October 1st, 2011 TxMusicFan
Wow… the end of the year is racing towards us. We still have a good 6 weeks of awesome live music. Most venues will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, so if you were thinking of catching a show on either one of those days, please double check the venue website! Also, there will be a good number of New Year’s Eve parties going on. I will try to get them listed as quickly as possible so you can make your reservations now. Here’s the happenings for the rest of 2011 – subject to changes of course!:
November:
Saturday, November 19th:
Albert Dance Hall: Lisa and Greg – Touch of Gold
Angel’s IceHouse: Trubuds
Anhalt Hall: Jake Hooker & Outsiders
Blaine’s Pub: Zach Edwards Band
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Doug Moreland
Floore’s Country Store: Ryan Beaver
Giddy Ups: Jack Higginbotham
Gruene Hall: Jason Boland & The Stragglers with Turnpike Troubadors
Hill’s Cafe: Ronnie Caywood
Hondo’s on Main: Mitch Jacobs Band
Luckenbach: Ruber V & Bri Bagwell (B.A.D. Ride), Jesse Dayton
Poodie’s Hilltop: Jack Burnett’s Urban Cowboy Birthday Bash, Michael Shane Borden, Burnett Jones, Tessy Loi & The Shotgun Stars
Riley’s Tavern: Slim Bawb
The Ausländer Biergarten: Kimberly Kelly
The Broken Spoke: Kevin Fowler – Livestock Show Fund Raiser
Torre di Pietra Winery: Fingerpistol
Uptown Marble Theater: Frenchie Burke
Sunday, November 20th:
Billy’s Icehouse: Dead Rock Stars
Floore’s Country Store: Family Night and Free Dance with Bobby Baker
Gruene Hall: The Ruby Jane Show, The Legendary Pete Anderson
Hondo’s on Main: Gospel Sunday, The Flyin’ A’s
Luckenbach: Outrider Service, Thomas Michael Riley, Cowboy Doug Davis Picker
Poodie’s Hilltop: Tessy Lou & The Shotgun Stars
Riley’s Tavern: Open Mic with Glenn Allan
The Ausländer Biergarten: Devin Leigh
Monday, November 21st:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Gruene Hall: Bret Graham
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Trace of Gold Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: Texas Music Showcase – George Ensle hosts Bill Lewis
Tuesday, November 22nd:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Cheatham Street Warehouse: John Evans (Ladies Free)
Gruene Hall: Tom Gillam
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Samantha Lynn
River City Grille: Mike Blakely welcomes Richard Dobson
The Broken Spoke: Billy Garza
Wednesday, November 23rd:
Billy’s Icehouse: Zack Walther Band
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle
Gruene Hall: Sons of Fathers, Cory Morrow with The Dirty River Boys
Hondo’s on Main: Thomas Michael Riley and Guest
Junior’s Grill and Icehouse: Jeremy Miller
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
Riley’s Tavern: Robbie Doyen
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
The Ausländer Biergarten: Drew Kennedy
The Broken Spoke: Weldon Henson
Thursday, November 24th (Thanksgiving Day):
Most venues are closed today including Luckenbach. Enjoy the time with your family and/or friends
The Ausländer Biergarten: Casey Hubble
Friday, November 25th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Fabulous GTOs
Antone’s Nightclub: Marcia Ball
Billy’s Icehouse: The Pale Horses
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Foscoe Jones
Floore’s Country Store: Micky and the Motorcars plus Brian Keane
Gruene Hall: Doug Moreland & The Flying Armadillos, Bob Schneider with Wheeler Brothers
Hill’s Cafe: Cade Baccus
Hondo’s on Main: Fingerpistol
Luckenbach: T-Roy and Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Almost Patsy Cline Band
Midnight Rodeo, Austin: Brandon Rhyder
Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo: Eli Young Band with Mark McKinney
Poodie’s Hilltop: Owen Temple, Paula Nelson, Brian Pounds
Riley’s Tavern: Jeremy Steding
