THE PARTY LIST - October 18-24

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 – 18

Mary Chapin Carpenter – Wagner Noel PAC – Midland

            /w Brian Setzer

john Arthur martinez – Western Edge Wine Cellars – Fredricksburg

            /w Mike Blakely

Friday – 19

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Roanoke

Reckless Kelly – Cactus Theater – Lubbock

Jon Wolfe – Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth

William Clark Green – Lonestar Amphitheater – Lubbock

            /w Dirty River Boys and Read Southall

Cody Canada & the Departed – Sam’s Burger Joint – San Antonio

Brandon Luedtke – Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival – Dripping Springs

john Arthur martinez – Hills of Lakeway cc – The Hills

Josh Ward – Kiotee Club - Denison

Saturday – 20

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – The Colony

Asleep at the Wheel – Ranch Bash – Ft. Worth

Jon Wolfe – Rosevine Gravelhill Benefit – Bronson

William Clark Green – Dos Amigos – Odessa

Cody Canada & the Departed – Texas Arts & Music Festival – Brenham

john Arthur martinez – Oak Haven Ranch – Burnet

Josh Ward – Fight For Five Music Festival – Waco

Scott Taylor Band – The Kenney Store - Kenney

Sunday – 21

NO SHOWS FOUND

Monday – 22

W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Tommy Elskes

Tuesday – 23

Matt Harlan – Lobello’s Pub – Huffman

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer

Wednesday – 24

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Kurt Baumer

Scott Taylor Band – Moonshine Drinkery – Victoria

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 18

Tracy Lawrence – Meyer Theatre – Greenbay WI

Joe Nichols – Mountain Arts Center – Prestonsburg KY

Aaron Watson – Moonshine Flats – San Diego CA

Kip Moore – The Ritz – Raleigh NC

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Ray Wylie Hubbard – George’s Majestic – Fayetteville AR

The Baker Family – Washington Parish Fair – Franklinton LA

Friday – 19

Tracy Lawrence – The Gobbler Theatre – Johnson Creek WI

Trace Adkins – Welk Resort Theatre – Branson MO

Ronnie McDowell – Bear Creek Memories Theater – St. Mary’s OH

Aaron Watson – Denim & Diamonds – Mesa AZ

Charlie Pride – The Sharon – The Villages FL

Bellamy Brothers – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

Saturday – 20

Tracy Lawrence – Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre – Shipshewana IN

Bill Anderson – Meramec Music Theatre – Steelville MO

Trace Adkins – Center Stage @ Belterra Casino – Florence IN

Joe Nichols – Country Smooth Festival – Avondale LA

Aaron Watson – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles CA

Kip Moore – The Signal – Chattanooga TN

Pam Tillis – Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre – Branson MO

Lorrie Morgan – Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre – Branson MO

David Ball – Keepin’ It Country Farm – Waynesville OK

            /w Richard Lynch Band

Bellamy Brothers – Downstream Casino Resort – Quapaw OK

Sunday – 21

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Monday – 22

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Tuesday – 23

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Wednesday – 24

Ronnie McDowell – Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre – Branson MO

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

THE PARTY LIST - October 4 - 10

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 – 4

Jamie Richards – Cora’s Grill – Castroville

            Acoustic

The Baker Family – Glen Rose Bluegrass Festival – Glen Rose

john Arthur martinez – Driskill Hotel – Austin

Friday – 5

Asleep at the Wheel – ACL Music Festival – Austin

Aaron Watson – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels

Matt Harlan – Shady Acres Saloon – Houston

Jon Wolfe – Bee Co. Western Week – Beeville

Jamie Richards – Texas Music Reunion – Nemo

The Baker Family – Glen Rose Bluegrass Festival – Glen Rose

john Arthur martinez – Escondido Golf & Lake Club - Horseshoe Bay

Saturday – 6

Kelly McGuire – Railroad Park – Palacious

            Parrot Festival

Aaron Watson – State Fair of TX – Dallas

Reckless Kelly – Bootfest @ DeLeon Plaza – Victoria

Jon Wolfe – Armadillo Palace – Houston

Byrd & Street – New World Deli – Austin

            /w Greg Whitefield

Jamie Richards – Whiskey Girl - Ft. Worth

Bellamy Brothers – Arlington Music Hall – Arlington

john Arthur martinez – Linda’s – Wimberley

Sunday – 7

Matt Harlan – Houston Oasis – Houston

Monday – 8

WC Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Walt Wilkins

The Malpas Brothers – Wagner Noel PAC – Midland

john Arthur martinez – Kbey-FM Interview – Marble Falls

            7:35-8:35 a.m.

