My Cousin Dallas Central:

Woah!

2008-08-14T11:35:18Z

Has it really been over THREE YEARS?

MY COUSIN DALLAS returns to the stage on Friday, September 19th, 2008 when they open for legendary folk/blues/rock musician David Olney in Cambridge, MN at the same Performing Arts Center where they once opened for LOW!

Does this signal a return to greatness?

How many people are really IN the band?

Will the promise of their early years finally be realized?

Will their second album EVER be released?

For the answers to all these questions and more: STAY TUNED!

For more information, or to answer questions, POST BELOW!

Cousin Derek

Strange Kind of Update

2005-04-01T14:31:57Z

A DVD of MCD's live performance in Cambridge on March 26th has been produced. Cousin Sam holds two copies of said disc. He would like to invite the band to view the footage together sometime soon.

ALSO: the Cousins posed for a number of band photographs (courtesy of Mr. Kent Anderson) before their last gig. Sam especially is hoping these pictures turn out well enough to be posted on the band's web site.

http://www.mycousindallas.com has been in need of a serious overhaul for quite some time. Exciting things may be in the site's future, including a possible comic strip from jamiepenny.

As for the band's latest studio album- it has been nearly one year since MCD recorded it. No plans for mass production and distribution appear on the horizon. It may remain "in the can" indefinitely, or until they have the resources to tweak some of the tracks. Have faith, people. Have faith.

ATTENTION MY COUSIN DALLAS!! (yet again)

2005-03-16T15:05:52Z

Early weather reports are talking about a giant snow storm Thursday night into Friday afternoon. I (Sam) vote for moving practice this week. Is tonight too soon? How about Sunday? Other thoughts?

Start Saving Your Pennies!

2005-02-18T21:22:46Z

It's official:

Michael Penn WILL be touring this year, and he WILL be playing Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Oh yes.

MCD Gig Reminder: Feb 26th

2005-02-17T16:55:31Z

The cousins are opening for another gig at the Cambridge Performing Arts Center next Saturday, Feb 26th!

Here's the info on the band we're opening for:

Clearwater Hot Club (Gypsy Jazz Guitar Trio): 7:30 PM, Saturday, February 26, 2005. This group from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is best described as playing Gypsy Jazz. It’s a trio of performers led by a guitarist who has been compared to Django Reinhart, the ultimate gypsy guitarist. The talent of Sam Miltich, at age 19, has been featured on Minnesota Public Radio, and they appeared at the State Fair this past fall. The website is: http://www.clearwaterhotclub.com

Tickets cost $10.00 each or $25.00 to purchase tickets to all three events. These will be general admission seats , and those who attend will be able to get very close to the artists. Tickets are available at the Community Education Office, 763-689-6189 and at various shops in Cambridge including MOM’s Food Co-op, Kaffee with Nancy, and other Cambridge hot-spots.

The website for the CPAC is here, and includes a map and some other info:

http://www.cambridge.k12.mn.us/~comm-ed/pac.html

It would be fabulous if we could get lots of folks there -- maybe we can do dinner before and something fun after, too!

attn: MCD Band Members

2005-01-24T14:58:03Z

It appears that our new official practice night is Thursday. It would be great if we could all get together this week for some jam time. That is all.

ATTENTION MY COUSIN DALLAS!!

2004-12-02T17:02:52Z

Derek and I agree- Wednesday night MUST become our official practice time once again. We need Cousins Carl and Mugsy to give feedback on this decision. Our upcoming shows warrant a regular practice schedule as soon as possible.

ALSO: We would love for Dave and Scot to be a part of as many of these meetings as they can make it to.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

mycousindallas @ 2004-11-22T09:43:00

2004-11-22T15:45:21Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MY COUSIN DALLAS:

My Cousin Dallas is an eccentric musical group based in St. Paul, MN. Specializing in their own unique brand of "folk-rock" music, MCD is well-known for their unique blend of acoustic and alternative music styles. In addition to their original material, their live show also includes a wide variety of crowd-pleasing cover tunes, ranging from Cole Porter to Aimee Mann, from America to Depeche Mode.

"The Cousins," as they are known individually, are made up of Derek Anderson, Carl DiLaura, Margaret Vitalis and Sam Crnobrna. "Cousin Derek" handles lead guitar duty, and writes the lion's share of MCD's original material. "Cousin Carl" plays mainly bass guitar, but occasionally lends a hand at accordion or any other instrument he sees laying around. "Cousin Margaret" is the band's keyboard player, and provides the band's female perspective. Finally, "Cousin Sam" handles any and all percussion. Just to keep things interesting, all the members lend their vocal talents to the show! The band also has several musical "second cousins," who are available to assist them when the need arises, such as occasional lead guitarist David Federlein, and back-up percussionist Scot Moore.

