Continental Confidential
"Revealing the facts and naming the names"
The Continental Club
Rockin' South Austin since 1957
1315 S. Congress Ave, Austin TX 78704
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Austin TX ...... September 6, 2007
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"This is simply one of the greatest clubs in the country. With its rich tradition and great reputation for always having good music, the Continental Club seems to be a hot spot for anyone who really likes music. And if you go, you just may find yourself sitting next to Julia Roberts or Johnny Depp. You never know at the CC. And that's why bigger acts such as Rev. Horton Heat or Spoon always make a stop here on tour. As far as musicians are concerned, there's no better place to play...or go." ~CitySearch.com
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"Revealing the facts and naming the names"
The Continental Club
Rockin' South Austin since 1957
1315 S. Congress Ave, Austin TX 78704
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Austin TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"This is simply one of the greatest clubs in the country. With its rich tradition and great reputation for always having good music, the Continental Club seems to be a hot spot for anyone who really likes music. And if you go, you just may find yourself sitting next to Julia Roberts or Johnny Depp. You never know at the CC. And that's why bigger acts such as Rev. Horton Heat or Spoon always make a stop here on tour. As far as musicians are concerned, there's no better place to play...or go." ~CitySearch.com
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Dianne's Dish
Hello everyone! It's been a couple of weeks since I last wrote very much, so I'm doing a catch-up issue today. Unfortunately, I still haven't figured out how to get all the photos up (see how they're on the side--}), but I'll figure out how to get them up for the next issue. Lots of news, so let's get started...
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This Sunday afternoon/evening (2pm-8pm) we'll be hosting Music For Life: A Benefit Concert & Silent Auction for Allyson Pease! Allyson is a 40-year old graduate student recently diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Pease, a graduate student at St. Edward’s University, had a lumpectomy and recently began receiving chemotherapy treatment. Knowing she has limited medical insurance and limited income, Allyson’s friends across the country and in the United Kingdom have teamed up to create Music for Life: A Benefit for Allyson Pease by donating their time, talent and treasures. Allyson has been two-stepping on the dance floor at The Continental Club for years, and while you may not know her, she's definitely one of the Continental crowd. In addition to music from a few of Allyson’s friends, there will be a silent auction with many celebrity-signed items. Performers will include The Maryann Price Trio, Chris Gates, The Sanchez Brothers, Chaparral, Ted Roddy & The Backwoods Hipsters, Bruce Robison and Rick Broussard's Two Hoots & A Holler. It marks the first time that Rick has played at the Club since 1993!
The Silent Auction will include: An antique Coca-Cola machine (donated by Rob Thomas, producer and creator of “Veronica Mars”), T-Mobile Sidekick phone (donated from Todd Handlesman) with BNC tool bag from the Showtime original series “Dexter” (signed by actor Michael C. Hall), a script and one sheet from “The Nines” (signed by writer/director John August), a clock featuring Omar & the Howlers, photo illustrations by Gerald Bybee, John Katz, and more. Collages by yours truly, The Country Cousin. Gift certificates from Starbucks, iTunes, Zachary Scott Theater, Blanton Museum of Art, and jewelry donated by artist Julia Medick.
We hope you will come out for the music, bid on some terrific items, and help out our friend Allyson. See you there!
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Congratulations to Sunny Sweeney who was just voted Best Country Music Singer in the Austin 360/Statesman's Your A-List. While many Continental Club regulars were on the voting list, Sunny was the winner, beating out Dale Watson, Heybale, Derailers, Jesse Dayton and Mother Truckers! No one was more surprised than Sunny to have beaten out some of her own Austin heroes. You go, girl!Hyena Records just sent me links to Dale Watson videos. The lastest music video for "Hollywood Hillbilly" was directed by and stars Johnny Knoxville and his previous music video for "Justice For All" stars James Denton ('Desperate Housewives'). Dale has been out on the road for a couple of weeks and has another week to go.
Dale's bassist Gene Kurtz was one of the subjects of a 3-part story Margaret Moser had written on Roy Head, the song "Treat Her Right," and Gene. Gene was the co-writer on Head's 1965 hit, and he was so honored to have Margaret write about him in last week's Austin Chronicle that he called her from the road to say "Thank you." The stories had been perfectly timed to coincide with Roy Head's annual appearance for our Labor Day weekend Legends show....
And speaking of the devine Ms. Moser, she was one of the folks who got to the Club's SuperSoul Legends show in time for Barbara Mason's opening set and never left until Roy Head had belted out his last note. It was Archie Bell's birthday, so we had a cake for him that was presented on stage by his lovely wife, Juanita. Then Roy jumped up on stage and led the jam-packed crowd in "Happy Birthday." Archie was thrilled and a little overwhelmed by it all. Barbara Mason confirmed that she is still planning on moving here from Philadelphia. She's looking at maybe making the move next Spring. If you weren't there, I can't possibly explain to you how wonderful that show was. When you've got Roy & Carolyn Head around, you can't help but laugh yourself sick. Everyone's cheeks hurt the next day from smiling and laughing so much! Several people said it was without a doubt the best show they had been to all year.