The Ausländer Biergarten: Nick Verzosa and Noble Union
The Broken Spoke: Gary P Nunn
Saturday, November 26th:
Albert Dance Hall: Sam Bentley Band
Antone’s Nightclub: Carolyn Wonderland, Reckless Kelly with Zack Walther Band
Blaine’s Pub: Mike Ryan
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Ray Benson Acoustic
Floore’s Country Store: Aaron Watson plus Jon Wolfe
Giddy Ups: Jason Arnold & Stepsiders
Gruene Hall: Flat Top Jones, Hayes Carll with Jonny Burke
Hill’s Cafe: Drew Fish
Hondo’s on Main: Dust Devils
Luckenbach: Jason Eady, Charlie Robison with Dustin Perkins
Mr. B’s Sports Bar: Clay Wilson Band
Poodie’s Hilltop: Randy Pavlock, WC Clark, Navasota Springs
Riley’s Tavern: The Grackles
The Ausländer Biergarten: David Fenley
The Broken Spoke: Dale Watson
Torre di Pietra Winery: Drugstore Cowboys
Sunday, November 27th:
Antone’s Nightclub: Derailers
Billy’s Icehouse: Dead Rock Stars
Floore’s Country Store: Family Night and Free Dance with The Wilburn Brothers
Gruene Hall: Warren Hood & The Goods, Matt Skinner Band
Hondo’s on Main: Gospel Sunday, Dale Mayfield
Luckenbach: Paula Nelson Band, Cowboy Doug Davis Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: Tessy Lou & The Shotgun Stars
Riley’s Tavern: Open Mic with Glenn Allan
The Ausländer Biergarten: Jackie Bristow
Monday, November 28th:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Gruene Hall: Bret Graham
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Trace of Gold Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: Texas Songwriters Showcase – WC Jameson hosts Richard Dobson, Bracken Hale
Tuesday, November 29th:
Online Shows:
Songwriters Showcase: Mark Sebby. Broadcast on RadioFreeTexas.Org at 8pm Central
Live Shows:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Billy’s Icehouse: Mark Sebby
Cheatham Street Warehouse: John Evans (Ladies Free)
Gruene Hall: Tom Gillam with Roger Marine
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Jaron Bell
River City Grille: Mike Blakely welcomes Matt Davis & Colby Miller
The Broken Spoke: Debra Peters with the Accordian Roundup, Weldon Henson
Wednesday, November 30th:
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle
Gruene Hall: The Georges
Hondo’s on Main: Kevin Higgins and Butch Hancock
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
The Broken Spoke: Billy Garza, Chaparral with Jeff Hughes
December:
Thursday, December 1st:
Gruene Hall: Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros
Hondo’s on Main: Ben B Beckendorf
Luckenbach: ShAnnie Picker Circle
River Road Ice House: Drew Kennedy
Friday, December 2nd:
Albert Dance Hall: Lisa and Greg – Touch of Gold
Billy’s Icehouse: Jeff Strahan
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Houston Marchman
Floore’s Country Store: Reckless Kelly plus The Trishas
Gruene Hall: Max Stalling
Hondo’s on Main: Shelley King
Luckenbach: T-Roy & Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Josh Peek
Midnight Rodeo, Austin: J.B. & The Moonshine Band
Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo: Rick O’Toole
Riley’s Tavern: Andrea Marie & The Magnolia Band
River Road Ice House: Curtis Grimes
Saturday, December 3rd:
Antone’s Nightclub: The BoDeans
Billy’s Icehouse: Wes Nickson Band
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Toys for Tots Benefit
Gruene Hall: White Ghost Shivers, Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Holiday Show
Hondo’s on Main: Bo Porter
Luckenbach: Bill Lewis Piano Sessions
Mr. B’s Sports Bar: Jerry Martin Band
Riley’s Tavern: Omar and the Howlers
River Road Ice House: Six Market Blvd
Torre di Pietra Winery: john Arthur martinez
Sunday, December 4th:
Billy’s Icehouse: Dead Rock Stars
Floore’s Country Store: Family Night and Free Dance with Drugstore Cowboys
Gruene Hall: Fabrizzio Poggi
Hondo’s on Main: Michael Ballew
