Roller Derby PAGE 6
All Roller Derby pictures provided by Crystal Ruiz Photography
T. Gozney Thornton
PAGE 10
Thursday, February 24th 7:30pm San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 9pm-10pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Latin Dance Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu 8pm-9pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Zumba Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu 7:30pm Annie Get Your Gun – Angelo Civic Theatre 2pm-6pm Art Thursday at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts -Art activities for children and their families $1 per person Located in the education studio 9am-12pm El Cafecito: ASU Multicultural Center Join for coffee at the Multicultural Center room 114 8am-5pm ASU Art Gallery: Black History Month UC Art Gallery, Come by and take a look at art work commemorating Black History of San Angelo. FMI 325-942-2062 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building
Friday, February 25th
Monday, February 28th 5pm – 6pm French Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 8am-5pm ASU Art Gallery: Black History Month UC Art Gallery, Come by and take a look at art work commemorating Black History of San Angelo. FMI 325-942-2062 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 6:30pm Sunburst Beauty Pageant near Bealls, Baby contest is for boys and girls & for newborns through age 3. Beauty pageant is open for girls ages 4-27. $40 entry
Tuesday, March 1st 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 2pm – 2:30pm German Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks 5:30pm – 6:30pm Russian Coffee & Conversation ASU Academic Bldg. room 121
7:30pm Annie Get Your Gun – Angelo Civic Theatre
5:30pm – 6:30pm Spanish Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks
Saturday, February 26th San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo
7pm San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society, Inc. Glenda Lacey, local historian, will speak at the March Meeting. Topic will be ―Miles Opera House and Community.‖ At the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3536 YMCA Drive.
KIXY Cares Radiothon Sunset Mall
Wednesday, March 2nd
7:30pm Annie Get Your Gun – Angelo Civic Theatre
8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building
Sunday, February 27th
10am-10:30am Stories and Songs For Preschoolers – Tom Green County Main Library
2pm Annie Get Your Gun – Angelo Civic Theatre 6pm “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” ASU Modular Theatre. Happy go Buffalo Soldier Heritage Day at Fort Concho FMI 325-481-2646
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
2pm-6pm Art Thursdays at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. Art activities for children and their families $1 per person located in the education studio 9pm-10pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Latin Dance Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu 8pm-9pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Zumba Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu
Friday, March 4th 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 6:30pm San Angelo Concert Series - Gibson & Clifford, Susan Gibson, best known for her Dixie Chicks hit "Wide Open Spaces" and KC Clifford will blow you away with their stories and lyrics. Location: Emmanuel Recital Hall, corner of Harris & Randolph FMI www.susangibson.com & www.kcclifford.comhttp://www.danielmakins.com
Saturday, March 5th 1st Saturday at the Old Chicken Farm Art Center The first Saturday of each month is a special treat at the Art Center. We feature work of special invited artists plus all of the art center artists -studios are open for visitors. Located at 2505 Martin Luther King Blvd. FMI call 325-653-4936 8pm On the Road Again… Mozart and More -The San Angelo Symphony Orchestra welcomes pianist, Kyle Orth, to partake in a night concentrating on Mozart and more, at the McNease Convention Center
Monday, March 7th 5pm – 6pm French Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks
lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side stepping recounts the good times and demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850’s as one of the better pleasure palaces in Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. FMI 325-942-2000 7:30pm-9:30pm UC CJ Davidson – Prices Vary Join Felipe Esparza, winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", as he performs at UC CJ Davidson in San Angelo, TX (Angelo State University
