safe from avalanches.
Aside from providing awesome information for the backcountry enthusiast they also are conducting vital research about snow and the effects that global warming is having on it. We all have seen the glaciers in the world receding, but the less obvious effects of global warming hit close to home.
Along with several of our dealers (some farther a field), Horny Toad has been contributing to their efforts of research.
Buffalo Peak Outfitters - Jackson, MS
Champaign Surplus - Campaign, IL
Northern Lights Trading Company - Bozeman, MT
Pine Needle Mountaineering - Durango, CO
River Sports Outfitters - Knoxville, TN
Summit Canyon Mountaineering - Glenwood Springs, CO
Ute Mountaineer - Aspen, CO
Wild River Outfitters - Virginia Beach, VA
Wilson's Eastside Sports - Bishop, CA
Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2008
July 21, 2008
Ahhhh Bluegrass – a time of year we Toads love. It means we get to pack up the van and head out to Telluride, our birthplace, and get our festival on!As usual, we had a total blast – yes, even setting up our little mobile store was fun. Telluride Bluegrass is just one of those special festivals where the vibe is relaxed and fun, and no one, literally no one, disrupts that peace. Everyone is having a great time no matter where you look. It’s always a recharge for us!
You should come check it out next year. It’s worth the flight or drive to be held in the arms of a beautiful canyon with the sunlight warming your shoulders and the music lovin’ on your eardrums. And, while you are there, come and visit us at the Horny Toad.
Green Card Party
July 3, 2008
Our main financial dude, a native of Nepal, finally got his green card! It was a long journey for him, so we thought we’d surprise him with a little in-office green card party complete with green clothes, green food and … lest we forget, green beer!More behind-the-curtain of the Toad antics will be posted soon. We actually have a fourth of July crazy day at the beach planned. Stay tuned folks.
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1st Thursday July - Surfrider
June 27, 2008
July’s First Thursday was one of the best turnouts ever! We came together with Wend Magazine and Kona Brewing to raise money for Surfrider Foundation. Wend Magazine is local magazine that exists to provide a forum in which the convergence of sport, style and creativity blend in a seamless fashion. Wend is an amalgamation of visual, mental and physical inspiration, built to emanate the style and identity of the ever-growing population of the urban-minded adventurer.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.
We featured six different regional surf artists that will be on display the whole month of July. Half the proceeds from the art and all the donations from the beer went to Surfrider Foundation. We had over 300 people filtering in and out checking out some great art and supporting our Mother Ocean.
Everyone got to enjoy a mixture of great music by DJ Keys and DJ B-Lo and flowing spirits by Kona Brewing.
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First Thursday for June
June, 5, 2008
Our June First Thursday was smashing. The party was in collaboration with 55 DSL and BPM magazine. 55 DSL is a brand we carry in our store and they’re based out New York. They wanted to have a couple west coast parties this summer to get more people aware of their brand, so where else better to have it then their #1 carrier in Oregon, Lizard Lounge. We held a raffle in the store to win five limited edition t-shirts from 55 DSL for a little added bonus. People dig the bonus.BPM Magazine also sponsored the event. BPM is a magazine incorporates fresh coverage on progressive music, DJ culture, consumer technology, fashion, art, and nightlife. Check it out! If you are a fan of Flight of the Conchords, they had a great little bit on them in the latest issue.
Our featured DJ’s were Beyonda, one of Portland’s most popular DJ’s and Stretch Armstrong, a very popular DJ out of New York. BPM Magazine flew him in from NYC to DJ at our party. Both sets were amazing!
Out featured artist for the month is Chris Haberman, a local celebrity in the art industry. He’s a working writer, painter and musician native to the Portland area. He has shown artwork around town for the last 5 years. His art is very urban and focuses on Portland’s culture. It was a hit at the party, his fan base is incredible and there were tons that showed up.
Drinks provided by Widmer Brewing and Cork Wine Shop. Always a good time with good beer and wine around!
If you happened to have missed this event, we have a lot more to come, every month as a matter of fact. If you want to know more about our events you can sign up on our email list in the “nuts n’ bolts” page and we will keep you in the loop on all events.
Thanks again to all of our sponsors and see you all at the next party!
The Toads Are Back In Town
June 3, 2008
A handful of toads and FOT’s (friends of toad) recently hit the road for the annual trip to mecca: Telluride. Memorial Day weekend means MountainFilm. We spent 4 jam-packed days, mostly in the dark, soaking in the provocative, mind-expanding films, brilliant world-class panel discussions and charged atmosphere of political, social and environmental activism. The impact is both big and subtle.The festival kicked off with one of the great survival stories of all time – Stranded – a film about a Uruguayan rugby team surviving a plane crash in the Andes. It was a reminder that many of life’s adventures are not voluntary.
