HEADED YO U R
W AY
Stacy Jones “can't do nothin’ right.” Or maybe she can, with this yet to be released collection of 12 original songs recorded and coproduced by Floyd Rietsma (Pearl Jam and Dave Mathews) at Studio Litho in Seattle. Stacy has been nominated by Washington Blues Society for over two dozen “Best of the Blues’ Awards for songwriting, performance, harmonica and guitar playing skills, showing that while she may be unlucky in love her true talent in life is music. With her fourth studio album Stacy shows off her country, folk and Americana roots while always having a touch of the blues in her soul. She enlisted the talents of award winning guitarists Kevin Sutton, Mark Riley and Sean Denton to add firepower to her long time rhythm section of Tom Jones and Rick J Bowen. Veteran fiddle player John Perry also makes a guest appearance, adding the perfect spice to the sound. Having made appearances at SXSW, Chicago Blues Festival, Beale St. Memphis during the IBC's and several other national and regional festivals, her talent is awaiting the next level of recognition. Stacy has shared the stage with Elvin Bishop, Lee Oskar, John Nemeth, Ian Siegall, Charlie Musselwhite and more, her wait for recognition won't be long. STEAM: I hear you are in the process of finishing your fourth album. What is the name going to be, and when is it going to be released to the public? STACY: Well so far everybody is in favor in the name Whiskey Wine and Water, which is one of the tracks on the new album. There are some other great titles too, Keep on Keepin On and Can't do Nothin Right. Whiskey Wine and Water is about good times with friends and the great family we have, and parents who raised us to follow our dreams and not be afraid to raise a little hell, so that's probably going to be the title track. We of course want to get the CD out as soon as possible and we are going to try to pick up as much momentum from it as we can from
it, so we will get it into the best hands we can stuff and that's just one of the things that and I guess see what happens. Spring would really sets this apart from what we've done be our ideal release. The mastering will be in the past. done at the end of this month. STEAM: I notice that one of the songs on STEAM: Your previous albums have won you the new album is titled “San Antonio”. How many accolades from the Blues Society. What does a girl who has made a following for are some of the awards that you have won? herself in your hometown of Seattle come STACY: Well every year the band is nominat- up with a song called “San Antonio”? ed for handful of awards including Performer STACY: San Antonio is the song about of the year, Harmonica, Songwriter, Acoustic moving my brother Jon-Paul Jones (Jonny 3 Guitar, Drummer, Bassist, Electric Guitar, Fingers Creative Services) to San Antonio Band, and this last year I was nominated for last year. We had a little road trouble and a Keeping the Blues Alive and won for the sec- gig we were trying to make it to. It’s a story ond time for Female Vocalist of the year. We about crossing state to state, and being have also been to Memphis for the IBC's rep- stuck in Price, Utah. I've been to Texas resenting the South Sound Blues Society for before and it’s sort of about just wanting to best self-produced album for the Live and be there again. Untapped album. STEAM: You have played festivals and STEAM: Is the newest CD going to be classi- events throughout the U.S., including fied in Blues genre? SXSW two years ago. Were you able to STACY: Nope. The new album really is just make any connections with some of our an all-around roots album. Every genre that local Texas musicians? the Blues has influenced is on it. Some coun- STACY: SXSW is a great place to meet try, some Americana, some gritty driving your people from all over. Yes, I was able to car down the road tunes and some sweet easy meet some great musicians in Austin, and I listening southern rock ballad type songs. also met people in Memphis that led to us There are no twelve bars, and every song is playing the Chicago Blues Festival, as well one of my originals. In the past I have had a as some other great festivals and events lot of writers and some covers mixed in with outside of the Pacific Northwest area that the originals. This is more like the life of Stacy we're from. Jones set to music. There's a lot of personal STEAM: Do you have any good stories about your first experience at SXSW? STACY: Like chicken shit bingo (Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon)? Really, there are a lot of great moments, running into Tom Morello (Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine) playing on a dumpster in the middle of the street, jamming at the legendary White Swan with Mike Schermer, a great friend of mine from the Marcia Ball band, and all of the shows I was able to play with my fellow Critical Sun Records folks; The Furniture Girls, Sightseer, In Cahoots, and a handful of other great bands and artists. Words By Jon-Paul Jones, STEAM Magazine
M
3
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
CONTENTS SOUTH TEXAS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WWW STEAMMAGAZINE NET
ORIGINAL ART BY LOUIS QUINONES
NOV 2014 VOL. 3 ISS. 8
ENTERTAINMENT 10 GETTING RID OF STRESS 20 DANCEHALL SERIES: GULLER HALL BIKINIS TX 22 AROUND TOWN PICTURES
ALWAYS IN STEAM
ART 12 LOUIS QUINONES: PAINTS FROM HIS HEART 14 CALENDAR 16 TROUBADOUR INSIGHTS
COMICS 6 CD REVIEWS 7 NEW MOVIES 14
MUSIC 8 STEVE FOSSEN HE’S ALL HEART
11 FLYLEAF 17 TY DIETZ SONGWRITER 18 LLOYD MAINES LUCK IS ON HIS SIDE NEW CDS 14 QUICK READ 5
PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS RICK BOWEN, DALE MARTIN, TAMMA HICKS, JON-PAUL JONES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKs, RUSTY HICKS, JON-PAUL JONES, KEVIN MCDERMOTT TO ADVERTISE WITH US 361-904-4339 SALES@STEAMTX.COM SEE US ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET WANT YOUR CD, BOOK, OR SHOW REVIEWED? HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SUBMISSIONS@STEAMTX.COM
ALTERNATIVE WEEKLY NETWORK STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music in Corpus Christi, TX. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine. Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries to: submissions@steamtx.com
UFO’s J. Michael Dolan (:13)
E
5
NOV 2014
It’s happened to me, and it’s happened to you. Problem is, most don’t recognize it, or trust it, or we’re not prepared. Those times in our life when an extraordinary idea, discovery, revelation, force, breakthrough, surprise, or sudden shift shows up, unexpectedly, without fanfare or ballyhoo, and offers us possibilities and opportunities, which can reshape, refocus and redirect our life and career forever...for the better. That said, when it happens, when that sudden, unexpected, “Unidentified Fortuitous Opportunity” (UFO) suddenly appears, (and it will), don’t doubt, don’t cower, and don’t run and hide. Rather, welcome it with all the courage you can muster, and all the gratitude you can offer.
