It was Rigged

Right from the start I knew this was a Rigged event. I have been hearing about this guy for a year. "You gotta go! He puts on a great show. He even blew the power at the venue where I saw him last."

So on a warm spring night me and my buddy head out to The Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall. Let me tell you something...it is the OLD Coupland Dancehall for a reason. Not Kidding. Walking around the place with the creaking plywood floors and the dangling insulation from the ceiling it is old and rustic. The bartenders were great, no lines for the bathroom, and plenty of room to scoot around the dance floor. On this night, with this artist performing the dance floor was cut in about half with all the screaming girls down in front....It looked like an old video clip of the Beatles arriving in the U.S.

WHO IS THIS? You say out loud to the little screen in your hands as you read this. WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

Sam Riggs (https://www.samriggsmusic.com). Yeah! it was a pretty spectacular performance. I will say between the enthusiasm of his fans...no joking it was pretty intense down in front... and his light show, Sam Riggs made it worth every dollar at the door. From his first song lighting up the stage with the whole band, to his last moment on stage with just him and his guitar, it was a great and fun performance.

If you know who Sam Riggs is and you haven't seen a performance you are doing yourself wrong.

If you don't know who Sam Riggs is, do your self a favor. Take a listen to 'When the lights go out'. My personal favorite. If you don't dig Country music, Outlaw Country music, or better yet, if you don't dig Texas Country music...just move on. But I dare you to take a listen.








It is great music performed well, with amazing enthusiasm, and a light show to make the stadiums jealous. Look up Sam Riggs and go enjoy Another Great Performance!

Laters

Steadfast and rattling it

Back at the Rattle Inn (http://rattleinnaustin.com) for this double header.

Located just off of 6th and Nieces, west of Congress Ave. The Rattle Inn is in a nice little corner that provides access to food and entertainment.

The double header this evening was the Brandon Steadman Band from Ft. Worth and the Cody Bryan Band.

The Brandon Steadman Band (http://brandonsteadmanband.com) had the early slot and a packed house. With his Texas Country sound, the crowd ate it up. I don't know how long these particular guys have been playing together, but they were tight and on point. It could be told in the crowds reaction as well. Pretty much from the first song to the last, the minimal dance floor was occupied. With folks twirling and two stepping it made the performance all that more fun to watch. Brandon is not one of those artists that regales you with tons of conversation. It was just straight country music and playing. And from the reaction of the crowd thought the performance and to the last song, it seems like it was a performance I am glad I got to capture.

Whether it is Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, or any point on the map, if you love that Texas Country sound and want to kick up your heels, The Brandon Steadman band will do rather nicely.

The Cody Bryan Band (http://www.codybryanmusic.com) was born and bread right here in Austin, but it seems like they are getting harder to see and catch in the area. Constantly evolving, and really never putting on the same show twice, The Cody Bryan Band is definitively that Texas country band to catch every time you get the chance. With new songs in their performance and even new additions to the band (the guitar player has now incorporated fiddle into his repertoire), there are plenty of reasons to catch this stellar group of guys.

For an early daytime show at a fair, to a late night performance, The Cody Bryan Band can fill your need and desire for four feet on the floor - that's you and your dance partner!

Laters

Sunday, Bloody....Mary?

Kicking it at The Moontower Saloon (http://www.moontowersaloon.com/) in far, south Austin. For those who don't know it's like this.

First - It is 21 and up.

Second - Moontower Saloon is located just off of Slaughter Ln in south Austin, Texas. I think they even had themselves incorporated and renamed that spot of land Awesome, Texas! Whatever they call it, you should go visit. Visible from the road with a single long driveway leading into the venue/park/facility. There is ridiculously ample parking in several lots behind Moontower. You really never have to worry about parking, or leaving it overnight. The staff and management is very considerate when it comes down to the safety of all.

As for the bar/venue - It is a very small house with a moderate sized bar, restrooms, a few tables, and a pool table. Step out of the bar onto the gorgeous covered deck that has plenty of seating and another bar. Stepping out from the deck into the yard reveals a small, but nice stage, attached to the back of the bar and a HUGE seating area. Rows of tables, fire pits, and a satellite deck with more seating, flow outward. Farther away from the stage, moving away from the bar towards the street, you find a play area with games such as washers, corn hole, and horseshoes. There is also another nice pair of restrooms out there. Off to the side of the bar and behind the facility are a couple of very nice, sand volleyball courts. For all it is worth, this is your day drinking, fun with friends, night time, hang out spot to end them all!



