ION INDIE MAGAZINE October 2015, Volume 17 | Page 69
us and so did the talent buyer. That was 3 years ago, and this year, we're headlining our second year in a
row at that same fair. It now pays very, very well, and that radio station just finished sponsoring our CD
release show at THE BIJOU THEATRE and we have a song in regular rotation with them. It's 107.7 WIVK out
of Knoxville, FYI. So, needless to say—I’m glad Kelli pushed us to play that show when I was whining about
it! Ha ha!
Kiki: Tell me the funniest thing that ever happened during a show.
Chad: This is an easy one. There's been plenty of funny stuff, but there's one that's a no brainer. We were
playing one of a million Honky Tonks in the southeast. This place was kind of a rough spot, but had a great
big stage, which is nice. Anyway, one fella who had had plenty to drink that night took a liking to Kelli. He
had a beer belly to rival all beer bellies and a dingy yellow t-shirt he wore straight from work, I'm pretty sure.
Anyway, he started a sort of slow “hip thrust” dance that he apparently thought was pretty sexy ‘cause he
was doing it in front of Kelli's keyboard as he stared at her and rubbed his beer gut under his shirt. Slowly
Photo credit: Jessica Brooks
but surely, he kept raising the shirt higher and higher, exposing more and more of that hairy belly. I saw what
was coming. Kelli kept looking at me like there was something I could do, but he technically was just
dancing. Sure enough by the end of the song, the shirt was off and he was swinging it around over his head
doing his best RICKY MARTIN, I guess? I don't know. But for the grand finale he slings his shirt at Kelli--I
guess thinking she wouldn't be able to contain herself any longer and go running into his arms. Well, she
didn't and he was soon after escorted out of the club, but he left us with a great story. Ha ha!
Kiki: I love a good “human interest” story…every artist has a fan that has approached them and shared how
the music has made a difference in their life…please share one of your most memorable encounters?
Chad: Kelli and I wrote a song called "Black Mascara". The hook to the song--Kelli's idea--is "Any man
worth your tears won't make you cry". We had a lady approach us after a show crying, saying that song had
helped her find the strength to get out of an abusive relationship. That's what you want more than anything
as a songwriter, one of your songs to really mean something to someone.