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TACO GRILL & BAR 100 South Broadway Street McAllen, TX (956) 682-6602 This month, we visited TACO GRILL & BAR at 100 South Broadway Street in downtown McAllen, TX and were taken on a fine Mexican dining Adventure! I don’t know what else to say about Taco Grill except DAMN! This was some excellent Mexican food. At the time of this review Taco Grill was preparing its dishes for a photo shoot for their new website. This being said, it’s safe to say we got to try almost every appetizer and entrees. Lucky us! A common misconception
about Taco Grill is that they only serve tacos. Although their tacos are superb (try the tacos al pastor with the pineapple topping, WOW!) There are so many gems on the menu, that you really can’t go wrong with whatever choice you make. We began with a few appetizers, the first was a curious tamale looking thing. Billy Valenzuela, the marketing coordinator for Taco Grill explained that it was crispy pan fried cheese. At MAGX, we LOVE cheese and this was a very delicious appetizer. It was rolled up like a large hollow tamale. You can cut or
More than just delicious tacos: Taco Grill and Bar surprised us with their huge menu selection and great drinks. With so many choices, you will definitely have a hard time choosing only one delicious meal.
break off pieces of it. Think of it like a large tortilla chip made of cheese. Other appetizers were a tasty choriquezo and a variety of delicious salsas with fresh chips. Now for the main course(s)! We were treated to the famous Villa melon tacos featuring a nice soft shredded blend of beef with a variety of spices, served on hot, fresh tortillas. These particular tacos are known as a great hangover cure. Sundays here are PACKED! Then came the amazing shrimp tacos served with a nice sweet and spicy chipotle sauce. We tried so many deli-
cious dishes that we don’t have space to mention them all. The juicy and tender rib eye came last and was to die for. It was cooked to perfection and spiced just right! A great way to cap off the feast! Taco Grill & Bar is a solid choice for Lunch, Dinner, or Post Club Munching (they’re open until 4am on the weekends!) The restaurant is located on the corner of Broadway & Austin in Downtown McAllen. Stop on by and try anything from the menu. You will not be disappointed!
Own a great restaurant? Let us know! We are always on the look out for great tasting food to suggest to our readers. Call 956-648-4464 to set up a FREE restaurant feature. | 6 | MAGX
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Ok, Ok I admit it! I’m an Android fanboy. How can I help it with all the innovations they are responsible for? The multitasking engine, front facing cameras, big sexy screens, and now the first glasses-free 3-D display for a mobile device! I’m not talking about a Nintendo 3DS type of 3D emulation. I’m talking a beautiful and crisp 4.3” QHD display with all the detail and definition you’ve come to enjoy and love from gadgets in the 21st century. The EVO 3D from HTC and Sprint will launch as the first 3D smartphone in America. Another big step is the addition of a stereo 3D camera. The camera is 8mp and capable of capturing BILLIONS OF COLORS and even the smallest details and bringing them to life in beautiful high definition 3D pictures. The first 3D and 4G phone is launching June 24, 2011 and will cost $199 on a new 2 year contract. I will be the first to say that after the launch of the EVO 3D the mobile game will be changed forever. I hope other Mobile OS developers are taking notes...(ahem. Apple, Microsoft, HP and RIM)!
YOU THINK THIS IS BADASS? JUST WAIT UNTIL I START SHOWING OFF THE NEW GOOGLE HOME STUFF LATER IN THE SUMMER! GOT COMMENTS? @FRANKXSALINAS ON TWITTER.
A new report released by Sandvine Incorporated indicates Netflix accounts for 29.7% of “all downstream traffic during peak period” in North America which, suffice it to say, is a tremendous amount. Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii combine to account for 66.26% of total Netflix usage. PS3 leads the way at 30.57%, Xbox 360 is number two at 24.94%, and Wii comes in at number four (behind PC) with 10.75%. Using these figures, we can see that Netflix streaming on consoles accounts for about 19.68% of downstream peak traffic. | 8 | MAGX
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Carlton Zeus making his rounds around town.