Over the course of their career, MCD has shared the stage with such diverse talents as Peter Mulvey, Low, Stuart Davis, Bill Mallonee and the Vigilantes of Love, Beki Hemingway, Peter Mayer, Jonathan Rundman, and many others.
They have released two self-produced CD, and appeared as guests on many local radio shows. They recently finished recording their third CD, "Vintage Hall and Room," which has received early critical praise.

My Cousin Dallas fans are quick to tell the curious that a MCD show is something that is rarely forgotten once experienced. Spontaneity is king, with witty banter, improvised songs, and audience participation playing key
roles in their repertoire. While MCD typically performs in an intimate setting, such as a Coffee House or bar, they are comfortable in much larger venues, and are sure to create a memorable show wherever they perform. From company parties to wedding receptions, they've played it all.

MCD Rises From the Grave

2004-11-13T01:50:17Z

Some NEWS!

MCD will be opening for the following:

-Curtis and Loretta (Folk Duet): 7:30 P.M., Saturday, January 15, 2005

-Clearwater Hot Club (Gypsy Jazz Guitar Trio): 7:30 P.M.,Saturday, February 26, 2005

-Ogemabenez (Native American Flute and Guitar): 7:30 P.M.,Saturday, March 26, 2005

Tickets cost $10.00 each or $25.00 to purchase tickets to all three events. These will be general admission seats , and those who attend will be able to get very close to the artists. Tickets are available at the Community Education Office, 763-689-6189 and at various shops in Cambridge including MOM’s Food Co-op, Kaffee with Nancy, and other Cambridge hot-spots.

A few questions for the MCD faithful . . .

1) What would you like to see on the MCD web-site?

2) What songs would you like to hear MCD play for the Cambridge gigs??

MCD Info Service!

mycousindallas @ 2004-10-27T10:39:00

2004-10-27T15:41:27Z

Sources close to the band have confirmed the chances of MCD making a musical appearance at this weekend's Halloween festivities have greatly improved. Please comment if you think this is a wise move.

mycousindallas @ 2004-06-18T08:21:00

2004-06-18T13:21:16Z

What kind of disease are you?

mycousindallas:

mycousindallas is caused by sponges.

mycousindallas can only be cured by quitting your job and becoming a canadian elvis impersonator.

mycousindallas @ 2004-06-17T12:10:00

2004-06-17T17:11:12Z

also see avphibes' comic!

MindMap

mycousindallas @ 2004-06-12T20:32:00

2004-06-13T01:32:50Z

How to make a mycousindallas

Ingredients:

3 parts anger

5 parts ambition

3 parts leadership

Method:
Add to a cocktail shaker and mix vigorously. Serve with a slice of emotion and a pinch of salt. Yum!

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

Meeting of the Minds

2004-06-12T16:38:27Z

Carl, Derek, and Sam are looking at getting together tomorrow with Rich and Jamie Penny to discuss web site stuff.

Rich, does early afternoon work for you Sunday?

All: Where should we meet? Carl had mentioned my parent's house, but I would almost prefer Derek and Renee's. If we met at Rich's that would be close to Penny.

I will forward the necessary information to Jamie. We don't HAVE to do this over the weekend, but it would be cool.

mycousindallas @ 2004-06-06T17:52:00

2004-06-06T22:52:17Z

mycousindallas's LJ stalker is djsammyc!

djsammyc is stalking you because they saw your picture and fell in love.. They are also eating your food when you aren't looking!

LJ Stalker Finder
From Go-Quiz.com

mycousindallas @ 2004-06-05T09:33:00

2004-06-05T14:33:34Z

It's the big day for Cullen & Amanda!

WOO!

Looking for advice . . .

2004-06-02T02:01:08Z

So . . . the band has a wedding gig in July. This is pretty atypical for us, since we're not really what I would consider a wedding-type band.

Even though the bride has heard us, and apparently liked us, I'm thinking we'll need to hit a decent percentage of songs that the people attending might actually stand a chance of having HEARD.

Which leads me to two queries:

1) What covers do you think we should learn for the wedding gig?

and

2) What MCD songs to we NEED to play at the wedding?

mycousindallas @ 2004-05-25T17:24:00

2004-05-25T22:24:43Z

This is hilarious:

http://www.andyfoulds.co.uk/amusement/bushv2.htm

mycousindallas @ 2004-05-24T10:46:00

2004-05-24T15:46:37Z

mycousindallas may explode without warning

M
EXPLOSIVE

From Go-Quiz.com

Last Minute Reminder

2004-04-23T16:43:14Z

*Cousin Sam Here*

For those interested, not "in the know", and willing to make the drive; My Cousin Dallas is performing tonight in Winona, MN. The show is at Hillside Hall on the campus of St. Mary's College, and will begin around 7PM.