Tuesday – 9

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Coppell

Mike Blakely – Music in the Park – Comfort

john Arthur martinez – Trailblazer Grille – Burnet

            /w Kurt Baumer

Wednesday – 10

Josh Abbott Band – The Rustic – Dallas

David Ball – Kenney Store – Kenney

john Arthur martinez – On the Rocks – Cottonwood Shores

            /w Kurt Baumer

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 4

Tracy Lawrence – Booth Amphitheatre – Cary NC

Joe Nichols – Chillin on the Lucie – Glen St. Mary FL

Kip Moore – Scheels Arena – Fargo ND

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

BJ Thomas – The Sharon – The Villages FL

Gene Watson – Starlight Theatre – Branson MO

Eli Young Band – The Blue Note – Columbia MO

Cody Canada & the Departed – Exit In – Nashville TN

Bellamy Brothers – Soundheim Theater – Fairfield IA

Josh Ward – 3^rd & Lindsley – Nashville TN

Friday – 5

Tracy Lawrence – The Midland Theatre – Newark OH

Gary Allan – Arizona State Fair – Phoenix AZ

Kip Moore – The District – Sioux Falls SD

Charley Pride – Welk Resort Theatre – Branson MO

Bellamy Brothers – Ribs n Bibs Music Festival – Topeka KS

Josh Ward – Puckett’s Farm Equip. – Charlotte NC

Saturday – 6

Tracy Lawrence – del Lago Resort & Casino – Waterloo NY

Asleep at the Wheel – Golden Nugget – Lake Charles LA

Marc Broussard – Arcadia Music Festival – Thibodaux LA

Ronnie McDowell – Ross Country Jamboree – Scottsburg IN

Kip Moore – The Sylvee – Madison WI

Mike Blakely – Swallow Hill Music Hall – Denver CO

            /w Annie Blakely

David Ball – Music On Main – Auxvasse MO

Dinnerbell Road - Recon Brewing - Butler PA

Cody Canada & the Departed – Danenberger Family Vineyards – New Berlin IL

The Baker Family – Inter. Bluegrass Festival – Guthrie OK

Josh Ward – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta GA

Sunday – 7

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Reckless Kelly – Red Dragon Listening Room – Baton Rouge LA

Mike Blakely – Chuck Pyle Tribute Concert – Ft. Collins CO

            /w Annie Blakely

The Baker Family – Baker Heirloom Seed Co – Mansfield MO

Monday – 8

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Tuesday – 9

Mickey Gilley – Mickey Gilley Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Johnny Lee – Urban Cowboy Tour

Wednesday – 10

Oak Ridge Boys – Mansion Theatre – Branson MO

The Baker Family – Turkey Track – Waldren AR

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Asleep at the Wheel

One of the first events I attended in West Plains (home of Porter Wagner and Jan Howard) was the Old-Time Music and Ozark Heritage Festival. The event staff always bring in the best entertainment.. music that takes you back in time for a couple of days. 

This year, we were blessed with Texas Swing aficionados, Asleep at the Wheel. These guys have been on my SEE list for years. Having the opportunity to sit down with band leader, Ray Benson, was extra sugar on the funnel cake. 

Members: Ray Benson - Lead Guitar and Vocals || Dave Sanger - Drums || Dave Miller - Bass and Vocals || Eddie Rivers - Steel and Sax || Katie Shore - Fiddle and Vocals || Connor Forsyth - Piano and Vocals II Jay Reynolds - Sax and Clarinet || Dennis Ludiker - Fiddle and Mandolin

I've heard that if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band. Asleep at the Wheel has that covered.. with Katie Shore and Dennis Ludiker:

Dennis won 2nd Place in the Texas State Fiddle Competition in Halletsville TX this year. After watching this guy, I have to wonder how he could have been beat. There's always next year!

Every classic country band worth its salt (in my opinion) must have a steel. That's where Eddie

Rivers comes in. He also blows a pretty mean Sax:

Rounding out the band are: (sorry, no decent pics)

Dave Sanger (drummers really need to be out front more), Dave Miller, Connor Forsyth and Jay Reynolds.

The concert was everything I expected from Asleep at the Wheel. They deliver in spades an amazing show that kept the crowd entertained from the first note as Ray Benson stepped on stage, to the last note of the encore.  While this was a free show, thanks to the hard-working festival folks, I would pay to see these guys again... repeatedly.  There are multiple reasons Asleep At The Wheel has been entertaining folks for over forty years but performance has to be the top. There is magic on that stage.