Brownsville’s Hip Hop Wordsmith We were surfing the web one day and came upon a video for a song called “Sharpie Solo” by a guy calling himself “Carlton Zeus” out of Brownsville, TX. Needing a break from the daily grind of putting together a magazine, we decided to check it out. The song was a fun, laid back, catchy tune and the perfect summer anthem. Everyone at | 10 | MAGX
the MAGX office was really impressed by this guy. Zeus was funny, witty, didn’t take himself too seriously and played “good time” hip hop you can listen to while chilling with your friends. Most importantly, the quality of the recording was very professional, so we downloaded (for FREE on his website) his mixtape
and a few extra songs and jammed it for a week straight. Zeus shows his fun-loving side (“strapped with the duck hunt gun, if you want some son” ) on most songs rapping about partying and girls (“Hottie Hottie, she likes to party, I was already on Bacardi when I stumbled out the lobby...”), a little bravado (“unleaded, no ethanol, salmonella on the
mic cuz my sets are raw”) and growing up (“mama always loved me, daddy’s got a tune, it go “cats in the cradle and the silverspoon”). We were really impressed with this guy so we decided to track him down for an interview. Without further adieu, here is the Carlton Zeus interview.
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MAGX: Tell us... Who is Carlton Zeus? CZ: Believe it or not, Carlton Zeus and I are a lot alike. We both grew up in Brownsville, Texas... We laugh at all the same jokes... We finish each other’s sentences... In fact, I’m almost positive we both choked up at the end of "The Notebook” when Allie finally realizes it’s him …and then after a few minutes forgets, then freaks out.. Crazy... I know... MAGX: What or who inspired you to pick up the microphone? Who are your biggest influences? CZ: In 5th grade, our school hosted a talent show and a few weeks before the show, the teachers came together and begged someone/anyone to showcase anything other than a Selena song... 2 buddies and I answered the call with a few Boys II Men singles. The girls went nuts... And the seed was planted. Biggest Influences: Probably Andre3000, Freddie Mercury, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis
MAGX: Your lyrics are really witty. For those who haven't heard your stuff, what do you rap about? CZ: Man, anything and everything really... I try not to hold back too much. Ah yes! Mainly the things that I appreciate the most (the good times). I never felt comfortable keeping a diary, so this might just be the closest thing I have... MAGX: What is one major thing you want people to know about you? CZ: 99% of Carlton Zeus is fueled by the fact that life is just too short... Join me! MAGX: Your albums are free for download on your website, do you feel this helps or hinders your music career? Why? CZ: That’s a good one! Helped without a doubt! At this point, the world owes me nothing... Zero. I’m just trying to win em’ over – 1 play at a time. My life has been a lot of ‘trial & error’ which forced me to push my passion aside, learn a Double Winsor, file my
W-2, and get paid... Music isn’t about money for me and thankfully I can afford to focus on sharing my music free of charge. Ask anyone who’s ever seen Carlton Zeus live; there’s a really good chance you might walk away with a free CD or Carlton Zeus tee. MAGX: Other than music, what else does Carlton Zeus enjoy doing? CZ: Happy hours, bacon wrapped cream cheese filled jalapenos on the grill, comedy, dropping into open houses, keeping friends off four locos, bonfires, test driving Cadillacs during oil changes at Ken Batchelor, tubing, fresh coffee and a good conversation, biannual flea market trips.. and the list goes on...
Antonio. He blew me away... I pulled him aside and pitched Carlton Zeus to him. It sounded like he bought it, up until I told him it was hip hop. Luckily, something drew him in and the next morning we were having coffee eating breakfast tacos ironing out the details of my vision. He picked up the guitar and within minutes we collectively laid out the entire instrumentation of the record. I had no idea what direction/ theme I’d go with so, I just pressed record and freestyled till I fell off... It felt so right, so I finished the entire song without lyrics – made a few modifications here and there and the rest was history!
MAGX: Your sharpie solo song seems to be pretty popular, what is the story behind that song?
MAGX: Your video for that song was pretty funny, who were those police officers tackling in the background of one of the scenes? And how did you not get tackled, holding that beer on a public sidewalk?
