Well hell. Scott Porter informed me on Thursday night that this coming Saturday, May 3rd, marks the last performance for Spitfire Tumbleweeds. I guess this explains their un-returned emails about a show I was trying to book. Crap. The ‘Weeds is one of my very favorite bands. A band made up of some of my very favorite musicians. Musicians involved in other projects and other bands. Musicians who are doing things like getting married and working real jobs and having kids and trying to maintain their multiple bands. I suppose I understand that the ‘Weeds had to make decisions…I understand…but I don’t like it.
I know where to find most of these boys…but I’m still gonna miss them all together – Scott Porter / Kody Jackson / Cory Ward / Alex Maples / Justin Collins / Aaron White / Warren Jackson Hearne / Paul Slavens / Will Kapinos…and sometimes a few others.
“Dead Skunk” by Spitfire Tumbleweeds
So please join me on Saturday for their finale kick-yo’-ass all over the place show. Plus, it’s a big, fun Mud Bug Boil with other tremendous bands and all for a good cause. The money raised will go directly to five different charities, Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home and Denton County Friends of the Family are the targeted charities. Donations will also be made to AIDS Services of North Texas, Mean Green Club and Mothers of Multiples.
Where: Life in Deep Ellum, 2803 Taylor Street, Dallas, TX, 75226; featuring Live At Mokah venue, Mokah Art Gallery and the Mokah Coffee Bar
Time: 2:00pm-9:00pm
Tickets: $7 regular admission (available online at www.liveatmokah.com, at the M2S2 booth at Good Records on April 19 or at the door; if bringing alcohol per beverage policy, an additional fee of $3 will be charged at the door with proper ID)
$10 if bringing limited alcohol — beer or wine, see beverage policy at www.liveatmokah.com in the Blog section (available at Good Records on April 19 or at the door)
In the venue:
Dave Little, MC
Flat People, 3:00-3:30
Airline, 3:45-4:15
Jayson Bales Band, 4:30-5:00
Miles From Nowhere, 5:15-5:45
Salim Nourallah & The Noise, 6:00-6:30
The Slack, 6:45-7:15
Smile Smile, 7:30-8:00
Bridges and Blinking Lights, 8:15-8:45
“Life in a Split Second” by Salim Nourallah
In the lounge:
“Club Dada Afternoon Open Mic” with Jenn Nabb – Times TBD and more artists to be added to the following: Something at the Wheel (brand new duo), Taylor Davis, Blue Petal, Camille Cortinas (from Fishing For Comets), Rahim Quazi
Additional Notes:
o During 15-minute venue set breaks, Cindy Chaffin of The Fine Line will be moderating discussions of the Dallas music scene with industry leaders in the venue.
o We’ve invited Club Dada, which hosts an Open Mic with Jenn Nabb on Sundays, to host an afternoon Open Mic to include staggered sets in the Mokah Coffee Bar lounge beginning the last five minutes of each venue set and extend through the 15-minute break when the summit discussions are taking place in the venue. Everyone is encouraged to head over to Club Dada at the end of M2S2 for the continuation of Open Mic with Jenn Nabb and 10% of all bar sales at Club Dada that evening will be donated to the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation/Life in Deep Ellum organizations.
o We have a few surprises in store that followers of the Dallas music scene don’t want to miss!
o A limited preview of pieces for the May 1 “MUSIC in the LIFE of carter” art exhibit and fundraiser to be held in the Mokah Art Gallery will be on display.
o By end of day tomorrow, www.m2s2community.com should be back up with latest info and continuing updates thru Saturday. Due to date change logistics and other priority items, the revised site has been delayed.
DALLAS, TEXAS (April 11, 2008) – The inaugural Mokah Music Summit and Showcase (M2S2) co-hosted by Life in Deep Ellum and the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation has been moved to Sunday, April 20, from 3:00-9:00 p.m. Originally scheduled for April 19, M2S2 officials decided to move its event after discovering the magnitude of a date conflict with “National Record Store Day” celebrations at nearby Good Records on Lower Greenville. The event takes place at Life in Deep Ellum’s multi-faceted facility located at 2803 Taylor Street in Deep Ellum.
The move has been endorsed by participants in both the summit and showcase and required only slight adjustments to the actual structure of the event. Frozen Fire Films (www.frozenfirefilms.com), a tenant of the Life in Deep Ellum facility, provided a financial donation earlier in the week to help facilitate some costs of the date change.
“Good Records is an important resource for local music followers and supporters in Dallas and M2S2 has been created as a way to build community among the local music scene,” said Mike Biggs, operations director of Life in Deep Ellum and M2S2 event director. “Despite many efforts to communicate our intentions well in advance, we unfortunately discovered too late the April 19 plans for an all-day local music event at Good Records featuring much of the same community. This created a situation where Dallas music fans and supporters would have to choose between two great events and numerous local bands instead of celebrating the spirit behind both events.
“After listening to feedback from the music community, we felt the best way to show our support for the Dallas music scene was to do everything possible to move our event to the 20th. Chris Penn (manager of Good Records) has given us a booth at Good Records to sell tickets for M2S2 and discuss Life in Deep Ellum and the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation and the commitment to the local music scene of both non-profit organizations. In the end, I think it makes both events stronger.”
The showcase portion of M2S2 will no longer include unsigned bands competing for prizes alongside feature band sets, but instead showcase a variety of artists in both the Live At Mokah concert space and Mokah Coffee Bar lounge space. Committed bands and artists now include: Bridges & Blinking Lights, Airline, Smile Smile, Jayson Bales Band, Miles From Nowhere, The Slack, Salim Nourallah & The Noise, Blue Petal, Rahim Quazi, Something at the Wheel, Flat People, Ramonalisas, Annie Benjamin and Taylor Davis. The entire event will be MC’d by local comedian and music scene supporter, Dave Little. Full schedule and band updates will be posted all next week at www.m2s2community.com as they develop.
