CONCERTS & EVENTS

Nothing fancy this week.. just an important event I received in an email from Mike Blakely. If you can be in the Bandera area on Sunday - please lend your support!

SUNDAY, October 1 - Bandera, TX - 11th Street Cowboy Bar - Cowboy Capitol Cash for the Coast!  1:00-6:00 p.m. - I'll be performing with John M. Greenberg (aka Johnny Gringo) at 3:00.  The line-up includes:  Professor Julius and His Remedies, Rebel Roxie, Ricky Adams, Justin Aaron Eccles, The Back Porch Pickers, Doc Williams, David Wayne, Paul Hillard, Summer Hughes, Victoria Soupley, and Maddison Livingston. All proceeds go to the Charlie Robison Coastal Relief Fund.

THE PARTY LIST -September 28 - October 4

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas.

In light of the aftermath of Hurricane’s Harvey and Ira – and more storms on the horizon, please check the venue to make sure the shows you want to attend are taking place. Be safe!

With that in mind.....

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 28

Asleep at the Wheel – Chances R – Lubbock

Aaron Einhouse – Brewster’s Icehouse – Corpus Christi

Gene Watson – Red River Valley Fair – Paris

john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park

Johnny Lee – Main Street Crossing – Tomball

Jamie Richards – Smitty K’s – College Station

Friday – 29

Aaron Einhouse – The Backyard – Waco

            /w Mike Ryan

Brandon Luedtke – The Buzzmill – Austin

Bellamy Brothers – Comal County Fair – New Braunfels

Casey Donahew – Pasadena Rodeo – Pasadena

Charlie Robison – Lola’s Trailer Park – Ft. Worth

Cameran Nelson – Riley’s Tavern – New Braunfels

Cody Joe Hodges – Firehouse Saloon – Houston

john Arthur martinez – Time Out Sports Bar – Liberty Hill

Johnny Lee – Steel Horse Saloon – Apple Springs

Jack Nelson – Little River Club – San Angelo

Kevin Fowler – Fort Bend Co. Fair – Rosenberg

Scott Taylor Band – Kick’s Club - Angleton

Saturday – 30

            SLIP, SLIDE, SONGFEST – Beachside Billy’s – Austin

            http://slipslidesongfest.com/

Aaron Einhouse

Kevin Fowler

JB and the Moonshine Band

            and MORE!

Byrd & Street – New World Deli- Austin

            /w Greg Whitfield

Bellamy Brothers – Dosey Doe – The Woodlands

Casey Donahew – Nutty Brown Theatre – Austin

Cameran Nelson – Brewster’s Icehouse – Corpus Christi

Cody Joe Hodges – Reba’s Upper Deck – Warrenton

Exile – Texan Theater – Greenville

john Arthur martinez – Central Market – Austin (westgate)

Jack Nelson – La Salle Co. Steakhouse – Cotulla

Jack Nelson – Del Norte Acoustic – Godley

            /w Tommy Alverson, Matt Hilyer, Thomas Michael Riley

Lorrie Morgan – The Stagecoach Ballroom – Ft. Worth

Neal McCoy – The Belcher Center – Longview

            ETAN 2017 Concert Series

Sunday – October 1

john Arthur martinez – Fiesta Winery 290 – Fredricksburg

Neal McCoy – Polk Co. Commerce Center - Livingston

Monday – 2

No Shows Found

Tuesday – 3

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer - Burnet

Wednesday – 4

Doug Stone – Firehouse Bar & Grill – Abilene

Scott Taylor Band – 61^st Annual Come and Take It - Gonzales

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 28

Alison Krauss – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine FL

Cadillac Three – Venu – Buffalo NY

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – The Colony

Cody Canada – Heritage Hall – Paris

            Song Swap /w Jason Boland

Darryl Worley – Beach Rock Lounge – Suquamish WA

Gary Allan – Effingham Performance Center – Effingham IL

Gatlin Brothers – Opry Country Classics – Nashville TN

Lorrie Morgan – Bartlett Perf. Arts Cntr – Bartlett TN

Marc Broussard – Columbia State Cherry Theater – Columbia TN

            /w Ted Broussard

Neal McCoy – Tulsa State Fair – Tulsa OK

Friday – 29

Asleep at the Wheel – Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Cntr. – Ada OK

