Lubbock Music Fest 2012 - The Departed

This past weekend was a pretty huge deal for Lubbock. I know that Lubbock has a rich music scene and has for decades, growing legends like Buddy Holly, The Flatlanders, and many more, but I feel like state-wide, Lubbock isn't necessarily recognized as the music mecca it really is. I guess you can't compete with Austin, but the kind of music coming from West Texas is it's own breed.

So what was the big deal with last weekend? They have done it before, but it's been a few years. So I guess it was the.... reviving?.... I can't say first annual because that is wrong, there is no such thing as a "first annual" anything (my news writing professor would be so proud). Anywho - 2012 Lubbock Music Fest was last weekend. It was Thursday-Saturday and featured bands from many different genres of music, not just Texas Country/Red Dirt. I went to the Damn Quails at the Blue Light Thursday night and then The Departed played Friday night.

I have been looking forward to seeing The Departed at Lubbock Music Fest since I heard about it a few months ago. When I saw them back in June at the Blue Light, they put on an incredible show. It was the first time I heard any of their new music, but since then a little bit of it has been released with the recording of their new album, Adventus, that comes out in November, so I knew this show would be chock-full of new goodies.

Another reason I was so excited about this concert and the whole festival in general, is because Lubbock doesn't get stuff like this! Sure there's tons of music festivals all across Texas, but not within a 100-mile radius of us. I've heard rumors that "they" (I don't know who "they" is) are trying to turn this into Lubbock's version of SXSW. That's a huge task, but I'm just glad Lubbock is getting some attention.

Also, the last (or maybe second to last) time Lubbock had this festival was several years ago and Cross Canadian Ragweed played. I've written about it before, but it was my first non-arena concert and the best concert I've ever attended to date. It could/would/should have scarred me for life considering I was practically a kid in a swarm of drunk and/or stoned college students, but instead it opened my eyes to what live music is supposed to be and I haven't been the same since. I have always said that that was the concert that changed my life, so to speak, and made me realize my passion for live music at such a young age. So yeah, I was pretty damn stoked, not only when I heard that Lubbock Music Fest was coming back, but that The Departed was headlining.

But it doesn't stop there, my good friend/partner in crime, Skylar just so happened to win meet and greet passes and tickets to the show from 105.3 and I'll be damned if I didn't guilt trip her into letting me be her +1! So we went early and got to meet the band and take a few pictures. It wasn't anything phenomenal and only lasted about 10 minutes, but that's OK because the entire time I was trying not to be crazy Aunt Sue excited. I got the picture and that's what we came for anyway.

So the weather wasn't entirely desirable for an outdoor concert, but that wasn't stopping me. The crowd did kind of suck but that's because everyone thought it was cancelled. I just wore waterproof mascara and faced it. A little rain doesn't scare a few West Texas girls. It was totally worth it too because we had the full front row to ourselves and a handful of friends and devoted fans. Not that I would stand anywhere else if there had been 500 people, but it was a lot more comfortable. We watched Red and the Vityls play first (great band, check them out) then The Departed came on a little earlier than expected.

I'm so impressed that they will play in the rain to 50 people and put on as good a show as you'd expect for a packed crowd in perfect conditions. They started off with Rosalie, then they played a new one that I'm not sure what it's called, but it's amazing. Neely Yates from 105.3 told me about it at the meet and greet because they had played it in studio earlier. It's basically an in-your-face, shut-the-hell-up and quit requesting "Carney Man" and freakin move on song. I love it! They can do all the interviews in the world, but the best way to get their message out to their fans, ex-fans, and diehard-Ragweed fans is through a song and I think this one does it perfectly.

Then Seth played their new song, "Hobo," which I heard last week and already love. I tried to find it but those tricky people already took it off Soundcould. I guess they are pretty literal when they says "this week's preview." I think they played a few more new songs but I don't remember what they were. One of them I do remember Cody singing and he used that mic that makes his voice all cool... it said something like "she had flowers in her hair, she had darkness everywhere...." Yup, love it. They did a mix of old and new songs, with Cody, Seth and Jeremy taking turns. Everything new I heard I loved, and I wanted to hear more. It was all pretty rock and roll and a good change from the last album.