So, here's my favorite story of the whole night. Patrick, who was working at the front door, asked me if I was expecting any more musicians, because Steve P, who was working at the Gallery door, said there were two horn players in the Gallery that no one knew & they were setting up like they were going to play. I told him that Archie was expecting a couple of guys (but Archie didn't give me any names) to come sit in with him. Patrick went to the Gallery and explained to the gentlemen that they were supposed to be downstairs and Archie was going up next. The elderly sax player said, "No. I'm setting up & playing with this fellow here," pointing to Mike Flanigin. He told Patrick, "But, tell Barbara Lynn that Spotty says hello." Patrick came back and said "We have a problem. The musicians won't come down. They've decided to play with the Trio. Oh, and one of them said to tell BarbaraLynn that Spotty said hello." So I relayed the message to Ms. Lynn, and she said "Spot Barnett??" And I said "Spot Barnett????" And Patrick said "Yeah, that's the name." I was so excited! And that's how San Antonio sax legend Spot Barnett ended up playing all night with Mike Flanigin's B-3 Trio, and even had his name added to the sidewalk chalk board. Spot did come down to the Club at the end of the night to catch up with old friend Barbara Lynn and cause a flurry amongst the autograph seekers & photographers. Flanigin's show is becoming quite the hot spot for celebrity sitings. He had been host the week before to Kim Wilson who sat in with him, Johnny Moeller & Frosty. Kim had just finished his gig with the "Jimmy Reed Highway" at Antones, but he just kept going at the Gallery until almost 2:30 a.m., playing some Bobby 'Blue' Bland songs and old T-birds tunes. Flanigin says "It was pretty cool for anyone that happened to stay that late." Indeed. What a Saturday night it was for all of us!
The Weary Boys' R.I.P. show almost two weeks ago was amazing. Texas Sapphires brought us a high-spirited set that sealed their spot as "Best New Band," as determined by the 2007 Chronicle's Readers Poll. The Sapphires' Rebecca Cannon and Billy Brent Malkus know how to put on a show. Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears completely knocked the crowd out. Wow! Joe has played at the Club before as a one-man band, so we were really surprised when a full band including horn section (in suits & ties, no less) showed up & played a phenomenal JB's-style set. I know it's very politically incorrect, but I love his moaning and wailing "Bitch I Love You." If you want to listen to it, I must give you this WARNING! Explicit lyrics! The Wearies played their first set with banjo prodigy Matt Downing and got the crowd revved up. Then, they closed out the night with the original Weary Boys, Darren Hoff, Brian Salvi, Darren Sluyter, Mario Matteoli, including a guest appearance by their first drummer Cade Callahan. After Cade played a couple of tunes, Cary Ozanian jumped back onto the drum throne & finished out the night. There were folks that had traveled in from other parts of the country to be here for the Wearies' final show. It wasn't nearly as sad as we had all expected - although there were a bunch of boys crying that their social life was now officially over - because it was the best Weary Boys set ever. Okay, now I really miss them.
******
Dale's bassist Gene Kurtz was one of the subjects of a 3-part story Margaret Moser had written on Roy Head, the song "Treat Her Right," and Gene. Gene was the co-writer on Head's 1965 hit, and he was so honored to have Margaret write about him in last week's Austin Chronicle that he called her from the road to say "Thank you." The stories had been perfectly timed to coincide with Roy Head's annual appearance for our Labor Day weekend Legends show....
***
And speaking of the devine Ms. Moser, she was one of the folks who got to the Club's SuperSoul Legends show in time for Barbara Mason's opening set and never left until Roy Head had belted out his last note. It was Archie Bell's birthday, so we had a cake for him that was presented on stage by his lovely wife, Juanita. Then Roy jumped up on stage and led the jam-packed crowd in "Happy Birthday." Archie was thrilled and a little overwhelmed by it all. Barbara Mason confirmed that she is still planning on moving here from Philadelphia. She's looking at maybe making the move next Spring. If you weren't there, I can't possibly explain to you how wonderful that show was. When you've got Roy & Carolyn Head around, you can't help but laugh yourself sick. Everyone's cheeks hurt the next day from smiling and laughing so much! Several people said it was without a doubt the best show they had been to all year.
So, here's my favorite story of the whole night. Patrick, who was working at the front door, asked me if I was expecting any more musicians, because Steve P, who was working at the Gallery door, said there were two horn players in the Gallery that no one knew & they were setting up like they were going to play. I told him that Archie was expecting a couple of guys (but Archie didn't give me any names) to come sit in with him. Patrick went to the Gallery and explained to the gentlemen that they were supposed to be downstairs and Archie was going up next. The elderly sax player said, "No. I'm setting up & playing with this fellow here," pointing to Mike Flanigin. He told Patrick, "But, tell Barbara Lynn that Spotty says hello." Patrick came back and said "We have a problem. The musicians won't come down. They've decided to play with the Trio. Oh, and one of them said to tell BarbaraLynn that Spotty said hello." So I relayed the message to Ms. Lynn, and she said "Spot Barnett??" And I said "Spot Barnett????" And Patrick said "Yeah, that's the name." I was so excited! And that's how San Antonio sax legend Spot Barnett ended up playing all night with Mike Flanigin's B-3 Trio, and even had his name added to the sidewalk chalk board. Spot did come down to the Club at the end of the night to catch up with old friend Barbara Lynn and cause a flurry amongst the autograph seekers & photographers. Flanigin's show is becoming quite the hot spot for celebrity sitings. He had been host the week before to Kim Wilson who sat in with him, Johnny Moeller & Frosty. Kim had just finished his gig with the "Jimmy Reed Highway" at Antones, but he just kept going at the Gallery until almost 2:30 a.m., playing some Bobby 'Blue' Bland songs and old T-birds tunes. Flanigin says "It was pretty cool for anyone that happened to stay that late." Indeed. What a Saturday night it was for all of us!
