THE PARTY LIST - February 28 - March 6

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. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – February 28

David Touchton – The White Horse – Austin

Jamie Richards – Dosey Doe – Spring

Friday – March 1

David Touchton – Infamous Brewing Co. – Austin

Josh Ward – The Concho Palace – San Angelo

Saturday – 2

Casey Donahew Band – Backyard Bar, Stage & Grill – Waco

David Touchton  - Adair’s Saloon – Dallas

Jamie Richards – White Elephant Saloon – Ft. Worth

Josh Ward – Miller Coors Brewery – Ft. Worth

            50^th Anniversary Celebration

Jaryd Lane – Dust N Bones – Beaumont

Mike Blakely – Texas Heritage Vineyard – Fredricksburg

            /w Troy Miller

            Texas Independence Day Celebration!

Sunday – 3

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 4

NO SHOWS FOUND

Tuesday – 5

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg

Wednesday – 6

Mike Blakely – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – February 28

Asleep at the Wheel – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur GA

The Black Lilies – Fifth & Thomas – Tallahassee FL

The Bellamy Brothers – Peoria Civic Center – Peoria IL

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Jaryd Lane – Dust N Bones – Baton Rouge LA

Marc Broussard – Haw River Ballroom – Saxapahaw NC

            w/ Jamie McClean Band

Friday – March 1

The Baker Family – Bluegrass on the Beach – Lake Havasu AZ

The Black Lilies – The Hideaway Café – St. Petersburg FL

The Bellamy Brothers – KFC Yum Center – Louisville KY

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Casey Donahew Band – Tumbleweed Dancehall – Stillwater OK

Cody Joe Hodges – VFW - Woodsfield OH

            Solo/ Acoustic

Jaryd Lane – Dust N Bones – Lake Charles LA

Marc Broussard – McGlohon Theater – Charlotte NC

            /w Jamie McClean Band

Saturday – 2

Aaron Tippin – St. Mary’s High School – St. Mary’s PA

            Roots & Boots Tour /w Collin Raye & Sammy Kershaw

The Black Lilies – Safety Harbor Arts & Music Center – Safety Harbor FL

The Bellamy Brothers – Ford Center – Evansville IN

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Cody Joe Hodges – Bryant’s Bar & Grill – Greensburg IN

David Ball – Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – Franklin TN

Little Texas – The Grand Theatre – Cartersville GA

Marc Broussard – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta GA

            /w Jamie McClean Band

Sunday – 3

The Black Lilies – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur GA

Marc Broussard – Diana Wortham Theatre – Ashville NC

            /w Jamie McClean Band

Monday – 4

Jaryd Lane – Le Festival De Mardi Gras – Lafayette

Tuesday – 5

Marc Broussard – Georgia Theatre – Athens GA

            /w Jamie McClean Band

Wednesday – 6

NO SHOWS FOUND

THE PARTY LIST February 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. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 21

David Touchton – Patsy’s Café – Austin

David Touchton – The Barn Bar & Foodcourt – Austin

john Arthur martinez – Western Edge Wine Cellars – Fredricksburg

Jamie Richards – Planet TX – Houston

            Houston Rodeo Kick-off!

Josh Ward – Rockin’ Rodeo – Midland

Jaryd Lane – Houston Rodeo Tent – Houston

Friday – 22

David Touchton – The Local Outpost – Austin

Jamie Richards – Houston Rodeo Cook off – Houston

            Chevy Cookers

Josh Ward – Hoot’s Pub – Amarillo

Jaryd Lane – Redneck Country Club – Houston

Libby Koch – McGonigels Mucky Duck – Houston

Mike Blakely – TX Cowboy Poetry Festival – Alpine

Mike Blakely – Come and Take It BBQ – Alpine

            /w Annie Blakely & host Luke Reed

           

