101 Proof News

Greetings!!!

I hope all is well to everyone out there. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a ’101′ posting. And, maybe it’s time to re-title this–something along the lines of 4.2% news. Light beer, boys and girls. Time to retire the whiskey, and the what not. Or, at least save those reindeer games for S.T.

As we get ready to start the new year off, I have been told that we played 42 shows in 2011. That number seems a bit inflated considering we took off most of January, July, October, November, and December. But, without checking the archives myself, I’ll take that number to be accurate. I can’t imagine us topping that this year. But, you never know. With that being said, I guess that was proper “support” for Angry Waters III, which is now over a year old. And, after having the chance to step back from it a bit, I ABSOLUTELY feel that it is not only OUR best album, it is also MY best album.

We’re starting 2012 with the 2nd annual STAY VERTICAL FESTIVAL. This year there will be 11 bands on 2 different stages–very similar to last year. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Midwest Art Catalyst (www.midwestartcatalyst.org) to help save art programs in the area. It’s very rewarding knowing we have so many friends that are willing to donate their time and talent to this cause. And, considering all the great local bands that AREN’T on the bill, maybe we make this a 2-day festival next year?!?!?! I can already see it: Burgers on Friday at five, Bloody Mary’s on Sunday at ten. And a whole lotta rock n’ roll in-between!!!

Most of you all know I’m a football guy. I just suffered through an agonizing College Football National Championship. However, I truly believe that half of the Alabama ‘D’ could start for the Vikes. Relatively speaking, their defense was as dominant as Baltimore’s–the year they won the Super Bowl. Granted, I don’t watch a lot of college football, but I understand it when they say this was a ‘D’ for the ages. Speaking of pro football, and considering we’re down to the final 8, I’m going with a Green Bay / Baltimore Super Bowl. I sure hope I’m wrong–at least on the NFC side. And, I also hope I’m wrong with this prognosis: My beloved Minnesota Vikings are in for a LONG rebuilding period. And, I’m not entirely sure we’re done bottoming-out, yet.

To those who see our shows regularly, I usually preface our last song of the night ‘Destined for the Dirt’ with an urging of everyone to enjoy their lives, because when it’s gone, it’s gone. And, NOBODY knows when that time will come. It all hit home a little under 2 weeks ago when Jessica Karels had a heart attack. She is in her early 30s. For those who don’t know, Jessica is Michael Karels wife. In reality, Mike is my cousin. But, I think of him as my older brother–Thor. We don’t spend nearly as much time together as we’d like, but I love him and them dearly. Thankfully Jessica is back at home and improving. However, massive hospital bills, coupled with the normal everyday expenses of trying to support a family will prove to be an extremely tough burden to bear. At some point we’ll probably do a benefit for them. When that happens, I hope everyone can help out!!! It would mean the world to them–and a lot to me!

I know that not a lot of people will read this. But, for those that do, I hope you guys understand how much I and Angry Waters appreciate the support. It’s been almost 8 years since we played our first show–that’s a very long lifespan for a band of our stature. It couldn’t have been done without your loyal support!!!

Cheers, Daniel Wiechert