***
The Weary Boys' R.I.P. show almost two weeks ago was amazing. Texas Sapphires brought us a high-spirited set that sealed their spot as "Best New Band," as determined by the 2007 Chronicle's Readers Poll. The Sapphires' Rebecca Cannon and Billy Brent Malkus know how to put on a show. Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears completely knocked the crowd out. Wow! Joe has played at the Club before as a one-man band, so we were really surprised when a full band including horn section (in suits & ties, no less) showed up & played a phenomenal JB's-style set. I know it's very politically incorrect, but I love his moaning and wailing "Bitch I Love You." If you want to listen to it, I must give you this WARNING! Explicit lyrics! The Wearies played their first set with banjo prodigy Matt Downing and got the crowd revved up. Then, they closed out the night with the original Weary Boys, Darren Hoff, Brian Salvi, Darren Sluyter, Mario Matteoli, including a guest appearance by their first drummer Cade Callahan. After Cade played a couple of tunes, Cary Ozanian jumped back onto the drum throne & finished out the night. There were folks that had traveled in from other parts of the country to be here for the Wearies' final show. It wasn't nearly as sad as we had all expected - although there were a bunch of boys crying that their social life was now officially over - because it was the best Weary Boys set ever. Okay, now I really miss them.
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Austin City Limits Festival is nearly upon us and we've got exciting shows lined up for that weekend, including Friday & Saturday nights with Red Stick Ramblers, Saturday night with James McMurtry and Sunday with Heybale and Alejandro Escovedo. And for those of you who frequent the Gallery, don't miss The Magnificent Trio in the Continental Club Gallery on Saturday night!***
Not only are both of The Continental Clubs on MySpace, but now The Continental Club Gallery is too! Check out our pages for band photos in "View more pics", and the weekly Continental Confidential complete with photos! You can even "subscribe" to the newsletter through MySpace! The address for Austin is www.myspace.com/continentalclub, the address for Houston is www.myspace.com/continentalclubhouston and the address for The Continental Club Gallery is www.myspace.com/continentalclubgallery Won't you be our "Friend"?
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Are you a customer with questions about upcoming shows? In Austin call: (512) 441-0202 or (512) 441-2444 or e-mail Dianne at info@continentalclub.com. In Houston call: (713)529-9899 or (713) 529-9666.
Are you a musician inquiring about booking a gig? Booking in Austin: steve@continentalclub.com. PR in Austin: Dianne, info@continentalclub.com. Booking & PR in Houston: pete@continentalclub.com.
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If you would like to get on the list to receive a weekly e-mail of our happenings, please request the Austin info from Dianne at info@continentalclub.com. There is currently no e-mail version for Houston, however if you have questions about Houston shows, contact Pete at pete@continentalclub.com. To unsubscribe from the e-mail version, or if you feel that you have received the e-mail in error, please respond to info@continentalclub.com with "unsubscribe" as the subject. Don't forget to get your birthday to me if you want to be on the monthly birthday list. I'd be happy to add Houston birthdays also if y'all let me know about them!
Keep readin' & rockin'.... Dianne
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Continental Service Club - Breast Cancer Resource CenterPark St. David, 900 E. 30th, Ste 108, Austin, TX 78705 (after September 13)
Ph: (800) 309-0089
The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin is a grass roots, non-profit organization created by breast cancer survivors. The Center exists to serve women with breast cancer, their families and support systems, women who have questions about screening and biopsy, and others in the community who are concerned about breast cancer issues.
All of the current staff and volunteers who work with clients are survivors. The BCRC functions as a clearinghouse for information on resources in the Central Texas area that provide services in breast cancer detection, education and support. Anyone seeking information or support may drop in, call or write.
If you would like to make a donation by mail, just download the PDF donor form, print it out, and mail it with your check, to
Breast Cancer Resource Center,
P.O. Box 1532,
Austin, TX 78767-1532.
Donations can be made in memory or in honor of someone. A special acknowledgement will be sent to them or their family in recognition of your gift. Click here for donor form
The Breast Cancer Resource Center is a Texas non-profit organization. The BCRC is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Contact the Breast Cancer Resource Center for information or questions at:
Austin: (512) 472-1710 New main number after September 13th 544-0900
Austin Fax: (512) 472-1776 New fax number after September 13th 544-0908
Round Rock: (512) 248-2645
Brackenridge: (512) 324-7992
Georgetown: (512) 942-4689
E-mail: mail@bcrc.org
Thank you for your support!
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Happy Hour
Formed in Austin, Texas late 2003, the Monday Happy Hour band, Paris 49, gathers 5 guys who share the same passion for American Jazz and its interpretation by Django Reinhardt's various bands of the 30's and 40's. The sound is the blend of 2 electrified Gypsy guitars and the tenor saxophone for a thick and surreal effect. Upright bass and drums work intricately together, flirting with a Be-Bop beat, while never really stating it. Renowned local and touring artists have enjoyed sitting in with the band... this show is improvised! (Mondays @ 6:00 p.m. No cover!) *Paris 49 will be off in October, and Django's Moustache will fill in for them.
Planet Casper takes on the Tuesday residency full-time. Because of the caliber of talent that Casper is drawing from (David Grissom, Warren Hood, "Scrappy" Jud Newcomb, Rich Brotherton & more), we have a $5 cover charge for this Happy Hour. What a hip way to spend a Tuesday evening! (Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m., $5)
Elana James takes over the Happy Hour spot from 8/15-9/12! "There is no mystery about how Texas Elana James ended up playing fiddle for Bob Dylan's touring band in 2004 - she is an incredibly talented violinist, blending everything from classic touches of Stephane Grapelli to hints of mod trad-master Mark O'Connor in an energetic, engaging style that says a lot about both her own personality and the music she loves. James matches her bow work with a sweet, sassy purr of a voice, and turns both to the task of rendering a contemporary take on some very traditional western swing and jazz ideas." ~Rolling Stone, Australia. (Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. No cover!) *The Hot Club of Cowtown lineup will play on 9/12! Combo Mahalo will fill in for Elana on 9/19 & 9/26.