9 CAREER KILLERS J. Michael Dolan 1. Unfocused: Fooling yourself into thinking that you have a clear vision of where you’re headed. Constantly switching gears and changing direction only prolongs the circle game. 2. Low Expectations: You set the bar too low, thinking that winning the small ones now will give you the courage to go for the big ones later. But that’s a trap. Winning the small ones only keeps you stuck in an illusion that you’re getting somewhere. 3. Inflexible: Rigid, jammed and stuck on how it has to be. Holding a firm grip on how the end result must look only blinds you from seeing the unlimited options and possibilities that are available. 4. Waiting to be discovered: Huh? Really? 5. Knowing too much: Thinking you have all the answers because you have an education, or experience, or money, or previous success. There’s no right or wrong road to success today. That’s what the techno revolution is all about— absence of formula! Try waking up in the morning with a “beginners mind” and proceed from there. 6. Tech Dread: Do I really have to say this? To the degree you learn and use the tools and technology, to that degree creating, promoting and shipping your art & commerce will be that much more rewarding. 7. Undisciplined: Wasting more energy worrying, wishing, and wondering than actually putting in the time to improve, excel, and advance. 8. Stuck in indecision: Unable to make confident choices and decisions because you’re afraid of making the wrong choices and decisions. Keep the game moving. Do the research, gather the facts, then throw the dart. 9. Brittle Confidence: Confidence Is Everything. It trumps experience, rivals talent and beats the beans out of a good education. If you can’t find any, fake it!
E COMICS
6
NOV 2014
www.theawkwardyeti.com | www.lunarbaboon.com
JEFF DALE & THE SOUTH WOODLAWNERS GOOD MUSIC (PRO SHO BUSINESS) Chicago born guitarist Jeff Dale gathered together over a dozen of his good friends from his home town and L.A many of whom are veteran players from the bands of Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Magic Slim and Otis Rush to make what he calls ‘Good Music.” That became the title track for his new album, released July of 2014. The twelve song collection is a home spun set of tunes that does not take itself too seriously as the title track implies “if you like good music let me hear ya holler Hey.” Dale and his off the cuff talk singing easy going style is center of every one of the tunes. High on humor and low on bravado Dale goes for
the fun right off the bat with the saucy Chi Town styled ‘Naked Women In My Bed,’ then moves on to search for redemption using the words of Dr. King in ‘Letter From the Birmingham Jail.’ Dale stretches his vocal abilities alongside some blue moaning cello from Dane Little on ‘Final Destination,’ then gets downright goofy for the little south side shuffle “She Love Me.” the slow burning ‘Wagon Wheel,’ is tongue in check new take on a familiar blues theme. Dale mines more familiar blues territory while making social commentary on ‘Black and White” and retreads Hoochie Coochie man for his own ‘The Devil I Know.’ The playful swing of ‘Murder,’ complete with Oboe solo is likely the most inventive and original tune in the set. The album closes with the full tilt party song ‘My Brain Took The Whole Night Off,’ with the band joining in on shout along chorus. Jeff Dale and his friends may not win any awards for this album but the last tracks show they certainly had a Good Time making their brand of “Good Music.” WWW.JEFFDALEBLUES.COM
M
7
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
Rick J Bowen
CD
twitter.com/RickJBowen
REVIEWS GRADY CHAMPION BOOTLEG WHISKEY (MALACO RECORDS)
Mississippi blues man Grady Champion is back with his eighth album Bootleg Whiskey this time teaming with legendary R&B label Malco and label chief Tommy Crouch Jr. released in September of 2014 the eleven song album has one foot in the tradition of authentic Mississippi juke joint blues and the other in modern ultra produced dance party soul and R&B. Crouch surrounds Grady; his southern story teller charm, smoke filled delivery and sizzling harmonica chops, with a spot on rhythm section, full bodied horn section and slick background vocals. The album opens with ‘Beg, Barrow, Steal,’ smoothing out the shuffle from The Beat Daddy’s into a gospel flavored two beat swing reminiscent of Little Milton. The title track was written by George Jackson wrote "Down Home Blues", which became a theme tune for Malaco Records in the 1980s. Champion and company deliver a solid reading of the muscle shoals styled soul burner. The first of the five new tunes written by Champion ‘Home Alone,’ is swampy tale of heartache that tempers the sadness with Memphis styled horn lines, but the low down blues continues during ‘Ten Dollars,’ no matter how hard those fellas blow. Champion preaches to the choir as extols the virtues of the “South Side,” of town, then digs deeper into the spirit during contemplative ‘Who
Dat.’ Fueled by a monster bass line from David Hood, ‘Here We Go Ya’ll,’ is certain to be a House Rockin’ feature of Champion’s live show. The last of the new tunes written by Champion, the island tinged ‘Mr. Right,’ show off his love for poetic vernacular and colloquialism to deliver his message. Organist Clayton Ivey leads the choir providing the backdrop of “Amazing Grace,” while champion delivers the eulogy “White Boy with the Blues,’ to close the album. Amen.
SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC! GO TO SHOWS! BUY CDS!
WWW.GRADYCHAMPION.COM
WITH TAMMA HICKS, STEAM MAGAZINE
I don’t know if you know but we went on vacation not too long ago. And like many South Texans we headed north to a cooler place! Yep, we went way north… All the way to Seattle, WA! The goal of the trip was to be with family and friends, get some relaxation time, and of course do a little work too. We took one day to hang out in Snohomish, a small town known for its antique stores, which meant a stop at the Oxford Saloon. The Oxford is a throw-back-in-time bar that opened in 1909 and is said to be haunted; although the only spirits we saw were the kinds being poured by our friendly bartender. It was here that we had the good fortune to meet Steve Fossen for a beer. We had, and this is important because there could be a test at the end, Diamond Knot IPA which is brewed locally by Pat Ringe and crew. That is locally to Steve in Mukilteo (Muckill-tee-oh) Washington. Although you may not know Steve Fossen by name, you know his music; in fact I bet there’s one of his songs on a classic rock station right now!
“Wouldn’t it be great to be in a band” to being in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame? I mean, oh my gosh!!! SF I know! It was a dream that we’d started when we were 14 years old. For the first two years that Roger and I had our instruments we played in separate bands. Then when we were 17, in the basement of my parent’s home, we shook hands and decided we were going to start a band and see what we could do with it. I called Don Wilhelm (singer, guitar, and keyboards) who we both knew and he got a hold of his friend Ray Schaefer (drums). And the rest is history. At this point Steve leans over and whispers into the mic… I just took a sip of IPA.
STEAM
An amazing history! It must have been breathtaking to get a call saying that you’ve been nom-
STEAM
So tell me the story of how Heart came to be. SF Roger Fisher and I met in junior high school when we were 13. We talked and daydreamed of being in a band and play instruments all through 8th and 9th grades. Then when we were sophomores we couldn’t stand it any longer and that’s when we got our instruments and began playing.
