on the hill

During the Republic of Texas Bike Rally (ROT Rally) I ventured to a venue off the beaten path to go see a local band do their thing. I was a little worried at first, thinking this place was gonna be packed. Much to my surprise Poodies Hilltop Roadhouse (http://www.poodies.net) was not busting at the seams. When you walk in the door it is about what you would think and expect for a Texas honky tonk. Low ceiling, cool wooden floors, one seating area by the bar, another lower with a dance floor, and a pool table or two around the corner from the bar. I didn't get to see the outside area, but that was not why I was here. It was, and always is, for the music.

Unfortunately for me and several others that were not from the hilltop, the service at the bar was busted. Waiting 10 or more minutes to get a beer when there was not a killer crowd is pretty damn sad. The girl behind the bar was doing her best to acknowledge and serve the 'regulars' (folks she recognized or knew by name) and just let the few others waiting suck it. I would say there were no more than 30 people in the bar at that time, and not all standing at the bar at once I might ad. The bright spot is there was a gentleman that would get behind the bar every now and then (glasses and salt n pepper hair), that  kicked ass and knew how to acknowledge folks, pop the tops, and even remembered what the hell I was ordering. Take your chance for having a decent bartender the night you choose to go and make sure the band is damned good and you really want to se them. Hopefully the music will make up for the service.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) made their debut here during the ROT Rally. Even though I was expecting a packed house, these young men didn't care and played it up like they were in front of 10,000 people. What impressed me most about this performance, is it seems they developed a set list for a rowdy ROT Rally crowd with good old favorites like Born To Be Wild built into their pretty unforgetable set. The lead singer, Cody Bryan, does a pretty knock up job of keeping the audience in check, asking for people to hit the floor and take a two step spin, and even had us singing along. Good stuff folks.



Cody Bryan Band is getting airplay around Texas, so get your copy of 'Wreck Me' (iTunes or the bands website) and then call up your local station and request some CBB. Look for them around town, and on the road.

Laters