An Interview with our Drummer Friend – Jon

Dan and I don’t usually play with a drummer, but when we do, it is lots of fun. Jon is our part-time drummer full-time youth minister friend who adds to the fun of a Popple concert. I interviewed him so you could learn more about his awesomeness.

Kyle: Do you have time for an interview now?
Jonathan: Sure.
Kyle: How long have you be drumming?
Jonathan: I’ve been doing hand percussion for 6 years. I dabbled in drum set for a few years before that.

Kyle: What is your favorite Popple song?
Jonathan: Can I have two?
Kyle: Sure.
Jonathan: I would have to say Rock Song and Given.

Kyle: Awesome. Didgeridoo, melodica or tuba?
Jonathan: Didgeridoo.

Kyle: Favorite breakfast item?
Jonathan: Pancakes.

Kyle: Favorite holy day?
Jonathan: Sunday?

Kyle: Cycle A, B or C?
Jonathan: Which one are we in now??
Kyle: Just started A (Matthew).
Jonathan: B.
Kyle: Something to look forward to then!
Jonathan: And great memories of B’s past.

Kyle: Know any good stories about cats?
Jonathan: Yes.
When I was a kid we had a german short-haired pointer named Playful, and a cat named monopoly.
One night, we hear playful barking like mad out in the woods, and all of a sudden he came sprinting out and marking every object in sight. Then a fox came running out after him…
Thirdly, Monopoly came out of the woods and chased the fox off.
Our dog went nuts, but Monopoly played it calm cool and collected.
Kyle: A similar thing happened with Dan one time. Long story.

Kyle: What does your current “drum set” look like?
or, “hand drum kit”
Jonathan: Djembe on a basket stand in front, Cajon underneath me, tambourine on a towel at my right foot and egg shakers somewhere close. Sometimes a cymbal shows up.
Kyle: Magical.
The cymbal showing up that is.
Jonathan: yeah, I have no control over the magic of the cymbal. It’s fickle.
Kyle: That and the drum set. Both magical.
And your playing.
And your monopoly cat.
Jonathan: Why thank you.

Kyle: What is your favorite song (Popple or otherwise) on which to play drums?
(good grammar eh?)
Jonathan: Great grammar.
Kyle: Thanks.
Jonathan: Inside Out with Andy Cloninger.

Kyle: Do you like fruit?
Jonathan: Yes.
Kyle: Me too.
Do you have any fruit that I can have?
Jonathan: Not with me, but I can go get some and ship it to you.
Kyle: Ok. Thanks.
This has been a great interview
Jonathan: Cool. Thanks Kyle, this is really thoughtful.
Kyle: Excellent. I’m glad I thought of it then.

——-

Now you know Jon. If you want us to bring him along the next time we play music for you, let us know!

NCCYM in New Orleans

We are packing up and heading down to the NCCYM in New Orleans. We always have a fun time decorating our booth and this year is going to be great! We also are going to have a special deal as a “thank you” for youth ministers. If you are going, or know someone who is, make sure they check out our bargain booth.

Also, we will be playing twice on Saturday and a few other small things throughout the weekend. We are really excited to play a new song and be involved in some other really cool things (surprises).

Stop by and say, “Hi.” Or send someone on your behalf if you can’t make it. . . . Oh yeah, and I can’t wait for some cajun food!!!

An “after” Picture

Dan and Meghan are now married and happily on their honeymoon. It was a beautiful fall day and a beautiful wedding (even if I didn’t win the dance contest – congratulations to Dan’s brother, Jack).

My brother was the photographer and posted some great photos over on Facebook.

Taco Tuesday Shirt Could Be Yours

Over the summer, I had many people offer to buy this shirt. Rather than sell it, I would like to give it to someone who does something really cool.

Let me know what you would be willing to do for this shirt and if I like your idea, I will mail it to you. Some ideas:

• Make a donation to a charity
• A pledge of prayers
• Do an act of service for someone else
• Something even cooler and more creative

Post your idea in the comments here or on our Facebook page and I will choose one person and mail this medium sized shirt.

Where is PJ?

Dan and I often get asked, “Where is PJ?”

Our 2nd CD, “Pulled in both directions,” featured the hand drum stylings of the very talented PJ Butler. We met PJ at Purdue and he played with us for a good while, including while we recorded that CD. Later, PJ switched schools to Illinois, got involved with FOCUS as a missionary and eventually a teacher.

His presence in the band was missed but it gives me joy to think that someone else was enjoying his gifts.

We were very excited to hear recently that PJ is now at St. John Vianney Seminary studying to be a priest (God willing)!

So today, we salute you, PJ who once was in Popple and then FOCUS, then a teacher and now seminary. Know that you are in your prayers and we look forward to the reunion tour someday. Perhaps we can call it the, “We found our vocations” tour (Since I am married and Dan will be soon).

For good measure, check out this drummer:

Jedis like Popple too

Crystal from Gainesville, GA writes:

“I’m from Gainesville Georgia and my family and I enjoy listening to Popple very much! In honor of the contra song my 6 month old son posed for this picture.”

“I forgot to mention a bit of info on my son. His name is Jedidiah, but, us being the geeks that we are, we call him Jedi. He wants to be an aspiring gamer like his mom and dad. He prefers the original Nintendo game system due to it’s simplicity. The buttons are easy for his tiny fingers to press and the cable feels good on his gums when he needs to gnaw on something. He enjoys jamming to Popple while sitting in his bouncy chair. It really helps him to bounce, sway and bob to the music! Fave Popple songs of the family are Contra, Henry the Ninja, Pencil in the Hand, Puppy Dog and Fishers of Men.”

Thanks for sharing Crystal. Cute kid, and obviously very good taste in music!

Good week in Twin cites – now off to Milwaukee

Week one of our 7 week camp tour went great. Dan gave a great talk on Thursday. Most everyone loved it, my son fell asleep. He doesn’t really get Dan’s jokes yet.

The journey continues. Perhaps we will see you on the road this summer. My son would like to meet you, if he is awake.

Summer Tour

Just got the van back from the shop. New brakes, new spark plugs and an extra squirt of freon for good measure – we are ready to scoot! Now we just have to fit all the kazoos in back.

We have a hectic, but awesome, 7 week schedule with a few things getting adding in the cracks (weekends). Hope to see you on the road. Pray for our safety and our ministry. And pray that the van can hang in there.

We start by swinging through Chicago to film a few things with Outside Da Box. Videos coming…

The Uke Never Looked So Big

One week ago, my wife gave birth to our first child, Sebastian James. He is the coolest kid I know – even cooler than you. I tried teaching him some ukulele. We started with open strings (GCEA aka: My Dog Has Fleas). Baby steps.

He is actually quite musical – mostly from his backside. Sometimes we really jam out in the basement while mom is sleeping upstairs. He likes the music loud.

I should mention that he really enjoys the drums also. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for his life and his gifts.

Thanks everyone for your prayers, messages, and fruit baskets (ok, no one got us fruit baskets – maybe for the next baby). I hope Sebastian can  meet you soon.

Nintendo Harmonica

While playing Contra, our song about the Nintendo cheat codes, we have occasionally mentioned the fact that you need to blow into a Nintendo game cartridge to get it to work. Were they really that dirty?

Well, now that could produce sweet, sweet music!

If you were wondering what to get me for my baby’s birth, this could be a great gift.

Check out the NES harmonica store or get creative and steal their idea to make it yourself!