Alison Krauss – PNC Pavilion – Charlotte NC

Bill Anderson – Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts – Palmer Lake CO

Collin Raye – Peppermill Concert Hall – West Wendover NV

Craig Morgan – The Beacon Theatre – Hopewell VA

Cadillac Three – Kegs Canal Side – Jordan NY

Crystal Gayle – South Point Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas NV

Cody Canada & The Departed – The Marc – San Marcos

Ragged Union – Oskar Blues – Lyons CO

Gene Watson – Kentucky Opry – Benton KY

Lee Greenwood – Route 29 Pavilion – Concord NC

Oak Ridge Boys – The Resort @ Paws Up – Greenough PA

Saturday – 30

Asleep at the Wheel –Yardley Hall @Johnson Co. Com. College – Overland Pk KS

Aaron Tippin – Cumberland Caverns – McMinnville TN

Alison Krauss – Chastain Park Amphitheatre – Atlanta GA

Bill Anderson – State Theatre – Red Bluff  CA

Craig Morgan – Weinberg Center for the Arts – Fredrick MA

Cadillac Three – The Big E’s Twine Country Fest – W. Springfield MA

Crystal Gayle – South Point Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas NV

Cody Canada & The Departed – Maize Days – Murphy

Darryl Worley – Leelanau Sands Casino – Peshawbestown MI

Gary Allan – Norsk Hostfest – Minot ND

Gene Watson – Kentucky Opry – Benton KY

Lee Greenwood – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Oak Ridge Boys – WYO Theatre – Sheridan WY

Sunday – October 1

Asleep at the Wheel – Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre – Hutchinson KS

Alison Krauss – Ryman – Nashville TN

Bill Anderson – Gallo Center for the Arts – Modesto CA

Craig Morgon – Wilson Center – Wilmington NC

Crystal Gayle – South Point Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas NV

Darryl Worley – Country On the Beach – Key West FL

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Jeff Posey – The Stone Cup – Lyons CO

Marc Broussard – Gretna Heritage Festival – Gretna LA

Monday – 2

Alison Krauss – Ryman – Nashville TN

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Tuesday – 3

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Wednesday – 4

Alison Krauss – Fox Theatre – Detroit MI

Casey Donahew – The Waiting Room – Omaha NE

Michael Martin Murphey – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur GA

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

THE PARTY LIST - September 21 - 27

Note: Please remember to check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required for the shows you plan to attend. Also, some venues have an age restriction. I have provided links to the venues when possible, making it easy for you to check it out.

Not all events take place in Texas.

In light of the aftermath of Hurricane’s Harvey and Ira – and more storms on the horizon, please check the venue to make sure the shows you want to attend are taking place. Be safe!

With that in mind.....