Thursday, March 3
rd
Peoples Theatre Group of San Angelo Registrations to be held for actors and entertainers -We are currently preparing two different dinner theatre productions to be performed at select locations in and around the San Angelo area. Auditions are open to the public and we are taking applications from persons interested in auditioning for various roles in these upcoming productions. We are looking for qualified persons who can do one or more of these talents: stage acting, singing, dancing, musicians, stage lighting, set design and set building, writers, comedians and artistic directors 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building
Tuesday, March 8th 10am Story Time for Preschoolers Tom Green County Library Angelo West Branch 9am-12pm El Cafecito: ASU Multicultural Center Join for coffee at the Multicultural Center room 114
9am-12pm El Cafecito: ASU Multicultural Center Join for coffee at the Multicultural Center room 114
8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building
8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building
2pm – 2:30pm German Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks
10am-1pm Cooking Class at Sugar Baker’s Sues Spring Spectacular – Sue Sims $45 includes recipes and meal
5:30pm – 6:30pm Russian Coffee & Conversation ASU Academic Building room 121
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
5:30pm – 6:30pm Spanish Coffee & Conversation University Center/ room 110/111, behind Starbucks
3pm San Angelo Restaurant Association meeting at the River Terrace Restaurant 9pm-10pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Latin Dance Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu 8pm-9pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Zumba Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu
Wednesday, March 9th 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 10am-10:30am Stories and Songs For Preschoolers – Tom Green County Main Library
Thursday, March 10th 8am-5pm ASU Sculpture Exhibit ―The Larval Stage‖ by Dan Askew ASU Art Gallery, Room 193, Carr EFA Building 9am-12pm El Cafecito: ASU Multicultural Center Join for coffee at the Multicultural Center room 114
9pm-10pm ASU Multicultural Center: Free Latin Dance Class University Center outside the Multicultural Center (room 114) FMI adriana.balcorta@angelo.edu
PAGE 5
February 24, 2011
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 6
February 24, 2011
SAN ANGELO’S 1ST
ROLLER DERBY
LEAGUE Knuckle, scuffle, fight! San Angelo’s own roller derby league, the San Angelo Soul Sisters, is up and roaring. Made up of Air Force occupants, college students, sales clerks, single mom’s, bar owners and wives, the San Angelo Soul Sisters (S.A.S.S.) is an all-female amateur team who are tougher than the pads they sport with drive and ambition behind them. After the hit movie Whip It, inspired by Austin, TX’s own roller derby team TXRD, Lonestar Roller Girls had some moderate success, a revival of the governed contact sport has become somewhat of a trend, however to the San Angelo Soul Sisters it’s a whole different game. ―Some girls show up to the functions we have in the cute outfits just to wear them, but when it comes time to practice, they don’t show up‖, says coach Annie Worthen A.K.A. Hooten Annie. In fear of bruises or a broken bone, it takes a sense of toughness and character to hang with these ladies. In an effort to bring the sport to San Angelo, it was several years ago that Worthen and roller girl Lainey Rogers (lead singer of the local rock band Shotgun Rebels and co-owner of the Deadhorse) A.K.A. Screamin’ Red, sat out to start the Deadhorse Roller Girls and held a few practices. Due to business conflicts, the two were never able to continue forging ahead with the rooted contact sport they were so enthused about. It wasn’t until later that word got around that a roller derby team had been formed and was just getting started. Team founder Sarah Calderon, A.K.A. Queen Beeotch, started the team with the same passion Worthen and Rogers had. And since there was no roller derby team in town, she took it upon herself to start one and organize it. ―There are five things in my life I want to do; one is to be a journalist and the other is to be part of a roller derby team and so I’m very, very blessed to be doing this‖, says Calderon.
