Raleigh-based photographer Greg Chase was interested in collaborating with local artists and bands,  to expand his portfolio and to bring his photographic venture more in focus with his love of music. 


    Coincidentally, the Straight 8s were in need of a photographer who not only had the tools, talent, and eye for capturing images to represent the band, but who also had an appreciation for the mid-century style and influences the band embraces.


    The results of this successful collaboration are evident throughout the website.  Greg is an amazing photographer who prefers the challenge of shooting in non-studio environments.  His confidence behind the lens  is rivaled only by his professionalism and strong work-ethic.   


    It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with Greg, who can be reached via his website or email .

Photographer Greg Chase (left) talks with Robert and Jack Koening in the Round House Machine Shop.

Photography by Greg Chase

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Do you remember rock and roll radio?  Do you remember myspace?  Well the The Straight 8s are still on myspace (note spiffy graphic illustration to the left), so stop by and add us as a friend!

http://www.myspace.com/thestraight8s

    The Straight 8s would like to thank the fantastic folks at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC (aka The Spencer Shops).  The  museum allowed us to visit and take photos of the band in various locations throughout the round-house and aboard one of the coach cars, meticulously restored by the museum’s staff of dedicated volunteers. 


    Special thanks to Mr. Jack Koenig, for his patience and eagerness to share his knowledge of the shop’s history, as well as his vast experience with the tools and techniques required to fabricate replacement parts no longer in production.  (Thanks, Dad!)

“SOUTHERN SERVES THE SOUTH “

    There is truly something magic, authentic, and humbling about the Spencer shops.  Whether it’s the sheer scale of the trains, engines, and the tools required to restore and keep them running, or just the fragrant perfume of hydraulic fluid in the air, the shops are a must-see for any gear head, train enthusiast, or fan of Americana.  For more details and to plan a visit, click here: 

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Copyright © 2009-2011 Straight 8s - All Rights Reserved - Website by  m2 design

“I’d like ‘How To Succeed In the Music Biz’ for $800, Alex”


“Excellent! For $800 the answer is ‘HELL YES!’  Please remember to give your response in the form of a question and good luck!”


“What do you say when your band is asked to open for ‘The World’s Greatest Rock-N-Roll Band’ THE SUPERSUCKERS?”


“That’s correct!  Indeed, ‘HELL YES’ or ‘HELL EFFIN YES’ is always the correct rock-n-roll response, especially if the question is posed by Eddie Spaghetti himself (which this time it was not, but name dropping is also key to succeeding in the music biz). Well done, my friend!”

January, 2010

SHOW DETAILS


Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010

Berkeley Cafe

Doors @ 7:00

Straight 8s @ 8:00

THE SUPERSUCKERS @ 9:00

$15 Advance/ $15 Day of Show

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Jeopardy humor aside, the Straight 8s are stoked to be opening for The SUPERSUCKERS at The Berkeley Cafe.  This is a fantastic venue for live rock-n-roll that’s loud, fast, and out of control... just the way you like it!


We’ll have the latest merch at the show or you can check out the new on-line swag here!

Berkeley Cafe

217 West Martin St

Raleigh, NC 27601

919.821.0777

The Straight 8s will be unleashing their new line-up and several new songs at ELVISFEST  2010 in Chapel Hill, NC.  Click on the King for all the details.  See you there!

News for January 2010...

The Straight 8s make their debut appearance at the fabulous Black Bird Bar in Pittsboro’s General Store Cafe on Feb 12, 2010.  Mark your calendars and come rock with us!

The Straight 8s performed at Puckett’s in Charlotte on Jan 2 (man, it was COLD that night).   Thanks to Yerg for posting some videos on Youtube.

This is the 6th year for the annual Rims on the River classic and custom car show in historic downtown WIlmington, NC.  It’s only $5 to enter your pre-1980 car or bike in the show, and the concert at Riverfront Park is absolutely FREE.  The car show is from 11:00 - 5:00, with music starting shortly thereafter and running through ~11:00.   Last year there were 500 cars in attendance and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.   See you there!

CALLING ALL GEAR HEADS AND MUSIC LOVERS!

COME ROCK & ROLL WITH THE STRAIGHT 8s IN WILMINGTON!

News for March 2010...

Rock-a-billy mayhem will ensue as usual when The Tremors and the Straight 8s share the stage at Slim's Downtown Distillery (S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh) on Saturday, March 6th

“Reunited, and it Feels so Good...”

Has it really been 7 years since the very first Cash Bash?  Man, time flies!  If you’ve never been, you are invited to make #7 your #1.  And of course, the 8s will be there.  ;-)

For those about to rock (quietly), we salute you!   Come hear the 8s like you’ve never heard them...  an intimate (almost) unplugged show at Weaver Street Market in our home turf of Hillsborough, NC on Thursday, April 22
 

The debut record by the Straight 8s 'Casualties of Cool' was released in March, 2004.   The original 1,500-copy pressing sold out and has been out of print for quite some time.   Every once in a while these pop up on Amazon or ebay for crazy money (we’re talking $140+ range).