M
8
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
STEAM
How does it feel to go from being in 8th grade and saying,
was “Kick It Out” by Heart. And when the song finished the DJ said, “Hey, did you hear that Heart has been nominated for the Hall of Fame?”
STEAM And that’s how you heard about it? SF Yeah. I almost ran off the road! I was just shocked, so I drove home and called Somar and asked if she wanted to go to Cleveland. I spent the next three months as a basket case; I couldn’t sleep, I’d wake up thinking about it, I was just nuts over it. Then December came around and they announced that we didn’t make it, so it was really, really disappointing. …I just took a sip of IPA. I spent the next year just kind of commiserating over the fact that we didn’t make it, but it is what it is. September 2012 rolls around and the nominations are announced and we’re on the list for the second year in a row. This time I was much calmer and I just felt this confidence about it. And I got very sick which took my mind off the nomination. I developed “glomerulonephritis” which is a very serious syndrome that breaks down the filters in the kidneys depleting protein in your blood causing your muscles to fill with fluid, so I swelled with 65 pounds of water weight. I found an excellent doctor who knew exactly what needed to be done. Seven months after the onset of this terrible syndrome, there we were playing in Los Angeles at the induction ceremony in April 2013. They pronounced me cured just a year ago.
STEAM
inated for the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, let alone being told you’re in. I mean I probably would have fainted! SF Well, here’s what happened… I had just dropped Somar [Macek, Steve’s girlfriend] off at work and I was driving home. “Owner of a Broken Heart” by Yes had just finished playing on the radio and the next song
Wow, you are one fortunate man! Now I know we could keep going on these subjects, but I really want to hear about your current project, Heart By Heart. When did you start putting this group together? SF Somar and I began putting Heart By Heart together in 2008 along with Michael “Mike” DeRosier (Heart drummer ’75-82) but it’s only become solid about 18 months ago with the addition of Lizzy Daymont on vocals and rhythm guitar and Bob Rivers on keyboards. Our lead guitarist is Randy Hanson, who won an Oscar
for Best Sound for “Apocalypse Now” and if you haven’t heard it go online and check it out. Anyway Randy brings this very Hendrix-esque sound that sets us apart from anything else. Somar and Lizzy are great friends and sing so well together; in fact the first time I heard them was on Dog And Butterfly and it took my breath away.
STEAM That’s awesome. By the way that is my favorite Heart song. I remember getting the Greatest Hits/Live double compilation LP for Christmas and wearing out just that track. Tell It Like It Is and Crazy On You are my other favorites, but when I saw you, Heart By Heart, perform Barracuda it became my ultimate favorite. So which songs were your, Heart’s, biggest hits? SF Barracuda is probably the biggest, but Magic Man and Crazy On You are up there too. I mean we’re just fortunate that we have the kind of repertoire that you can do 90 minute sets and everybody recognizes every song. We were just lucky that we knew Somar and
found Lizzy.
STEAM
Everyone in Heart By Heart is a seasoned and talented musician. I’m just thrilled to see you back on stage with your music and wondering what took you so long. (laughing) SF Well for many, many years I didn’t play these songs and when we started putting the group together I had to relearn my parts because I couldn’t remember what I use to do. …I just took a sip of IPA.
STEAM That has to be a weird sensation going back out there, because now you got your our generation and our kids into your music. SF Oh yeah, we have people come up and tell us they saw us at the Coliseum (now Key Arena) or somewhere else in the country and that hearing Heart By Heart takes them back to those great memories. It’s very cool.
STEAM
Are you planning to put out an album soon? SF Yes and no; right now we have some demos that have been made. We’re working with songwriter Lisa Nemzo on new material, and Randy and I both write, too. But right now the emphasis is on the Heart material, because we need to get Somar’s voice out there and recognizable before we move on. …I just took a sip of IPA.
STEAM Are you working on touring soon? We’d love to see you guys in Texas! SF I think our big push is going to start in January and we’re going to be doing a lot of festivals all over the country and I’m sure we’ll be down there. What Mike and I hope that everybody takes away from this is that as the rhythm section Mike and I were very instrumental in why Heart was so big. However, when we finish our set all people talk about is Somer, Lizzy, and Randy. I guess that means we’re doing our job right. …I just finished my IPA, so what kind was it?
HEARTBYHEART.COM
M
9
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
From Mother Earth Living, by Linda B. White
What do you love doing? According to surveys, some of Americans’ favorite hobbies include fishing, gardening, traveling, sewing, playing music and crafts. Why do we enjoy these activities? They all tend to draw us into the present moment. They employ our senses and clear our heads. They make us feel engaged, alert and vital.
setts Medical School.
What if we could bring that wide-eyed awareness to even the most mundane activity? What if we could spend more of our lives fully engaged?
In addition to being a practice, mindfulness is a way of being. We Westerners tend to spend most of our time doing — and doing things on automatic pilot rather than with full awareness. From an early age, we’re encouraged to keep busy.
My Aha Moment I hadn’t quite appreciated the value of mindfulness until last fall, when I received a dire medical diagnosis. Niggling concerns about the past suddenly seemed petty and irrelevant. Many future-based preoccupations — promoting books, planning lectures, replacing the carpets, expanding my Twitter following — fell away. What mattered was each precious moment. Anxiety, grief and outright terror hovered, ready to swoop in. The remedy was pulling myself back to the present.
Becoming a Student of Mindfulness To deepen that skill, I enrolled in a course on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a program developed by author and researcher Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachu-
10 NOV 2014
Here's What I Learned At our first meeting, participants talked about our motivations for enrolling. Objectives included relief from stress, anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, overeating and pain.
What follows is a description of the key MBSR practices. The body scan. This 30- to 45-minute practice entails sensing the whole body, toes to head. It both heightens our consciousness of physical sensations and diminishes mental preoccupations. It also trains us to do one thing at a time. First, lie on your back or take a comfortable seat. Allow your eyelids to close. Get an overall sense of your body and mind. Take a moment to focus on your breathing, the rising and falling of your abdomen. Now, bring your awareness to your right big toe, noticing what you feel. Release your attention from your big toe, and systematically move to each toe, the sole, the sides and tops of the feet. Now, shift your attention to the right ankle, then the right lower leg, the knee and so on.