Saturday – 23

David Touchton – Stiles Swith BBQ – Dripping Springs

john Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg

Jamie Richards – Houston Rodeo Cook Of - Houston

            Chevy Cookers

Josh Ward – Fair Park Automobile Building – Dallas

Jaryd Lane – Sabine ATV Park - Burkeville 

Mike Blakely – TX Cowboy Poetry Festival – Alpine

            /w Annie Blakely

 Sunday – 24

David Touchton – The Salt Lick Pavilion – Driftwood

Monday – 25

W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Bill Small

David Touchton – Giddy Ups – Austin

Tuesday – 26

Chuck Hawthorne – Liberty Tree Tavern – Elgin

            /w David Touchton

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer & Chris Reeves

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg

            /w Annie & friends

Wednesday – 27

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Kurt Baumer

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 21

Asleep at the Wheel – The Rooster’s Wife – Aberdeen NC

            AATW String Band

The Bellamy Brothers – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis IN

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Casey Donahew Band – The City Center – Champaign IL

            /w Josh Abbott Band

Friday – 22

Asleep at the Wheel – The Foundry – Athens GA

            AATW String Band

The Baker Family – Kansas Bluegrass Festival – Wichita KS

The Bellamy Brothers – Keybank Center – Buffalo NY

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Brennan Leigh – The Foundry – Athens GA

Casey Donahew Band – Joe’s on Weed – Chicago IL

            /w Josh Abbott Band

Little Texas – The Firmament – Greenville SC

Saturday – 23

Asleep at the Wheel – Diana Wortham Theatre – Ashville NC

            AATW String Band  /w Brennan Leigh

Aaron Tippin – Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale FL

The Baker Family – Kansas Bluegrass Festival – Wichita KS

The Bellamy Brothers – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburg PA

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Casey Donahew Band – First Avenue Club – Iowa City IA

Little Texas – The Groove Music Hall – Woodford VA

Sunday – 24

Asleep at the Wheel – Lincoln Theatre – Raleigh NC

            AATW String Band  /w Brennan Leigh

Monday – 25

Brennan Leigh – 2019 Ameripolitan Awards Show – Memphis TN

Tuesday – 26

Asleep at the Wheel – McGlohon Theater – Charlotte NC

            AATW String Band

Wednesday – 27

The Black Lilies – Terra Fermata – Stuart FL

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Riverland

RIVERLAND, the sophomore album from Eric Brace, Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz is a true piece of Americana music.

This album hits close to home for me. As I write this review, my husband, a riverboat captain, has been gone for three weeks. He will likely be out another two. He has been on the river for thirty-seven years. With the exception of a short stint on the Arkansas, he has always worked on the Upper Illinois/ canals. But no matter what river you’re on, there’s a bond. The work is hard, the weather can be harsh and the water unforgivable. Still, there are men like my husband who can’t imagine working anywhere else. You are either a river rat or you’re a lander.

There is a magic in this album. From the step off into River City to Mississippi, Rest My Soul you’ll find yourself caught up in the picturesque view of the boats making their way along the Mississippi River. You’ll feel the weariness of the crew stepping back on land after a long twelve hours (or more) of back-breaking labor hauling lines and torquing wrenches. You’ll understand why the Captain seldom takes off his shades. The sun’s glare reflecting off the rippling water – directly into his line of sight as he stresses over the safety of his crew while making time up… time lost due to hitches like a lock delay, ice or fog shut out.

All rivers carry their own story but the Mississippi is special. From stories of survival passed down through generations, to its place in the Civil War. This river has seen racial strife from slavery to segregation. Brace, Cooper and Jutz, with the help of some friends bear the river’s soul on fourteen tracks.

I’ve always believed an album should have a core that, like the hub, that the individual tracks feed from. RIVERLAND has a core the stories and reminiscences radiate from, allowing the tunes to roll seamlessly from one to the other, flowing much smoother than the river they embody.

Two tracks have a flavor of their own. Southern Mule will have you tapping your toes while Old Tom T (Hall) and Brother Will D. (Campbell) tells the story of a friendship most of us never knew about. Thomm provides the voice for Tom T. Hall and Peter walks in the voice of Will D. Campbell

I’ve listened to this CD at least twice a day since opening up the album. Part of the time I’m missing my husband, but then I’m reminded his job, in a lot of ways, is much easier than of river men past. The dangers are still there but like others before him and those that ride the river today, he works hard on a job a lot of men can’t handle to make a living for us.