The film and discussion subjects ranged from the Dalai Lama to modern day slavery; human rights issues (hard to ignore the current failure of the US to uphold these) and foreign policy (Christiane Amanpour is amazing); biofuels and water issues (seeing the Grand Canyon in 3D was a trip); adrenaline sports and classic mountaineers; dwindling resources and the awesome power of a small community facing off challenges to their unique environment and way of life (stop the Pebble mine!) This is only a partial list – it’s impossible to do justice to the depth, breadth and quality of stories presented. Just know that it’s worth saving up all year for a trip to MountainFilm. Keep an eye out for news of MoutainFilm on tour – which means that a selection of these films – could be coming to a town near you sponsored by Horny Toad.
MountainFilm is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining. Right on. You go, MountainFilm!
DB Clay 10th Anniversary
May 16, 2008
We hosted the highly anticipated launch party of db clay’s version 3.1 that was also a ten-year anniversary tribute. To show that off we had a wallet art gallery displaying the inspiration of the new version. Also on display was db clay’s evolution of the wallet, from the first version made 10 years ago to the new version 3.1
“We’ve taken a content based approach to product design,” explains 28 year old CEO and Creative Director Garett Croft Stenson. “Each of the wallets featured in our Version 3.1 collection is reminiscent of a life experience had by one of us here at db clay ... each of our eighteen new wallets tells a unique story.”
db clay’s designer wallets look and feel unlike anything you’ve seen before - each is made from a custom engineered and eco friendly material which db clay calls Tope. The artfully printed wallet designs in this collection vary widely from subtle black on black palettes to a far more mysterious “Slow Bugs”... a wallet covered in dead insects. The new line is truly groundbreaking and serves as evidence of a maturing process, a sophisticated evolution of thought and an introspective look into this content driven brand’s core.
Tulip Vixen was perfect background music for the laid back art gallery feel of the event.
It couldn’t be a party without drinks. We had an open bar courtesy of Widmer, Cork Wine Shop, Jameson Whiskey, and Stoli Vodka. To soak up the booze, we had fruit skewers and cup cakes available.
Stop by Lizard Lounge and check out db clay’s version 3.1 or on their website www.dbclay.com.
Cheers!
Upcoming events for the next 30 days
October 4, 2008 - October 11, 2008
Creek Week
It's time for Creek Week here in Santa Barbara, home of the Toads. Our humble abode here sits literally right on the banks of Mission Creek, so we see the horrible effects of pollution and littering on out coastal waters. Every thing flows to the ocean! If you are a local to SB, come on out with us and several other local companies to help clean up the coast.
Even if you aren’t local, there are plenty of creek clean-up groups online that you can get involved with in your own community. It feels good to Do The Right Thing.
October 8, 2008
Telluride Mountainfilm Tour UCSB
UCSB Arts & Lectures and Horny Toad present Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30 pm in UCSB Campbell Hall. Mountainfilm was launched 30 years ago by a group of climbers and friends dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining. Still true to the core idea that friends, adventure, passion, and powerful ideas are as seductive as ever, Mountainfilm hits the road offering a six-senses experience of art, adventure, culture and the environment in an eclectic and exciting program of short films, animation & digital media.
October 10, 2008
TGIF with the Environmental Defense Center
On most Friday's in the summer, EDC hosts a fabulous happy hour with live music, hors d'oeuvres and coolest people in the greater Santa Barbara environmental community. Earth Day started in Santa Barbara in response to an oil spill here in 1969, and many of those same people are still very active environmentalists - as donors, activists and mentors. The event is open to all and is like hangin' with old friends. Congresswoman Lois Capps is a regular, as well as many other elected officials who sincerely enjoy the chance to kick back with the folks working the front lines. It's a highlight around here and if you're in town, you should come!
This October date happens to be the last of 'em. It's a full dinner, cajun style, yum! Come join us for the last of the season's TGIFs.
Check them out at www.edcnet.org.
October 24, 2008
Scream Scram
Get out your bat costumes, dress up your little goblins and pets and come out for the ninth annual Scream Scram 5K Halloween Run/Walk through Washington Park. Race in costume and raise money for Sean's Hope (www.seanshope.org) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It's sure to be a real scream.
Register and check out details online at www.bkbltd.com or www.active.com.
November 6, 2008
First Thursday for November
On the first Thursday of every month three blocks are closed off in NW Portland between Everett and Johnson on 13th Street from 5 to 10 pm. The street fills up with musicians and showcases hand-made and original artwork by local area artists. Fortunately for us Lizard Lounge sits at the heart of this. Come visit us on any first Thursday of any month and you are guaranteed to find an art show, live music and, of course, beer, wine and the ever-sumptuous Stumptown coffee. Check back for details on who this month's featured artist and musician will be. See you soon!
