STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 5 issue 3 June 2016

OWEN SHELLY FUNDRAISER FOR LUNG TRANSPLANT EXPENSES

In 2012, Owen was diagnosed with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) which is characterized by an overabundance of capillaries in the lungs and can cause pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure. Owen now has both PH and heart failure which makes the simplest tasks of daily living impossible. The only treatment remaining for his worsening condition is lung transplant.

Owen and his wife Lindsey have three children, Tiler, Lionel, and Lucy, ages 6, 4, and 2. They must now relocate to a major transplant center to place him on a waiting list for a double lung transplant. Owen currently enjoys songwriting, reading, and spending time with his family. After recovering from transplant, he plans to return to Idaho to the Wood River Valley, which he loves.

This April, Owen had to take medical disability from his job in Twin Falls, Idaho at the State Department of Health and Welfare where he worked as a service coordinator for the infant/toddler program. He worked diligently in this position for more than five years while dealing with medical procedures, hospitalizations, and regular appointments in Salt Lake City. Owen was a committed resource to many of the program’s clients in the Wood River Valley and surrounding areas.

In 2004, Owen’s younger brother, Tyler, died from PCH/PH at age 20.

Their grandmother also passed away in 2003 from complications from pulmonary hypertension. Owen’s parents live in Bellevue and Hailey and his sister resides in Boise. Lindsey’s parents live in Twin Falls, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Thank you for supporting and donating to Owen Shelly’s fundraiser. Our goal is to raise $100,000. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of 5 would require $75,702 in Salt Lake City, Utah or $69,851 in San Antonio, Texas to maintain a modest yet adequate standard of living for one year. These estimates are determined by calculating monthly expenditures including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and health care not covered by insurance. Other monies would be needed for relocation expenses, insurance premiums, transplant aftercare, and medications.

To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, please visit

www.phassociation.org Owen, his family and friends appreciate your support! Be sure to check back periodically for updates!

newcovenanturc.org/fundraiser-owen-shelly-100000-neededlung-transplant

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CONTENTS 3 OWEN SHELLY FUNDRAISER 5 QUICK READ 6 COMICS 7 ALBUM COVER OF THE MONTH 8 CD REVIEWS 9 CHANNE FELTON: FINE ART 10 STONEY LARUE: ALL ABOUT HIS FANS 14 LAUREN ALEXANDER 15 NAMM’S MUSIC INDUSTRY DAY 16 PANIC! AT THE DISCO 17 RAY T & THE CITY CREW 18 NEW MUSIC & MOVIES 19 EVENTS

PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS DALE MARTIN, STEVE GOLDSTEIN, TAMMA HICKS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, DEREK SIGNORE, ROB DICKENS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKS, RUSTY HICKS

JUNE 2016

VOL. 5 ISS. 3

ON THE COVER...

Max pic 2.09h X 2.2w

CLIFFORD ANTONE BY CHANNE FELTON

TO ADVERTISE WITH US 361-904-4339 | SALES@STEAMTX.COM SEE US ONLINE AT WWW.STEAMMAGAZINE.NET SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC, BOOK, ART, OR SHOW FOR REVIEW! 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

BANG HEAD HERE

JUNE 2016

J. Michael Dolan (:23)

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— You’ve stopped creating something from nothing, and returned to producing the same o’l, same o’l.

— Excitement & enthusiasm has been replaced with confusion & concern.

— You lost your compass.

— You question the future.

— You have doubts.

Truth is, frustration is a good thing because it shows you’re working hard at trying to figure out what to do.

However it’s also a trap, and left unchecked frustration eventually leads to procrastination, which leads to apathy. And once you don’t care anymore it means you have forgotten, or worse yet abandoned the most important thing of all: What you’re committed to!

This matters because once you do some real soul-searching, and reconnect with that big, crazy, genius idea or vision you’re committed to, you won’t be frustrated anymore...you’ll be determined again.

BUMPER-STICKER WISDOM J. Michael Dolan (:17) Every day the voice in our head prods us to reach farther, effort more and work harder.

However the biggest successes in my life had less to do with “effort” and more to do with; a clear vision of where I wanted to go, a mountain of rigorous research to light the way, a ruthless commitment to shield me from distractions, a boatload of courage to bolster

those scary, risky decisions, and as much cocky confidence as I could muster.

I know you can find those bumper-sticker buzz words in every successful A&E’s official biography. However for me, those worn out clichés have grounded me more and driven me farther then I ever imagined.

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"Johnny Cash Sings Hank Williams" (1960). As soon as you hear that voice, you know who it belongs to. Johnny Cash is truly one of the grandest icons of not only Country music, but of all popular music from the 20th century. So much has been written and said about the "Man In Black" and I couldn't add anything. If you're not that familiar with him, check out the award winning 2005 movie, "Walk The Line." By all accounts, the story portrayed is about 90 per cent accurate; not bad for Hollywood. This album, Cash's seventh, was released on the legendary Sun Records label at a time when Johnny's career was declining a bit. It would be three more years before "Ring Of Fire" hit number one on the Country charts in 1963 and reignite his popularity. That may explain why there are only four Hank Williams songs and eight that had been previously released. Producers Sam Phillips and Cowboy Jack Clement, in their infinite wisdom, decided to add backup singers to songs like "Folsom Prison Blues," "Give My Love To Rose," and "I Walk The Line" probably in an effort to make Johnny's music sound more commercial. However, these just don't hold up as well as the originals with the passage of time.