The summit portion of M2S2 featuring music industry leaders from all parts of the Dallas music scene will now occur during 15-minute set breaks between venue acts and encourage interaction among music fans and officials. Cindy Chaffin of The Fine Line (www.finelinelive.com) will moderate the discussions and provide webcast coverage on her site of the entire day’s events and performances. More details can be found at www.m2s2community.com and www.finelinelive.com early next week.
Among the discussion points will be the Carter Albrecht Award and how to best honor a recipient annually at M2S2. The award symbolizes the passion and talent of the late Carter Albrecht and his commitment to furthering Dallas as a destination city for music and a viable place for the artist creating the music.
Will Call tickets are $7 and available online at www.m2s2community.com or www.liveatmokah.com and can also be purchased at the Good Records event on the 19th. An additional $3 fee (normally $5) will be added to the price for those wishing to bring limited amounts of beer or wine (see venue beverage policy at www.liveatmokah.com in the Blog section).
In addition to the event on April 20, Life in Deep Ellum and the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation will host an art fundraiser on Thursday, May 1, for both organizations titled “Music in the Life of Carter” and featuring music-themed works of art. The event is open to the public and more information can be found at www.m2s2community.com/art. Some of the pieces of art for sale at the May 1 event will be on display at M2S2.
Life in Deep Ellum (www.lifeindeepellum.com), founded by Executive Director Tony Fundaro in 2006, is a non-profit cultural center built for the artistic, social, economic and spiritual benefit of Deep Ellum and its residents, supporters and visitors. By virtue of Deep Ellum’s historical influence on the city of Dallas and its culture, the center, by extension, serves the greater Metroplex and growth of culture in Dallas. The facility features Mokah Coffee Bar (open M-F from 7-10am, Sundays from 9:00-11:15am and for all events); the Mokah Art Gallery (spacious art gallery featuring new exhibits every six weeks); the Live At Mokah concert space (1,000 capacity) with high quality sound and lighting systems; Deep Ellum Kids which hosts an after-school mentoring program for at-risk kids; and The Gathering which meets on Sunday mornings as a spiritual community serving Deep Ellum.
The Carter Albrecht Music Foundation (www.carteralbrechtmusicfoundation.org) is dedicated to the growth and betterment of music in Dallas by offering assistance in education, developing skills and improving the quality of life of its musicians. Strategies include: provide support and funds to local musicians and groups to realize their musical potential, quality instruments to individuals and groups to improve the quality of their recordings and performances and scholarships to talented and deserving youth to help them achieve their dreams; coordinate with other programs to support the quality of life for musicians for personal health and financial guidance; utilize the contacts and goodwill of musicians who worked with and knew Carter to help all musicians meet their musical goals; and work with city and county agencies to foster a positive environment for musicians and the venues in which they perform.
Hunter was just askin’ me what my weekend music plans were and I couldn’t remember the show I stuck in the back of my head, then promptly forgot. Thankfully, Geoff Johnston threw-down an interview (and reminded me of that show) with my long time love, American Werewolf Academy…I been wonderin’ where those boys be hidin’….
You’d be hard-pressed to find more viscerally efficient rock songs than those assembled by American Werewolf Academy.
A typical AWA song behaves like the ill-mannered mutant stepchild of a drunken bar band sing-along and a soaring arena rock anthem. It’s 1960s Texas psych-rock, ’70s guitar crunch and ’80s college-radio jangle compacted into commercial break-sized nuggets.
While singer-guitarist Aaron Thedford serves as head Werewolf in charge, it’s the sum of its parts that make AWA such a fun and ferocious group. The rhythm section boasts fine local-music pedigrees. Drummer Tony Harper (the Drams, Slobberbone) and bassist Jake Barnhart (Little Grizzly, Raised by Tigers) provide ample architecture for Thedford’s lumbering rock ‘n’ roll beast.
Currently at work recording the follow-up to 2005′s Tell Them Right Now!, Thedford brought us up to date on the state of the Academy in an e-mail interview. READ!
I really love this band. I used to end my webcasts with this song.
Be sure to stop by and say hey to Hunter and check out his Liner Notes. ED. NOTE: The Mokah Summit Showcase Hunter mentions, has been moved to Sunday, April 20th so we can all enjoy and support the day at Good Records on Saturday.
This Tuesday night at Nine, the Deep Ellum Enrichment Project will be meeting at Excuses (Formally Club One), 3025 Main Street. Please come out to get the lowdown on upcoming events in Deep Ellum. Most notably the DEEP art walk Sat. night 6-11pm.
SAVE OUR CITY is written and performed by the Theatre Outreach Collective at Collin College. We are very excited to host our first play/musical at the new Good Records. They have been wanting to perform it in different, unusual locales. We are lucky enough to be one such place.
The synopsis is below:
When all hope seems lost two teenagers team together to challenge
the leaders of a town filled with oppressive ideals. Save Our City
follows Dylan and Ducky as they start a social and political revolution against Mayor Lenin, The Council, and a society filled with citizens who blindly follow the town’s overbearing commandments
There’s this kid. This kid from Round Rock, Texas, kinda the Plano of Austin. So anyway, this kid has got a voice like that of Sam Cooke or James Brown. This kid can also play a mean guitar. Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears. Write it down….no…wait…you won’t have to cuz they’s a’gonna be famous, in a matter of minutes…
I bring up this magnificent young band, not only cuz you need to know about ‘em, but also because they’s a’comin’ our way and you need to be there. Luckily, Constant Artists signed Black Joe Lewis back in January, so Lewis joins the ranks alongside some other huge FineLineLiveFaves such as Explosions in the Sky, Mates of State, Okkervil River, I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness and The Paper Chase…just to name a few.
