02.16.2013 - Hollywood & Vine - Glen Rose, TX

Well, happy late Saturday night! 

Tonight we played at a place called Hollywood and Vine in Glen Rose, Texas. I've lived in Texas for a good chunk of my life, but this was my first time to visit Glen Rose. I really didn't even know exactly where it was until I loaded the address in the GPS to head to the show. 

While I was only there a short while this evening, it seems to be a neat little area. I mean, you know you're in a unique place when you've got dinosaurs and a nuclear power plant all in the same area, right? Works for me. Anyway, whatever is in the water there, I kind of liked it. Google it. 

Now let's talk about the place we played... it was called Hollywood and Vine. As with many of the smaller towns, my GPS got lost once I was in the actual town - took me down a dead end road and I was on my own. From a block or two over, I see this big "Hollywood" sign. Ok, must be close to that, so I headed in that direction. Turns out, that was their sign. 

When we originally got the booking, I had checked out their website and saw that it was "Buffett inspired" and I knew that was probably a good sign. Boy, was I wrong - it was a great sign! 

The interior restaurant portion of the place was kind of a maze. Like an old house with pathways leading from room to room. Typical Margaritaville type signage on the walls, etc. Then, you find the patio... I have to say that, in all my years of having fun on patios, this has to be the coolest patio I've seen. Sand, strange signs all over the place, a real football scoreboard from the old high school, an old water well, Elvis on a balcony, a good sized stage, all kinds of stuff. Reminded me of something you'd see on Route 66. And, those of you who know me well, know my passion for Route 66. Probably enough said, I liked it. 

Now for the bummer part - We had to play inside. Yes, we were originally set to play the patio. However, the weather did not think we needed to do so. 40 degrees in Texas is considered hardcore winter weather :) So, all agreed that if we wanted to have anyone at all in the audience, we needed to move the show inside. 

They set us up in what I understand is normally a pool table room. Small room, tin roof, rusted. But, it was heated! The owner had explained that things were hit or miss right now and that they really didn't know what to expect. Something about everybody in town having spent all their money on Valentine's day. Got it, no worries. I have no experience in this place, but I'm assuming it was a "miss" tonight. It was hard to gauge how many people were there, just due to the way the place is set up (maze - you can't see the bar area from the pool table area). While the room we were in was never wall to wall, we had a steady flow of people and didn't seem to run anyone off. We messed with our set a lot to keep the volume appropriate and ease them into the wildness of what the end of our shows are like. 

Oh, and the kids. It was an all ages deal. So, I figured it might be in our best interest if I didn't use my "concert mouth." It was amusing to try to think of words on the fly to substitute during certain songs. I can say that I haven't laughed this much during a show in a while. 

Oh, and the kids... did I already say that? Well, that was just funny. It's not often we play somewhere that Heath's kids are able to attend. Tonight was their night. I don't know if Heath was counting or not, but I'd be really interested in knowing how many times he heard, "I love you, Daddy." Here's Heath trying his best to rock out a solo and his little girls are climbing on his monitor saying, "I love you, Daddy." It was just funny. From here on out, he's no longer Heath (like the candy bar). We're calling him Daddy. I'm not used to being around kids. BUT, I think they had fun! Now if we can just get them to tune guitars and load gear... 

In the end, it worked out. We met some really nice folks from Glen Rose, received some nice compliments and the owner (who wasn't the owner when we were booked) said she really liked us. 

We're booked there again (on the patio) towards the end of March. I figure, being Texas, we should be in the 90's by then, so unless we're having a tornado, hail or both, we should be good to go. Really looking forward to going back. I think I may have to go a day early or stay a day after to check out the town. A guy I was talking to on the patio was telling me about another place around there that Willie Nelson owns called Loco Coyote and it sounds really fun... yeah, so far, I like Glen Rose... 

We're off next week for recording and mixing sessions but will be back on the stage March 2nd in the Big D. So, I'm sure you'll get to hear me type your ears off after that - I just LOVE driving in downtown Dallas :)

Stay gold,

RH

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02.15.2013 - Oui Lounge - Fort Worth, TX

Well, I'd say that successfully removed the taste of roadside armadillo from my mouth! 

