THE PARTY LIST - November 4 - 10

Staley Coach Sales

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.

While a lot of states have opened up, there are still Safe Practices in place. Also, some venues have an age restriction.

 

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

NO Shows Found

 

Friday – 5

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Roanoke

Curtis Grimes – The Lone Star Bar – Midland

Mike Blakely – Dobi Dichos – Oakville

Bellamy Brothers – Southern Junction Live – Royse City

 

Saturday – 6

Aaron Watson – Ricky D’s – El Paso

Dave Thomas – Hard Eight BBQ – Burleson

Curtis Grimes – Potosi Live - Abilene

Wade Bowen – Floore’s – Helotes

Bellamy Brothers – Steiner Ranch Steakhouse - Austin

 

Sunday – 7

Drugstore Cowboys – Floore’s – Helotes

Dave Thomas – The Stix Icehouse – McKinney

Curtis Grimes – Valwood Park Baptist Church – Farmers Branch

The Blakelys – Lone Star Bar & Grill – Fredricksburg

john Arthur martinez – Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse - Fredricksburg

 

Monday – 8

W. C. Jameson – Poodie’s – Spicewood

            /w Dan Dyer

 

Tuesday – 9

Mike Blakely – Western Edge – Fredricksburg

 

Wednesday – 10

BB Morse – Poodie’s - Spicewood

 

ON THE ROAD

Thursday – 4

Curtis Grimes – The Dirty Bourbon – Albuquerque NM

Sawyer Brown – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – Airway Heights WA

            Indoor Pavilion

Lonestar – The Bologna PAC – Cleveland MS

Texas Tenors – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

 

Friday – 5

Aaron Watson – Denim & Diamonds – Mesa AZ

George Strait – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta GA

Texas Tenors – Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

Sawyer Brown – Midtown Ballroom – Bend OR

            Domino Room/ Annex

Lonestar – The Texas Club – Baton Rouge LA

Eli Young Band – 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis IN

T. Graham Brown – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Sara Evans – L’Auberge Casino & Hotel – Baton Rouge

Saturday – 6

Sawyer Brown – Fort Hall Casino – Pocatello ID

Eli Young Band – The Eclectic Room – Angola IN

 

Sunday – 7

George Strait – Ford Center – Evansville IN

            w/ Asleep at the Wheel

Sawyer Brown – Pub Station – Billings MT

T. Graham Brown – Reif PAC – Grand Rapids MN

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Mickey Gilley

 

Monday – 8

Sawyer Brown – The Newberry – Great Falls MT

Lonestar – Island View Casino Resort – Gulfport MS

Johnny Lee – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

            /w Mickey Gilley

 

Tuesday – 9

Sara Evans – Grand Ole Opry – Nashville TN

Texas Tenors – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

 

Wednesday – 10

Texas Tenors – Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre – Branson MO

Bellamy Brothers – Wickenburg Community Center – Wickenburg AZ 

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL POST!

 Good afternoon, everyone!

I'll have The Party List up late afternoon tomorrow. I've spent all day scheduling the Author blog post for the month of November. That's one of my bread & butter blogs and take presidence.

Today, I'm posting a special video - a new one by George Strait. Please Remember, Pray and Share.

Country Blessings

~ Kelly

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - A Star That Twinkled But Never Got to Shine

 

Good morning, everyone!

As promised, here is my review of A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes

We seldom get to read, or even hear about, the folks who helped build our Country Music. My only hope is they are not sitting in Hillbilly Heaven plugging their ears at what people call country music today. I know that music has to progress but I'm saddened by the fact that talented people like Tommy Kizziah never got to shine while some with lesser talent are making money left and right now. Personal opinion, mind you.

Without giving you too much of the story here's a bit of history. You'll want to buy the book for all the interesting details.

Tommy's mom believed in her little boy when his dad and brothers treated him more as an outsider. When she convinced her husband to gift the boy a guitar, a star was born. 

Jimmy Rogers

He loved  Jimmy Rogers, the 'yodeling brake man'. Learning by ear, Tommy taught himself every song on the radio and 78s they owned. He truly was a talent. When the opportunity to meet his idol came, Tommy took advantage in a way that will melt your heart. Grit and determination to play music carried Tommy Kizziah his entire career. He overcame many hurdles and was blessed to live a life he loved. The most prominent part of his career was lead for Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers. 

Tommy Kizziah and the West Coast Ramblers

Courtesy of Sharon Kizziah- Holmes YouTube Channel

As I read Sharon's book I was reminded of some great artists her dad worked with over the years, like Willie Nelson and Faron Young - artists I've been blessed to know as well.