They even played a few Ragweed songs, the usual "Dimebag" and "Anywhere But Here," my favorite running/angry-driving song. And they wrapped up with "Skyline Radio" and "Time to Move On." I kind of think they did another encore song but if they did, I didn't write it down. I was too busy trying to help my friend Keely get a set list since her cleaning lady threw hers away.

The show was awesome. Even though it drizzled on us the entire time, it was never so bad we couldn't enjoy it. I would have stuck it out either way. If the band is willing to tolerate in the conditions and entertain you, why not let them? I've got nothing to lose. I was looking like a wet dog when it was over but I had a blast and I would do it again. I still went to Blue Light after for Rodney Parker and 50 Peso Reward, but half the people there were soaking wet too. To me the rain just added to the experience! Now I just need November 13th to get here so I can hear the rest.

This is one of my favorites Seth plays.

(Me and Skylar before and after.)

Amanda Shires - July 26, 2012

Being from Lubbock, I'd heard of Amanda Shires a few times as a result of her having played with the Thrift Store Cowboys, but it wasn't until she got engaged to one of my favorite Americana artists, Jason Isbell, that I started to listen to her music. I can't describe her sounds myself, but her website biography says "her energetic, jittery vocals and eccentric lyrical subjects mark her out as a young female heir to the godfather of strange, Tom Waits. In her more conventional moments, Shires sounds like the weird young niece of Dolly Parton.”


So of course I obliged when my boss invited me and some coworkers to the Buddy Holly Center last Thursday afternoon for live music featuring Miss Shires herself. Aside from the hot west Texas sun, the afternoon was perfect - made better by good company and cold beer, and the music was awesome. Her quiet voice, accompanied by her fiddle and occasional whistling and a man on acoustic guitar was the perfect backdrop to a relaxing afternoon in downtown Lubbock.

Curtis Grimes - Irresponsible

Sorry I didn't post a song yesterday. I'm sure the world stopped spinning for a while. Truth is, my back hurt like a mother the night before and I didn't get any sleep, and I had to do the actual work I'm paid to do at my job (I know right?!), and my brain just wouldn't function due to lack of sleep. I had to go see the chiropractor (who is now a saint in my book), so I took the afternoon off which is when I usually write at work after I'm caught up. And after hours I am choosing to lead the lifestyle of a caveman by not having cable or Internet. And by "choosing," I mean I don't have a damn clue who to call, what cord to plug in where, or really even care because I have my radio and and iPhone to listen to music, so I'm good until one of my roommates gets bored and decides it's time to join the 21st century.

So I had a hell of a weekend. It started with my return to Blue Light Friday night for the Damn Quails with some friends. K.O. and the Mule Skinners opened for them and we got there in time for their last few songs. Never seen them before, and they were pretty good. When the Damn Quails came on we assumed the position on the front row. They were awesome, as always. Pretty much the same as last time I saw them, only better. Better because it was at my home away from home - The Blue Light, and because I was in good company on the front row instead of stranded.

That night ended with us at Whataburger - as usual - only this time, the power went out. I thought it was just a clever way of kicking all the drunkards out till we realized all the streetlights were out too. Yup, I was in Whataburger, drunk, when the infamous Lubbock Blackout of 2012 occurred. I finished up my chicken strip and headed out. If I'd have known that was the last Diet Dr Pepper from a fountain I'd be getting for the next 36 hours, I would have taken it with me...

We went on a water boil notice which was effective until Sunday afternoon, so what's a girl who is living out of a mini-fridge to do but just drink beer instead? So Saturday, my friend Emma, invited me to a private party where our friend Buzz's son, Ross Cooper was opening for Curtis Grimes. Ross is moving to Nashville soon so we wanted to see him play one of his last shows. *Fun fact* Did you know Jon Taylor of Mount Vernon Studios plays drums for Ross? Well now ya do. It was his birthday Saturday. I'm not a stalker, I just know this because we took shots to the band, which became birthday shots for Jon.

We had so much fun and I met a lot of new people. It wasn't the best crowd and I always feel sorry when bands like Curtis Grimes come all the way to Lubbock to play a show like that, but I guess if they're getting paid they don't mind. We tried to make the best of it by getting all the little girls to come up to the stage and dance with us and eventually their parents started dancing too.