So here’s the dealio:
Saturday, April 5th Granada Theater
Sarah Jaffe / Black Joe Lewis / Okkervil River Purchase Tickets
Miss this, don’t show your face ’round here no’mo’.
Tonight Dallas can come out and bid a fond farewell to a dude who has been a strong force in the local music community for a long-ass time. Marcus Striplin has done decided leave us to join the ranks of music-types in New York. Frankly, I’m jealous. So Pleasant Grove will play one final show in Dallas before we lose Marcus to the great northeast…and they’s bringing some damn good friends wit’em.
Those of you who can’t make it out tonight, not to worry loves, The Fine Line will webcast (live video streaming) the whole shindig, free of charge, right to your computer screens. We go live tonight around 8 PM.
The down-lo….
Friday, March 7th Sons of Hermann
Pleasant Grove / Doug Burr / The Drams
8 PM
Today, whilst driving the boy-child to school, he inquired as to my departure date for SXSW, to which I replied “March 13th, por que?” He says, “cuz that’s like next week.” Next week??? How the hell did that happen?
So with the exception couple of exceptional local shows this weekend, I’ll be in pre-SXSW mode. One thing you can count on fersure, even if you ain’t making the trek to Austin this year, you can still catch a buttload of excellent shows in the coming days. Lots of great bands make a stop in DdFW on their way to Austin. It’s going to be a whirlwind of music. I’ll hip you to the who, what’s when’s and where’s later on. But first….
Even if the boys in Red Monroe didn’t create and perform some of the best music in the world, I’d still love each and every one of them. They are good people. The music is a plus…
Friends,
Recently I was struggling a little with why we, as a band, continue to do what we do. It’s hard sometimes, having such passion for something but feeling like that thing might never be recognized or even heard by most people, and might not be understood or liked by others. I was talking to my wife about this, and she said something that I think hit the mark: People who create art sincerely, with a desire to put something true and good out into the world, love to create it. But they also have an overwhelming desire to share it, to give it to others. I think she’s right.
Red Monroe creates songs for ourselves. We love our songs. They move us. They challenge our own tastes, and creating and performing them challenges our talents. Our material comes from a sincere place. But coupled with that is the desire to share that music with as many people who will listen.
I included you on this email because, over the past three-and-a-half years, you have supported us in our goal of “getting the music out.” You’ve either been to all of our shows, handed our cds out to your friends, or written about us on your blog – good or bad. I want to thank you on behalf of all the guys, and I want to ask for your continued support.
Today, the band leaves for our first trip to New York City. We’ve been invited by several folks to play a handful of shows. I’m attaching the schedule of the shows and I’m asking you to consider sending the information to any friends, families, crazy uncles…anyone who may be interested in watching 5 fun-loving guys throw beer on each other on stage in a big city…all the while rocking faces off with really great “music.” I’m also attaching a song we demo’d recently that I can’t get out of my head.
We are excited about the future of our little rag-tag group. We hope it can continue as long as there are folks who want to hear our music, because we sure love creating it. Thank you for your support.
Oh…and please don’t reply-all to this email…it would be weird. Trust me. Oh…enjoy the song!
Red Monroe is heading up to the Big Apple and I’m quite sure will knock the socks off that freezing cold city. It’s a sure thang. So take note of upcoming dates:
29 Feb 2008 – Knitting Factory – w/Akudama, Holy Trinity River New York, New York
29 Feb 2008 – Galapagos Art Space – w/Sigmund Droid Brooklyn, New York – House Party – w/The Gay Blades, Holy Trinity River, Leslie Dinicola Brooklyn, New York
1 Mar 2008 – Pianos (Jezebel Music Show) – w/Cheyenne, Wynn Walent New York, New York
6 Mar 2008 – The Profit Bar – w/Louis XIV – Dallas, Texas
14 Mar 2008 – Double Wide – w/Birdmonster Dallas, Texas
15 Mar 2008 – RedGorilla – Chuggin Monkey Austin, Texas
4 Apr 2008 – Lola’s Saloon- w/Calhoun Ft. Worth, Texas
I’ve spent like a bazillion hours bellied-up to the bar at Adair’s Saloon, chugging cold beer, burgers and watching some of the best bands in Texas. (Macon Greyson, Opie Hendrix, Trainwreck, Chris Miller Band, Speedtrucker, Eleven Hundred Springs, Houston Marchman, Ronny Spears, Colin Boyd, Owen Temple, Mo Robson…and a gazillion more)
Anyone who has been in Dallas for any length of time, knows that the staying power for restaurants, much less live music venues, is usually short-lived. Not the case for Adair’s…
Lois McKinzie Adair, owner of Adair’s Saloon began her life in Tyler and moved to Dallas in the late 1950′s. She met and married R.L. Adair and the rest is history. Adair’s, as it is known around Texas, has had a loyal following since it’s beginning. The beer joint was opened by S.L. and Ann Adair in February 1963 on Cedar Springs. Their clientèle consisted mostly of college students from nearby schools, among them SMU, TCU, NTSU and others. The now famous burgers got started because Ann would make the 1/2 lb. cheeseburgers to satisfy S.L.’s large appetite. The kids decided the burgers looked good and began to request them. Another Adair’s trademark, the graffiti on the walls, began as kids would leave their “mark”.
