Bravo, Max... and Ned... and Signals and Alibis

As you may recall, I was recently given the opportunity to become the head booking agent at the Crown and Harp. I want to thank the bands who have played there so far, and well as those of you who have checked out the venue lately. I also realize that many of you have not been back since the days it was called The Cavern.

This Friday night is the perfect time for you to return to 1914 Greenville Avenue. I have assembled my finest lineup to date tonight. Starting off the night at 9 pm is Signals and Alibis, which looks like they're about to join the leagues of True Widow, Menkena, and Little Black Dress as among Dallas' finest shoegaze acts. Up next is Bravo, Max!. The band is now stripped down to a trio, but Johnny Beauford's songwriting skills hold up whether performed by three or seven. Wrapping up the evening is Goodnight Ned, a band that has grown in leaps and bounds ever since I saw them play first in January. They were good at the time, but when I saw them in October, the energy on stage was undeniable. Expect big things from them in 2012.

Now I know some of you are working up excuses in your head to miss the show. "But Ghost, I really don't want to deal with all that Lower Greenville construction. But Ghost, I'm short on cash and can't afford the cover." Well, the construction is finally over and done with, so that eliminates excuse number one. And I know the lineup is impressive enough you'd expect a higher than usual cover charge. But actually, the REVERSE is true. There is absolutely no cover charge all night. So if you're going to have an excuse, you've got to make one way better than the ones I just shot down.

So come on out by 9, because you won't want to miss the opening set by Signals and Alibis.

Because There’s More to Wednesday Nights Than Watching SUV

After all, the show’s not the same without Detective Elliott Stabler. But you’re not here to discuss network TV dramas, you’re here for the local music.

You may recall me mentioning that I’m booking at Crown and Harp (and if you didn't know, check this out). Well that’s not the only cool new thing at Crown and Harp. For the past few weeks, the lovely and talented Emmeline has been hosting an open mic every Wednesday night, and it appears to now be a regular Wednesday night occurrence. Emmeline is not only one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the metroplex, her stage presence has increased exponentially in the past year. Her comments between songs are among the most interesting of any performer in the metroplex. Such a talent is obviously a useful trait when hosting an open mic.

There is absolutely no cover charge, and parking is free. Plus, you get the opportunity to see fresh talent develop from the early stages. Open mics can be a great place for developing talent. In fact, Emmeline herself got her beginning at the open mic hosted by Steve Jackson every Tuesday night at Opening Bell Coffee. Now that Emmeline has her own open mic night, I guess it’s come full circle.

A Crowning Achievement

• Sons of Sound


• The Chemistry Set


• Hi-Fi Drowning


• Pleasant Grove


• The Happy Bullets


• The Deathray Davies


• THe BAcksliders


• Somebody’s Darling


• Pale Horse

What do all of the bands in this list have in common? They are among the great bands I have had the privilege of watching (and in some cases, discovering) at The Cavern. The Cavern was a magnet for first rate bands. The shows were incredibly fun, especially when the not very large space became packed with an energized audience. Earlier this year, The Cavern changed its name to The Crown and Harp. It was more than a change in name; the bar received a complete transformation to a more pub like feel. The bar also significantly increased its selection of beers (always a good thing). And while the venue has continued to book quality bands (Goodnight Ned and Tweed EQ jump quickly to mind), there has been a misperception that the venue is not as interested in booking live acts anymore.

That’s changing right now.

I am proud to announce that I, The Ghost, will now be the head booking agent for The Crown and Harp. I consider this to be a great privilege to be responsible for the quality of entertainment found at this establishment. After all, for many years The Cavern had Spune as its booking agent, and Spune was never lacking in great bands to bring to the venue.

So what is my vision for The Crown and Harp? It’s very simple: I plan to bring some of the best local acts (plus a few non-locals) to the venue. I believe that the most important factor in any live music venue’s success is the quality of bands that perform there. As mentioned before, The Cavern consistently had a great track record for bringing quality entertainment, and I will make certain that The Crown and Harp continues with that track record. Be on the look out for bigger name local bands in the coming months at The Crown and Harp. I already have a number of fine acts playing this and next month, including The Chloes, Suzanne Kimbrell, and California band Case in Theory, among others. If you’re a musician who would be interested in playing The Crown & Harp, let me know. Send an email to ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com, along with some mp3’s or videos. I invite all of you, both musicians and music lovers, to experience a Crown and Harp show in the very near future.