Curtis's show was awesome.  He is always so entertaining and really catered to this crowd by playing some awesome covers - Buzz and I danced to one of my favorite Haggard songs, "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink." When the show was over, Curtis was so sweet to the little girls and signed autographs for them (and me - I had to have the set list) and was even smart enough to hand me his guitar picks so I could distribute them to the girls without starting a cat fight. He is a super nice guy. I was a fan way before he went on The Voice and I think it was a good thing for him as it got him a lot more recognition in Texas, but he has clearly stayed true to himself even after his 15 minutes of NBC fame.

This video is awesome.



I had a fantastic weekend and it was SO good to finally get some live music back in my life! This coming weekend should have even more. I was planning on going to Greenfest but I don't think it's going to happen... I'm flat broke! But I can't wait to hear all about it and I will be incredibly jealous of anyone who does get to go. If you go, I want full reports when you get back!

Emma and I with Ross Cooper

 

Seriously? How precious are these girls (And him).

Cody Canada and the Departed - June 14, 2012

I'm warning you now - hold on tight, this is gunna be a long one, but I feel like it deserves it.

Let me start at the beginning. I've said it before, but my first NON-mainstream, huge arena, sit down and be still and don't get rowdy concert was a Cross Canadian Ragweed concert outside in the Depot District of Lubbock when I was maybe 13 or 14 years old. I went with my parents, sister, and cool older cousin. She (my cousin) had been to many concerts like this including several Ragweed shows. I'm not sure what my parents were thinking taking a little girl to a street concert packed with drunk college kids and stoners and most kids my age would have been terrified but no, I was mesmerized. My cousin grabbed my hand and taught me how to use my elbows and height (5'1 now) to my advantage to make my way up to the front row - a skill I have used at every concert since. At one point she even got fed up with some drunk young girls in front of us that kept getting in our way so she started lighting cigarettes and burning her purse.

I learned a lot that night, but I especially learned that Cross Canadian Ragweed was and always will be my favorite band. From that point on, I was sold on all things Texas Country/Red Dirt and begged my parents to take me to every concert held somewhere I could get in. I became the biggest Ragweed fan my age I am sure. Unfortunately they didn't come to Lubbock often, but I got to see them one more time at an indoor thing. It wasn't the same (I still claim my first concert was the best I've ever been to), but it was another experience I'll never forget. That was the last time I saw them together. They cancelled the concert they were supposed to have in Lubbock the Fall before they called it quits.

Thankfully Cody Canada and the Departed came around to cheer me up. I love this band more and more every time I listen. I was obviously heartbroken when Ragweed broke up but when I first heard about the Departed, I was ecstatic. I was already a Seth James fan so I couldn't wait to see what they had up their sleeves. I got to see them last August at a festival in South Texas. It was more of a dance floor/festival situation and I don't think the people down there really knew or appreciated who this "new" band was, never mind the fact that all members are extremely talented and experienced. I had a good time and danced a lot, but pretty much stood at the front of the stage by myself, again, mesmerized. I was disappointed in the crowd though. You had your little handful of fans that were respectful, but I wanted it to be like my first Ragweed concert - packed, with tons of people crowding the stage, singing along and crowd surfing and whatever else. But I guess it made sense considering the timing.

When I heard that Cody and the boys were coming to Lubbock, I was excited, but nervous. I had read and watched interviews in which Cody said how tough Lubbock can be. In fact, his first show in Lubbock was a disaster. They received what he called the "Lubbock-stare" and it took a lot of convincing before we came around. I was worried that Lubbock fans weren't going to be understanding of the changes and wouldn't be as supportive of The Departed as they were Cross Canadian Ragweed.

When my sister and I got to the Blue Light Thursday night (after waiting out a hailstorm and haboob in her garage) we saw the bar was packed and it was still about an hour before they were supposed to play. It was such a different crowd than we are used to. We only knew a few other people there and usually when it's that packed, we know many more than that. As soon as the band started I grabbed my sister and we made our way to the front of the stage of course. The crowd was different, but there was something familiar about it. I eventually realized this is the same crowd that was at my first Ragweed concert just down the street years ago. Compared to the usual Blue Light crowd, they were more territorial of the stage area, more rowdy, more interested in the music. True, die-hard music fans that I was afraid didn't exist. These were the people who were the age I am now during Ragweed's heyday. And it was awesome. My sister even turned to me at one point and said she was having deja vu and may be fixin to start burning purses.