The Mother Truckers are rockin' country! With irreverent, harmony driven country, they deliver non-traditional lyrics and blazing guitars. From sin to redemption and heartbreak to salvation. We have them every Thursday, just for you. (Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m. $5) *Except when Nakia & his Southern Cousins will fill in for them on 9/6, Shotgun Party plays on 9/13, and Mario Matteoli fills in on 9/27.
The Blues Specialists have played continuously on Fridays at The Continental Club for 20 years! Although founding members Erbie Bowser & T.D. Bell have passed on, the authentic blues tradition continues with band leader Mel Davis on vocals, sax & harmonica and T.D.'s son, Lawrence Bell on keyboards. (Fridays @ 6:30 p.m. No cover!)
Redd Volkaert, formerly a guitarist for Merle Haggard, picks & grins for his classic country Saturday matinees with a great cast of players. Redd's playing is so revered that many other musicians come to Redd's shows just to study his technique & sound. And to see what saying in on his T-shirt. (Saturdays @ 3 p.m. No cover!)
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NightTime Residencies
Heybale! featuring Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard) & Earl Poole Ball (Johnny Cash) is Austin's best & most popular country supergroup! The lineup includes singer/guitarist Gary Claxton, upright bass player Kevin Smith (Dwight Yoakam, High Noon) and drummer Tom Lewis (Raul Malo, Jim Lauderdale). On the last Sunday of each month we will present the Heybale Orchestra w/special guests Cindy Cashdollar, and/or Elana James, and/or Eric Hokkanen, according to who's available! It's all Heybale, all night, and still a bargain at $6! (Sundays @ 10:00 p.m. $6) . *Except 6/19 when Heybale plays at 9:30 and Alejandro Escovedo follows @11:45, $20 cover.
Dale Watson & his Lone Stars are in the business of making music on stage for their fans on the dance floor. You never know who's going to show up & end up on stage with Dale... James Intveld, Chris Wall, Ian Moore, Gordie "Grady" Johnson, Alan Haynes, Tommy Mack, a fiddle player from Scotland, a harmonica player from Spain... who knows. His latest tune is "The Ballad of Billy Joe (Where Do You Want It)," and if you're from Texas you'll know the rest of the story. And of course, he's still doing "Redd Volkaert, The Man With Ten Thumbs." This just might be the best $5 you'll ever spend on a Monday night. (Mondays @ 10 p.m. $5) *Except 9/10 when Mary Cutrufello & The Havoline Supremes fill in for Dale.
Barfield, "The Tyrant of Texas Funk" is all fresh & ready to tear it up! Their Southern funk 'n' rock 'n' soul shows have become legendary for the bootie-shakin' that goes on. They're going to be keeping the 10pm spot, splitting the night with Chicken Strut who will have the midnight spot. And who is Chicken Strut? The funkiest small combo around! Members are: Bobby Perkins - bass (Carolyn Wonderland, Larry, Topaz), Neil Pederson - keys (Extreme Heat, Papa Mali, Topaz), Michael Hale - drums, M.C. (Patrice Pike, Afrofreque, Dirty Wormz), Ron Sio - guitar (MeterMen, Topaz). "Some greasy fried chicken with the gizzards on the side and some bad hot sauce. And in this case - it definitely tastes like Chicken!" (Tuesdays @ 10 p.m. $5)
Songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Jon Dee Graham and his rockin' band, who may be called The Reluctant Astronauts, The Fuzzy Bunnies, The Enemies of Progress or The Fighting Cocks on any given Wednesday. James McMurtry & The Heartless Bastards are also here whenever they're not on the road or in the studio. Both of these songwriters produce literate, intelligent, intuitive material. And they can run the gamut from touching balladry to raucus rockers. (Wednesdays @ 10 p.m. $7) *Except when Jon Dee will be gone on 9/5: Nick Curran @ 10, James McMurtry @ 12; 9/12: Dustin Welch @ 10, James McMurtry @ 12; 9/19: Nick Curran & Friends all night long; 9/26, 10/3, 10/10 & 10/17: Dustin Welch @ 10, James McMurtry @ 12.
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Best of the Rest
Thursday September 6 @ 10:00, 12:00. $7 - Jake Andrews celebrates the release of Feelin' Good Again his latest CD on new label, Snocap. You'll hear all new songs from the new record, and Jake's new band will be featured! Legendary Blues master Guitar Shorty, who Jake toured with last summer & fall, will be performing one of his raucous blues sets at midnight. A proud member of the prestigious Alligator blues label, Shorty's latest album is We The People has been named the Blues Foundation's 2007 "Contemporary Blues Album". Credited with influencing both Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy, Shorty has been electrifying audiences for five decades with his supercharged live shows and his incendiary recordings, beginning in 1957 with a Willie Dixon-produced single on the Cobra label.
Friday September 7 @ 10:00, 12:00. $10 - Gal Holiday & The Honky Tonk Revue plays vintage honky tonk rockabilly and classic country music with a heavy dose of western swing for good measure. They are part of a new generation of musicians who have a deep-seated love and appreciation for the tried and true sound of their predecessors; musicians like Webb Pierce from West Monroe, LA, Hank Williams and less known musicians from the past like Helen Hall, a hard hitting Texas song writer who experimented with country in it's various forms including rockabilly. Wayne "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".