Here's a video from Sharon's YouTube channel:

If you love true classic country that helped build the industry or just want to take a step back in time, you need a copy of A STAR THAT TWINKLED But Never Got To Shine by Sharon Kizziah-Holmes.

I'm tipping my hat

You'll find A STAR THAT TWINKLED - But Never Got To Shine on AMAZON

Also, be sure to check out Sharon's business, Paperback Press.

Country Blessings

~Kelly

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Ronnie McDowell

Getting back on track this week. I've been working hard to line up some great interviews. With the husband home, my time is limited... and I need to devote that time to the paying gig.

So here we go!

This week, I was privileged to interview Ronnie McDowell. I've had the chance to talk with Ronnie in person. Our last interview was in 1997 when he did a show for the Peoria Elks Lodge #20. The show marked the twenty-year anniversary for Ronnie performing for them. Their entire program was dedicated to him.

In the opening letter from the Elks President, Steven L. Harken, a paragraph reads:

We are proud to help Ronnie celebrate his 20th year in show business. Over the years, Ronnie has done many things to help fraternal organizations, like ours, to raise the necessary monies needed to continue our good works. With a friend like Ronnie helping us, how can we go wrong?

Twenty years later, marking his 40th year in the business, Ronnie McDowell still makes doing for others a priority.

Let's find out a bit more about Ronnie McDowell:

Thank you, Ronnie for taking the time to visit with us in KellysCountry.

~ Country Blessings!

When I interviewed you in 1989, you were working on the American Music video. In the opening of that video, you said that as a kid you had two loves – music and cartoons – and wanted to put the two together. You’ve also done sculpting. Now, you’ve added painting to that repertoire. What is the common thread for you that binds these mediums together?

Because I feel it's the right side of the brain which is the arts and entertainment and it's all connected.

You once said “I would rather have the people behind me than the industry. I’d like to have them both but if I can’t have them both then I’d rather have the people. I’m having a good time.”  Do you think your independent spirit and needing to have control plays a part in that?

That's exactly right and 30 years later I still feel the same.

Is ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ still your favorite song?

That is one of my favorites...Star Dust is another...I have many favorite songs.

I want to step back to your early days, before music. Do you remember the first billboard you created?

Yes I do...it was my pre Vietnam days in high school...I painted a sign for a boot company in Portland Tennessee.

You’ve been at this business in multi-facets for a long time. You’ve seen a lot of changes to the industry. What is the one golden piece of advice you’d give to a younger you just starting out?

That there is no secret formula....you have to be in the right place at the right time...and when you are you have to have the talent to back it up.

You are a multi-talented artist, love life, live healthy and seem happy with who you are. What is one thing most of your fans do not know about you?

That I'm roller blading at 68

Like a writer, you do a lot of research for your paintings. What has been the most difficult for you to research so far?

The new one That Magic Moment...just coming up with new ideas.

You have a new project coming out, Ronnie McDowell Painting America. Great project. Regarding the Tupelo Hardware piece, you said you set it up the way Norman Rockwell did his paintings. I think your transition is very similar. Is there something about Rockwell’s art form that speaks to you?

Yes because he was a realist and painted life the way it is and that's what I try to accomplish.

Your first notable big break came with your tribute to Elvis – The King Is Gone. To me, the song has a lot of the nuances of “My Way”, one of Elvis’ favorite covers. While that opened a lot of doors for you, you’ve followed your own path, doing things ‘your way’ for the past forty- plus years. What’s next for Ronnie McDowell?

I'm still writing songs...still being creative and staying healthy...still being aggressive and never giving up.

Ronnie McDowell paintings are truly Norman Rockwell quality in composition and realism. His painting of Reflections of a King is his most popular piece. His painting of George Jones getting a DUI while riding his lawn mower hangs in the George Jones museum - downtown Nashville TN.

You can view images of those and more of his paintings HERE as well as his Facebook Page specifically for his art HERE

Earlier this year, Ronnie talked with WREG News Channel 3 about his paintings:

To find out more about Ronnie McDowell, purchase his music and track his tour dates, check out his WEBSITE  

You will also find Ronnie on various social media sites:  TWITTER      FACEBOOK

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT - Movin' On

Beginning this week, Wednesday's that do not have book reviews will feature a Video Spotlight.

This week, I bring you Movin' On - the latest release from Kevin Fowler.

Make sure to check out The Party List every Thursday in November to see where you can see Kevin perform Movin' On Live!

For more information you can follow Kevin on various social media platforms.

WEBSITE   FB   TWITTER   INSTAGRAM  YOUTUBE  

Stream and Purchase Kevin's music through:

AMAZON   SPOTIFY   iTUNES

TURNTABLE TUESDAY FLIP FLOP - Bear with me.. you'll get it!