Today, I dedicate this review to my husband, Captain Bob Henkins of the Illinois Michigan Oil company and the deckhands who entrust their safety to him every time they fire up the engines.

To all the men and women out on the rivers… Be Safe.

This is an album that belongs on the 2019 Best list, for sure. I'm tipping my hat:

              

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   AMAZON   TWITTER   YOUTUBE  

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Eric Brace, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz

I'm kicking off the 2019 Out of the Chute with a little something different. We have a trio that does not sport a 'group' name but their individuality comes together beautifully on their Sophmore album I'll be reviewing tomorrow. Interviewing these guys was a lot of fun. 

Let's open the gate!

The detail sheet states this was a suspect idea. Where did the idea originate?

Eric and Thomm were hanging out in Natchez, Mississippi, thinking about history and soul, and they arrived at the notion of doing an album of songs that deal with life along the river. That’s the short answer, though it’s also true that we’re pretty well obsessed with John Hartford, the great songwriter and performer and riverboat pilot. And Mark Twain is a huge influence on us. All these things seemed to point to something muddy and watery and soulful.

You each have a strong footing in the music industry. What made this album different from your first one… to each of you?

This was the first time as a trio that we delved fully into history for a themed album, though I think it’s clear in these songs that history informs the present. I think the subject matter sets it apart, both from our past works (plays?) and from much of what’s going on out there in singer-songwriter world. The liner notes and photos included in the booklet make for our most interesting packaging and, hopefully, give folks a reason not just to download or stream. Though we’re cool with people listening any way they prefer to listen.

There have been some great reviews of this album but Charlie Worsham gave a deep, heartfelt review of the album. What was your first reaction to reading those words?

Charlie Worsham has devoted his life to helping people — particularly young people in rural Mississippi — understand the ways that music and history can be transformative. So to get his approval was heartening, and maybe necessary. Had he called bullshit on us — three people who are not from the Magnolia State — making an album like this, I would have wanted to re-think our motivations and our execution. He’s younger than we are, but he’s also an example and an inspiration and a hell of a musician. Through his charitable foundation and through the wood and wire of his guitar, he’s doing special things. If you don’t believe me, ask Vince Gill or Marty Stuart. But why wouldn’t you believe me? I’m a totally honest fellow.

The contents of this album are thought-provoking, a bit of a history lesson with a dash of editorial. You’ve blended everything seamlessly. Were there any specific techniques you used to get where you were going?

Eric and I both leaned on Thomm for songwriting and production direction. Thomm is a remarkable guy, with his incredible knowledge of history and music and what I recognize (he’ll argue) as an absolute mastery of the acoustic guitar. For the most part, we’d get together with Thomm and he’d often have melodic and thematic ideas, and then we’d help flesh those out. Then we’d blend voices and see who should be singing what and how things could best work. I’d say Thomm is the most underrated force in American music, except that might technically mean that he is the least rated force, which would mean he’s not a force at all. But, damn, he’s a force.

Riverland isn’t just an album, but a documentary of both lyrics and the stories. What was your thought behind adding the booklet?

If it were up to me and I lived in a better and more convenient world, all our music would be on vinyl and would contain voluminous liner notes. But albums are heavy and hard to carry around, and these things get expensive. I believe it was Eric’s idea to go forward with an extended booklet for the CD, and I was thrilled about that. If we’re going to have folks download albums for $10 on iTunes and stream things at no cost, it seems imperative to give people a reason to purchase physical copies of the compact disc. I feel like sound quality should be enough of a reason, but it’s usually not these days (sigh). Most of all, context informs the musical listening experience. The more context we can give, the better. That’s why liner notes, and interviews, are meaningful.

Was there anything you wish you’d done differently or incorporated?

Unlike most every other thing that I do every day of my life, I’d have done nothing different with this album. Wait, I’d have slept more the night before our photo shoot, so my eyes wouldn’t be baggy and I could appeal to young people.