On Sunday the 21 and up is lifted during the early afternoon hours. This is great for those that want to enjoy the company of friends and family in a social environment. Maybe watch some football...and maybe enjoy the amazing Bloody Mary bar! This thing was awesome!
Get your glass of Tito's and scoot up to extavagant, fix it any way you want it-season it-spice it-dress it-load it, Bloody Mary bar that can't be topped this side of Las Vegas! You have to see it to believe it.














Now, even though I was in awe of the Bloody Mary bar and enjoying myself with that, there was also music. Lucky for us the musical portion started around 4pm. Very important as kids are exiled at 6pm.










Carson Alexander (https://www.facebook.com/carson.alexander.16) and Jarrod Johnson (https://www.facebook.com/jarrodjohnsonmusic) provided the musical entertainment on this particularly beautiful Sunday afternoon. Now from what I understand, these two fellows are not actually a duet and they did not play as such, but their individual distinctiveness kept it fresh the whole time we listened.


Each would alternate singing a song and the other would play rhythm or solo. The different voices played well. Jarrod was definitely the more country of the two. Playing and singing more of the country that is loved and not the "Bro/pop" country that is haunting the radio. Carson, on the other hand, sounded like he had the full choir behind him with his harmonizer. Playing tunes that were a little more Americana, Carson had an edgier sound to him.

For everyone gathering around the fire pits, enjoying their drinks, it proved to be the perfect background music to an stellar day. The conversation flowed beautifully among strangers and the music kept everyone smiling.




Cheers to a Bloody Mary the next Sunday, and hope I see you there.


Laters

Kicks like a

The Rusty Mule (http://rustymule.wix.com/the-rusty-mule) is located on Hwy 290 just passed the 'Y' in Oak Hill, Texas. Basically on the edge of Austin going west on 290. It is strictly an outdoor venue. Seating under the trees, a nice little stage for musical entertainment. It is kid and pet friendly until about 9 out 10, which is fine and makes sense to me (having an 8 yr old at home). Overall the place is gorgeous and serene.

 

Unfortunately the parking is hideous so be prepared, don't drive your 'nice' car. In fact. ..drive the truck. It is basically a dirt road with lots of wash outs. The beer service was terrible AND they were running out. I would hope and like to blame that on the crowd that turned out for the performance this particular evening. The future will tell.

 

The performance was The Cody Bryan Band and opener Brett Hendrix.

 

Brett Hendrix (http://www.bretthendrixband.com/) was up solo. Just the young man and his guitar. Although his set seemed to be filler for the majority of the crowd, I listened. As far as performance wise there is not a whole lot a man can do to entertain when it is just him and the guitar.

 

What Brett did, he did well. His mix of originals and covers was as it should have been. What did catch my attention was the covers. He did own them. There were some that he did to which I did not recognize as a cover until the chorus. Have to compliment him for making his time on stage his!









 

 

Headliner and boys of the hour was the Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php). Doing this little shindig to celebrate the release of the band's new EP CD. The performance value of this band had just gone up and up. With very little change to their line up, it's not  a surprise the charismatic lead singer has learned how to play to the crowd over the last few years.














 

 

The music on the new CD - Small Town Noise  (http://codybryanband.tumblr.com/post/122973816201/are-you-ready-our-ep-small-town-noise) is fun. The band performs it well and the whole performance comes off polished. It's nice to see how the hard work is paying off for these guys based on the rowdy sing along crowd.
 

 

 

 

Laters

 

What's funner than that?

Willie's Joint (http://www.williesjoint.com) in WAY South Austin (okay Buda really). It is a nice little outdoor spot on Main Street under the trees. There are washer pits, horse shoes, a ping pong table, and a jumbo sized Jenga. The bar and restaurant are located in the small building on the property along with the rest rooms.

There is a food selection of BBQ and plenty of good drinks. Sometimes there is staff outside, but not always. Ask about the pork ribs... awesome. The food prices seem a little pricey for the serving size, but it's good. It is family friendly, mainly because it is outside, but it is a drinking establishment.

There is a stage in the corner outside for that touch of live music... And THAT is what I like. The whole set up lends beautifully to the stage and any live performance.  Lucky me, every time I have been there, I have had the pleasure of the sound and talent of Johnny Burke. 