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 21

AJ Guel – Sunnyside Saloon – El Campo

john Arthur martinez – Hippo Hut – Hutto

Jaryd Lane – Redneck Country Club - Houston

Friday – 22

Casey Donahew – Washington Co Fair – Brenham

Charlie Robison – Mabank Jubilee – Mabank

Cameran Nelson – Larry Joe Taylor’s Rhymes & Vines Festival – Stephenville

Mike Blakely – Del Norte Tacos – Godley

            /w Larry Nye

Pauline Reese – Western Edge Wine Cellars – Fredricksburg

Matt Dunn – Muddy Jake’s – Sulphur Springs

Saturday – 23
Thomas Michael Riley - Luckenbach
           Don Williams Tribute

Cameran Nelson – Game On Sports Bar – Conroe

            /w Jack Nelson

Doug Stone – Hank’s Texas Grill – McKinney

john Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg

            Band Show

Johnny Lee – Arlington Music Hall – Arlington

Jamie Richards – Rockett Café – Waxahachie

Kevin Fowler – E.Texas State Fair - Tyler

Sunday – 24

Asleep at the Wheel – W.W. O’Donnell Perf. Arts Center – Brenham

john Arthur martinez – Gillen’s Candy & Wine – Blanco

            Harvey Relief Concert – Western Edge Cellars – Redricksburg

                        john Arthur martinez

                        Jeff Posey

                        Mike Blakely

Monday – 25

No Shows found

Tuesday – 26

Chuck Hawthorne – Liberty Tree Tavern – Elgin

            /w Rachel Laven

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell

Cody Canada – Railhead Smokehouse – Willow Park

            Song swap /w Mike McClure

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Wine Cellars - Fredricksburg

Wednesday – 27

Brandon Luedtke – Hole in the Wall – Austin

Chuck Hawthorne – Holiday Inn Midtown  - Austin

            Southwestern Folk Alliance Festival

Cody Canada – Lytle Land & Cattle Co. – Abilene

            Song Swap /w Mike McClure

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

john Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg

            Songwriter’s Series

Scott Taylor Band – Moonshine Drinkery – Victoria

  

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 21

Aaron Einhouse – Medicine Stone Music Festival – Tahlequah OK

Collin Raye – Mill Town Music Hall – Bremen GA

Cody Joe Hodges – The Savory Downtown – Watertown NY

            /w Justin Dukes

Cadillac Three – The Blue Note – Columbia MO

Exile – Alma Perf. Arts Center – Alma AR

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Friday – 22

Aaron Einhouse – JB’s Downtown – Joplin MO

            /w Shane Smith

Aaron Tippin – Jackson Apple Festival – Jackson OH

Alison Krauss – Blue Hills Bank Pavilion – Boston MA

The Baker Family – Hootin’ n Hollerin’ – Gainsville MO

Bill Anderson – Renfro Valley Ent. Center – Renfro Valley KY

Cadillac Three – Midnight Rodeo – Springfield MO

Crystal Gayle – Cactus Pete’s – Jackpot NV

Cody Canada & the Departed – Stone Medicine Show – Tahlequah OK

Gary Allan – Oklahoma State Fair – Oklahoma City OK

Gatlin Brothers – Shawnee Bluff Vineyard – Eldon MO

Jack Nelson – Landing Zone – Midwest City OK

Jaryd Lane – Johnson’s Station – Picayune MS

Saturday – 23

Aaron Tippin – Ozarks Amphitheater – Camdenton MO

Alison Krauss – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia MD

The Baker Family – Folk Music Festival – Festus

Bill Anderson – Red Barn Convention Center – Winchester OH

Casey Donahew – Cornstock 2017- Garnett KS

Charlie Robison – Jack Daniel’s Bar & Grill – Lake Charles LA

            L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Casino

Craig Morgan – The Meadow’s Racetrack & Casino – Washington PA

Cadillac Three – Brimstone Recreation – Huntsville TN

Cody Canada (Acoustic) Medicine Show – Tahlequah OK

Darryl Worley – Monroe 200 – Monroe OH

Gary Allan – Riverdome @ Horseshoe Casino & Hotel – Bossier City LA

Gene Watson – Margaritaville Casino – Bossier City LA

Gatlin Brothers – Wild Rose Casino & Resort – Emmetsburg IA

Lorrie Morgan – Tulalip Resort & Casino – Tulalip OK

            Grits & Glamor Tour /w Pam Tillis

Marc Broussard – Barn Bash – Williamson GA

Oak Ridge Boys – Country Tonight – Pigeon Forge TN

            2 Shows!

Sunday – 24

Alison Krauss – Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre – Cary NC

Craig Morgan – Amesbury Harvest Fair & Country Music Festival – Amesbury MA

Gatlin Brothers – Cannon Falls Auditorium – Cannon Falls – MN

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Monday – 25

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Tuesday – 26

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater – Branson MO

Lorrie Morgan – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN - 7 p.m. Show!

