A Country affair

Kyle Fair and Music Festival happened the week of 10/14 - 10/16 at the Thunderhill Raceway ( http://www.thunderhillraceway.com:8082/ ) in Kyle, TX. Allow the music fest only happens once a year, the race track is there year round. IF you like NASCAR, stock car racing, or loud, fast cars then go. Look them up on the net and check it out. I did not see any racing this particular evening, but the infield was being used for the musical performances.

With a nice stage set up and arrangement, this was perfect for that great, outdoor, seventies/eighties massive stadium concert feel. With over priced beers and mud on the ground how could you not help but have a good time.

Fred Andrews & Honeybrowne ( http://www.fredandrewsmusic.com/ ) took center stage on a cool October evening and kicked up their heels. Fresh from a gig in Midland/Odessa (where they couldn't find any good sushi) they were happy and welcome to be back at home in Central Texas. With roots at Texas State and in Buda, TX they really were back at home.

Front man Fred Andrews is masterful at his story telling and slick with his singing. Localizing the performance with stories of San Marcos, tales good girls and lonely guys it was new country at it's best and most fun.

The dynamic between front man and the lead guitarist (Cale Richardson) is something that could lead to legendary status when this band breaks mainstream and goes nationwide. Not the dependence on the lead guitarists performance, but the the fire and blood of it, driving the energy through the crowd. The dynamic was just right for the whole band. The rhythm section keeping everything on time and have you moving your feet in time to the music. The lyrics were good and fun enough so that even though I had never heard a song before this night, I was singing along (badly) before the end of each song.    

I could actually go on for a bit, but simply take it as this. Country music is not my first choice, my best choice, or my love...but good music and great live performances will always be! and this was one that I would happily go see again...indoors (HA!)

Laters

The color of Elvis...

...is Red, Russian Red, to be exact.

Jovitas ( http://www.jovitas.com/ ) is tucked away there on S. 1st, right next door to that guys 'Place'. Great Tex-Mex and great prices on their Lonestar longnecks. I am sure you've been there before, but maybe not quite like this.

After having much shit talked to me for the last 3 yrs or more by one of my co-workers, I finally made the mad dash to see Igor & The Red Elvises ( http://www.redelvises.com/ ). This performing troupe makes its way through the Central Texas area about 2x per year. This past occasion they did three shows back to back. Austin, San Antonio, and Austin.

With the two front men from mother Russia, and a rotating ensemble of musicians supporting them, they come strictly to play, be silly, entertain, and prove that it is ALL about the audience participation. With their provocative and sometimes naughty lyrics, it might not be the perfect show for younger kid, but then it is harmless fun (and I am sure the kids hear worse from their friends at school). The sound is the inbred bastard child of surfer music, rock-a-billy, and Russian spunk. It works and it is great! They are absolutely hilarious at the same time that they are very good. This is a show you have got to with a bunch of friends, drink a lot, and always raise your glasses to sing along with or cheer to. My preference and advice to you is to go see them at a club or bar NOT a restaurant, just for the atmosphere. Thanks Burton, enjoyed the show!

Laters