LONESTAR

Normally, I would preface a Turntable Tuesday post with an Out of the Chute on Monday. But I haven't interviewed these guys - yet. I hope to. So with no Monday post, I did my own thing and then planned the Turntable Tuesday review of their new album - LIFE AS WE KNOW IT.

But then I got to thinking... these guys deserve a proper introduction. So I'm going to do a brief intro post today. Then come back tomorrow for my review of the album.

So here we go... Monday's Post on Tuesday

JUST FOUR GOOD OLD BOYS FROM TEXAS!

LONESTAR returns with a stellar new album!

I’m finding more often then not that the music I listened to years ago; the music I loved the most has Texas roots. Aside from the classic artistry of Ray Price, Mickey Gilley and Willie Nelson, I also enjoyed more ‘contemporary’ country. Some of my favorites over the years have been The Oakridge Boys (Duane Allen Taylortown), James & Michael Younger (Edinburg TX), George Strait, Holly Dunn (San Antonio) and the boys of LONESTAR. Richie McDonald (lead vocals/ piano), Michael Britt (lead guitar/ vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums), Dean Sams (keyboard/ acoustic guitar and vocals).

What songs come to mind when you hear ‘Lonestar’? For me, I think of ‘Amazed’ or ‘I’m Already There’. But tracks like ‘No News’, ‘My Front Porch Lookin In’ or ‘Mr. Mom’ creates the balance to make Lonestar one of the most well-rounded groups you will hear in country music.

From their debut self-titled album in 1995 to their new ‘Life As We Know It’ and everything in between, nothing has changed for these guys. Their music still carries the same soulful sound and powerful, well-written lyrics. Twenty years later they have not missed a lick. And as Richie likes to say, “we’re just four good old boys from Texas.”

Works for me!

You can keep up with the guys on various social media tracks:

Website

FB

Twitter

Instagram

OUT OF THE CHUTE - A Country Angel Update

After an upset a couple of weeks ago on twitter, I've found myself avoiding doing promotion other than The Party List. I don't like making mistakes... especially if I'm not positive the mistake was mine to begin with. Unfortunately, I was unable to check to see if I was in fact the one at fault. I can put the disclaimer on The Party List that all gigs listed are subject to change. I can not do that on Twitter. Not within my 140 character limit, at least.

So after some soul searching, I've determined I can not control whether or not tour dates are correct when I load them into HootSuite by the time they get to you. I can only go by what I know AT THE TIME I load them... which could be as much as two weeks in advance.

So while I will continue to promote some folks that I work more closely with, I will no longer be tweeting the general populace of entertainers I have on The Party List.

Unless....

They are a CLIENT

While making my rounds in Texas some comments made to me got my brain whirling. On one hand, I do a lot of the 'street teaming' to keep my name out there so artists know who I am and that I am someone they can trust to get the facts right (unless something changes mid-stream - which I have no control over).

On the other hand, why am I doing publicist work for free? Hmmm

So, if all goes well, I will have my own publicity company up and running after the first of the year. I still have packages of service and price points to work out but the business will fall under Kelly's Country - right here on this blog so watch for an icon and press releaseses in early 2015.

I had planned for this fall but the unexpected release of Somewhere Down the Line put some of the music work on the back burner for the time being.

I will only be working with a maximum of five clients to begin with. I feel that is enough while still trying to keep my foot in the fast-launching publishing world of fiction. I'm already working on a trilogy sent in 1884 West Texas. Does that surprise you?

Tomorrow.. I reintroduce you to the guys of LONESTAR then on Wednesday, I review their album. Some please come back.
Country Blessings!
Kelly

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Richard Dobson

Few musicians have led the life similar to Richard J. Dobson. He is one of the most revered songwriters throughout the world. His words are poetic, descriptive and soulful. He is a master storyteller. Nanci Griffith is right on target when she refers to Richard as "the Hemingway of Country Music."

Born in Tyler, Texas, Richard honed his skills with folks like Townes Van Zant, Guy Clark and Steve Earle. His songs have been recorded by Lacy J. Dalton (Old Friends), Nanci Griffith (Ballad of Robin Winter-Smith).  Most recently his song Baby Ride Easy appeared on the lost tracks of Johnny Cash - Out Among the Stars. The song (a duet number) has previously been recorded by Carlene Carter/ Dave Edmunds and (the late) Billie Jo Spears/ Del Reeves

His most recent CD, Gulf Coast Tales, is a collection of songs based on his time in the Gulf Coast of Texas and MS.

Though Richard calls Switzerland home (since 1999), he still makes frequent trips stateside to visit friends, play music and write... always observing and writing.

You can find out more about Richard and his music by visiting any of the sites listed below.