CZ: Sharpie Solo! LOL! Yes! I met this phenomenal musician, Chris Cruz, through a mutual friend and went to watch him live at Rebar one night in San
CZ: LOL! YES! Las Vegas – Freemont Street. That should sum it up right there! Apparently, this woman got outta hand in the casino behind me
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and they had to escort her out. This all unfolded behind me. From your view, you see the action before I did. An officer was bit... I remember hearing the classic line “STOP RESISTING!” Could’ve sworn I’ve heard that before... MAGX: You remixed the THE KILLERS singer Brandon Flowers solo album song “Only the young” and threw down some lyrics about your life and made it your own. Tell us about that song and how it came about. CZ: Brandon Flowers is a beast! Months before this remix, I had chopped up an Edwyn Collins record (“A Girl Like You”) I heard on the soundtrack of Empire Records, which drove the direction of my sample selection. Love that song. Couldn’t resist! MAGX: You have some pretty creative marketing. Tell us about your “MILK MAN” photo shoot. CZ: I’m always asking myself what I’d like to see as a fan of hip hop. Entertain me! I feel like this genre is notorious for going with what’s safe or even worse – the norm, which as I mentioned earlier, isn’t as widely accepted by musicians and listeners that matter the most to me. Bottom line – it’s entertainment. I love “love” and I am so willing to go outside the box for that. I daydream a lot, the milkman thing actually turned out EXACTLY like I pictured it, which was a huge plus. I think my neighbors have given up on trying to figure me out. MAGX: Tell us about your upcoming album. How is it coming along? What can you tell us about it thus far?
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CZ: Oh baby! I scoured the city of San Antonio for the best musicians I could get my hands on and I’m so, so pumped about this album. I had to corner my DJ the other day because there was a rumor floating around that someone heard "Purple Jar" as his ring tone. LOL – attn. DJ boboglobo, you’ve been warned! MAGX: What venues do you perform? Where can people catch your live shows & what upcoming show do you have? CZ: While my main focus is perfecting this album, promotion is always a plus. So when the right venues come up, we usually take em and run with it. Our last performance was at the “SRC Rock & Beats Festival” University of Texas Brownsville. Can’t wait to go back! In the meantime, my main man Chubby Fitzwell and I have teamed up with Chris Cruz who made some phone calls to Justin Schneider and Mike Gomez of the Tim Phillips Trio along with DJ boboglobo – let’s just say, we had one rehearsal and I just kinda laid in bed every night for days... I couldn’t sleep... Next show? You gotta follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter for more info! “I know, huh?” – George Lopez MAGX: If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? CZ: Time management. Now more than ever, this is something I struggle with. A friend of mine recently pointed out I’m living a triple life (long story). There are a lot of great people in my life I’d like to spend more time with. If I was more efficient with my schedule I wouldn’t miss out on so many
functions. I love you guys! I really do... MAGX: Where can people check you out online? CZ: 1st things first, you can always just Google “Carlton Zeus” and see what pops up! You never know what you’re gonna get (my mom’s preferred method). CarltonZeus.com for all your safe and FREE download needs and where you can pick up your very own premium Carlton Zeus tee. Mmmm hmm. - I like Facebook too... You’ll never be out of the loop if you follow me on Facebook. com/Carlton Zeus Go “like” the page. Love reading your comments! - One of my New Year’s resolutions was to be a better Twitterererer.. I’m getting the hang of it – Twitter.com/ carltonzeus - YouTube? Of course! YouTube.com/carltonzeus
MAGX: So what's next for Carlton Zeus? CZ: Aside from staying current with all the latest and greatest of MAGX, my main focus right now is the upcoming album. Everybody loves a great song. That’s all I care about. I want to continue promoting “The Spread” Mixtape. Also, in an effort to combat lukewarm beer in the summertime.. Carlton Zeus koozies will soon be available to you via CarltonZeus.com ! Let’s see, what else? Photo-shoots.. Music videos.. Our live show is always in some form of evolution, you have my word, we won’t let you down! VISIT CARLTONZEUS.COM FOR FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS AND MORE!
