The holidays mark the end of the calendar year. The designated time when we all begin to think of family and traditions. We exchange joy and laughter as if it were a virus, contagious to all it comes in contact with. A time for food, family, friends, gifts and every possible top ten list you can imagine.
In keeping with the tradition of end of the year top ten lists, here’s my top ten music shows I got to see this year. I’ve managed to travel from Las Vegas to Louisville, Kansas City to Panama City, all the in betweens and most of the way beyonds.
These are in no particular order, just kinda as they come to mind. So, here ya go… Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This show was one of my bucket list checks. I’ve been a Parrothead since the 70’s when I picked up a copy of Buffet’s live album for the song & Margaritaville and discovered the rest of the world. At 70+ years old, Buffet performed a solid two hours, barefooted, hopping around the stage like a teenager. The band was spot on and the music, old and new, took me to that one particular harbor.
The 2018 International Blues Challenge, all over Beale Street and beyond in Memphis. The IBC never fails to captivate me. I’ve been attending since 2004 and have been volunteering for over a decade, getting the opportunity to meet musicians from all around the world. I’ve become friends with many of these folks. This past IBC brought a new friendship with singer/songwriter Brett Benton from Washington, a chance to meet one of my fave guitar players in Gary Hoie, and a chance to see Kevin Burt win the Solo/Duo title with a chilling
rendition of the Beatles’ song ‘Eleanor Rigby’.
Billy Joe Shaver in Luckenbach. I was part of a team for the annual Mud Dobber Chili Cook-off, held in the friendly confines of that 30-acre plot of land in the middle of nowhere. I’d never been to Luckenbach or that area of Texas. The entire day was filled with great country music from up and coming Texas musicians. The evening ended with a performance by Shaver, who was just getting over the flu. I was able to stand front and center and even got to chat with the man a few times during the evening. You could tell in his voice he is aging and being ill did not help. However, he performed for two hours and didn’t miss a beat, rolling through all his hits and reciting a couple of his poems. Billy Joe Shaver is a true piece of music
history.
John Oates at Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs. One-half of the duo Hall & Oates, John Oates offered up songs from his latest solo project Arkansas. While most of the audience was there for the pop forty tunes Oates helped pen during the duo’s heyday, I was particularly impressed with the imagery and insightfulness of the songs off the new release. Oates did play some of the duo’s hits that he had originally penned including ‘Maneater’, originally intended to be a reggae tune, and ‘You Make My Dreams’, written as a rockabilly song. An impressive songwriter, Oates is also quite a guitarist.
The Eagles at the BOK Forum in Tulsa. I saw the Eagles on the Hell Freezes Over Tour in the Pyramid in Memphis. That show was one of the best I’d seen to date. This version of the Eagles is possibly one of the best ever. With Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt still
slamming it out at 70 years old, the addition of Vince Gill and Glen Frey’s son, Deacon, this edition did not disappoint. Playing all the band’s hits, a couple of Vince Gill songs and several Joe Walsh tunes, the Eagles are as good now as they ever were.
The Currys at Scallop RePUBlic on Cape San Blas, Florida. I’ve been making trips to the Florida panhandle for many years and listening to a lot of music while I’ve been at it. One particular trip I was treated to this group of two brothers and a cousin, all Ivy League educated, who now play music for a living. Their harmonies and musicianship on their instruments explained in no uncertain terms the capacity crowd in one of the coolest venues on the Gulf Coast.
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials at The Big Chill in Hot Springs. This was the kick off show for the Hot Springs Blues Festival over the Labor Day Weekend. Ed & crew played a high energy show To a capacity crowd, interacting with the audience and hanging around afterwards to shake hands. Lil Ed remains one of the best showmen in the business.
Justin Wells at The Big Chill. I was introduced to Wells’ music by fellow deejay Jeffery Don Splawn. Wells, who usually plays with a band, worked this gig as a solo. Hailing from Kentucky, his original songs describe the love and hardships of families trying to make a life in the world. I’m particularly taken by one of his tunes called & Goin’ Down Grinnin.& Vanessa Collier and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal at The Forgotten Music Festival in Destin.