What do you hope people carry with them after hearing this album?

I hope people enjoy the melodies and the harmonies and the musicianship. But I also hope they’ll want to learn more about characters like Will D. Campbell and Mike Fink. These are people who did things differently, with good and sometimes frustrating reason. I hope people listen to Will Campbell’s “Mississippi Magic,” which is a summation of what a friend of mine called Will’s “scandalous gospel.” He believed that everyone, even people whose routines involve hate and violence and bigotry, is worthy of love and concern. I don't live out that scandalous gospel, but I think about it a lot, arm-wrestling with Will’s ghost on sleepless nights.

Riverland is going to be a tough act to follow. Can you give a hint as to what direction you want to go with the next album?

I haven’t thought for a moment about the next album. I’ve been too busy trying to learn the chords to this one. And that’s the truth. Many of my songs seem to be about baseball, but Thomm doesn’t understand or appreciate baseball, so that’ll be a hard sell. Maybe we’ll do a Kickstarter campaign to send Thomm to some kind of baseball school, then do a really swell album of baseball songs.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   AMAZON   TWITTER   YOUTUBE  

To give you a sample of what happens when three outstanding talents come together, here's a cut from YouTube:

THE PARTY LIST February 14- 20

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. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 14

Mike Blakely – Rialto Theater – Port Aransas

            /w Annie Blakely

Marc Broussard – The Heights - Houston

Friday – 15

Asleep at the Wheel – The Heights Theater – Houston

David Touchton – The Brass Tap – Round Top

Jamie Richards – Southern Junction Live – Royse City

Josh Ward – Silver Saloon – Terrell

Marc Broussard – Antone’s – Austin

Saturday – 16

David Touchton – Back 9 Bar – Bastrop

David Ball – Stagecoach Ballroom – Ft. Worth

john Arthur martinez – Colonial CC – Ft. Worth

Jamie Richards – Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall – Coupland

Josh Ward – Kicks Club – Angleton

Libby Koch – Rocky Creek House Concerts – Austin

            Songs for Alyssa Benefit

Marc Broussard – The Kessler - Dallas

Sunday – 17

Casey Donahew Band – Karbach Brewing Co – Houston

David Touchton – Skull Mechanix Brewing – Austin

Tessy Lou & the Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood

Monday – 18

NO SHOWS FOUND

Tuesday – 19

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Chris Reeves

Libby Koch – Liberty Tree Tavern – Elgin

            /w Jackson Emmer

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg

Wednesday – 20

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w BB Morse & Chris Reeves

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 14

The Bellamy Brothers – Chesapeake Energy Arena – OKC – OK

      Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Brennan Leigh – Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge – Nashville TN

Cody Joe Hodges – CRS – Nashville TN

Crystal Gayle – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino – Laughlin NV

Friday – 15

Aaron Tippin – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

The Bellamy Brothers – Sprint Center – Kansas City MO

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Casey Donahew Band – Hartman Arena – Park City KS

            /w Josh Abbott Band

Cody Joe Hodges – CRS – Nashville TN

Crystal Gayle – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino – Laughlin NV

David Ball – Valentine’s Ball – Searcy AR

Saturday – 16

The Black Lilies – High Rock Outfitters – Lexington NC

The Bellamy Brothers – Danny Sanford Premier Center – Sioux Falls SD

     Blake Shelton: Friends & Heros Tour

Brennan Leigh – Crimson Frolics – Nashville TN

Casey Donahew Band – Revolution Music Room – Little Rock AR

                        SOLD OUT!

Collin Raye – Milltown Music Hall – Breman GA

Crystal Gayle – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino – Laughlin NV

Ragged Union Bluegrass – Mile High Spirits Distillery – Denver CO

Sunday – 17

The Baker Family – Focal Point – Maplewood MO

Crystal Gayle – Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino – Laughlin NV

Monday – 18

NO SHOWS FOUND

Tuesday – 19

NO SHOWS FOUND

Wednesday – 20

Brennan Leigh – The Station Inn – Nashville TN

OUT OF THE CHUTE - HOT New Video Release!