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We take challenges really seriously. Next month we have a showdown... MAGX vs. KABOOM COMICS. PAINTBALL WAR. Winner take all. The Prize? A few hundred dollars worth of partying at SIMON SEZ rock bar in McAlllen. Needless to say, MAGX will not lose. We visited DELTA PAINBALL FIELD on University (107) & Shary Rd in Mission/McAllen to scope out the different battlegrounds they have set up. The more we know about the terrain, the better chance we have of winning. So we spoke with Sergio, co-owner & designer at DELTA and got the 411 on the courses, and asked them a few other questions about the newest paintball field to hit the RGV.
MAGX: How did the idea of a paintball field here on HWY 107 come about? DELTA: I always wanted to start something on my own, I just didn’t know what and my cousin brought up the idea of a paintball field. I liked it, we went with it. It started off much simpler at first, then we expanded the idea into bringing something people have never seen before. We wanted | 16 | MAGX
to make it video game themed because that’s the type of players that we usually get, people who to relate to video games. MAGX: Tell me a little bit about the different courses you have, and what the features are for each one. DELTA: There’s some with low covers, some with high covers, some that are meant to be fast paced, others that have
more tactics involved. They’re all themed after video games, except for our speedball course. Halo has a lot of four foot covers, they’re all two feet in the ground for extra support so people can lean on them. In Tron, you’re very exposed, very vulnerable. It’s meant to be like the speedball field, without the air. And then our CQB is more of a strategical thing. And we’re also going to have a gears of war field
that’s not going to be too adult friendly. It’s got a lot of three foot covers. Like the game, the term is “ass to the ground,” and just like when you’re playing the game, you’re going to have to be on the floor. MAGX: What is your most popular field right now, and why do you think that is? DELTA: Halo and CQB. I would say more Halo,
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because people like the second story aspect of it and the bunkers. MAGX: Who plays here? DELTA: High schoolers, adults that come with their own groups, people from the workplace come hang out here and chill afterwards. Get back at their co-workers, have fun with them. People looking for something else to do in the valley. MAGX: Do people bring their own equipment, or do you rent it out here? DELTA: If they don’t have their own equipment, we
have everything for them. For $25, tax included, they get a vest, mask, 500 paintballs so they can play for three to four hours, they choose one of four rental guns, all day play, all day air. The only things they need to buy again to keep playing later are the paintballs. If you have your own gear it’s $15. MAGX: You guys do airsoft here as well? DELTA: We don’t have airsoft guns for rent, but if they want to come with their own group and use our fields, they’re more than welcome to. MAGX: Do you guys host
tournaments? DELTA: We have our first tournament scheduled, it’s a boys and girls club thing. It’s scheduled for July. MAGX: Is it kid friendly?
want to start another field as soon as possible. We’ll eventually get there and give the customers a lot more. Each field still has a lot more to be done to it. So even the fields that are there, we’re still going to be improving them.
DELTA: Yeah, the standard pressure for all paintball fields is 280 to 300, so that’s what we set our guns to. If people come with their own guns, we test them out and make sure they’re there. You might get a bruise, but it won’t kill you.
MAGX: What days and times are you open?
MAGX: Did you expect it to be so successful?
Get more info on DELTA PAINTBALL FIELD at www.deltafieldpb.com
DELTA: It’s surprising. We
DELTA: Friday through Sunday, and in the summer we will try out being open during the week.
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Every month, MAGX scours the app markets to bring you the latest & greatest! It’s a tough job, but we are up for the task! If you see a great app out there, let us know at editor@magxonline.com.
Yoo Ninja!
Device: Android • Rating
This simple fast-paced game puts you in the shoes of a ninja. The controls are easy, just tap to jump from the floor to the ceiling as you run from 2 giant chinese stars. The action gets fast quick and one wrong tap could sent you flying off the screen (to your death.)
BARCODE SCANNER Device: Android • Rating
This is a MUST HAVE! Cant to compare prices for a product? Scan the barcode and VIOLA! Wondering what all the weird cubed barcodes thingys like the one to your right is? Download BARCODE SCANNER and find out! Iphone has a version as well!