This festival was originally set to be held on the beach in Mexico Beach. Hurricane Michael had other plans. The promoters moved the event to Destin on the original date and turned it into a fundraiser for the victims of the hurricane. The venue and the weather the day of the concert could not have been better for an outstanding lineup of music. Two acts that particularly impressed me were saxophone queen Vanessa Collier and the blue-eyed soul & funk from Josh Hoyer and his band Soul Colossal. Both performers performed over the top sets and both had moments in their performance that made me feel like I was in the song with them.
Coco Montoya, Earl Cate & Carolyn Wonderland jamming onstage together at The Auditorium during the Eureka Springs Blues Weekend. Montoya was a last minute headliner, stepping in for former mentor John Mayall who had fallen ill before the weekend. To sweeten the pot, Carolyn Wonderland had been tapped to be Mayall’s newest guitarist in the Bluesbreakers. With a little scheduling magic, Montoya’s set ended with him, Wonderland and the incredible Earl Cate onstage together. I was front row for this one.
Amanda Fish at The Big Chill. This is one of the shows I scheduled to raise money for the musicians relief fund. Fish has a much more raw, laid back approach than her younger sibling. Her original music and performance were top notch. Utilizing local guitarist Josh Parks and bassist Heather Crosse, Fish wowed a capacity crowd.
Craig Gerdes at The Big Chill. Gerdes hails from Indiana. His soft spoken demeanor is deceiving. When he and his band hit the stage they transform into a shit kicking honky tonk party. Playing original music and putting his spin on covers, Gerdes delivered a high energy performance that had the crowd dancing all evening. This was one of the surprises of my musical year.
John Nemeth in several places. I got to see Nemeth perform several times this past year and I have to say he puts on one of the best shows in the business. With The Blue Dreamers, his crack band behind him, Nemeth delivers blues, soul, funk and rock with equal ease. Usually wearing tie-dyed coveralls, Nemeth is always having fun on stage. He is also one of the humblest guys I know.
Ok, so that was more than ten but whatever. These were just some of my fave shows this past year. There were many more that I didn’t mention that were just as good as these. If you take nothing else from this list at least take this… go hear live music. Go to your local club. Go to an arena. Go to a festival. Buy a t-shirt and CD. Go support live music and the people who make it.
Here’s to a great year, everybody. I’ll see ya backstage.
Peace, y’all.
---DH
The holidays mark the end of the calendar year. The designated time when we all begin to
think of family and traditions. We exchange joy and laughter as if it were a virus, contagious
to all it comes in contact with. A time for food, family, friends, gifts and every possible top ten
list you can imagine.
In keeping with the tradition of end of the year top ten lists, here’s my top ten music
shows I got to see this year. I’ve managed to travel from Las Vegas to Louisville, Kansas City
to Panama City, all the in betweens and most of the way beyonds.
These are in no particular order, just kinda as they come to mind. So, here ya go…
Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This show was one
of my bucket list checks. I’ve been a Parrothead since the 70’s when I picked up a copy of
Buffet’s live album for the song "Margaritaville" and discovered the rest of the world. At 70+
years old, Buffet performed a solid two hours, barefooted, hopping around the stage like a
teenager. The band was spot on and the music, old and new, took me to that one particular
harbor.
The 2018 International Blues Challenge, all over Beale Street and beyond in Memphis. The
IBC never fails to captivate me. I’ve been attending since 2004 and have been volunteering
for over a decade, getting the opportunity to meet musicians from all around the world. I’ve
become friends with many of these folks. This past IBC brought a new friendship with
singer/songwriter Brett Benton from Washington, a chance to meet one of my fave guitar
players in Gary Hoie, and a chance to see Kevin Burt win the Solo/Duo title with a chilling
rendition of the Beatles’ song ‘Eleanor Rigby’.