Saturday September 8, @ 9:00, 10:15, 11:45. $10 - Tonight is Mike Rosenthal's release party for his Freedom Records CD, Home. Clean arrangements feature an ever-present acoustic guitar, warm keyboards, melodic bass lines and conversational vocals. Yet, stylistically, the album remains true to Rosenthal’s undying love of FM radio rock. A close listen tells the story of a man dealing with personal change, finding love, negotiating loss and, perhaps most of all, finding his place. After spending six successful years with The Weary Boys, where Mario Matteoli opened up for such greats as Leon Russell, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, he decided to go in a different direction and focus exclusively on his solo career. In June of 2006, a 25-year-old Matteoli released “Hard Luck Hittin’,” his debut solo album. The album was well received by fans and critics alike. Some likened the album to the “acoustic solitude of Neil Young or the depressed world spun by Townes Van Zandt,” while others simply described it as “fantastic.” For the best hangdog honky-tonk, you're looking for The Derailers! With a decade’s worth of fine-tuned, highly anticipated and wonderfully received music, the Derailers continue to build the relationship between song, listener and dance floor. Their music celebrates the legacies of Buck Owens, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich and the Beatles, while still being on the edge of today’s country music. Brian Hofeldt describes his view of country music as, “finding out what love really is, versus what you thought it was when you were a kid.” For all the fans of the Derailers, love is all you need.
Sunday 9/9 @ 2:00, 2:45, 3:30, 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 Special Early Afternoon Show! $15 advance, $20 door - The ever jazzy Maryann Price Trio will open the show at 2pm, followed by a solo alt-country set by Chris Gates, the surf rock of The Sanchez Brothers, boot scootin' country by Chaparral, and Ted Roddy & The Backwoods Hipsters, acoustic country with Bruce Robison, and pure Texas roots music with Rick Broussard's Two Hoots & A Holler. Yes, that's right. It's one helluva lineup and a bargain at the price.
Thursday September 13 @ 10:00, 12:00. $7 - The Greyhounds are combining raw grooves and fresh melodies with elements of classic funk, oldschool blues, and straightup soul. Not just your average funk band, Greyhounds infuse some much needed levity with a dynamic presence. They enjoy what they're doing, and it's more than evident in their highly energetic shows. Barfield, The Tyrant is another high energy, excitement-filled performer. Is it possible that anyone works harder than Barfield on stage? He & his incredible band give it their all every time they're on stage, and they've got a dedicated fan base to prove it. Come shake your groove thing to the get-down sounds!
Friday September 14 @ 10:00, 12:00. $12 - White Ghost Shivers revel in string band music from the 20's and 30's, mixing early jazz, hokum, vaudeville, ragtime, western swing, and hillbilly, while at the same time unleashing the gutterous underbelly of a pseudo-rock world gone wrong...yee ha!! "The Motley Crue of hot string bands." I don't know who said it, but I love that someone did. This is the first night of Baton Rouge, Louisianans Red Stick Ramblers two-night release party for their Sugar Hill debut, Made In The Shade. The dance floor will be full all night long, so come early & stay late.
Saturday September 15, @ 10:00, 12:00. $15 - Red Stick Ramblers play a mixture of Cajun fiddle tunes, Western Swing, traditional jazz of the 1920s and 1930s alongside a steadily growing number of tradition-inspired originals. Based in Southern Louisiana, they build upon the songs of seminal fiddlers like Dennis McGee and Dewey Balfa, along with jazz and country swing bandleaders such as Bob Wills and Django Reinhardt, finding a common thread of danceable rhythms and strong, elegant melodies. James McMurtry has been awarded Esquire's 2007 Esky Award for "Biggest Agitator." The tag refers to McMurtry's musical commentaries on the current state of the union - "We Can't Make It Here" and "God Bless America" and has been inducted into the Austin Chronicle Music Poll Hall of Fame. "Rock & Roots or Roots & Roll, whatever you want to call it—we challenge you to find a description that fits other than good music you can count on when you thought maybe you just couldn't count on music anymore!"
~Lillie Ruby, webmaster emeritus.
Sunday 9/16 Doors open @ 9pm, show @ 9:30, 11:45, $20 - Heybale! is going to start their regular Sunday night show a little early so that Alejandro Escovedo can join them tonight. It's the last night of the Austin City Limits Festival and we want to give all those music-loving out-of-towners an after party to remember. Or it'll be all the music-loving locals if they get there first, since there are NO advance tickets. It's strictly first-come, first-served at the door on the night of the show. The country supergroup Heybale will get things going with a fine set of original & cover country tunes. Alejandro follows with whatever genre he's currently expanding & reinventing. I'm not at all sure what to expect, as it could be anything from orchestral to cowpunk to guitar-laden rock & roll. No matter; it's always breathtaking, heartbreaking, and transcendent.
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Coming.... Sunday 9/16, $6: Heybale w/Earl @ 10:00; Special late show, $20: Alejandro Escovedo @ midnight.... Monday 9/17, $5: Dale Watson & his Lone Stars return! @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: Paris 49 @ 6:30.... Tuesday 9/18, $5: Chicken Strut, Barfield @ 10; Happy Hour, $5: Planet Casper @ 6:30.... Wednesday 9/19, $7: Nick Curran & Friends @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: Combo Mahalo @ 6:30... Thursday 9/20, $7: *Dedringers*, Greg Garing, Shotgun Party @ 10, Happy Hour, $5: The Mother Truckers @ 6:30.... Friday 9/21, $12: Jesse Dayton, *Johnny Bush* @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: The Blues Specialists @ 6:30.... Saturday 9/22, $10: *Deke Dickerson*, TBA @ 10; Matinee, no cover: Redd Volkaert @ 3pm.... Sunday 9/23, $6: Heybale w/Earl @ 10.... Monday 9/24, $5: Dale Watson & his Lone Stars return! @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: Paris 49 @ 6:30.... Tuesday 9/25, $5: Chicken Strut, Barfield @ 10; Happy Hour, $5: Planet Casper @ 6:30.... Wednesday 9/26, $7: James McMurtry, Dustin Welch @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: Combo Mahalo @ 6:30... Thursday 9/27, $7: Youngmond Grand, Summer Wardrobe, Brent Palmer @ 10, Happy Hour, no cover: Mario Matteoli @ 6:30.... Friday 9/28, $10: Charanga Cakewalk, Patricia Vonne release party! @ 10; Happy Hour, no cover: The Blues Specialists @ 6:30.... Saturday 9/22, $10: Dale Watson & his Lone Stars, James "Slim" Hand @ 10; Matinee, no cover: Redd Volkaert @ 3pm.... Sunday 9/30, $6: Heybale w/Earl @ 10
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Music History 101
Music History will return next week.
