Pretty busy musical Thursday evening we have here, highlighted by three shows at venues that all begin with the letter "L." What are the odds?
Thrift Store Cowboys and The Slow Burners at Lochrann's Irish Pub
Having
just recently stumbled upon the greatness that is Thrift Store Cowboys,
I can safely say that this sextet is the best thing to come out of
Lubbock since Mike Leach. Sure, Daniel Fluitt and crew sound a little like
Calexico and DevotchKa, but what's wrong with that? I say we could use a
few more Sergio Leone-inspired alt-country bands nowadays. Seriously,
these guys (and gal) know how to lay down some atmospheric roots music
that's thoughtful and pretty damn catchy. Same goes for Denton's The
Slow Burners, who happen to be opening the show.
Trey Johnson and Bryan Wakeland at The Kessler Theater
Even
while he was in Sorta, Trey Johnson never seemed to get his due. The
guy writes great songs, but, unfortunately for him, that has never translated into anything
more than a solid local following. Johnson's sophomore solo effort,
Where The East Ends, came out last August and it found the
singer-songwriter checking out some different textures and territories.
Perhaps his next effort will help shine more light on his underappreciated talent. Joining Johnson on this evening is another
esteemed local tunesmith, Bryan Wakeland. A lot of folks know Wakeland
as the drummer for The Polyphonic Spree, but us old timers remember the
guy's former band, Tripping Daisy. Tonight's double-bill is a nice bit of
nostalgia that points to both artists' still-potent futures.
Haiti Benefit Concert at the University of North Texas Lyceum
Located
on the University of North Texas, The Lyceum is a cozy little visual
and performing arts venue that tonight hosts a cool benefit concert for
the people of Haiti. If you haven't paid much attention recently, yes, Haiti is still in
very bad shape after last year's earthquake, with disease running rampant
throughout the country. At this show, several area will come together to help
raise funds for Haiti and its people. Tonight's line-up includes DJ Red
X, D. Hayes, G. Bailey, K. MC, Sundress, Sore Losers and a lot more.
Tickets are $15 at the door, and that all goes to a good cause. So why not forgo the next round of
overpriced drinks and do a good deed?
Empress Hotel, Jessie Frye and Adrian Hulet at Lola's Saloon
Led by
brothers Ryan and Eric Rogers, Empress Hotel share a label and a bit of
muse with Dr. Dog. Also on this talented triple bill is Denton's Jessie
Frye and former Oso Closo frontman Adrian Hulet, two folks who know a
thing or three about jazzy textures and emotive vocals.