A big thanks to PJ for his assistance getting the interview and the little extras that made this a very memorable evening. 

Since West Plains is just a short drive off the path of The Mother Road, I thought I'd leave you with a sample of the concert.  Y'all get the opportunity to hear Asleep at the Wheel in person, go! You will not be disappointed.

You can catch up with Asleep at the wheel on various social media sights:

WEBSITE

FB

TWITTER

YOUTUBE

INSTAGRAM

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Comin' Right At Ya - Ray Benson

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to hang out with Ray Benson, co-founder and front man for Asleep at the Wheel, you have only to pick up a copy of COMIN' RIGHT AT YA. Ray Benson tells all in this 167-page autobiography (co-written with David Menconi)

From growing up in Philadelphia to the bright lights of Austin, Ray Benson can say he's been everywhere. Not only has he been everywhere but he has at least networked with almost every industry professional you can name, including Van Morrison. Bet ya didn't see that comin'. Not only has he worked with many of your favorites, but they have become life-long friends.

Ray Benson's easy conversational style gives the sense of sitting next to him while he regales you with stories of his escapades over the years, imparting a bit of the wisdom he has acquired along the way. One such bit of wisdom is the correlation between math and music. I had heard of the parallel before from my friend, Maestro Steven Byess. (Steven did a PBS special for kids on the principle) So yeah, if you want to be an artist but don't think you have to pay attention in Math class, you might want to rethink that one. 

I am all about networking. You meet interesting people, have opportunities you might not otherwise experience and have fun. Ray Benson says he has perfected hanging out as an art form.. and look where the practice has gotten him. 

When I met him last month, Ray told me that between the DVD and this book, I would earn a PhD in Asleep at the Wheel. I guess I need to find a place on my wall for that diploma. 

So grab your vice of choice and pull up a chair for a journey like you've never been on with one of the coolest cats you will ever meet.

You can order your copy through the Asleep At the Wheel website or Amazon

While you wait for your book to arrive, here's a little something for your viewing pleasure:

Catch up with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel through various Social Media

FB

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Still the King - Asleep at the Wheel

STILL THE KING by Asleep at the Wheel opens up with the Texas Playboys theme. From there, the remaining twenty-two tracks on this CD are a step back in time... or across the street.

For STILL THE KING, Ray Benson brought together some of the best talent of today to experience some of the greatest music to ever come out of the great state of Texas... the music of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

The twenty-three tracks feature a superb line-up of talented folks. Among them, former Texas Playboy Leon Rausch. Merle Haggard lent his voice to Keeper of My Heart, Willie Nelson on Navajo Trail, Brain Cloudy Blues with Jamey Johnson, Trouble In Mind featuring Lyle Lovett and the classic Tiger Rag with Old Crow Medicine Show.

Speaking of Old Crow Medicine Show, here's a bonus treat for you:

Music just does not get any better than this. I'm giving STILL THE KING:

Shop for your copy at:

Amazon
Website
iTunes

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Ray Benson - Asleep at the Wheel

Few people in the Texas music circuit bring out the 'fan' in me. I've always looked at entertainers as people with a job, just like the rest of us. They are blessed with a talent that allows them to make a living doing something they love. But I have to be honest, I have never been more nervous about an interview in the 25+ years than when I had the opportunity to sit down with Ray Benson - legendary leader for Asleep at the Wheel.

Thank you, Ray Benson, for your time.
Also a shout out to Ferrin and JP for helping to coordinate this opportunity.

Let's open the Chute!

You are an enigma, Ray Benson. Philadelphia boy becomes a Texas icon by way of California with a pit stop in West Virginia. Have you always been in control or were there times when you felt caught in a snowball on a downhill?

I’ve never felt in control. (laughs) not really. Every night’s a different place, different things. The band has had 190 people in the band, so every day is like ‘what’s going to happen today?’ Buses break down, you have hit records, you have duds, you have nothing, you have something. So I just enjoy it.

When you went back to West Virginia, for the filming of 'Then And Now', you said the cabin was smaller. So what's your fondest memory of the cabin?

My fondest memory is the joy. We lived like it was 1890 with a few amenities. We had horses, I rode bareback all over. We had this 1500 acres and this abandoned, well, it wasn’t abandoned, but okay, yeah it was (we both laugh). We didn’t have running water but you walk down the holler and there was a water fall. Took showers in the waterfall. There was berries and roots, sassafras, there were berries to make tea out of. There was deer… it was really cool. And we were learning how to be a band. 