As far as the concert went.... well it was incredible. I don't know how I have a face anymore, because I was certain it had been melted all the way off. The atmosphere of the crowd could not have been better. They started off with Seth singing something new if I remember correctly. I love that he started the show. They played a mix of songs off This Is Indian Land, like Years In The Making, Staring Down The Sun, of course all the radio singles. Cody used a nifty little microphone that made Face on Mars and Water Your Own Yard sound really good. Bass-player and original Ragweed member Jeremy Plato sang Long Way to Nowhere. They also did several new songs from the album they are working on now. Having two lead guitars, plus the piano/keyboard is something you don't see every day yet they seemed so comfortable all packed in up on that little stage. They would just play and play a song until it just came a big jam session, but it never got old. The crowd would scream and they'd just keep going. The new songs were all SO rocking and downright badass. I looked down at the set list to figure out what one that I absolutely loved was called and it just said "WTF." Right on. I was impressed with how much of the crowd actually new the Indian Land songs and were singing every word, and not just on Skyline Radio. They also mixed in some good old Ragweed songs. I figured we might hear Dimebag and maybe one other, but they surprised me by playing that as well as Alabama, Time to Move On, and Anywhere But Here; I seriously wanted to cry during those, I never thought I'd hear them live again.


It was good to hear those old songs, but I am just so damn excited for their new album after hearing them rock out. They really seem happy and it just felt right. They finished up with Home Sweet Oklahoma, but came back for an encore which included a Buddy Holly cover, of course, All My Love, which you know us Lubbock kids just went crazy for.  Cody said "in true Lubbock fashion, I have to fuck up at least one song." I hope they got a good taste of Lubbock and will be back soon. They definitly have a fan base here and Cody even mention that when they come back, it will be to Blue Light, not that other bullshit he played last time with the old band.


Afterwards, I decided I needed a souvenir but I already I have tshirt and coozie, so in true Hallie fashion, just grabbed the set list off the stage. I nearly got in a fight with another dude who had the same idea, but if ya snooze ya lose, sorry buddy. My sister and I were just gunna go straight to the bathroom and maybe come back for a picture if the line wasn't too long, but on my way I had the perfect opportunity so I just jumped in there. I have always wanted to meet Cody Canada. And I think I could keep my composure for most people, but not this one. I was speechless, which never happens. Even if I have nothing to say, I generally say anything. Instead I just said, "uhhh, I stole your set list. Can you sign it?" He just laughed and said "whatever it takes," took a picture with me and off I went.


Funny thing is, the next morning at work I saw on Twitter an interview he'd done in Lubbock before the show and the way he described the time he passed up meeting Waylon Jennings because he was afraid he'd go all "Chris Farley" on him, which was the exact reason I just took a picture and walked off and nearly didn't even do that. Funny how that works. I guess we're all human.


I can easily say that was the best concert I've seen at Blue Light, and maybe even ever, with the exception of my first "real" concert back in the day which will always be number one in my heart. I'm so glad these boys are still rocking and have everything worked out. I hope they keep it up for a long, long time and stay happy and come back to Lubbock soon. We'll be waiting! 

[Please ignore my sweaty, flat hair and 13 year old expression.]

Ross Cooper - Headcase

Fun fact: I've been a Ross Cooper fan ever since 105.3 started playing his song Headcase a while back. I just found out a couple weeks ago that I know his dad through my job and have met his brother. I absolutely adore their dad. I got to interview him last summer for a story I wrote and he is one of my favorite, most friendly and sweet people I've ever met through work.

Small world I tell ya!

Here's the video for Headcase, from Mount Vernon Studios.

Have a good weekend!

Grady Spencer - Baby

I've wanted this to be my song of the day since I heard it on the radio this morning but I've been on a wild goose chase all morning to find a video or audio of it worth posting. Finally found it. I loooove Grady Spencer, and love him even more because he's local. He'll be at Blue Light tomorrow night and I just may be there as well.

Six Market Blvd. - 5/19/12 & Shake It Down

Today is the day! Shake It Down is here. Six Markets Blvd.'s second album. I have been a big fan of theirs for years. I go months at a time with Running On Seven being the only CD I have in my pickup. I bought the new one at midnight and I have had it on repeat ever since. I'm not going to be one of those people who after listening to a CD three times will tell you it's life-changing, but it really is good and I think everyone should buy it.

I got to see them this past Saturday night at the Blue Light. I have only seen them once before at LJT but this time was way different. Different as in I was able to focus and take my position front and center. My dad is a huge 6MB fan too, so my parents met me and my friend Sydney there.

