Gruene, TX

AAaaaa!!!  The feeling of walking off the bus (Black and Blue [name of the bus, not our faces]) in the middle of Disneyland,  parked next to your favorite ride, feels great, would be the best description of where we were, Gruene (pronounced green), on the Guadalupe River, surrounded by the city of New Braunfels, probably top pick of our favorite places to play, this itty bitty town holds the energy comparable to millions, it helps me to understand what life is all about.  This is a special weekend indeed, due to it being our first, two night (consecutive)  stand at Gruene Hall, known as the oldest dance hall in Texas.   Chicken wire, swinging screen doors,  no back door, is just skimming the surface here, our time here, being extended, couldn’t be long enough.  The beauty is also in the  fact we got a freebie card on not having to roll on to another town after a show, so dangerous is what we had staring us in the face.   Word came in that brother Bo Phillps, was onboard for the whole weekend, including the infamous Saturday matinee, and arrived about the time we started soundcheck.   It’s great to see the built in smile on their faces when they walked up.  So at this point, it’s whatever you want to do, everyone was free to do their thing,  many choices to choose from, dinner at the Gristmill before the night quickly draws in, which is fast because NBTX is a midnight town/1 am on Saturday kind of place, so no sitting around–get the party started.  Our phones blew up, many folks coming in for this one, and it was so hard to spend enough time with our long time, no see friends, due to the boundaries.  Of course bro Bo lit the fuse, and got our Friday kicked off in order, the first night started shaky (just for me cause i couldn’t see) but a speedy recovery plan put in place,  if I just had a flashlight…the show went well, except for some “chick fight” up front, then the typical wind- er -down kind of thing, get some sleep because it’s Saturday by this point.  The brilliant idea by our on board genius, Mike,  to drape the backdrop overhead, looked great, as we took the stage for a second show, also with Bo and his bad arce Band, on the mentioned Saturday, but this time was way better, the crowd was kickin when we walked in the door.  No rock star BS here, you walk through the crowd to get on the stage, the one thing that don’t change is how it works, it was a pleasure to have the privilege to walk, and high five all you folks who support, not only us, but also our brothers in our musical community.  The band brought it, you peeps bought it, the night flew by so fast, we even had a marriage proposal and dance, for Feet don’t touch the Ground, thank God for Brandon Jenkins.  We thank the same for you, wish you well in  your life and travels, may we all be blessed for the road ahead…………elstevo

Abilene, TX

We started the second day of this run heading out from San Angelo in the morning light, to meet everyone else who had not stayed behind from the night before. Destination was the Lucky Mule (fortunate ass) in Abilene, and the drive there was fantastic, with having landscape looking like El Paso, even with red dirt, and allowing us to get up close to the massive wind fields out that way. We were just far enough north to see the burned leaves from the recent frost, changing the color of the trees, as to say summer is officially over. Thankfully I had KL and JW in the truck, so getting directions was pretty easy, and a short drive indeed. Always a first sign of being in this part of the region is the wind, and this day was no exception, almost as much wind coming from Kyle but not close enough for a match. Load in, soundcheck, pretty much routine for this part of the day, and we all split in different directions to get things done before the show, which started early due to curfew at midnight. Whiskey Myers started off the festivity, and we then immediately followed to a decent amount of Abilene folks present. This is one of those places to easy to predict, because the crowd mostly stays off the dancefloor, leaving plenty of space for the dancers. We gave them plenty to dance to for sure, and the show flew right by just like they always do. We thank all you for making the show a success, and hope you all made it home safe, and observed Veterans Day. Take a moment out of your busy schedule to remember the best part of your day, and never forget to let those around you know, that you love them. We love you all and look forward to the next time we see you again. Cheers!! elstevo

San Angelo, TX

Welcome back out on the road with us as we assemble this cast of characters for a show out in the western part of the state, at our favorite place to play, the infamous Grahams Central Station. Another typical beginning of gathering all the members in one spot, the drive there allows the sites, of the changing landscape, to sink in, as Texas is so big that you think you have crossed the state line, but never leave the state. This region turns from Hill Country to flat, desert like land, with cactus and mesquite trees, complimented by plateau’s. JF and I stopped off at a Coopers BBQ in Junction, and had to fight off the bee’s to get thru our meal–we had no idea bee’s are so attracted to BBQ, but the 80 mph speed limit made up for any lost time. We did arrive just a bit late, but in time to get in a soundcheck before the inevitable split of everyone going different directions. Dinner was over at Zetner’s Daughter Steakhouse, and was interesting, before the show, then back to the GCS to get the night going. We put on some Gov’t Mule before the show, and then took the stage around 10:15 just ourselves, no other band on the bill. Since these lovely GCS’s have multiple rooms (clubs) under on roof, the thumping disco music from the room next door bleeds thru the walls, and we can hear it between our songs, even with wearing ear monitors–sheesh… It has been a while since we have had a dose of the west TX stare, so it was great to get another helping of it, and learn everyone is doing fine out there. We appreciate you guys for making it out on a Wednesday night, and thank you for being there for us. Until we make it out your way again, take care and we’ll see you down the road. Cheers!! elstevo