Lois and R.L. worked for Ann and S.L. from January 1, 1967 until December 31, 1969. In 1977 they bought the business when Ann and S.L. retired. When S.L. decided to sell the building in August of 1982, Lois and R.L. had a farewell party at the Cedar Springs location and reopened Adair’s on Commerce Street in January of 1983. At the grand opening party, Lois handed out black markers and the old traditions began anew. Not much has changed since the early days. The attitude around Adair’s has always been, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Since R.L.’s death in 1987, Lois has been alone in managing the business. She has adopted a more progressive attitude and has made some changes which have enhanced the Adair’s tradition. The classics are still in place on the jukebox, along with some carefully selected additions. Adair’s has become home to live music and can boast that musicians such as Jack Ingram, Deryl Dodd and members of The Dixie Chicks have graced their stage. Hit song writer Tony Lane was once an Adair’s regular performer. A few artists have come to record LIVE CDs and a couple of groups have had their cover photography done at Adair’s. Adair’s has been shown in print ads in several magazines and has been the setting for everything from beer commercials to a Don Henley music video. While there have been imitators, not one of them has been able to duplicate the success of the original. Maybe there’s something to R.L.’s saying, “Dance with the one who brung ya or no damn dancin’.”
Sunday, March 2nd Adair’s
45-Year Anniversary Celebration
Crawfish Boil at 2 PM
Macon Greyson at 5 PM
(PS- Do youselves a favor and plan to attend the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash show the night before)
There’s plenty to do while you wait for the Badu Bash to begin. I know I’ll take a stroll over to Opening Bell for the Songwriter Series. I can get me a sammich, a glass of wine and enjoy Rahim Quazi, Becky Middleton, Bettysoo & Taylor Davis.
Monday, February 25th Opening Bell
Rahim Quazi / Becky Middleton / Taylor Davis / Bettysoo
7:30 PM – $5 Suggested Donation (keep these kids fed)
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Three durn-fine bands are playing at Barley House tonight. That Joe Tucker. Oh, that Joe Tucker. We luvs us some Joe Tucker. Tonite Tonite are a new favorite ’round FineLineLiveHeadquarters, and Romp Almighty has been on our radar for-like-ever.
Tonight, there is a splendid event goin’ down at Bill’s Records. In support of independent record stores, like Bill’s Records, Erykah Badu, along with filmmaker Jeff Liles, are throwin’ an old school record release and listening party.
Not only will you have the chance to pick up a copy of both Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War and the LRS DVD, you’ll also have the chance to meet Erykah and Jeff in person. Nifty eh!?! Erykah will be signing beginning at midnight. The first 50 folks through the door get a free copy of The Last Record Store.
If you draft Erykah’s MySpace into your top 8 friends, print it out and show it at the door tonight, the first 100 peeps will getcherselves free tickets to her listening party at Ghostbar on Tuesday, February 26th.
Come on out and join us. Support Bill’s Records, as he’s supported the local music community for decades. If your babysitter is booked or you just can’t make it tonight, not to worry love, The Fine Line will be there webcasting (video streaming) the entire thing live.
Bill’s Records is a legendary independent record store in Erykah Badu’s hometown of Dallas, Texas.
Located in the South Side Lamar district of South Dallas, this amazing record store has been in business for almost thirty years. Bill’s Records has always been ahead of the curve aesthetically, as evidenced by instore appearances by the legendary Eazy E, Geto Boys and Beastie Boys. The walls are covered with astonishing works of rural folk art, and the rare grooves are stacked to the ceiling.
Even as retail trends shifted and transition to new business models, Bill’s Records has managed to survive and remain an intregal part of the Dallas music community. The store still features live instore performances every Saturday afternoon, with free beer for adults and free ice cream for kids.
Owner Bill Wisener is the subject of “The Last Record Store”, a 2007 independent documentary film by writer Jeffrey Liles (aka spoken word artist Cottonmouth, Texas).
Below is a flashback from about a year ago, when Reid and I got to pick at the brain of Jeff Liles in the back of the old Bill’s Records’ location…also below is more scoopage about tonight’s festivities.
We sat amongst the moving boxes and cassette tapes, a store in which Jeff spent many happy hours, as did we – very apropo joint to chat.
Jeff booked and managed such places at the Theatre Gallery, Trees, Longhorn Ballroom, Club Dada and more back in the late 80′s/early 90′s. An artist, musician, director, writer and producer – the man is divine.
About Cottonmouth, Texas
Cottonmouth, Texas is a music-driven spoken word project. Three CD/album releases so far: “white trash receptacle” (One Ton Records), “anti-social butterfly” (Virgin Records) and “the right to remain silent” (Heiress-aesthetic). Did the Lollapalooza Tour 1997 and EndFest/Seattle 1998. First spoken word performance was at Vidiots in Santa Monica as part of the “Man in the Moon Poetry Circus” with DJ Liza Richardson, Smokey Hormel (Beck’s guitarist) and Viggo Mortensen. Since then cm, tex has performed almost everywhere. House of Blues (LA), Fenix Underground (Seattle), Viper Room and Troubador (LA), Trees and Gypsy Tea Room (Dallas), Nell’s, Knitting Factory and Brownie’s (NYC) and First Ave (Minneapolis) were all great. Just finished a documentary film called “The Last Record Store” about Bill’s Records in Dallas. Decadent Dub Team had a song called “Six Gun” that was on the soundtrack to the 1988 LA gang movie “Colors”, remixed for the album by Dr. Dre of NWA. Since then DDT has kind of mutated into a revolving-door collective of Dallas-based musicians who have created the music for cm, tex. Currently bassist Dave Monsey is touring with Fiona Apple, drummer Mike Jerome is playing with John Cale, guitarist Kenny Withrow is playing with Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, and keyboardist Zac Baird is playing with Korn.