First off, about this place... I am not originally from Fort Worth. But, Oui Lounge, as I hear from the locals, has been around forever - a beloved dive bar near the TCU campus. Recently, Chef Tim Love (Love Shack, White Elephant, lots and lots of nice restaurants across the country) bought the place and cleaned it up a bit, but kept the 70's decor. It was very comfortable and I could see myself going there for a drink or ten if I lived nearby. Reminds me of the Cosmopolitan ads running - just the right amount of wrong. So, the venue was fine. 

This was to be a late show, so we showed up around 7:30 to get setup and sound check. Unfortunately, we were to be running our own sound for the night. Not a big deal when we use our own system, but I had never ran a board like what they had and Cisco & Heath don't mess with the audio at all. So, instant learning session on my part. I don't claim to be a sound guy, but someone has to do it, right?

So, I finally got the house sound up and running, then couldn't figure the monitor mix. It was irritating, but kind of funny as the mixing board was wall mounted, hid behind velvet curtains on the stage - very static-y velvet curtains - and every time I touched the mixer I got a little shock... Eventually, I got some sound in the monitors. 

By this time, it was past nine and we should have already started, so we just decided to go ahead and do it and tweak the sound as we went along. So, on with the show...

I'd say the first four or five songs were spent with me singing a line, then running back to the wall mounted board and adjusting levels. Too much of this in the monitors, not enough of that, too much guitar front of house, can't hear the vocals, the list goes on. Normal stuff that isn't an issue when you have someone running sound for you. However, it kind of sucks any chance of "performance" out of me when I'm having to do this during a show. So, if you were there, I apologize for the first bit of the show. I see a steady sound guy in our future. 

After a while, the sound out front smoothed out (although my monitor mix was still off the whole night - couldn't hardly hear the keyboards at all - and that's what I follow when I sing!) and all was well. 

Interesting crowd  mix. Had an even mix of older folks (our age) and college kids. That was much like Keller Tavern's crowd. Maybe we're seeing a trend. The places we seem to be doing well have had that mix of people and are less country flavored. Heath and I made a decision a while back to go with our gut and head more in our own direction, rather than trying to fit in with the places that want "country." So, it was nice to see the reception we had here. We have a few more of those shows on the books where they're going to want herd country (aka whatever country radio tells the sheep they should like). But, they will eventually come to an end as we find and grow our market. The Oui show helped with growing that market. 

Highlights from the show... Well, Candy made an appearance. She likes the college guys - what can I say? She was running late and was kind of beside herself during the first set. But, on the break, she came out of her box and got social. She's a pain to work with, but the beer goggled crowd seems to really like her. I'm cool with her as long as she sits there, plays her part and shuts up. Life is good that way. 

We also had a group of about ten women that were feeling no pain. They were a lot of fun and ribbed Heath a lot during the show. Heath was having a ball with it, jumped off the stage and played at their table, while they all got up and danced. Cisco seemed to be having a good time, too - he offered some of his hand percussion and we wound up with a stage full of audience members dancing and singing along with us throughout most of the last set. They were snapping pictures like crazy, hopefully some will make Facebook as I did not have my phone with me the whole time. Would have liked to snapped some of the interior, too!

In the end, we had a really good time and I think the crowd did as well. We'd play there again, for sure. Tonight, we're off to find dinosaurs in Glen Rose, TX... talk to you after that one!

Stay gold,

RH

02.02.2013 - The Happy Armadillo - Everman, TX

It's Saturday night and I'm back before midnight... Well, I guess tonight would be "the ugly." 

What a night! I'm somewhat obsessive about checking and double checking, then checking again to make sure I've got everything before I leave. Today, my stomach's been bothering me, not feeling 100%. Guess I wasn't all there, mentally. I probably should have known it was going to be one of those nights when, half way to the show, I realized my capo was still on the mic stand in the studio where I practice. Ok, I only use it on 3 songs, I'll improvise and we'll get through it. Right? Right. 

So, I show up to the place around 6:30. I go in to see where we're to set up. Small place, but the bartenders are friendly enough. It'll be fine. 