We had a generator that we finally got running and we were able to plug in our instruments.  Otherwise we were playing acoustic. But yeah, it was great, wonderful. And we lived in this log cabin just like it was 1800s. this was a stage stop on the road. Just imagine. There was one big room and a kitchen. And the big room had a fireplace and a loft. That’s how people lived.

When you first played in Texas, did you have the sense of 'coming home'?

Absolutely. We opened for Commander Cody at the Armadillo. Then we met Willie playing another joint. We rented a house as soon as we could.

(There's something about Texas...)

Well, it’s it’s own little thing and we played Texas music so they were hungry for it. And there were no young bands doing what we did so the older folks were like ‘wow’. It was that whole generation gap so a lot of the older folks could come see us with their kids. 

With the turnover of band members through the years, what do you think is the secret to keeping the continuity of what is 'Asleep at the Wheel'?

Everybody who joins the band learns what came before, then ads their own personality and take on it. And that’s how it works. There’s nothing written. You listen to the records and the tapes of the previous person(s). Now they can go on YouTube back to 1980.  Reinterpret it and do it your own way and it comes out as it does… seems to work. 

Hero?

Willie Nelson

Comfort Food?

Poached Eggs

Way to Relax?

I'm always relaxed (smiles)

You can catch up with Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel on the road. Check their Tour Schedule for a stop near you. 

And by following their Social Media locations:

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

THE PARTY LIST - May 16- 22, 2013

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 – 16 
Steve Helms – Chubby’s Burger Shack – Fort Worth – 7 p.m.
Mike Blakely – The Badu House – Llano
w/ W.C. Jameson. Guest: Noel McKay & Brennen Leigh
Granger Smith – Dixie Dancehall – Beaumont –
Mark Allan Atwood – Whiskey Girl Saloon –
/w Candice Paulson Wagner’s show on Big Star 97
https://www.facebook.com/candicewagner?directed_target_id=0
Mandi Powell – The Pumphouse – Victoria –
/w Presley Lewis
Brigitte London - Luckenbach - 5 p.m.
Casey Hubble - The Auslander - Fredricksburg - 6 p.m.



Friday – 17
Shane Howard – Slippery Mino – Waco
Dale Watson – Luckenbach - $10 Cover
Bleu Edmonson – Midnight Rodeo – San Angelo – 8 p.m.
Tix $8 Ad (plus fees)/ $10 Door (21+)/ $12 Door (18-20)
Blacktop Outlaw– Mule Barn – Justin - 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. - $5
Davin James – Railhead Smokehouse BBQ – Willow Park – 7:30 p.m.
Casey Donahew Band – Pasadena Fairgrounds – Pasadena
Matt Dunn – Red Goose Saloon – Fort Worth –
Mandi Powell – Brewskis NineteenSixty – Houston – 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Acoustic
Pauline Reese - Lago Del Pino - Tyler - 8 p.m.
Josh Abbot - Texas Thunder - Gardendale - 10:30 p.m.


Saturday – 18
Carl Hutchens – Poodie’s Hilltop – Spicewood
also Dickie Lee Erwin
john Arthur martinez – Hondo’s On Main – Fredricksburg – 8-11:30 p.m.
Gary Kyle Band – Railhead Smokehouse BBQ – Willow Park – 7:30 p.m.
Casey Donahew Band – Town Square – Rockwall
Randy Brown – Mayfest – Weatherford – 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines – Dosey Doe’s Music Café – Conroe
Rod Ballou – Red’s Take 5 Sports Bar & Grill – Bridgeport
Casey Hubble - Adobe Verde - Gruene - 7 - 10 p.m.
Johnny Lee - Heritage Days Festival - Spearman
Randy Rogers Band - Texas Thunder - Gardendale - 10:30 p.m.