Website: http://www.richard-j-dobson.ch/
Facebook: Richard J. Dobson
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/richarddobson
My Texas Music: http://www.mytexasmusic.com/richarddobson/

TURNTABLE TUESDAY - Pearly Gates Saloon

PEARLY GATES SALOON delivers twelve heartfelt tunes about life in general.
Don’t let the cover or title mislead you. This is not a cowboy church album. Whether you’re a dog lover, have seen a deer party in progress (slightly embellished true story!) or have lost someone close to you, there is something on this album for everyone. Basically, if you have lived through anything, this album is a walk down memory lane.

As a consummate songwriter and artist, Woody Eastman delivers each track with the quiet ease he embodies. With the help of other Texas greats such as Mike Blakely (and his talented wife, Annie Blakely), Larry Nye (recorded at his La-Z-L Studio), john Arthur martinez (on drums? Seriously cool!), Kurt Baumer on fiddle (wonder if he used his fluorescent one) and Larry Boyd (just to name a few), each track is Americana at it’s best.

The only thing better than owning this album is to hear Woody perform them live. And if you’re in the West Texas area, the possibilities for those occasions are plentiful.

I give PEARLY GATES SALOON

.5

You can purchase your copy of PEARLY GATES SALOON

Woody Eastman.com

My Texas Music

OUT OF THE CHUTE - Woody Eastman

   Opportunities abounded and little surprises materialized in places I never even considered during my 12-day trip to Texas. Today’s guest was one of those special treats. I’m talking about Woody Eastman.

   Although Woody has been musical most of his life (he played tenor saxophone in the Pearland High School band), he did not open up the writing side until around 1981. On one hand I think, why did he wait so long while the ‘writer’ part of me says he was just racking up experience – some happy and some bittersweet. But they all make for great tunes.

   The first thing that caught my attention is how such a big Texas guy can be so quiet with the most incredibly gentle voice? After having spent an evening with Woody and friends at The Badu House in Llano, then meeting him for lunch the next day I was captured  by his overall unassuming nature. I got the impression Woody doesn’t think he’s anything special, or great. He just loves what he does. He counts the late Dan Folgerberg, Shake Russell, Walt Wilkins and Mike Blakely among his mentors and idols. Of the group, the last two inspire him with their ability to paint a picture with words… to make you see what they are singing – not just hear the music. I hear a lot of Folgerberg in his style

Although I wasn’t able to hear him perform live this trip, you can bet I’m putting the option on my ‘To Do’ list for the next time I’m in Llano. Anyone care to join me?

You can find out more about Woody and his music by clicking on his name in the first paragraph.
Country Blessings!

TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS - Rising Star Award

The music business is full of ups and downs... these ten nominees are riding the shooting start as up and coming artists to watch!


Rising Star of the Year

Julia Beers

Hughes Springs TX

Emily Grace Berry

Austin TX

Troy Cartwright

Dallas TX

Brad Good

McKinney TX

Kenny Harrell

Groesbeck TX

Cody Joe Hodges

College Station TX

Jeremy Phifer

Paris TX

HEATHER ROBERTS

Ft. Worth TX

Wally West & Them Lostbound Souls

Killeen TX

Zach Seth Band

Ft. Worth

TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS - Male Vocalist of the Year

There's something about the male voice that attracts the listener like no other sound. If you do not believe me, click on the links to these talented guys. The nominees were so strong this year, they could not narrow the finalists down to less then TEN!

Male Vocalist of the Year

Luke Adair

for In Here On the Outside

Giddings TX

Mark Allan Atwood

for Alive and Well

Burnet TX

Jesse Brand

for When the Dust Settles

Nashville TN

Troy Cartwright

for Bull Run

Dallas TX

Sammy Fox

for The War is Over

Ft. Worth TX

Sean Franks

for The Awakenging

Sherman TX

Junior Gordon

for Big

Liverpool TX

Jason Helms

for Revolution

Hope AR

Cameran Nelson

for Happy to Beer

Blanco TX

Scott Taylor

for Beautiful Sin

Victoria TX

TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS - Female Vocalist of the Year

The music business is a tough nut to crack and even harder if you are a woman. In spite of the women's movement and the many great women who have become legends and queens in Country Music, women still have to prove themselves. Could it be these six women have found the secret?

Female Vocalist of the Year

Season Ammons

for Wildfire

Houston TX

Julia Beers

for Julia Beers

Hughes Springs TX

Brooke Graham

for Pedigree

Fredricksburg TX

Kathryn Legendre

for Old Soul

Austin TX

Brennen Leigh

for Before the World Was Made

Austin TX

Amanda Mora

for Awaiting the Sound

Driftwood TX