Remain curious and open to sensations (or lack thereof), refraining from analyzing them or labeling them as bad or good. When your mind wanders, let the thought pass (without self -rebuke) and return to the scan. Keep doing the scan daily for the first two weeks. Later, alternate it with mindful movement. Although some group members didn’t like this practice initially, I enjoyed the deep relaxation it evoked. In fact, I became disabused of my belief that I can’t nap. If I dozed off, I simply finished the body scan afterward. The scan became a tool for returning to sleep after nighttime awakenings. Seated meditations. The first seated meditation, which we learned in our second week, involves focusing on the breath, a surefire means of being in the present. Begin by sitting in a chair or on the floor. Allow your eyelids to shut. Place one or both palms on your abdomen. As you inhale, your diaphragm descends, pushing your belly outward. As you release the breath, your belly moves in. Notice the way your chest expands with inhalation, the movement of air through your nostrils. Mindful Movement. This practice, which we added in week three, involves moving the body in a slow, deliberate manner. Most of the exercises derive from yoga. In class, we flexed and extended our spines, balanced on one leg then the other, stretched our legs — all while focusing on breath
and bodily sensations. Thoughts and emotions do arise. Notice what comes up when you encounter physical limitations. Then return attention to the movements. Walking meditation. During week four, we walked silently in a big circle, slowing our pace so that each step matched our breathing. Try mindfully walking as you go to work or enter the grocery store. Ramble slowly through your neighborhood, with no particular destination in mind. Just put one foot in front of the other. By the end of my MBSR program, benefits were apparent. Washing the Dishes and Other Mundane Activities Experiment with mindfully performing one mundane activity each day. Examples include chopping vegetables, washing dishes, showering, making the bed, folding the laundry, sipping a cup of tea, putting your child to bed or tending your garden.
Mindful Stress Management Denver pediatrician Peggy Sheehan taught our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class the STOP method of coping with potentially stressful events. Stop. Take a breath. Observe your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. Proceed with a plan borne of awareness and, ideally, wisdom.
Excerpted from Mother Earth Living, a national magazine devoted to living wisely and living well. To read more articles from Mother Earth Living, please visit www.MotherEarthLiving.com or call (800) 340-5846 to subscribe. Copyright 2014 by Ogden Publications Inc.
Photo by Paul Bates
M
11
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
WORDS & PHOTO BY Kevin McDermott STEAM Magazine
Anyone who enjoys music and good times knows that House of Rock is the place to be in Corpus Christi and this night would be no different. The crowd was scattered as I walked in the doors. Groups of people stood separated as they enjoyed cold drinks and chatted amongst themselves. Without much warning, a powerful voice started to sing and silenced the crowd. As he concluded the first song of his acoustic set, he introduced himself as Ryan White. He cracked a few jokes to connect with the audience and began to sing again. He had so much passion in his small set, the loud applause at the end made it apparent he had definitely gained some fans. Shortly after Ryan had finished, Lullwater made their way to the stage. Once again the crowd’s attention was set on the stage as they played an energetic set. Their southern-style rock show was no shorter than a regular set, but time flies when you enjoy good music and before you knew it, Flyleaf was ready to put on a performance like no other. As the headlining act made their way to the stage the crowd went crazy. They needed no introduction but
kindly did so anyways before they began to play some of their hits and some songs off of their new album Between The Stars. New vocalist of the band Kristen May was beyond humble and put on one of the most energy filled performances I have seen to date. She crowd surfed, held hands with her fans as she sang to them and even joined the crowd and took photos WHILE performing! But as all good things come to an end, so did their set and as they made their way backstage the crowd already began to chant “one more song!” Suddenly lights began to flash and sure enough Flyleaf had made their way back to the stage. Kristen shared with everyone she would in fact perform two songs for the encore starting off with their hit I’m So Sick and ending with a duet with Ryan White. At the end of the night, the crowd could not have been more pleased by the energy and performances all of the bands had put on for them. Each band expressed enjoyment and you could really sense how much they love what they do and knew very well how to put on one hell of a show.
314 E AVE. G PORT ARANSAS 361.290.7143 WWW.BRONSBEACHCARTS.COM
Check Us Out Online! www.SteamMagazine .Net And You Can Take Us With You!
STEAM PICKS FOR NOVEMBER
E
14
NOV 2014
ENTERTAINMENT MOZART & FRIENDS NTER AT TEXAS A & M PERFORMING ARTS CE CHRISTI 11/8/14 UNIVERSITY-CC, CORPUS
ART ROCK N ’R ART MU OLL PHOTOGRA SEUM O PHY FS SHOREL INE BLV OUTH TEXAS, 1 D, CORP 902 N US CHR ISTI FIRST FR IDAY AR T PORT A RANSAS ISTS RECEPTIO N ART CEN PORT A TER, 32 RANSAS 3 N ALIS FIRST FR TER IDAY 11 /7 5:30-7 :30PM FIRST FR IDAY AR TW DOWNT OWN CO ALK RPUS CH 11/7 RISTI