            /w Marshall Tucker Band/ Rascal Flats/ William Michael Morgan

Lorrie Morgan – Grand Ole Orpy – Nashville TN – 9:30 p.m. Show

            /w Dailey & Vincent/ Marshall Tucker Band/ William Michael Morgan

Neal McCoy – Brown Co. Fair – Georgetown OH

Nu-Blu – Raleigh Convention Center – Raleigh NC

Wednesday – 27

Darryl Worley – Columbia Theatre – Longview WA

Oak Ridge Boys – Norsk Hostfest – All Seasons Arena – Minot ND

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Brandon Luedtke

Technical issues (Thank you Windows 10 -not) prevented me from having this post ready yesterday.
Here we go!

Apologies for the misprint in the Subject line.

I'm not a fan of row houses and one of the things I really dislike about today's so-called 'country music' is that you can't distinguish one voice from another. Nashville thrives on formula and if you fit their mold, chances are you're going to get a record deal. But here's the thing... the ones that don't conform to the formula and do their thing are the ones that really make their mark in the music world.

MORNING LIGHT is the debut album from Brandon Luedtke. While this is his first LP, don't let that young face fool you. There are years of experience poured into every track and served with a rough vocal that adds that something different I look for in an artist.

Songwriting since the age of twelve, Brandon Luedtke has spent his life honing his skills as a true artist in the Folk/ Americana communities from NY to Austin and in between. Add in his first EP      ( Salient Sounds - 2014) and being awarded Best (Male) Singer/Songwriter at Viva Terlingua Festival later that year and you have a pretty good print of Brandon Luedtke - the artist.

Can't Get Away With the Way of the World cracks this album wide open with a toe-tapping tune that draws you to the campfire for a sing-a-long. The invitation continues through the remaining nine tracks. Each one adds a different ingredient to the LP without straying from a sound that is distinctively Luedtke.

If there's one take-away from MORNING LIGHT, it's reminiscent of family and neighbors gathering on a front porch to enjoy each other's company at a slower pace... a place where we know what's really important. As  you look ahead to the weekend, plan a get-together with friends in your backyard and crank up this album.

I'm tipping my had:

.9

Here's a video from the MORNING LIGHT LP:

BLACK MOUNTAIN ECHOES

You can catch up with Brandon on the following SM platforms:

WEBSITE  FB  IG  YOUTUBE  SPOTIFY  SOUNDCLOUD

IN MEMORY - Don Williams

In place of The Party List this week, we are remembering the Gentle Giant - Don Williams.

May 27, 1939 - September 8, 2017

Photo courtesy of Kirt Webster - WebsterPR

Credit: David McClister

We Should Be Together was my first introduction to Don Williams. The song released in 1974. There was something about his voice that spoke to me. I was 13. As an adult, the lyrics found their own importance in my life. During my dance-hall/ bar days, Tulsa Time was one of my favorite tunes to flatfoot across a dance floor.

And now... Don Williams, The Gentle Giant has left us with only our memories of him and the great tunes he penned throughout his career. 

Born Donald Ray Williams in Floydada Texas May 27, 1939 his career spanned 50 of his 78 years of life. That's one helluva run, though his career actually sparked when he entered a talent contest at the age of 3. He won the honor of First Place and an alarm clock. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.  A Tribute to Don Williams album was released in May of this year. 

I was torn with which other video to showcase. You're My Best Friend is truly the song of my heart, describing my relationship with my husband of 33 years, Bob. But I think this one is best played now.

Country Blessings!

Kelly

IN MEMORY - Troy Gentry

On Friday September 8, 2017, Country Music lost another amazing talent. Troy Gentry, of Montgomery Gentry, died when the helicopter he was in crashed in Medford NJ where the due was to perform. He was a young 50 years old.

Born Troy Lee Gentry April 5, 1967 in Lexington KY, he was always the fun-loving, sensitive man we all came to love as part of Montgomery Gentry. He leaves behind his wife, Angie and two daughters Taylor and Kaylee.

