A 18
Three Chords and the Truth
Island Moon Noel McCay & Brennan Leigh, Reuben V…
By Ronnie Narmour ronnienarmour@gmail.com
Clay McClinton…
Folk Family Revival will play Brewster Street tonight, Thursday, Oct. 24.
Clay McClinton played the Back Porch last Saturday night. In a week dominated by cover bands, I found one very bright spot in the live music line-up this weekend and his name is Clay McClinton (Austin, TX). McClinton, the son of Texas roadhouse legend Delbert McClinton, played the Back Porch last Saturday night. I had spent the weekend running the gamut between the Porch, Shorty’s and Giggity’s listening to Cathouse, Red Giant, Jerry Diaz and Ruben Limas who put on good shows, but shows dominated by set after set of cover songs. And these guys represent a pretty large array of genres from hard rock and soft metal, to 80’s and 90’s mainstream rock, to folk, country, pop and even trop-rock. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it is what it is… songs that sound familiar no matter who is playing them. These bands all played crowd pleasers and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves but when I rolled up on Clay McClinton, it became obvious how much difference original songs can make. I was immediately absorbed. I admit to being a little prejudiced when it comes to Clay. I grew up listening to his dad and have seen Delbert perform dozens of times. Delbert’s definitely in my Hall of Fame, so it follows I’d be partial to his son. All that said, I’d rather see someone do good covers than bad originals. Clay has just released his fourth CD, Bitin’ at the Bit, which was produced by Grammy award winning producer Gary Nicholson, an old family friend and faithful guitar sideman to Delbert for many years. His songs have a definite country/roadhouse feel and the only songs he covered by other writers were those of Nicholson, Delbert and Steven Bruton plus one old one by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition (What Condition My Condition Was In). McClinton’s material maintains the roadhouse traditions of incorporating country, blues, Tex-Mex and rock shuffles and his band of road warriors played each one with passion and perfection. This show was a perfect example of a professional road band doing their job well. I know cover bands are an important part of the entertainment formula, but when the real deal stares you in the eye, stand up and take note. Some day cover bands will be playing Clay McClinton songs.
I saw Uncle Lucius was at the Back Porch a few years ago. They came out and played the entire Red Headed Stranger (Willy Nelson) album in sequence without one word of banter between songs. They didn’t mimic Willie Nelson; they played renditions that were true to the recording but still artistically allowing. It was nothing short of spellbinding. Their lead singer, Kevin Galloway has the kind of voice you will always recognize. I’ve followed this band since that performance and they have literally made waves all over the nation. I know the Back Porch tried to get them back but they have just outgrown the venue. I also see where they are playing on the big Ziegfest line-up on Saturday. Folk Family Revival is also a band that I am very impressed with. I first saw them at House of Rock on a show with Milk Drive. The band consists of three brothers who first started playing music in church where their dad was music director. They have an edgy unique sound that has been described as Americanafolk-country music with a super dynamic youthful energy. They are the perfect band to open for Uncle Lucius. The Elise (formerly Jake and the Coast Riders) are the winners of the Ziegfest Battle of the Bands contest and will open the show at Ziegfest this year. They have a Southern Rock/ alternative sound.
Ziegfest 2013… On Friday, October 25th, the 11th Annual Ziegfest will be held at Whataburger Field and features headliner Kevin Fowler plus Casey Donahew, Reckless Kelly, Uncle Lucius and The Elise. General admission tickets are $11 (advanced) and $15 dollars (at the door). Fowler Kevin Fowler will is an Americana headline Ziegfest this super star with Friday. such radio hits as “Beer, Bait and Ammo,” “Cheaper to Keep Her,” “The Best Mistake I Ever Made,” and “Don’t Touch My Willie.” The coolest thing about Fowler is he used to play with the rock group, the Dangerous Toys. He has eight recordings to his credit since 1999 and plays 150 shows a year.