Luckenbach: The Moonlighters, Cowboy Doug Davis Picker Circle
Uptown Marble Theater: David Ball
Monday, December 5th:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Gruene Hall: Bret Graham
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Touch of Gold Picker Circle
Tuesday, December 6th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Billy’s Icehouse: Bob Livingston
Cheatham Street Warehouse: John Evans (Ladies Free)
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Kris Smith
River City Grille: Mike Blakely welcomes Sarah Pierce
Wednesday, December 7th:
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle
Giddy Ups: Open Mic Night
Gruene Hall: The Georges
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
Riley’s Tavern: Tyler Cannon
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
Thursday, December 8th:
Gruene Hall: Bo Porter
Hondo’s on Main: T-Roy and Candace Miller
Luckenbach: ShAnnie Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Big John Mills
River Road Ice House: The Mighty Org
Friday, December 9th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Fabulous Chevelles
Billy’s Icehouse: Forest Wayne Allen
Cheatham Street Warehouse: William Clark Green
Floore’s Country Store: Billy Morgan and the Barnburners
Gruene Hall: Roger Creager
Hondo’s on Main: Almost Patsy Cline Band
Luckenbach: T-Roy and Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Jimmy Lee Jones Band
Midnight Rodeo, Austin: Ryan Turner
Riley’s Tavern: Two Tons of Steel
Saturday, December 10th:
Albert Dance Hall: Kevin Fowler
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Antone’s Nightclub: Jason Boland Acoustic Tour
Billy’s Icehouse: Clint Martin Band
Floore’s Country Store: Wade Bowen
Gruene Hall: Milkdrive, Bart Crow Band
Hondo’s on Main: Drugstore Cowboys
Luckenbach: Bill Lewis Piano Sessions, Bob Schneider and Susan Gibson Solo
Riley’s Tavern: Mr. Lewis and the Funeral Five with Flametrick Subs
Torre di Pietra Winery: Meagan Tubb
Uptown Marble Theater: Fabrizio Poggie with Ponty Bone and others
Sunday, December 11th:
Billy’s Icehouse: Dead Rock Stars
Floore’s Country Store: Family Night and Free Dance with Jimmy Cribb
Gruene Hall: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, Bret Graham Band
Luckenbach: Bob Livingston & Butch Hancock, Cowboy Doug Davis Picker Circle
Monday, December 12th:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Touch of Gold Picker Circle
Tuesday, December 13th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Gruene Hall: Ed Jurdi & Friends
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Mike Ethan Messick
River City Grille: Mike Blakely welcomes Darden Smith
Wednesday, December 14th:
Billy’s Icehouse: Ryan Beaver
Giddy Ups: Open Mic Night
Gruene Hall: The Georges
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
Thursday, December 15th:
Gruene Hall: Robyn Ludwick
Luckenbach: ShAnnie Picker Circle
River City Grille: Thirsty Third Thursday with Thomas Michael Riley
Friday, December 16th:
Angel’s IceHouse: Divas & Cavaliers
Antone’s Nightclub: White Ghost Shivers CD Release Party
Billy’s Icehouse: No Refund Band
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Joe Ely
Floore’s Country Store: Charlie Robison
Gruene Hall: Jerry Jeff Walker
Luckenbach: T-Roy & Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Doug Davis Band
Riley’s Tavern: Tejas Brothers
Saturday, December 17th:
Albert Dance Hall: Lisa and Greg – Touch of Gold
Anhalt Hall: Rocky King & Dance Hall Cowboys
Antone’s Nightclub: Charlie Robison with Will Sexton Band and the Rankin Twins
Billy’s Icehouse: Midnight River Choir
Cheatham Street Warehouse: White Ghost Shivers
Gruene Hall: Earl Poole Ball, Jerry Jeff Walker
Luckenbach: Bill Lewis Piano Sessions, Luckenbach Christmas Ball with Gary P Nunn
Riley’s Tavern: Butch Hancock
River Road Ice House: The Thieving Birds
