Wayne "The Train" HancockWayne "The Train" Hancock has been called "the master of hillbilly swing," a "roots Renaissance man," a "country singer's country singer" and "Hank Williams meets Gershwin." But the phrase most frequently echoed throughout his career is "Wayne Hancock is the real deal." Joe Ely said it, Hank Williams III said it, Bobby Koefer from the Texas Playboys said it, as have countless music fans and writers when referring to Hancock's authentic and original blend of honky tonk, western swing, blues and big band that he calls "juke joint swing!"
Authenticity and sincerity have been the cornerstones of Hancock's writing and music since the start of his career. His refusal to compromise his vision and sell out his music has earned him a fiercely loyal underground following.
Hancock's vision, as he puts it, is "to bring people together and make them feel good about music. It's a spiritual thing and without spirituality, you've got nothin'. There ain't much on the radio that strikes me as being original or from the heart, most of it's from the pocketbook and it shows."
Come hear heartfelt Hancock music starting at 9PM Wednesday night!
Billy Joe ShaverWhile Willie Nelson makes the front cover of Texas Monthly as artist of the century, Shaver—a legend in his own right who embodies the outlaw country subculture that gave rise to the likes of Nelson and Waylon Jennings—lives in a trailer in Waco, Texas. He is mostly alone and overlooked, without even a mailbox (he has keys to a church, where he picks up correspondence). But he is as candid and garrulous as a 60-year-old maverick can be.
For more than 25 years, Shaver's words and music have been an important part of country music. His songs have been recorded by the likes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, the Allman Brothers, John Anderson, David Allan Coe, and a long line of others. He'll tell you that he's proudest of a recent posthumously released recording of "Georgia on a Fast Train" by Roy Acuff
The only thing you will leave this world with that you didn't have when you got here is your name. Billy Joe Shaver will indeed live forever because he has written his own place in music history, always staying true to himself by expressing his singular take on life in a sparse, poetic style all his own. If you don't know Billy Joe Shaver by his name or by his face, you will know him by his songs. They are his legacy to the world, simple truths set to music with unforgettable words. If art is the tool man uses to express himself, then Billy Joe Shaver says it better than just about anybody else can.
Billy Joe Shaver will be performing this Thursday night, begining at 9PM.
The Mezcal BrothersThe Mezcal Brothers of Lincoln, Nebraska have been playing their own brand of roots rock and rockabilly for the past six years. Last year the band received the award for recording of the year from radio station KZUM and was mentioned as one of the top rockabilly bands in the country by Goldmine Magazine.
The Mezcal Brothers are currently on tour promoting their newest album, Next Town, which has received 5 star reviews from Blackcat Rockabilly(Europe) and Rockabilly Monthly Magazine. The album features twelve heart-pounding original songs that are sure to get those feet a tappin'.
Over theyears The Mezcal Brothers have shared the stage with some of the most well known acts in the country, such as The Blazers, Kim Lenz, Sleepy LaBeef, Lee Rocker, Cave Cat Sammy, Jimmy Thackery, Billy Bacon, Link Wray, The Belairs, Big Sandy, Magic Slim, Los Strait Jackets, Ronnie Dawson, and the Paladins, who were quoted as saying, "They should change their name to the Fabulous Mezcal Brothers because they are fabulous!" The band members are nothing but entertainers to the very end with their greased up hair, flashy clothes, and some of the wildest stage antics you'll ever see.
The Silverman“We play rock, plain and simple”
That’s the vision that Zoop has for the sound of the Silvermen. Take away the genres and sub-categories that differentiate good music, and that’s what you get. Good music, plain and simple.
“We play rock-n-roll that’s been seasoned with the herbs and spices of surf, country, blues, jazz, rockabilly, punk, and even metal at rare moments,” said David “Zoop” Coonce, guitar and vocals. “To try to come up with a derfinitive category would be difficult. But loosely, we might fit rockabilly, surf rock, or Americana. But we perefer the genre we created: rompin’ stopmpin’ make ya wanna kick out a window, golden oldie lovin’, rock-a-doodle dandy.”
This double-kickin' show, with the Mezcal Brothers AND the Silvermen, will start Friday night at 8PM!
Fast Johnny RickerFrom Kansas City, Fast Johnny Ricker is a blazing blues/rock guitarist and slide master, leading a melt-down trio. His style and original music have been described as experimental, combining elements of psychedelic rock with Texas blues and Delta blues traditions.
"Johnny Ricker currently holds pride of place as the BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR IN THE MIDWEST and seems poised to try for the national title - soon come. Catch Fast Johnny before you have to see him in a stadium somewhere. Wear flame retardant in your hair 'cos this band is hot. Take my word for it." - Steven Davis, former music editor, Rolling Stone Magazine author of Hammer of the Gods and Bob Marley.
And from Johnny himself: Have you checked out the lineup at this club (Knuckleheads)! It is fantastic! If you have or haven't been to Knuckleheads, please use us as your excuse to check out this club. We would love to see you there. Pro sound and a beautifully done new outdoor patio and sound stage will make for a great summer open air show. We are stoked!
Fast Johnny takes the stage Saturday night at 9PM.