By popular demand, we’ve made the album available for purchase in a downloadable format.  CD Baby has all 14 tracks available individually for $0.99 each or the entire album for $9.99.   Such a deal!


Finally, after many years of having to shrug our shoulders at the merch booth and say “sorry, it’s sold out”, we can now offer the record in a digital format.  Straight from us to your computer, MP3 player, or iPod, via CD Baby. 

Download Now!

2004 DEBUT ALBUM “CASUALTIES OF COOL”  NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!!!!

News for May 2010...

While The Straight 8s are more familiar with American hotrods... if it’s got 4-wheels and can lay rubber, you can bet they’ll be checking these cars between sets Saturday May 29 (12-3 pm).

The 8s are rocking the Brightleaf Courtyard in Durham on Friday, June 4th.  Music is from 7-9, but with many dining and shopping options, come early and stay late!

The Straight 8s have been recruited to help the Noir Bar and Lounge kick off live music on their new stage.   Help us raise a ruckus at the hottest spot on Glenwood South!!

News for June 2010...

Quench your thirst for tropical drinks, ice cold beer and authentic rock-a-billy when the Straight 8s play the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar’s pier at Carolina Beach on Saturday, June 26.  Incredible  food, views, and a swanky vibe await you.   Music from 6:00-9:00, with the party going very late.
 

The Straight 8s will be opening for our favorite honky-tonkin-texas-swingin’ pals Kelly and the Cowboys on Friday, June 18th at The Garage in Winston-Salem!

The 8s are hitting Dark Pines Studios on June 13 to lay-down a track for the A-side of our forthcoming 45 (record!).

News for July 2010...

The Straight 8s will be performing at Festival for the Eno on Monday, July 5th.  Please visit the following link for details and for stage/show time as it becomes available!

The Straight 8s make their roadhouse debut July 9, and we'd love catch up with friends between sets and afterwards.  There is a modest $8 cover for this show, but the swanky and comfortable venue is well-worth the price (and I hear the band is pretty good too).  

The City Tap does not have a TV, but it does have 10+ beers on-tap (mostly NC microbrews) and many others in bottles.  There is always a fun and enthusiastic crowd at these shows, so bring yourself and some friends and add to the mix.

When was the last time you had a REALLY GOOD time at a car show?

GET READY TO RRRRUMMMMBLLLLLLE!!!!

What started as a low-key Straight 8s show at City Tap, has mutated into a hotrod/kustom/classic cruise night in downtown Pittsboro, NC.   


The date is Friday, Sept 3, and the party starts at 6:30 pm.  Live music will run from 8-10:00, so come early and...

Grab some food at City Tap or neighboring restaurants and check out the cars parked along Salisbury and Hillsboro Streets.


We’ve arranged for $1.50 PBRs and no cover or entry fee of any kind for the music or the cruise. 


Cruise-in or just spectate!!  

The idea is just to capitalize on the small-town vibe of PBO and give folks a cruising destination with live music and food options.

The Straight 8s make their long-awaited return to the Bynum Front Porch music series on Friday, August 13th. 

News for August 2010...

The Okie Twist-Off is the premiere annual kustom culture event showcasing old cars and bikes, loud bands, wild art and beautiful people.

The 8s are honored to be headlining the  Okie Twist-Off in Oklahoma City on August 7.

The Straight 8s are honored to be playing a show at the famed Continental Club on South Congress St. in Austin TX.  This venus has been  a hot-spot for swing, rock-a-billy, country and rock since 1957. 

ROAD-TRIP TO  DALLAS (AUG 5), AUSTIN (AUG 6), and OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (AUG 7)

The Straight 8s tend to stay close to home, but sometimes you just gotta kick it down the road.   On Friday, August 6 the 8s will be at the legendary Continental Club in Austin, TX with “Two Hoots and a Holler”.   Just check out the insane details and color in Igor’s incredible show poster!   The 8s won’t have enough time to wear out their welcome on S. Congress, since they will be headlining the 4th Annual Okie Twistoff  on August 7 in Oklahoma City, OK.   Can you say two BIG check-marks on the ole rock-and-roll bucket-list?  HELL YES!, AND I CALL SHOTGUN!

Check out these awesome Cash Bash performance photos by Tonya at Poprock Photography !   Tonya has an amazing eye and specializes in “modern photography for the budget minded”. 

Click on any photo to go to the album page.  Awesome!

Our good friends Jill and Eric H. rocked-out with us at Brightleaf Square in Durham, NC on June 4th.  Jill had her trusty camera rig and snapped some photos as the evening unfolded.  Click on any of the photos to check out the entire album.   Thanks, Jill!!

