Horny Toad: Upcoming Gigs

Positive Change. Positive Outlook.

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:00:00 PST

Plastic bottle caps. Cigarette butts. Fishing line. T-shirts. Plastic bags. Discarded pens. Styrofoam take-out containers. Newspaper. Rope. Beer bottles. Plastic sand toys. Old shoes. These are a few of our least favorite things.

There is plastic, plastic everywhere mixed with massive clumps of Styrofoam. Our monthly beach/creek clean-up outings have returned many a garbage bag full of the above as well as a plethora of other oddities like dice, shavers (ick), pencils, docking and sunglasses. It seems that the bags we haul away from every gathering make only the smallest of dents in the grand scheme of things. It’s really hard to stay positive in the face of such an overwhelming job. We have to constantly remind ourselves that every little bit DOES help and to not give in to negative thoughts or give up. It would be amazing if everyone made a pledge to pick up one single piece of trash, every day, and dispose of it properly. It would make a huge difference, with just a little, tiny, bit of effort on everybody’s part.

Collecting trash and cleaning up public spaces isn’t glamorous, and it can get downright depressing when contemplating the scope of it all, but it is worth it. For example, now that I’ve been doing these cleanups I really take a second look at what I put in my trashcan, what I buy and I try not to take anything that uses Styrofoam. Actually, Santa Barbara, along with some other cities and counties has embarked on trying to ban the stuff from local restaurants. It’s still up for debate in our little city, but it’s not out of reach because big cities like Berkeley have done it and the restaurant businesses aren’t suffering nor is the ocean and all it’s wildlife.

Another positive part of being out there is that hopefully the folks that see us out on the beach, sifting through the sand for bits o’ Styrofoam will think twice about leaving little reminders of their fun in the sun, and maybe we will even inspire some folks to join us or to start their own little clean-up crew for their favorite beachy spot in town. Oh, and remember to keep on the sunny side!

Bookin' It

Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 PST

What a simple thing, being able to pick up a book and read it. It is actually quite a gift, because there’s a large portion of the population that can’t read do to visual impairment, dyslexia or other physical disability.

One Toadette saw an ad for a record-a-thon in a local newspaper and thought it would be a nice lunchtime outing for the Toads to go lend a reading hand. So, that’s exactly what we did on April 20th. Armed only with a good sense of humor and a willingness to wear ridiculously huge headphones, a group of Toads went to sound off.

Check out www.rfbd.org to find out where you can help. It’s fun! Plus, your voice will be immortalized – just what you’ve always wanted I am sure.

May First Thursday 09

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 PST

The First Thursday art reception went great! Huge turnout. Thanks to all that came!

Our Band for the evening was Celilo, they were amazing.

Derek Olsen's art show will be up the entire month of May, so come check it out.

A special thanks to Widmer Brothers Brewery, Mercy Corps.

Adventure Day 2009

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 PST

All work and no play make Toads dull boys and girls. Ain’t it the truth! We work hard here at the Toad, to make sure we are putting out the best possible clothing for you and your every day adventures. From sourcing sustainable fabrics to making sure the online shopping experience is a good one – there’s a lot of work to do. The nice part about working for Horny Toad is that everyone here is super fun. Coming into work is a pleasure – unless there’s no coffee in the morning.

It just happened to be another beautiful day in Santa Barbara. And to blow off a little steam and get our laugh on, we had a citywide scavenger hunt. Nothing like a little smack talkin' to your co-workers and consequent laughing to make the stress just melt away. Plus, our sisters and brothers at Nau joined us - they were stoked to get some vitamin D from the sunshine. It was a super fun day that ended with frosty margaritas. Trust us, it was thirsty work!

Team names were:
The B$#&*es (they won … those b$#&*es!)
Fart (that’s a cross between Fun and Smart … clever)
Saboteurs (who ironically turned out to be the team on the up and up)
Lissers (Tina Fey’s word for what happens with you laugh and piss your pants)
Cinco de Marzo (because Mayo is too far away)

Despite the team names, I promise you that there are smart and wonderful people that work here.

Enjoy the footage!

March First Thursday

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:00 PST

Thanks to everyone who came out for First Thursday this month. Another special one in the books. Despite the rainy weather, the lounge was full all night.

FIRST First Thursday of 09

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

February's First Thursday was our first of the new year. The band Jonah defiantly turned heads with their unique brand of pop music. Impressive, to say the least. Other highlights of the night were our intriguing sketch artist, Robert Amador. His work is full of color and darkness, all at the same time, very clever presentation. He'll be showing the ENTIRE month of February, swing by if you're in the hood.

Be A Nail

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:00:00 PST

As I wrestled with a mound of seaweed on the beach, trying to extract the bunch of wrinkled balloons with ribbons impossibly entwined, an imposing figure walked up to me. Seeing as I am one of those people that is pretty much a magnet for “interesting” people that like to spill their guts on first encounters, I braced myself for a character that would talk about how foil can save your from alien abductions.

Happily I was wrong. The man simply wanted to know who we were and what we were doing? I gladly stood up from my task, placed my hand on the small of my back while I stretch the stiffness out, and told him that we were a clothing company in town that comes down to the beach every month where Mission Creek meets the Pacific to sift through sand and beach wrack to reclaim the trash that was wrongfully in the creek and in turn, the beach and ocean. Everything flows to the ocean, as they say.

He smiled broadly and said, “Ya know, when I was a little boy in Africa, people used to ask me what I wanted to be. I would tell them I wanted to be a nail, just a nail, helping to do my part to hold up the house. It’s wonderful for me to see more nails helping to hold up and repair a house that desperately needs our help.”

Even though it was a very warm day, I couldn’t help but get the chills from such a beautifully simple statement. He went on to tell me that too many people want to be a door, the thing that everyone sees and associates with home, but doors alone do not build a home.

So, I guess you could say we clean our creek, our beach and our ocean to be the nails in our community. Acting locally, as local as our backyard in our case, can help maintain the beauty of a community … of a home.

Our country and world need rebuilding and you can help by finding a cause or group in your area to contribute to. It can be anything, aside for doing nothing at all.

December First Thursday

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:00:00 PST

The Stash Bash was on. Our turnout for the December First Thursday might have been the biggiest party to date. We had a packed house all night!

Lizard Lounge hosted Portland's first ever Movember "Gala Party". Movember is an organization that teamed up with The Prostate Cancer Foundation to raise awareness for men's health.

We Love Our Creek!

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 PST

Not to brag, but we’re going to.