About “The Last Record Store”
Jeff Liles is the writer/Director of “The Last Record Store”, a documentary film about the legendary Dallas indie record store Bill’s Records. The project focuses on the life of store owner Bill Wisener and his ongoing struggle to stay open after 26 years in the business. Includes live instore acoustic performances by Daniel Johnston, 1100 Springs and James Hall, music by Hydroponic Sound System, The Spores, Maimou, Decadent Dub Team, Chomsky, Halls of the Machine, Centro-matic, Test Shot Starfish and others, as well as interviews with a number of customers, DJs, employees and weirdos. Liles’ history: Booked and DJ’d a number of live music venues in Dallas, Texas. Formed a rap group called Decadent Dub Team and contributed the song “Six Gun” (remixed by Dr. Dre) to the soundtrack of the Dennis Hopper-directed film “Colors”. Released three spoken word albums/short films under the name “cottonmouth, texas”. Now working at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles and for MarsGolf in Colombus, Ohio.
If there is one artist, from DdFW, who turned her fame and fortune right back around to do good for her ‘hood, her neighbors and her fans, it’s Erykah Badu. Revitalizing the Black Forest Theater, to her formation of B.L.I.N.D. (Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-profit Development), to coming home to share with us her new album, Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War, along with her single “Honey.”. If you ask me, this divine woman deserves a damn key to the city.
So it’s no surprise that, with all the hub-bub surrounding her new album, Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War, that Badu insisted on an in-store appearance and record release party at our hometown, Bill’s Records. She. So. Cool. Once again showing her never-ending integrity and support for her hometown, as well as the independent “mom-and-pop” record stores.
Let’s all get out our No. 2 Pencils and take notes:
Tuesday, February 26th House of Blues Control FreaQ Records presents the Official Erykah Badu Record Release
Special Guest Appearances by: ?uestlove / Bilal / Jay Electronica / 9th Wonder / Karriem Riggins / Sa-Ra (Taz, Om’Mas, ShafiQ) / Pharoahe Monch / James Poyser / N’Dambi / Madlib / Doyle Bramhall II / Bun B. / Nayrok / The Strange Fruit Project and more!
Doors at 8 PM for Listening Party Purchase Tickets – QUICK!
…This one’s all over the place, even if Morris’ vocals consistently stand out. He’s got the necessary soul to give him enough versatility to take on folk, pop, R&B, Latin and slightly reggae arrangements with confidence. And the guy knows his way around a melody. But this CD could have been a little shorter – a few of the songs need more fleshing out before they’ll be ready for prime time…Don’t stop reading.
Cuz he’s like a hardworking, in-demand artist, you have two, count ‘em two, chances to catch Dustin tonight. I’m just sayin’…
Thursday, February 21st Hotel Belmont (ultra-cool-chic-boutique hotel in Oak Cliff)
Dustin Morris
6 PM
Thursday, February 21st The Cavern
Dustin Morris / Delphi / Hallelucination
Doors at 9 PM – $6.00 Cover ZOO: The Video DJ Up-top
10 PM – Free
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Get real Deep tonight at the Deep Ellum Neighborhood Mixer.
Go to Baker & Company. Say hey to old friends. Say hey to new friends. Eat and drink free stuff. Free stuff always tastes especially delicious.
6 PM
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T-Town Music and Big Tuck Party!
Free Food – New Music – All DJ’s Welcome to Come Play!
6 PM
Samples believes in using his passion for photography for a higher purpose and finding joy in serving others. His images of the Dallas homeless have fueled his own activism and the activism of the community in support of homeless issues.
Join us for an enlightening and entertaining evening. Everyone is invited to attend this free event
I say…
Hal Samples is a freakin’ genius. His head whirls faster than his body can keep up. He’s sees things we simply cannot, then brings them to us via his photography, changing the way we look at life around us.
You should go tonight.
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Lovely Lola’s be puttin’ on, yet another, splendid show. Tonight. You absolutely, positively cannot go wrong with tonight’s line-up. In fact, I think I’ll call this line-up the greatest line-up in the history of time…or something like that…
Thursday, February 21st Lola’s
Fate Lions / Red Monroe / The Great Tyrant / Record Hop
8 PM – $6.00
Look, I ain’t got much to toot my (very unused) horn about, ‘cept the young’un’s (girl and boy-child), and choosing some of the rightfriends. So I’ll always take full credit for Doug Burr. So what if he’s the most talented and gifted singer-songwriter in the world. Who cares if he’s worked his ass off gigging and promoting, even long after I was his band’s booking agent. Big deal that he tirelessly writes new and brilliant songs in the few hours that he can manage, outside of his wife, kids and full time job. I still want, and demand, full credit.
Having known Doug for nearly a decade, along with the fact that it was his voice and his music that urged me to even take a look at the live local music scene, nearly a decade ago…it comes as no long-overdue surprise when Doug gets national attention.He gets international attention too, ya know.
I do like it, though, when another fan jumps on the Dougie-wagon, and finds a wee bit of pride in our local talent…Pete Freedman done jumped…
…and there was Paste magazine’s placement of local folk singer Doug Burr within both the confines of its February compilation CD (with the song “Thing About Trouble”) and its pages (Burr was named in one of the magazine’s monthly “4 to Watch” musician features).
Hardly a bad way to kick off the year.
But was it coincidence? A matter of the national media finally picking up on something our locals have known for so long? Or was it that the local supporters of these artists were finally knocking down the right doors? …Read this silly.
…I’m mulling over the idea of making Pete Freedman my idea too. You know, full credit and all that stuff? Yeah, that’s what I might do…
“Come to My Senses” by Doug Burr
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Robert Wilonsky makes nice mention of Erykah Badu’s upcoming release, Nu Amerykah Part 1: The Fourth World War, and rightly so…I’ve heard nothing but greatness pertaining to this new album. Wilonsky shares newsworthy scoopage far and wide…go here…and here…and here.