FATBOOTH
Device: Iphone • Rating
This app is sure to get a lot of laughs. Take a pic of your friends and see what they would look like with a couple hundred pounds added to them. Similar apps are available for android devices as well!
Marvel
Device: Ipad • Rating
This app is causing a lot of controversy. Will digital be the end of printed comics? Maybe. Whatever the case, this app is pretty awesome. It’s a whole different comic experience. The selection isn’t as robust as it could be though!
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MAGX: First off, Introduce yourselves,what you do in the band and how you guys met and formed the PIRATES. LLP: Adam Moya - Guitar, Vocals. Darian Belcher - Bass. Alejandro Leon - Drums. Stephen Eguia - Guitars, Vocals Adam and Steve have been friends for a long time, and finally decided to try and start a band. Thus became Land Locked Pirates. Darian was one of Adam's customers at work, and Alex was an old college friend of Steve's. We all came together and it just clicked. It's been a fun seven months so far. MAGX: You guys have a very unique sound, I hear some rock and some blues as well. How did you guys come about this sound? LLP: We all pulled from our very different musical influences and decided to play music that we like to play. The rule of the band: it doesn't matter what style of music it is. If we like it, we play it. MAGX: For those who haven't heard your music, Fill in the blanks. The LAND LOCKED PIRATES is the musical bastard son of...? LLP: Johnny Cash and The Mars Volta
in bars since I was twelve with local cover bands. I've played everything from Jazz to Ska. I'm a multi-instrumentalist that likes feeling uncomfortable. Alex - I grew up playing gospel and country. Later I moved from the religious scene to more secular music. Now I play it how I hear it. Darian - Well, I like long walk on the beach.... wait, music, Right! I started off playing guitar along with Bluegrass and Gospel, then later on Rock and Metal. Most of my musical experience has been behind a drum kit playing in original bands in Ohio. When joining LLP I picked up the bass. Adam - I've been singing really loud for a long time. I finally found a band where it works.... And I grew a beard. MAGX: As artists, where do you look to for musical inspiration. LLP: We all pull from our mutual appreciation for sin, sex, and sarcasm. MAGX: You guys dress pretty slick for being pirates... Explain. LLP: We like to look good. We enjoy the irony of a bunch of guys in vests and ties getting rowdy on stage.
MAGX: What led to the formation of LAND LOCKED PIRATES & how long have you guys been performing together? What are the musical histories of each member?
MAGX: Vocalist/ Guitarist Adam, is a beer connoisseur at Roosevelts at 7, in McAllen Tx. Has his expertise had any affect on the music you create? How?
LLP: Steve - I've been playing
LLP: Of course it
affects our ability to create music. We end up spending a lot of time together over Arrogant Bastard, Jack, Tito's and at Roosevelts. Many ideas come about. MAGX: What are each band members favorite beers/ spirits?. LLP: Steve - Collaboration Not Litigation, Urthel Samaranth, and Black Label Alex - Maker's Mark, Greenflash, Fat Tire Darian - Black Metal, Brewhouse Brown Ale, Titos vodka Adam - Dogfish 120, Maradsous 10, McCallen 12 MAGX: What is one thing you would like to see different or changed here in South Texas/ Rio Grande Valley (musically or otherwise)? LLP: We'd like to see a more active music scene and more variety in it. And it would be nice if there were a bit more diversity socially as well. MAGX: You guys have a very energetic live show. What upcoming show do you have? LLP: We will be playing the Muve Music Festival at the McAllen Convention Center June 10, and at Simon Sez June 11.
MAGX: How do you guys write your songs? LLP: We ask which way the wind is blowing, drink a beer, ask a couple more questions, try to remember why we came here, and then somewhere in the end a song shows up. Kinda like Ed McMahon knocking on your front door. MAGX: What is the biggest challenge you guys have faced as a band? LLP: Finding out what some of our personal limitations are. MAGX: What are your songs about? LLP: Our songs are short stories about graphic topics. "Oh Me, Oh My" is about teenage suicide. "Killjoy VonBoner (this is Carlos Spicyweiner)" can be summed up in "Wam Bam... Thank you maam!" Our songs are about everything under the sun. MAGX: Where can people listen to your music or communicate with you? LLP: www.facebook.com/ pages/Land-Locked-Pirates & www.reverbnation.com/landlockedpirates Official site is coming soon.