Harold Nelson, the leagues skate king has been in the business of roller derby for nearly 30 years. Nelson was once a derby man himself skating with a team in Austin, TX. He claims to have heard that a league was being started and decided to help out in any way he could. With 20 dedicated league members (plus more that come and go) and growing, it should be an entertaining time for all when the first match comes (February 27th at the Rink). So far, the Knee High Knockouts is the only team on the league, but with more interest generated, more teams will form. Try outs are not necessarily being held at this time. As of now, there is a three-step process which involves commitment most of all. The Soul Sisters will tell you they love what they do. It’s a way for the ladies to let loose and relieve stress. Not one of these ladies has ever had any roller derby experience nor is one a better skater than the other. Every member has potential to be a great ―jammer‖ or a blocker – some a pivot. They’re just in it to have some fun. There is a strong sense of empowerment that allows each of these ladies an arena to be aggressive in, ways they cannot express in any other setting. If anything else, it’s sisterhood with a do-it-yourself, independent attitude and shares a coming together of doing something great. By Bob Simpson
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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BASEBALL
February 24, 2011
LOCAL SIGN-UPS
SOFTBALL
San Angelo ISD Group Swim Team Swimming/Aquatics ages 715yrs old, with some breathing skills– May sign up at any time through May 27th. $35 per month, FMI 325-659-3434 ext. 133
ASU SOFTBALL February 26 ASU vs. St. Edward’s
KID SIGN-UPS
12/2 PM HOME
March 2 ASU vs. St. Mary’s
4/6 PM AWAY
March 6 ASU vs. Texas A&M-International
1/3 PM HOME
March 11 ASU vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville
3/5 PM HOME
ASU BASEBALL February 25 ASU vs. East Central
2:00PM Ada, Okla.
February 26 ASU vs. East Central
12:00PM Ada, Okla.
March 4 ASU vs. Southeastern Oklahoma
7:00PM HOME
March 5 ASU vs. Southeastern Oklahoma
1:00PM HOME
Now Enrolling for San Angelo Broadway Academy: DanceTheater Arts-Vocal performance-Art Design Ages 3- 18 for 2011 Spring Semester FMI: 325-763-4807 or visit www.sabroadwayacademy.org Youth fitness Program: This exercise program is for 11-13 year olds. It is a structured class designed to teach proper form and technique for various exercise. Schedule: Tues.-Thurs. 7:30pm-9:00pm, Fridays 5:00 pm-8:00pm & Sat. & Sun. All Day Cost: Group Session $40 / Child FMI: Contact the YMCA @ 325-325-655-9106 San Angelo Girls Fast-Pitched Association: Open registration begins January 30th, 10am – 1pm at Academy Sports & Outdoors Ages: 4yrs- 18yrs of age FMI: Sherri Carney, 325-659-4327 or carneycrew@msn.com Sign Up for Scouting: *Can Sign Up year Round* - Girl Scouts of Central Texas & Boy Scouts of America FMI:: Boy Scouts 325-6557107 or Girl Scouts 325-655-8961 San Angelo FC Spring Warm-Up 2011(U5-U19) This is a girls and boys tournament in the U5 through U19 divisions and the entry fee of U5 - U6 is $150, U7 - U8 is $175, U9 - U10 is $250, U11 - U14 is $350 and U15 - U19 is $400. Deadline is February 21, 2011.
ADULT SIGN-UPS Fishing Tournament: March 5th, Suddenlink Tony Gibson Memorial, Benefiting Hospice of San Angelo, will be held at the Concho Pavilion on Lake O.H. Ivie, 24282 CR 4763 in Millersview. 17 and older, First Prize: $2200, 16 and under, First Prize $300 gift certificate provided by Field & Streams Sporting Goods. No Fee for 16 and under. $55 for early registration through March 4th and $70 through the morning of March 5th. For more information visit www.fishtheopen.com or call Corey Peddy @ 325-486-4155 China Painters All china painters, want-to-learn china painting or anyone new to the community and want to see what we do are encouraged to join us. 618 S. Chadbourne St. Tuesday s from 8:30am - 4:00pm FMI: 325-223-0647 Slow Pitch Umpires needed for 2011 Season FMI: Call 325-6574450 San Angelo Flying Lessons Are you ready for the ultimate thrill of flight lessons? To learn more about our mind-blowing Flight Lessons, airplane tours Call 1-800-226-1116 Zumba Classes sponsored by ASU Multicultural Center Free 8:00-9:00pm University Center 110/111 Contact: Adriana Balcorta (325) 942-2729 Ballroom Dancing Classes 6:30pm – 8:30pm Santa Fe Crossing 702 S. Chadbourne Taught by Scott Gilmore Cost is $32 per person a month. Register in advance. 481-2798
ROLLER DERBY SIGN UPS! 21 and up. Meet the Derby Girls on Thursday’s at the Rink on Sherwood, behind Rosa’s at 8:30pm. You can come and watch and see if it’s for you!