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September Birthdays
*Boxcar Willie, Archie Bell, Charlie Robison, *Virginia Scott (1), Hank Thompson, *Freddie King (3), Ashley Overton (4), Bill Campbell, Dave Pipkin (5), David Allan Coe, Gary Myrick, Rhett Miller, Matteo Bosisio, Karen Peters (6), *Buddy Holly (7), *Jimmie Rodgers, Guitar Shorty, Michelle Vignault, Anna Keyah, Shannon Holt (8), Sharon Lohse (9), Rosie Flores, Miles Zuniga, Mark Guerra (10), Roger Wallace, Hosea Hargrove (11), *Kenneth Threadgill, George Jones, *Barry White, Christine Albert, Shontae Moeller, Steve Reynolds, Jennifer Hoskins (12), Marchel Ivery, Bill Small (13), *Hank Williams, *Don Walser (14), Beaver Nelson, Stephanie Nelson, Karen Salter, Becky Gernand, Giorgio Angelini, Bryan Hibler (15), Terry McBride, Andrew Duplantis, Paul Minor, Eric C. Hughes, Will Indian (16), *Hank Williams (17), Lance Armstrong (18), Bobby Snell (21), Chris Gunn (22), John Avery Lomax (23), Carrie Weld, Griff Luneberg (25), Chris Miller, Mike Whitely (26), Meat Loaf, Jamie Wellwarth, Alex Napier (27), Paul Skelton, Tomas Ramirez (28), *Joe "Guitar" Hughes, Alvin Crow, Betsy Moore (29), Johnny Mathis, Gibby Haynes, Noelle DeBruhl, Anthony Bice (30)
September Memorials (date of death)
Vanessa Alvarez (9/1/06), Remember the Heroes of 9/11 in NYC, PA & Washington DC (9/11/01), Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas (9/13/06), Toby Solomon (9/19), Don Walser (9/20/06)
Birthday Legend: * = deceased; italic = Continental Club staff (past & present)
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Notable Obituaries - September 2007Luciano Pavarotti, b. 10/12/1935 - d. 6/9/2007
Legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who brought opera to the masses, died on Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 71.
"The great tenor Luciano Pavarotti died today at 5 am (11 pm Wednesday EDT) at his home in Modena," his manager Terri Robson said in a statement. "The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life.
Although his health had been seriously failing for a year, the death of the rotund, black-bearded tenor known as "Big Luciano" saddened people ranging from stars, impresarios and critics of 'bel canto' to fans who could barely afford tickets.
"He was one of those rare artists who affected the lives of people across the globe in all walks of life," London's Royal Opera House at Covent Garden said in a statement.
"Through his countless broadcasts, recordings and concerts he introduced the extraordinary power of opera to people who perhaps would never have encountered opera and classical singing. In doing so, he enriched their lives. That will be his legacy," said Convent Garden.
While past opera stars often locked themselves in a gilded, elitist world, television viewers around the world heard Pavarotti sing alongside pop stars like Sting and Bono in his famous "Pavarotti and Friends" benefits for the needy.
Already famous in the opera world, he rocketed to planetary superstardom when he, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras sang at Rome's Caracalla Baths during the 1990 soccer World Cup in Italy.
Sales of opera albums shot up after the concert and the aria Nessun Dorma from Puccini's Turandot, which has the famous victory line "At dawn I will win", became as much a feature of soccer fever as the usual stadium chants.
The people of Modena, a provincial town in northeast Italy, mourned a man who remained very attached to his hometown even as a superstar.
Venusta Nascetti, a 71-year-old who used to serve Pavarotti coffee in a local bar when he was a teenager, remembered him as being "full of joy, he had a happy spirit".
"He always loved us just like we loved him," the frail old woman, wearing dark glasses to hide her emotion, told reporters outside Pavarotti's house where she went to pay her respects.
Pavarotti shot to fame with a stand-in appearance at Covent Garden in 1963 and soon had critics gushing. His big break came thanks to another Italian opera great, Giuseppe di Stefano, who dropped out of a London performance of "La Boheme" in 1963.
Covent Garden had lined up "this large young man" as a possible stand-in -- and a star was born.
In 1972 he famously hit nine high C's in a row in Daughter of the Regiment at New York's Metropolitan Opera, which he referred to as "my home".
His last public singing performance was at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin in February 2006.
Final Act
In July last year, Pavarotti underwent surgery in New York for pancreatic cancer and retreated to his villa in Modena. He had to cancel his first planned public reappearance a few months later.
Pavarotti was taken to a hospital in Modena last month and treated for more than two weeks. He was released on August 25, and spent his final hours at home with family and friends nearby, the statement said.
"He remained optimistic and confident that he would overcome the disease and had been determined to return to the stage to complete his Worldwide Farewell Tour," the statement said.
Robson said that up until just weeks before his death, Pavarotti gave several hours each day to teaching his pupils at his summer villa in Pesaro, on Italy's Adriatic Coast. Pavarotti launched an academy for young singers in Modena two years ago.
"He was also planning to complete a recording of sacred songs and unveil the next phase of the Pavarotti International Voice Competition," the statement said.
