Miranda Sound News

Aug 6 at Skullys: Rock show for Ava and Akaash

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:57:31 PDT

Battling Autism: A Rock show for Ava Sefcik and Akaash Nothing

Last fall, some tough shit landed in the Sefcik family's lap - Sean and his wife Laura's first child, Ava, a beautiful little red head with the brightest and biggest smile you've ever seen, was diagnosed with Autism.

Autism is a neurological disorder that traps kids: they struggle to communicate and interact with peers and parents - and they practice repetitive behavior. Autism is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Ava has been specifically diagnosed with Isodicentric 15, a Chromosomal disorder that is the primary contributor to her autism. And it can't be changed since it's, well, her chromosomes.

The cause of these spectrum disorders are seemingly unknown and there is no magic cure. But research shows that diagnosing the disorder at an early age, followed by rehabilitative intervention and education, can help the individuals who are struck by this disorder to live extremely meaningful lives.

In many ways, Ava is actually a lucky kid. She is lucky because her father is one of the most solid, loyal and caring human beings that I have ever met. He is the model of what a friend and father should be. And Ava is lucky because her mother is extremely passionate, intelligent, proactive and focused to help Ava live a life of meaning. Together, Sean and Laura are the perfect team to help tackle this horrible foe that has attacked their kid.

As soon as Ava was diagnosed, the Sefciks began a tireless campaign to get Ava enrolled in programs and schools that would help her interact and communicate better - to spend time with professionals who understand how to help Ava unlock the shackles that are clouding her. And almost immediately, the intervention classes that Ava began attending started to pay off. The Sefciks have seen marked improvement in how Ava communicates and interacts with everyone. The future is genuinely bright. And the glimmer of hope has only reinforced Laura and Sean's focus to help their beautiful daughter live a great life.

Without sidestepping into a political rant, all I will say is that our health care system in this country is an unfettered joke. And because the health care system fails American citizens like Sean and Laura so greatly, to ensure that Ava receives all of the intervention and education that is potentially available to her, the Sefciks have to ante up a large portion of the tuition and intervention costs out of their own pockets. These yearly bills rival what it typically costs a family to send their daughter or son to a private college. Ava is 3.5. The Sefciks have a long road ahead of them. Good friends of theirs, The Nothings, are caught in the same battle with their son Akaash.

We appreciate that some people miss seeing Miranda Sound. We know that some people greatly miss Kopaz. We know that a lot of folks are giddy as hell that Silo The Huskie is writing and playing again. So we are cashing in some rock & roll capital to help out the Sefciks and their good friends, The Nothings. All of the money we raise will go directly to Ava Sefcik and Akaash Nothing's tuition bills. We've also asked DJ Nothing, Akaash's dad to spin a dynamic set as well, which will feature an audio/visual extravaganza. Our old friend Clint Reno is also going to put together a limited edition poster to sell at the show, as well as host a silent auction of local Cbus artwork. It should be a phenomenal night. We'll see you at Skully's on August 6.

- Billy

PS: if you are interested in helping out but cannot make it to the show, please send me an email at Billy@mirandasound.com

TWO WEEKS NOTICE

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:10:20 PDT

Dear Management,

Please accept this letter as our two-weeks notice of resignation. Our last day of work will be August 16, 2008.

Please understand that we are not quitting because of your ineptitude. Yeah, the benefits sucked and the bonus structure was, well, not very structured. But we've had a splendid time making records and blowing up vans and stages all over this purty nation.

We'll do our best to hand off our current projects prior to August 16. But good luck finding four jerks who will appreciate this gig more than we have appreciated it.

Let's get together a few more times before the door hits us in the arse. Seriously.

Sat., Aug 02, 2008
Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern
w/ Thistle, The Celebrity Pilots and Lost Revival
ALL AGES & FREE!!!
MUSIC STARTS AT 9 PM SHARP (Doors at 8)
www.beachlandballroom.com

Fri., Aug 15, 2008
Columbus, OH - Ravari Room
w/ Thistle and The Kyle Sowashes
LAST COLUMBUS SHOW - MUSIC STARTS AT 10 PM SHARP

Sat., Aug 16, 2008
Newport, KY - Southgate House (Ballroom)
w/ Thistle
LAST SHOW EVER

Hopefully we'll see you out at one of the last shows. If not, don't be surprised if we superglue all of your sh!t to your desk.