Square Dancing All ages 18 and up are invited, all levels of dancing. You do not need to bring a partner, singles and couples are invited to come out for fun and exercise! New dancers practice on Tuesday nights from 7-9pm SALSA LESSONS Oasis the Club Monday Nights- 7pm Concho Kennel Club 507 West 47th Street Informal Conformation Handling Class 1st & 3rd Wednesday Evening’s 7:00 pm FMI call (325) 655-0344
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
This past weekend my feet crossed the threshold of an establishment I long ago swore I would never re-enter. There have been plenty-a-restaurant that I have departed muttering the words ―never again‖ and it does not behoove me to list all of them here, however I should mention the thing common to all the restaurants I loathe; filth. Filth can take many forms from the thoughtless waiter who wipes his nose before handling the silverware, to the stale stench of smoke so oppressive that your sense of smell has to become impaired before you can have a good time. Bad bathrooms, bad service and bad smells are the perfect trifecta of filth even if the food in that particular establishment is rumored to be excellent, I am too disgusted to trust my own taste buds by the time I actually get served. This brings me to T Bears Café in the Stadium Lanes Bowling Alley. Years ago I swore off T Bears. The smoke, the bacon, the smoke, the eggs, the smoke, and the pancakes with a little smoke on top, just didn’t jive with my ideas about living past sixty. I walked in there trying to escape the grimy feeling I got from fingering that film inside the finger holes of a bowling ball. I assumed they had a place to wash my hands. I walked out of there in want of a full-blown shower. I left T Bears Café with the words ―never again‖ escaping just loud enough not to be heard, and lit out for the nearest bar of soap. This past Friday night, I ate my words. I walked into T Bears with a group of friends while we were waiting on a lane, immediately startled that this greasy spoon in the middle of a bowling alley was packed to the gills with customers and didn’t smell remotely like smoke. We sat down and I ordered a burger and fries. Here is where I insert my one and only complaint about T Bears; we waited for close to half an hour to get our food. However, as busy as it was in there I feel that a little wait is acceptable. The burger was good, and the curly fries were worth the extra couple bucks. All in all I had a pleasant experience. Most importantly I will probably go back to T Bears again and try something off their famous breakfast menu—bacon, eggs, and pancakes maybe. Review by Grant Ingram
Monday, Feb 28
Tuesday, March 1
Wednesday, March 2
Thursday, March 3
Friday, March 4
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, Grape Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Sausage Roll, Apple Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich, Grape Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick, Apple Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Sunrise Bites, Grape Juice, Milk
Lunch: Pizza or Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, English Peas, Garlic Roll, Fresh Orange, Milk
Lunch: Corndog or Sloppy Joe on Bun, Baby Carrots w/ Dip, Applesauce, Sugar Cookie, Milk
Lunch: Frito Pie or Cheese Enchila- Lunch: Chicken Fried Steak or das, Refried Beans, Cornbread, Chicken Pot Pie, Mashed PotaFruited Gelatin, Milk toes, Green Beans, Hot Roll, Pears, Milk
Lunch: Cheeseburger or Hamburger, Oven Fries, Hamburger Salad, Cinnamon Apples, Milk
Monday, March 7
Tuesday, March 8
Wednesday, March 9
Thursday, March 10
Friday, March 11
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich, Grape Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Sausage Roll, Apple Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza, Grape Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Pancake on a Stick, Apple Juice, Milk
