OUT OF THE CHUTE- And the Nominees Are....

The Nominees for the 12th Annual Texas Music Awards have been announced. Each person or persons on this list have earned their place.

I'll be showcasing each of the nominees over the next seven weeks. Aside from The Party List, this will be the focus on the blog until the winners are announced in Linden on March 22nd. As of right now, I will be attending the event so I hope to bring you news live via twitter as well as getting some one-on-one interviews with folks to share with you.

In the mean time, Public Vote is up through February 9th. Please go HERE to check out the nominees for yourself and cast your vote. Your vote counts!

Country Blessings!
Kelly

THE PARTY LIST - January 30 - February 5

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. 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 – 30
Matt Harlan – McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Houston – 7:30 p.m.
Heather Roberts – Cocky’s Wing Bar – Joshua – 7-10 p.m.
W.C. Jameson – The Badu House – Llano – 7 p.m.
/w Mike Blakely & Guest: Andrea Marie
john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
George Ensle – Strange Brew – Austin
/w Brian Pounds
Gary Kyle & The No Standards – Buster McNutty’s – Livingston – 8 p.m.


Friday – 31
The Bellamy Brothers – John T. Floore’s – Helotes – 9 P.M.
/w Noel McKay & Brennan Leigh
TICKETS:
Dave Thomas – Oakmont Country Club – Corinth – 6 p.m.
Texas KGB – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 11 p.m.
Kenny Harrell – Blue Collar – Pasadena – 8 p.m.
Randy Brown – Love and War in Texas – Plano – 9- 11 p.m.
Heather Roberts Band – Old Texas Brewery – Burleson - 9 p.m. – Midnight
Song Swap with Matt Day 
Josh  Abbott Band – Hurricane Harry’s – College Station  -
Tessy Lou & Shotgun Stars – Strange Brew – Austin – 10 p.m.
Cody Johnson Band – Banita Creek Hall – Nacogdoches –
John Flynn - Uncle Calvin's Coffee House - Dallas - 8 p.m.


Saturday – February 1
Red Dirt Stampede!
/w Randy Rogers Band, Josh Abbott Band & More!
W.C. Jameson – The Badu House – Llano –
/w Will Callery
Bart Crow – John T. Floore’s – Helotes
/w Sam Riggs & the Night People
      TICKETS:
Kenny Harrell – The Franchise: Cajun Restaurant & Steakhouse – Jefferson – 9 p.m.
Scott Sturgeon Band – Lynn’s Saloon – Azle – 9 p.m.
Matt McCormick – Strange Brew – Austin –
Dave Madden – Strange Brew – Austin –
John Flynn – Austin Acoustical Café – Austin – 7 p.m.
Jean Synodinos Opens!
     TICKETS:
Aaron Watson – Yoakum Gin & Feed – Yoakum –
     TICKETS:
Terri Hendrix – Third Coast Music Theatre – Port Aransas – 8 p.m.
/w Lloyd Maines
Dave Thomas – Culpeppers Steak House – Rockwall – 7:30 p.m.
Mike Blakely – River Bluff Hall – Center Point –
Special public performance w/ his dad – the legendary Doc Blakely
       ONLY a few seats left! Call: 830-634-7043 or Email: info (at) riverbluffpartybarn (dot) com

Sunday – 2
Jean Synodinos – Kick Butt Coffee – Austin – 3-5 p.m. FREE
Tessy Lou & Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.


Monday – 3
W.C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood
/w George Ensle & Guest:
Steak Night!
john Arthur martinez – Florida Chandler House Party – Pascoe Co
Contact Pat Chandler: patlarry1966 (at) gmail (dot) com
Tessy Lou & Shotgun Stars – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 4 p.m.


Tuesday – 4
John T. Floore’s – 2nd Annual Ben Dorcy Day
/w Jamey Johnson, Evan Felker (Turnpike Troubadours)
        TICKETS:
Brian Pounds – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 6 p.m.
Taco Night!
Randy Brown – Railhead – Willow Park – 7:30 – 10:30
/w Johnny Cooper
Terri Hendrix – Scheib Center – San Marcos – 6:30 p.m.
David’s Activity Hall – Epilepsy Support Group


Wednesday – 5
Kenny Harrell – Big D BBQ – Mansfield – 7 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – River City Grille – Marble Falls – 7-9 p.m.


ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 30
Pam Tillis – Fortuna Del Oro Resort – Yuma AZ
Grits & Glamor Tour


Friday – 31
Asleep at the Wheel – Emporia Granada Theater – Emporia KS
Geoff Union – Avogadro’s Number – Ft. Collins CO – 8:30 p.m.
/w Ragged Union & Guest: MikeFinnders
Gary Allan – Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch MN
TICKETS:
Holly Williams – The Space at Westbury – Westbury NY
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS:


Saturday – February 1
Oak Ridge Boys – Harrah’s Metropolis – Metropolis IL
Pam Tillis – Lucky Eagle Casino – Rochester WA
Grits & Glamor Tour
Collin Raye – The Manor House – Mason OH
Holly Williams – Smith Opera House – Geneva NY
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS:


Sunday – 2
NO Dates Found
GO BRONCOS!


Monday – 3
Holly Williams – The Taft Theatre – Cincinnati OH
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS:


Tuesday – 4
Holly Williams – Vogue Theatre – Indianapolis IN
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS:


Wednesday – 5 
Kris Kristofferson – Germain Arena – Estero FL – 7 p.m
/w Merle Haggard!
TICKETS:

WEDNESDAY REVIEW- Pete Seeger

Photo Credit: David Bernz

The above picture is one of my favorites. The photographer (and producer of two of Pete Seeger's albums), David Bernz captured the essence of who I believe to be Pete Seeger. A simple man and his banjo on a journey. Over the course of his travels, Pete Seeger blessed a lot of people with his words, wisdom, support and music. Sadly, his journey has come to an end. According to reports, his grandson says the legendary folk singer slipped silently away in his sleep Monday night after a six- day stay in New York's Presbyterian Hospital. He is gone but his legacy lives.

When I think of Pete Seeger, I am reminded of a time when music and protests went hand in hand, a time when the songs were of PEACE... not hate or killing. The music and the protests stood for something great. Mr. Seeger was a 'cheerful warrior', an activist who showed support through his music. He played on 'mostly small' college campuses across the country sharing his message with the help of his faithful companion - the banjo. He wrote and sang the 'music of the people', expressing the passion of his peers through a one of the most difficult and life-altering times in our history.

Following the war, he founded Sing Out! magazine. A publication still in print today, as well as a resource center for folk music and the artists who keep the genre alive.

Lyrics vibrated with depth and meaning in songs like 'Where Have All the Flowers Gone' and 'If I Had A Hammer', songs he co-wrote. Pete Seeger at 89 . The album was nominated for a Grammy in the Folk Music category that year. He released his final album in 2011 'Tomorrow's Children' with Appleseed Records.

People in general (not just artists) like Pete Seeger do not pass our way very often. Although I never met the man, I am proud to say I grew up with his music and am slowly finding my way back to the passion we shared... Love. Truth. Compassion. Peace.

Travel on, Pete Seeger and Safe Journey

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Words & Music by Byrd and Street

WORDS AND MUSIC is the newest CD by Byrd & Street. As I listened to the various tracks, I heard echoes of past artists. Gems of the industry such as Peter Paul and Mary  who I believe paved the way for future Americana artists such as Byrd & Street to follow. In fact, the Peter Paul and Mary classic, Puff the Magic Dragon came to mind as I listened to The Kid in Me.

I’m Gonna Swim Out to My Ship sets the toe-tapping tone of this CD while showcasing the true voice we’ve come to love from Kathy Street and Tommy Byrd and carries through other tracks such as I Need A Small Town. Listening to The Kid in Me makes a frown impossible. I giggle every time I hear this happy tune.

Reminiscence  of life come through in tunes like Family Matters and Faith, Family and Friends as well as Old Out of Tune Guitar. The harmonies on Higher Ground are exceptional and bring this CD to a spiritual level. A Rocking Chair and a Memory is a haunting tone bringing to mind the stories often locked away inside the silent voice of our elderly.

