🍂 September Newsletter: Falling Into Place
You know that feeling when you accidentally hit “reply all” and instantly regret it? This is the opposite of that. The Fall Down is THIS WEEKEND (Sept 12–14 at The G Lodge). And unlike those reply-all disasters, you definitely want to be part of this.
Here’s the deal: 14 bands, 2 stages, and one weekend that feels better than that first sip of cider in September.
We’ve got the full crew lined up:
âś“ Miller and the Other Sinners (headlining Friday night)
✓ Cast Iron Cowboys (now closing out Saturday night 🤠)
âś“ Brian Elam Band (welcoming special guest Aaron Lipp)
âś“ Freight
✓ The 86’ers
âś“ Adrianna Noone Band
âś“ Randy McMillan
âś“ Rachel Kroft Collective
âś“ Los Pajaritos Band
âś“ Tin Lizard
âś“ Texas Headphones
âś“ Dirt Turtles
âś“ Drew Kiddoo & The Blackouts
âś“ Mike Brown (Artist at Large, aka the musical wild card popping up all weekend)
🎟️ Tickets: heydudeafterhours.com
💡 Day passes available — so even if you can’t camp, you can still Fall Down with us.
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🌻 Estate News
The U-Pick Sunflower Pop-Up is in bloom — golden fields, handmade goods, and music curated by Gabi. Watching her step into the spotlight with these events has been nothing short of inspiring. Pro tip: bring your camera; sunflowers make everyone look like they belong on a record cover.
And hey — the estate is also available for rentals. Retreats, birthdays, small celebrations… if you’ve got the idea, we’ve got the porch.
Email us at thegaugerlodge@gmail.com
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🙌 Volunteers
Fall Down doesn’t happen without helping hands. If you’d like to be part of the crew — for this weekend or for future events — we’d love to have you. Work hard, play harder, and join the story we’re writing together.
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🎤 Featured Interview: Darren on The Lodge
We sat down with Darren to talk about the roots, the memories, and the mission behind The G Lodge. Here’s the full Q&A, ready for you to dig in:
Q&A
1) Who set the tone for how you host and build at The Lodge?
My Dad. He built the structures, manicured the land, and loved a good celebration—same as me. His spirit is in everything we do.
2) What role does your daughter Gabi play in all of this?
She’s great—taking it to a whole new level with Fay Flower + Food Farm and our expanding Airbnbs.
3) What’s a personal motto you live by?
If you don’t get it right the first time—try, try again.
4) Why do you host these shows?
To help bands and individual artists make their way to becoming bigger, better versions of themselves.
5) What’s the hardest part people don’t see?
It’s like a puzzle you create with the artist—elevating the sound, the flow, the vibe. But we always need more ticket stories to keep it going.
6) What does “community” mean to you here?
It’s about what you do after your day job to help others and strengthen the place we all share.
7) How deep does your concert history go?
I’ve been going to shows since Johnny Cash in 1969, and I still see about 200 bands a year. That’s how I learn what works and put together the best schedules I can.
8) What makes The G Lodge special?
The people—who we are and who we’re made to be. That connection is the secret sauce.
9) If The Lodge were a drink, what would it be?
An Edmund Fitzgerald—dark and smoky, heavenly and a warm sunny day all at once.
10) What’s your favorite moment on show days?
Every moment. From the first note to the last goodbye, it all counts.
11) What’s a favorite memory from The Lodge?
The hypnotic clambakes that paraded around the property—pure, joyful chaos.
12) Where does the funding come from to make all this happen?
You mean besides pocket change and drywall dust? It’s sweat equity and a whole lot of “figure it out.” No big corporate checks here — just grit, love, and building something the whole community can share. And my grandbabys keep telling me, “Stop spending our inheritance!” But that’s what it takes. Your ticket keeps the music alive, the lights on, and yes… even the porta-potties paid for.
13) Why is this work important?
Because it supports local musicians. That’s the most valuable thing we can do.
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Closing Groove
So there you have it: the bands are ready, the fields are shining, and the lodge is calling. Don’t just scroll by and say “next time” — because this is the time.
🎟️ Tickets:
heydudeafterhours.com
📅 Sept 12–14, The G Lodge
Catch you in the crowd,
– The Hey Dude After Hours Crew