Of the four Hank Williams tunes included, the standout track is "I Can't Help It." As for the eight non-Hank tunes, you can't go wrong with the original Sun recordings.

“Muddy ‘Mississippi’ Waters Live” – Muddy Waters (1979). No one represents the so-called “Chicago Blues” sound more than Mr. McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters.

His electrified blues transformed the southern Delta blues into a revolutionary new sound of the time. His artistry and influence can’t be understated. The Rolling Stones even took their name from one of Muddy’s songs. Folklorist Alan Lomax found Muddy in 1941 while traveling the southern US compiling recordings for The Library of Congress and The Archive of American Song. He soon moved from Mississippi to Chicago, plugged into an amplifier and tried to make it in the music business. He was eventually found by Leonard and Phil Chess in 1947. They signed him to their Aristocrat Records, later renamed Chess Records, and finally found success in 1948 with “I Can’t Be Satisfied.” He stayed with Chess until 1971. He then signed with Blue Sky Records whose roster included the great slide guitarist, Johnny Winter. Johnny would go on to work with Muddy Waters both as producer and backup musician, as he did on this Blue Sky album. This live record was compiled from two performances in the mid-1970’s and shows that Mud could still deliver the goods. The backup band includes Johnny Winter on three tunes, James Cotton on harps on three, as well as Pinetop Perkins on piano, Willie Smith on drums, and Calvin Jones on bass. The Bo Diddley inspired “Mannish Boy” that features Johnny’s slide guitar and Muddy’s distinctive, soul-wrenching vocal leads off the album and is the recommended track. “Oh, yeah!”

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CD

WACO BROTHERS GOING DOWN IN HISTORY

BY ROB DICKENS

Waco Brothers are a fivepiece, mostly Chicagobased band fronted by Jon Langford (also Mekons, Pine Valley Cosmonauts and Skull Orchard) and consisting of Dean Schlabowske, Joe Camarillo, Tracey Dear and Alan Doughty.

Known for a distinctive brand of blazing punk country and disorderly live performances, the veteran group released seven albums between 1995 (To The Last Dead Cowboy) and 2005 (Freedom and Weep).

Since then, the outfit has a live recording, a joint project with Nashville songwriter Paul Burch, and a bsides and covers album to its credit.

So, Going Down in History (out February 26 2016) is the group’s first formal studio album for ten years, and it really captures the thrill and scruffy power twang of the band. It's raucous, tight and formidable.

The album opener "DIYBYOB" (Do It Yourself Bring Your Own Beer?**) is full of strident insights and clanging guitars - 'you can't kill us, we're already dead' and 'this is the first track from the last album'.

There's plenty of Black Sabbath distortion in “We Know It” and glorious dissonant rhythm in “Building Our Own Prison”. A rousing, lift-up-your-voices power cover of The Small Faces’ “All or Nothing,” is a treat (Ian McLagan, The Faces’ keyboardist was close to the Wacos, and the song is dedicated to him).

"Had Enough" revisits The Clash with vitality and attitude while the title track provides a building and forceful pull - 'you gotta walk before you can fall down on your face'.

"Devil's Day" has a wonderful invasive riff reminiscent of Television ('reserve my seat for the devil's day') while the album finishes on a high, a cover of Texas songwriter Jon Dee Graham’s “Orphan Song” - 'I'll be your Waco Brother for the night'.

Oh, and is this the album cover of the year?! (I know it's early!)

In this case you CAN judge a book by its cover... and the rest, dear reader, is going down in history. ** Apologies if it’s obvious to you. I’m an Australian – just trying to work it out!

WACOBROTHERS.COM ROBDICKENS101.COM

REVIEWS

ROBBIE FULKS UPLAND STORIES

BY ROB DICKENS

PAKE ROSSI TWISTED IN THE VINE

BY STEVE GOLDSTEIN

Imagine Robert Earl Keen and Todd Snider going to John Hiatt’s house and they’re all jamming on some vintage Kris Kirstofferson. That’s not to say that Pake Rossi doesn’t put his own individual touch to the 12 original songs on TWISTED IN THE VINE. This latest release by the South Texas singer/songwriter shows that he can hold his own when it comes to creating interesting music. The tunes are anything but heavy handed, utilizing only what’s needed. Whether it’s the sparseness of “Breaking Down” which opens the album, or “Hungry Moon,” the two-stepping clap along that follows, Pake’s fluid lyrics are tailor made for his own style of Texas country, with a dash of folk, blues and rock. Pake’s blues harp is right at home with the soulful acoustic accompaniment on “Bethann’s Blues.” “Big Diamond” is punctuated with a polyrhythmic back and forth melody that flows as smoothly as the lyrics. Pake has a bone to pick and isn’t afraid to point fingers on “Jailbird;” Texas funk to a Bo Diddley beat. “No Time At All” and “String Bean Betty and the Dreamer” are story songs that pique the imagination. The band (David Beck, who also co-produced, Dees Stribling, Kim Deschamps and Paul Cauthen) add just the right ingredients to this tasty recipe by bringing a “less is more” sensibility. With South Texas roots and influences from the best Texas singer/songwriters, Pake Rossi stays true to himself while weaving his lyrics into formidable melodies, and sounds like he’s having a blast doing it .