SEASON OF HOPE 2014 Support your local community this holiday season by donating food or unwrapped toys at the following locations (in Corpus Christi unless otherwise stated): Brunkenhoefer Law Firm, P.C. 606 N. Carancahua Suite #1200 Butler Signature Events 5826 Wooldridge CCRV 8045 IH 37 Corpus Christi Athletic Club 2101 Airline Rd
HOUSE OF ROCK, 322 STARR ST, CORPUS CHRISTI TUESDAYS OPEN MIC, BEER WEDNES DAYS, 11/8 SUPERVILLIANS, 11/16 RED DRAGON CARTEL, 11/29 FEA CONFETTI’S WINE & BEER GARDEN 3855 S ALAMEDA, CORPUS CHRISTI LIVE MUSIC ON THE WEEKENDS GIGGITY’S, 722 TARPON ST, PORT ARANSAS LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT! SUNDAYS: ANTONE & THE ALL STARS, MONDAYS: OPEN JAM, TUESDAYS WITH TIFFANY, THURSDAYS: FREE BEE BAND, 11/1 TODD DORN & THE SEA DRIFTERS, 11/5 Russell edge, 11/7 RIP TONES, 11/8 RED GIANT, 11/12 TY DIETZ, RUBEN & THE ROLLING JAYS, 11/15 JAKE WARD & THE COAST RIDERS, 11/19 GARRETT WIELAND, 11/21 JT COLDFIRE, 11/22 TY DIETZ BAND, 11/26 BILLY SNIPES, 11/28 LYRICAL BYNGE, 11/29 MIKE MILLIGAN & THE ALTER BOYS RED’S SPORTS BAR, 5114 CARROLL LN, CORPUS CHRISTI 11/1 VINYL, 11/7 AUTOBOX, 11/8 PROFILE, 11/9 BETO RAMON, 11/14 JOHN CORTEZ BAND, 11/15 DJ, 11/21 WALTER MIDI BAND, 11/22 POINT OF RETURN, 11/28 VINYL, 11/29 HARD CANDY SHORTY’S, 823 TARPON ST, PORT ARANSAS 11/1 STUART BURNS & SWEET TEXAS MORNNING, 11/7 TIFFANY, 11/8 INDEPENDENT THIEVES, 11/14 PETE DEVLIN & TEXAS MOON, 11/15 JOHN CORTEZ BAND, 11/21 STEVIE START, 11/22 JIM DUGAN, 11/28 JOE MACK, 11/29 BILLY SNIPES THEO’S BILLIARDS, 5815-B WEBER RD, CORPUS CHRISTI 11/7 NORMA JEAN, 11/8 ROYAL BLISS/BOBAFLEX/OCTOBER RAGE, 11/15 UFC 180 TWEETY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL, 4710 KOSTORYZ RD, CORPUS CHRISTI MONDAYS FOOTBALL MADNESS, TUESDAYS KARAOKE, WEDNESDAYS OPEN MIC, THURSDAYS LADIES NIGHT, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS LIVE MUSIC, SUNDAY FUN DA, 11/14 HYDE AFTER DARK, 11/28 RICHARD’S BIRTHDAY! STRANGE DAYZ WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THEO’S BONESHAKERS, 4528 WEBER RD, CORPUS CHRISTI METAL MONDAYS; THROWBACK TUESDAYS WITH MUSIC FROM THE 70s 80s & 90s, WEDNESDAYS: AN EVENING WITH ELVIS (SONGS AND KARAOKE); THURSDAYS: OPEN MI, 11/15 UFC 180 FRONTIER SALOON, 9709 LEOPARD ST, CORPUS CHRISTI 5/5 JOHN CORTEZ, 5/10 THE ROCKOHOLICS, 5/17 BUSHBULLIT, 5/24 BEAU WALKER BAND, 5/31 TY D11/1 JAZ & THE JETTYMEN, 11/8 TBA, 11/15 THE CUVERALLS, 11/22 THE ROCKOHOLICS, 11/29 TY DIETZ QUICKDRAW BBQ, 322 N STAPLES CORPUS CHRISTI 11/1 DOUBLE SHOT, 11/8 TBA, 11/15 ELORA & GASOLINE ALLEY, 11/22 THREE IN A ROW BREWSTER STREET ICE HOUSE, 1724 N TANCAHUA, CORPUS CHRISTI 11/6 CORY MORROW, 11/11 GARY P NUNN, 11/13 CODY JOHNSON, 11/20 DIRTY RIVER BOYS, 11/26 ROGER CREAGER
Countrywide Gold Buyers @ La Palmera Mall – 5488 S Padre Island Dr Wind Chase Plaza – 12033 Airline Rd 2727 S. Padre Island Dr Portland – 706 Moore Avenue Esplanade Rehab Hospital 5726 Esplanade Dr First United Methodist Church 900 S Shoreline Blvd Keetch Motors 1010 S Staples St Mattress Firm @ Staples – 4124 S Staples Moore Plaza – 5425 S Padre Island Dr Five Points – 4101 Hwy. 77 #D-1 Susan Castor Collection @ 3636 S. Alameda Suite #H Port Aransas – 106 E. Roberts Avenue Value Bank Texas @ Main Branch – 3649 Leopard Midtown – 3757 S Staples Southside – 7110 S Staples Aransas Pass – 925 S Commercial Ingleside – 2900 N Main Street Port Aransas – 500 S Alister Portland – 1625 Wildcat Dr Rockport – #11 Highway 35 North
IN THEATER’S THIS MONTH FOXCATCHER DRAMA R STEVE CARELL, TATUM VANESSA REDGRAVE
CHANNING,
STORYLINE: The story of Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz, who is summoned by eccentric multimillionaire John du Pont to move onto his estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Desperate to gain the respect of his disapproving mother, du Pont begins "coaching" a world-class athletic team and, in the process, lures Mark into dangerous habits, breaks his confidence and drives him into a self-destructive spiral. RELEASE DATE 11/14/14 Friday, November 7 Interstellar Big Hero 6 Jessabelle
Action 2D; IMAX Family/Action 3D/2D Horror
NR PG PG-13
Friday, November 14 Beyond the Lights Dumb and Dumber To Foxcatcher Rosewater
Drama Comedy Drama True Story
PG-13 PG-13 R NR
Friday, November 21 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Pa…
Action
PG-13
Wednesday, November 26 The Penguins of Madagascar Horrible Bosses 2
Family Comedy
PG R
NOVEMBER ALBUM RELEASES 3 November Clark Damien Rice Fearless Vampire Killers Peter Gordon 4 November Amelia Curran Arrica Rose Bette Midler Calvin Harris Dean Blunt Deerhoof Deptford Goth Dirty Beaches Gold Lake Hideout Korallreven Les Sins Mariachi El Bronx Megafortress Mother Mother Neil Young Ryan Hemsworth The Doobie Brothers Trophy Eyes We Are The Willows 10 November Foo Fighters Legitimate Beef Machine Head The Voyeurs 11 November 2:54 Big K.R.I.T. Cult of Youth Dream Police Ghost Brigade Hookworms Marianne Faithfull Mark McGuire Ne-Yo Nick Jonas Parkay Quarts Pink Floyd Röyksopp Secret Chiefs 3 Swingin' Utters The Jazz June Torn Hawk
Clark My Favourite Faded Fantasy
Unbreakable Hearts Symphony 5 They Promised You Mercy Wavefunction It's The Girls Motio Black Metal La Isla Bonita Songs Stateless Years Rookie Second Comin’ Michael III Believer Very Good Bad Thing Storytone Alone For The First Time Southbound Mend, Move On Picture (Portrait) Pt. 1 Sonic Highways Grinder Bloodstone & Diamonds Rhubarb Rhubarb The Other I Cadillactica Final Days Hypnotized IV: One With The Storm The Hum Give My Love To London Noctilucence Non-Fiction Nick Jonas Content Nausea The Endless River The Inevitable End Perichoresis Fistful Of Hollow After The Earthquake Let's Cry And Do...