Sincerely,
Billy Peake, Sean Sefcik, Dan Gerken and Dan Bell

FREE SHOW. TONIGHT. 7 PM. COLUMBUS.

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:16:15 PDT

Miranda Sound is playing TONIGHT at Rumba Cafe in Columbus. Our friend Anthony from Barn Burning (Providence, RI) is coming through town and we wanted to help him out.

Yeah, it's an effing Tuesday. But the show is free and super early (7:00 PM) and there are Happy Hour Drink Specials until 9.

http://www.columbusrumbacafe.com

The music will start around 7 and be over by 9:00 sharp - just in time for you to make it home for MacGyver re-runs on the ABC Family Channel.

The Rumba is located at 2507 Summit Street in Columbus - just south of Hudson. It's a great bar with a beautiful patio. You should come out - it's our next to last show in Columbus - ever. That's right, we just threw down the guilt card.

Word!

Don't forget: the new album is available for purchase (CD or digital) at Sunken Treasure: http://sunkentreasure.org

www.mirandasound.com

http://www.sunkentreasure.org
http://myspace.com/sunkentreasurerecords

Indy, Dubuque, Columbus, Album Online

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:14:38 PDT

Dear Friends,

We have a handful of sweet shows coming up.

First of all, we'll be playing CD Release/Farewell shows in two of our favorite Midwestern cities this weekend:

Fri., Jul 11, 2008
Indianapolis, IN - Sam's Saloon � 9 PM
with Welcome to Ashley (Chicago, IL) and Avero (Indy)

Sat., Jul 12, 2008
Dubuque, IA - The Busted Lift - 9 PM
with Chrash & The Surf Report

We may also be adding an earlier, all-ages Dubuque show on Saturday afternoon. We'll know more by Friday - so check out mirandasound.com for details.

How about a free, early show in Columbus, with some delicious deals on drinks? Okay!

Tues., Jul 15, 2008
Columbus, OH - RUMBA CAFE
FREE EARLY SHOW - 6 PM DOORS - MUSIC FROM 7 PM to 9
with Anthony from Barn Burning -> Happy Hour Drink Specials
2507 Summit St - (614) 268-1841

Sunken Treasure has set up a great new deal - you can purchase a digital download of the new disc here: You name the price. Hell yeah. Of course, you can also still grab a physical copy of the record, including Reno's amazing silk screened artwork at shows or right here.

We hope to see you one last time before we hang up the Converse Weapons and get real jobs.

Word,
BillySeanDan&Dan

Thank You Thank You Thank You

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:38:41 PDT

Last night was pretty special. Thanks for punching us in the face with love and support.

See ya at Beachland or Comfest or one of our favorite cities real soon-like.

xoxo,
BillySeanDanDan

reviews, reminders and TICKETS for Beachland

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:48:22 PDT

Joel from The Other Paper wrote a pretty nice review of the new disc. Check it out on page 24 of today's edition or at his blog.

To celebrate the release, we're playing at Ravari Room in Columbus on Friday night. Here are the details:

CD RELEASE - FRIDAY, JUNE 20
RAVARI ROOM - 2657 N. High St, COLUMBUS, OH (Clintonville)
w/ Bookmobile and Jon Chinn + 1803; music at 10, 21+, $5 cover

We'll also be pushing new t-shirts, tote bags, limited edition posters and hand silk screened album art from Clint Reno. Sweet. To preview a diverse duo of new album tracks, check out http://sunkentreasure.org.

--------------------------

CLEVELAND SHOW:

Next Thursday, June 26, we are opening for Eef Barzelay (of Clem Snide) at the Beachland Tavern in Cleveland. We start the night off at 8:30 PM SHARP (7:30 PM door)! The show is ALL AGES!!!! If you are interested in buying tickets directly from us, here.

Tix should be available at the door, but if you buy tix directly from us, well, it's helpful... for additional details and directions go here:
http://www.beachlandballroom.com.