Next sign of the evening -  Heath shows up and had just received a speeding ticket! There goes his profit for the night. Oops! Ok, so Heath's nerves are a little rattled as well now. 

So, like I said, we set everything up and start our sound check. We get about two songs into it and the bartender comes over and needs to talk to us. I figured it was the "turn it down" speech. Nope... it was the "we were under the impression that you were a classic rock or classic country band" speech. Seriously? Did you not listen to our demo before you booked us? Anyway, the manager was "off duty" but, was sending this poor girl over to tell us that it wasn't going to work. She said the manager said they were already getting complaints about the style of music. Really? There were on about 6 people there while we were checking the sound. Plus, we didn't even play the full songs, we were just getting levels on the sequencing. We explained we did a few classic country covers in our set, but mostly play originals. Should we just try and see how it goes, etc? "Oh, you can't do originals at all. We just want covers. Classic country or classic rock." 

Here's the deal about bands that use a lot of electronics and sequencing - we can't just "play" whatever we want on the spot. We play what we programmed for the set. We have some extras programmed in case we get in a mood or whatever, but if it's not programmed, we can't do it unless it's acoustic... and you know how I feel about acoustic LOL. 

Anyway, so we're discussing between ourselves, trying to figure out a way to make it work. Our sound is country enough, that we were pretty sure we wouldn't run anyone off, just a matter of restructuring the set list to ease them into us. She comes back again and, you can tell, she's still getting an earful from her "off duty" manager who won't speak to us. So, we asked if we should we just pack up and go? "Yeah, I think that's what she's wanting. She (the manager) thinks you're going to run off the crowd." 

So, after an hour drive and an hour setup and running sound, we tore it right back down and packed it up. We never even played a full song. And no, we weren't paid either. "The manager" told her the contract was void because we weren't a cover band that played classic rock or classic country. So, in addition to wasting time, we wasted quite a bit of gas. Oh, and Cisco had turned down another gig the same night. So, he really lost out .

And the icing on the cake... after we're done packing things up, we're standing outside catching our breath and talking for a few minutes - 10 or 15 minutes, somewhere around there - and up pulls a cop. He had received a call that there were some people out drinking in the parking lot. Again, seriously? You cancel our show, then you call the cops on us? The police officer was very nice. We were drinking water, it was all fine. He went in the bar, we talked a few more minutes then left. Fair to say, we won't be back there to play... or to spend money. I don't like to bad talk a place. I really don't, but we kind of got screwed tonight. Generally, if a venue cancels, you at least get half the pay. Not here. If you're in another band and are thinking of playing there, I hope you are a cover band. If not, you might want to re-think. 

So, now it's 11:43, I'm on the laptop and we move on forward. Being in a band that does original music is a challenge. We knew it would be and that's ok. We just didn't think a place would book us without listening to us or exploring what we're about. Looking forward to the next show to get the bad taste out of my mouth... and, as Heath said in the parking lot, "Someday we're going to look back on this and laugh." 

Stay gold Ponyboys and Ponygirls,

RH

01.12.2013 - Keller Tavern - Keller, TX

So, if you read the last blog, you know we were a bit nervous about this show. Didn't go well for another artists that is handled by the same agent, heard some bad things, etc. Well, I'm glad to say that it totally did not apply to this night!

I wasn't able to snap any pictures this time, so I'll try to describe the place. Small. How's that? Ok, here's the deal... it's long and narrow, basically running the length of a long bar with some tables against the wall. They also have a HUGE patio. Patio is the place to be. Unfortunately, for us, it was around 30 degrees outside. Oh, and it started hailing and storming around the time we started, rained the rest of the night. So, while small, we were glad to be inside.

We had been warned about the sound levels in this place and how, when playing inside, they don't want it loud. Chance of being told to shut it completely down if we didn't comply, etc. Now, here's the deal - it's a wood structure. Wood walls, ceilings, floor. Anyone who knows the slightest about acoustics knows what happens when you fire up a sound system in an all wood structure - it's freaking loud!