We literally live right on a creek, which often gets trashed and shows signs of urban polluting. We set off a year ago to try and clean up the waters of Mission Creek and all that it touches – banks, estuaries and beaches.

Our hard work has not only taken hundreds of pounds of trash out of the creek and the beach where it flows into the Pacific, but it got us a really cool award from the city! Remember when you won a ribbon or trophy in elementary school? Well, it felt like that at the city hall yesterday where a couple of us Toadettes went to accept an award for volunteering and being stoked to do it.

It was really nice to get the pat on the back, but more importantly, to know that our efforts are seen by other businesses and individuals in the area and may serve as motivation to get out, roll up sleeves and have a great time getting dirty!

It was also a pleasure to meet the commissioners and those involved with the committees that are charged with public stewardship of our lands and waters.

Yay us!

A Thanksgiving Tale

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:00:00 PST

Last week, a day before Thanksgiving, it started to rain here in Santa Barbara. People pulled on boots, zipped up coats, wrapped themselves in scarves and unfurled umbrellas to march outside to enjoy the weather. We’ve had a particularly dry spring and summer this year which made us reach towards the falling drops, feeling the cool water hit the palms of our hands and the sides of our cheeks with a certain thankfulness that only Mother Nature can command.

Ironically, the same lack of rain that made us praise the precipitation, is the same thing that helped spark the Tea Fires of November 14th, 2008 to epic proportions, destroying hundreds of homes in the area. The devastation is palpable in a small community like Santa Barbara. There were many homes up in the Tea Fire area that where not huge mansions – many of the communities up in the hills are small, single family homes in neighborhoods where kids play. Rich or middle class, the effect of losing a home is the same, irreplaceable photos go up in smoke along with long held memories.

Through last week and this week the Toads opened the doors here at our office to all those who were affected by the fire so they could come in and pick out new clothes. A constant stream of people has been coming through the office to get started on a new wardrobe. It’s a small thing, but in times of need, the basics become glaringly essential.

The interesting part about all this is that the people that have lost everything really have given us, the Toads, so much in the last couple of weeks. They have shown us true gratitude and thanks, along with a healthy reminder of what is really important in this life. It’s truly amazing the good vibe that giving has brought to us. It really doesn’t take much.

As we sat in our weekly meeting reviewing sales numbers and upcoming calendar events of the business, a man who had lost his home quietly picked out some items. As he was about to turn to leave, he politely said, “I don’t mean to interrupt the meeting, but simply wanted to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” With tears in his eyes he put is right hand to his heart and said thank you again. We all stopped and looked at him, at each other, and were just thankful for the thanks and all that we truly do have.

To date, we’ve given away about 2500 items to about 150+.

Link up here to read up on and see the power of community.

The Daily Sound

Scream Scram 2008

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:00 PST

Ahhh, Halloween, depending on your age, it can mean anything from eating way too much candy or over indulging in drinks at a party. Either way, everyone (well unless you are a party pooper) loves to dress up and have a great time. It’s the one holiday that allows all ages to get goofy - and in the case of the Scream Scram, do the right thing while having a gas (yeah, I said gas).

Every year we sponsor an event called the Scream Scram, in Denver Colorado. Not only is it a great event that is fun for all ages, but the proceeds benefit two worthy causes. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to the local Colorado Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society. One in every 625 Coloradoans has multiple sclerosis. This event allows companies, families, individuals and more to attend a healthy and creative Halloween event. The other 50% goes to the Seam McCauley Hope Foundation. At the age of 10½ months, Sean McCauley was diagnosed with a very large and very malignant Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid brain tumor. This type of tumor carries only a two percent survival rate. As the eight-year anniversary of his diagnosis approaches, Sean’s Hope offers help to families in their fight against pediatric cancer through education, comfort and research programs. Now that’s something worth racing around in your Hulk Hogan costume for!

This year, more that 1,000 folks showed up to walk or run the Scream Scram 5K in Washington Park. Even the little ones had a good time tearing around in bumblebee and transformer costumes in the 100M Spooky Sneak against explorer Eric Larsen.

As if dressing up and laughing and getting some exercise wasn’t enough, the event generated over $8,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Sean’s Hope. Trick AND Treat!

Here are some images to convince those of you that live in the Denver area to show up next year and partake in the Halloween fun.

A Restorative Feeling

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:00:00 PST

“Plants is good. Me liked to use shovel on dirt. I is did learn lots.” Ellen (a.k.a. the ferocious hole digger and quick witted charmer of Horny Toad)

You’ve probably passed them on your way to work. These days they are disguised by concrete banks and drainage ditches. They are diverted and neglected. They are choked with trash and pollution. They are a dying breed in their natural state. They are creeks.

Every year here in Santa Barbara the Creeks Division of our fine city puts on a week long event featuring education, cleanups and restoration of our local creeks. The Horny Toad office happens to be perched directly on the banks of one of the main creeks here in Santa Barbara, so we take it very personally when we see trash floating by.

This past week we were able to do something really special to help restore the banks of the very creek that runs by our building. The office shut down and we carpooled over to a site along Mission Creek that the city is trying to restore to its natural riparian state. The Toads, along with our friends from Simple Shoes, descended upon the banks and went to town ripping out non-native plant species and picking up trash – talk about a cathartic activity! Buh-bye stress.

Once the banks were cleaned up, our friend George from the Creeks Division set out hundreds of native plant species ranging from white and black sage to oak trees that will hopefully live to be 400 years old! It was tough going on the rocky banks, but us Toads persevered and planted nearly all the plants with tender care to their roots. One Toadette, Katina, had this to say about the planting extravaganza, “The idea that an oak tree can live up to 300 to 400 years is unreal to me. It was a pretty spectacular feeling to have planted an oak tree that will hopefully live that long with my good friends.”

Gordon our leader and teammate commented on the good vibes, “It was so terrific to see our team out there making a difference in the community. It is amazing how little it takes to have a positive impact and how good the results can feel.” Our watersheds are just as much a part of our community as any citizen, if not more. They are precious and few and we need to treat them as such. Tami, another creek warrior put it perfectly, “We do not plant for ourselves but to help protect and heal the earth. In the process, I have found that playing in the dirt is fun!”

Get involved in your local community, it feels great and you never know when you might get some free pizza out of the deal.

Parker House and Theory at Freeport

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:00 PST

Parker House and Theory is going to be playing live at the Horny Toad store in Freeport, Maine. The the day time set starts at 2 p.m. and, as if that wasn't enough of the good times, they will keep the party going down at The Big Easy at 9 p.m. Need another great reason to come check it out? We will be having in-store giveaways!