COMFEST:
Damn straight. For the sixth year in a row, we'll be playing the greatest all-volunteer festival in el universo. Saturday, June 28, Off-Ramp Stage, 5:50 PM SHARP.

FAREWELL SHOWS:
Keep tabs on www.mirandasound.com for details on our farewell shows. We are booking at least 3-4 more shows than what is currently listed, mostly out-of-town. So check back for more info and for other surprises.

Thanks for all of your damn support. You are wicked sexy when you act so nice.

Xoxo,
Billy, Sean, Dan & Dan

CD RELEASE - FRIDAY, JUNE 20

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:17:59 PDT

CD RELEASE - FRIDAY, JUNE 20
RAVARI ROOM
COLUMBUS, OH
with Bookmobile and Jon Chinn + 1803
music at 10

artwork and free mp3s are on the way...

Also, we've added a handful of new dates including the Beachland in Cleveland and Comfest. Check it!

WESTERN RESERVE FOR FREE!

Fri, 16 May 2008 07:31:36 PDT

Yo! Since we are hanging up the rackets in August and since we are practically sold out of 'Western Reserve', the corporate heads at Sunken Treasure's North Campus skyscraper have decided to let people download Western Reserve for free. Get it here:

http://sunkentreasure.org/2008/05/15/free-album-download-western-reserve-by-miranda-sound/

Sat. May 3 at Andyman's - New Album June 20 - Pending Doom

Thu, 01 May 2008 07:52:05 PDT

We have a lot to tell you. So grab a chair - preferably one with butt padding and solid lumbar support.

First of all, we (Miranda Sound) have a fantastic show lined up for Saturday, May 3 in Columbus (10:00 PM start). It's at Andyman's Treehouse and will also feature The Lost Revival (dynamic Columbus upstarts) and Loretta (Indianapolis heart throbs). Loretta will be traveling with a brand new album in tow. Yeah!

Secondly, we also have a new album coming out this June. That's right, handsome! This will be album number four, self-titled - and the second that we have released for Sunken Treasure Records. It was engineered by Thee Jon Chinn and produced by Chinn and the four giant brains that make up Miranda Sound. The CD release show is set: Friday, June 20 at the Ravari Room with Bookmobile and Jon Chinn + 1803. Carve it in your arm (or at least grab your stylus and mark your friggin' PDA).

Finally, Saturday is ONE of OUR final Columbus shows (we have 3 or 4 left, total). 2008 is going to be the final summer of Miranda Sound. We're all still great friends and excited to release one more disc, but after almost ten years, we've amicably decided to hang it up in August.

We've scheduled our final two shows for Columbus (Aug 15) and Cincinnati (Aug 16). Between the time that the disc comes out and we play that final weekend, we are also hoping to hit Indianapolis, Dubuque, Cleveland, Jersey, Chicago and a few others. Some shows are already booked, some are in the works. SO, if you have a club or an idea, seriously email us: booking@mirandasound.com.

Since this is the end of the road, we've decided to make 'Western Reserve' (our previous Sunken Treasure release) available as a free MP3 download. Check mirandasound.com and sunkentreasure.org later this month for more details.

We are still working out details, but we also plan to release some of the live stuff that we recorded at Little Brothers last spring. We'll also have new shirts and other goodies available at the release show (Reno artwork, etc). More info to come.

Until Saturday,
sean, billy, dan and dan

www.andymanstreehouse.com

Gerken Posted Some Hot Recording Updates

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:36:57 PST

check it out, short stack

Recording News

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 14:53:02 PST

Greetings from studioland, where we've been secretly laying down tracks for our fourth album. Okay, maybe it's not such a big secret: The Palestra.com paid us a visit at Jon Chinn's Wall Street studio and put together a nice sneak preview of us in action recording our new song tentatively titled, 'Sleep Fighting'. Enjoy.

The booking trolls have also been busy lining up a whole slew of dates for next year, so keep an eye on our Web site for new dates.

Happy holidays!

last set of shows for 2007

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 06:48:44 PST

Dear Space Bunnies,

Miranda Sound is packing up the van this weekend and hitting the road. It will probably be our final set of shows for 2007, as we are hibernating to write and record yet another album for Sunken Treasure (due next Spring).

