September 4, 2008 Mercy Lounge, Nashville, Tennessee
Moonalice poster by Chris Shaw
According to Moonalice legend, Nashville was one of the original bases of the Moonalice tribe. From before recorded history began, the tribe lived happily in this area. It was here in Nashville that many Moonalice traditions evolved, both in music and agriculture. What we discovered is that the ancient tribe smoked liked chimneys. Hemp in those days was far more primitive than it is now. You had to smoke a couple pounds to get a buzz. To protect the environment, the tribe constructed special buildings that have survived to the present time. They called them Smoking Barns. You may know them from the role they play in curing tobacco for cigars, but do you know what actually goes on inside a Smoking Barn? The Legend knows!
According to Moonalice legend, tribal agriculture and music have always shared a special bond in the area that is now Nashville. The tribal clans helped each other out in ways we have not seen elsewhere in the tribe. At harvest time, thousands of members of the musical clan put down their instruments and went into the fields. Why? Why here? Then it hit us. Of course the musicians near Nashville would go into the fields at harvest time! They’re pickers!!!