I did something so fun on Friday night, I have to tell you about it.
My neice Amanda & I went to the Galaxy Drive In Theater. It's located South of Dallas, just past Ennis off of I45, which might involve a little drive time if you live in the northern or western parts of the Metroplex, but trust me, it's worth it. The box office and concessions open at 6:30 and the first movie starts at 9. Never one to be early (as my current band will tell you!), We arrived around 8:00 and got in, got a good spot and got in and out of the concession stand in plenty of time for the start of the movie.
What a blast! I have many fond memories of drive in's growing up, as my grandfather was a movie projectionist (from the time he was in his late teens until they made him retire in his 70's) and my family went often as we got in free, but Amanda, because of her age (she's 18), had never been to a drive in. Both of us had such a great time! Megaplex multi screen box movie theaters have taken over the movie going experience these days, but there was a time in when the Drive In Theater was king. Read this bit of Texas Drive In Theater history from the web site http://www.driveinmovie.com/ :
Texas was host to the 3rd drive-in theatre to open in America, at Galveston in July of 1934 (the 1st & 2nd had opened in New Jersey and Pennsylvania), and thereafter - as in most things, Texas went at it in a BIG way .. by the late 50's,generally the peak years for American drive-ins, Texans had thebiggest peak in the industry, hosting nearly 400 outdoor theatres.
Although the state had held-out in true Alamo fashion, longer than most,and, was still harboring nearly 200 drive-in theatres even 20 years afterthe boom .. but ultimately, Texas would see their number decline by 96% and presently, there are only 16 Drive-ins operating in the Lone Star state. On an UP note: 5 of these were built or revived in the past four years, and the next .. a new twin-screen Drive-in (Lubbock) will be lit in July of 2003.
Every single thing about our experience at The Galaxy was fantastic - the ticket prices extremely inexpensive (especially for a first run double bill: $6 - adults, $2 - children 5 to 11, children under 5 free), the food was good quality and reasonably priced - a hamburger was $2 and a giant Texas sized popcorn $5.50 (and the popcorn was fresh and hot!), the facilities were clean, the classic window speakers very cool (as well as the 50's rockabilly style tunes played through them before the movies) and every person we came in to contact with was helpful and friendly. We brought bug spray, but didn't need it. And with the very mild Texas summer we're having, it was quite comfortable with the windows rolled down. We stayed in the car, but you can bring your lawn chairs or blankets and sit outside your vehicle if you like. We had so much fun, we're planning on returning very soon.
Open every night, 364 nights a year (closed on Christmas Eve), a night at the Galaxy Drive In would be a great as a family night, a night out with the girls (or boys) or a nostalgic, inexpensive (and romantic) date night.
Blue Lisa whole heartedly says check it out. http://www.galaxydriveintheater.com/
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF SAM MYERS
Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the passing of Sweet Sam Myers.
Even now, it's hard to believe he's gone. But then, he truly was a larger than life personality, so even in death, he is still with so many of us everyday. I myself can't bear to delete his phone numbers from my cell phone. Occasionally when I'm scrolling through for a number, I come across his name and it makes me smile. And everytime I walk into The Hole In The Wall I still glance over to his spot by the kitchen to see if he's there. Which he's not. But to me, it's still his seat, and always will be. And I will always look for him there.