WWW.PAKE ROSSI.COM

Robbie Fulks will release his ninth album Upland Stories on April 1 2016 (Bloodshot Records). The album is his first since the excellent Gone Away Backward in 2013 (read my review).

Fulks has always been a rich and resounding singer and a writer with more than average insight and humour.

Upland Stories continues the trend, with plenty of philosophy and mindfulness as he explores novelist James Agee and his trek to Alabama in 1936 which led to his book Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. The album also features stories around the “upland” parts of Virginia and North Carolina (where Fulks grew up).

Here’s one of the songs inspired by Agee (and the album opener) ‘Alabama Nights ‘Never Come Home’ has a sober, baritone melody about a sick man spending his final days in a hostile small town: “one man’s struggles are his own; this land is run down and ragged; I should never have come home”

‘Fare Thee Well, Carolina Gals’ is full of regret about lost opportunities, while the banjo-laden ‘America is a Hard Religion’ is a whooping old-time song that is hard to ignore with lines like – “not just anyone can enter”, “trials to test our hearts”, “some never do surrender”.

There’s also ‘The Miracle’ with its jazz overlay and profound perception.

A hot-shot cast accompanies Fulks on Upland Stories.

Todd Phillips is on bass (played with David Grisman and Tony Rice), frequent Bill Frisell collaborator Jenny Scheinman played violin, as did Shad Cobb (Osborne Brothers, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson). Flatlanders’ guitarist Robbie Gjersoe, jazz drummer Alex Hall, string guru Fats Kaplin andWayne Horvitz fill the rest of the studio seats.

He’s folk, bluegrass and traditional in style. He’s articulate, edgy and incisive in word.

Robbie Fulks continues his fine form in Upland Stories and that is a high standard indeed.

ROBBIEFULKS.COM ROB DICKENS101.COM

A CONVERSATION WITH NEW BRAUNFELS-BASED ARTIST Native

Texan Channe Felton is an established, widely-collected artist whose dramatic portrayals of people and nature have earned her an enthusiastic following. Using a broad spectrum of colors and dynamic textures, her works on canvas strike the center of your emotions. Inspired not only by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country but also the mystique of southern Louisiana and the tropical beauty of south Florida, both places where she lived and studied.

Channe’s multi-faceted work ranges from impressionist nature compositions to the free-flowing realism in her portraits. She has developed a series of narrative character studies, whose imagery is both confrontational and thought provoking – but the natural beauty surrounding her home in the Hill Country is her primary source of artistic passion and inspiration.

When did you begin working as an artist and how did you learn?

I began painting in high school (Lafayette, Louisiana) and my first commission was portraits of The Beatles which I used to pay for guitar lessons.

My mother is a wonderful portrait artist who inspired me to continue along that path. I went on to study art at Florida

State University, Lamar University and The University of Texas at Austin, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Art. I also worked as a professional scenic artist for The Dallas Ballet, The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Theater Center as well as the State Theater in Austin.

What inspires your narrative portraits?

Personal experience (good and bad), events of historical significance (joyous and tragic), stories about the colorful childhood my father spent in New Orleans (and he can spin a tale with the best of them) are at the core of most of my narrative portraits. But dreams, nature and emotions naturally play a part in the creative process, as well.

Is there one piece that is special to you, or that you particularly enjoyed creating?

"The Katrina Triptych" (2007) is the work I consider my most accomplished. I was raised in southern Louisiana and profoundly affected by the event itself (Hurricane Katrina, 2005) and the lives so tragically affected, the unique culture and history of New Orleans is irreplaceable and is rooted in the African-American community that has resided there for centuries. I felt overwhelmingly compelled to express my emotions on canvas.

CONTINUED ON PG 12

TOP: CHANNE FELTON WITH LIVING WATERS MIDDLE: WOW! IT’S MAGIC LEFT: CLIFFORD ANTONE

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CONTINUED FROM PG 9 The Katrina Triptych was conceptualized as both a document and spiritual representation of this American tragedy. A giclee print of the painting was gifted to the Lord Mayor of Koblenz, Germany - a gesture of goodwill by delegates from their sister city, Austin. Many prints of the original have sold in Austin, New Orleans, Houston, San Francisco, Palm Beach, Florida, Santa Fe, Savannah and various European cities.

During the 10th anniversary commemoration ceremonies the Katrina Triptych was exhibited at Gallery 3330, in the St. Claude Arts District of New Orleans.