FOO FIGHTERS SONIC HIGHWAYS | 11/10/14 17 November Bryan Ferry Depeche Mode Exit Verse frYars King Of Cats Loscil One Direction Paul McCartney The Ghost Inside 18 November Ariel Pink David Bowie Manchester Orchestra Meligrove Band Mr. Oizo TV on the Radio Tyga Warsawwasraw 24 November Circa Survive Mary J. Blige Nicki Minaj Rick Ross 25 November Bella Novela Nicholas Krgovich Snowday 28 November Eminem Wu-Tang Clan
Avonmore Live in Berlin Exit Verse Power Working Out Sea Island Four The Art Of McCartney Dear Youth pom pom Nothing Has Changed Hope Bones Of Things The Church Seeds The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty Sensitizer Descensus The London Sessions The Pinkprint Hood Billionaire Telemetry On Cahuenga As We Travel Shady XV A Better Tomorrow
This album is a compilation of tracks I recorded over the last several years. All revenues from the sale of this CD go into a fund established to campaign along with ASPCA to persuade Congress to close the loophole whereby it is legal to ship horses to South America where they are slaughtered with barbaric cruelty. You can help with this cause by purchasing the CD for $20. In addition, if you telephone or write your congressman and senator, this will help even more. Thanks for helping! Chad Stuart
E
16
THE NORTH END
San Antonio/New Braunfels/San Marcos/Austin
Houston; Nov. 23 – San Antonio; Dec. release on the +180 Records label 30 & 31 – Moody Theater, Austin. Keep and contains some of his strongest material to date. The first single, tabs on him at willienelson.com. ‘Woke Up Today,’ jumped to the top Though it’s not due out until January of the charts and has held a tight grip of 2015, the new Cody Canada & the on that slot. It’s a solid collection Departed album, HippieLovePunk, is with a bit more crunch of big guitars already stirring up inter- than normal, thanks to the latest addiWith Dale Ma tin est among the Red Dirt tion of Will Knaak to the band. Will faithful due to its Cross joins current guitarist Todd LaningAfter playing two soldCanadian Ragweed ham to give Bowen the dual guitar out shows at Floores sound. After Ragweed sound that makes his music rock even Country Store, Texas icon broke up, Canada harder. Ironically, Will and Todd got Willie Nelson cancelled formed the Departed their start playing together in Stewart several shows due to an with pal and fellow Mann’s band, the Statesboro Revue, undisclosed illness. The guitarist Seth James. before leaving at different times to news was sent out through They recorded two join up with Bowen. It’s all come full his website with the albums together before circle and the mighty duo are together makeup dates listed for Seth decided he wanted again, so that’s all that matters. March and April of 2015. to do his own thing. A look at his remaining Taylor Swift and Garth Cody and the boys Unless tour dates for this year went back in the studio Brooks can do it when they release would make a young man this summer and their new albums this month, 2014 tired. As I often do in emerged w i t h will go down in history as the first these pages, I just don’t ‘HippieLovePunk,’ an year that no albums sold a million see how a man his age album of Cody songs copies. It’s true that downloads have keeps up such a brutal cut from the same impacted album sales, but the major schedule. He still releases mold as vintage Rag- acts have always been good for at several albums each year weed material. Canada least a million units sold to the public. and tours constantly. Like recently told Rolling Until now that is. Looking at the CD his song says, ‘Still is Still Stone Magazine that release schedule for the next two Moving To Me,’ and Willie some of the material on months, only a handful of artists have lives by that motto. Some their last album, the horsepower to move that many say Ol’ Willie is just going ‘Adventus,’ was a little units. Swift released her new album, through the motions and out of his element. As a titled ‘1989’ after the year she was to some extent that’s true. His set list has fan of that CD, I liked the new direction born, on October 27, so she may remained virtually unchanged for the past the band was going. I’ve heard the new have already reached that lofty goal twenty years and as members of his family CD and must admit, it sounds a lot like and you can stop reading this column band either retire or pass away, Willie just Ragweed, so the diehard fans should be now. Looking at the list of new rekeeps on trucking. His latest CD, ‘Band of happy. Here’s a look at their upcoming leases between now and Dec. 31, it Brothers,’ is one of his strongest and in- Texas tour dates: Nov. 15 – Nutty Brown includes Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, cludes ‘It’s Hard To Be An Outlaw,’ writ- Café, Austin; Nov. 21 – Goliad; Nov. 22 – One Direction, Selena Gomez, AC/ ten by his good friend Billy Joe Shaver. In Bryan; Dec. 12 – Temple; Dec. 13 – DC, Demi Lovato and Garth Brooks. fact, Shaver has been opening a lot of Floores Country Store, Helotes; Dec. 17 – Only Garth, with his ‘Man Against shows for Willie, including the ones in the Conroe and Dec. 20 – Brauntex Theatre, Machine’ album set for November 11 upcoming months. Here are the Texas New Braunfels. release seems likely to go platinum, dates in case you are in the mood for the official name for albums that sell some vintage Willie; Nov. 14 – Galveston; Wade Bowen, who just happens to be one million copies. It’s been an interNov. 16 – Gruene Hall, New Braunfels; Cody Canada’s brother in law, just re- esting year, that’s for sure. . Nov. 17 – College Station; Nov. 18 – leased a new self-titled CD. It’s his first www.martinsmusic.com NOV 2014
Troubadour Insights
r
TY DIETZ
sad songs make him smile
Photo by Savannah Johnson Words by Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine
STEAM write?
What inspires the music you
it's going to be good.
TD I've been inspired by a lot of things. I STEAM find I do lean towards sadder subjects. I am careful not to write every song about a girl or failed love. I do have songs like that but I try not to "Randy Rogers" the listener with the same 'ol whiney break up songs. There are other kinds of heartache. I love a sad song, they make me smile.
STEAM
Tell me about your last album and are you working on a new album? TD The last album, Closer to Town, wasn't really planned. A friend of mine, Cassie Kirkpatrick, hooked the whole thing up. She and I went to Media Tech Institute in Austin for audio engineering. We didn't attend at the same time but found we had that in common. She became good friends with Jacob Sciba, the house engineer at Perdenales. She came to a show and told me she could get some time there. We set it up with the financial help of my loving Godparents, Jeannie and Terry Gage and recorded it in 3 days. I didn't have a band just a bass player, Justin Butts. Cassie and Jacob got Brian Beken in there with his fiddle and mandolin. I took Pake Rossi with me to help with production and we got as much as we could done in the short time we had. I'm happy with it. It’s raw. The second album hasn't been quite as easy. I've learned planning an album with a band is tough. It'll happen, though. When it does,
I have seen you do mostly acoustic shows with some of your friends, I heard that you have a band now and who’s in it? TD I was doing a lot of acoustic shows with Pake Rossi, Jason Maddox, Dan Brodhag, Tyler McCumber, and all of our crew. Now we're doing almost 100% band stuff. Tony Saracene plays lead in the band. His playing is really something words can't describe. You just have to watch and listen. We should call it the Tony Saracene Band. Bobby Donahoe plays the drums. I love the way he plays. It sound like the 60's, man. Like Mitch Mitchell or something; very dynamic. My brother Jason Maddox is on bass guitar. He's really kickin' butt too. Originally a lead guitar player and singer song writer he's taken to bass like a duck to water. And yours truly on acoustic and harmonica. We really have something special going on. I couldn't ask for a better band.
STEAM
Do you have any plans for touring? TD We'd love to tour. We just need a financial boost. We love what we do but it ain't easy getting to the "next level" when you're broke. We have the talent and ambition but the money is tight. Yes, this is a hint to anyone who wants to help.