Torre di Pietra Winery: Bo Porter
Uptown Marble Theater: Quebe Sisters Band Holiday Special
Sunday, December 18th:
Billy’s Icehouse: Dead Rock Stars
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Gary Floater’s “Holiday High” Christmas Ball (Benefits San Marcos Food Bank)
Floore’s Country Store: Family Night and Free Dance with the Wilburn Brothers
Gruene Hall: The Ruby Jane Show, Hot Club of Cowtown
Luckenbach: Thomas Michael Riley, Cowboy Doug Davis Picker Circle
Monday, December 19th:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Gruene Hall: Bret Graham
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Touch of Gold Picker Circle
Tuesday, December 20th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
Riley’s Tavern: Jaron Bell
River City Grille: Mike Blakely welcomes Rex Foster
Wednesday, December 21st:
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle
Giddy Ups: Open Mic Night
Gruene Hall: The Georges
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
Riley’s Tavern: TJM Music Songwriter Series
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
Thursday, December 22nd:
Gruene Hall: Bo Porter
Luckenbach: ShAnnie Picker Circle
Friday, December 23rd:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Fabulous GTOs
Billy’s Icehouse: Empty-Handed Vagabonds
Gruene Hall: Kevin Fowler
Luckenbach: T-Roy & Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Almost Patsy Cline Band
Midnight Rodeo, Austin: Aaron Watson with Jon Wolfe
Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo: Zack Walther
Mr. B’s Sports Bar: Clint Levi Band
Uptown Marble Theater: Gimble Family & Friends Christmas Show
Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve):
Luckenbach: Bill Lewis Piano Sessions
Sunday, December 25th (Christmas Day):
Most venues are closed, including Luckenbach
Monday, December 26th:
Giddy Ups: Maarmadillo Monday with Mark Allan Atwood
Gruene Hall: john Arthur martinez
Luckenbach: Greg & Lisa – Touch of Gold Picker Circle
Tuesday, December 27th:
Angel’s IceHouse: The Trubuds
Gruene Hall: Slim Bawb
Luckenbach: Ben Beckendorf Picker Circle
River City Grille: Mike Blakely hosts Larry Nye’s Birthday Bash
Wednesday, December 28th:
Cheatham Street Warehouse: Kent Finlay’s Songwriters Circle
Giddy Ups: Open Mic Night
Gruene Hall: Jed Zimmerman, Zack Walther Band
Luckenbach: Richard Vidmer Picker Circle
Poodie’s Hilltop: No Bad Days Open Mic
River City Grille: Treaty Oak Bank Acoustic Night with john Arthur martinez
Thursday, December 29th:
Gruene Hall: Brandon Rhyder
Luckenbach: ShAnnie Picker Circle
Friday, December 30th:
Angel’s IceHouse: Mike Ryan
Billy’s Icehouse: The Pale Horses
Gruene Hall: An Evening with The Band of Heathens
Luckenbach: T-Roy & Candace Miller Picker Circle, Friday Night Dance with Kick a Boot Band
Midnight Rodeo, Austin: Whiskey Myers
Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo: J.B. & The Moonshiner Band
Saturday, December 31st (New Year’s Eve):
Albert Dance Hall: Sam Bentley Band
Anhalt Hall: Billy Mata New Years Dance
Floore’s Country Store: Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall: Jeff Strahan Band, New Years Eve with Cody Canada & The Departed
Luckenbach: Bill Lewis Piano Sessions, New Year’s Eve with Randy Brown
Uptown Marble Theater: Mike Blakely and others. A full evening of dining and dancing.
Posted in Odds and Ends | Comments Off
December 7th, 2010 TxMusicFan
Sunday the 5th, I decided I needed to make the hour-long drive to Liberty Hill to catch Awarding the Academy, a fund raising benefit for the Academy of Texas Music. It was a pure mindblowing experience from start to end for me.
First off, Sendero Event Center is a gorgeous venue, easy to find, lots of parking, spotless, and HUGE. If you easily want to have an event with 500-ish people, this is a great place.