Please tell me about the story behind the Anne Frank narrative painting.

I was "gifted" inspiration in the form of a request from an Austin gallery regarding this painting; they wanted me to create something as a symbolic remembrance and respect to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust...at the same time, artistically denouncing the horrors of war. One of my greatest honors and most humbling moments was being on hand when this painting was displayed, along with photographs taken by her father Otto Frank, at the Houston Holocaust Museum. It hung at the museum for six months, and was afterward purchased by a private collector in New York City.

Where is your work on display/ available for purchase now?

Art on 12 Gallery & Studios in Wimberly and online at www.channefelton.com. A few more add color and personality to the walls of my home in New Braunfels.

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TOP LEFT: ANN FRANK TOP RIGHT: SWAMP SONG MIDDLE: LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER BOTTOM: THE KATRINA TRIPTYCH

Troubadour Insights

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his first LP since ‘Feeling MorJUNE 2016 With Dale Ma tin tal’ in January 2013. The two-disc set features some of Kristofferson's most revered tunes, including "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," Brian Johnson, former which was first cut by Ray Stevens and lead singer for AC/DC, has then Johnny Cash, in addition to being finally opened about the hearincluded on Kristofferson's 1970 debut ing loss that forced him off the LP. Cash's version earned the songwriter road with this year. "It's like a a CMA award for Song of the Year. The young sports player getting an set also includes new stripped-down injury," he explained in a recent versions of three of the most recorded press release. "I feel sorry for songs of the 20th century: "Help Me athletes, being 24, 25 and they Make It Through the Night," "For the Good have an injury and it ends their Times" and "Me and Bobby McGee." Procareer, it's an awful thing. But duced by Tamara Saviano and Shawn I'm lucky. I'm 68, and I've had Camp, with the latter playing lead guitar, a pretty good run. I've been in the Cedar Creek Sessions also features one of best bands in the Kevin Smith on bass, Michael Ramos world." The singer talked about on keyboard and Mike Meadows on the time he first noticed his drums. Kristofferson's longtime friend hearing loss, at the racetrack Sheryl Crow arrived on day three of the Watkins Glen International in sessions to join Kris on "The Loving Gift."

New York State. He forgot to Recorded in 1973 by Johnny Cash and put earplugs in and he felt "a June Carter Cash, and later by Kenny little pop" in his ear. What Rogers and Dottie West, this marks the happened was I had suffered first time Kristofferson has recorded the tinnitus for about six or seven song. Kristofferson turns 80 on June months. But it cleared up and then I was fine again.” 22nd. In March, he was the focus of "The Life and He did an AC/DC tour after that, but he said that Songs of Kris Kristofferson," a special tribute concert "onstage you don't have any defense" against what he in Nashville featuring performances by Willie Nelson, described as "that industrial noise." "You're in a rock & Eric Church and Emmylou Harris. The Cedar Creek roll band," he said. "What the heck do you expect?" Sessions will be released June 17th.

Johnson also explained how he had been working with Some of my fondest memories are from Willie a doctor on his hearing leading up to his departure from Nelson’s 4th of July Picnics. I missed the first three the Rock or Bust world tour. The trouble began at the picnics but caught the 4th one in Gonzales, Texas in band's Winnipeg gig on September 17th, 2015. AC/DC 1976. It was a short drive from my home in Yoakum played outside during a rainstorm in the cold, and both and it was a crazy three days out in the pasture. It took Johnson and Young had caught fevers. "We were dripplace on July 3, 4 and 5 and I made it two days before ping wet, soaking wet, absolutely freezing," the singer calling it quits. I saw Willie, Waylon Jennings, Ernest said. Nevertheless, they got on what he remembers as a Tubb, Roger Miller, George Jones, Leon Russell two-and-a-half-hour flight to Vancouver right after the and Jerry Jeff Walker. I think Ray Wylie Hubbard show. "Unfortunately the fluids went up into my sinuswas there too, but I don’t recall seeing him. I had gradues and around my ear," he recalled. They carried on ated high school the year before and became a major with gigs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and by the fan of Willie and Waylon by the early 70’s. The picnic time they'd made it back to Australia for a break Johnhas survived since 1973, with an occasional year off due son realized he ear still hadn't "popped." He continued to scheduling issues. For the past decade it’s alternated with the Australian leg of the tour and went to see a between Austin and Fort Worth, and like last year, it Sydney-based specialist. "I was getting worried because will be held at the Austin 360 Amphitheater on Monday my right ear is my good ear," Johnson said. "My left ear July 4th. This year Willie welcomes Brantley Gilbert, is just about totally deaf. And when we got there, that's Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, when the doctor found out that the fluids had crystalLeon Russell, Lee Ann Womack and Asleep at the ized and had been eating away at my ear. So I lost Wheel, just to name a few. Tickets are available now at enough hearing in my good ear to make things very Ticketmaster.com. difficult. So they worked on me." The singer had tubes Emilio Navaira passed away recently at his home in in his arm, and he was being given liquids and steroids as they attempted to break down the crystals. Johnson New Braunfels. The famous Tejano and country artist laughed when he recalled the doctor looking him in the was just 53 years old. In 2008 he was severely injured in eye "with that horrible look doctors have when they a bus accident in Houston and doctors weren’t sure he’d know something bad's coming." That's when Johnson survive. But he recovered and was able to return to the learned he would not regain his hearing. Still he per- performing. His most recent show was a Mother’s Day formed another run of U.S. shows even though his concert in Mexico. When I lived in Victoria, I often doctor said he was killing his ears. Angus and Cliff just covered his concerts when he came to town. I was alsaid, 'Johnno, you've got to think of your health.' And ways impressed with his vocal range and his ability to everybody else said, 'Brian, your health comes first. switch from Spanish to English so fluidly. He will cerYou've done a whole year on the road. You've done tainly be missed in the music world. everything. We want to finish.' And that's what they did.