Anyway, we showed up fairly early in anticipation of the problems. Heath and I kind of pride ourselves on being nice people, so we just told them the truth - said we had heard that sound levels might be an issue and that we wanted to work with the bar and make everyone happy. So, we did. We started out really low on the sound system - which, in that wood room, sounded really nice and full. The guy in charge said, "you've got head room now, so if it gets busy, ok to ease it up - we'll let you know if it's too loud." Crowd grew, we got louder, the crowd got louder. Everything was fine. We were up to normal operating level by 10pm and, while that wood bass thing throws the mic monitors for a loop, it was good.

We intentionally altered our set for this thing as well, playing songs that would go over better at a lower level first. Again, growing the energy and sound level slowly, but surely.

It was kind of odd at times. When we started, there was a football game on. We saw a lot of the backs of peoples heads. But, at the end of the songs, they'd quickly turn around and clap. I'm thinking, "ok, they're listening, just not watching... works for me." After the game, faces started turning around, toes started tapping and it was all good. Unfortunately, with the tight space, dancing was not an option. But, again, they got into it and had fun. No real highlights for me for this show, it was all a nice, smooth high. No big sound issues or ups and downs. In the end, the show we had feared the most to date turned out to be one of the best. Oh, and they want us back for the patio once we're past the Winter and rain season. Works for us!

Next week... Hey, next week my friend, Mike, is taking me down to Galveston to meet up with some other friends for my birthday! I love Galveston and am really looking forward to it. There will be no reports from that trip and that's probably a good thing. I'll catch up with you guys after the next show on the 25th. Until then...

Stay gold,
RH

01.11.2013 - Wet Creek Bar - Fort Worth, TX

Oh, where to I begin? I guess we should start with a Happy Friday tonight, right? Ok, so Happy Friday!

Now, onto the show... what a mixed bag of emotions for me tonight. Ever heard of paying dues? I thought I did that in my teens with my first semi-successful band. Anyway, it's a new band, we're staring all over from scratch, I guess we're paying again.

So, let's start out with the bar... Place was called Wet Creek in Fort Worth. I had never been there, no one knew anything about it, we were booked, we showed up.

Place wasn't in a great neighborhood, but that's par for the course and fine. They had a taco stand in the parking lot, bonus points there - I do love me some late night non-FDA approved tacos after a show.

Now, if you're reading this, I'm assuming you know what the band sounds like and what we look like, right? Lots of keyboards, 80's guys with some TX country mixed in, that's us... here's the big sign that I pulled into and parked at:

So, I'm sitting in the car, chain smoking, going, "Crap, we're booked in a biker bar. We're going to die once we take the stage." So, I wait for Heath to show up, we go into the bar. Well, I was half correct. It was a biker friendly venue. We did not die. Actually, the crowd was very friendly, as was the staff. The PA system... not so friendly. I don't know what the Hell was going on, but we were getting some wild interference, almost like a CB radio, and we simply could not get rid of it. One of the guys that worked there said, "yeah, that happens some times - we roll with it and it all works out."

Ok, fine. We rolled with it, but talk about a distraction. Imagine trying to sing a song, remember words, remember guitar chords, remember keyboard triggers, and work the crowd while you've got a mix of white noise (that wonderful static sound like when you're old TV's would go off the air) and radio noise popping in and out whenever it felt like it. Not fun. I give the crowd credit for not throwing something at us whenever it happened. Oh, and the worst interference of all was during a cover we did of Blake Shelton's "Home." It's a stretch for me to sing that in the first place, let alone when I can't hear myself or the music. Ugh. Thank God for beer.

The other stuff going on was the typical cover stuff. As I've said a million times, we're not a cover band. But, tonight we were pretty close to one. We were booked for a four hour set. No choice but to throw in a hefty lot of covers. As always, we managed to fit in all of our originals (which is getting to be quite a few now). But, I'm just not into the covers... to me, if I want to sing covers, I'll go be a patron of a bar, get drunk and sing karaoke. I love karaoke! Anyway, again, part of the "dues" thing. We have a few more months of having to do these long shows here and there and we'll survive, just kind of kills the mental energy for me. I tend to blow off the lyrics and make up my own words or mess with the crowd to keep myself entertained. We'll never make it as a cover band and I'm ok with that LOL.