A group of us gathered yesterday at the Dixie House restaurant where Sam liked to eat to tell our Sammy stories and, well, just to be together on that day when we were all thinking about him. And what a group it was: Joe Jonas (The man I think Sam had the most respect for. How many pictures are there of Sam and Joe together hanging on walls in this town? What a amazing duo they were!), Joanna Iz (who so lovingly watched out for Sam and made sure he was taken care of, and how he loved her for it), Hash Brown (Sam often said he wished Hash was his son), Miss Marcy, Andrea Dawson, Kathy Prather, Anson (theirs was not just a remarkable musical partnership, but a remarkable friendship) and Rene Funderburgh , John Street, Jeff (who helped Sammy write his book) and Robin Horton, Ravis (who lived upstairs from Sam and made it her mission to make sure he was fed and watched out for on a daily basis), Brenda, (who slept on Sam's couch for many a night in the last months of his life watching over him), Lisa Tindell and her son Austin (Sam loved kids), and Vicky Wiley (who accompanied Sam to the Mayo clinic in the months before his death, and stayed by his side when he was, shall we say, in a less than good mood. If that doesn't qualify you as an angel, I don't know what does.) There were a couple of others who's names I didn't catch, one man who Hash told me Sam lived with for the first few months when he moved to Dallas. For sure, a group that truly loved Sam Myers the man, not just Sam Myers the musician. I think he would have been proud to see us together, but then again, he might have wondered why we didn't call more people!!
Joanna brought a picture of Sammy (smoking) so he could be with us, but I knew already that he was with us all, and in fact, had never left our hearts and never will.
I thought our little meeting would be all about Sam, but in fact, it turned out to be a chance to catch up with each other and just chat in a way you can't do when you're playing your gig or even hanging at a jam. And it dawned on me that this was one of Sammy's greatest gifts to us all, because without him, this eclectic group of friends might never have been a group at all. And I wouldn't be suprised to find out that was his plan all along.
Thanks Sam. I still love you, and miss you, every day.
Even now, it's hard to believe he's gone. But then, he truly was a larger than life personality, so even in death, he is still with so many of us everyday. I myself can't bear to delete his phone numbers from my cell phone. Occasionally when I'm scrolling through for a number, I come across his name and it makes me smile. And everytime I walk into The Hole In The Wall I still glance over to his spot by the kitchen to see if he's there. Which he's not. But to me, it's still his seat, and always will be. And I will always look for him there.
A group of us gathered yesterday at the Dixie House restaurant where Sam liked to eat to tell our Sammy stories and, well, just to be together on that day when we were all thinking about him. And what a group it was: Joe Jonas (The man I think Sam had the most respect for. How many pictures are there of Sam and Joe together hanging on walls in this town? What a amazing duo they were!), Joanna Iz (who so lovingly watched out for Sam and made sure he was taken care of, and how he loved her for it), Hash Brown (Sam often said he wished Hash was his son), Miss Marcy, Andrea Dawson, Kathy Prather, Anson (theirs was not just a remarkable musical partnership, but a remarkable friendship) and Rene Funderburgh , John Street, Jeff (who helped Sammy write his book) and Robin Horton, Ravis (who lived upstairs from Sam and made it her mission to make sure he was fed and watched out for on a daily basis), Brenda, (who slept on Sam's couch for many a night in the last months of his life watching over him), Lisa Tindell and her son Austin (Sam loved kids), and Vicky Wiley (who accompanied Sam to the Mayo clinic in the months before his death, and stayed by his side when he was, shall we say, in a less than good mood. If that doesn't qualify you as an angel, I don't know what does.) There were a couple of others who's names I didn't catch, one man who Hash told me Sam lived with for the first few months when he moved to Dallas. For sure, a group that truly loved Sam Myers the man, not just Sam Myers the musician. I think he would have been proud to see us together, but then again, he might have wondered why we didn't call more people!!
Joanna brought a picture of Sammy (smoking) so he could be with us, but I knew already that he was with us all, and in fact, had never left our hearts and never will.
I thought our little meeting would be all about Sam, but in fact, it turned out to be a chance to catch up with each other and just chat in a way you can't do when you're playing your gig or even hanging at a jam. And it dawned on me that this was one of Sammy's greatest gifts to us all, because without him, this eclectic group of friends might never have been a group at all. And I wouldn't be suprised to find out that was his plan all along.