DO NOT MISS LIST Uncle Lucius, Folk Family Revival, The Elise… Tonight, Thursday, October 24th, there is a great triple bill at Brewster Street Ice House in Corpus with Uncle Lucius (Austin, TX), Folk Family Revival (Magnolia, TX) and The Elise (Corpus Christi, TX). The first time
Uncle Lucius will play Brewster Street on Thursday and Ziegfest on Friday
GIGGITY’S RESTAURANT & BAR Raeanne & the Ride Oct. 25 Todd Dorn Oct. 26 Halloween Costume Contest with Lyrical Bynge Oct. 31 Ruben & the Rolling Jays Nov. 1 FALL BACK FEST with Ernie Garibay and Cats Don’t Sleep and Full Body Puppets Nov. 2
“ Pa i n t t h e To w n ” On exhibit through
Open 11am-2am Daily. Kitchen open til 1am. 722 Tarpon, Port Aransas, TX
11/01/13
OPEN 10-5
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Private Dinner Parties, Personal Chef, Weddings
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Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay will play Shorty’s on Friday. Also on Friday, October 25th, the real deal acoustic duet Noel McKay and Brennen Leigh (Austin, TX) will return to Shorty’s. This is an impressive act! They play all originals with a strong dual flat picking style behind an amazing vocal harmony. Noel was once part of a family team named the McKay Brothers. He’s recorded in Nashville and has written songs with Guy Clark. One song they do is a touching number about Mexican wetbacks at the mercy of the ruthless coyotes. They also have songs on
Ruben V will play the Back Porch this Friday. YouTube called Let’s Go to Lubbock on Vacation (Then We Know We’re Really in Love) and Are You Still Taking Them Pills. Leigh comes from a bluegrass background and has a twang that will make you fall in love. This show gets my PICK OF THE WEEK. DO NOT MISS Noel McKay and Brennen Leigh at Shorty’s this Friday. And finally on Friday, I also recommend guitar wizard Ruben V (San Antonio, TX) at the Back Porch. Although Ruben plays here on a frequent basis, his shows are always an inspiration. I’ve known V since the early 90’s and have seen him perform probably 50 times, and still never miss a show if I’m anywhere near. He is truly a soulful, talented man.
Halloween… On Saturday, October 26th, many of the bars will be celebrating Halloween with costume contests. On Padre, Mikel Mays (the new pier
October 24, 2013 house where Barnicle Bills was) will have Sun Salutation and Jamfoot, and the Pelican Lounge will have the John Eric Band. In Port A, the Coast Club will have Swamp Fever, the Back Porch will have their annual Pajama Party and Doggie Costume Contest with Mike Milligan and the Altar Boys (Austin, TX), Giggity’s will have Raeanne and the Ride, and Shorty’s will have my favorite string band The Independent Thieves. In Corpus, the House of Rock will have their annual Zombie Prom blow-out and the Executive Surf Club will have rockabilly monster, Matt Hole and the Hot Rod Gang. On Halloween Night proper (Thursday, October 31st), I know that the Back Porch will have their annual Costume Contest with Cruise Control and Giggity’s will have Lyrical Bynge and a Costume Contest for a $150 prize.
Fall Back Festival… Giggity’s will host the annual Fall Back Festival on Saturday, November 2nd. This perennial event is a fundraiser for the Port Aransas Community Theater (PACT) and has always been an island favorite where many local restaurants set The great Ernie up booths to give out Garibay and Cats samples of their cuisine Don’t Sleep will and everyone could play the Fall Back come in costume. In Festival on Nov. 2. past years it was held in the courtyard of the Pelicans Landing shopping center on Alister, then was moved to Cinnamon Shores in 2011. It was not held last year. To get the ball rolling again and keep the tradition alive, the folks at PACT took Giggity’s up on their offer to host the event this year where it will be a wine tasting, food sampling and show with Ernie Garibay and Cat’s Don’t Sleep (7-10) plus Full Body Puppets (10:30-2:30). There will also be a costume contest with prizes. Tickets are $30 and will be limited to 200. To purchase tickets call PACT (361-749-6036), go to Gratitude’s on Station Street, Everything Beach Boutique on Cutoff Road or click on www. brownpapertickets.com.
5th Annual Gaff Reggae Fest Also on Saturday, November 2nd, the Gaff will have their 5th Annual Reggae Fest with Flatbroke, Alvin and the SlickPunks, Soulfiya and The Bad Chords. This familyfriendly event will feature beltsander racing demonstrations, auctions, a pirate costume contest, pirate games, food, vendors, and more.