Finally, the icing on the cake... there was a mixup, misunderstanding, something like that, on the pay and we wound up making less than expected. I will say that it seemed genuine, I don't think they were trying to screw us. But, it just kind of was a bummer. Took away from my taco money. Luckily, it wasn't enough of a difference that we lost money.

So, enough of the negative...

Now for the good parts... like I said, the staff and crowd were very nice. It was a small crowd, but we didn't seem to run anyone off and it was kind of fun to see the bikers slamming their pool cues to the beat of the songs. Also, as with the past shows, the originals seemed to be nicely received. Maybe we just pick covers that suck, not sure, but they seemed to get into our own songs more than the covers. That feels good. Oh, except for that one damned song that Heath and I swore we'd never play... Yeah, we did Margaritaville... and, of course, people danced. Damn you, Jimmy Buffett!!!

In the end, after the dust settled, it wasn't a bad show. Heath loved the place and I didn't mind it either. Cisco always seems to be happy wherever he is, so I guess he had a good time - he and Heath crack my up on stage and I enjoy working with them. Just the technical glitches and stuff through me for a loop during the actual show so I didn't really enjoy it while I was doing it tonight.

Would I play there again? Yeah, I would. Now that I know what to expect, it's fine. However, I'll be much happier when were doing the 90 minute all original sets - that's the real goal and I'm sure we'll get there soon. We're doing this because, in Texas, you HAVE to play out to get fans and pay your dues. If you haven't had some crappy shows, they know and will laugh you right off stage. It doesn't work any other way here if you're in anyway related to country music.

Tomorrow night, more of the same... we're playing a place we've been warned doesn't like the volume beyond 1 on the dial... Our agent handles Dion Pride (Charley Pride's son). I heard they asked him to stop like after an hour because of the volume when he played there... I also hear they payed him the full amount, though. So, hey, who knows... I will use my best "inside voice" and will report back later in the weekend :)

Ok, I will leave you with my favorite image from tonight, from the Men's room at the bar... I hope you find the humor in it.

Stay gold,
RH

01.05.2013 - Dirt Roads Dance Hall - Aledo, TX

Well, you know you're on your way to somewhere interesting when the GPS doesn't acknowledge that the address actually exists. GPS to nowhere? Nah... we were somewhere last night. Somewhere called the Dirt Roads Dance Hall in Aledo, TX (formerly Wild Wet Willie's). Lucky for me, someone had mentioned that it was between a strip club and a XXX book store. So, I was able to see it from the highway and managed to find it without the GPS. 

I pulled in a little after 5pm, before anyone was there, and took in the scenery. With the beer bottle leftovers from the night before in the parking lot, my view was of a neon sign for a club called Temptations (which appeared to be a hot spot for the truckers passing by) and one of those seasonal haunted houses. Looked like it used to be a gas station or something that went out of business, then was leased by the haunted house people. As some of you may know, I have a thing for driving the highways and enjoy these environments. If it's on the side of a highway and looks interesting, there's always a good chance I'll stop. The more run down, looking like an old truck stop or motel cocktail bar, the better. 

With that said, the exterior of Dirt Roads Dance Hall was well kept up and looked to have been recently remodeled. It almost looked out of place. However, I had convinced myself that once I walked in, I was going to see a stage enclosed in chicken wire or fencing. 

I was wrong about the stage. Although, during sound check, I wouldn't have minded if it was caged in. Red, I believe his name was, entered and made it known to all that he was looking for a hot mic and was ready to sing. This guy was loud, drunk, loud and drunk. I think he was loud and drunk as well. Anyway, we did our thing as he showed off his auction calling skills and then proceeded to sing Six Days On The Road acapella. In the end, I don't know what we said to him, but he became our friend, said he was the BBQ master and would make sure we had his BBQ, "the best damned BBQ you boys will ever have," the next time he saw us. Ok, sounded good and he was on his way to Shreveport to gamble by 6:30 or so... Guys, here's a word to the wise: Bands don't like it when you come in for their sound check, regardless of who you are. It's a vulnerable and important time where we need to focus on what were doing without distraction. That's why it's usually done before the doors are opened. Now you know. Unfortunately, that's not always the case and you often have to do what you have to do. So, we did, we moved on and had a laugh about it later. 