Billy Joe Shaver in Luckenbach. I was part of a team for the annual Mud Dobber Chili
Cook-off, held in the friendly confines of that 30-acre plot of land in the middle of nowhere. I’d
never been to Luckenbach or that area of Texas. The entire day was filled with great country
music from up and coming Texas musicians. The evening ended with a performance by
Shaver, who was just getting over the flu. I was able to stand front and center and even got
to chat with the man a few times during the evening. You could tell in his voice he is aging
and being ill did not help. However, he performed for two hours and didn’t miss a beat, rolling
through all his hits and reciting a couple of his poems. Billy Joe Shaver is a true piece of music
history.
John Oates at Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs. One-half of the duo Hall & Oates, John
Oates offered up songs from his latest solo project Arkansas. While most of the audience was
there for the pop forty tunes Oates helped pen during the duo’s heyday, I was particularly
impressed with the imagery and insightfulness of the songs off the new release. Oates did play
some of the duo’s hits that he had originally penned including ‘Maneater’, originally intended
to be a reggae tune, and ‘You Make My Dreams’, written as a rockabilly song. An impressive
songwriter, Oates is also quite a guitarist.
The Eagles at the BOK Forum in Tulsa. I saw the Eagles on the Hell Freezes Over Tour in
the Pyramid in Memphis. That show was one of the best I’d seen to date. This version of the
Eagles is possibly one of the best ever. With Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt still
slamming it out at 70 years old, the addition of Vince Gill and Glen Frey’s son, Deacon, this
edition did not disappoint. Playing all the band’s hits, a couple of Vince Gill songs and several
Joe Walsh tunes, the Eagles are as good now as they ever were.
The Currys at Scallop RePUBlic on Cape San Blas, Florida. I’ve been making trips to the
Florida panhandle for many years and listening to a lot of music while I’ve been at it. One
particular trip I was treated to this group of two brothers and a cousin, all Ivy League
educated, who now play music for a living. Their harmonies and musicianship on their
instruments explained in no uncertain terms the capacity crowd in one of the coolest venues
on the Gulf Coast.
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials at The Big Chill in Hot Springs. This was the kick off show for
the Hot Springs Blues Festival over the Labor Day Weekend. Ed & crew played a high energy
show To a capacity crowd, interacting with the audience and hanging around afterwards to
shake hands. Lil Ed remains one of the best showmen in the business.
Justin Wells at The Big Chill. I was introduced to Wells’ music by fellow deejay Jeffery Don
Splawn. Wells, who usually plays with a band, worked this gig as a solo. Hailing from
Kentucky, his original songs describe the love and hardships of families trying to make a life in
the world. I’m particularly taken by one of his tunes called "Goin’ Down Grinnin."
Vanessa Collier and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal at The Forgotten Music Festival in Destin.
This festival was originally set to be held on the beach in Mexico Beach. Hurricane Michael had
other plans. The promoters moved the event to Destin on the original date and turned it into a
fundraiser for the victims of the hurricane. The venue and the weather the day of the concert
could not have been better for an outstanding lineup of music.
Two acts that particularly impressed me were saxophone queen Vanessa Collier and the
blue-eyed soul & funk from Josh Hoyer and his band Soul Colossal. Both performers performed
over the top sets and both had moments in their performance that made me feel like I was in
the song with them.
Coco Montoya, Earl Cate & Carolyn Wonderland jamming onstage together at The
Auditorium during the Eureka Springs Blues Weekend. Montoya was a last minute headliner,
stepping in for former mentor John Mayall who had fallen ill before the weekend. To sweeten
the pot, Carolyn Wonderland had been tapped to be Mayall’s newest guitarist in the
Bluesbreakers. With a little scheduling magic, Montoya’s set ended with him, Wonderland and
the incredible Earl Cate onstage together. I was front row for this one.
Amanda Fish at The Big Chill. This is one of the shows I scheduled to raise money for the
musicians relief fund. Fish has a much more raw, laid back approach than her younger sibling.
Her original music and performance were top notch. Utilizing local guitarist Josh Parks and
bassist Heather Crosse, Fish wowed a capacity crowd.
