Artwork by Frank Campagna

I’ve been in a real Americana/Roots/Texas Country mood as of late. Chock it up to way too many nights spent at The Cavern with the indie hipsters, or recently hangin’ out more wit’ my main man, The Knob.

Anyhoo, there are several durn fine shows if’n you are in the same mood as I…

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Saturday, October 13th
Adair’s
McKay Brothers
No Cover – 10ish

Rarely, if ever, will you walk out of Adair’s without a smile on your face. The joint is laid-back, serves a mean hamburger, and is usually central headquarters for some of the best in Texas, band-wise. Tonight is no exception. I’ve been a rabid McKay Brothers fan for many a year now. In fact, if you listened to any of my old shows on TexasRadio1 or the 24/7 stream I used to have on the old site, you’d have heard the McKay Brothers in continuous rotation.

The New York Times says,“Their authenticity is as welcome as a drive down a lonely road in a dusty pickup.”

The McKay Brothers, fifth generation Texans, grew up in the hills of Bandera County. Music became an inescapable part of their early lives. Hollin recalls “we used to sit on the banks of the Nueces river with our uncle playing songs ranging from the Beatles to George Jones. Our uncle’s feelings about music shaped a lot of what we write about.“

Noel McKayWhile still in in their teens both brothers started playing professionally. Noel’s first experience began in the honky-tonks and dance halls around Bandera. Hollin, at age16, joined his brother, playing such colorful places as San Antonio biker bars and rustic dives. Since then the McKay Brothers have shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, Charlie Robison and Robert Earl Keene.

Like those talented artists, the brothers have proven to be prolific songwriters. The process of developing their original material is at times unexpected. Noel explains, “Sometimes a song idea will come to you and you have to determine the best way to finish it. The goal is to make someone feel and believe in the experience you’re writing about.”

Hollin McKayCold Beer & Hot Tamales
In the fall of 2005 the McKay brothers completed a record with producer Lloyd Maines. This record gives the listener as true a feeling of the their live performances as can be captured on a CD. With Mark Patterson on drums, Corby Schuab on mandolin, Joel Guzman on accordion and Lloyd Maines at the helm, the result of this collaboration created a sound that is uniquely their own.

Cold Beer & Hot Tamales, captures the essence of true Texas Hill Country music. The songwriting explores a range of stories and emotions from cold and hot to refreshing and spicy. With an intriguing mixture of lyrics in both English and Spanish, they demonstrate their musical agility in material that moves from tender to humorous to satirical. The reverence the brothers show for the land and heritage of the people meanders like a river throughout the diverse tracks on this album. Immersed in the elusive beauty and complexity of the land that gave them birth, the spirit of the Hill Country has clearly shaped and influenced their music.

Before recording Cold Beer & Hot Tamales, the McKay Brothers songwriting was already much talked about. Legendary singer songwriter Guy Clark has been quoted as saying of the McKays, “They are enchanting and amazing.”

McKay BrothersA New York Times magazine, Style article by Paula Disbrowe, chronicled their life on the road along with a four page spread on Noel and Hollin.

You can find the brothers playing their favorite dance halls across the Hill country. There performances include national and international venues. Two of their most memorable shows were The Kerrville Folk Festival and the Blue Highways Festival in Utrecht, The Netherlands with Guy Clark, Adam Caroll and Hayes Carll.

The wide appeal of the brothers is reflected in the numerous glowing comments from their fans. “They have a unique Texas country style with great rhythms.” And other fans say, “Only 5 stars are available but these boys easily deserve way more stars than 5!” “Their songs will touch your heart, head and soul and make you laugh out loud.” “They are great to see and the music sticks with you.” “Tan suave! Enjoy los hermanos guapos!”

“Absolutely phenomenal” raves Ray Wylie Hubbard

“Acompañeme” by the McKay Brothers

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Saturday, October 13th
AllGood Cafe
Domino Kings

I’ve already gushed over the Domino Kings this week, but they’s just so gushworthy, so here’s more. Go see ‘em. Love them as they’ll love you right back.

he Domino Kings are the rockin’est country combo in the Midwest and prominent purveyors of a thriving Missouri roots-music sound. Led by master guitar twang-banger Stevie Newman, they garnered much praise for the three CDs they cut between 1999 and 2002 — Lonesome Highway, Life & 20, and The Back of Your Mind, all produced by Lou Whitney — from critics at such publications as USA Today, The Washington Post, Billboard, and Entertainment Weekly.

Now HighTone Records is releasing Some Kind of Sign, the Springfield, Missouri-based quartet’s fourth set of songs. The new Whitney-produced disc covers broad stylistic territory, from Bakersfield, California-inspired honky tonk to Lubbock, Texas-spiced rockabilly, all of it singed by the distinctive DK brand. The 11 tunes are originals, written by Stevie Newman, other group members, and close associates.

The Domino Kings’ music reflects Newman’s deep grounding in country music as a boy in rural Hickory County, Missouri. His mom listened to records by Merle Haggard, George Jones, Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, the Carter Family, and the Happy Goodmans on a daily basis. As a teenager, he began playing guitar on Opry-style concerts throughout Missouri, as well as for the Ginnings Sisters, a gospel-singing group made up of his mom and two aunts. He’s recorded six albums with the trio to date.

“We grew up on songs about God and killin’ and Jesus and mother and killin’,” he states.

Yet there was a time when Newman considered giving up on country music. “I was pretty discouraged with music in general in the ‘80s,” he says. He even thought about chucking music entirely and concentrating on sports. Then, in early 1987, he heard the Desert Rose Band, Highway 101, and Dwight Yoakam on the radio. “They were all hot California bands with hot guitar players playing loud Telecasters. That’s when I said, ‘Wait a minute. That’s cool.’” Other contemporary influences include the Paladins, Foster & Lloyd, the Wagoneers, Rodney Crowell, and Steve Earle.