Billboard released the Official new video from The Bellamy Brother. 

IF I EVER LEAVE YOU is one of the featured tracks on their upcoming 40th Anniversary album - OVER THE MOON - set for release on February 15th! There are some awesome tracks on this album and I hope to bring you a review soon.

Check it out!

THE PARTY LIST - February 7 - 13

This week is a little slim for a couple of reasons. Storms had my internet running horribly slow. I wasn’t able to load several artist’s webpages.

The other reason is a lot of the classic as well as up and coming artist are headed to the CRS in Nashville. Things should be back to normal next week.

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. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…

Let’s Get This Party STARTED!

TEXAS

Thursday – 7

Aaron Watson – San Antonio Rodeo – AT&T Center – San Antonio

Mike Blakely – Civic Center – Fort Stockton

       Fort Stockton Historical Banquet

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ  - The Colony

Matt & The Herdsmen – Big Texas Dance Hall & Saloon – Spring

Friday – 8

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Rockett Café – Waxahachie

Terri Hendrix – Stateside at the Paramount – Austin

Bellamy Brothers – Floore’s – Helotes

            w/ Austin Gillian

Dave Thomas – Culpepper’s Steak House – Rockwall

Brothers Osborne – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth

Zane Williams – Big Texas Dancehall & Saloon – Spring

            SOLO Acoustic

Whiskey Myers – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches

            w/ Bones Owens

Tanya Tucker – Stampede Houston - Houston

Saturday – 9

Aaron Watson – Humble Civic Center Arena – Humble

Ray Wylie Hubbard – Medical City Grand Theater – Lewisville

Sam Riggs – Floore’s – Helotes

            /w Night Traveler

Mike Blakely – Texas Heritage Vineyard – Fredricksburg

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell

Whiskey Myers – Twisted J Live – Stephenville

            /w Bones Owens

Walt Wilkins – Dosey Doe – Spring

Tanya Tucker – Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall – Coupland

Shiny Ribs – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels

Shenandoah – Dixie National Rodeo – Jackson MS

Randy Brown Band – Little Red’s Longhorn Saloon – Ft. Worth

Pauline Reese – Oak Ranch – Burnet

            /w john Arthur martinez

Matt & the Herdsmen – Orange & Gray Baseball Scrimmage – Edinburg

Martina McBride – AT&T Center – San Antonio

Sunday – 10

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 11

WC Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Jimmy Davis

Tuesday – 12

The Troubadillo’s – Poodies – Spicewood

            Taco Night!

Randy Brown Band – Railhead BBQ – Willow Park

            w/ Thom Shepherd

Mike Blakely – Western Edge Cellars – Fredricksburg

Wednesday – 13

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ - Rockwall

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 7

Josh Ward – 1933 – Bakersfield

Travis Tritt – Seminole Casino Hotel – Immokalee FL

Friday – 8

Aaron Watson – Choctaw Event Center – Choctaw OK

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Josh Ward – Harlow’s – Sacramento

William Clark Green – The Hat – Manhattan KS

            w/ The Lawless

Travis Tritt – Sharon L. Morse PAC – The Villages FL

Ronnie McDowell – Red Boiling Springs – TN

            Karaoke Night with his fans

Rhonda Vincent – Chapman Cultural Center – Spartanburg SC

Saturday – 9

Ordinary Elephant – The Rock House – Reeds Springs MO

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Josh Ward – The Siren – Morrow Bay

Texas Tenors – Port Everglades – Ft. Lauderdale FL

Ronnie McDowell – Donoho Entertainment Center – Red Boiling Springs TN

Rhonda Vincent – Garner Performing Arts Center – Garner NC

Sunday – 10

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 11

NO SHOW FOUND

Tuesday – 12

Oak Ridge Boys – Fox Tucson Theatre – Tucson AZ

Wednesday – 13

Oak Ridge Boys – Higley Center for the PAC – Gilbert AZ