The music was totally incredible. Shake Russell Trio was classic, Art and Lisa were great. Dewey Wayne and his band with Big John Mills never ever fails to delight. I had seen Jessica Shepherd in a song swap, but she is nothing short of show-stopping fantastic with her band. I didn’t even stay for the last band — I was on music overload by then.
When I found out that all of the musicians donated their time to be there.. to drive.. to perform.. I was stunned. And the harsh part? Hardly anybody else did. I was one of the few non-band-related people in the audience, and I wanted to cry. About 3 hours into they day, the prices on the tickets were dropped to $10, and still nobody came in. At one point, we had Dewey Wayne, Big John Mills and Lucky Boyd all on one stage! Had it not been for listening to Texas music over the Internet, I would have never known who these people were. I would have never considered driving for that hour to be so richly serenaded. I would have missed out on one of those true rare events of a lifetime. Dillon, you and your crew put on a great great show. I only wish more fans had decided to join us.
One thing I learned yesterday was just how much the Academy does for Texas. They don’t just do the TMAs every year — they work all year long for Texas music and musicians. A kid needs an instrument — the Academy helps match that kid up with the needed instrument. A musician needs help paying medical bills – the Academy helps. There are so many things they do, and they are a properly sanctioned charity, just like the American Cancer Society and Red Cross, except… your money stays in Texas and benefits Texans.
So, I have a huge two-part challenge for all of you. First, to the musicians. If you are even halfway serious about your music, are you a member? Why not? You don’t have to have a CD out to be a member, just be a performer. There are some cool perks to it. Best of all is the networking with other professionals. Want to know how to get your music to a wider audience? Just ask! What do you have to lose? Oh, membership is only $35 for the first year and $15 renewal. Oh, plus.. your CDs can be sold at MyTexasMusic.Com, both by the disc or track. Yes, if you have a CD out, you WANT to be a member so that your fans can nominate you and vote for you to win a TMA. You want to be a member so that the other Academy members get to hear your work and rave about how great you are. I would love to see every artist who visits or I list be a member.. seriously.
And for you avid music-loving fans… how many of you consider yourselves to be true fans of Texas music? Did you know that YOU can join the academy? Yep. The only skill needed is desire. You get pretty much the same benefits as the performers as far as discounts on tickets and voting but you just don’t get awards. I about died laughing when I was told I would have to listen to all the nominees. Such torture!! I joined yesterday, and believe me, I will be listening very close. I will make it a point to hear as many nominees live as possible, and not just their song clips. For us non-performers, it is a whole $30 per year. It really feels great. I put my money where my mouth is. I joined the Academy. How about you? If you want to wait until after Christmas, that is cool too. Just keep this worthy charity in mind. Remember, it helps keep our dollars in Texas and it helps our communities in so very many ways. Explore the Academy website, and tell me what you think…. (Just click on my shiny new logo that I wear so proudly now in the right side bar!)
Can we get 10 Fans and 10 Performers to join? I think we can, hands down.
Posted in Odds and Ends | Comments Off
September 15th, 2010 TxMusicFan
Here is yet another case of a musician having their gear stolen, and frankly it makes a good number of us quite ill. The latest victim is Nate Runkel, brand new to Texas, on his first night in Austin. He just got here from Iowa, just auditioned for a band, just moved into his new apartment. Apparently, he didn’t get his car unloaded fast enough. Someone stole the car along with all his gear.
Click on the image for a larger view. Nate’s bass is rare, and numbered. 1989 Rickenbacker 4003S “Blackstar” – #120 of 200 made for that year. It’s all black as shown in the picture, except the actual one has a chrome pickup cover over the bridge (bottom) pickup. Also stolen was a Line 6 LD300 combo amp.
If you have any news on this theft, please report it to your local law enforcement immediately. You don’t want any of Nate’s fellow musicians to find out about it first.
***********
Update — Nate’s guitar was found… on an auction site in Mexico. He will never get it back, though he tried. Don’t let your favorite musicians lose their tools. Keep your eyes open!