My friend Brandon Adams and the Sad Bastards opened and they were playing when I got there. He was awesome, as usual. Then 6MB started and the area in front of the stage started filling up. They kicked off with their newest single, 'Say It' from the new album. They played all my favorites from their first CD and then several new ones. The crowd sang along to 'Silence In Me,' danced to 'Ready To Throw' and everyone had a good time. Brandon and Red Shahan from Red and the Vityls (who wrote '14 Miles To Go' on Shake It Down) even got back up on stage for a few songs. I loved how they didn't take anything too serious and just went with the flow.

I've heard people say they don't like when bands play covers, but I absolutely love a good cover song. They started playing a song that I recognized and at first I thought it was because it was one of their songs I've listened to a million times. Then the further they got into it I realized it was Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights' song 'Young Love.' Seriously?!? That's like two of my favorite things in one. This completely made my night. I don't know if anyone else realized what was going on but I certainly did and I was floored. They did it perfectly. They also covered The Band's 'Cripple Creek' which was awesome too.

I adore lead singer Clayton Landau's voice and think it is so unique, but the new album has a few songs sung by bass player/songwriter Ben Hussey. He also has a distinct voice that fits the songs. He sang a few the other night too.

Their guitar player, Josh Serrato is a complete and total badass, which is evident from their recorded music but even more evident live. My dad is a guitar junkie so he camped out in front of him all night. He told me later that he's one of the best he's ever heard, but not THE best, because he's seen Clapton. Quite the complement. After the concert Brandon introduced me to part of the band (he got a little disctracted by somebody buying him shots and didn't finish) but he told me he thinks Josh is the next big thing and will be famous someday and I believe him. He also told me the drummer Dallas Neal is the sweetest, most down to earth guy which is clear in his stage-presence: all smiles.

New Slang interviewed Clayton here, which is much more in-depth than my nonsense so go read that.
Also, I'm not going to sit here and make a fool of myself reviewing albums because I don't know what to say other than, "huh, I really liked that," but the guys at New Slang know what they're doing. I'm working on it though. I like to listen to albums first and see what I think and then compare it to other reviews to see if I was "right," even though it's all totally opinion.... well I did that this time but this girl pretty much took the words out of my mouth so if you want to hear my review, just go read hers, I'm not here to reinvent the wheel.

I will tell you I love 'Say It,' 'Mailbox' (favorite), 'Santa Fe Train,' and 'Hey Mr. Indian Man' right off the bat, but if this is anything like their first album, every time I listen to it I'll have a new favorite.

But most importantly BUY Shake It Down and if you don't have Running On Seven, get it while you're at it, you won't regret it.

Josh Serrato and Clayton Landau

Brandon Adams, Clayton Landau and Red Shahan

Clayton and Ben

 

Dallas Neal

Red Shahan

Ben Hussey and Brandon Adams

Josh Serrato tearing it up.

The Damn Quails 5/18/12

Last Friday night I finally got to see the Damn Quails for the first time. I mean, got to hear more than one song like at LJT. They were playing at The Office in Lubbock. I had never been there before, so I drug my friend Lindsey and another friend with me. As usual, Lindsey got restless before the band even came on and left my ass there. I really didn't care because I ended up finding some other people I knew and assumed the position at the front of the stage and zoned in.

The bar was PACKED and when Neely and JD from 105.3 introduced the band, they said this was the first time ever The Office had been sold out. The show was AWESOME. I'd heard that they never play the same song twice, and while they did sound different from their recorded songs, I was still able to sing along. They were very energetic and all-around entertaining. Plus, that Gabe is just plain cute. I was pretty drunk because I had been slamming beers earlier at an awkward graduation party. Then to make matters worse, my friend asked someone in the band in the middle of the concert if I could drink the beer out of the buckets of Lonestar sitting on the stage going untouched. Nice guy said yes, so I was good to go.

I'm pretty sure they played all the songs from Down the Hatch and I sang my little heart out along with everyone in the bar, especially to Fool's Gold. I know they played my favorites, Quicksand and Ice Man. Bryon got this crazy evil look in his eye when he sang Ice Man, which I thought was hilarious.  After they were finished I decided I needed to go meet them so I headed to the merch booth. Somewhere in my stupor I decided I was going to try my hand at selling tshirts, so I just hung out with the merch dude. I did get to talk to the band and even though I couldn't tell ya what on earth I talked about, I remember they were all super cool and sweet and never acted annoyed at this random little drunk girl who claimed to be a music blogger from some blog they'd never heard of.