Check their music out at www.parkerhouseandtheory.com.

Telluride Mountainfilm at UCSB

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PST

Ventura Hillsides Music Festival 2008

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PST

2008 Ventura Hillsides Music Festival
Saturday, September 13, 1–5pm
Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura, CA

Buy tickets today!

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy is a land trust operating in the City of Ventura for the purpose of acquiring open space through gift, sale, or other lawful means. The organization was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by concerned citizens dedicated to working with property owners, public agencies and the community to encourage preservation and restoration of the landmark Two Trees and surrounding hillsides.

One of the “lawful” means of raising money is having one great party – The Ventura Hillsides Music Festival! It’s a great time and it’s for a great cause. Music will be flowin’ by Little Feat, Taj Mahal, Mason Jennings, Todd Hannigan & the Heavy 29's and Rey Fresco. Kate, a Toadette who lives in Ventura and helps to organize the event has this to say about the concert:

I live in Ventura, 20 short miles door-to-door from my house on the beach to Toad Headquarters. My husband is a native Venturan. Ventura is one of those special places that sneaks up on you. Its geography is incredible – which is one reason why everyone is interested in getting their hands on it for development. It has served as sacred ground for the Chumash, an agricultural wonderland, a world famous surf town with breaks to satiate all board lengths, an oil town and a stopover on the 101 freeway. Most recently, its verdant hillsides have seen a boom of development – not the good kind.

So, as developers threatened to tackle one of the last stretches of hillsides along the south coast, we organized. I was a founding member of Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) along with my sister-in-law and a handful of other die-hards, we produce this music festival each year. This is our 6th, and like wine, they get better and more fun every year. The festival is a wonderful reflection of how engaged and committed the community is. What’s more, it’s fun in the sun, dancing to great music all to raise money that goes entirely towards land preservation.

I proudly say that Horny Toad is a sponsor of this event – how could we not participate in our community? If you live within striking distance of Ventura, please come join us for a great afternoon in a beautiful park that is the gateway to the hillsides we are protecting. Dig it dadio!

Keeping it Cool

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 PST

If you have ever lived and played in an area where snow covers the mountains most of the year, you can appreciate the subtle shifts in what may seem to be an unchanging landscape. Snow is one of the most dynamic materials on earth, and unless you look super close, the differences won’t be revealed to you.

A group of scientist and other field researchers in Colorado have started a non-profit organization called Center for Snow & Avalanche Studies (CSAS) to do the up-close work of analyzing snow systems and the effect they have on the human/environmental relationship. Not only does all this information aide in research but all data that’s collected at their stations is shared with Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) to present near-real-time weather data that helps the backcountry forecasters do their work of helping keep the public safe from avalanches.

Aside from providing awesome information for the backcountry enthusiast they also are conducting vital research about snow and the effects that global warming is having on it. We all have seen the glaciers in the world receding, but the less obvious effects of global warming hit close to home.

Along with several of our dealers (some farther a field), Horny Toad has been contributing to their efforts of research.

Buffalo Peak Outfitters - Jackson, MS

Champaign Surplus - Campaign, IL

Northern Lights Trading Company - Bozeman, MT

Pine Needle Mountaineering - Durango, CO

River Sports Outfitters - Knoxville, TN

Summit Canyon Mountaineering - Glenwood Springs, CO

Ute Mountaineer - Aspen, CO

Wild River Outfitters - Virginia Beach, VA

Wilson's Eastside Sports - Bishop, CA

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2008

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:00 PST

Ahhhh Bluegrass – a time of year we Toads love. It means we get to pack up the van and head out to Telluride, our birthplace, and get our festival on!

As usual, we had a total blast – yes, even setting up our little mobile store was fun. Telluride Bluegrass is just one of those special festivals where the vibe is relaxed and fun, and no one, literally no one, disrupts that peace. Everyone is having a great time no matter where you look. It’s always a recharge for us!

You should come check it out next year. It’s worth the flight or drive to be held in the arms of a beautiful canyon with the sunlight warming your shoulders and the music lovin’ on your eardrums. And, while you are there, come and visit us at the Horny Toad.

Green Card Party

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 PST

Our main financial dude, a native of Nepal, finally got his green card! It was a long journey for him, so we thought we’d surprise him with a little in-office green card party complete with green clothes, green food and … lest we forget, green beer!

More behind-the-curtain of the Toad antics will be posted soon. We actually have a fourth of July crazy day at the beach planned. Stay tuned folks.

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Get your own

1st Thursday July - Surfrider

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:00:00 PST

July’s First Thursday was one of the best turnouts ever! We came together with Wend Magazine and Kona Brewing to raise money for Surfrider Foundation.

Wend Magazine is local magazine that exists to provide a forum in which the convergence of sport, style and creativity blend in a seamless fashion. Wend is an amalgamation of visual, mental and physical inspiration, built to emanate the style and identity of the ever-growing population of the urban-minded adventurer.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.

We featured six different regional surf artists that will be on display the whole month of July. Half the proceeds from the art and all the donations from the beer went to Surfrider Foundation. We had over 300 people filtering in and out checking out some great art and supporting our Mother Ocean.

Everyone got to enjoy a mixture of great music by DJ Keys and DJ B-Lo and flowing spirits by Kona Brewing.

First Thursday for June

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

Our June First Thursday was smashing. The party was in collaboration with 55 DSL and BPM magazine. 55 DSL is a brand we carry in our store and they’re based out New York. They wanted to have a couple west coast parties this summer to get more people aware of their brand, so where else better to have it then their #1 carrier in Oregon, Lizard Lounge. We held a raffle in the store to win five limited edition t-shirts from 55 DSL for a little added bonus. People dig the bonus.

BPM Magazine also sponsored the event. BPM is a magazine incorporates fresh coverage on progressive music, DJ culture, consumer technology, fashion, art, and nightlife. Check it out! If you are a fan of Flight of the Conchords, they had a great little bit on them in the latest issue.

Our featured DJ’s were Beyonda, one of Portland’s most popular DJ’s and Stretch Armstrong, a very popular DJ out of New York. BPM Magazine flew him in from NYC to DJ at our party. Both sets were amazing!

Out featured artist for the month is Chris Haberman, a local celebrity in the art industry. He’s a working writer, painter and musician native to the Portland area. He has shown artwork around town for the last 5 years. His art is very urban and focuses on Portland’s culture. It was a hit at the party, his fan base is incredible and there were tons that showed up.

Drinks provided by Widmer Brewing and Cork Wine Shop. Always a good time with good beer and wine around!

