My favorite Seattle band Grave Babies hit the road yesterday for a month long tour. I caught up with drummer Keith Whiteman over the telephone while I was eating some old stir-fried vegetables.

It's the first night of tour tonight.

Oh! I spilled my beer.

Where are you?

At the East End.

Where's the East End?

In Portland.

What kind of people are there tonight?

So far, nobody.

How long did it take to drive there?

Three hours with a bathroom break. Not bad.

Did you stop to eat?

Nah, we just cruised. I learned that I don't like Donkey Kong. That's a pretty boring game.

How far did you get? Do you get past the first screen?

Yeah, just the second screen.

If you could, tell me what the plot of that game is.

The plot of Donkey Kong? Climb to the top, I guess. I don't know why the ape's at the top though. Usually the ape's at the bottom of the chain. That's what I thought.

Why are you trying to climb the ladders?

To save the princess, I guess. She dropped her purse, apparently.

Where are you though? Are you at a construction site?

Why, does it sound like that?

No, in the game!

Oh, I guess so. Girders.

Did you pack food for the trip?

My roommates bought me some Red Bull and Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Do you like Flamin' Hot Cheetos?

Not really. I'm excited for the Flamin' Hot Fries. Hot Fries are so delicious.

Andy Capp's Hot Fries?

Yeah, I absolutely endorse those.

How long will you be gone for?

We get back on the 1st. We're playing at the Funhouse with the Helpers and Stickers.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Live free or die trying!

Grave Babies "Farewell Tour 2011" Dates:

08.25.11 - Portland, OR - East End ^
08.26.11 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern ^
08.27.11 - San Diego, CA - Bar Pink ^
08.28.11 - Los Angeles, CA - Echo ^
08.30.11 - Tucson, AZ - Plush
09.01.11 - Austin, TX - Emo's
09.02.11 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's
09.03.11 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
09.04.11 - Mobile, AL - Alabama Music Box
09.05.11 - Pensacola, FL - House Show 309 N. 6th
09.07.11 - Jacksonville, FL - Burro Bar
09.08.11 - Atlanta, GA - EARL !
09.09.11 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter #
09.10.11 - Washington, DC - Comet Pizza and Ping Pong #
09.11.11 - Philadelphia, PA - Danger Danger Gallery #
09.13.11 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio #
09.14.11 - New York, NY - Cake Shop
09.15.11 - Montreal, QC - Casa del Popolo
09.16.11 - Toronto, ON - Parts and Labour
09.17.11 - Detroit, MI - Lager House
09.18.11 - Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern
09.19.11 - Indianapolis, IN - Indy's Jukebox
09.20.11 - St. Louis, MO - Firebird
09.21.11 - Memphis, TN - Hi Tone
09.23.11 - Urbana, IL - Pygmalion Festival at Red Herring
09.24.11 - Lawrence, KS - Replay Lounge
09.25.11 - Denver, CO - Hi Dive
09.26.11 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
09.27.11 - Reno, NV - The Holland Project
09.29.11 - Oakland, CA - Eli's Mile High Club
10.01.11 - Seattle, WA - Funhouse *

! - w/ Royal Baths
^ - w/ Young Prisms
# - w/ X-ray Eyeballs
* - w/ Unnatural Helpers, Stickers

Grave Babies' newest 7" is "Pleasures" b/w "Deathwish" 7" on Hardly Art.