Texas/OU Weekend Review

Here’s the bad news: our fine city is about to be invaded by a bunch of Okies who are under the mistaken impression that OU are superior to the University of Texas. Here’s the good news: since the bars, clubs, and other music venues like taking the money of both UT and OU fans, you can always count on some killer shows this weekend. Here’s a little peak at some of the musical mayhem occurring this weekend.

FRIDAY:
Macon Greyson (Adair’s)
I discovered this band in 2004, right before their first weekend of Texas/OU shows at Adair’s. Since then, it has been my tradition to attend at least one of the two shows they put on during this weekend. If cheap pitchers of Shiner Bock and great alt-country with a heavy dose of rock are your cup of tea (or beer), then you cannot find a better show for your money.
Bob Schneider/Johnny Lloyd Rollins (Palace Theater)
Rahim Quazi, one of my favorite local musicians, has begun a series of killer shows at the Palace Theater where he pairs a major Texas musician (Bob Schneider in this case) with a major local music act (this time, Johnny Lloyd Rollins). While I have not had the opportunity to visit the venue, if the interior of the theater matches the charm of the exterior, then this venue is worth the drive no matter where you reside in the metroplex.
Airline/Flat People/Here, In Arms (Double-Wide)
You know something I hate in a lineup? Fat. Fat is when you have an act in a lineup that is not worth listening to. Fat is the band that you spend your time at the bar instead of by the stage. Double-Wide is presenting a fat-free lineup. Whether it be the soulful countryesque vibe of Here, In Arms, the Neil Young meets Radiohead’s The Bends stylings of Flat People, or the ambitious rock sound of Airline, this lineup is 100% fat free. That’s a good thing for anyone’s musical diet.
Theater Fire/Kristina Morland (Lee Harvey’s)
You probably understand the brilliance of Theater Fire. Not to many people are familiar with either Ms. Morland or her album Pidgin Music. She is probably my favorite discovery of the year. If you were one of the handful of people who arrived at the GOBL anniversary show in time to see her set, you get where I’m coming from. Please, Theater Fire fans, do not make the mistake of arriving late.
Southern Drive/Kristy Kruger (City Tavern)
I know nothing about Southern Drive, but Kristy’s playing with a full band. That’s reason enough to go.
Eleven Hundred Springs (Granada Theater)
It’s only a matter of time before you start hearing the phrase “I was into Eleven Hundred Springs before they became big time.” If you haven’t seen them yet but want to be able to say that, now would be a good time to see them play.

SATURDAY:
Patrice Pike/THe BAcksliders (Dan’s Silverleaf)
Jason Bonner may have recently left THe BAcksliders, but he’ll be celebrating his birthday with his brother Chris and the rest of the BAcksliders. Sure, Patrice Pike is playing, but you and I both know that the night will belong to THe BAcksliders.
Astronautilus/Sarah Jaffe/Picnictyme, Info Red (Double-Wide)
I'm a little confused here... is Sarah's next project going to be a hip-hop album? She certainly seems to be odd woman out on the lineup. Either way, both hip-hop and Jaffe fans should enjoy this lineup.
The Liking Strikes/Southbound Lane/Greyhounds (Lakewood Bar & Grill)
I will probably miss out on this show, which will help Liking Strikes maintain their status as “One of the Best Band I’ll Miss Out On”. But seriously, I’m not sure how much longer I can hold back.
RTB2/Smile Smile/Sunward/Young And Brave (Hailey’s)It’s not often that Hailey’s holds an evening of such fine music that’s all local. It is, nevertheless, a pleasant treat, especially for those in Denton craving fine Dallas music.
Trey Johnson and Friends (AllGood Café)
This will be a nice warmup for the show I’m looking most forward to this month. More details on that later…
Kristy Kruger/The Beaten Sea (Opening Bell Coffee, Mosaic)
For years, Pascale from Opening Bell has talked to me with such enthusiasm about the debut of the second Opening Bell location. The dream is now a reality, and this show marks the official grand opening of this new location in Downtown Dallas. Kristy will play again with a full band, and The Beaten Sea will open. Beaten Sea played at Kristy’s benefit for Mojo, and put on a very impressive set for a band so newly formed. Time and experience is sure to only make the set even better.
Salim Nourallah/Vanessa Peters (Opening Bell Coffee, South Side on Lamar)
Just in case you’re worried that the Mosaic OBC is going to steal all the thunder from the original, booking Salim should soothe the minds of any doubters.

Have fun this weekend, and remember: friends don’t let friends drive drunk. They also don’t let friends cheer on OU. Go Longhorns!!!