If you happened to have missed this event, we have a lot more to come, every month as a matter of fact. If you want to know more about our events you can sign up on our email list in the “nuts n’ bolts” page and we will keep you in the loop on all events.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors and see you all at the next party!

DB Clay 10th Anniversary

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

We hosted the highly anticipated launch party of db clay’s version 3.1 that was also a ten-year anniversary tribute. To show that off we had a wallet art gallery displaying the inspiration of the new version. Also on display was db clay’s evolution of the wallet, from the first version made 10 years ago to the new version 3.1

“We’ve taken a content based approach to product design,” explains 28 year old CEO and Creative Director Garett Croft Stenson. “Each of the wallets featured in our Version 3.1 collection is reminiscent of a life experience had by one of us here at db clay ... each of our eighteen new wallets tells a unique story.”

db clay’s designer wallets look and feel unlike anything you’ve seen before - each is made from a custom engineered and eco friendly material which db clay calls Tope. The artfully printed wallet designs in this collection vary widely from subtle black on black palettes to a far more mysterious “Slow Bugs”... a wallet covered in dead insects. The new line is truly groundbreaking and serves as evidence of a maturing process, a sophisticated evolution of thought and an introspective look into this content driven brand’s core.

Tulip Vixen was perfect background music for the laid back art gallery feel of the event.

It couldn’t be a party without drinks. We had an open bar courtesy of Widmer, Cork Wine Shop, Jameson Whiskey, and Stoli Vodka. To soak up the booze, we had fruit skewers and cup cakes available.

Stop by Lizard Lounge and check out db clay’s version 3.1 or on their website www.dbclay.com.

Cheers!

Polish the Pearl

Thu, 15 May 2008 20:13:22 PST

Polish the Pearl, an event to keep our little corner of the world here in Portland nice and tidy, went off without a hitch and was a great success. Trash of all shapes and sizes was wrangled and put into it’s designated place – the dump! Volunteers rallied in the streets, one of which was our very own Sean from the Lizard Lounge. Check out the write up and pics at www.neighborhoodnotes.com.

Get Trashed

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

Every month, we Toads take a few hours to clean up where Mission Creek meets the beach. Mission Creek runs the length of Santa Barbara, and passes right by our building. Our friend Ed at Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council runs these events and gets up to his knees with a net and galoshes to fish everything from cushions to plastic bags from the creek before they have a chance to make it to the ocean.

This last trip to the beach near our HT HQ proved once again that Styrofoam remains to be the largest enemy to our creeks, beaches and ocean – and all the wildlife that calls those habitats home. Ironically, as we were picking up tiny pieces of Styrofoam out of the driftwood, we spotted a migratory bird sitting on some eggs in a nest. A nest she had made out of Styrofoam. She too obviously thought it was a good insulator, just as we do. However, the damage to our environment is not worth the thermal benefits.

Many cities have started the process of banning Styrofoam. Proudly, Santa Barbara’s City Council has started the discussions on how to go about getting rid of Styrofoam with in city limits. The issue is going to take some creative problem solving between city recycling, council members and of course, the citizens. We here at the office are rolling up our sleeves to not only clean up our creeks and beaches, but also to get involved with our local assemblies. You can do the same in your town. Go to your local city council meetings on issues you are passionate about. Moving the meter is easier than you think, all it takes is making your opinion heard.

Last week on the radio there was a quote that I thought apropos for all things that are worth fighting for, in this case the environment. “If you bend over, people can ride your back. But, if you stand up straight, they can’t.”

Stand up for Mother Nature and all of her creatures – including the human kind.

www.styrophobia.com

May Day 1st Thursday

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

May First Thursday was the biggest yet. With Bobby Torres banging away on the bongos all night and son Arsenio Torres showing his art to hundreds that attended, everyone had a blast. The fact that it was a father-son duo was the icing on the cake.

Here's the low down on the artists and thier web links if you are interested in checking them out.

Arsenio Torres (the son) is our featured artist for the month. The pull one feels to maintain a balance between work and play is depicted in each of Arsenio's paintings. It's a pull he regularly feels as an emerging artist and believes most everyone can sympathize with. The daily struggles depicted in his work are snapshots into other people's "pulls" and are many times specific to his Latin heritage and culture.

Bobby Torres (the father) was our musician for the evening. His music blended very well with his son’s art work. It was a sight to see, Bobby going to town on the bongos, along with his fellow musicians playing the electric piano and chello.

The drinks were always a bonus. With free BridgePort Blue Heron beer and a variety of wine from Cork being served all night, it hit the spot for everyone. The weather was great as well and showed a bit what the summer is going to be like at Lizard Lounge, awesome of course!

More parties to come.

Evolution of Balance Award

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:00:00 PST

A Letter from Kris Holm:

Mountain unicycling might seem like one of the most unlikely things you could do. Perhaps it is. But it depends on your perspective. It’s only about as unlikely as whacking a ball into a distant hole, or fighting people off as you move a ball down a field, or sliding down snow on sticks. At second glance, maybe there is something to mountain unicycling - something that has made several hundred thousand people take it up in the last few years.

Toad athlete Kris Holm launched the Evolution of Balance Award to support one-wheeled riders seeking creative mountain unicycling adventures. The award, also supported by Horny Toad and California-based rider Nathan Hoover, offers $1700 cash and over $1200 worth of KH uni gear and Toad clothing. The response has been overwhelming. We have applications from riders in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and Australia proposing trips in their home countries and in Greenland, Central America, Alaska, and East Asia. The proposed trips push unicycling way beyond what the uninitiated might think possible, including backcountry traverses, mountain descents, and epic endurance tours.

Picking a winner was difficult, but here’s the team that won because of their combination of qualified riders, creativeness, and adventure.

Steve Relles, Roland Kays, Perry Woodin, and Brad Stratton from Albany, NY, and Vince LeMay from Montreal, Quebec, proposed a trip in Panama to ride jungle trails from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Their route follows the ancient Gold Routes, a now obscure network of trails that for over 500 years formed a trade and smuggling route across Panama. To the best of our knowledge, they will be the first people to ride this route on any kind of cycle. What a fantastic adventure! Steve and crew will be heading to Panama in January 2009.

The Evolution of Balance Award will be offered annually to support the spirit of true adventure in mountain unicycling!

For more information
Evolution of Balance award: www.krisholm.com/grants
Contact Kris Holm: info@krisholm.com.