Huntsville, TX

We closed off this short spell of a run at the execution capital of the United States, where a famous comedian once said they were putting in express lanes for the death penalty, Huntsville, and for those of you who don’t know, that’s just north of Houston. We are back at the Jolly Fox, and it looks like they have made some improvements with remodeling a portion of the place that is now the One Leg Crow, leaving the JF only open for concerts. There are no more pool tables, being replaced with booths and tables, but added the smallest shuffle board table known to man. The days are warm, and the nights are cold, the signs of approaching holidays are popping up all around, as we saw Huntsville City crews putting up Christmas lights downtown. We had an issue with power (electricity) and had to wait for a power distribution supply to be brought up from Houston, so a built in delay was what we had to deal with, and we took the opportunity to get in some pain at the torture chamber before a quick dinner at Humphrey’s in the meantime. Stoney and I laughed about the damage on the adjacent building, that was caused by a friend of ours about 7 years ago, and no attempt was made to repair the falling roof so far. Not really a lot to mention of the typical day, pretty routine, and this is the second day in a row of being in search of a hot tub, but was unsuccessful. Brison Bursey was on the bill with us for the show again, and played until we hit the stage at 11:30 to a full house. We had an interesting introduction from JF owner, George, and just rocked on in the normal life changing way. Huntsville police were over eager in their attempts to find trouble, wreaking havoc in the parking lot, and took those less fortunate away for a ride down the road. We thank all you folks for getting out after the football games and coming down for some music, and helping putting fuel in our tank. We hope you had a great time and made it home safely. Have a great week, we’ll see you down the road……..elstevo

Nacogdoches, TX

Welcome back out with us as we find ourselves here in chapter 240, of the continuing novel of tales and lore. Friends always say, “the life of being a musician must be pretty cool, that you only have to work 1.5 hours a day”–well, that’s not so accurate, as the start of this day was a sign of another 24+hour day. Stoney did a couple of acoustic shows before we all met up in various places, then landing at the oldest town in TX. Known by many as “Naca-nowhere,” it always sticks out as a great place, and very beautiful with rolling hills and pine trees, as we anticipated a possible freeze later in the night. Cuz “42″ (Keith) picked up NT, JB, and I, somewhere I don’t know, in a different bus, which is what you will now be seeing us in, the time was up on Vertigo, and our new ship is Black and Blue, which I was told was just on the Widespread Panic tour, dropped the guys off in Vegas, then picked us up. So there we are, rolling down the road counting historical markers (there are many in TX), when Cuz sez, “look in the mirror”– all we see is a cloud of haze, and upon investigation, it was not smoke, thankfully it was steam–we blew a radiator hose 10 miles from Nac. That completely shut us down, and Cuz took off in search for a replacement with a stranger that was kind enough to stop and see if we needed help. Then came the highway patrol, beating on the side of the bus, when Stoney fended them off. Whew… Late was the word, but our superstar line-up of Nathan, Mike, Dusty, and Kyle, we made up lost time and even worked up a new tune. Lunch was at Clear Springs, and they picked up the tab–thanks guys!–then everybody split in different directions, in which JW, JB, and myself took the hotel option, and turned out to be great. If you go to Nac and need a bed, check out the Fredonia, get a room by the pool, enjoy, you’ll feel like a movie star (I pretended I was Gene Autry). It was like cross between California and Key West. With the town shutting down at midnight, the show started early and with Brison Bursey kicking it off, and we the took the stage around 10 pm or so, with plenty of dancing going on, not us, the crowd. The band sounded great, and we had a good time. An earlier mention of the gentleman who took time out of his day to help someone, brings me to this–get your face out of your cell phone and pay attention to what’s happening around you. A good deed on your behalf, can make the biggest difference in somebody else’s life. We understand the blessing we have been given to have you let us into your lives, and can never thank you enough for the love you provide. Take care Nacogdoches, we’ll see you down the road……….elstevo

