Artwork by Frank Campagna

There are lots of loverly things happ’nin’ ’round the Lone Star State this weekend. You all know the usual places to go for the best bet show tips, so I’ll just toss out a few of my own suggestions – take ‘em or leave ‘em…

Thursday, January 11th

AllGood Cafe
The Neil Youngsters shall wow you whilst you dine on the muy deliciouso King Ranch Chicken. These bands are made up from the talented youngsters who fill the rooms of Zounds-Sounds, a place where they learn and experience music from the likes of Marc & Mary Solomon, Chris Holt, Steve Duncan, Corey Rozzoni, Eric Neal, and several other local rock stars…

Photo by Lindsay Graham

The kids who take music lessons from Marc Solomon don’t have recitals. They have concerts. Recitals require stiff suits and taffeta dresses, church manners and minor anxiety attacks. But these kids wear whatever they want–torn T-shirt, faded jeans, a tie if they’re feelin’ it. Backstage, in between their performances, the kids chat about the show, the vibe, give each other pats on the back. It’s not exactly a paying gig. But for a group of pre-pubes who arrived in the back seat of their parents’ minivans, it ain’t bad.

Thirty-seven-year-old guitar teacher Solomon calls these regular concerts for parents and other camera-toting parties “The Rock Show.” They’re relaxed and casual: wine for the adults, Rice Krispies treats for the kids. The evening’s set list alternates between finger-picked classics and all-out rockers guaranteed to please, anything from the Beatles to Green Day, from Elvis Presley to U2. Back when I was a kid taking piano lessons, our dreaded yearly performances were as nerve-wracking and solemn as a first communion. Not here: This is the kind of place where a 9-year-old once sang the most amazingly tongue-in-cheek version of the Fountains of Wayne MILF anthem, “Stacy’s Mom,” to a great deal of (adult) hooting and hollering. At 10 p.m. or so, when the show has wrapped, the kids are usually spent, lying across fold-out chairs. But it’s not unusual to see a mom on her feet for the finale, throwing devil horns in the air….Read the rest – Dallas Observer – April 2005 by Sarah Hepola

Thursday, January 11th
8 p.m.
$5.00 Cover

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Friday, January 12th

Good Records
I can honestly say that I’ve yet to meet another human as enthusiastic and excited about music as one C.J. Davis. C.J. is the energy behind Good Records and he’s gotta lotta musical knowledge stored up in that brain of his as well. So it’s only fitting that we all gather together on Friday, January 12th at Good Records to celebrate the beginning of C.J.’s 4th decade. I feel as though he’s giving us a gift, what with the excellent bands who are coming to perform on this day of celebration:

Mom / The Octopus Project / Pilotdrift / Treewave

Those of you whom I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with at various Good Records in-stores know that it’s important to get there early if’n you wanna partake in the free beer and vittles. I’ll see you there – and don’t forget the birthday gifts…

“Elephant Island” by Pilotdrift

Friday, January12th
8 p.m.
Free

Singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Kristy Kruger tragically lost her big brother in the War in Iraq back in November of 2006. Friday night join Kristy and her family at Opening Bell (formerly Standard and Pours) to celebrate the life of Lt. Col. Eric John Kruger – and to comfort his family left behind. Kristy will perform, as will Jon Randall. The concert is free, but they are encouraging donations of $10.00 that will go towards Lt. Col. Kruger’s wife and 4 children.

A personal note from Kristy…”for my brother Eric John Kruger who was killed in Iraq Nov. 2nd 2006. This day is his birthday. Please come down so myself and my family can feel something joyful on his birthday. It will be a tough day for us all. We will pass a donation jar, portions which will go to a fund for his children. My brother left behind four children, and his wife Sara. If you are unable to make the show and in a financial position to do so, please consider making a donation to my brother’s memorial fund. Any amount is fine and all contributions are greatly appreciated.” Make payable to “The Memorial Fund for Children of LTC Eric Kruger” The Memorial Fund for Children of LTC Eric Kruger 4850 Langdale Way Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Lt. Col. Eric John Kruger Remembered Courtesy of NPR

Friday, January 12th
8:30 PM

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Saturday, January 13th

A delightful new exhibit shall kick-off on Saturday, January 13th at the glorious Kettle Art Gallery.

Texas Art from Private Collections
Works by Past and Present Masters
Opening reception Saturday, January 13, 2007
7:00 – 10:00
featuring works by:
Jerry Bywaters
Alexandre Hogue
Coreen Mary Spellman
Forrest Bess
Willam Lester
Everett Spruce
Vera Barnett
David Bates
Perry Nichols
Bert Long
Barney Delabano

curated by Kirk Hopper
Show runs through February 3, 2007

Saturday, January 13th
7 p.m.

The Double-Wide
You can never, ever, ever, ever, ever, infinity go wrong with the decision to attend a Spitfire Tumbleweeds performance. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance, you’ll drink, you’ll most likely even get lucky.

It you thought a Weeds trip from little d to BIG D was all you could possibly ask for, then gander this my darlings – it’s FREE! Like no charge! The fine fine folks at the Double-Wide are throwing a little customer appreciation party and I highly encourage you to take full advantage of their kindness. Want more? Then how’s about a dose of Lo-Fi Chorus too!

Friday, January 12th
10 p.m.
Free

“Dead Skunk” by Spitfire Tumbleweeds

Barley House
The American Werewolf Academy shows are too sparse and irregular to take a chance on missing an opportunity to see ‘em live. I promise happiness and a feeling of immense satisfaction during the show and lingering well into next week. Here’s the lowdown:

The Lemurs / American Werewolf Academy / Sparklepussy Barbie

“The Good Time Kids.mp3 by American Werewolf Academy

Saturday, January 13th
8 p.m.
Free

The Moon Bar
Goodwin. What more is there to say? Never, ever miss a Goodwin show. My Muffy will be there with a bass strapped to his adorable self. Also, scheduled in da hizzy, another Fine Line fave, Sunward – sweet.

Goodwin “Airport”

“Morning After” by Sunward

Saturday, January 13th
9 p.m.
$5.00

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More great shows this weekend can be had at:
Adair’s
Darkside Lounge
Sons of Hermann
The Cavern
Granada Theater
Dan’s Silverleaf
J&J’s Pizza
Rubber Gloves
Secret Headquarters
Wreck Room

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I’ll be headin’ south on I-35 this weekend, and after a little diggin’ around, I found loads of good shows along the way that are close to home:

Waterloo Ice House (Austin – Friday, January12th) – Jimmy Baldwin / Clay Pendergrass

“Ganja Girl” by Jimmy Baldwin

“The Dubliner” by Clay Pendergrass

Momo’s (Austin – Saturday, January 13th) – Josh Goode / Sorta

“85 Feet and Falling” by Sorta

“Sadder Man” by Josh Goode Band

Texas Tea & Coffee (McGregor – Saturday, January 13th) – Clay Pendergrass

The Red Room (San Antonio – Saturday, January 13th) – Taylor Davis / Johnny Goudie