Johnny Burke (http://www.jonnyburke.com) is originally from down the highway in New Braunfels, Texas. He is solo acoustic. Just him and his guitar.  Johnny weaves stories of love and recklessness. Trouble with the law and traveling the land. He sings like he speaks with his quiet and distinct Texas drawl.

No, Johnny Burke's music is not dance music. Not two step or anything else. It is smile inducing stories told in his own unique way that will leave you smiling,  raising your drink and looking forward to seeing him again.

I will.

So see you there.

Laters

I was Keane on this

I think it has been about 10+ years since I was last at Midnight Rodeo (http://midnightrodeoaustin.com) in south Austin, Texas. Nothing has changed. Still has the giant dance floor, bars all over the place, pretty attentive wait staff, great drink prices and drink specials...yup...Midnight Rodeo is still there to get you country two step on.

Located just off of IH 35 in South Austin, Midnight Rodeo sports live music on a regular basis. Usually a modest to cheap cover, always good in Austin for live music. Lots of large regional and local acts filter through the doors and perform on the stage, this particular night was no different. With local up and comers the Cody Bryan Band and headliner Brian Keane (with special guest guitarist Wayne Sutton) it was a warm and fun return to the Rodeo!

Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) could be called the new kids on the block, but they have been cutting their teeth in the Austin music scene for several years now. In one form or another, the have been rocking it and kicking it in Austin. More recently, on the regional circuit from Colorado, Oklahoma, the Texas panhandle, down to the third coast and out to New Mexico and Arizona. After seeing the Cody Bryan Band several times previously (check my blog history) it seems like they are always doing something fun or revealing something new. This night we were all lucky as Cody and his band dropped a new song on us, 'Small Town Noise'. This is a huge song, with a great story, a fun hook, and...well if you like to dance...go to take a swirl and a turn.

Brian Keane (http://www.briankeane.net) definitely had more of that Country Outlaw feel...and boy it felt good. Willy, Waylon, Hank Jr., and David Allen Coe should be damn proud. This was that fun and rowdy sound that country used to be and should feel like. Brian Keane was just having a grand time on stage with his 3 piece. I will tell you to is still amazing to hear a 3 piece put together so well, you just can't tell. With the special guest, Wayne Sutton, on guitar, this made it for an unbelievable one night only type of performance. With the dance floor filling up, and the songs rolling off his tongue, it was not hard to tell that everyone one at Midnight Rodeo had a great time with Brian Keane.












This is what I preach about in the Austin music scene ALL the time. Go out, see some live music, catch a show. You NEVER know who you are going to see or what surprises you will experience. For me on this night it was the rush of a friends debut song and also seeing a guitar legend and hero of mine onstage as well.


Laters

The coolest man ON THE PLANET

Dale Watson and his Lonestars (http://dalewatson.com/index.htm) BAR NONE! Have you met him? Have you seen him perform live? I have, I am proud to say I have and I will go see him again and again. Just like some of my other local Austin music artist friends (whom I love dearly as friends, associates, and musical performers) Dale is worth following and talking about all the time.

I saw Dale do a set for the first annual Dia de los Muertos (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2013/10/dia-de-los-muertos-austin-2013.html) at Fiesta Gardens. Although that was awesome, there are no bones (pun intended) about his performance at The Broken Spoke (http://www.brokenspokeaustintx.com). I recently had dinner there and saw a really nice performance by Lohman's Crossing (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2014/02/sounding-better-than-taste.html),but this night was in the dance hall.

Here, being what I would call a typical Honky Tonk dance Hall, is where all the magic happens. The Broken Spoke dance hall is deceivingly HUGE! The dance floor is in typical fashion is long and narrow. Wide enough to make the turn in front of the stage when you are dancing, and then down the stretch. Lots and lots of seating on the left and right sides, front to back and I mean LOTS of seating. The stage is, of course, located at the opposite end of the dance floor from the entrance. So when you walk in, it is nothing but an intimidating sight to behold. A packed dance floor, with a sea of swirling bodies in full speed rotation, and a band somewhere, wayyyyy down at the end.

For Dale Watson and his Lonestars, I have no doubt they feel completely at home and comfortable rocking the house on that stage with it's SUPER, low slung ceiling. So low, in fact, that if the bass player extended the bottom of his bass, it could stand up by itself, floor to ceiling.

So Here I am with this huge crowd, taking turns two stepping with Ms Cruz and then my camera. It is a hellified site to see. The great thing is this is a performance everyone can see damn near weekly, as The Spoke is one of two places that I believe Dale would call home here in Austin.