Fast forward a few hours. Place is starting to fill up and we're getting ready to play. Oh, rewind now. It was a double bill with The Zach Coffey Band. Ok, now fast forward up to that previous spot... dizzy yet? So, we looking at the crowd, really curious, almost a little nervous, about how we'd be received. This was one of those places where all Hell could break loose if it wanted to. Cheap beer, cheap shots, etc. But, for the most part, everyone seemed to know each other and were friendly. So, it's 9:30 and we start... 

After the usual first shock on their faces of our setup (as in we use a lot of electronics and don't exactly look like what you'd expect after hearing us), toes started tapping, the crowd relaxed and we tried our best to throw them a party. 

The music was received ok at first, but I think they were expecting a cover band. While we do throw a few in here and there, we are not a cover band. No intentions of ever being a cover band and we do not represent ourselves as being one. Here's the cool thing, though... we had people dance to every one of our originals - more people danced to our original stuff than they did to the covers we threw in. I can not tell you what an awesome feeling it is to see people dancing to something that you wrote. 

After the show, we received quite a few compliments and it was nice to hear that they liked our sound, despite our non-traditional country format. So, in the end, it was a good night, we got paid and, most important - didn't get our asses kicked! I'd call that a success! 

Oh, and the next band played pretty much nothing but covers, so it was win/win for everyone. The customers got to hear something fun and fresh, then as the booze kicked in, they got to hear the bar songs and dance the rest of the night away... 

As I type this, I am enjoying the Sunday off with my friends at Shiner while watching Selena(s) on DVD. Life is good. 

Talk y'all next week! 

Stay gold,

RH

Posted on the Punching Bag machine near the stage...

01.04.2013 - Fred's TX Cafe - Fort Worth, TX

So, Happy New Year! Winding down after our first show of the year at Fred's earlier this evening... 

While it started out kind of crazy, "fun night" sums it up. What I learned tonight is that if you're playing at Fred's (or anywhere around the West 7th strip), you should probably show up around 10am if you want to find a parking space. 

For the most part, I like to show up fairly early for shows and chill out by myself for a while in the car or walking the neighborhood. So, as is part of my routine, I was right on target for being there about an hour or so before load in. Fast forward to 10 minutes before load in and I'm still looking for a parking space. Horrible parking situation - reminded me a lot of playing in Boston. I dare you to find a parking spot in Boston. Anyway, finally got situated and made a mad dash to the stage for sound check. Luckily, the sound guy was running late as well, so I wasn't "late." But, I was a little rattled and we were to start just a few minutes after checking the sound. 

Ran to the bar and got my standard issue Shiner Black... ahhh... took a breath, took to the stage and started the show. 

There's something very unique about Texas music venues. It's the only state (as a whole) I've ever played where they have places full of people actually wanting to hear new music and they will sit and listen to you - even without knowing any of your songs. That's something you don't see a lot elsewhere. In other places, you play a room like this and you're background music while they drink, eat and do their own thing. While we didn't play to a million people tonight, those that were there were receptive and seemed to have a good time. It was nice. 

Highlight of the evening, for me, was church... I mean Fried Okra. That song is always fun to play live, but tonight they were particularly into it. Hallelujah! 

While Candy was AWOL tonight, this was our first show with Cisco on percussion. He adds to our sound nicely and I am glad to have him on board. Heath and I are starting to gel more on stage as well. It was nice seeing him loosen up more and get a little goofy. Goofy is fun. Goofy is good. I want whatever was in that tea he was drinking. Now, I just need to get him to a parrot head convention... he could be dangerous after that!

In the end, it was a good night. Nice venue, nice crowd, nice staff. As I type this and finish another beer, the mind is running with thoughts about tomorrow nights show in Aledo. It will be a different situation altogether, playing a traditional "concert" at a honky tonk with the Zach Coffey Band. Personally, I am more of a "concert" kind of guy. I know myself in that situation and am much more comfortable on stage there than with people up close and "listening" to me LOL. Should be a wild night... I saw "case of beer" on the contract for the show... that's always good. 

So, check back Sunday and we'll see how it went! 

Stay gold,

RH