Photo from MercuryNews.com 

We all expect to leave this earth at some point, and we don't know when. But we hope to never have our passing be the result of such a tragic means. A quote from Troy's official obituary may bring comfort to us all during this time:

A follower of Christ, Gentry faithfully attended Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tenn., when he was not on the road. One of his favorite Bible verses was Deuteronomy 31:6, which says, "Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

This video - Troy's dedication to Merle Haggard  - showcases the voice that will forever resonate in our hearts:

A public celebration/ memorial service will be held Thursday September 14th at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Ole Opry, 2804 Opryland Drive in Nashville and broadcast live HERE

Troy supported many charitable organizations including the T J Martell Foundation - the music industry's leading foundation for finding a cure for cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the foundation or to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts.

Two men could not have been closer if they'd been brothers. That's what made Montgomery Gentry a lasting duo in Country music for almost twenty years (an anniversary album was planned to mark the occasion in 2018).

Montgomery Gentry were inducted into the Opry in 2009. This video was their last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry:

Country Blessings

Kelly

REMEMBERING 9/11 - Let's Roll

Let’s roll, America

Let’s roll, over the fields

Let’s roll, roll on to better days

Forever remember the toll

For the flag at half -mast on the pole

To honor a lost hero’s soul

Let’s roll….

                                                                               

                                                                                       Let’s Roll by MikeBlakely

                                                                                                       ~2003 Faded BlueLP

THE PARTY LIST!

Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for your patience while I enjoyed the grandgirls. We had so much fun.
Now they are back home, Bob is on the boat and the house is quiet. I can get back to work.

The Party List and Tweets will return next week and be back on track from here on out.

In the mean time, if you like true cowboy/ western/ country I invite you to follow @SBDispatches on Twitter. I am the Marketing Director for this beautiful, glossy full-color magazine. Coming soon in collective hardback!


Country Blessings!
Kelly

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Matt & the Herdsmen

Hopefully, this will be the last Tuesday on a Wednesday. Getting things back on track here in KellysCountry but going to take a bit of time.

In the mean time, I want to introduce you to Matt & the Herdsmen and their new CD:

The first raise of the guitar on I Don't Love You Anymore cues you in to the edge Matt & the Herdsmen bring to STILL SANE. 

While this might not seem 'country' at first, there is a common thread throughout the album that ties everything to a fine line between contemporary country and the classic country of artists like George Strait and Tim McGraw... storytelling. Every track tells a story - a beginning, a middle and an end. While the end isn't always what we romance writers refer to as 'happily ever after', each story is tied up nicely. The other key is that the words are so carefully crafted, making each track very visual without needing YouTube. Listen to the lyrics closely and the movie reel begins to turn in your mind. 

Right Hand Man is a reverse twist on two classic country songs - I Like It, I Love It (Tim McGraw) and You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation ( Ronnie McDowell). So much for Happily Ever After.

The one thing that really spoke to me with STILL SANE, is how track 11 - For You circles back to the title track. He goes from not loving someone anymore to literally giving his life for the one he will love beyond this plane. For You is one of the most powerful tunes you'll ever hear and would make a great soundtrack for an NCIS episode or a full movie concept. 

Heading up this talented team is Matt Castillo with a voice made for storytelling in true country tone. With the help of Everto "Beto" Cavazos (Guitar), Danny Salinas (Bass), Ruben Cantu (Drums) and Omar OyOque (Pedal Steel) everything comes together. Omar's talents especially make this a true country album. 

I'm tipping my hat:

 .8

To purchase your copy of STILL SANE, check out the following links:

WEBSTORE   AMAZON   

Matt & the Herdsmen are across multiple Social Media platforms:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK   TWITTER    INSTAGRAM   YOUTUBE

Here's a live version of  I Don't Love You Anymore

CONCERT & EVENTS - Hurricane Harvey Recovery Event!

Please Join us at McGonigel's Mucky Duck Tuesday September 5th - 7 p.m. 

#HoustonStrong

Libby Koch

Chuck Hawthorne

Jack Saunders

Randy Weeks

Tony Kamel of Wood & Wire

John Egan

Rankin Peters

Rick Richards

& MORE

Come together for this heartfelt event!

TICKETS