Posted in Odds and Ends | Comments Off
August 22nd, 2010 TxMusicFan
First off, I have to admit I love this band. I got to hear them live last fall and I seriously lost 40 years in the process. I was again a teenager at Jimi Hendrix’s concert back in Los Angeles. I kept hearing rumors of a CD in the works but never found anything else about it until today…..
Robert Johnson’s Soul has FINALLY released its CD, simply called “Robert Johnson’s Soul”, and it is another treat worth having on your CD shelf but only if you like your Texas Rock with a solid, driving blues edge. Robert Johnson is an incredible guitar player, reminding me of a blend of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn energized by raw Texas soul. His band is no slouch either featuring the solid drumming skills of Andre Avelar and the bass heartbeat of Dwight Davis. The music is throbbing, edgy, yet melodic and highly listenable. “Staring at the Sun” is downright beautiful and haunting and followed by the gut-wrenching blues of “Weight of the Lies”. My favorites so far are “Drop the Hammer” and “I Hear You Creepin’”.
This isn’t cover band stuff here — this is real, genuine, home-grown Texas Outlaw Blues at its very best. CD Baby has this in stock now — you can download individual tracks, or get the whole CD. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one!!
Posted in CD Reviews | Comments Off
May 9th, 2010 TxMusicFan
Live music shows out in the Hill Country are far more personal and intimate than any other city I have been in. When you go to most concerts, you are ushered into an auditorium and an assigned seat. The performers have a set list of songs that include their some of their latest releases plus all of their hits. They are so much like McDonald’s it is sad — the same from town to town and venue to venue. You never meet the musicians. They rush on the stage and off, surrounded by security and bodyguards. It is very cold and impersonal, even though you are sharing memories.
Here in Texas, things are very different. For one, we have a lot of tiny venues that might only hold 200 or so people. Our performers often know the names of every person in the room. They are our talented friends who really do care if we like their songs. Their CDs are not in every store in town, but you can almost always buy them autographed from the musicians themselves. A lot of our singer/songwriters perform in bands, yes, but they also do acoustic shows and song swaps without their full bands.
Singers with full bands can hide a lot behind their fellow musicians. They have each other to banter with, and more noise to fill the voids. A lot of our Texas songwriters do solo acoustic shows. These are very much like the old Unplugged series on MTV, where it is just the performer and his (or her) acoustic instruments. Not all songwriters are great at the patter or stories, and not all are great singers. These shows are always a delight because you never really know what to expect. For great examples, I can strongly suggest you tune into the Songwriters Showcase every Tuesday at Radio Free Texas. This live show is broadcast from a great steakhouse, and gives a solid hour of acoustic performances, often solo.
Several of the singer/songwriters also host open mikes. These should really need no introduction to most. I always consider it to be karaoke on steroids, as the brave souls who sign up to perform don’t have any machines to hide their stagefright behind. These gems can feature everyone from the drunk who thinks he can sing to very polished and nationally recorded performers who are testing out new material. Again, these are very personal and unique nights and always memorable. My favorite is the No Bad Wednesdays at Poodie’s. It’s close enough to Austin to draw a good crowd, and yet intimate enough for the novices to feel at home. I have heard some truly awesome performers here, ones I would pay to see. Runner up is the Open Mike with Mark at Spoke’s. A bit more homey and in a non-smoking environment, it is remote enough that most of the Austin crowd hasn’t found it yet. Gems include the 11 year old Anna McMillan with her Les Paul and Allen Wallace of the Southern Comfort Band. Recent guests have included john Arthur martinez playing newly finished songs. Sadly, Spoke’s closed at the end of June. Perhaps one day it will re-open?
One variation on the solo artist is the song swap. The Texamericana Series at the River City Grille in Burnet is a hybrid, starting off with a song swap between Johnny Greenberg of the Mystiqueros and Mike Blakely. They have a special guest every week that does a solo acoustic performance. Song swaps are just what name implies — each musician in the swap does a song. Sometimes they will harmonize with each other, or help each other out. It’s always interesting to see how the chemistry between the performers works out. Many of the singer/songwriters in this area know and respect each other, so the banter can really get flowing.