Breakfast: Cinnamon Bun, Grape Juice, Milk
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets or Beef & Cheese Macaroni, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Broccoli, Hot Roll, Pineapple, Milk
Lunch: Hot Ham & Cheese or Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich, Celery Sticks w/ Dip, Chicken Noodle Soup, Apple Wedges, Milk
Lunch: Beef Nachos or Chicken Lunch: Chicken Patty or Chicken Fajitas, Pinto Beans, Tossed Salad, Tetrazzini, English Peas, Hot Roll, Cornbread, Milk Pears, Milk
Lunch: Chili Dog/Hot Dog or Turkey Deli Sandwich, Tator Tots, Sliced Peaches, Milk
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
I love this time of year, the Ferris wheel on the San Angelo skyline and going to the Rodeo Day Parade are things I can remember anticipating as a child. Now, as an adult, it takes on a slightly altered meaning. Now I look forward to letting my children enjoy these same experiences, I can count on the arrival of longer days and the departure of the cold weather! Instead of spending my afternoons inside the house, because it is dark and cold outside, I can spend them enjoying outdoor activities like going to the park with my family. To me, spring is a breath of fresh air, both physically and figuratively. I love getting up early on the weekend, before anyone else in the house is awake, to sit on the swing on my back porch. I sit on my porch with a book and I admire the minds and the words expressed on the sheets of paper. Enjoying a few minutes of alone time is something I always look forward to. Spring is the season of simple pleasures, soak in the sun, start a new hobby, barbecue with friends, these are the things I think of when spring arrives. I am instantly inspired to exercise more, eat healthier, be more productive, and clear the clutter from my mind and my house! And of course, especially during this time of year, when I crave a cocktail, I want something light and refreshing. I was sitting in a gorgeous courtyard at a small French-style cafe last week, meeting my soon-to-be husband for brunch. We were visiting New Orleans for a little “kid free” time. The sun was out, the air was brisk but comfortable, and all of the greenery was in full bloom. It was a perfect spring day. A cocktail on the menu, called an Orange Blossom, caught my eye. It was simply this: champagne, elderflower liqueur, and orange bitters. This is the type of drink I enjoy during the spring. In her lounge, a friend of mine serves a drink called a Poinsettia (which, after the holiday season, my best friend and I affectionately renamed a Morning Glory). This drink is made from champagne and cranberry juice, a wonderful twist on a mimosa if you ask me! Light white wines, mimosas, champagne and elderflower liqueur, these drinks are not only simple, but refreshing. Admittedly, I do prefer these types of drinks to beer or liquor. Nevertheless, there are certainly other drinks to appreciate during the spring, Texas breweries notably (and with good reason) offer a fantastic selection of seasonal and permanently placed beer to suit an assortment of palettes. San Angelo's melange of bars, restaurants, and local wine and spirit shops offer a wonderful compilation to suit everyone’s needs. Finding a balance between taking care of yourself and taking care of everyone else can be difficult. Whether you are out on the town or enjoying a quite afternoon in the backyard, there are plenty of simple pleasures to savor in the spring. The Italians have a phrase: “Il dolce far niente”, meaning, the sweetness of doing nothing. Although this is a luxury most of cannot usually afford, I believe it is necessary just sit back and appreciate life every now and then.
