21 and fun

On a lonely stretch of Hwy 21, South East of Austin stands The Texas Star Saloon (https://www.facebook.com/texasstarsaloon). The club (with its current red, white, and blue paint) has worn several different names over the decades, but now stands as a tribute to the good ol' Texas dance hall. Simple enough as it stands, both outside and in, it simply stands for fun. The first time I set boot in there with my lovely company, it was a smile inducing good time on the dance floor all night.

As you step into the club it opens directly facing the stage. The main bar is to your right and a seating area with a large TV to your left. The club does not sell liquor so bring your bottle and buy the set ups. As you move towards the stage it opens up to the left with several pool tables and another bar. There are tables and seating all around the dance floor. Don't quote me on this set up as the owners are currently doing some renovations, remodeling, and promise to really move things around.

There is a DJ spinning Tejano, Country, and some up tempo pop when there isn't a band. The first time I went we cut the rug all night and turned the dance floor so many times I am dizzy thinking about it. With my beautiful date laughing and smiling the whole time, that was proof enough for me Texas Star Saloon is worth the short drive.

One of those bands that has played at the Texas Star Saloon was Grammy Award winner Ruben Ramos (http://www.rubenramos.com). Known also as El Gato Negro, Ruben is definitely a cool cat. I had the opportunity to meet him and speak with him for a few minutes (audio interview to be posted), but the music and performance is what it's about.

Ruben Ramos' Mexican Revolution was an astounding band. They opened the show for the night with a rip roaring Blues number that brought Ruben on stage. Ruben took center stage and classed up the place with his gold microphone and slick suit. Just amazing to hear how he did it and the crowd completely agreed.

The floor was packed with the crowd, dancing and turning, all night long. The music made you want to grab a beer and a partner. Proving both the Mexican Revolution and himself are Grammy Award winners for a reason, Ruben Ramos ruled this small stage with his powerful voice and amazing smile. Like a true band leader, Ruben mixed up the songs, kept the tempo lovely, and the crowd happy ALL night long.

If you EVER get the chance to check out this Grammy winning, son of Austin, don't make the mistake and miss Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution just for the pride and joy of saying you have seen him and you were there!

Laters

Have you Been? Well I have...

Cheatham St. Warehouse (http://www.cheathamstreet.com/) has a pretty amazing Texas Country Music history. Seems like anyone and every one should (and would be) honored to play here. I can only think of one other place in Central Texas that has a history behind it like Cheatham St. and that blog post is coming up very soon.

What I would call your typical Texas dance hall. Unassuming on the outside, located RIGHT next to the RR tracks, and parking that makes it just as fun to get there as it is to leave. Cheatham St has those low slung ceilings inside, and is a long, somewhat narrow, but boxy venue. With the stage on one end and seating directly in front of it as well as along the sides, this makes for a small two stepping area, but I am sure the tables can be slid back to make room for some serious dancing fun. There are some pool tables in the back and the bar runs along the side next to the entrance. This set up makes for some awkwardness when a band is fired up, the place is jumping, there is a line at the bar, and then folks are filtering in. The sound is good so there is not a bad seat in the house if you came to listen.

On this particular night it was William Clark Green headlining with special guest the Cody Bryan Band.


I had the pleasure of hanging out with the guys from the Cody Bryan Band for a pre-show dinner. They really are a fun group of young men. All of them are really down to earth, normal guys with daily life struggles. Girlfriend drama, not having a girlfriend drama, money, and just trying to make it happen. Eating at Alvin Ords there in San Marcos was a treat, and there were laughs to be had all around. The band even had time to stop and admire an advertisement for the show they were playing at that very same evening. The drummer took the time to make sure all those who pass that poster there after would know who was performing at that gig!

The Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) definitely have their eyes on the prize and are really aiming for the big time. All those who have seen them previously know this and are hoping and wishing for that good fortune to find them. Hard working, playing every damn show they can turn a crowd for, and staying positive will at least generate them a legion of loyal fans that would make any group of musicians happy.

This evenings performance by the Cody Bryan Band was pretty spectacular. Seems like they did some new stuff and rocked out some old favorites. The Cody Bryan Band does do a good job of keeping the crowd centered and entertained with a mix of covers and originals. Cody Bryan himself even got naked this night on stage. That's right ladies...you missed it! Cody Bryan performed a song WITHOUT WEARING HIS GUITAR!

William Clark Green (http://www.williamclarkgreen.com/index.html) had the college crowd packing it in at Cheatham St Warehouse. It was a performance that did see some folks take a twirl and a swirl on the floor. I was terribly thrilled, a couple of songs into the set, when I realized I knew this music. Not quite the fast tempo of other modern country, but it was just right for this chilly night and the young crowd keeping warm. I found myself, along with the whole crowd, singing along about your chick liking The Beatles and you liking The Stones. What was fun (and more important) is pretty much all in attendance liked William Clark Green.

I look forward to being able to check out William Clark Green again with my girl, who doesn't like the Beatles or the Stones, but she loves her country music and I'm sure William Clark Green too!

Laters