In the mid-1990s, the musical lives of DC-based Tsunami and the NYC-based Ida were intertwined. In addition to sharing many bills and tours together, Tsunami’s label, Simple Machines Records, released Ida’s first three albums, and the band members frequently collaborated on other musical projects. Now, 25 years later, both bands celebrated the reissue of these releases by The Numero Group with the Coin Toss tour in March and April 2025.
In a nod to equity, whimsy, and jamming econo, the two bands shared equipment and van space, and determined each night’s stage order by a flip of the coin. The audience joined the bands for the entire evening as Ida and Tsunami fused their sets together. Special guests – representing the bands’ wide network of musical friends and heroes – joined them on stage at most shows, to lend a crazy guitar part, or guest vocals, or to play one of their own songs. There were sewn-on patches, swag, challenge coins, and a joyful noise.