Just one day after we learned about Emilio’s death, It's simple. What people don't understand is it is what it we learned that legendary Texas singer songwriter Guy is." AC/DC are currently on the road in Europe per- Clark passed away at the age of 74. Clark had several forming with guest singer Axl Rose. The band intends health problems, so an official cause of death was not to perform more dates stateside with Rose this summer. known. His influence on other songwriters made a huge "I had so many good times with the boys," Johnson impact on country and Americana music. Steve Earle, said. "And I've had such a lucky and great life. And I'm Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell and hundreds more just thankful really that I came out of it in one piece. name Clark as their main songwriting influence. His list Now I guess I could rest me socks off." of hit songs is far too long to mention here but I highly Kris Kristofferson, the iconic singer songwriter from recommend you check out his music if you aren’t familBrownsville, Texas, will celebrate his 80th birthday in iar with it. I’m very grateful I was able to see him live a June with the release of a 25-track collection of songs few times; it is an experience I’ll never forget. recorded over three days in the summer of 2014. The .

Cedar Creek Sessions, recorded in Austin, Texas, marks ~ www.martinsmusic.com

r

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine

It has been an excellent year for bluesy folk rocker Lauren Alexander. A singer, songwriter, and producer with a knack for feel good beats and dig-down-deep lyrics.

Growing up with a healthy dose of twangy country blues and soul driving classic rock, the Texas-native has quickly established herself in Nashville's competitive music community, creating music that is unmistakably fresh. Her first album, Smoke Signals, is available now.

We were just going through our Summer NAMM 16 (National Association of Music Merchants) paperwork and saw that you are on the list to play again this year.

Yeah, we're really excited too! So not only have we gotten to play last year at Summer NAMM in Nashville but in January we went to Los Angeles and played at NAMM on one of the big stages! And it was insane! There were like thousands of people there watching us. It was very cool, it was very scary. I had to give myself a pep talk! (laughs) A pep talk, that's really funny! Will this be your third time playing at Summer NAMM?

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STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

It'll be our fourth time, but it'll be our first time playing on a big stage! Last year we played at the Kyser Musical Products Booth, who I’m endorsed by. And that was really cool, but we didn't have a big huge crowd, we had individuals who walked up to listen to us and check out the gear, so this is really a whole new ballgame getting to play on the big stage. Lots of amplification, the whole band, big crowds! I'm really excited!

met him, he's quite a character.

And they’re both from East Texas

Does anyone else in the band have endorsements by other companies?

No, currently I'm the only one, but we are working on getting more endorsements.

And how long have you been in Nashville?

We've been there for a little over a year. It's been good and it seems to be getting extremely crowded; lots of musicians arriving daily and just a lot of people moving there, because it's just so beautiful but it is getting crazy.

Have you done much touring?

We’ve done a little bit as this group. We drove to Los Angeles and did a few shows in Colorado.

Actually we were driving through Grand Junction, Colorado where I knew a radio station was playing our songs pretty regularly, so I tuned in the station and about four songs later they started playing one! It was one of the coolest feelings ever!

So tell me who's in the band.

First is my husband, Richie Kindle, on lead guitar. Right now we have a super awesome bass player Stacy Shew, who actually went to Los Angeles with us. Our drummer is Jeff Odom and I think you guys had

You’re all from East Texas and did you just decide one day that Nashville was the way to go?

Yes for now. There's a huge amount of music business there, not all of it but a lot. But we're in Texas as much as we are in Nashville. It's really nice to live in Nashville it's beautiful; there are tons of songwriters, tons of music.

“Honestly, I am so in love with Smoke Signals that I don't know how I can top it Is it where you need to be because just yet.”

that's where your music might get noticed?

I don't necessarily think that that's the truth, but I think others do believe that.

So why did you go up there?

Well for that reason, but like I said we're back in Texas as much as we are in Nashville. You know, I think it just depends on what you want to do. If you want to be a singer and songwriter that's where you want to be, but if you're in a band where you want to do traveling and touring I don't think it's such a big deal

to be living specifically in Nashville or Austin or Los Angeles. I really do love being in Nashville because we are just so close to everything music.