Sunday – 19
Dimitri’s Rail – Scout Bar – Houston – 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
94.5 The Buzz Hosting this Awesome event.
Pure Prairie League – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The Woodlands
Check out the FB page for details! https://www.facebook.com/events/138794682974118/
Casey Donahew Band – Texas Thunder – Gardendale
Randy Brown – Grapefest – Grapevine – 12:45- 2 p.m.
Jason Boland – Love & War – Plano – 4-6 p.m.
/w Aubrey Lynn & Yellow Rose
Jack Ingram - KNBT Americana Jam - Gruene Hall - New Braunfels


Monday – 20
George Ensle  – Poodie’s Hilltop – Spicewood – 6:30-9:30
w/ Guest: Tessy Lou Williams


Tuesday – 21
Mike Blakely – River City Grille – Marble Falls – 7-8 p.m.
  w/Byrd & Street
Max Stalling – Railhead Smokehouse BBQ – Willow Park – 7:30 p.m.
w/ Randy Brown
Matt Dunn – PD’s Place - Gainseville


Wednesday – 22
Charlie Robison – @Central Texas Speedway  – Austin
w/ Brian Keane
Kelly McGuire – Butler’s Courtyard – League City – 8 p.m. - $20
Up Close & Personal /w Shake Russell  - Doors open @  7 p.m.
Brigitte London - Ameripolitan Live @ Dewberry Jam Community Radio - San Antonio - 7 p.m.
Jean Synodinos - Flipnotics - Austin - 7 - 8:30 p.m.



ELSEWHERE

Thursday – 16 
Billy Dean  - The Mountain Arts Center – Prestonsburg KY
Asleep At the Wheel- Infinity Hall - Norfolk VA - 8 p.m. No Minors
Colt Ford - Cotton Eyed Joe - Nashville TN


Friday – 17
Buddy Case – O’Henry’s – Conway AR – 6 p.m.
Exile – Don Gibson Theater – Shelby NC
Kris Kristofferson – The Palladium – Carmel IN
Neal McCoy – Lakeside Hotel Casino – Osceola IA
Keith Anderson – InTrust Bank Arena – Witchita KS
Asleep At the Wheel - Sellersville Theater 1894 - Sellersville PA - 6 p.m. $29.50/ $45
Granger Smith - Shooters - Texarkana AR - 9 p.m. $10

Saturday – 18
Buddy Case – The Loft – House concert – Enola AR – 7 p.m.
Contact:
Billy Dean – Havana Day – Havana FL
Candy Coburn – Gravel Bar & Grill – Rolla MO – 8 p.m.
Let’s Raise A Little Shelter Event! For the Phelps Co Animal Shelter
Neal McCoy – Lakeside Hotel Casino – Osceola IA
Keith Anderson – SEVEN – West Siloam Springs OK
Asleep At the Wheel - Motorco Music Hall - Durham NC - No Minors - $20
Colt Ford - The Swamp Fox - Marion NC
Collin Raye - Wagon Wheel Theater - Warsaw IN
Gary Allan - Glens Falls Civic Center- Glens Falls NY



Sunday – 19
Asleep At the Wheel - Morehead Center - Morehead NC - $30/ $40
Gary Allan - Hampton Beach Casino - Hampton Beach NH

Monday – 20
No Shows Found

Tuesday – 21
Jack Ingram - The Allister McKenzie GC @Haggin Oaks - Sacramento CA
                       KNCI Golf & Guitars!


Wednesday – 22
No Shows Found

A SURPRISE FIND

'Tis the season!

We'll be celebrating Christmas ten days early this year as Bob will be back out on the boat by the time Santa comes. So crummy as I felt with this stupid head cold last night I needed to get the shopping done. I'm normally done by now but it's just been a crazy year.

Anyway... while digging through the $5 CD bin looking for a RUSH cd for Bob's Christmas stocking I came across Brewed in Texas Vol. 2.  WOW!  The banner on the label says 'More Fine Hand-Crafted Texas Music'. The CD consists of 20 Tracks of some of the best music out of Texas. Total Drinking Time: 73:07. Yep, that's what it says on the back of the label.

First off, I don't see a lot of Texas music CD's in southern MO, though every once in awhile I come across one or two. So I was quite thrilled to see some of the people I promote on a weekly basis on The Party List.
Randy Rogers Band sets the tone with a Gary Stewart cover tune - 'She's Actin' Single'.  From there we are treated to people like Charlie Robison, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Kevin Fowler, The Lost Trailers, Gary P. Nunn, Flaco Jimenez, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Billy Joe Shaver and my all-time favorite Texas band, Asleep At the Wheel to name a few. My favorite is a duet of Roger Creager and Radney Foster.

Speaking of Radney Foster, I happen to know he's working on  a new album. He spent time in the studio last week with the best bass player in Nashville, Jimmy Carter.

So don't discount a few minutes to dig through those $5 bins at your local discount store. You never know what gem may be buried there!

Country Blessings!
Kelly