This week we have taken “Nacho Radio” a few steps further than before. In addition to song or two, we are fortunate enough to provide you all with an interview, a few good lookin’ photos, and a lovely music video from Holy Ghost Tent Revival who are in the city this week. So watch, listen, and read this week’s segment of nacho radio.

Holy Ghost Tent Revival, a raucous 6-member band that describes themselves as “dynamically earthy jazz” is visiting the city for two shows this week. On Thursday night, the guys will be in Astoria at The Watlz. If you’re looking for something to do in Brooklyn this Friday, HGTR along with Skeletonbreath, Drink Up Buttercup, and Wahoo Skiffle Crazies at Southpaw in Parkslope. In addition to being talented musicians from the great state of North Carolina, the six guys of HGTR appreciate the art of nacho. Thanks to Hank Widmer, who plays trombone and euphonium, we were able to peek into the psyche of cheese-obssessed musicians and gain an all access pass to the band’s taste buds.

If HGTR where a plate of nachos, who would embody what topping?
We’d certainly be a plate of nachos supreme, all the fixin’s and whatnot. Since you mention pico de gallo, that would most certainly be Patrick. That man loves some good, spicy, tangy pico de gallo, and of course embodies the variance of flavor with his undying pursuit and promotion for eclecticism. Mike is the cheese, cause you can never have too much cheese. Ross… refried beans, Matt hates olives, but they both stand out so well on a palette. Stephen would be the sour cream, and I’ll (Hank) take guacamole.

If you could eat nachos with any five people living or dead who would chose?
Dr. Dog

A mythical creature of the nacho underworld proposes an ultimatum: Your band can experience success and glory; however, it is only because of your phenomenal cover of Hanson’s Devil’s Nachos. The other choice is you all lose a pinkie toe. Which would it be?
Since mutuality is such an essential factor to all of us, and to spare myself of Hanson music, we’ll go with the amputated pinkie toes.

What would be your beverage of choice while eating nachos: Beer, Margaritas, or Sangria?
Beer, any kind.

What are your feelings about nacho cheese sauce on nachos? Yay or nay? What about lettuce? Refried beans?
Again, you can never have too much cheese…. cheese sauce?… Throw it on! Shredded cheese?… It better be a blend! Throw me some pepperjack! We’re all fans of lettuce, and refried beans (do they come with melted mozz?)

Would you rather almost drown in sour cream or be water-boarded in guacamole?
How strong are the onions in that guac? If you’re asking Stephen, he’ll say both please. Patrick will want hot sauce on it either way.

Are any of you vegetarians/vegan/eat kosher? If so, what obstacles have you had to overcome in order to fully appreciate nacho goodness?
No, no and no… we all love meat. And cats and dogs.

Which of the following addition would you put on your nachos: chorizo, steak, or chicken?
Chorizo! You can get steak or chicken at a diner. Oh! Speaking of… there’s a great 24-hour diner/Mexican place in Huntington, WV. Brilliant idea.

All right, onto some non-nacho related questions. You guys are playing at The Waltz in Astoria and Southpaw in Brooklyn. What is your favorite venue in NYC?
This will be our first time at Southpaw in Brooklyn, The Waltz-Astoria is an amazing little place with a truly appreciative crowd, and we’ve always dug the Sidewalk Café in Manhattan whether its open mic or a proper show, the response has been inspiring.

What can fans expect from your live shows?
Physical enthusiasm.

What is the greatest band/artist you have ever seen live and why?
Our favorite live show, for all of us, right now is And The Moneynotes, a knock-your-socks off band from Scranton, PA that makes their way to NYC every now and then.

How did you all decided to name the band “Holy Ghost Tent Revival”?
It was a brief conversation. Something like “We need a name.” “How about Holy Ghost Tent Revival?” ensuing laughter and thus confirmation. There’s an old picture lying around somewhere of Hank standing in front of a sign on the side of a mountain highway here in NC, advertising for an actual Holy Ghost Tent Revival, blue and white tent, trailer and all. So when the above conversation occurred, it seemed a no-brainer.

Finally, you guys must log a lot of hours on the road. What is your favorite food to eat from a travel plaza and/or gas station?
Nachos!? Actually the crowd favorite when available is tortilla chips and medium to hot salsa. Call it fate.

HGTR is comprised of: Stephen Murray (banjo and guitar), Matt Martin (guitar and banjo), Hank Widmer (trombone and euphonium), Patrick Leslie (bass) Ross Montsinger (drums), and Mike O’Malley (keyboard). Again a big thanks to Hank and the rest of the guys for taking the time to answer these burning questions. Now it’s up to you all to go out and support fellow nacho lovers. Again, HGTR will be playing at The Waltz on Thursday night and Southpaw on Friday. You can also check them out online via their website or Myspace.

For even more nacho fun

Product Review: Creamy White Queso by Rachel Anderson

Guacamole by Maraysa Schwartz

Shows and ‘Chos: Piano’s with HGTR by Rachel Anderson

All You Need is Queso Love by Rachel Anderson