Your first album, Smoke Signals, came out in 2014.

Yes, the end of 2014 and I also got married that month – it was crazy!

Smoke Signals was my first album in the Americana genre. I actually started recording when I was 12 or 13 and those were my first releases, but Smoke Signals was the first album where I was really out on my own, not having a bunch of help from my parents and doing my own thing.

I really like the songs on that album and have been playing them on SteamMagazineRadio.net. Did you do all of the writing?

I really appreciate that, thank you!

Actually, I did all of the writing and my husband helped with writing several of the songs.

So I believe I caught you at a good time because you are currently in Tyler Texas at the Rosewood Studios. Tell me what you’re looking for on the next album.

This will be the second album. We were just recording a couple of new songs; trying to find the right fit, the right sound for what we're looking for.

Are you going to do more collabo-

ration with other singersongwriters?

Yeah, it's in the works and we have talked to a few people. We just really want to make sure it's the right music for it. Honestly, I am so in love with smoke signals that I don't know how I can top it just yet. So I really want to be very selective for the songs and who and how we collaborate; although, I do really want to get other people involved I am going to be very particular.

Okay I have one fun question for you.... What's your favorite ice cream?

Have you ever been to Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream in Nashville? I've only been there a few times but they have this lavender ice cream. It is oh so good! But regular everyday favorite is mint chocolate chip, can't go wrong with that! (laughs)

SHOWS JUN 18 JUN 19 JUN 22 JUN 23 JUN 24 JUN 25

Cork - Tyler, TX Sue Ellen's - Dallas, TX Puckett's Grocery - Franklin, TN Summer NAMM 2016 - Nashville, TN Grays on Main - Franklin, TN Puckett's Grocery - Columbia, TN

Summer NAMM ‘16

The National Associa- Music Industry Day

WWW.LAURENALEXANDER.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ LAURENALEXANDERMUSIC REVERBNATION.COM/LAURENALEXANDER

gence and Virtual Reality

tion of Music MerJune 25 in Nashville z The Future of Country Music with chants (NAMM) invites

By Chalise Zolezzi, NAMM Kelsea Ballerini musicians, songwriters, z The Future of Music City and Technolosound and recording professionals, music gy Innovation educators and students to experience Summer NAMM during Music Industry Day. z The Future Guitarist Held on Saturday, June 25 at Nashville’s z The Future of Metadata and Business Intelligence for Music Row Music City Center, Music Industry Day will z The Future of Instrument and Amplifier open the doors to NAMM’s members-only Modeling tradeshow to learn and connect at professional workshops, see the latest in new gear New Products from leading musical instrument manufac- Nearly 500 of the top musical instrument, turers, and to enjoy a multitude of artist accessory, and pro audio companies will be on hand offering attendees the chance to performances and events. pickup and play. Exhibitors include Fender Professional Workshops On Music Industry Day, music pros can Musical Instruments, Gibson Brands, Marexperience the robust lineup of NAMM tin Guitar, Pearl Drums, Roland, Taylor Idea Center educational sessions, as well as Guitars, Yamaha, along with emerging companels carefully curated to enhance the ca- panies like Bourbon Barrel Guitars and reers of artists, musicians and songwriters. StompLight Pedals. The big names in pro Industry experts, thought leaders and Nash- audio, including Alesis, American Music and ville names will cover topics ranging from Sound, Casio, Presonus, and Tascam will cutting-edge social media strategies, to an showcase new advancements in pro audio insider’s look at guitar building, and insights technology and must-have products. on getting songwriting “cuts” from top names. Sessions will include:

Social Media Strategies for Your Music Career y DIY Marketing for Musicians y Into the Sound Hole: Insights from Top Guitar Builders y The Targeted Hit Songwriter: Increasing Your Odds of Getting Cuts y The Pedal Summit y Songwriting Tips from Nashville Pros y

Also on Saturday, Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange (AE3) will present the “Future of Audio Summit” during Summer NAMM’s TEC Tracks. Catering to all sound, studio and stage professionals, these future-focused sessions will explore disruptive innovations in music and audio hosted by leaders in the field. Sessions will include: z

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Legendary Artists Along with great products and sessions, Music Industry Day will also welcome the American Eagle Awards and its honorees, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, and the Grand Ole Opry. Produced by the National Music Council, the 33rd Annual American Eagle Awards recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to American music. The event is open to all Summer NAMM badge holders.

Summer NAMM Music Industry Day badges are currently available for purchase online and at the door. Admission is $10 if purchased online in advance at www.NAMM.org/musicindustryday and $20 at the door on the day of event. To explore Music Industry Day events further, please visit www.namm.org/summer/2016. y

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Photo: Shervin Lainez

Panic! At The Disco landed its first #1 album with its release of Death Of A Bachelor (DCD2/Fueled

By Ramen/Crush Music). The album, released on January 15th, debuted atop the Billboard 200 Chart with 190,000 album equivalent units earned. Death Of A Bachelor also marked the band's highest debut in its 10+ year career as a top-selling release scanning 169,000 albums during the initial release week. It was also #1 on the iTunes album chart in 18 countries around the world.