Little Rock, AR

We made our way back over to the state’s capital, Little Rock, for a temporary traffic jam in the River Market District, landing at the Revolution Room. We normally play at the Stinky Finger Chicken Shack, owned by the same people, but they moved us over, down the street, to the larger stage. I rode up front with Cuz “42″ (Keith), starting around Friendship, AR, and enjoyed the beautiful ride in, toward the destination, as one by one, my bandmates started waking up, making their way up to the front of the bus. We searched out some food, and then the process of putting everything on the stage began. Soundcheck went well as we are working on some new stuff, and we left some room for the Midnight River Choir, from New Braunfels, who were scheduled to share the stage with us, and we split off in search of a last minute costume, to wear on the stage. We were Zombie’s. The show went really well, MRC sounded great, and trying to play in full garb was a challenge, and hot under the stage lights. JB had to remove his mask, and I pulled off my hair so’s I could see. Stoney invited about 8 girls to come up onstage and dance during Oklahoma Breakdown, which is always crazy when this happens, thankfully there were no incidents. We appreciate you all for choosing to spend your Saturday night with us, we know the effort involved with getting out and the cost with it all. You mean the most to us, and so, we thank you. Happy Halloween to you and your families, we hope you have a safe on indeed. See you sown the road…….Cheers!! elstevo

Wichita Falls, TX

Welcome back out on the road with us for another episode of debauchery, tales, and lies, starting off in north Texas, in a town otherwise known as “Scratchita.” JF and I did the red eye flight from San Antonio to OKC, hopped on the bus to go back to TX. I vaguely remember a carry out IHOP breakfast, and watching Mike playing bass in a video, sporting the long hair Vegas look, complete with shyster sunglasses, pleather jacket, and fu man chu (sorry bro, don’t think I would have let that one out of the vault). Everyone coherent slipped off to bed, where we all woke in another parking lot of familiarity, the Crazy Horse Saloon. Where do I start here with this one…..hmmmm. The day itself was spectacular, with the weather so fine, it was almost intoxicating. A great day to kick back in the sun, and soak up every ray of vitamin D, burning through a bag of sunflower seeds from the Dollar General store. Doing my best to catch back up with SL and JF at the local torture chamber, pain was self inflicted and grueling, we did get in a quality soundcheck (how important this is) and worked up a new tune that we ended up delivering later that night for the show. JB and meself blazed over to some chicken shack, and was pleasantly surprised with a rotisserie delight, complete with a rockin green bean side kick. About this time, Devin Leigh, (most recently Bleu E’s lead gtr man) who shared the show with us, started off the night with an interesting set–didn’t know he had the capability, and we then followed with starting off our show at 11 pm. Not what could be placed on any barn burning status, a bit of a let down from you’s Wichita Fallionians. We may not be quite sure why you sit and stare at us, but we do like to see you there, and hope you have half the fun we do staring back at you–don’t be afraid to raise a little hell. Square (funny) dancing to Ok Breakdown is a different approach to the norm, but as long as you cut it loose, we don’t care. SL, KW, and I busted open the pool table for some hilarious championship, and acrobatic display of letting loose, balls were flying, sticks slammin’, chalk throwin’, nothing legal–Minnesota Fats would have spit on us. We had a blast, and Somebody’s Darling popped in about the time things started to get blurry. No matter where you are and what you do, never fail the opportunity to enjoy the blessings we all have put before us. A wonderful world surrounds us all, and we give thanks to be able to share it with you. We wish you the best, and hope we can continue to be a part of your lives………elstevo

Flatonia, TX

We headed over to Flatonia (flat on ya) which is smack dab between Houston and San Antonio on I-10, for a show at Czhilispiel (pronounced chili spill) where they close off the streets and have it right there in the town. This is the 38th year for this BBQ & Bean cookoff, originally started by a couple of guys, to raise money to send a young lady to school. The day was a long one, involving a sampling of an unknown TX town locals’ venison jerky, a cracked windshield, and a slow motion sunset. JF and myself arrived with little knowledge of where to go, and just drove around until we saw the bus, Vertigo, which was parked behind the gate that was posted musicians entrance only, and they wouldn’t let us in, so Dusty came out and lowered the “boom.” We arrived too late to enter Kyle in the Jalapeno eating contest, and missed the many categories that included Royal White tigers, Backseat Drivin Momma, Horseshoe and washer tournament, an egg toss, and of course, a parade. Many bands played throughout the day, and Mark McKinney played right before us, we then hit the stage at 11 pm, and was told under the largest Biergarten tent in Texas, and a full moon. We thank you all so much for making it out, and screaming and singing along. We hope you enjoyed the show, maybe we’ll see you there again next year. Have a great week!! Peace elstevo