♪♫ And that’s the truth! ♫♪
Live Music Tonight
Sunday, October 27, continued Project Independent @ House of Rock Red Giant @ Dr. Rockits John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s
Thursday, October 24 Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Local Licks @ House of Rock Fabian Rivera @ Scuttlebutt’s Uncle Lucius, Folk Family Revival, The Elise @ Brewster Street Friday, October 25 Raeanne & the Ride @ Giggity’s Noel McKay & Brennen Leigh @ Shorty’s Ruben V @ Back Porch Ziegfest: Kevin Fowler, Casey Donahew, Reckless Kelly, Uncle Lucius @ Whataburger Field Fabian Rivera @ Mikel May’s Nick Verzosa & Noble Union @ Pelican Lounge The Green, Shwayze, Kimie @ House of Rock Five Card Draw @ Brewster Street Mike Williams @ Tarpon Ice House Hamilton Loomis @ Executive Surf Club Another Level @ Dr. Rockits Red Giant @ South Texas Ice House Robert Brown @ Scuttlebutt’s Saturday, October 26 Todd Dorn @ Giggity’s Independent Thieves @ Shorty’s Mike Milligan & the Altar Boys @ Back Porch Swamp Fever @ Coast Club John Eric Band @ Pelican Lounge Ruben Limas (2-6), Sun Salutation, Jamfoot @ Mikel May’s Zombie Prom @ House of Rock Matt Hole & the Hot Rod Gang @ Executive Surf Club Reno & the Groovegetters @ Dr. Rockits Branch and Dean @ Brewster Street Sunday, October 27 Foreigner @ American Bank Center Antone & the All Stars @ Giggity’s Tumble Dry Low @ Bernie’s Beach House Open Jam @ Neptune’s John Eric Open Mic @ South Texas Ice House John Eric (3-7) @ Mikel May’s Open Jam w/ Uel Jackson @ Tarpon Ice House
Island Limo www.islandlimo.net
Tuesday, October 29 Open Mic @ House of Rock HOBO @ House of Rock John Eric @ Scuttlebutt’s
Reasonable Rates
Wednesday, October 30 Open Jam w/ Wolfjaw @ Flats Lounge Cathouse @ Dr. Rockits Fabian Rivera @ Scuttlebutt’s
(361) 460-4365 LIVE MUSIC
Ruben V Doggie Costume Contest & Pajama Party w/ Mike Milligan Halloween Costume Contest w/ Cruise Control The Ones Melissa Brooke
Oct. 25 Oct. 26 Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Nov. 2
132 W. Cotter Port Aransas,TX
Noel McKay & Brennen Leigh Independent Thieves
Oct. 25 Oct. 26
Uncle Willey
Nov. 1
Moonshine Martini
Nov. 2
Russell Edge Uel Jackson
Nov. 8 Nov. 9
OPEN Till 2am • 823 Tarpon St. Port Aransas
Keepers Horace Caldwell Pier
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The Gaff Beer ● Pizza ● Belt Sander Races (361) 749-5970
Halloween, October 31 Lyrical Bynge @ Giggity’s Cruise Control @ Back Porch Free Beer Band @ Tarpon Ice House Out of Bounds @ Executive Surf Club Kevin Hill @ Scuttlebutt’s Jarrod Birmingham, Mike & the Moonpies @ Brewster Street Friday, November 1 Ruben & The Rolling Jays @ Giggity’s Uncle Willey @ Shorty’s The Ones @ Back Porch Fabian Rivera @ Mikel May’s Time Pilots @ House of Rock Paul Renna @ Executive Surf Club Spazmatics @ Brewster Street Saturday, November 2 FALL BACK FESTIVAL: Ernie Garibay & Cats Don’t Sleep, Full Body Puppets @ Giggity’s Moonshine Martini @ Shorty’s 5th Annual REGGAE FEST w/ Flatbroke, Alvin & the SlickPunks, Soulfiya, Bad Chords @ Gaff Melissa Brooke Band @ Back Porch Ruben Limas (2-6), Rockaholics @ Mikel May’s After Dark Burlesque Revue @ House of Rock Broken Spokes @ Executive Surf Club Max Stalling, Jason Suthern @ Brewster Street Sunday, November 3 Antone & the All Stars @ Giggity’s Monday, November 4 Clutch, The Sword, American Sharks @ House of Rock