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 10
February 24, 2011
Interview by Bob Simpson Sitting on a bench at the old Chicken Farm Art Center, T. Gozney Thornton pulls a picture out from his wallet; ―I jammed with this guy over the weekend‖. The man he points to in the photograph is a look alike of legendary pop country superstar Kenny Rogers, but it happens to be an old pal of his Dash Crofts of Seals and Crofts; the 1970’s soft rock duo well known for such classics as ―Summer Breeze‖ and ―Diamond Girl‖. But that’s just one of the many friends Thornton has made over the years as a musician. T. Gozney Thornton (or T. Goz as his friends refer to him ) is a man with such musical stature that not one local Texas artist can hold a candle to him. It took him 25 years to finish and release his first album, Legends Before the Fall which later became nominated for a Grammy award in 2007. I was lucky enough to sit down with the ―legend‖ himself for an interview. Spotlight: The album you have out now has an interesting story behind it. How does the saga begin? Thornton: I was living in Austin, TX and I got to be friends with Willie Nelson and his entourage and Willie was just starting out in the early 70’s there himself. I got to open a lot of shows for him at the Alliance Wagon Yard. At the time, that was one of the three clubs in Austin on 6th street. I would do Monday nights down there and then I was able to open for Willie and a lot of other people who were up and comers in those days that have since come and gone. Willie had just started a record label called Lone Star which was associated with Columbia (Records). And he had signed Ray Wylie Hubbard, Cooder Brown, Steve Fromholz and Billy Callery, who he and I wrote songs together. So, I accepted the offer to record on his label and we went out to Perdenales and recorded all of it (the album) but also went to Nashville to record some of it. When it was all done, I signed a 5year contract with a subsidiary of Columbia and they decided they weren’t going to release it because they didn’t want Willie to release anymore recordings with any unknowns, because he had done that a bunch just trying to help out his friends. So I ended up having a daughter (Tiana Lee) and decided that since I had responsibilities that I should come home and move back to San Angelo and play weekends. The tapes got lost. So a few years ago I thought I’d see if I could find them and put them out. I found them at Arlyn studio in a back closet in downtown Austin. I dusted them off, played them back (this is 25 years later) and I had gotten my rights back to the recordings by this time. So I digitalized all of the tracks, went back into the studio and added some parts and tried to modernize it somewhat and recorded a couple of new songs to add to it. Spotlight: What was your first encounter with Willie Nelson like? Thornton: I was 22 years old, I signed with Shelter Records and I was in Tulsa and Leon Russell let me stay at his house. I was getting ready to go into the studio there in a church and this guy knocks on the door and it’s Willie Nelson. I didn’t know him from anybody. He asked if Leon was home and I told him no and that he had gone out to get some barbeque. So Willie gave me a record to give to him and it was Yesterdays Wine. And that was the first time I met Willie. And he was short haired and clean shaven back then. Spotlight: Who were the up and comers you used to open for? Thornton: I used to do Tuesday nights with David Allan Coe. I’ve opened for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band here in San Angelo -1972 at Angelo State (University). That show was phenomenal! It was held in the old gym that then was the new gym…and now they’re tearing it down. Spotlight: Did you record with Leon Russell? Thornton: No. Leon owned Shelter Records and signed me to the label. But Leon ended up having to break that deal over a $70,000 check made out by his partner Denny Cordell to someone Leon didn’t know. Spotlight: How did you form the Old Hat Band? Thornton: I moved back to San Angelo in 1987 and hooked up with Richard Ramirez. We played as a duo for years and then drummer Manuel Burciega joined us and we became a trio. And of course Joe Dianda who used to play (bass) with Coyote who opened for Little Joe y la Familia and we also have Junior Cortez on the keyboards. And I became influenced by these guys and their tejano styles and of course I’m country so we made up this natural blend of Tex-Mex. Continued on Page 14
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