Friday, Nov 9 - Bowling Green, OH
HOWARDS CLUB H With Treysuno, The Celebrity Pilots and Sinker Doors @ 9 * Music @ 10 * Cheap Cover

Saturday, Nov 10 - Chicago, IL
THE BEAT KITCHEN With Treysuno, Low Rent and Revisiters Doors @ 7:30 pm * Music @ 8:00 pm sharp! * $8.00 * 18 & Over

Sunday, Nov 11 - Columbus, OH
Café Bourbon St (5 PM!) With The Evil Queens and Red Hypergiant DOORS @ 5 * MUSIC @ 6 SHARP * CHEAP COVER * 21 & up

The Chicago show will be the last one for our good friends in Treysuno. They have been plugging away for years - but Justin has finally decided to quit rocking and join Cirque Du Soleil. He looks great in a glittery banana hammock, so I am sure he is making the right decision.

Sunday at Bourbon Street is SUPER EARLY (Doors at 5 PM, lovey). What could be better than the Evil Queens melting your face off at dusk? NOTHING.

We'll see you soon. Hopefully this weekend.

Hugs,
Miranda Sound - Dan B, Dan G, Sean S & Billy P

Recording and Silversun news...

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 06:23:29 PDT

Yes, we're still alive and kicking. Come on, everyone needs sometime time to recover from Comfest... a month should do. Anyhoo, we've got some news: we're recording two songs with Jon Chinn the first weekend of August. They are tentatively titled "Quilt Therapy" and "Untitled" (original, huh?). This will be the first batch of songs for our fourth proper album which will be released sometime next March on Mr. R. Duffy's wonderful Sunken Treasure Records.

We also have a whole slew of shows coming up including one with the Silversun Pickups in Columbus on August 11. Check out the tour dates column for more details and show dates.

Thanks for hanging in there!

Little Brother's Finale - Live Recording

Thu, 17 May 2007 07:03:00 PDT

OUR FINAL LITTLE BROS SHOW:

Sunday, June 3
6 PM Doors - ALL AGES
FREE ADMISSION for 21+
($2 for under age)

To serve our own needs and to hopefully entertain you, dear mailing list, we've decided to book one final Little Brothers show. Mark your calendar: Sunday, June 3.

Here is the good news: it's ALL AGES, it's SUPER EARLY and it's FREE (except $2 for under 21).

We also plan to record the show for a proper release on audio and video. Thus, we are going to dig deep and play a very comprehensive set of songs.

If you don't know the details about Little Brothers, you can read Dan Dougan's open letter.

But let us paraphrase, not on Dan's behalf of course, but with our own eastern bias: Some prick landlord is strong arming one of the last, potent, independent rock clubs into submission. He's probably going to carve the club into some bullsh!t retail space. This sucks for us, as well as thousands of other local and touring musicians. It also stinks for fans of smart, independent music - Columbus will now be bypassed by even more great bands and the Short North will definitely take a step back on the continuum of awesomeness.

Dan, Ike, Ben and everyone who work at Little Brothers have been ridiculously kind to us. The club has provided us with countless opportunities: We've shared the stage with so many great bands, including our heroes (The Posies, Nada Surf, etc) and so many other great bands we call our friends (The Wrens, Pretty Mighty Mighty, The Whiles, Two Cow, etc).

We hope you can make it out for one last set at that venue. We plan on bringing the proverbial rock hammer.

Seriously. 6 PM, Sunday June 3. You can't beat the price and you'll be home in time to watch your favorite teleprograms. Plus, it's your chance to be a vocal part of a future live release.

Sorry for being so mellow-dramatic, but this show means a ton to us. We hope you can make it.

xoxo,
Billy, Sean, Dangerken and Dr. Dan.

Whiles CD Release 4/28

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:03:41 PDT

Saturday night (4/28) at Little Brothers, we'll be playing with the Whiles to celebrate the release of their tasty new record, 'Sleepers Wake'.

We are huge fans of the boys in The Whiles, as well as the hooky, layered, beautiful music they make. It should be a very special night.

Hal Hixon opens at 10-ish, followed by Miranda Sound. $5 at the door.