Thanks Sam. I still love you, and miss you, every day.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Viewing & Funeral Service Infomation for Donnie Mac
Here is the viewing and funeral information for those of you who were listening to the tribute to Donnie Mac on this mornings show:
Services will be held at the Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, located in McKinney at 75 Central Expressway @ Ridgeview Drive (Exit 38) 972-424-7834 http://www.turrentinejacksonmorrow.com/
Viewing will be held Friday, July 13 from 6 pm until 8 pm
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 14 at 10 am
Services will be held at the Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, located in McKinney at 75 Central Expressway @ Ridgeview Drive (Exit 38) 972-424-7834 http://www.turrentinejacksonmorrow.com/
Viewing will be held Friday, July 13 from 6 pm until 8 pm
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 14 at 10 am
Monday, June 18, 2007
JANIVA MAGNESS ARTICLE IN REDBOOK
Those of you who listen to my radio show have heard Janiva Magness. Lately I've played cuts off her most recent CD "Do I Move You", and most often it's her awesome version of "You Were Never Mine". (I reviewed the CD for Southwest Blues Magazine in May 0f 2006 you can read it by going to the Reviews Archive link at http://www.southwestblues.com/ and clicking on Janiva Magness.) I was also thrilled to interview her on air last year the morning after she won "Best Contemporary Female Vocalist" at the 2006 Blues Music Awards, which she won again in 2007.
I was lucky enough to meet her in person in Grapevine a few days later, and luckier still to get to see her perform. She's a dynamic, beautiful (I mean really beautiful - I'm in envy of that gorgeous head of hair!), fun, sassy full-of-live DIVA in the best sense of the word. But you would never know from what you see and hear now the obstacles this woman has overcome. She shares her story in the latest edition of Redbook magazine, and you can read it yourself from this link http://www.redbookmag.com/parents-suicide-yl
Why am I sharing this with you? Because it's so easy to get caught up in the trials and tribulations of everyday life and think you should have a little pity party for yourself. I know - I've been doing it myself way too much lately.
I hope reading Janiva's story reminds you as it did me that there are far worse situations out there, and that you can not only triumph over your own personal battles, but that you can come out on top.
Oh, and check out Janiva's web site at http://www.janivamagness.com/ for much more on this amazing woman.
I was lucky enough to meet her in person in Grapevine a few days later, and luckier still to get to see her perform. She's a dynamic, beautiful (I mean really beautiful - I'm in envy of that gorgeous head of hair!), fun, sassy full-of-live DIVA in the best sense of the word. But you would never know from what you see and hear now the obstacles this woman has overcome. She shares her story in the latest edition of Redbook magazine, and you can read it yourself from this link http://www.redbookmag.com/parents-suicide-yl
Why am I sharing this with you? Because it's so easy to get caught up in the trials and tribulations of everyday life and think you should have a little pity party for yourself. I know - I've been doing it myself way too much lately.
I hope reading Janiva's story reminds you as it did me that there are far worse situations out there, and that you can not only triumph over your own personal battles, but that you can come out on top.
Oh, and check out Janiva's web site at http://www.janivamagness.com/ for much more on this amazing woman.
Friday, June 15, 2007
70TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROBERT JOHNSON RECORDING IN DALLAS
Those of you listening to my show this week heard me play all of the songs and alternate takes Robert Johnson recorded in Dallas on June 19 & 20, 1937. This is a huge event in blues history. It was the second of only two recording sessions Johnson ever did. (The first was held in San Antonio in November of 1936).