Some fun facts about this concert:

-I went bowling with too heavy of a ball last night, so my right hand is a little sore. The drumming might be difficult at times.

-The school is the soon-to-be former place of employment for slinky76.

-2004 marks the third (and final) straight year the Cousins have graced this venue with Marit's support.

-For some strange reason, this concert always coincides with NFL Draft weekend.

-Most of the Cousins have secured hotel rooms for the night. This means they can party like real rock stars.

-The Cousins will probably (but not definitely) be selling more ultra-rare EPs based on their new studio effort.

-We understand if you feel this news is too short notice, and the drive is too long. You will all be there in spirit, but we'd prefer to see you at the show. It's going to rock.

mycousindallas @ 2004-04-16T16:55:00

2004-04-16T21:55:13Z

Hey, don't forget the gig at THE BEAN BAG in New Richmond, WI. It's Saturday the 17th of April, and will start sometime around 7pm.

Who's going to be there, and do you have any song requests?

mycousindallas @ 2004-04-11T11:37:00

2004-04-11T16:37:13Z

Happy Easter*, everyone!

* insert spring holiday of choice here.

Stick a fork in us, we're done.

2004-04-08T02:05:08Z

After a second recording session on Sunday, where they re-did some vocals and put finishing touches on the remaining songs, the Cousins reconvened on Tuesday to do their final mixing.

Mixing of the album was a LONG process, filled with all sorts of interesting philosophical queries, such as "How ambient do you want it?" and "Can you make it sound like an old record player?" In the end, Cousin Mugsy wisely laid down her final keyboard tracks and wisely hit the road, while leaving the male Cousins to play with the shiny machines.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening came when the three lads tried to come up with an actual order for the songs. Using a top secret method involving a deck of tarot cards, a monkey, and a ouija board, they were finally able to reach a consensus.

Around 1:30am the next morning, Cousins Sam and Derek abandoned Cousin Carl, who had to wait for his own copy of the CD to be burned, and with their new CD in hand, drove towards their respective homes, listening to Aimee Mann, and reflecting on the culmination of three years hard work. Oh, and they were REALLY sleepy.

Cousin Derek and Cousin Carl have listened to the album twice, and both agree that it's a Quantum Leap better than their previous album. Scott Bakula had no comment.

Details are sketchy on release dates for the new album, but there is a VERY good possibility that SOMETHING will be available at their next gig, April 17th, at the Bean Bag in New Richmond, WI.

Album titles are still being considered . . . does anyone remember what the good ones?

Post below!

Breaking News

2004-04-03T14:28:46Z

Last night, alternative folk-hop rockers My Cousin Dallas stepped into the recording studio for the first time in over three years.

The Cousins congregated at Luigi's around 6:30pm, where they proceeded to reminisce about the strange journeys their career has taken. From a loose conglomeration of friends to legendary house band of the UWRF Coffee House Series to local heroes, from their brushes with fame to languishing in obscurity, the night was filled with hopes and dreams of a successful evening.

Around 8:00 the Cousins loaded their gear into the basement of Brickhouse Music, where they hooked up with recording engineer (and all around nice guy) Kyle. The Cousins fought with their instruments for the next hour-and-a-half, tuning, setting up, re-tuning, trying to find strange rattles, warming up, re-tuning, and all-around making themselves comfortable in the newly completed underground studio.

The atmosphere was light as the Cousins played through many of the 18 songs selected as possibilities for their next album. Many of these songs have been in the group's repertoire for literally years, but have not yet been committed in any "official" form to CD. As a result, all these songs have only been heard when played live or on various "bootleg" editions traded from fan to fan. (Or in this case, from band member to band member.)

Early indications are that some of the songs included were: Alien Abductee, After All These Years, Apologies to Adam, The Zombie Song, Go-Go Twist Mama, Sick of it All, Melt, a cover of VOL's "Solar System," Barry Manilow, Capo 5, and Stormclouds.

No release date or title have been released for the new album, but the Cousins would like to remind their fans that they are playing a "Welcome Back From Obscurity" gig at the Bean Bag Coffee Shop in New Richmond, WI on April 17th around 7pm.

More news to follow, as more sources and rumors come to light.

FYI

2004-04-02T20:02:20Z

Here's a cool review of the Penn/Honeydogs show almost all of you missed:

http://www.howwastheshow.com/reviews-2004/honeydogs-03-26-04.html