Produced by Jake Sinclair, Death Of A Bachelor marks the first release from Panic! At The Disco in nearly two years, following 2013's acclaimed Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die!.

The album has already generated significant steam - current single "Victorious" rocketed to #1 on iTunes Top Songs chart, # 1 on Billboard + Twitter's Trending 140 chart, while also trending worldwide on Tumblr and Twitter. The album has also produced four additional top 15-charting

hits on the Hot Rock Songs chart with "Hallelujah," "Victorious," "Emperor's New Clothes," "LA Devotee," and "Don't Threaten Me With A Good Time."

Panic! At The Disco is bringing their theatric spectacle across the United States this summer as they coheadline an expansive 40+city tour with Weezer. For more information on tour dates and to purchase tickets visit panicatthedisco.com/tour.

Praise for Death Of A Bachelor include: THE NEW YORK TIMES: "Evokes both the flamboyant swagger of Queen and the mechanized gleam of Daft Punk." ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: "Glammed up rocker."

ALTERNATIVE PRESS: "A remarkably nuanced affair." BOSTON GLOBE: Urie's charm and willingness to maximize his songs' pop-spectacle quotient make "Bachelor" an oftendelightful accompaniment to 2016's earliest, chilliest weeks. MTV: "It kicks ass."

Weezer & Panic! At The Disco June 11 Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete St Amphitheater PANICATTHEDISCO.COM facebook.com + tumblr.com + twitter.com + instagram.com + youtube.com = PANICATTHEDISCO

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From metal to blues Ray T (Tijerina) and The City Crew have been entertaining crowds all over the state of Texas for many years. He hasn’t stopped, he’s out there; you just have to find him. When you do, you’ll be happy you did!

When did you pick up the guitar?

I've been playing music since I was 14. My brother had a guitar and I took it away from him.

So you were the bully brother? (laughs) No it was just hanging in his room. He didn't play it and never did learn how, so I took it, you know. (laughs) Did you take lessons?

I never took a guitar lesson in my life; I don't even know how to read music. I learned by watching Metallica videos and following what they were doing but the hardest part, quite honestly, was learning how to tune a guitar. I didn't have a clue, but once I learned there was no stopping me.

What's your favorite guitar?

Fender Stratocaster that's all I play. I have one that has Seymour Duncan pickups in it and the other one’s a Mexican Strat that I think I paid 100 bucks for.

How did you become “the City Crew”?

Well, I went through some trials and tribulations in my life. In about 2006 I started working for the City of Aransas Pass and we were playing the blues around town. Two of the guys playing with me at the time also worked for the city and we didn't really have a name. One night during a show somebody called us “Ray T and The City Crew” and we liked it.

Who's in the band?

Dillon Stowe plays drums and Art Galvan is on bass.

So your genre and influences have gone from metal to blues?

Yeah, of course Stevie Ray Vaughan and now I'm really getting into Texas Country like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Roger Creager, and Cross Canadian Ragweed. And the local guys too like Ty Dietz, Tony Saracene, and of course JT Coldfire.

Where are you playing?

For nine years straight we played all over the state and we were booked up every weekend; then I was in a motorcycle accident about 4 years ago. I was in a coma for about a month. So I'm really just kind of starting over again with that. We play in Port Lavaca, Kennedy, Corpus, Port Aransas, a lot at the Black Monk in Corpus, and really all over. I really enjoy playing out in Port Aransas. And straight-up, Port Aransas has the best ambiance for music at bars and a lot of it is they just have a good fluctuation of people and crowds on the weekends. If you just follow my Facebook you'll find where we’re at.

I heard that you guys are kind of a rowdy group. Can you tell me why?

To be honest with you, we play have played a lot of dive bars and well it all started at this one show about five years ago. Just so you get the picture I sing with my eyes closed and I don't know if you remember but there

was an interview in GQ with Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty where he came out against gay and lesbian groups. I say his name in one of my songs not because he's against those people but because he lives off the land and he hunts and that’s cool to me because I like to hunt too. Anyway there I was singing with my eyes closed, oblivious to what was happening in front of me, and I say his name.

So when I open my eyes there are these six women standing in front of me flipping me off. The next thing I knew they were coming at us, knocking microphone stands over, throwing drinks on us, and one lady was right there pulled back and ready to hit me so I stopped her. Because of that, and of course I look a little rough, I got a reputation, but it was just that once and I guess that’s enough for some people.

But I also have a reputation for being a badass guitar player. In November we were up in Austin playing at a JT Coldfire Benefit and when I got off the stage someone came up to me and said you know if you looked like Justin Bieber and played guitar like you do, we'd all be millionaires. And you know that kind of stuck with me. (laughs) Well, heck that's a song! (laughs) You have five albums out what are they?

Well, I think I can remember those. First was “Where I Am”, second is “Already Been There”, and third is “Forever On Two Wheels.” Dang, I was going good there for a second. No, that’s not one of them. (laughs) They'll come back to me.