The Domino Kings were launched in 1993 as a three-piece party band playing rockabilly, blues, country, surf music, and whatever else struck their fancy. By the time of their first recording, however, they’d honed their trademark rockin’ country sound. The band now averages around 200 live dates per year and has headlined festivals in France and Holland.

Some Kind of Sign is the first CD to feature the band’s current personnel. Newman is heard on lead and rhythm guitars, lap steel, and lead vocals. Drummer Les Gallier, a member since 1998, also plays guitars and sings leads. Richie Rebuth makes his disc debut with the band on Some Kind of Sign; he’s the only member who doesn’t sing, but he gives the Domino Kings a double whammy of guitar pyrotechnics by alternating leads, solos, and even phrases within solos with Newman. Recent addition David Sowers completes the lineup on upright and electric basses and vocals.

“While lots of bands sing about faithless women, getting even, and going back for more,” Alanna Nash wrote in Entertainment Weekly, “few do it with as much style as the Domino Kings.”

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Saturday, October 13th
Sons of Hermann
Everything is Possible 2007
2 PM

This little shindig starts at 2 PM and it’s chock full of artists and bands from around the globe. Musical genres range from Country to Blues to Metal to Electronica…I figure you’ll hear it all. Everything is Possible 2007 is an all day/all night musical event in a unified effort to raise positive awareness of Hepatitis C.

Debbullan presents an all day, all night Music Festival benefiting a great cause. Country, Blues, Rock, Grunge, Alternative, Electro, Metal – we got it all! Featuring Austin’s Zak Perry Band along with Post Oak Savannah, Nine Month Fall, The Young Guns, and more including musicians from Belgium, Spain and Mexico. The full line up is posted at Debbullan.org. Show starts at 2:00 PM and Son’s kitchen will be open. Under age okay.

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Saturday, October 13th
Opening Bell
Dallas GoGirls Music Music Fest
5:30 PM – $5

If I wasn’t doin’ the Kettle Art/Deep Ellum Sellum thang, then I’d like to attend the 2007 Dallas GoGirls Music Fest. I’ve been a longtime admirer of founder Madalyn Sklar and I continue to have great respect for all she continues to do for women in music. The party tonight is at Opening Bell, so you know it’ll be a fun, laid-back night and you’ll be able to find a good parking spot, free of charge.

My girl Annette Conlon (NetteRadio) is performing, along with another FineLineFave, Annie Benjamin, and a host of other talented ladies coming in from sea to shining sea. It’s only 5-bucks and benefits Operation Kindness, and for that, I’m going to drop by and plop down my 5-bucks even though I can’t stay for the show.

8th Annual GoGirlsMusicFest Benefiting Operation Kindness

GoGirlsMusic.com is proud to present the 8th annual GoGirlsMusicFest, this year benefiting animal friendly charities and organizations. We are proud to announce that Operation Kindness is the official beneficiary for Dallas, TX.

Operation Kindness (www.operationkindness.org) was founded in 1976 and is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. They are a nonprofit animal welfare organization that cares for homeless or unwanted cats and dogs in a no-kill environment. They never euthanize an animal to make room for another. They care for all the animals they take in until they are adopted.

2007 Tour Dates

Austin, TX
Bridgeport, CT
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Houston, TX
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Louisville, KY
Milwaukee, WI
Nashville, TN
Oakland, CA
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Wilmington, NC

About GoGirlsMusicFest
Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, created GoGirlsMusicFest, a series of annual showcase events across the United States. The festival promotes independent women in music while supporting various charities which have included MusiCares, Rock n Roll Camp for Girls, American Liver Foundation, Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation and more. Since 2000, over 85 all-volunteer run shows have taken place throughout the U.S.

About the Dallas Showcase
This year the Dallas Showcase will benefit Operation Kindness, the largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. Annette Conlon from NetteRadio/Eden Automatic is the Dallas Coordinator (5 years running!) and adopted her cat Sophia from Operation Kindness! For more information about the Dallas Event email ggmf@netteradio.com

About GoGirlsMusic.com
GoGirls is about promoting and empowering Indie women in music! Since 1996, GoGirlsMusic.com has dedicated itself to bringing together independent women musicians from around the country through networking and events. More info at www.gogirlsmusic.com

About Our Show:
Doors open at 5:30pm!
Information on Dallas Event:
What: Dallas GoGirlsMusicFest 2007 Benefiting Operation Kindness
Where: Opening Bell Coffee
When: Saturday Oct 13 2007
Cost: $5.00

We will also have a slide show from Operation Kindness and a NOISY AUCTION!! Bring your cash & checkbook!!!

VOLUNTEERS:

The Dallas GoGirlsMusicFest is looking for volunteers and assistance with the following items.

* American Airline Miles Donation so that I can come to the event!!! (LAX-DFW)
* Printing – for posters/flyers/handbills
* Postering – just a bit of your time!
* Raffle/Auction Donation Items
* Volunteers to work the event the day of the show (Merch Table and Door)

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More excellent choices for tonight’s listening….

Bend Studio – Adam Carroll / Stayton Bonner – (so much creamy goodness all in one room) – 7:30 PM – $20

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Love & War in Plano – blacktopGYPSY (muy bueno!) – $8

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Cuervo Acres House Concert – Jay Johnson (a looongtime FineLineFave, you’ll love him too) – 7:30 PM – $12 – “Jane.mp3″ by Jay Johnson

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White Elephant – Mo Robson Band – 2:00 PM Early Show and it’s Free!

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Woody’s Tavern – Freakin’ Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash / Stephanie Briggs – (MUST GO!) – 9 or 10ish

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Fred’s – Hank Hankshaw – 6 PM – $3

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