Saturday night was simply splendid. If you made the mistake of not attending the Hopelessly Devoted film-a-palooza at Kettle Art, then you be a fool. Danny kept me out of trouble, dammit. But the night was still a great one.

Frank Campagna, Hal Samples, Tiffany Kieran, Mark Birnbaum, Alan Govenar, Henry Miner, Justin Gladd, Kevin Nash, Christine Riccardi, Amy Talkington and the rest laid out a retrospective (and a look forward) of Deep Ellum that, literally, brought a tear to my eye. I’m most certain this will happen again, and when it does, it would behoove you to be there.

Star sightings Saturday night included: Jeff Liles, Roy Ivy, Laura Palmer, Jason Roberts, Cari Weinberg, Hal Samples, Tiffany Kieran, Alison Welch, Treble Phone, Dave Willingham, Sam Romero, Jonanna Widner and of course the ever-cute-as-a-button Ms. Grimey.

“We are All” by Aton

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Jayson Bales & the Revival Live at Poor David’s Pub

Yesterday I did muster up the energy to head to all points south…South Side on Lamar, that is, for the Rusty Wier Benefit. I didn’t have much time to spend there though, as the girl-child was heading back to college and I wanted to sob gently in her arms while telling her to wear her seatbelt and don’t talk to strangers and look both ways before crossing the street and….well, you get the gist.

However, I was lucky enough to catch Jayson Bales & the Revival on stage. I tried to capture an entire video of at least one full song, but folks kept coming up, standing directly in front of my camera and demanding to chat. However, the above video offers up a taste of Jayson’s forthcoming album.

David Card plucked me out of the crowd to be a judge for the chili cookoff, which was a mistake on several levels. For one, it wasn’t until after my 4th tasting that I realized I’m supposed to be a vegetarian this month. Heh. Oops. For two, we had to go from table to table tasting the meated stuff, which meant getting the sales pitch from each contestant. You know me, for the most part I fell for the cooks more than the food. Take a gander at my notes below, take note of my excellent penmanship:

I had to skedaddle before the winner was announced, so don’t ask me who won, cuz I just don’t know.

Ronny Spears’ band was spectacular. I haven’t seen him perform live in years, therefore doing myself a great disservice. I was chili-judgin’ during his set, otherwise there would be pictures and/or video. Next time.

Maren Morris Live at Poor David’s

My-o-my have those precious Morris girls grown. Makes an old woman feel even older. I was lucky enough to catch about 1/4 of Maren Morris’ set (the girl-child was calling relentlessly pleading for me to get my arse home). I managed, yet again, at least a snippet of Maren’s set. (above) I was really disappointed that I didn’t get to see Maren’s sister Karsen perform with her. Karsen is my girl! Next time.

I heard rumors that Rusty was going to make an appearance, but I’m not sure of that either. Also, I think I saw Joe Pat Hennen heading down the street towards P.D.’s when I left. He may have been the “surprise guest.” And I, of course, missed it. Next time.

Poor David’s was a pleasure, even though it was really crowded. The staff was outstanding, the wine nice and chilled and David was in very good form. I’ll be hangin’ there a lot this year.

A few lousy pics:

The Chili Contestants

The Crowd

Jayson Bales

Maren Morris

Star sightings: Texas Trevor, Tina and Scott, Kate Mackley (who shot pictures, so hopefully we’ll get to see ‘em), Tommy Alverson, *possibly* Joe Pat Hennen.

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Bonus Buy: Weekend Wrap

1. I got to spend some time with Bill Wisener. I love him dearly. Go and visit.

2. I love Danny even more than I did yesterday.

3. I have a new-found loathing for the tamborine.

4. I’m going to stalk Troy Gardner. Someone warn him, quickly.