About that performance. It is proof that Dale crosses every damn generational line and racial lines don't exist. As I stood there and had the chance to pay attention, it was proof in seeing everyone dancing with everyone. It is such a good time to be had by all in the most literal translation. I would see someone take a spin on the floor for one song and then the very next song there they are again, but with a different person. Old and young, Dale Watson and his Lonestars IS every persons good time band!

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

American comfort

Comfort food and comfort music. Things that you are familiar with, that make you feel good, and that you don't have to try and enjoy...you just do.

Wings and music....sounds pretty damn good to me, hope it does for you too.

Wings To Go (http://www.wingstogo.com/location/Kyle) made it's debut in small town Kyle, Texas recently. Located in the H.E.B. plus shopping center, it is a can't miss destination on your way out or on your way in to Austin. They food is...well...IT'S WINGS!!!! Actually, the menu offers a few other things that are good as well, for example, the salad is surprisingly good. As far as flavors, Wings To Go offers the standard fare and wide variety. Don't be afraid to ask the wait staff to have a taste before you order what you think is your favorite flavor. Remember 'Hot' at one place may be mild somewhere else. My personal favorite to order here EVERY TIME I GO is not even on the menu. You have to ask for the Parmesan garlic fries...TO DIE FOR!!!!!

Wings To Go Kyle is pretty bare bones, but you don't go to a place like this for the decor. Lots and LOTS of TVs make it the place to go to watch your favorite sport. If it's sports and it's on TV, but they don't have it on one of theirs, just ask (it is Time Warner they have BTW) they will tune it in for you.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE....this IS a music blog. "What the hell!?" you say. Seems to me like the Wings To Go in Kyle is picking up the music bug with some guitar picking on a recent Saturday night. That's right, The Cody Bryan Band (http://codybryanmusic.com/main.php) made it's acoustic appearance right here. With a pretty damn good crowd (for a wing place) it was an easy way to burn 2 hours, have some great American comfort food in those wings and amazing fries and with some great Texas country music from the Cody Bryan Band.

Armed with some serious tunage, a few cover songs, and some new songs that this crowd had the pleasure to experience, the Cody Bryan Band was a crowd pleaser. The band brought along a great deal of merchandise as well as a great deal on their merchandise.

Playing songs from their debut CD made a few in the crowd happy, hearing a song from a previous incarnation of this band was downright exhilarating! Throwing in some crowd pleasing, sing along type covers proves that this Cody Bryan guy is taking the reigns and steering his audience the way he wants. There are definitely more opportunities to see this band coming up, so check out there website and make tracks to go. Whether it is an acoustic set or the whole band, check it out. In fact, check out both versions as it is two completely different experiences.


Laters

What little girls are made of....

Seems to me the Austin360 Amphitheater (http://austin360amphitheater.com) has my number...and in a good way. Although I haven't done press for every single show I have put a request in for, I have still done some key shows and am very happy the way it has panned. New professional acquaintances and some great life experience(s) always make any sweat and hard work worth it.

Being at the Circuit of The Americas (http://circuitoftheamericas.com) for  the inaugural and mind blowing F1 races, to the grand opening of the Austin360 Amphitheater with Kenny Chesney and the No Shoes Nation (. Shooting photos and writing up the hottest rock tour of the summer in the form of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival featuring Rob Zombie and then capping it off with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert on the Locked and ReLoaded Tour. Pretty damn nice.

The changes to the whole environment of what is The Circuit of the Americas and the Austin360 Amphitheater are tangible and worth while over the course of the last year. On the COTA side there is  the growing grass, solutions to traffic, and shuttling patrons around. On the Austin360 Amphitheater side there is the improvements to path lighting, ambient surround lighting, and location/lighting of the portable bathrooms.

If you have only been out to this facility once and didn't notice, fine and understandable, but if you have been out there 4, 5, or 6 times and seen the growth and improvement, you know and understand. COTA was world class from day 1, but with the arrival of the Summer X Games in 2014, COTA is now putting its Austin footprint on the world!

Enough BLAH BLAH BLAH and butt smooching to COTA and the Austin360 Amphitheater (though  I will be back in November for the F1 races again), let's talk about some fun ass country music and a few great performances.