Dennison, TX

We started of a short weekend run in north Texas, for a Friday night show at Grandpappy Point on Lake Texoma, where the state line is invisibly located in the water. The typical gathering of everybody was part of the start, and as we made our way to the venue, we were surrounded by ominous rain clouds, and even thought we witnessed a birth of a wall cloud that never developed. Most of the time, we know very little what each show situation is, unless we have played it before, and in this case, we have played shows out here before, but this stage was located in a different spot, not either of the 2 stages we have played out here before. The good news here, is that we were going to be inside, in a metal building, with concrete floors and windows all down the sides–a soundman’s nightmare. This place is normally a party spot, with it being at the marina, and a Dallas/Ft Worth resident destination one hour from the city’s, but it appeared most boats were removed to be winterized and stored, and it was quiet enough to hear a catfish burp. There were a few serious boaters getting a boat ride in before the sun went down, as we (Brandon Jenkins Band, Mike Ryan Band, and us) had dinner with fans by the water. About this time was when they opened the concert doors, and the music started shortly after. I slipped off to the cabin for a shower, when I was approached by a young gentleman who said he had no money for a concert ticket. It is quite common to be hustled by people with lies wanting money, but I believed him, and Cuz “42″ (Keith) and myself split the cost of the ticket, and gave him the money to get in. The cost of changing lives…. We hit the stage at 10:20, and had a hard time seeing anybody in the crowd, due to the stagelighting trusses about 40 ft away, which just created shadows everywhere, and making silhouettes of all the people. Brandon came up onstage with us for Feet don’t touch the ground, we had a good time and hope everyone found their way home safely. We stuck around for a little bit, and viewed the ring around the moon, with accomplices Wayne and Tony. Thanks out to the Robinson’s for the homecookin’, and thanks to all of you who came out to support all 3 bands for the show. See you down the road…..Cheers!! elstevo

The long and winding road…….

The first of a two show weekend began with the gathering of everybody, coming from many different directions, arriving in Waxahachie, just south of Dallas, for a show at a place called Fat Daddy’s, which is a huge sports bar. Not being a fan of sports bars, this one turned out to be ok, but the stage was way smaller than we needed, due to having three bands advertised for the show. The first band up decided to back out of the show, leaving us and Bo Phillips to forge through the night as usual. Stoney sang the National Anthem at the Rangers/Yankees game, so, was late coming in, and with a blown tire on Vertigo, Cuz “42″ (Keith) had called in a gentlemen to bring over a new tire, and change it right there in the parking lot, while Bo was inside singing on stage. Kevin Webb is back out on the road with us, so it was great to see him doing well. We hit the stage around 9:45, and for the first two or three songs, it was freezing up there, due to two industrial size air vents delivering this arctic blast, and somebody was kind enough to kill the air conditioning for the remainder of the show. We had a disco light show, which made it hard to see the crowd, randomly flashing every color repeatedly–kind of like color strobes. I think the lighting guy had too many Red Bulls….We had a great crowd and a great time, and appreciate you all for coming. The next stop on this weekend run, was Saturday night in Coupland, TX, at the Coupland Dancehall, just north and east of Austin. This is the place I have previously mentioned as being haunted. Cuz went 10 miles down the road to another hotel because he didn’t want to stay here. There is a restaurant next door to the dancehall, and a hotel upstairs from that. All three places have claims of apparitions, and evidently children can see spirits easier than most people. We saw the pictures on the walls from 1916, with horse-drawn wagons and carriages pulled to the front door, the same place as it stands today. We look forward to playing here, it’s always a good time, descent food, and you can get your boots shined by Tim. The day itself was, again, stellar, giving an intoxicating feeling when kickin back in the rocking chair on the front porch. Curtis Grimes kicked off the night, and we then took the stage over around 10:45 to a full house–it is amazing how much dust gets kicked up from the dancers. Everywhere we go, we receive gifts from so many people who love us. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but we never forget to thank those who keep us close to their hearts. We respect and appreciate everything you do for us, and thank you all for the effort it takes to get out of the house, drive to the show, stand there and wait for us to start the music. We wish you all well in your lives, don’t let it go by, get out there and live each day like it would be your last……Rock on!! elstevo