A photo round-up of our year as a band. Without our fans and supporters, we would not be able to accomplish any of this— so we thank you! Here’s to a great big 2012 and many more live shows, new releases, and good times.

Aaron outside Mayday Northside Tavern — in Cincinnati, OH — January. BLIZZARD is an understatement for that night.

Live at Gilligan’s, Murfreesboro, TN. January. W/ Feedback Revival, we think.

SXSW Kick-Off Show — Nutwood — March 2011. One of our favorite nights the entire year because we were surrounded by our closest friends.

SXSW in March. With new (and now lifelong) friends, Peter Galloway and George Foley. The best thing we got out of SXSW are our friendships with new folks.

To Write Love on Her Arms Charity Event @ WKU. April. Wonderful event — wonderful people.

One of our favorite little fans. With that sweet face, we think we can take on the industry. This is at our Record Store Day performance at Great Escape Records in BGKY.

This is MT, Jerry, and Michael Dean as we went through the Hershey’s Chocolate Ride in Hershey, Pennsylvania after Launch Music Conference. There were singing cows.

No idea who this guy is. Quite certain MT may also not know. No idea what show, but suspect opening for Bear Hands at Southgate House (RIP.) ??

Signing t-shirts. Clarksville, TN.

Recording our upcoming EP with the great, great Duane Lundy at Shangri-la Productions in Lexington, KY. Wonderful studio space — highly recommended.

Raw Artist Showcase @ Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN.

Live at Baba Budan’s, Cincinnati, OH — sponsored by Bearcast Radio. Love those guys!

One of our favorite venues in Shreveport? Why. You can eat THIS and play a show.

Promo Photos taken by the wonderful Jackie Osborne of Jackie O Photography, with an extra thanks to Paige and Jordan, who were of major help! Love these photos, have used them ALL OVER the place.

Invested in a Shades-themed flip cam. Will post a Year-Round-Up video VERY SOON.

RECORD STORE DAY, again, was GREAT. We were very flattered to be included with great musicians like Johnny Thompson, Televermin, Buffalo Rodeo, Fatbox, and Rainbow KK.

Face in the hole. Yet another project we would have never completed without the help of Josh Landreth. He’s the best. Really.

Live at Revolution 91.7’s Mayhem, very glad to be a part of this event and the support from our fantastic college radio station.

Parking is a tight squeeze at Preservation Pub in Knoxville, TN. Love that place!

Live in Indianapolis, IN — With Hero, JR.

Before the dip in Lake Michigan— thanks to Swindle for filling in for Michael Dean — and reading a ton of comics.

Festival in Cleveland OH! Took a visit to Rock N Roll Hall of Fame on this trip, too!

Riverfest in Clarksville, TN. Thanks to the Coup for sponsoring this stage.

Dayton, OH w/ Rokwell — Got some delicious BBQ before and was sent on our way with some snacks, too.

Live, behind those doors, at CKDU in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Broadcasted this set live!

Super Sweet venue in Halifax, NS, during Halifax Pop Explosion!

Live at Trash Bar, showcasing at CMJ Music Marathon.

Live at JJ’s Bohemia with Cadillac Saints and Morning Teleportation.

Home. Our favorite place to play is always at HOME.
Fantastic video from our darling friend and talented photographer Alex Rymarquis — of our performance at MidPoint Music Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. We opened for Asobi Seksu that night and love Cincy!
Canadian Tour Video Wrap-Up !
Thanks to all the bands that played with us, venues that hosted us, Halifax Pop Explosion, and CMJ Music Marathon!
Thanks to Soky Happenings for the recent coverage of The Black Shades and a big personal thank you to Jana Sublett, who did a fantastic job with the article. We’re still holding that freebie show-go for you. (FRIDAY at ROCKY’S w/ two great out-of-towners, just sayin’!) Ya oughta come out soon!
The Black Shades love our loyal following in Clarksville, TN and appreciate the hospitality of DIY venue, The Coup. We particularly appreciate the friendship of our talented fan Rufus Dawkins, who, as of our last show in Clarksville, joined us on stage! Some people just can’t roll with The Black Shades, but Rufus kicked ass. Thanks to him and we’re excited to be featured at Clarksville’s Riverfest this Friday at 5:45pm on The Coup stage! Come see us!
Please click it out up yonder and download our new EP, We Are The Black Shades, from Itunes!
The Black Shades are playing Close To The Edge: Arts and Music Festival this month and are very pleased to see that we’re featured on the front page of their site! Thanks to Vatic for all the cool stuff he’s doing down there! LOOKING forward to FLORIDA!