One of the best things about these shows is that they are free. The performers do appreciate the tips, but… there is never a cover charge for these evenings of spontaneous music. Catch one if you can, I do guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Posted in Odds and Ends | Comments Off
April 5th, 2010 TxMusicFan
The Lost Immigrants are a very popular band out in the Texas Hill Country where they spin their tales of life among the softly rolling hills and beautiful countryside. The music is fun and twangy, memorable and bouncy. This is the kind of music you want to listen to while you are out tubing with your friends on the rivers or enjoying a warm summer afternoon by the lake. You can play this one for your friends that don’t like “Country” music and know they will be picking up on the rock pulses. Everyone will definitely enjoy the laid back energy and find their toes tapping right along if not outright dancing.
This anxiously awaited sophomore release from this tight band will be a pure delight to their fans and is a solid follow-up to 2009′s Baptized. Right from the relaxed rock beat of “Song to Sing” to the hard-driving rhythm of “Rollin’ On”, Lost Immigrants deliver a delicious plate of musical treats that will satisfy your need for mellow, country-flavored rock. They will let you catch your breath on the slightly slower paced “AM Radio” and “Red Leather Dress”, but do be prepared to party on with this CD. The only song they have not written themselves is “Below” from Slaid Cleaves. The lyrics are thoughtful and poignant while the instrumentation gets playful at times. All in all, this is a must-have CD for everyone’s collection.
The CD is in stock at Lonestar Music, where you can also listen to clips.
Posted in CD Reviews | Comments Off
April 1st, 2010 TxMusicFan
Agave from The Mystiqueros
Agave is the brand new release from Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros, and it has been well worth the wait and a great followup to Diamonds In The Sun. The CD opens with a solid rocking anthem, “I Will Not Make It Through” that really sets the stage for an incredible journey. The trip will take you through tender love songs, upbeat melodies, and heart-wrenching blues delivered by a powerhouse band with three solid singers that blend their individual voices into a whole new dimension. As beautiful as they can be together, each one has a personality of their own that shines – Johnny Greenberg’s tender wistfulness, Walt Wilkins’ humble smokiness, and Bill Small’s surprising passion. Don’t overlook the heartbeat of the band – Ray Rodriguez!
One thing about this CD – it wasn’t recorded by a bunch of studio musicians that barely know each other. This is the Mystiqueros themselves with a few guests sitting in for some nice touches. It’s a great snapshot of this band with their tight harmonies, solid musical talents, gifted songwriting, and very existence as a cohesive unit. So many CDs don’t sound at all like the live performances. Agave *IS* the band captured at their best and is so very close to their live shows that you can close your eyes and see the singers and feel their combined energies.
John Greenberg’s “Porcelain Heart” is a wonderfully tender love song set to a reggae-type beat. The driving beat of “You’ve Got A Way” will be on an upcoming episode of Friday Night Lights, but easily stands on its own as a rocking love song. If you are looking for a beautiful bluesy hymn, you will want to listen to “Miss” – a bluesy love song written by Jimmy Davis and delivered with raw emotion by Bill Small. The harmonies on this one are gorgeous! Believe me, each and every track will bring a smile to your face.
I can easily go on and on, but the very best thing you can do is buy this CD for yourself and give it a listen. This is easily one of the best CDs of the year, and it will certainly be a favorite of mine. Excellent masterpiece, guys!!
(As a side note – this is the All Access Album of the Month on RadioFreeTexas. All subscribers who are paid by April 14th will get this awesome CD as part of their subscription package. It truly doesn’t get any better!)
Posted in CD Reviews | Comments Off
January 2nd, 2010 TxMusicFan
Walt Wilkins had this custom-made guitar stolen December 23rd from the Saxon Pub in Austin. How low do you go to steal a priceless instrument, right before Christmas from one of the kindest musicians in the area? Click on the thumbnail above to see a larger picture. Help get the word out and get this instrument back into the hands of the rightful owner!!
Update… it is now almost 5 months after this theft, and this guitar has yet to surface. Whoever has taken this must feel the need to show it off and brag, don’t you think? If anyone hears anything about this, Walt would love to see America come home to him. Please keep your eyes and ears open.