For a long time—about three years—Erykah Badu figured maybe she was done making records. It started around the time she released Worldwide Underground in June 2003, which would have been one hell of a farewell: a gritty, fist-in-your-face EP populated by tracks that rambled on and on, some drenched in fuzz, others doused with fury. Nothing was coming; nothing was happening; nothing was everything when she sat down to write…just…something, damn it…She did. Oh how she did.
Yes, she has a date set at the House of Blues in Dallas on Tuesday, February 26th.Purchase tickets before they’s all gone.
Ssssshhhhhhhh. I’ve got a secret. On Monday, February 25th, there will be a super-secret-super-cool-super-fantastic event at a local record shop. There’s talk of it being an “old school” record release party, complete with Ms Badu present so’s we can get stuff signed and, quite frankly, bask in her brilliance. There will also be copies of a way-cool documentary available. As soon as I get the signal, you’ll get the signal.
Well it seems that Darryl Smyers is a better man than I. Regardless of my efforts to get Mark Olson’s “people” to confirm a video interview with the former Jayhawk, it just didn’t come to pass. But real-live-paid-pro-writers have no trouble gettin’ Olson on the horn…
Speaking from his tour bus just outside Seattle, Mark Olson sounds revitalized and downright giddy. Things are good at the moment for the former leader of the influential alt-country act The Jayhawks.
“I have a real interesting band,” Olson says of the group of musicians backing him on his current solo tour. “It seems like we’ve been playing every night since August.”…yeah…so…read it.
Hell, I’ll still track Mark down somehow, somewhere…
Thursday, February 21st Good Records
Mark Olson
6 PM
Thursday, February 21st AllGood Cafe
Todd Deathrage / Mark Olson
8 PM – $15.00
“Part of a documentary shot in NYC while Mark (founding member of The Jayhawks) was doing a residency at Mo Pitkins. “National Express” is a track from Mark’s new album on HackTone Records, ‘The Salvation Blues.’”
I’m quite thrilled to announce a very special tour a’comin’ our way in the coming weeks finally here. Dave Palmer and Fred Hamilton, 2/3rds of the great Earl Harvin Trio, are hookin’ back up with Rob Avsharian and Ephraim Owens and they’s a’comin’ to come to town.
In case you don’t already know…
Palmer is the only native Texan hailing from Kingsville,he grew up,however, in a military family and had to return as a musical prodigal son in 1988. He attened the University of North Texas where he was an english major, however, by profession he was a musician and through these two situations managed to meet both Earl and Fred. A bond was created early on and even though being very busy himself and moving a few times over the past several years the trio was manifested and has been nurtured. Dave’s playing experiences include live stints with artists such as AIR, Fiona Apple, Seal, Chris Isaak, Joe Henry, Bobby Previtte, Wayne Horvitz, MC 900 Foot Jesus,etc,etc. He has also done extensive studio work not just for most of those artists but acts such as Cake, Lindsey Buckingham, Paul Stanley, and several dozen remixes for bands as diverse as Bush to Chumbawamba.
Hamilton has been playing music professionaly since the early seventies. Hailing from Colorado he has spanned the country working with several big name jazz artists including James Moody, Bill Frissel, Frank Mantooth, Hal Galper, and David Liebman as well as teaching at several excellent music schools including the University of North Texas where he is currently professor and head of the jazz guitar department. Fred has established himself as one of the premiere guitar and bass players in th DFW area. Besides the trio he has played with Marchel Ivory, Shelley Carrol, James Clay, and Fathead Newman just to name a few. Not to be omitted is his newest project called Brahma, a very cool ensemble of Texas immigrants from around the globe including such places as Turkey and northern India. Playing a hindustani slide guitar in this ensemble Fred has amalgamated many Indian musical concepts into his playing and has brought both those ideas and the instrument into the trio setting where it has taken on it’s own identity.
Supa’star Rob Avsharian has drummed it up with such brilliance as Bobgoblin, Adventures of Jet, Little Jack Melody, Robert Gomez, Chomsky, Snarky Puppy, Andy TImmons, Tim Miller, Brave Combo and many others.
In the twelve years since calling Austin home, Ephraim Owens has become more than a staple in the local music scene—he is truly the cornerstone of the intimate community of jazz artists. A native of Dallas, Ephraim began playing classical trumpet at the age of 8 later attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. While continuing his education on music scholarships at Weatherford Junior College and Southwest Texas State University, Ephraim gained international exposure for solo ensemble and composition. During this time he took a hands-on approach to breaking into the Austin club scene by cruising town with his horn in hand and sitting in with fellow musicians of all styles and genres. This quickly earned him a reputation as one of the hottest horn players in town. He is a master in the jazz arena, especially well known for his signature solos and ability to improvise. He has an uncanny ability to imagine his music laid on top of anything else he hears, and his adaptability makes him a welcome addition to almost any lineup. The Austin Chronicle ranks Ephraim as “Best Horn” in Austin and has named Blaze, a group that features Ephraim on trumpet, as “Best Jazz Band.”
Ephraim has recorded and/or performed with the likes of Doyle Bramhall, Seth Walker, Patrice Pike, Wayne “the Train” Hancock, Erykah Badu, Charlie Sexton, String Cheese Incident, Red Young, and numerous others.