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Several years back, PUYA had a crossover Latin-infused metal hit called “OASIS.” After several years of out of the music scene, they are back together, booking huge festivals and with a new-found energy are ready to write the next musical chapter of their careers. MAGX: Glad to hear you guys got back together. What’s happening with you guys right now?
PUYA: Thank you! Well, since we rejoined in late 2009 we did a small number of live shows in Puerto Rico and Colombia which led us to record the Areyto EP and to release our long time waited live DVD. At this point we are doing everything independently with the help of friends in the music industry. The plans are | 30 | MAGX
to continue doing live shows where ever the right opportunities arise and hopefully in due time to record a full length album. The band is doing things as they come, taking it one day at a time, but we are looking forward to writing more new material and performing live which we believe it’s the strongest quality of Puya.
that has various meanings in several Latin countries. However, in our home land Puerto Rico Puya is the name of a straight up undiluted black cup of coffee. It also means a sharp point like a needle, or basically anything that stings. It’s something that wakes you up.
MAGX: What does “Puya”
MAGX: Who are your influences?
PUYA: Puya is a word
PUYA: I would say that between all the members
mean?
of the band we have a wide spectrum of influences. Ranging from artists like Fania All Stars, Ruben Blades,Tito Puente, Santana, to Van Halen, Sepultura, Pantera, Red Hot Chilipeppers, Fishbone, Rage Against the Machine, to old school artists like Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who. MAGX: There are so many styles your music, What inspired the fusion of Latin and Metal?
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PUYA: Well, in our case the band’s main writers are Ramon Ortiz (Guitars) who is very fluent in the traditional latin grooves but a metal head at heart, and Harold Hopkins (bassist) who is very fluent in funk and rock styles but very Latin music oriented and loves all the traditional Afro Caribbean rhythms. When these two worlds join forces to write original music, what you hear in Puya is what flows naturally from them. I guess to answer your question, I give a lot of credit to all the various artists from all genres that have influenced us throughout the years. MAGX: What is the music scene like in Puerto Rico?
PUYA: In Puerto Rico the scene has experienced it’s up and downs but generally has been consistent. Evidently there are a lot of rock
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n rollers in the island and you can see the proof every time there is a sold out rock concert here. People absolutely love the 80’s and 90’s rock in PR. However, the heavier rock genres never had enough support by the media such as radio, TV etc... even though there is a huge market for it. As far as the rest of the music scene it’s always been strong in a lot of other music genres like salsa, merengue, Reggae, Reggeaton etc... MAGX: You guys reformed
in 2009 and played some huge shows in Puerto Rico, how did the reunion come about? PUYA: We had been talking about it for some time since 2007-08. But it wasn’t until 2009 that a great opportunity came to us to play at the Stereo Music Fest at the Convention Center in San Juan. It
was our first time on stage since 2004 with all original members and roughly 12,000 screaming kids showed up for the event. This naturally re-injected new energy into the band which led us to a few more similar big shows including the Rock Al Parque Festival in Bogota Colombia which was a mayor home run for the band and a turning point during this whole comeback. MAGX: What was it like getting back together to create Areyta, your new EP?
PUYA: After our 3rd show in Puerto Rico on November of 2009 we collectively decided that we should go into a studio to work on new songs and everybody agreed that it was the next logical step to take as a band if we were about to pick up where we left years ago. We immediately
booked a studio and spent the remaining of that month writing and started the recording process. It was really great to have all the guys in the studio again. It felt as if no time had gone by. MAGX: When can we expect to see you guys back in the states?
PUYA: Hopefully really soon. I hope we can manage to book US dates in the near future. There are certain internal factors that we have to deal with as a band at a more personal level that will dictate our time table for touring. But I can tell you right now that the band is pumped up about getting out there once again. There is no feeling like being on stage performing and we want to do that as many times as possible.
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