Posted in Odds and Ends | 1 Comment »
December 10th, 2009 TxMusicFan
This is the much anticipated and talked about initial CD from a long time musician, and his first in a decidely country vein. It features 10 original songs varying from tender ballads to full out rocking anthems. It is also not a CD full of the typical country cliches, either. Instead it is a fun, rollicking ride through the life of a professional musician who has a great sense of humor and can certainly laugh at himself. Mark Allan Atwood may have spent the better part of 20 years as a heavy metal rocker but his roots are definitely outlaw country and it is very evident both in his performance and style of writing.
For a laugh, listen to the playful “Full of It” or the wistful “Gonna Kill My Guitar” and catch glimpses of a musician’s life on the road. “Lonely Highway” is sad, pensive, and haunting all at the same time, filled with the pain and solitude. “Oakalla Road” is a gem of a song about a tiny road out in the Texas Hill Country, and is just plain beautiful with a lilting lead guitar riff from Robert Johnson and the piano work of Uncle Mitch Connell. For a solid, rocking anthem, don’t miss “Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde” – a regular request at all of Mark’s shows and favorite of the fans.
The musicians on this CD really make it stand out as an initial effort. You will find incredible, seamless lead guitar work from Robert Johnson (Robert Johnson’s Soul), Rhoades D’ablo (currently with the Mark Allan Atwood Band), Dennis Phillips (Redneck Jedi along with being the producer), Chris Reeves (john Arthur martinez as well as his own band), Tim Rozelle, as well as Mick McMillan and Wayne O’Neill. Keith Scroggins is solid on bass, with Johnny Reb Kelsey and Stephen Meyer providing a steady pulse on drums. Emmett Roch on dobro and pedal steel guitars and Dean Rimmer on banjo add elegant touches throughout the selections. You can’t ignore Mark’s harmonica playing, either.
The only criticism I have of this release is that it feels a bit short. For once I am faced with not quite having enough of a meal, and I want more. I have heard lesser CDs from other Texas bands and felt satisfied after a few cuts. On this one, even though I have heard all of these songs from this band live, I wanted to hear more and will look forward to their next release as much as I have this one. The maturity and growth of this band has been amazing to listen to, and I want to see where they go next!
Posted in CD Reviews | 1 Comment »
November 16th, 2009 TxMusicFan
This has to be one of the nicest places to spend an evening (or a day). Nestled in downtown Boerne (not far from San Antonio, Austin, or any point in the Hill Country), the Tin Roof Steakhouse has outstanding food, an attentive staff and a very relaxing atmosphere. With 20 delicious entrees under $20, you can enjoy an upscale meal at very reasonable prices. You don’t get just any hamburger here – you get Kobe beef. Each dish is lovingly prepared and simply fantastic. Ooh, and dogs are welcome on the patio — they even have kibble and bowls for water on hand. Just try to do all of that in San Antonio!!
The bar is a beautiful carved wooden showpiece set in a large lounge with a stage.. and that stage is where the music happens. This is the current home of the Songwriters Showcase, broadcast live on Radio Free Texas every Tuesday. Each week, you will have a chance to not only enjoy a fabulous meal, but get to hear outstanding singer-songwriters perform in a very intimate setting. These aren’t nobodys, either. The past guests have included Tres Womack, Walt and Tina Mitchell Wilkins, Jeff Strahan, john Arthur martinez, Adam Carroll, Owen Temple, Brian Burns, David Fenley… and so very many more. The acoustics are fantastic — you can dine in the front room and still enjoy the music from the back room without having to shout. And likewise, you can enjoy the music without all of the normal restaurant sounds.
So, grab someone special, and make it a point to visit the Tin Roof Steakhouse for a wonderful meal plus great live entertainment! It is SO worth the short drive!!
The Details:
Tin Roof Steakhouse
470 S. Main St. Boerne, Texas 78006
(830) 816-5011
Open 7 days with great specials
Posted in Odds and Ends, Venues | Comments Off