Great night. Great band. Great people. I don't even care that I got ditched at the bar because I just made my own fun anyway. I'm glad I got to meet them and I hope they don't all think I'm a drunk lunatic! I can't wait to see them again.

I got some so-so iPhone pictures sponsored by free Lonestar Beer and even a video of some song that I think was either a cover or something new because I didn't recognize it.

I don't know why this is green but you can see the full band a little better.

Evidently I bought a t-shirt because my DD found it in her car the next morning. Isn't it so cute?

Here's the video I took, see if you can figure out what song this is!

Here's their newest single, So So Long.

Check out the Damn Quails website here, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook!
And most important, buy their music!


PS- Their tweets about Biggie crack me up. I didn't realize he was the harmonica player till the other night!

Song of the Day - Whatever You Throw

So here's a little story for ya...

A long time ago (like 8 years ago) a little girl named Hallie had just discovered bands like Pat Green and Cross Canadian Ragweed and was becoming more and more obsessed with Texas Country. The problem was, this little girl didn't know about any music outside of what she heard on the radio station in her hometown or saw on CMT, which was a crying shame.

Luckily for Hallie, she had a cool older sister who was in high school ag classes. The class was lucky enough to have one cool dude from Texas Tech come student teach for a semester. This guy knew about things going on outside of Podunk, Texas and began introducing his students to cool new Texas Country bands. And Elizabeth told Hallie and she thought it was cool and she is now obsessed with Texas music.

The end.



Well, one of those bands was called the Hogg Maulies. What the hell is a Hogg Maulie, right? That's what I thought too and when Elizabeth put that CD in for the first time I thought she was nuts. But her cool ag teacher told her it was cool and he was right, it was. They were a brand spankin new band back then. I don't even think we could actually buy a CD at that point, I think they were all just burned off the same computer and passed around.

I have been a huge Hogg Maulies fan for a very long time. Then I got to college and realized everyone in Lubbock knows and loves them too. Come to find out it's a very small world and a few of the people I work with are good friends with the band. I have always partly blamed my sister's student teacher on starting my obsession with music and opening the doors for me to see what else is out there and even though he has no clue who I am, he married a good college friend of mine's sister.. hi Garrett!


Anyway, enough about me. Today I saw on Twitter that @ParkerMorrow, who plays guitar for the @HoggMaulies, said their new single Whatever You Throw just hit radio stations. Their new CD they've been working on comes out this summer and I am pumped. It's been a long time since they've had new music. If this is the song I think it is, I've known it for a while, but I guess they just now recorded it.

When I searched for the song, I found this video. I'm sure there is a much better and newer version than this one from 2009, but I had to use it.

*FUN FACT*

I had an internship at the radio station in this video the summer after I graduated high school.
(KFLP- "106.1 FLIP FM, don't flip us off, flip us ON!")
Yup, I spent a whole summer in that stool right there stalking people on Facebook and listening to music. (Remind me to tell you about the time I was responsible for the f-word being sang on the radio about 7 times in a row.)

So that's why I had to use this video.

Another fun fact:

The guy with the beard and long hair was my photography professor and one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. And he also used to have the same job I have now.

I'm tellin ya... small world! Either that or I am just a complete stalker/creeper, which is highly likely.

Check 'em out on Facebook, Twitter, and their website. 

And don't forget to BUY THEIR MUSIC!

Sons of Fathers

Last night I cooked supper for my friends that are leaving town for the summer this weekend and a few beers in we decided it was a good idea to go to Blue Light. Uncle Lucius and Sons of Fathers were playing. I had seen Uncle Lucius there before and it was one of my favorite concerts I've seen there. I had never seen Sons of Fathers but had been following them since one of the lead singers, Paul Mark Cauthen, came in second in the Blue Light singer/songwriter contest a few years ago (lost to Casey Berry). I loved his song Sound of Water. He started up a band with David Beck called Beck and Cauthen, but then they had to change their name to Sons of Fathers when the singer Beck got his panties in a wad for them using his name. Because I'm real sure they run with the same crowd...