Ski Crested Butte - In Costume

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:35:23 PST

Everything is better in costume! And, ski racing is certainly no exception. Every year, the festive folks of Crested Butte gather for a memorial uphill/downhill race. Memorial for what? Well, apparently back in the 1880’s mail delivery to some of the higher mountain pass towns was done on skis. The main guy who braved the mountain passes to make sure the mail got through to these mining towns was Al Johnson. Apparently a bad ass, even by today’s standards, this ski race is partially in his honor. It also seems like a really good excuse to get dressed up in ridiculous outfits and have a good time with friends. The racecourse begins near the top of Mt. Crested Butte, climbs six hundred vertical feet to the top of a ridge, and then plunges twelve hundred feet down through extreme skiing terrain – all the while in costume. Horny Toad was of course represented at this event. This is totally skiing our style.

Check out next year’s event!

Grilled Cheese for World Peace

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:39:35 PST

Cheese, yes cheese. The shear mention of it makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? Now, add buttered bread to that and toss it on the hot grill until the cheese gooey and delicious and … voila, you have perfection in a pan. While doing intensive research for a project here at Horny Toad (ehhem), Cari, our dedicated and talented designer stumbled across the fact that April has been declared the Grilled Cheese Month! So, in honor of this culinary version of perfection, we here at Horny Toad decided to bust out the panini presses, gob loads of cheese of all types, breads of every shape and texture, and enough butter to make a tear come to a dairy farmer’s eye, and got busy grillin’ those little nuggets of bliss.

It was miraculous how the call to grilled cheese sandwiches made everyone jump from their desks and run to the kitchen as if they were running after an ice cream truck at age seven. The pull of comfort food shall not be denied.

Just as every toad is unique, so were their creations – gouda, swiss, cheddar, jack, pepper jack, brie, blue, you name it! All melted together in grilled cheese diplomacy. In fact, we should let the diversity of cheese and it’s melting together be an example to the rest of the world. So, make a grill cheese for world peace, and also because they taste so dang good!

First Thursday for April - Guy Burwell

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:00 PST

April First Thursday was a hit! We packed the house, with over 200 people filtering in and out all night.

Guy Burwell is our featured artist for the month. He’s somewhat of a local celebrity. Primarily known for making rock concert posters, he brought a big crowd to the party, selling quiet of few pieces as well. His portfolio also includes album cover illustration and design, painting, clothing graphics, magazine work as well as writing and drawing comic books. He has also designed conceptual material for video games and animated projects for Nickelodeon. Visit Guy’s site to see more.

Our musician Jaycob Van Auken was perfect for the evening. His music blended really well with the atmosphere of the party. He’s a rock classicist with a singer-songwriter streak. His propensity for blending rock, blues, folk and country allows his songs to move in various directions, while keeping the same destination. His wonderful sound contributed to a fulfilling evening at Lizard Lounge.

Obviously there was ping-pong. We had people lining up to play, with the occasional beer pong matches. Why not, right?

Hope to see you at the next one!

Get Your Phix

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:00:00 PST

Phix launched the first of their line of single serving health and wellness powders, and to kick it off we threw a launch party at Lizard Lounge. It was open to public, so people hung out, shopped, listen to some great music, and experienced the Phix.

We put together a great night featuring VHI Soul Artist Nya Jade, a beer and wine bar sponsored by BridgePort Brewing Company and Cork Wine Shop.

The Phix crew was selling their product on site with all proceeds benefiting Write Around Portland.

Check back for upcoming events!

Everything is sooo green!

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:21:36 PST

This post report is a tad bit delayed because we just woke up from the party that got kicked off at Lizard Lounge on Saint Patrick’s Day. The patron saint of green beer and pinching seems to have blessed The Lounge with another great time spent lounging to Irish music, ping ponging and drinking!

Paddy Schutte and Tim Debruine played live Irish music as folks came in to appreciate their northerly acoustical talents. There’s nothin’ like a good fiddler to get the toes a tappin’. A sweet four-leaf clover breeze swept through the store announcing that spring is here in Portland – everything is soooo green!

The good Irish vibrations were flowing and so was the beer and wine, provided by our friends at the BridgePort Brewing Company and the Cork Wine Shop for both Saturday and Sunday (come on folks, it was Saint Patrick’s Day after all).

On Sunday, rosy-cheeked folks were warmed up and ready to dive into the ping-pong tournament on Sunday. Dueling tables were set up so we could get through all 28 players. It seemed like all 28 players brought their own peanut gallery to cheer and jeer. The music and laughter also brought people in from the street to watch the matches. DJ Keys made the atmosphere that much more festive. The crowd grew and grew through the day until there was a hug pack of fans surrounding the finals that evening. Good times with beer pong.

Hope you all had a great Saint Patty’s Day!

The Dirty Dozen Strikes Again

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:00:00 PST

It was an uncharacteristically gray and foggy morning. Downright cold by Santa Barbara standards (I know we’ve all gone soft here.) In spite of these challenging conditions, fueled by Peet’s and Jack’s Bagels, a dozen Toads armed with gloves and bags once again descended on the estuary and lagoon where Mission Creek hits the beach, a stone’s throw from HT HQ.

There had been heavy rains and really big waves since our last clean up so we expected things to be pretty churned up and were anticipating some radical, conversation-generating trash. Reality is, Styrofoam continues to be the most prevalent, offensive trash. Spend a couple of hours picking Styrofoam bits out of beach rack and you’ll NEVER accept anything, ever in a Styrofoam container. Promise. Plastic bottle caps, plastic straws and anti-smoking inhalers were the next most common categories of unglamorous crap. A motor mount was the largest item in the haul, a lot of broken line confirmed how rough the seas had been. Tami scored a purple condom that was a frighteningly good match to her Velush hoodie. Who would have thought that the prophylactic industry was working from the same color palette as Horny Toad.

BREAKING NEWS: This article is getting posted as the Santa Barbara City Council is meeting to ban Styrofoam within the city. Our city would not be the first to do so. Although cheap and strong as a container, Styrofoam does irreparable damage to the creeks and oceans. Not only to the chunks get eaten by sea life, but microscopic bits will remain in our waters for years to come. Start a revolution to ban Styrofoam in your city! Get involved and make your voice heard at your local assemblies.

First Thursday for March

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:00:00 PST

First Thursday for March was a success in more ways than one. Music, art and philanthropy made their impressions on all those that attended.

Climbing artist Emilie Lee is our featured artist for March. The art opening happened on the 6th during our First Thursday party. Prints from her collage journals, first published in Alpinist magazine are on display (and for sale!). Lee's colorful journals document her adventures in pursuit of the climber's dream: to stay on the road trip as long as possible. Powered by the discovery of free food in California's dumpsters, she and her friends embark on an unforgettable season of climbing in Joshua Tree, Indian Creek, and Yosemite. Visit Emilie's blog and her Web site.