I have a gig of my own on Wednesday, but there is a celebration of the Johnson recordings going on that I really want to tell you about. Local guitarist Joel Foy has partnered with Pearl in downtown Dallas to present an evening celebrating the recordings. Read this from Joel's weekly e-mail:
Wednesday, June 20, Robert Johnson Dallas Sessions 70th Anniversary party. 8:00 - 11:00pm. Pearl at Commerce www.pearlatcommerce.com 2038 Commerce St, 214.655.8824 Dallas, TX 75201
I'm still getting a lot of calls about the Robert Johnson Anniversary show at Pearl at Commerce on June 20, 8-11pm. Because appearances are voluntary I can't make promises about who may or may not perform, and/or compete, but it's shaping up to look like nearly every guitar player who's not already gigging or out on tour will try to make a showing for this event. There's no cover, no entry fee for the song contest, and you don't even have to be a contestant to win a prize. Besides the song contest, there'll be a Robert Johnson trivia contest, and random door prizes handed out throughout the evening. There'll be a great cross-section of some of Dallas's finest traditional blues, so how can you lose? More info at www.pearlatcommerce.com Please pass the word.
As always, thanks for your support, and thanks to all who've helped me in various ways, large and small, to get my feet on the ground here in Dallas.
Best,
Joel
Unfortuantely for me, I'll miss the whole thing because my gig is scheduled 7 pm to 11 pm that same night, but there is nothing from stopping you from coming by my gig early to jam and have a delicious Purdy's burger, and then head downtown for this historical event.
I have a gig of my own on Wednesday, but there is a celebration of the Johnson recordings going on that I really want to tell you about. Local guitarist Joel Foy has partnered with Pearl in downtown Dallas to present an evening celebrating the recordings. Read this from Joel's weekly e-mail:
Wednesday, June 20, Robert Johnson Dallas Sessions 70th Anniversary party. 8:00 - 11:00pm. Pearl at Commerce www.pearlatcommerce.com 2038 Commerce St, 214.655.8824 Dallas, TX 75201
I'm still getting a lot of calls about the Robert Johnson Anniversary show at Pearl at Commerce on June 20, 8-11pm. Because appearances are voluntary I can't make promises about who may or may not perform, and/or compete, but it's shaping up to look like nearly every guitar player who's not already gigging or out on tour will try to make a showing for this event. There's no cover, no entry fee for the song contest, and you don't even have to be a contestant to win a prize. Besides the song contest, there'll be a Robert Johnson trivia contest, and random door prizes handed out throughout the evening. There'll be a great cross-section of some of Dallas's finest traditional blues, so how can you lose? More info at www.pearlatcommerce.com Please pass the word.
As always, thanks for your support, and thanks to all who've helped me in various ways, large and small, to get my feet on the ground here in Dallas.
Best,
Joel
Unfortuantely for me, I'll miss the whole thing because my gig is scheduled 7 pm to 11 pm that same night, but there is nothing from stopping you from coming by my gig early to jam and have a delicious Purdy's burger, and then head downtown for this historical event.
Monday, May 14, 2007
2007 BLUES MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
2007 BLUES MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
The Blues Foundation announced the winners of the 2007 Blues Music Award winners Thursday night in a gala event in Memphis. The big winner of the night was Charlie Musselwhite who took home four awards on the strength of his DELTA HARDWARE cd. The other multiple winner was Irma Thomas for her Soul Blues album AFTER THE RAIN. The complete list follows:
Comeback Album of the Year: Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing
Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year: Robert Lockwood, Jr.
Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year: Etta James
Acoustic Artist of the Year: David "Honeyboy" Edwards
Acoustic Album of the Year: Rory Block - The Lady and Mr. Johnson
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year: Marcia Ball
Instrumentalist-Guitar: Hubert Sumlin
Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year: Bobby Rush
Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year: Irma Thomas
Soul Blues Album of the Year: Irma Thomas - After the Rain
Historical Album of the Year: Shout! Factory - Hooker - John Lee Hooker
Contemporary Blues Album of the Year: Guitar Shorty - We the People
Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year: Janiva Magness
Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year: Tab Benoit
Instrumentalist-Harmonica: Charlie Musselwhite
Instrumentalist-Bass: Mookie Brill
Instrumentalist-Drums: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Instrumentalist-Horn: Eddie Shaw
Instrumentalist-Other: Robert Randolph
Best New Artist Debut: Slick Ballinger- Mississippi Soul
Song of the Year: "Church is Out" - Charlie Musselwhite
Traditional Blues Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Band of the Year: Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year: Tab Benoit
The Blues Foundation announced the winners of the 2007 Blues Music Award winners Thursday night in a gala event in Memphis. The big winner of the night was Charlie Musselwhite who took home four awards on the strength of his DELTA HARDWARE cd. The other multiple winner was Irma Thomas for her Soul Blues album AFTER THE RAIN. The complete list follows:
Comeback Album of the Year: Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing
Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year: Robert Lockwood, Jr.
Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year: Etta James
Acoustic Artist of the Year: David "Honeyboy" Edwards
Acoustic Album of the Year: Rory Block - The Lady and Mr. Johnson
Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year: Marcia Ball
Instrumentalist-Guitar: Hubert Sumlin
Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year: Bobby Rush
Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year: Irma Thomas
Soul Blues Album of the Year: Irma Thomas - After the Rain
Historical Album of the Year: Shout! Factory - Hooker - John Lee Hooker
Contemporary Blues Album of the Year: Guitar Shorty - We the People
Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year: Janiva Magness
Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year: Tab Benoit
Instrumentalist-Harmonica: Charlie Musselwhite
Instrumentalist-Bass: Mookie Brill
Instrumentalist-Drums: Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Instrumentalist-Horn: Eddie Shaw
Instrumentalist-Other: Robert Randolph
Best New Artist Debut: Slick Ballinger- Mississippi Soul
Song of the Year: "Church is Out" - Charlie Musselwhite
Traditional Blues Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Album of the Year: Charlie Musselwhite - Delta Hardware
Band of the Year: Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year: Tab Benoit
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
ANDREA DAWSON ON BIG TEXAS BLUES
I love the word Diva. But somewhere down the line, people have defined it to mean a "difficult" (and THAT's putting it nicely) female vocalist.
However, if you look up the definition, Webster says " a usually glamourous and successful female performer or personality: a popular female singer".
If you ask me, it should continue to read ":Andrea Dawson".
As any one who has seen her perform can attest, Andrea is a natural talent - this woman was born to sing. And nothing pleases me more than to see her out and about getting to do it so much these days! You go girl indeed! Aside from being an incredible vocalist with a warm, engaging stage presence, she's got a wicked sense of humor, making her one of my favorite running buddies and partners in crime! (The trouble we've caused - whoops - I mean seen!)
So I am thrilled that she is taking time from her incredibly busy schedule to be my special guest this Thursday on BIG TEXAS BLUES. Andrea's going to come in to do the "12 Bar Blues" series. Always articulate and witty, I can't wait to hear what songs she brings in as her influences and her explanation of why they have been so.
So don't forget to tune in to KNON 89.3 FM (or worldwide on the web at www.KNON.org)Thursday morning from 9 'til Noon so you don't miss a word of it!
However, if you look up the definition, Webster says " a usually glamourous and successful female performer or personality: a popular female singer".
If you ask me, it should continue to read ":Andrea Dawson".
As any one who has seen her perform can attest, Andrea is a natural talent - this woman was born to sing. And nothing pleases me more than to see her out and about getting to do it so much these days! You go girl indeed! Aside from being an incredible vocalist with a warm, engaging stage presence, she's got a wicked sense of humor, making her one of my favorite running buddies and partners in crime! (The trouble we've caused - whoops - I mean seen!)
So I am thrilled that she is taking time from her incredibly busy schedule to be my special guest this Thursday on BIG TEXAS BLUES. Andrea's going to come in to do the "12 Bar Blues" series. Always articulate and witty, I can't wait to hear what songs she brings in as her influences and her explanation of why they have been so.
So don't forget to tune in to KNON 89.3 FM (or worldwide on the web at www.KNON.org)Thursday morning from 9 'til Noon so you don't miss a word of it!
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