Other tracks such as You Have Been My Friend and When I Hear Her Sing and carry a more personal note with Tommy’s heartfelt words and Kathy’s crystal harmonies. Together Again is a step back in time and adds a uniqueness to the CD. Kathy’s voice combined with the piano bridge let us enjoy the simplicity of their music.

Overall, this dynamic duo has given us another great collection of tunes they can be proud of.
You can order your copy at My Texas Music.

I give WORDS AND MUSIC

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Byrd & Street

This week we open the chute for a fabulous Americana Duo comprised of Tommy Byrd and Kathy Street. I'll give you more of my take on this talented couple. For now, let's see what they have to say.

1.  Fans and journalists have described you and your music in so many ways. How would you describe Byrd & Street?  Tex-Americana with male/female harmonies

2. The two of you have an almost ‘sibling’ harmony. The tone is magic. Did you feel as if you had been touched by a magic wand the first time the two of you sang together?          .
We absolutely did.  We both like the way our voices blended and we’re please that other people like it as well.  

3. Americana is really seeing an upsurge in popularity. What do you think the listener is listening for in the genre? What do they want or expect that differs from other ‘country’ music?
 Americana music encompasses more of a variety of sounds with the various “hybrids” of country, folk, blues, roots and maybe a little pop.  Country music is good dancing music.  Some but not all Americana music lends itself to that, but most is more of a “listen and be still” genre so that your heart can hear and feel the message in the lyrics. It’s a form of art that allows people to access their own special place in their heart. 

4. The two of you have an awesome approach to your audience that I think sets you apart from the majority of artists. You want people to experience Byrd & Street. Why do you think this is important?
  It’s gratifying to hear that we have touched a lot of hearts.   It has turned out to be reciprocal where we feel the connection with them, too.  Often someone will tell us that a particular song was just what they needed to hear that night because of the ups and downs of their week.  Or because it was a gentle reminder of where they needed to put their perspective.  Or because it reminded them of their father who they will always miss but they still appreciate moments to revisit their love of him. Or because the light-hearted silly song lifted their spirits.    And in these conversations with them we get to know and care about them, and we become friends.   Tommy also likes to tell the stories behind the songs, and our audience often chimes in with comments.  All of us have a good time together.  

5. Aside from artists of the music variety, you are both talented artists on canvas. Do you draw inspiration for both mediums from the same well? 

Kathy: Both of us were partly inspired from our grandmothers who were artistic.  My parents saw that I was the child in the family who loved to draw the most, and so when I was a teenager, my birthday gift was a boxed set of oil paints, canvases, brushes, and some sit-down lessons with my grandmother who always had an oil painting going in her dining room.  I often take a photo of a scene when I travel, and it becomes my next subject. I think that wanting to create art comes from a gene that wants attention. 

Tommy: My grandmother painted and worked with ceramics.  I began experimenting with ink brushes and pens about 10 years ago and have done a lot of commissioned portraits.  I’m also inspired by the story of the American Indian and so many of my images reflect that. 

6.  Who have been your biggest influences?
Laura Nero, The Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; the Everly Brothers; Lyle Lovett;  Peter, Paul and Mary; the Beatles, the Beach Boys 

7. What is the most important lesson each of you has learned in this business?
Kathy: There are great moments in the sun, and there are times when you feel disappointment and rejection.  Being chosen for recognition, for jobs and gigs is often political, random or disorganized.  If your fans keep growing in numbers, and you receive praise from some DJ’s and venue operators, then that is an indication that the work you are doing has merit, so keep plowing on.  Your grandest “trophy or plaque” will be the memory of the conversations you had with fans who “absolutely love your music.” 
 Tommy:  Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you.  There are many silver linings along the way.  Stay with it. 

8. What is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing a song? 
…that there isn’t only one thing to remember.  Keep a focus in mind. What do you want?  If it‘s a groove song, then aim that direction.  If it’s a sing-along, write a simple melody and chorus.  A slow, thought-provoking song has its own set of guidelines. Whatever the focus, play from the heart and be conversational.