Is all the music your own or do you do covers?

They're all my own on the first four albums.

On the fifth album I think I have four or five covers. Juan Jimenez, who has been my best friend since our first day at kindergarten, really encouraged me to start writing and recording in the first place.

Are you working on new material now?

Honestly, it takes a long time to write a song and I am my worst critic. Sometimes I’ll get a line in my head; sometimes it's just a cord

that will hit me just right. I haven't been devoting a lot of time to writing and I have been hearing things and then writing them down but nothing that's really struck me yet.

I saw Larry Joe Taylor not too long ago and we were talking about getting things written down. I told him I feel like I’m treading

water and he said, “Yeah, you know it's going to feel like that. Sometimes it’s just that way.”

And he’s right. www.FaceBook.com/Ray T & The City Crew

Release dates are subject to change, and often do.

**Release dates & Parental Ratings are subject to change, and often do.**

FACEBOOK.COM/STEAMTX

ANIMAL TRACKS INC June 1-30 Agua Dulce, TX Get up close and personal with our animals! take an unforgettable tour of our ranch in agua dulce and create some amazing memories with one of our incredible animal experiences.

WETLANDS EDUCATION CENTER TOUR Tues & Thur June-Sept University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX Did you ever want to visit and learn about a marsh without getting your feet wet? This ADA compliant 3.6-acre wetland will allow you to do just that, as you stroll through seagrass, salty marsh plants, and dunes.

THURSDAY FAMILY SUMMER NIGHTS! June & July Thursdays Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, McAllen Bring the family for an evening of entertainment & education in the park!

MORBIUS CORPUS HORROR FEST June 3 Emerald Beach Inn, Corpus Christi Witness history as Morbius Corpus and you, legion of all-things horrible attempt to pack as much evil into one hotel as mortally possible.

POOCH PARADE June 4 Phil Hardberger Park, San Antonio Join the annual parade of dogs and their owners in their favorite costumes. Dog walk at 9:30am.

Parade starts at 10:30am. Prizes for the winners of the Most Unique, Cutest and Best Costume awarded.

AUSTIN PIANO FESTIVAL 2016 CONCERTS 5/29-6/5 Venue Locations , Austin The Austin Piano Festival is excited to announce its 2016 Celebration of the Piano Concert Series!

More Information at: www.AustinPianoFestival.com H-E-B FREE FIRST SUNDAY: MUSEUM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION June 5 Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin Be part of the Bullock Museum's 15th anniversary in this day-long celebration featuring live music and performances, hands-on activities, and food and drink tastings. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day and special family programs from 12-3 p.m.

SUMMER PARTY - ARTRAGEOUS: DIEZ ANOS June 10 Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Legorretta Building Addition.

SHRIMPOREE June 10-12 Community Park, Aransas Pass, TX 68th Annual Shrimporee is steeped in entertainment; this event is the largest in the area.

WEEZER & PANIC! AT THE DISCO June 11 Concrete Street Amphitheater, Corpus Christi 7TH ANNUAL MARBLE FALLS SOAPBOX CLASSIC - ADULT SOAPBOX DERBY June 17-19 Main Street in Marble Falls (Austin) Racing All Weekend! Build It. Bring It. Race It. Free Admission - Parade - Vendors - Live Music - Great Food -Show -n-Shine - Derby Hat Contest! Racing under the Lights Friday Night Street Dance Saturday Night - Finals on Sunday JUNETEENTH RHYTHM AND RIBS FESTIVAL June 17 & 18 Old Settlers Park Round Rock (Austin) 8th annual Festival. The event features a health fair, BBQ Cook-off, moonwalks, clowns, games, food, retail vendors and much, much more!

Admission and parking for this event are FREE. PHARR CROSSFIT FURY SUMMER GAMES 2016 June 18 & 19 Pharr Aquatic Center, Pharr The competition is a two day, three venue event.

Over $4,500 in CrossFit equipment and sports nutrition prizes! Top three competitors in all divisions will receive prizes.

DOLLAR DAY FOR FATHER'S DAY! June 19 Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi Dollar Day For Father's Day at the Art Museum!!

ELGIN WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL June 21-25 Memorial Park on Main Street, Elgin (Austin) Grand Finale Day (6/25) is filled with fun for the whole family including a Parade, Carnival, Volleyball, Horseshoe, Washer and Softball tournaments, Arts & Craft vendors and Food galore! Live entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon.

SAN ANTONIO JOB FAIR June 22 Hilton San Antonio Airport, San Antonio CC Junior Open June 25 South Texas Professional Tennis Assn, Corpus Christi SHOWDOWN 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

June 25 South Park Edinburg 2016 City Of Edinburg 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Divisions: kids (co ed) 6-7 & 8-10, teen 14-16, adult 18+. Adult division will be playing for a cash prize of $300!

IN THIS MOMENT June 27 Concrete Street Amphitheater, Corpus Christi

HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? Then let us know! submissions@steamtx.com

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