Stephanie Schneiderman, graced the lounge with her exceptional musical talent. Stephanie has used her powerful singer/songwriter skills to make a difference too. She is the founder and director of Voices for Silent Disasters, Portland's first humanitarian concert series supporting Mercy Corps' efforts in Northern Uganda. The normally free beer and wine had a contribution jar where we collected almost a hundred bucks that was then matched by Lizard Lounge. It all counts to a better world, and we had a good time doing it!

Ping-pong, of course, was represented in full effect. It wouldn’t have been a party at the lounge until the gentle thwack thwack of the paddles was in the air as ambient noise.

Two powerful women + tons of great (thirsty) people = having fun and making a difference all at the same time. Not bad … not bad at all.

Come join us for April’s events!

Telluride Mountainfilm Tour

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

The HT Freeport Outlet will have cool things like blankets, pub glasses, bottle openers and hats available at this great event. Also there will be stuff to buy as well as giveaways, raffle items and special coupons.

Coming Up - Telluride Mountainfilm Festival

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

Three things that are close to the Toads’ hearts are community, environment and art, two things that are perfectly represented at the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival. Not only is Telluride the birthplace of Horny Toad, but it also remains an epicenter of mountain culture and art – in this case, film. We are super duper proud supporters of this amazing festival.

This is a preemptive gig report on something that hasn’t happened but is going to be happening before you know it. Starting on May 23rd and running through the 26th the festival draws films and people from all over the world to share in the fun, inspiration and education that is Telluride Mountainfilm. Dedicated this year to the late Sir Edmund Hillary.

To act as an impetus for change, the festival continues to explore critical environmental, social and political issues. Some films to keep an eye out on are: Drilling Down, Hot Spots Around the World and Contemporary Slavery.

Just as important as getting involved in the issues that concern our planet and those that live there, is getting inspired to get out there and enjoy it! The outdoors have always been a place for meditation, inspiration and lest we forget … FUN! Come join us and the good folks of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival for a great time spent high in the saddle of the Colorado mountains.

Here’s a little letter from one of those fine folks:

If every day is an adventure – and it is – then the four days of Mountainfilm in Telluride are an exploration, expedition and odyssey all rolled into one.

For our 30th annual celebration of indomitable spirit, festival director David Holbrooke is lining up a truly extraordinary schedule of films, speakers, exhibitions and events that are guaranteed to inspire, educate and entertain.

Early Bird passes are on sale now for America’s premier festival of mountain, adventure, environmental and cultural films. For information and on-line purchases, please visit us at www.mountainfilm.org.

Plan your Mountainfilm adventure now. Join us and our generous, long-time supporters from Horny Toad this Memorial Day weekend in Telluride. Come see what the late Galen Rowell meant when summed up Mountainfilm in Telluride as “great films, great place, great people.”

Peter Kenworthy
Executive Director of the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival

Lizard Love

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

Spinning with Rapha

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

When you think of cyclists, you often think of garish spandex suiting, right? British-based Rapha Racing and Lizard Lounge put on a weekend of exciting events not only for fun’s sake, but to redefine the proper cycling gear to be … well, a bit more creative. Among the crowd were metallic bikinis, tutus and simply a pair of pink men’s briefs. Hey, why not?!

Starting on Thursday Lizard Lounge hosted four days of events with Rapha. Rouleur, Rapha’s brother magazine, kicked off the weekend with an art show of photography. Mind you, this was no stuffy gallery type show, but rather one with a DJ and drinks – that’s more like it!

On Saturday the main event was staged in the space next to Lizard Lounge. The roller race brought out the most exuberant, to say the least, of fans, cheering and jeering the competitors. Clad in costume, the teams peddled their hearts out. When not on the bike spinning, they were sucking down local micro brews and wine, which would explain why buckets, yes, buckets were put next to each bike. The night ended with a proper Prosecco shower to the crowd from the victors of the roller race.

For those who still had the strength, Sunday offered up a proper road race around the Portland area. All had a good sweat.

Check out this hilarious article written up in the Willamette Week, pictures and a video to wet the appetite.

Telluride Mountainfilm Tour in Portland, OR

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

On January 31st, Telluride Mountainfilm came to Portland, Oregon. Local businesses, schools and clubs pitched in to make the event happen, we here at Lizard Lounge were one of them – and proud of it. All told, about 300 folks showed up to check out the amazing films on tour.

It was a great to connect with folks from the area that might not have heard of the Lounge yet. The invite was extended to come visit us and maybe grab a fresh brewed cup of Stumptown coffee, hop on the Internet, listen to great music or shop if the mood strikes. The film tour is right in line with what Lizard Lounge is about, spreading the good word on local artists, musicians and other great events happening in the Portland area.

The films on tour range from serious films about the energy crisis to more lighthearted pieces on kids that “rip.” Of course, there were breathtaking films on the amazing physical and mental feats of sports that drive people’s passions in this big wide world. The mood of the crowd played directly into the film being shown, which was cool to witness. It was just great to see art, in this case films, influencing people and perhaps leaving them a little better off because of it.

To see if the tour is coming your way, check out mountainfilmontour.org.

Super Superbowl Sunday

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:00:00 PST

Practically a national holiday, Superbowl Sunday brings out the football fan in even the most ardent bookworms. Why this happens, we don’t know for sure, but we thought it was a great opportunity to bust out the La-Z-Boy’s and kick back a couple of cold ones with our patrons.

We turned the back corner of the store into a true Superbowl-worthy lounge, complete with couches, recliners, flat-screen TV, appetizers, and, of course, a keg of beer from BridgePort Brewery. As if it couldn’t get better, we also offered a special Lizard Lounge discount so folks could shop while cheering or booing the game.

Lots of sports fans showed up to partake in this, the most sacred day of American football, crowding around the TV or taking a few minutes away from the tube to shop. During halftime we put on a ping-pong tournament, of which the winner got a $25 gift certificate. Man, these sure are good times.

We want to do it again next year, but even bigger and better. So, get ready for some football Portland!

Share The Warmth

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:17:49 PST

It’s easy to forget the gifts we have like a roof, a bed and some food – simple things, maybe, but necessities that some people don’t have. Over the winter months Lizard Lounge collected jackets in their store to donate to the Transition Projects, the largest provider of shelter and services to Portland’s homeless adult population. And, as if philanthropy isn’t enough motivation, Lizard Lounge gave 20$ away to spend on new duds in the store for every jacket or blanket donated.