In 2003, Pavarotti married Nicoletta Mantovani, an assistant 34 years his junior and younger than his three daughters, after an acrimonious divorce from Adua, his wife of 37 years.
As Nicoletta was bearing twins, the pregnancy ran into complications and their son Riccardo was stillborn.
He is survived by Nicoletta, their four-year-old daughter, Alice, as well as three daughters from Pavarotti's first marriage.
*****
The Continental Club Gallery
A Fusion of Art, Jazz and Cocktails
1313A S. Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78704
Two doors up from The Continental Club
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Austin TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"The Continental Gallery’s ambience is strikingly different from most other clubs around town, highlighted by the revolving art displays on the walls and relatively quiet live music. Upstairs from The Continental Club, patrons find more secluded seating areas and a ping-pong table. Unique touches like this one are what make the gallery so exciting." ~DTWeekend.com
A Fusion of Art, Jazz and Cocktails
1313A S. Congress Avenue, Austin TX 78704
Two doors up from The Continental Club
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Austin TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"The Continental Gallery’s ambience is strikingly different from most other clubs around town, highlighted by the revolving art displays on the walls and relatively quiet live music. Upstairs from The Continental Club, patrons find more secluded seating areas and a ping-pong table. Unique touches like this one are what make the gallery so exciting." ~DTWeekend.com
***
ArtArt show openings will take place on the First Thursday of each month, and the shows will run for the entire month. This will be the general rule, although as with everything in this business, there may be exceptions. Check this section regularly for news on current & upcoming shows.
***
September 6 @ 7pm Art Opening: ... William K. Stidham came to painting after a bruising experience in trying to get his contemporary fiction novel published. Having spent 4 years in writing, editing, choosing an agent,more editing, then shopping publishing houses and hitting a dead end... William decided to pick up a watercolor kit from the local Walgreen's in order to do something different with his creative energy...
The initial paintings came out better than expected and offered encouragement. Not having a formal education in art, he looks at this as a gift. "The only bad habits I have are my own. Watercolors can never be mastered and God is in the perceived mistakes that eventually become a new extension of who I am and where I am going. The so called mistakes end up becoming a new direction."
William K. Stidham has had shows in many cities including: Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Corpus Christi and Queretaro, Mexico. He has been featured in the Austin American Statesman, radio station in Austin, ME TV, magazines and a Coors Light beer commercial. His work also graces The Vineyard wine labels. He currently resides in Austin TX.
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MusicMondays in September @ 10 - Son Y No Son is an established Austin Latin dance ensemble led by Rey Arteaga and accompanied by some of the best musicians in Austin. Son Y No Son performs Cuban Son, Colombian Cumbia, Mexican Sones and Boleros, Brazilian Chorinho, but are known to play way outside of those genres when inspired. The individual members like all kinds of music and have many shared musical tastes and play in an array of other bands and other projects.
Tuesdays in September @ 10 - The Ephraim Owens Experience is the brainchild of trumpet master in the jazz arena, Ephraim Owen. He is especially well known for his signature solos and ability to improvise. He has an uncanny ability to imagine his music laid on top of anything else he hears, and his adaptability makes him a welcome addition to any lineup. The Austin Chronicle ranks Ephraim as "Best Horn" in Austin.
Wednesdays in September @ 10 - Trube, Farrell & Sniz are Anthony Farrell, Andrew Trube of the Greyhounds, and Dave "Sniz" Robinson. They bring their mix of funk, soul and r&b to the Gallery every Wednesday night!
Thursdays in September @ 10 - Paris 49 gathers 5 guys who share the same passion for American Jazz and its interpretation by Django Reinhardt's various bands of the 30's and 40's. The sound is the blend of 2 electrified Gypsy guitars and the tenor saxophone; a thick and surreal effect. Upright bass and drums work intricately together, flirting with a Be-Bop beat, while never really stating it. *Paris 49 is off in October, and Trio Gallerio and Chris Vestre Group will fill in on alternating weeks.
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in September @ 10 - Mike Flanigin's B-3 Trio features Mike on Hammond B-3 organ amplified through a classic Leslie cabinet. His backing players vary from night to night, but you count on it being the cream of Austin's crop in jazz, blues or funk. Possible guitarists include Derek O'Brien, Johnny Moeller, Mike Keller, and Dave Biller. Drummers may be Damien Llanes, Chris "Whipper" Layton, or George Raines. Whether the show is jazz, blues or funk or some combination of all of them depends solely on who the backing band is, since Flanigin does it all with finesse. *Except Saturday 9/15 Mike Flanigin's B-3 Trio will play @ 9pm. They will be followed by The Magnificent Trio @ 11:30. $15 cover
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Literati
Saturday, November 3 @ 8:00pm - The Texas Book Festival in partnership with American Short Fiction will present Dagoberto Gilb's Hecho en Tejas: An Anthology of
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The Continental Club
Bringing the Continental tradition to Downtown Houston
3700 Main St, Houston TX 77002
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Houston TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"A spin-off of an Austin landmark, this club located in a booming section of Midtown plays host to popular retro roots, rockabilly, country and swing acts like Big Sandy and Flaco Jimenez, who perform on a red velvet-curtained stage; vintage neon light fixtures shine from high metal ceilings in the space that was once a general store, where pool tables, a back-room bar and an outdoor patio offer a respite from the music." ~Priceline.com
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Bringing the Continental tradition to Downtown Houston
3700 Main St, Houston TX 77002
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Houston TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"A spin-off of an Austin landmark, this club located in a booming section of Midtown plays host to popular retro roots, rockabilly, country and swing acts like Big Sandy and Flaco Jimenez, who perform on a red velvet-curtained stage; vintage neon light fixtures shine from high metal ceilings in the space that was once a general store, where pool tables, a back-room bar and an outdoor patio offer a respite from the music." ~Priceline.com
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The Space City Music Spin
When you come visit us on Main St, don't forget the good eats at Tacos A Go-Go, 3704 Main, a funky taco joint right between the Continental Club, Sigs Lagoon, and Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top (The Big Top). You can place your order, return to your drink at The Big Top, and they will bring your order to you. Now that's service!