Charlie Worsham (http://www.charlieworsham.com) you, sir, KICKED ASS! I was not able to shoot any photos of you (but thanks to my friend Suzanne from Front Row, there are some great ones here - http://flic.kr/s/aHsjKaYVQN ). I WAS however able to enjoy the whole performance without the distraction of a lens to my face. I have no doubt that I enjoyed your musical genius and talent as much as every other lucky person that was there early enough to. Without a doubt, if there is someone out there in the world that is going to do a cover song and make it there own, but still recognizable....'Crazy Train' is the EPIC, UBER COOL, top of that pyramid, done by Charlie. To my surprise I overheard someone who was saddened that Charlie chose to close with the title track to his debut album 'Rubberband' and not his up and coming hit single 'Could It Be'. I personally don't give a shit as I thought the performance was pretty damn cool and just flowed perfectly.

I am a fan of music, get star struck like most, and act like an idiot when I am lucky enough to meet someone. After shooting the obligatory first 3 songs of the Dierks Bentley set, all of the photographers where being herded back to out stoop when I was stopped DEAD IN MY TRACKS. None other than Charlie EFFING Worsham is standing, leaning against a rail, in the crowd watching Dierks perform. Both "WOW" and "HOLY SHIT" come to mind. I simply stopped dead in my tracks called him out by name '"Charlie?" and then proceeded to shake his hand like crazy and pat him on the shoulder. Looking around to my photography peers, I was in awe. To you Charlie Worsham, I can't say enough "Thank you's" to express my gratitude and happiness that you took the time to go hang out and watch the show from our perspective and were cordial enough to accept my praise. Thank You, and if I am lucky enough that you read this...call me or email me...

Dierks Bentley (http://dierks.com/full-home). This was ALOT different of a performance than the last time I did a write up 3 years ago (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2010/08/you-know-its-country-show-whenthe-band.html). Although Dierks wasn't the headliner, it didn't matter and you would have never guessed. The stage show and performance were really to the moon! Kicking it into gear from the opening song and not looking back, Dierks really put the crowd on its feet. This was not a warm up for Miranda, it was a damn barn burner! Even when Dierks settled for a slowdown it was nothing like that in the crowd. Hot and sweaty, with woman ripping off their little white tank tops, throwing them in the middle right next to him, it was crazy. I swear there is one lady I saw before and after Dierks and she WAS wearing a little white tank top before his performance and then magically was wearing a black one afterwards...she denied it to hell,...I SWEAR! Even having the band as a whole, climb onto the scaffolding at the back of the stage as a giant, full moon rose across the screen to perform 'Up on the ridge' was pretty damn cool.

 I strongly hold the opinion that people pay money and go to live performances to not just hear and see that musician play the songs, but to give us all a little piece of themselves. It's not just the story telling that is woven into the music, but it is the VH1 Storytellers that the artists become onstage. Telling us those intimate moments about writing this song or that one. Dierks does it
wonderfully and with a smile. From the tear jerking moment about the song in memory of his dad ('I Hold On'), to getting the girls to throw it onstage, it's what makes a good show it to a great memory! BTW Dierks, don't EVER get rid of the Stubbs cap! It was cool seeing you were that for the live performance broadcast from New York.

Miranda Lambert (http://www.mirandalambert.com). Ohhhh Miranda Lambert. What could be better than Dierks Bentley....how about that blond hair woman with all the attitude, spark, and confidence ONLY a Texas woman would have the balls to be! Miranda Lambert's very cool opening and tribute to all the strong woman of the world and of the west, was right on the money. The unexpected, but 'HELL YEAH', moment in realizing what her opening song was, to her non stop movement on the stage. If you like Miranda Lambert, then you Love her. For the kick ass,  don't take no shit from anyone attitude she has in songs like 'Gun powder and Lead' to the moving and
heartfelt 'The House that built me', whew...it was a roller coaster ride. Intricately tying her videos to her performance and mashing up some covers was just loads of fun. All the way down to how she introduced the band mid set....very cool. From the crowds perspective and  for the love of all that is Texas...Miranda kept it locked and reloaded!

Can't forget to mention Jukebox Mafia (http://www.jukeboxmafia.com) and their ninja like performance in between Dierks and Miranda. Yup! If you didn't know, that is actually a real band playing all those country mash ups of your favorite hit songs! Those guys are GREAT FUN and big props to Miranda for letting these guys work up the crowd in between sets. F N Genius!

I have to finish up by talking shit to a buddy of mine. Jorge, I shouldn't get my man card revoked for going to a Miranda Lambert show....I GET THAT CARD DOUBLE D STAMPED!!!!!

Laters

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