Stats: 214 jackets, 3 blankets, 2 scull caps and 2 scarves.

Sean at the Lounge had this to say about it, “We want to be a part of this community in a dynamic way, so whatever we can do, we should!”

The Dirty Dozen

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:00:00 PST

Horny Toad’s home is situated on a creek, Mission Creek to be exact. When it rains or if the tide is high, the water laps at the side of our humble Toad home. Not only that, but we are a block away from the beach and the output of the creek into the ocean. Sounds picturesque, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not everyone in the world sees this creek as a treasure, rather more as a dumping ground. Every once and a while, objects such as couches and shopping carts come floating down the creek. Gross, huh!? Well, we Toads have simply had enough, so we’ve started to work with the city of Santa Barbara’s Creek Division to help clean up the mess. Their motto, “Clean creeks, healthy beaches.” In other words, it all runs down stream.

Armed with gloves, bags for the trash and the spirit of community, a dozen of us – the dirty dozen – headed out for a creek to beach clean-up. The biggest offender was styrofoam in little pieces everywhere. Not only are these micro bits of trash ugly to look at, they are harmful to all life that depends on the oceans and creeks. Also among the debris was ship wreckage, with a compass that still worked and was given away to a passerby to be reused. The result of a couple of hours of cleaning up our local area was two fold: trash collection being the obvious one, but we raised awareness just by being out there. We even had a few folks jump in and help out. Who says cleaning up can’t be fun? They obviously haven’t watch Mary Poppins.

All in all, life is good for the Toads here in Santa Barbara, and that’s just the way we want to keep it. If you live close to a creek, call your city and find out how to get involved.

Santa Barbara Creeks

Share the Warmth 08

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 PST

Music Mobilizes Community at Lizard Lounge

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:52:30 PST

If there is one thing the Toads know how to do, it’s party. Up in Portland at the Lizard Lounge, the Toads and many other fellow good-timers, came to hone their party talents at the launch of Brett Dennen’s Good for the Earth Project. Teamed up with Horny Toad, Brett Dennen’s art and words are featured on organic cotton hoodies and t’s to be sold at his shows and online. It’s a way to move the environmental meter in the right direction while looking darn good and having fun!

At Lizard Lounge, the concept of community is key to its original inspiration – a space where art, shopping, lounging, talking, drinking (coffee and beer) and music all come together in a seamless, non-fragmented way – a third space. What a concept, eh? Brett Dennen and Chris Pierce put on a fantastic show that didn’t bring the house down, but brought it up instead, raising the roof to show that community spaces such as the Lizard Lounge can and do work to bring folks together. Several Toads that attended said that the energy was amazing, a real connection to the community in Portland that was tangible in the air as the music and laughter floated around the room.

Moral of the story, mixed concept spaces work to join folks of all ages and backgrounds together. A cherry on top of the sundae of community goodness was the fact that about 30 jackets were collected to donate to Transition Projects, the largest provider of shelter and services to Portland’s homeless adult population.

Rave Reviews …

“We would both like to thank you for including us in what was an incredibly fun party. The drinks, food, entertainment, company, and – of course - the venue were all awesome. I think the fact that we were two of the last four people to leave is indication of what a great time we had ... as always, thanks for making us feel at home in your space!” - T & J

“Thank you so much hosting the event. We enjoyed Chris and Brett very much and were glad to meet some new people in the neighborhood and from other parts of town. Thanks also for extending the sale as it was a bit difficult to navigate through the crowd with our hands full of good food and drinks!” - Y & M

“Nice to see Brett in a small setting like that – the crowd definitely enjoyed the show. Thanks!” - D

“Great party! you guys know how to get it done.” - JP

“Thanks for a great party last night. I had a blast!” - E

Community Bands Together For Family

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:00:00 PST

Grizzly Outfitters hosted a fundraiser for Russ and Trudy Skiver mid November. Russ was recently diagnosed with a cancer called Hodgkin's disease. With Trudy due with their second child in late January, Grizzly wanted to help out with surmounting medical bills. With limited insurance and nearly a year of chemo for Russ, and half a year off for Trudy to care for their children, Grizzly donated all proceeds from the raffle night of their annual movie premiere to help cut costs. In another sad turn of events, Henry, their first child, broke his femur in the middle of October and is now in a full body cast from the waist down. The Skivers are long time locals of Big Sky, MT. The whole community has banded together to try to help out this awesome family through their struggles and challenges. It's a long way to the end of the road for the Skiver family, but Grizzly Outfitters and the Big Sky community wanted to do anything to help. This event is a small step in the right direction for the Skiver family and just once again goes to show that there is strength in numbers.

Crystal at Grizzly Outfitters had this to say about the event.

“Hi Everyone! I just wanted to extend a huge thank you for supporting our event this year! It was a Huge success! We raised nearly $10,000 dollars for the Skivers. It was awesome that so many of you donated to such an awesome cause. We and the Skiver Family want to say thank you for everything, it is truly appreciated.”

Organic Or Bust!

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:00:00 PST

Here at the Toad HQ we are constantly working to make this world a better place, not only with the laughter that we share, but also in our business practices. Some of you might already know that Horny Toad is heavily involved with social causes, but as we start to see the link between the environment and the well being of everything on Earth, we’ve started on our mission to educate ourselves on more sustainable fibers, energy and general office stuff – like paper. Recently a group of Toads, 13 to be precise (our lucky number), hopped in a couple of cars headed to the San Joaquin Valley, the goal … have some fun and get the low-down on organic cotton farming.

It was a one-day blitz from farm to farm, we met with the folks that make that soft stuff we all love to wear. All facets of cotton from seed to harvest to gin were delved in to during the day – there was even hands on activities like releasing beneficial bugs into the crop to chow down on the bad bugs – delicious! The obvious benefit of organic farming, the reduction of harmful pesticides and herbicides, was easy to cheer for and something that everyone can get behind. However, Toads didn’t bargain on was learning about the other issues that confront farmers like water rights, foreign competition and labor. All these serious issues make the cost of organic, local farming more expensive than conventional farming, driving the price of organic goods higher. Moral of the story, when you buy organic you are buying more than just chemical free products, you are buying a future for the land and all those that work it. Knowledge is power, and on the part of the Toads knowledge also comes with the responsibility to do something about our fiber sourcing. In other words, the organic cotton tour was fruitful for us, pun intended.