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Hey, y'all, the Continental Confidential can now be found on our MySpace Blog, as well as on the website!
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Check out our schedules below for both The Continental Club and for THE BIG TOP. Tickets for select shows, which will be noted in the schedule, will be available at Sig's Lagoon, 3710 Main St., (713) 533-9525.
Email me if you need more details on the shows, or give us a call (713) 529-9899.
Keep Rockin’ Houston,
Pete
***
This week's shows at The Continental Club, Houston...
Thursday 9/6 @ 10 - Mike McClure Band
Friday 9/7 - The Blaggards @ 11:30, TBA @ 10
Saturday 9/8 - Felipe Galvan y sus Carnales , plus The Jungle Rockers @ 10. Doors open @ 8pm.
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Upcoming shows at The Continental Club, Houston...
Wednesday 9/12 @ 10 - TBA
Thursday 9/13 @ 10 - The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker! This is a badass funk & soul revue!
Friday 9/14 - Flametrick Subs @ 11:30, plus Sean Reefer & The Resin Valley Boys @ 10
Saturday 9/15 - The Flaming Hell Cats @ 11:30, and TBA @ 10. Doors open @ 8pm.
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Weekly Residencies at The Continental Club, Houston...
Every Monday @ 8 - The beautiful Tango music of pianist Glover Gill begins at 8:00 p.m. and El Orbits hit the stage at 9:00 p.m. for swing, country, soul and a little of everything else. The delicious martinis are only $3 and the Lone Star pints are just $2.
Every Tuesday 9:00 - Goodtrain Recording Sessions is an ever evolving/ revolving family of musicians/ artists/ friends & family. Its only goal is to have a good time and play some groovy music. Doors open @ 8pm. No cover!
Every Wednesday 7:00-10:00 - Through September Papa Sloan's Country will play all your favorite country and western hits! They'll be taking requests and keeping them dancing. Always entertaining! $1 Lone Stars till 8pm so come early and stay a while.
Thursday Nights 7:00 -10:00 - FREE! BEETLE is an unbelievable band; “close your eyes” and you are there. Beetle weaves their way through all the fun of The Beatles songs, playing “Hard Days Night”, “Lucy in the Sky”, “Hello Goodbye”, and “She Loves You, YEAH, YEAH,YEAH” they cover all the favorites. Paul on bass, Jim on guitar, Jamie on guitar, and BK Ringo Jamison on the Drums, This Fab four will have you dancing the evening away week after week. TACO A GO GO will be on hand to feed you some of their fantastic food! The Big Top opens at 5pm for Happy Hour.
Friday Nights 7:00-9:30 No Cover - Molly and the Ringwalds are giving you the best in 80’s Pop Rock. From “My Sharona” to “Jesse’s Girl” the '80s come screaming back to you! Songs you thought you forgot, but you seem to know every word. We’re going to party like it’s 1989. There will be a FREE '80s NACHO BUFFET, plus many other special surprises like Ringwald Karaoke. Bring your friends! Here comes the weekend! The Big Top opens at 5pm for Happy Hour.
*****
Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top Lounge
No Phone - No Pool - No Pets
3714 Main St, Houston TX 77002
Three doors down from The Continental Club
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Houston TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"Basically the chill out room to Houston's venerable hard-partying Continental Club, Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top Lounge, while not being as raucous as its adjacent bar brother, is really no slouch when it comes to the hip and boisterous drinking scene. When you step inside to this local Houston bar the décor will definitely make you do a double take, but don't worry, despite the circus atmosphere the only freaks here are the ones you came in with and the only high wire acts are downing canned PBR's while slamming shots. On some nights, Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top Lounge has some local live music treat their patrons to a riff or two." ~Houston.com
***
No Phone - No Pool - No Pets
3714 Main St, Houston TX 77002
Three doors down from The Continental Club
Volume XI #4.1 ...... Houston TX ...... September 6, 2007
***
"Basically the chill out room to Houston's venerable hard-partying Continental Club, Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top Lounge, while not being as raucous as its adjacent bar brother, is really no slouch when it comes to the hip and boisterous drinking scene. When you step inside to this local Houston bar the décor will definitely make you do a double take, but don't worry, despite the circus atmosphere the only freaks here are the ones you came in with and the only high wire acts are downing canned PBR's while slamming shots. On some nights, Shoeshine Charlie's Big Top Lounge has some local live music treat their patrons to a riff or two." ~Houston.com
***
This week's shows at Shoeshine Charlie's BIG TOP Lounge...
The Big Top opens at 5pm for Happy Hour on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday!
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Upcoming shows at Shoeshine Charlie's BIG TOP Lounge...
Saturday 9/15 @ 10 - Allen Oldies Band
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Every Sunday - Big E's Sunday Night Hop! Rockabilly Show! No cover!
Every Tuesday @ 9 - LE HOT CLUB! Doors open @ 8, No cover!
Every Wednesday @ 10 - PETER & JAMES, No cover!
Every Thursday @ 10 - The Umbrella Man, No cover!
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Email me if you need more details on the shows, or give us a call. (713) 529-9899. If you are interested in holding a party at the Continental Club or The Big Top, drop us a line for details, we hold all kinds of cool events here. Keep Rockin’ Houston.Thanks,
Pete
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