Source: The Edmonton Journal, May 1999

AS THE COUNTING CROWS FLY
Tea Party will pass on sponser's product

The Tea Party may not be huge fans of Pepsi, but that didn't stop them from taking part in a concert series sponsored by the great beverage company.
Singer Jeff Martin, bassists Stu Chatwood, and drummer Jeff Burrows were at The Rev last Saturday, treating a bunch of contest winners to a sneak preview of their upcoming CD, TRIPtych.
The trio were tight, albeit very introspective, as they performed four of their new tunes, including Heaven Coming Down, and a shwack of their previous hits. Chatwood said the band took advantage of the Pepsi deal to work the kinks out of their new songs and delight their fans.
"Instead of people paying $25 or $30 for us to work out songs, we could play for free," he explained during a pre-show interview at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. "We don't mind working for nothing on occasion."
But Chatwood does mind drinking Pepsi. He looked aghast when asked if he belongs to the Pepsi generation. "No, I don't," he said, nursing a glass of orange juice. "I drink Coke with Jack Daniels."
Fortunately, the band didn't have to publicly thank their sponsors for footing their cross-Canada preview tour. And Pepsi respectfully declined to cover the Rev in advertising--although the trio were drenched in Pepsi-blue and red lights for much of the performance.
The Tea Party's album, TRIPtych is in stores June 8. Look for an in-depth feature in the Journal next week.
Sandra Sperounes

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