Let it be said that this is not a pat-ourselves-on-the-back, green-washed marketing story, it’s just something we feel is right to do … plus we got to play old-man makeover – the good times never end.

www.sustainablecottonproject.org

Race For The Finish 08

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:00:00 PST

The first annual Portland Urban Adventure Race on November 4th was a resounding success. Together with Widmer Brothers, Salomon, Portland Rock Gym, Roots Brewery, Casey Dale and Bungee.com, Buffalo Gap saloon & eatery, Harlo Media Inc, Nau, Stephen Ashbrook, Henry’s Tavern, Oregon Active put on this great race to benefit young cancer survivors. The race consisted of ten stops along the course to participate in various “adventures” such as egg toss, pool, lemon-in-the-beer drop and ping pong (practically the religion of Horny Toad). All told 200 people showed up to race through the leaf littered streets of Portland to an eventual finish line of a beer garden, how awesome is that!? Everyone had a great time and $12,000 was raised to benefit those strong folks that have battled through cancer at very young ages.

Oregon Active’s motto is, “It’s all about getting out there, trying new things, combining good times with good people. It’s about giving something back.” Now that’s something that Horny Toad and can get behind, especially when there is beer involved. Sean, manager of the Lizard Lounge, was there to help out with the event and had this to say, “It was quite an adventure, I’m so glad we had the chance to participate and help a great cause.”

Hope that you can join us next year. Check out the following links, to both a blog of the event and Oregon Active’s site.

www.oregonactive.com

urban adventure race blog

Chris Pierce: Halleluiah!

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:00:00 PST

Chris Pierce performed on Monday at the Ventura Theater. Toads were in attendance to see the magic that he brings to the crowd. One Toadette had never seen Chris before and was blown away, quite literally, by the energy that came down from the stage. Here are a few words from the now converted Toadette.

“I had heard Chris’s music before, and had heard from the other Toads about how amazing he is not only as a performer and musician, but also as a person – but I was still totally blown away by his opening performance on Monday night. I guess you could say he brought down the house! It was a spiritual experience for sure with an almost Baptist congregation feel to it. People were clapping and singing along, and just generally having a great time. The best thing was, Chris seemed to put every ounce of energy he had into the music that was seriously tangible in the crowd. I guess you could say that I’m sold. What really sealed the deal was meeting him. He was just one of those genuine and sincere folks that are so refreshing to run into in life. His warmth was apparent in the way he looked at you, and in a world of what seems to be hurried glances his attention to the moment was so wonderful. Thanks to Chris for keeping it real, as they say, and know that you have one more fan who will gladly be a part of your musical congregation any day!”

Read more about Chris at www.chrispierce.com.

Blue Ridge, Bluegrass and Benevolence

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:00:00 PST

Blue Ridge Mountain Sports and Horny Toad decided to kick start fall with a VIP party and silent auction that combined some melodious Bluegrass tunes, environmental education and some natural enthusiasm for the local mountainscapes. On September 22nd on the rooftop of the Live Arts Center in downtown Charlottesville, VA, folks rocked out to The Hound Dog Hill Boys until the wee hours while supporting the non-profit organization Appalachian Voices and learning about the damaging effects of mountain top removal. Mary Anne Hitt, Executive Director for Appalachian Voices, presented some frightening statistics and eye-opening photos of mountain top removal in the Appalachian range and greater Southeast. Mountain top removal is a type of coal mining that excavates the top of a mountain to expose seams of coal as an alternative to traditional, labor intensive mining practices. A silent auction of items from Horny Toad outfits, a sleeping bag, tent, a guided climbing trip, a white water kayak and even a digital camera, raised over $2000 for Appalachian Voices, a Boone, NC based organization that aims to raise awareness and bring folks together to solve environmental issues in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. For more info on Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Appalachian Voices and/or mountain top removal, check out www.brms.com, www.appvoices.org and www.ilovemountains.org.

Yosemite Facelift: Gettin' Down and Dirty

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:00:00 PST

If there is one thing to be said about Yosemite Valley, it’s that it is one special place. Every year there is a group of folks that make the journey to the Valley to help clean ‘er up from the busy summer season. Organized by the Yosemite Climbing Association, the Facelift draws people from all walks of life with one commonality – a love for this gorgeous natural treasure.

Armed with the coolest trash grabbers you’ve ever seen (no joke, they were cool), some sweet orange vests (NYC runway, here we come), gloves for the really dirty stuff (don’t ask) and trash bags, the 2,945 volunteers of this year’s event set out to collect anything from metal scraps from who knows what to toilet paper and cigarette butts that were left behind by the less-than-conscious visitors. The volunteers picked up 42,330 pounds of trash from trails, climbs, riversides and meadows.

To top off the great success of this event, there were slide shows and movies by icons in the climbing community. Contributors, Horny Toad being one of them, gave away goodies to be raffled off at parties to the hard working volunteers. To those that spent their time up in the Yosemite lending a helping hand to mother nature, we say thank you from the bottom of our Toad heart! And, we hope to see more do-gooders up there next year to hang out with us and get dirty.

One Toadette said this about the event, “It’s nice to know that folks still care, that there is awareness about the direct cause and effect of our actions on this planet – trash being the obvious one in this case. This is only one small, albeit beautiful, corner of the earth and this event should serve as a really good example of how we can clean up our act and have a damn good time doing it!”

The event falls in fall (pun intended), so keep your eyes peeled for dates on next year's event at www.yosemiteclimbing.org.

Ventura Rocks!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 PST

Just a stone's throw down the coast from the Horny Toad HQ is the community of Ventura, home to several Toads. In this beachside town, for the past five years, an amazing group of concerned citizens collectively called The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (of which one of our own toadettes is a founding member) has put on one rockin' concert in the very hillsides that they are working to preserve. Beyond the fact that this concert draws some great musical acts and great folks to enjoy it with, the proceeds go to a great cause - preserving Ventura's hillsides, canyons and open space in their natural state. Last year Brett Dennen, our new Toad affiliated musician, opened the show and this year's sold-out show kicked off with Chris Pierce, a long-time league-of-toads musician. It was an amazing event with tons of good vibes flowing, along with beer and wine. Rock on Ventura, rock on!

www.venturahillsides.org

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2007

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:52:42 PST

Every summer solstice we venture back to our roots in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival. We schlep a truckload of Toads and Toadwear out to Colorado and set up a vendor booth on the festival grounds. Yeah, there’s good food, great music and lets not forget the cold beverages, but there’s also tons of great folks … all ingredients for what is traditionally called a rip roarin’ good time.