See the Ty Dietz Band @
Nov 2 Dr Rockits, Corpus Christi Nov 9 Dr Rockits, Corpus Christi Nov 12 Giggity's, Port Aransas Nov 14 Tin Can Tavern, Corpus Christi Nov 15 Private Event Nov 22 Giggity's, Port Aransas Nov 29 Frontier, Calallen (CC) Dec 3 Giggity's, Port Aransas Dec 20 Frontier, Calallen (CC) Dec 24 Giggity's, Port Aransas Dec 26 Shorty's, Port Aransas Find Ty Dietz Band Online @ Facebook.com: Ty-DietZ-Music and Ty.Dietz ReverbNation.com: tydietz iTunes.apple.com: ty-dietz
M
17
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
L
STEAM Yep, we did.
loyd Wayne Maines was the first of five kids Edith and James Maines would bring into the flat, dusty, windy little world of Lubbock, Texas. From tot to teen, Lloyd spent many an afternoon listening to the honky-tonk music of his Dad's band, The Maines Brothers, and the inspirational pedal steel guitar playing of Frank Carter, Wally Moyers Sr. and Bob Stuffelbeme. It was Bob, in fact, who crafted Lloyd's first pedal steel and nurtured his interest in the instrument. At the age of 14, while most teenage boys were pulling the wings off flies, Lloyd and his brothers played their first gig at the VFW hall in Slaton, Texas. Following in the footsteps of their father, they called themselves The Maines Brothers.
Luck Is On His Side
STEAM
In the early '70s, Lloyd
met Joe Ely. Having heard Joe with The Flatlanders, Lloyd agreed to aid him in his musical quest to play just enough weekly band gigs, and earn just enough money at the Main Street Saloon, to get Joe a ticket out of Lubbock. Thus began the launch of the infamous Joe Ely Band, and with it, Lloyd's ticket out of Lubbock, too. From their legendary shows at The Cotton Club, perched on the outskirts of the Lubbock skyline, to packed, sweaty punk clubs in England, the Joe Ely Band won fans around the world - including the famed British punk band The Clash, who invited the Lubbock boys to tour with them. As Joe's following spread across the continent and across the sea, so did Lloyd's reputation as a steel guitarist to be reckoned with. With plenty of starstruck musicians ready to roll tape at Caldwell Studios, Lloyd quit touring steadily with Joe Ely in 1980 to focus more on his family and his production abilities. Around the same time, things started to take off with The Maines Brothers Band, but they were all married and had kids, so as a rule, they made an effort not to be on the road away from their families for any longer than 10 days at a time. Eventually, after building up a monstrous fan base with a good run of sold-out shows and considerable radio success, The Maines Brothers traded in their tour bus keys for different occupations, and Lloyd returned as fast as he could back into the studio.
STEAM As I was reading up and figuring
out what to talk to you about and my jaw just kept hitting the floor as I was finding out about you! And I’ve just got to say… You’re pretty cool! LM Yeah, I’ve been lucky enough to work with really good people and did some really great music over the years. I just consider myself really lucky.
M
18
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
STEAM
We were flipping channels and we stopped and said, “Isn’t that Lloyd Maines?” LM It was a phenomenal show! We got to back up Bonnie Raitt, Jeff bridges, Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen; it was just an amazing night!
I wouldn’t
consider you as much lucky as I would extremely talented and the fact that people search you out is a testament to your abilities. You know as I was looking information up for this, I realized that you, like many well-know people, have probably done hundreds of interviews and that I’ll probably ask the same questions everyone else does, so I have a silly question for you – do you ever get star struck? LM No, not really. I’m really good at keeping everything in perspective. I’ve never been one to think of anyone as more important than anyone else. Then again, there have been people that have called that I couldn’t believe that were actually calling.
STEAM You are best known for your steel guitar playing although you play other instruments just as well. Was that your first instrument? LM Actually, the first instrument I learned to play was acoustic guitar and then I got myself an electric guitar and experimented with that for a while. A guy in my dad’s band, Bob Stuffelbeme, had been building his own pedal steel that he’d given up on and gave to me when I was 17, but he had gotten it to the point that it would play and I just picked it up on my own. This was in the late 60s and back in those days nobody taught pedal steel and the only way I could learn was by watching other players and asking questions. If you play guitar already, you can apply some guitar theory to the pedal steel; it’s definitely a different instrument, so I figured a lot out on my own and, like I said, by watching other people. Anytime Willie Nelson came to town I’d go sit on the side of the stage where Jimmy Day, his steel player, was and watched every move he made. So, that’s why I think people say I have my own style; it comes from never having lessons. I mean now there’s YouTube where you can take lessons on everything, but back then there really was no outlet to learn pedal steel.
I’m going to switch here to your Grammy Award for the Dixie Chicks. LM Yeah, that was their third album, Home, and they received five nominations that year. They won Country Album of the Year and as the producer I got one too. They asked me to perform with them, and of course I would have gone anyway, but it was really fun and great being there. One of the songs on that record, Little Jack Slade, was up for Country InstrumenWords by Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine tal of the Year; it was co Adapted Introduction & Photo by Terri Hendrix -written by Terri Hendrix, so she went to New York too. Terri, STEAM It seems to be one of those instru- my wife, and I sat in the second row, right ments that people are not looking to learn as next to Norah Jones and behind Aretha Franklin. much as they were say 30 years ago. LM Yeah, I think a lot of people will get one STEAM OK, see right there! I would have and start to learn before realizing how much been star struck! time it takes to get it under control and they LM Oh yeah, it was pretty amazing being in give up. But you’re right, a lot of the great, accomplished steel players are getting up in years and passing away and there really aren’t enough young guys to fill the slots.
STEAM
In 2013 in connection with the Austin City Limits anniversary the mayor of Austin proclaimed May 16th as Lloyd Maines Day and ACL did a tribute show to you because you have been on that show more times and anyone else. We have talked with quite a few of the people that got up on that stage with you and I can’t image how amazing that night must have been. You have some great friends! LM Oh yeah, totally. I have worked with so many great people and am still good friends with all of them. It really was a great night. We did another one back in June for ACL’s 40th Anniversary and I was lucky enough to be inducted in to their Hall of Fame. I got some good kudos two years in a row which is more than I thought I deserved, but I wasn’t going to turn it down. (laughing) ACL asked me to put the house band together for that show. I don’t know if you’ve seen it.
Photo by TG Caraway
and amongst those great artist that you have heard of for so many years.
