HSO Capital Campaign Officer Rich McCarty’s Adventure with The Slambovian Circus of Dreams 2024 UK Tour!

Last month, HSO Capital Campaign Officer Rich McCarty’s role as Road Manager for the Slambovian Circus of Dreams 2024 UK Tour took him across the pond for a whirlwind two weeks with the band and his son, RJ McCarty (bass, keyboards, sax, banjo, backing vocals).

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams (slambovia.com) is an American band that has captivated audiences in the UK since their first tour in 2009. Their unique sound, influenced by legends like Dylan, Floyd, The Band, and The Beatles, combines with a rootsy/ folksy appeal to create something truly special.

Rich McCarty’s journey with the band began as a fan in 2006, and his then 9-year-old son, RJ—a budding musician himself—was soon thereafter a regular in the front row at their shows. Over the years, Rich’s relationship with the band’s leader, Joziah, grew, and he became an essential part of their team, eventually serving as an emergency roadie when they needed a hand.

In 2019, RJ was invited to join the band on their UK tour while Rich lived vicariously through live videos RJ would stream on Facebook. This year, Rich was invited to join RJ and the band for their second UK tour.

The adventure kicked off with a late-night flight from Newark, five musicians in tow, plus six guitars, a cello, an accordion, and countless suitcases. Highlights included arrival in the UK, a drive by Stonehenge, and barely two hours of sleep. A show in Pocklington in a renovated hall once home to a 19th century “surgeon” and cock fighting. A proud dad moment as RJ played a solo set. A day off discovering a village dating back to 1201. A magical performance in Cardiff at an old church with Welsh inscriptions. The drummer filling a diesel tank with unleaded fuel. A standout performance at The Grace in London. Closing the tour at the First Light Festival on the English coast, playing on the sand with the Channel and Continent as a backdrop.

Rich describes this as the hardest two weeks of vacation ever, but also the most rewarding. We’re proud to have such a dedicated and passionate member on our team!

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