Thank you to Tommy and Kathy for taking time from their busy schedule to talk with us today. Tomorrow, I have a special treat for you. We'll be talking about their new CD!

Until then..
Country Blessings!

THE PARTY LIST - January 23 - 29

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. 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 – 23
W.C. Jameson – The Badu House – Llano – 7 p.m.
/w Mike Blakely & Guest: Sean Devine & Quinby Fadiorio
Matt Harlan – Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse – Pearland – 6 p.m.
Oak Ridge Boys – Brauntex Theater – New Braunfels –
Redneck Brown & Freshwater Donkeys – Texas Music Charts – Houston – Noon
Redneck Brown & Freshwater Donkeys – Firehouse Saloon – Houston – 8 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Blue Corn Harvest – Cedar Park – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Elizabeth McQueen – Strange Brew – Austin – 8 – 9:30 p.m.
  /w Matt the Electrician
George Ensle – Strange Brew – Austin – 6-7:30 p.m.
TICKETS
Reckless Kelly – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8:30 p.m.
TICKETS
Scott Sturgeon Band – Red’s Roadhouse – Kennedale – 7 p.m.
Kyle Park – Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos –
Full Band
TICKETS
Whey Jennings – Strange Brew – Austin – 10 p.m. - $10


Friday – 24
James McMurtry – John T. Floore’s – Helotes
/w Javi Garcia
TICKETS
Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Roanoke – 7 p.m.
Kenny Harrell – Legends – Pilot Point – 9:30 p.m.
Oak Ridge Boys – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland –
Jean Synodinos – ABIA – Ruta Maya Stage – Austin – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jean Synodinos – New World Deli – Austin – 7-9 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 8-11:30 p.m.
The Rankin’ Twins – Strange Brew – Austin – 8-9:30 p.m.
Ricky Skaggs – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8;30 p.m.
/w Kentucky Thunder
TICKETS
The Damn Quails – Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos –
TICKETS


Saturday – 25
Casey Hubble – Adobe Verde – Gruene – 7 p.m.
/w John Napier
Kenny Harrell – Legends – Pilot Point – 9:30 p.m.
Kyle Hutton – Dosey Doe’s Café – Conroe – 8 p.m.
Oak Ridge Boys – Grand 1894 Opera House – Galveston -
Randy Brown – Mule Pub – Fort Worth – 9:30 p.m. – Midnight
/w Jordan Hendrix
Heather Roberts Band – Prime Steakhouse – Mansfield – 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Redneck Brown & the Freshwater Donkeys – Chicken Ranch Dance Hall – Ledbetter – 8 p.m.
john Arthur martinez – Julie’s Cocina – Cottonwood Shores – 6-9 p.m.
The Association – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8:30 p.m.
TICKETS
Blacktop Outlaw – The Franchise – Jefferson –
Doug Moreland – Floore’s Country Store – Helotes – 9 p.m.
TICKETS at the door.
Brian Keane Band – Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos
CD Release Party!
TICKETS


Sunday – 26
Oak Ridge Boys – Grand 1894 Opera House – Galveston –
Elizabeth McQueen- St. David’s Church – Austin
Blood Sweat & Tears – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 4:30 & 8:30 p.m.
TICKETS
John Evans – Strange Brew – Austin – 4 p.m.
Acoustic
Chet O’Keefe – Strange Brew – Austin – 6 p.m.


Monday – 27
W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood
/w George Ensle & Guest: Chris Wall
Elizabeth McQueen – Monkeynest Coffee – Austin


Tuesday – 28
Randy Brown – Railhead – Willow Park – 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
/w Phil Hampton
Brian Pounds – Poodie’s – Spicewood – 6 p.m.
Taco Night!
john Arthur martinez – Texas Tea-Licious – Burnet – 6-8 p.m.
      Folk Family Revival- Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands – 8 p.m.
/w Kyle Hutton
TICKETS
W.C. Jameson - Fuel Coffee House - Llano -
     /w Noel McKay



Wednesday – 29
Heather Roberts – Eagle’s Nest – Ft. Worth – 8:30- 11:30 p.m.
/w Spencer Elliot
john Arthur martinez – River City Grille – Marble Falls – 7-9 p.m.



ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 23
Kris Kristofferson – Wilshire Ebell Theater – Los Angeles CA – 7:30 p.m.
Legacy Concert: A Star is Born
TICKETS
Billy Dean – Weekend Willy’s Sports Bar & Grill – Naples FL
TICKETS
Holly Williams – The Orange Peel – Asheville NC
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS
Josh Grider – The Motherlode Saloon – Red River NM
Red River Songwriters’ Festival
Also playing: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walt Wilkins, Susan Gibson
and More!


Friday – 24
Aubrey Lynn England – Angel Fire Resort – Angel Fire NM – 8 p.m.
/w Tim Nichols + Jody Booth
Billy Dean – Weekend Willy’s Sports Bar & Grill – Naples FL –
/w Gary James Hannan –
TICKETS
Holly Williams – The Barter Theatre – Abingdon VA
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS
Josh Grider – The Motherlode Saloon – Red River NM
Red River Songwriters’ Festival
Also playing: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walt Wilkins, Susan Gibson
and More!


Saturday – 25
Geoff Union – Zio Romolo’s Alley Bar – Denver CO – 9 p.m.
Aubrey Lynn England – Angel Fire Resort – Angel Fire NM – 8 p.m.
/w Sundance Head + Jody Booth
Gary Allan – St. Louis Auto Show – St. Louis MO
TICKETS
Holly Williams – Haw River Ballroom – Saxapahaw NC
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS: SOLD OUT!
Josh Grider – The Motherlode Saloon – Red River NM
Red River Songwriters’ Festival
Also playing: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walt Wilkins, Susan Gibson
and More!

Sunday – 26
Holly Williams – Kirk Avenue Music Hall – Roanoke VA
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS

Monday – 27
NO SHOWS FOUND

Tuesday – 28
Collin Raye – Peppermill Resort Hotel – Reno NV
Holly Williams –9:30 Club – Washington DC
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS

Wednesday – 29
Pam Tillis – Valley Del Oro Resort – Mesa AZ
Grits & Glamor tour
Holly Williams – Union Transfer – Philadelphia PA
/w Jason Isbell
TICKETS

WEDNESDAY REVIEW- Win A Trip to the Texas Hill Country!

Oh yeah!

I probably want to make a virgin trip to Texas more than anyone else on the planet who has never been to the LoneStar state. There are several reasons. The top 5 would be:

FRIENDS
MUSIC
FOOD
WINE
HISTORY


In no particular order. As you know I plan to make my first trip in March to cover the Texas Music Awards. I am really looking forward to this trip. There are lots of other things I want to do but they will have to be spread out over multiple trips as money permits.

Friends like W.C. Jameson and Mike Blakely who introduced me to Texas music. As a side note, Mike Blakely has his own Lonestar Wine and Music Tours business and I'd love to take one of his tours. Wine/ Music/ Friends/ Food all go hand in hand. And many wineries go back for generations and I do love History! While in the Texas Hill Country, one place I really want to go is The Badu House in Llano. They have a reputation for excellent wine, great food and top of the line musicians performing on a regular basis.

There are a lot of wineries in Texas. I mean, you have to have something to go with juicy steak, right? Wine Enthusiasts offers a Top 10 list of the best wine travel destinations.  You can check out Wine Travel Destinations to get you started.

So imagine my delight when I signed into twitter this morning and saw a tweet from TexasHillCountry offering the opportunity to win a trip to the Texas Hill Country. This is an AMAZING prize package. You can see all the details HERE  but think about how much you would enjoy a trip for 2 that includes airfare, up to 8 nights accommodations at local B&B and wineries and visit up to 12 different wineries!  Um... yes please.

What if you don't know anything about wine? I know what I like and what I don't. I'm a Sweet Wine kind of gal, regardless of what I'm eating. Thankfully sweet red will pair well with either steak or chocolate so I'm safe. LOL But if you want to know more about wines, you can check out the Review Page to get an idea of the various wines you will find on your trip through the Texas Hill Country.

You will also find Wine Enthusiasts on Facebook.
Registering is easy. A little promotion goes a long way. So hop over to the LINK .

Country Blessings!