On the eve of his first official US tour, Ben Caplan will perform at The Capital Complex this Thursday.
“Fredericton has always been a special city for me,” said Caplan. “I first set foot in Fredericton back in 2011. June 23rd, 2011 to be precise. I had no idea how I was going to get to the gig when I booked it. All I had was a guarantee for $50, an opening slot, and a willingness to hustle. That night I was the first of three acts in a province I had never played in before.”
“I wound up playing The Capital again the next night. It was a sloppy, sloppy affair. It was my first time drinking Picaroons. I made all kinds of great New BrunsFriends, and made connections that I am sure will last a lifetime.”
“My last gig in Fredericton was at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, and that was a major step up and an incredible show. But when I thought about stopping back through town on my way to the US, I knew I had to visit my old stomping ground back at The Capital to re-live so many great memories.”
Caplan’s Fredericton stop is the only Canadian date on his winter tour. Following Thursday night’s show, he heads off for dates across 14 states throughout the month of March.
“I haven’t toured much in the US at all,” he said. “I’ve played in Austin a few times for SXSW, I’ve played in Milwaukee and a couple times in NYC. A lot of industry stuff, and a couple club shows, that’s it. I’ve definitely played New Brunswick at least a dozen more times than I’ve performed in that giant sprawl of a nation. It looks like there is a bit of buzz on the go down there, but I know that it’s going to be a long hard slog. Time to go humble myself and do some more groundwork.”
Looking ahead, Caplan is hoping 2015 will be slower than recent years. Having played over 1000 shows since releasing his debut in 2011, he has definitely earned a little break.
“2015 should be an interesting year,” he said. “Fewer trans-Atlantic flights anyway! I’m focused on writing and taking better care of myself. At this point, my new album is pretty much finished, but it’s going to take some time before I can release it. That’s been a blessing in disguise, although I really can’t wait for people to hear it. We’ve been talking about getting in out by early summer, but September might be more realistic. Keep your ears pealed!”
Ben Caplan+Courtney Steeves | The Capital Complex | February 26, 2015 | Doors at 9:00PM | Show at 9:30 | Buy Tickets