M’kay, here goes my top pick for this eve…
Wednesday, February 20th Dan’s Silverleaf – Denton
Dave Palmer / Shelley Carroll / Rob Avsharian / Fred Hamilton
9ish
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aaaaah, yes. Lauren Gifford is not only quite beautiful, she’s also got the voice that would turn any straight girl gay…
The girl next door, a celebrated Jazz Diva, an insightful poetic singer/songwriter or the occasional rock ‘n roll brat – Lauren Gifford does not have to play any of these roles, she IS all of that and more at all times.
Her father’s great love for Jazz legends like Billie Holiday or Dave Brubeck provided a musical atmosphere that fostered the development of Gifford’s wonderfully independent talent. Later, endless hours of James Taylor and David Foster helped to round out and widen her musical scope.
Though often compared to Sarah McLachlan or Natalie Merchant, Lauren Gifford developed her very own unique style of singing with a voice that’s “captivating and pure” (fan comment). Her reckless and extravagant piano playing leaves the most demanding critics breathless.
I’ve loved Lauren’s music for quite a long time now. I also really dig the digs over at the Absinthe Lounge. So why not make a perfect night of it and head over tonight to see Lauren perform live in Absinthe’s intimate setting – and GREAT martinis!
Never Look Back by Lauren Gifford
Wednesday, February 20th Absinthe Lounge
Lauren Gifford
9 PM
Yeah, so my Kidd Kraddick in the Morning listenin’ ways cat was let outta the bag long ago. Sometimes, though, every once in awhile, it pays off for one of our own strugglin’ artists. This morning Kidd Kraddick raved about a musician who shoulda been way famous long ago….sweet, precious Taylor Davis.
“New York City” by Taylor Davis
Kidd claims to have “wandered into some coffee shop in a really bad part of town…and this kid was performing…” Heh. I’m assuming he meant Opening Bell in that really bad part of town directly across the street from the Dallas Police Department.
Let’s hope the mention gets Taylor some much deserved attention outside those oh-so-dangerous coffee houses. Meantime, you can check out more songs and more Taylor here, including upcoming tour dates.
Might as well set-up a cot at the Double Wide, starting tonight, packing-up in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The shows to go are the shows at the Double Wide.
Friday, February 15th es muy bueno indeed. You gotcher Dougie Burr and you gotcher Dove Hunter and you gotcher Bridges and Blinking Lights….what you gotcherself right, my darlings, is one helluva line-up.
“What Turns Inside” by Dove Hunter
“Blackwater” by Bridges & Blinking Lights
“Always Travel Light” by Doug Burr
Friday, February 15th The Double Wide
Doug Burr / Dove Hunter / Bridges & Blinking Lights
9 PM
If you love Chomsky, like I love Chomsky…go…go…go…yes kiddies, ’tis true…the boys are back and they’s ready to rock your arses off.
Friday, February 15th Sons of Hermann
Micah P. Hinson / Shiny Around the Edges / the pAper chAse
Doors @ 5PM – Show @ 9PM
Tickets: $10.00 Advance/$12.00 At the door
“Maybe” by Shiny Around the Edges
“Diggin’ a Grave by Micah P. Hinson
Saturday, February 16th Sons of Hermann
Jim Suhler / Tejas Brothers
Doors @ 5 PM – Show @ 9 PM – $10.00
‘Twas at AllGood Cafe that I fussed at Noah Bailey about just when his band, the Naptime Shake, would perform again. My answer is before me. Saturday, February 16th, the Naptime Shake, along with the great Jon Dee Graham shall take the stage at AllGood Cafe. 8 PM sharp. Don’t be late.
Jon Dee Graham has been an integral part of the Austin music scene since playing with and the legendary True Believers with Alejandro Escovedo. Since then hes played guitar with Ryan Hedgecock of Lone Justice, Michelle Shocked, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Kelly Willis, and Calvin Russell. In 1996 he recorded Escape From Monster Island, followed by Summerland, Hooray For The Moon and The Great Battle in 2004. He is also a member of the Resentments with Jud Newcomb, Stephen Bruton, Bruce Hughes, and John Chipman. In 2000 Jon Dee was named singer/songwriter of the year at The Austin Music Awards at SXSW. After returning from a tour in Europe in November, Jon Dee just left the studio with John Cale playing guitar for Alejandro Escovedos upcoming record. Jon Dee is set to record a new record in early 2006. Jon Dee has recently had music featured in Ladder 49 and Veronica Mars.
Drawing their influences from such greatness as Wilco, Sufjan Stevens, Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan and…of course…The Theater Fire, the Naptime Shake lights up the stage with divine rootsy, folksy, rich and creamy greatness.
“Los Angeles” by The Naptime Shake
Saturday, February 16th AllGood Cafe
The Naptime Shake / Jon Dee Graham
8 PM
AllGood Cafe Friday – Rocket Girl (Annie Benjamin’s newish project…and besides, any band with a chick drummer works for me.) Folksy pop rock
9 PM – $5.00
Look. You can either sit at home with the warm and fuzzies, your remote and a box of wine. Or you can shake yo’ ass and get all Sloppy wit’it at the Lollipop Shoppe Anniversary Bash!
William “Freewill” Hunnicutt passed away from a sudden heart attack on January 12th, 2008, leaving hundreds (if not thousands) of friends, family, fans and admirers. He was loved. He loved. His wife, pregnant with their child, can use our help.
Saturday, February 16th Green Elephant
Freewill Forever Benefit
Performances by: Verbal Seed / P.P.T. / DDC / Subchronicles / Info-Red / Epatomed / Knesecary / Dow Jonez / Mic Most / Reflect June / Colby Savage / Thesis / Jkid / Nonspecific / DC South / Cutty Onasis / Trav AP / Philly Station / Ruby Revue
DJ Sets / Live Art / Rap Battle
2 PM – 9 PM – $5.00 All Ages (9 PM ’til close is 21+)
“RTB2″ “RTB2″ “RTB2″ – that’s all I’ve heard from Hunter as of late. Then like a whole buncha other folks done told me that they’s mighty-fine too. I know I’ve liked what I’ve heard.