The Straight 8s had an absolute blast playing the famed Continental Club in Austin, TX.  Check out the video and click on any photo to access the entire album.   More video footage to follow once we catch our breath.

STRAIGHT 8s @ CONTINENTAL CLUB, AUSTIN TX, August 6th, 2010

News for September 2010...

The Straight 8s will be playing two shows at the 10th Annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.  Our pals from The Tremors, and Kelley  & The Cowboys will also be performing.  Click on the flyer for full details!

Mark your calendars for Sept 25 (yes, the REAL Oktoberfest in Munich starts in September!) and be at Carolina Brewery & Grill in Pittsboro from 4:00 - 8:00!

The Straight 8s join forces with Kitty Box and the Johnnys for an Oktoberfest  bash you won’t want to miss!

Straight 8s rock the Tyler’s Tap Room stage @ 2:00 for Carrboro Music Fest  on Sunday 9/26/10

Straight 8s had a blast hosting and performing at the Circle City Rock-A-Billy Rumble Cruise Night and Concert in downtown Pittsboro on Friday, September 3rd.   Click on any photo to check out the album.   If you have any pictures to share, please send them our way!  Thanks for rockin’ and rollin’ with us in PBO!

http://www.mcftv.com
http://www.facebook.com/ormons.hullabaloo

News for October 2010...

Straight 8s will be teaming-up with Mad Tea Party to rock The Pour House in Raleigh on Saturday, October 2nd!

Octoberfest in Saxapahaw!!

The culmination of their fantastic music series is Saturday, October 23rd.  Awesome food, music, and people!!


Map and Directions HERE

The de facto Halloween bash on the east coast, hosted by Monster Creature Feature's Ormon Grimsby with three bands, special guests, and more. Details coming soon!!!

NIGHT-TIME PROWLIN’

DAY-TIME HOWLIN’

Straight 8s shared the stage with Saludos Compay and Countdown Quartet to rock the annual Saxapahaw Oktoberfest on Oct 23rd.  The celebration featured music, Fullsteam Brewery beers, and delicious food from local restaurants.

Straight 8s joined forces with The Tremors and Atomic Mosquitos at Kings, to help Ormon Grimsby with his Halloween Hullabaloo on Oct 30th. The night featured music, 3D surprises, costume contest, and insanely cool giveaways.

Did you miss The Tremors and Straight 8s at Puckett’s in November?

Ring-In 2011 with both bands PLUS Bo Stevens and Hearts and Daggers at The Garage!

ROCK-A-BILLY FOR YOUR EARS!

BIZARRO-BILLY FOR YOUR EYES!

If you love retro-kitschy-kustom-kulture art and design, check out the eye-candy over at Death-Ray Design.  Need event flyers, promotional materials, logo design?  Get in touch with Jason, whose work was recently inducted into the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC !

Ground Zero

“The Howlin’ Sessions compilation CD, Sessions Volume One, starts things off right with Straight 8s smooth instro-mental “Ground Zero”.  Gritty and impressive, the cut features dark bass vibes, fully realized drum backdrops and guitar licks that do all the talkin’ ”


- Richard Davis, Ol’ Skool Rodz Magazine

Straight 8s rocked the pre-party for the 7th Annual Rims on the River Car Show in historic downtown Wilmington, NC on April 16, 2011

http://motorcomusic.com/halloween-hullaballoo
http://www.mcftv.com/
http://www.scots.com/

Ormon Grimsby Presents... The House of Halloween Hullabaloo 2011 with Southern Culture on the Skids, Straight 8s, The Tremors, and Wiley Fosters!  More 3D insanity than last year... hard to believe but TRUE! This year we are at Motorco, which is a killer room and a sound-system that rivals any venue in the triangle.


SCOTS is re-releasing their long out of print "Zombified" and plans to play songs from the album. This is going to be THE halloween throw-down in the triangle with SCOTS-styled surf-a-billy and rock-a-billy from Straight 8s and The Tremors. We've also got a costume contest with cash prizes and an after-party featuring The Wiley Fosters, with Will Dawson of SNZ fame. Doors at 8, with music and 3D mayhem (glasses provided!) starting promptly at 9:00. Tickets are $15 in advance and day of show.

It’s that time of year again...

http://www.tremorsrockabilly.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wiley-Fosters/148313531903827

If you love retro-kitschy-kustom-kulture art and design, check out the eye-candy over at Death-Ray Design.  Need event flyers, promotional materials, photography, or logo design?  Get in touch with Jason, whose work was recently inducted into the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC !

You may have noticed the revamped look and feel for the Straight 8s website.  Special thanks to our amigo, Jason Lonon over at Death-Ray Design, for the swanky new band photos and giving us carte-blanche to photograph areas of his top secret lair.  Trust us when we say this is just a small glimpse!