Hey, country fans, ready to see some shows? As always, there are many great rootsy acts that will swing through North Texas throughout September, so get ready to gas up the truck, fill the flask and put some miles on those tires. Here are most can't-miss shows of the lot, lest ye be less-country than thy country-loving neighbor.
Wednesday, September 10
Drew Kennedy (Album Release Show) Magnolia Motor Lounge, Fort Worth With six studio albums and a published novel under his belt over the past decade, New Braunfels resident Drew Kennedy has established himself as a damn fine songwriter. But his new live double record, Sad Songs Happily Played, showcases his strength as a storyteller in an intimately vivid manner.
Friday, September 12
Lydia Loveless Three Links, Dallas It's way too easy to lump Ohio's Lydia Loveless into the new-generation class of sharp-witted and irreverent female country artists where current "it-artist" Kacey Musgraves resides. Sure, both can write the hell out of a song and thankfully neither seems to care what the silver-haired establishment thinks of their sound. But Loveless really kills it live with a full-on rock show. She played a string of dates with the Old 97's recently, and her latest album, Somewhere Else, is packed with country tales that rage as much as they swoon.
Friday, September 12
The Duhks Levitt Pavilion, Arlington You can't (or don't want to) make it to Deep Ellum on Friday the 12th, you say? You're in luck, friend. Canadian new-grass act The Duhks -- reunited with its original lead singer, the enchanting Jessee Havey, after many years apart complete with attempts to move on without her -- will be in Arlington for a free outdoor show. This widely acclaimed group has never made a major habit of visiting the DFW, so now will be a great time to catch them as they play tunes from their new album as well as older material from when the group first formed.
Friday, September 19
The Flatlanders The Kessler, Dallas It should be enough for us to simply list the names Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and Butch Hancock and then tell you they'll be performing together as the storied West Texas group of legends The Flatlanders at possibly the best room in Dallas for their brand of country-folk music. Come to think of it, that is enough to warrant anyone's attention and patronage.
Sunday, September 21
Shiner Sunday with Chris Knight and Aubrey Lynn England Love and War in Texas, Plano This grizzled Kentucky farmer has long been a staple on the Texas touring circuit. The comparisons to Steve Earle he garnered in his early days of recording 15 years ago may have been apt, but Knight has long since established himself as his own man. Drawing inspiration from his hero John Prine, Knight knows his way around pensive, thoughtfully told stories about simple pleasures as much as he does a southern rock song rife with tales of murder and darkness.
