A Collaborative Spirit on the West Coast
The Peaks and Valleys Tour has proven to be more than just a series of back-to-back performances for Eggy and Taper’s Choice. As the two bands traverse the West Coast, they have increasingly blurred the lines between their respective sets, opting for spontaneous stage-sharing moments that have delighted audiences across the region.
While both groups established their individual musical identities during the initial leg of the tour earlier this month, the chemistry between the ensembles has blossomed into a series of notable collaborations. These moments of musical intersection highlight the camaraderie fostered by the rigors and rewards of life on the road.
Memorable Sit-Ins and Rare Revivals
The collaborative energy reached a high point on Wednesday night at Wow Hall in Eugene, OR. In a standout moment, Taper’s Choice bassist Alex Bleeker and keyboardist Zach Tenorio joined Eggy on stage. The ensemble delivered a stirring rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s classic “Helpless,” marking the first time Eggy had performed the track since July 7, 2017. Bleeker, known for his work in Real Estate, showcased his versatility by stepping away from the bass to provide vocals and acoustic guitar for the performance.
The momentum continued into Thursday at Bend, OR’s Tower Theatre. During Eggy’s encore, the two bands united for a high-energy cover of Phil Collins’ “Sussudio.” The stage was packed with talent, featuring Bleeker and Taper’s Choice’s CJ Tywoniak on guitar, Zach Tenorio on keys, and Chris Tomson on drums. Meanwhile, Eggy’s own drummer and vocalist, Alex Bailey, stepped to the front of the stage to handle lead vocal duties, turning the encore into a true collaboration of creative forces.
Touring Milestones and New Gear
As the tour moved to Portland, OR’s Aladdin Theater, the focus shifted toward individual band highlights. While there were no guest sit-ins during the Portland performance, Eggy paid homage to their surroundings with a rendition of The Shins’ “No Way Down.” Having performed the song only once in 2022, the band’s decision to revive the number underscores their commitment to keeping their live repertoire fresh and unpredictable.
The Portland show also served as a milestone for Eggy guitarist Jake Brownstein, who debuted a new instrument affectionately dubbed “Li’l Tex.” As the bands continue their journey, with a scheduled performance in Seattle this evening, fans are eager to see what other surprises the remainder of the 2025 tour might hold.