Sitting around the house waiting for Turkey Day to roll around got me to thinking about all the things I'm thankful for. Of course, I'm lucky to have my family and friends and, these days, I am very thankful to have a job. But musically speaking, the Dallas scene has provided many a band, show and CD to appreciate.
The Dallas Observer Music Award showcase this October comes to mind. Seeing Centro-matic on stage as the sun set while the band did an incredible rendition of "Calling Thematico" is a memory I hope I never forget.
But that's just me. So, to honor the holiday, I asked a few folks associated with the local music scene what they are thankful for. Read what they had to say after the jump.
"I'm thankful to be able to witness so many new artists for the first time. It never ceases to amaze me how gratifying it is to see a band for the first time." --Michael Schoder, owner of the Granada Theater
"I am thankful for Dallas' own Rhett Miller for being talented, handsome, national, smart, having a silver tooth and for putting up with everyone who has dismissed him over the years. I also hate him for the same reasons." --Gordon Keith, sports talk radio superstar at The Ticket
"I'm thankful for all of the musicians from North Texas who each made significant contributions to our local culture before passing on: T-Bone Walker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Doyle Bramhall, Carter Albrecht, Ronnie Dawson, Alex Moore and the Legendary Revelations, Will Clay, jazz musicians Marchel Ivery and James Clay, blues artist Zuzu Bollin, Tom Foote, spoken word artists Roxy Gordon and Robert Trammell, punk rockers Frankie Campagna and Adam Carter, DJ Frantic, Wes Berggren, Alex Magcosi, David Hill (NCM), David Bindler, Jay Lavender and Tracey Sauerwein. Each of these musicians left their definitive imprint on our collective creative mosaic, and I am thankful that they had the opportunity to contribute in some way to the historical legacy of our artistic community." --Jeffrey Liles, manager of the Kessler Theater
"I am thankful for a very vibrant theater scene here in Dallas that keeps a lot of musicians working and pays them." --singer/songwriter Annie Benjamin
"I am thankful for all the people who come out to my sold out shows. Oh wait, my bad." --seemingly disgruntled singer/songwriter Nicholas Altobelli
"I'm thankful for Rick Perry's poor speaking ability, Lactaid, the homeless occupying the Occupy rallies, Iggy Pop and Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas. How else would the world ever know about our wonderful University Park and Highland Park debutantes? Oh and Pee Wee Herman on Broadway, too." --Chris Demiglio, leader of the Demigs
Admittedly a small sample, but you kind of get the (mostly) positive vibes coming from the locals. Anyhow, let's all eat what we need, cheer for the Cowboys and head out on Black Friday and buy some local product, OK?
