The Thanksgiving Blog

Too many people get caught up in the whole holiday meal tradition part of the holiday that they forget what the holiday is about. The name says it all: Thanksgiving, or giving thanks. I figure now would be the perfect time to reflect on some things I’m thankful for, as well as giving thanks to a few individuals.

• I cannot think of a better person to start the list than the lovely Camille Cortinas. Camille, you have been one of my biggest cheerleaders in regards to this endeavor, and you don’t know how much it has helped inspire me. Thanks for promoting me on your blog, on your MySpace, and thanks for the encouragement and help on my upcoming “Ghost of Blind Lemon” showcase. I promise, the rest of you will be getting the full scoop soon.
• One of the joys of starting this blog is that I have had the privilege of meeting some new wonderful people. People like Cari Weinberg from the band Lovie. People like Bill Holston, who is a truly interesting individual with a great blog that you need to be reading. People like Scotty Mankoff, a great photographer and all around cool dude. There are more cool people that I’ve met as a result of my blog, and if I didn’t mention you, I apologize for the omission and thank you for the pleasure of knowing you.
• Thanks to D.E.E.P. and all the other groups and individuals fighting to keep Deep Ellum alive. The neighborhood has seen more than its share of loss in the past year. Club Clearview, the original Gypsy Tea Room, Tomcats, Club One, and the list goes on and on. But there is still life in Deep Ellum, and perhaps with a few more clubs, the neighborhood can have a second shot at becoming what it once was.
• I would like to give a special thanks to The Demigs. They helped restore my faith in the local music scene, breathing new life into a comatose music scene. Also, thanks to lead singer Chris Demiglio for being my first interview. I don’t feel my interview did you justice as to what an interesting and talented individual you are. But thanks for helping me out, and keep on making great music.
• While I’m on the topic of new bands, I’m also thankful for Somebody’s Darling, Blue Petal, The Felons, The Orange, The LFD, and all the other great new bands I’ve seen in the past year. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The problem with the scene is NOT a lack of good bands; it’s a lack of promotion and exposure for many of these bands. Do yourself a favor: go sample their music and try to catch some shows by these bands. These guys are pumping new blood into the body of Dallas music, and they need and deserve your support.
• Thanks to The Chemistry Set, the cut*off, and Rahim Quazi for playing at the Barley House for my birthday. Good times, good times.
• To all my friends, thank you for being a friend. Traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true; you’re a pal and a confidant. Hey, why am I getting the sudden urge to watch Golden Girls repeats?
• Finally, thanks to everyone who reads Ghost of Blind Lemon. Thanks to all the people who have given me such positive feedback on the blog, whether it be thru email, thru my MySpace, or in person. It is encouraging to know that you’re interested in what I have to say, and more importantly, that you are interested in Dallas having a strong and vital music community. So to you, pat yourself on the back, and keep supporting local music!