 Credit: Allen Clark
As the last full month of summer begins and warm sunny days turn into cooler nights, the quaint town of Challis, Idaho, which sits snug near the Sawtooth Mountains, prepares for an influx of music aficionados from all over the globe for the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival. Regarded as one of the state’s premier musical gatherings by both attendees and artists alike, the BBR is a family-friendly event that unites artists and fans in an unparalleled setting for three unforgettable, music-filled days.
This year, the BBR will be held from August 8th-10th and will feature fifteen Americana, Texas, and Red Dirt artists including festival vets, and fan favorites, the Randy Rogers Band. Fresh off the release of their new album, Hellbent, band member Johnny Chops, who last year released his latest well-received self-titled album with his band The Razors, graciously took the time to share his thoughts on the festival and provide you with a sweet playlist of some of his favorite tunes to get you amped for August. I never thought much about Idaho beyond potatoes. It’s so ignorant and sad, but that’s all I really knew about it. I probably couldn’t even have told you exactly where it was on a map. We had a tour stop there once in the winter and it was so damn cold I never even went outside. I probably ate my potatoes and moved on to the next city. I did know about these guys who had a couple of bands, Reckless Kelly and Micky and the Motorcars. They were from Idaho and were (and still are) pretty cool. Over time we became friends and they invited us up to play their festival, the Braun Brothers Reunion. It blew my mind that first year. When I woke up on the bus that morning heading up to Challis, I looked out the window and it looked like another planet. The natural beauty of Idaho is difficult to put into words. You just have to see it for yourself. It’s rugged, colorful and extreme. It goes from burning hot to freezing cold, dry sun to hail and wind in a matter of minutes. Your phone might not work, which will force you to hang out and talk to people, face to face. It’s one of my favorite events of the year and I can’t wait to go back. 
It’s so clear at night you can see past the Milky Way. Late one night a group of us decided to walk into town from the festival grounds to find another bonfire or maybe some more booze. There was no one on the road, so I made everyone lay down in the middle of the road and just look up at the stars for an hour. Now, I don’t recommend laying in a street after drinking all night and day, but I will say, stop and take look around while you’re there. Stash it away in your memory until you’re having a crappy day, then close your eyes and go back. It might just change your whole outlook. -Johnny Chops, Randy Rogers Band Here’s a playlist for the ride up. I hope it puts you in the festival mood. P.S. Yes, I snuck one of my own songs in there. Sorry…not sorry. Randy Rogers Band Website/Facebook/Twitter Johnny Chops & The Razors Website/Facebook/Twitter 2019 Braun Brothers Reunion Challis, Idaho August 8-10th Purchase: 3 Day Pass $129.30 Purchase: 2 Day Pass Friday and Saturday ONLY The BBR is held rain or shine. Tickets purchased online will be picked up at will call at the venue. Tickets are Non-refundable. Kids age 5 and under are free. Kids age 6-12 are $15 a day and can ONLY be purchased at the front gate even if its sold out. Kids age 13 and up pay full adult price. Website/Facebook/Twitter
1 Comment
2/22/2020 07:19:47 am
To tell you honestly, this is the very first time I have heard about Johnny Chops and their band. I am not really familiar with them, that’s why I have to make a quick research about them to know their achievements and the songs they created already. In all fairness, the band had several awards already. I tried listening to some of their songs and I cannot deny that the band was great! Hopefully, they will have a comeback as soon as possible because their fans might be waiting for it already! Leave a Reply. |