Lloyd Maines with daughter, Natalie, at the ACL Lloyd Maines Tribute Show
STEAM Do you know how many albums you have either recorded on or produced? LM Well, I tried to put a pencil to it one time and there is really no way of getting a completely accurate count, but I started recording in 1971 or 72 and many of those early albums were from bands around Lubbock that no one can probably remember. I’ve done records with Terry Allen, Terri Hendrix, Robert Earl Keen, Joe Ely, of course the Dixie Chicks, and just so many more. But I believe that I have either played on or produced about 4,000 albums. It’s because I’ve just stayed so busy.
STEAM Wow! Busy is a good way to put it! LM One reason I have added so much to that number in the last few years is because of digital recording; people from all over the country send me songs and I’ll put pedal steel on it, right here in my home studio, and I’ll send .wav files back to them to be incorporated into their masters. Sometimes I’ll do 10 to 15 songs a week just like that from my house. I love over-dubbing long distance like that. I just finished Robert Earl Keen’s upcoming record, Happy Prisoner: the Bluegrass Sessions (February 2015). We took a year and recorded 26 songs then he narrowed it down to this release, but I think all of the tracks will get used in one way or the other. Terri Hendrix has three recording projects that we’re working on. I’m also working on Max Stalling’s project and I’m doing a duo project with Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen. Not too long ago I finished up Adam Carroll’s record and I’m starting on a new one with Cory Morrow. Then in February I’ll be working with Dale Watson for his new project. Every January I tell myself I’m not going to take on as many projects, but artists that I’ve worked with call and I’ve told them all, “As long as I can still hear, I’ll work with you.”
STEAM Being so busy in the studio, when do you have time to fit in touring? LM Well, you know I am just really good at managing my time.
STEAM Lastly, do you have any advice for
people either just starting out or already in the business? LM Yeah, you know I general don’t give up, but there are two things. First, always be on time. If you tell somebody you’re going to do something, be there on time and do it. And don’t expect it to be easy; don’t feel entitled. You know there is a lot of luck involved, but I have found that the luckier you are the hard you have to work. So don’t go in to this business thinking it’s one big party, because you have to learn the business end of it too. So basically, you have to be consistent with people and don’t feel entitled.
Lloyd Maines with Terri Hendrix. Photo by Teri Hendrix
Lloyd Mains and Tamma, Allene & Rusty Hicks at the Churchyard.
STEAM That’s very good advice and I think it applies to all aspects of life, not just the music side. Thank you.
STEAM Magazine Photo
Lloydmaines.net
M
19
STEAMMAGAZINE.NET
:
GULLER HALL BIKINIS TX -
T
his month I finish up what I call the BoerneFredericksburg Dancehall Loop. Heading north
out of Luckenbach the first road on the left is Grapetown Rd. Follow the road through the beautiful farm country for a few miles and it will end on Old Route 9. Take a left and on the left within a mile is the historic town of Grapetown. It consists of an old school house, teacher’s house and dancehall/ shooting club. It is maintained and the shooting club is active. I couldn’t find any information on the dancehall except that it is inactive these days, but locals say they use it for weddings. Continuing south down the road a couple of miles is the once historic town of Bankersmith TX. It was named after the banker Temple Doswell Smith who was the bank president that financed the train that ran from Fredericksburg to Comfort. The town formed in 1914, and by the 20’s it had a store, a dance hall, a lumberyard, and about fifty residents. The train closed down in the 40’s and the town turned into a ghost town with the remains of a house and an old bus. Much of the land, including the former town site, remained in the Klinksiek family in the 2010s. The town was put up for sale on Craigslist and was bought by Doug Guller, owner of the Bikini’s Sports Bar & Grill Franchise, in 2012. Guller renamed the town to Bikinis TX, and started renovating the town. He converted the house into a bar. It is not the image of what you may think. It has the feel of an old west vintage bar. There isn’t a kitchen, and it is not filled with girls wearing bikinis. It is a very classy establishment where the locals like to hang out and have a beer or two. It has a small retail store inside the bar for buying t-shirts, and a wall dedicated to the history of the bikini, it is separated from the bar by a wall with some windows and a door. There are a few tables out front, and a very nice deck in the back to sit and relax. Next door to the bar is the dancehall, it looks like the
original, but it is brand new built from reclaimed materials. Mr. Guller is aware of how fast the music scene is growing in South Texas and wanted a music venue. This is a very nice dancehall with a relaxed vintage feel. It has a nice green room for the band to relax in between sets. It has a second room for equipment storage. It has a wraparound deck with rockers and benches for the people to kick back and relax with their drink from the bar located inside the dancehall. While I was there Joe Ely and Rich O’ Toole were getting set-up to entertain the crowd for the evening. The property is set-up with room to roam. There is a walk-up bar located in the back of the property, and behind the dancehall is a food truck. There is a fire pit and several areas to sit in the g r a s s y yard. Separating the yard from
Seafood & Steaks International Cuisine Vegan/Vegetarian Fare Fine Desserts Absinthe Parlor Craft Cocktails Beer & Wine Outdoor Dining Thursday-Sunday Dinner 5-10pm Saturday & Sunday
E
20
Lunch/Brunch 11am-2pm
112 S Fulton Beach Rd, Fulton TX NOV 2014
(361) 790-9626
the parking lot sits the old abandoned bus. On the web site www.bikinistexas.com they have it listed as a tequila bar, but for right now it is just a cool old abandoned bus. While I was visiting, one of the local ranch owners was trimming the trees on the property. While he took a break I had time to sit and chat with him at the bar. I ended up finding out that he also holds Cowboy Church at the dancehall on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. The dancehall can also be rented out for special occasions and weddings. You can use the form on the web site for more information: bikinistexas.com/private-events. This is a
special dancehall, as I have only lived in Texas a short time, this is the first place where I truly felt welcomed to sit and chat. This loop of dancehalls would make for the perfect week-end trip. I would start my trip with stopping at the Sisterdale Dancehall on Friday afternoon. Check-out the historic dancehall hopefully Rhonda will be there and she can give you the tour of this masterpiece. From there I would head up to Luckenbach to either camp or take in one of the many B&B’s in the area for both Friday and Saturday night. If a concert is at Guller Hall it most likely would be on a Friday night so I would go there to
dance the night way, but if they didn’t Luckenbach always has music on Friday night. I would spend my Saturday touring the local vineyards finishing Saturday off with the music at Luckenbach. I would wake up Sunday morning and take in the Cowboy Church at Guller Hall. Have lunch at the Alamo Springs General Store and Café by Old Tunnel State Park on Old Route 9. Walk off lunch at Old Tunnel State Park and see the bats flying around inside the tunnel. Then drive back out through Sisterdale, or visit the small antique town of Comfort as I head back home. More photos @ www.Jonny3Fingers.net
E 21
NOV 2014