MUSIC LINE-UP Thursday, February 24th Chad Johnson and Down 1450 – Blaine’s Pub Texas Chuck’s Open Mic Night – Spam’s Bar and Lounge Jeff Strahan – Sealy Flats Will Taylor & Strings Attached – Cactus Hotel
Friday, February 25th Manny Campos – Sealy Flats Clearwater – Blaine’s Pub Kylie Rae Harris & Charlie Shafter Band – FiFi Dubois Bryce & The Bad Decisions – Little River T. Gozney Thornton – Beer Barn – San Angelo Rodeo Manzy Lowry Band – Float 404 Vagabondswing - Deadhorse
Saturday, February 26
th
Happy Fat – Sealy Flats T. Gozney Thornton – Beer Barn - San Angelo Rodeo Whistlestix – North Side Sport’s Bar Final Round of Battle of the Bands – Deadhorse Charlie Shafter Band – Steel Penny Pub CrashKill Six – The Oasis Sindrone – Deadhorse
Sunday, February 27th Jeska Sheppard and Friends – Sealy Flats
Tuesday, March 1st Open Mic Night - Oasis
Wednesday, March 2nd Andrea Marie and the Magnolia Band – Sealy Flats
Friday, March 4th Gibson & Clifford – San Angelo Concert Series Whistlestix – Stagecoach Saloon Jason Boland – Midnight Rodeo Gary P. Nunn – Blaine’s Pub K.C. Clifford – Emmanuel Episcopal Church Rich O’Toole – Graham Central Station
Saturday, March 5th Monty Branham – Blaine’s Pub The Divas – Angelo Civic Theatre Paradise Titty – Steel Penny Pub ShutDown Town – FiFi Dubois On The Road Again / Mozart & More – McNease Convention Center
Tuesday, March 8th Fat Tuesday—Fat Boss Pub with Party Favors and Promotional give aways
Wednesday, March 9th Kyle Bennett – Graham Central Station
Thursday, March 3rd Texas Chuck’s Open Mic Night – Spam’s Bar and Lounge Robby White – FiFi Dubois Susan Gibson – San Angelo Concert Series
TO LIST YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE GO TO WWW.SANANGELOSPOTLIGHT.COM
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
Continued from Page 10:
Spotlight: You’ve been working on a project with Augie Meyers from the Texas Tornados. How is it coming along? Thornton: We have finished recording a song that is on the Texas Music magazine compilation which features 15 Texas artists on the CD. The song is called ―Necesito Nada Mas‖. It’s a Polka. I got the Mariachi Azteca out of San Antonio to play with us on it. What a great time playing with those guys! Spotlight: You’re a really good harmonica player. How did you get started playing that instrument? Thornton: I’m self taught. Doak Sneed was playing harmonica and he and I were a duo back in the late 60’s and early 70’s called Tom and Billy. We went to California together and played some college coffee houses. Doak was playing harp behind me and he needed somebody to play harp behind him so I started learning. Spotlight: Did you teach yourself to play guitar too? Thornton: Yeah, my dad had an old Silvertone guitar and I was about 12 years old and he was trying to learn how to play it and he would tell me not to touch his guitar cause I wasn’t old enough. Every time he would leave the house I would go get it and one day he caught me playing it and said, ―I give up. You can have it‖. Spotlight: You have a strong singing voice. Have you ever had any vocal lessons? Thornton: My grandmother was a voice teacher and got me singing when I was about three. There’s a couple of wire recordings of me singing, but I used to have a real soft voice and I kept working on it to project, so after time, my diaphragm kept growing and growing. People think that I have a pot belly but really this is all diaphragm. Spotlight: Do you find it to be harder now to make it in the music industry than it was in the 70’s? Thornton: Not really. For me it’s easier because I’m not taking it as seriously as I used to. Before, the music industry was really a cutthroat business. And it still is. Spotlight: Would you consider yourself to be a veteran of the Texas music scene? Thornton: Absolutely. I had a kid one time at a show ask me to play some Texas music and I told him, ―Boy, you’re looking at Texas music‖. Thornton and the Old Hat Band’s, Legends Before the Fall, is a 12-track album on Thornton’s Old Chivo Records label and is available at Hastings and online at cdbaby.com, cduniverse.com, and iTunes. For more information on T. Gozney Thornton and the Old Hat Band, check out their website at www.tgozney.com and www.texmexfandango.com
SAN ANGELO SPOTLIGHT
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February 24, 2011
SCOTT ANTILLEY 325-234-1478
www.pinnaclespraying.com FERTILIZERS
HERBACIDES
INSECTICIDES
FUNGICIDES
BRUSH CONTROL
TREE SALES
Provided by Danny Adams
Services Lawnmowing Weed Eating Edging And more
Contact Information Danny Adams (325) 340-6962