Anywho, I knew a few of their songs, but I was excited to hear more. We got there right before Uncle Lucius was finishing their second to last song, which I was sad about, but it was partly my fault we got there so late anyway so I didn't pout too much. (BTW- Kevin from Uncle Lucius SHAVED! He looks so nekid.. I don't like it!)

Sons of Father started pretty much right away with the two front-men sharing the front of the stage, Cauthen with a guitar and Beck with an upright bass.... yeah you read that right. It was so badass. They also had a guy on keys and slide guitar.. that's something you don't see every day and it was awesome. I loved watching Beck on the bass... it was impossible not to smile watching him. He gets so into it and has the cutest grin on this face the entire time, just infectious.

If you like Dirty River Boys and the Damn Quails, you'll love Sons of Fathers and I really see them being on that level soon.

They were awesome. The energy of the crowd was perfect after hearing Uncle L play and these bands together turned out to be the perfect way to end a rainy day. I couldn't stand still and was just tapping my boots and dancing even though I didn't know the words to most of the songs. At one point Carter looked at me and said, "you just can't stand it that I know these songs and you don't." He's so right, but youbetcha next time I see them I'll know every word because the first thing I did this morning was download their self-titled album.

When they played the song Flatlands, being in Lubbock, Texas and all, everybody threw their beers in the air and belted out the entire song. We high plains kids are kinda prideful like that. I love when everyone comes together at the front of the stage and strangers just start head-banging together and everyone is happy and just on cloud nine. That's live music for ya. Oh and probably a few of those $2 Lonestars.

They didn't play near long enough to satisfy me though. When they finished up, everyone started chanting "5 more songs!! 5 more songs!!" because just one more couldn't possibly be enough.

The Day the Music Died

Today, February 3 marks the 53rd anniversary of the deaths of icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.

I love this video and especially the words the lady says at the beginning about how controversial this "rock and roll" music is and how people need to be open-minded about it. I wonder what they'd think about music now?

I've always under-appreciated Buddy Holly because, being from Lubbock, his music has been shoved down my throat my entire life. I only recently learned how monumental his music was in creating many genres of music that exist today and starting many trends in his short career, and for that I am very thankful.

Rest in peace Buddy!

JAB Fest

*Originally posted June 20, 2011*

In September of 2007, I attended the first of many concerts at Lubbock's Lone Star Amphitheater. Headlining that night was one of my favorite bands at the time, the Randy Rogers band. I remember going with my sister, parents and two cousins. We snuck into the VIP section which had a vacant table so we could sit down and watch the performers. Opening for Rogers was Cory Morrow and before him, another guy that we had never heard of.

Somehow, my sister heard that this new kid was from Idalou, a small town outside Lubbock. When I was in high school, I hated Idalou because they beat us at every sport and usually when our best coaches left my high school, they went to coach in Idalou. However, it was exciting that a small town boy was performing on a stage with acts like Morrow and Rogers, so we sat back and enjoyed the show. I didn't know any of the songs, but little did I know, that was all about to change.

Fast-forward a few years. This past Saturday night, I watched that exact same boy sing a song called Idalou, about his hometown (that this past school year got State championships in both football and basketball). In his song, he described his town perfectly. I have driven through Idalou thousands of times on my way back and forth from my small town to Lubbock for groceries, shopping, doctor's appointments, and now, for school and work. I know exactly what he was talking about when he mentions his dad's shop, the cotton gin where farmers meet for coffee, and the "yellow flashing light that says proceed with caution because if you leave you may be forgotten."

When Lubbock radio stations first started playing "Taste," it was exciting and this new local artist, Josh Abbott, was often referred to as "that boy from Idalou." Now, he just wrapped up his first-annual JAB Fest here in Lubbock on that very stage where I saw him sing for the first time. Saturday night I watched favorite acts like southern rockers Whiskey Myers, legend Ray Wylie Hubbard, Americana icon Hayes Carll and finally, headliner the Josh Abbott Band. I am so proud of Abbott for bringing something like this back to Lubbock. West Texas doesn't really attract musicians like other areas of Texas do. This festival was something we have been needing for a while, and Mr. Josh Abbott was the perfect person to provide us with that.

Thanks to Josh Abbott so much for sticking to his roots and congratulations on the successful event (over 3,500 people went). I can't wait for the Second (and third, fourth, fifth, and 43rd) Annual JAB Fest.