I’ve been a loooooooooooooongtime fan of Rodney Parker and 50 Peso Reward. I have a particular fondness for the band’s bass player. REALLY good stuff goin’ on with that band.
When the hell was the last time you had the chance to see I Love Math perform live? Yeah. That’s what I thought. Their shows have been few and far between, so it would be nice to see you at Barley House on Saturday night.
You know how I feel about Sarah Jaffe. EVERYBODY knows how I feel about Sarah Jaffe. And Marcus Striplin (who is set to take off on his solo career) ain’t no chump change neither. Oh yeah, and there’s never a cover at the Barley House.
Saturday, February 16th Barley House
Marcus Striplin / Sarah Jaffe / I Love Math
9 PM
Love & War (Plano) Friday – Jesse Dayton Saturday – Brennen Leigh
Dan’s Silverleaf Friday – South Austin Jug Band Saturday – Bubba Hernandez & Y Los Super Vatos
Hailey’s Friday – It’s What We Get / Wild in the Streets / Craig Welch Saturday – Low Dosage / The Better Halves / Gun Gun / Raised by Tigers / White Drugs (really good show) Sunday – Liars / No Age / DJ Select
Rubber Gloves Friday – O Pioneers!!! / The Riot Before / Broadcast Sea / The Blanket Restraint
Lola’s Friday – Josh Weathers CD Release / The Campaign / Hurt Street Saturday – Devil Doll / Johnny Hootrock
Scat Lounge Friday – Ricki Derek Saturday – Andrew Griffith
White Elephant Friday – Tejas Brothers Saturday – Steve Carrasco / Bois D’Arcs
Woody’s Tavern Friday – Ryan James / Miles from Nowhere Saturday – Kyle Park / Magee Payne
Saturday, February 16th Bill’s Records
Free In-Store
Performing:
2:30pm – Dean Seltzer
3:15pm – Tejas Brothers
4:00pm – Jerry Audley
4:45pm – Kurt South
KTCU 88.7 – Radio Sputnik
Tune in Saturday, February 16th at noon! Stick around cuz at 1:00 PM, Janice will have the Goodwin boys in the studio.I can guarantee you no-do-goodery and possible curse word bleeps shall flow freely.
Pan American ArtProjects William Cannings Exhibition InfL8 Pan American Art Projects is pleased to feature British sculptor William Cannings in our Dallas space. On view through March 29th, please join us on Saturday, February 16 for an artist talk at 2 p.m. and the opening reception from 5 – 8 p.m.
William Cannings is lured to the visceral quality of inflated objects: the look, feel and smell. “Inflated objects have become a symbol of our popular culture: cheap, disposable, fun and whimsical, sometimes frivolous and distasteful,” says Cannings. His work researches the effects of compressed air on permanent materials, such as aluminum and steel. As a result, his sculptures appear as if they were sensually carved, exhibiting properties that seemingly contradict the physical properties of materials used for composition. In his second exhibition at Pan American Art Projects Dallas, Cannings begins to play with words, aphorisms, and symbols in an inflated impermeable form. In addition, Cannings’ fascination with the inflatable progresses as he tackles the human form and the gender roles articulated in blow-up dolls.
Living and working as a professor of sculpture at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, William Cannings, English-born, first studied art at Loughborough College of Art and Design in England, followed by a BFA at Virginia Commonwealth University, and finally a MFA at Syracuse University.
Conduit Gallery Collecting & Collectivity – Featuring: Julie Ault & Martin Beck / Otabenga Jones & Associates / Danica Phelps / Team SHaG is a collaborative team including New York artists David Humphrey, Elliott Green and Amy Sillman / Daniel Lefcourt / BASEKAMP + David Dempewolf Collecting and Collectivity is an exhibition about two seemingly opposite ideas. Collecting, the gathering of objects, is usually associated with the marketplace while collectivity, the gathering of people, is often thought of in reaction to the marketplace. Collectivity designates a group of people constructing a set of shared values and acting accordingly. Politically, collecting is associated with capitalism and collectivity with communism.
The curators, through the exhibition, ask; Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, is there a new paradigm for collectivism that can be informed by collecting? How independent is the avant-garde, traditionally thought of as independent from the market? If art can be made by more than one individual, how does that affect the trend of the art star as a lone genius?
This exhibition brings together seven artists and collaborative teams that challenge the separation between collecting and collectivity.
The Soda Gallery Rock n’ Roll Ain’t Dead Yet Exhibition Featuring several awesome artists from around the Metroplex and USA paying tribute to their favorite rock stars! We’ll also have live music and our monthly tequila tasting with tequila aficionado, Raul Santillan, Jr.
7 PM – Free!
Cher Robert. Comment je t’aime. S’il vous plaît retourner chez elles en toute sécurité à partir de france.
Top pick? Denton, baby. Denton tonight!
Tuesday, February 12th Dan’s Silverleaf Robert Gomez Bid him a Friands d’adieu before he departs for Paris
10ish
UPDATE: I took a stroll over to see what my brother from another mother was up to, and he shed even more light on tonight’s show:
Gomez wrote: I have the venerable McKenzie Smith with me as well as the usual suspects (Paul Slavens keys/accordion, Buffi Jacobs cello, Tamara Cauble violin, Heather Test french horn, David Pierce trombone, Bach Norwood bass).
Hm. I wonder if the boy-child will let me go out on a school night….go read more Nightlife…those people don’t get sick, nor stuck in doggie doors.
For a long time—about three years—
Speaking from his tour bus just outside Seattle, 