Craig Gerdes at The Big Chill. Gerdes hails from Indiana. His soft spoken demeanor is
deceiving. When he and his band hit the stage they transform into a shit kicking honky tonk
party. Playing original music and putting his spin on covers, Gerdes delivered a high energy
performance that had the crowd dancing all evening. This was one of the surprises of my
musical year.
John Nemeth in several places. I got to see Nemeth perform several times this past year
and I have to say he puts on one of the best shows in the business. With The Blue Dreamers,
his crack band behind him, Nemeth delivers blues, soul, funk and rock with equal ease.
Usually wearing tie-dyed coveralls, Nemeth is always having fun on stage. He is also one of
the humblest guys I know.
Ok, so that was more than ten but whatever. These were just some of my fave shows this
past year. There were many more that I didn’t mention that were just as good as these.
If you take nothing else from this list at least take this…go hear live music. Go to your
local club. Go to an arena. Go to a festival. Buy a t-shirt and CD. Go support live music and
the people who make it.
Here’s to a great year, everybody. I’ll see ya backstage.
Peace, y’all.
---DH
The holidays mark the end of the calendar year. The designated time when we all begin to think of family and traditions. We exchange joy and laughter as if it were a virus, contagious to all it comes in contact with. A time for food, family, friends, gifts and every possible top ten list you can imagine.
In keeping with the tradition of end of the year top ten lists, here’s my top ten music
shows I got to see this year. I’ve managed to travel from Las Vegas to Louisville, Kansas City to Panama City, all the in betweens and most of the way beyonds. These are in no particular order, just kinda as they come to mind. So, here ya go… Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This show was one of my bucket list checks. I’ve been a Parrothead since the 70’s when I picked up a copy of Buffet’s live album for the song "Margaritaville" and discovered the rest of the world. At 70+ years old, Buffet performed a solid two hours, barefooted, hopping around the stage like a teenager. The band was spot on and the music, old and new, took me to that one particular harbor.
The 2018 International Blues Challenge, all over Beale Street and beyond in Memphis. The IBC never fails to captivate me. I’ve been attending since 2004 and have been volunteering for over a decade, getting the opportunity to meet musicians from all around the world. I’ve become friends with many of these folks. This past IBC brought a new friendship with singer/songwriter Brett Benton from Washington, a chance to meet one of my fave guitar players in Gary Hoie, and a chance to see Kevin Burt win the Solo/Duo title with a chilling rendition of the Beatles’ song ‘Eleanor Rigby’.
Billy Joe Shaver in Luckenbach. I was part of a team for the annual Mud Dobber Chili
Cook-off, held in the friendly confines of that 30-acre plot of land in the middle of nowhere. I’d never been to Luckenbach or that area of Texas. The entire day was filled with great country music from up and coming Texas musicians. The evening ended with a performance by Shaver, who was just getting over the flu. I was able to stand front and center and even got to chat with the man a few times during the evening. You could tell in his voice he is aging and being ill did not help. However, he performed for two hours and didn’t miss a beat, rolling through all his hits and reciting a couple of his poems. Billy Joe Shaver is a true piece of music history.
John Oates at Oaklawn Jockey Club in Hot Springs. One-half of the duo Hall & Oates, John Oates offered up songs from his latest solo project Arkansas. While most of the audience was there for the pop forty tunes Oates helped pen during the duo’s heyday, I was particularly impressed with the imagery and insightfulness of the songs off the new release. Oates did play some of the duo’s hits that he had originally penned including ‘Maneater’, originally intended to be a reggae tune, and ‘You Make My Dreams’, written as a rockabilly song. An impressive songwriter, Oates is also quite a guitarist.
The Eagles at the BOK Forum in Tulsa. I saw the Eagles on the Hell Freezes Over Tour in the Pyramid in Memphis. That show was one of the best I’d seen to date. This version of the Eagles is possibly one of the best ever. With Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt still slamming it out at 70 years old, the addition of Vince Gill and Glen Frey’s son, Deacon, this edition did not disappoint. Playing all the band’s hits, a couple of Vince Gill songs and several Joe Walsh tunes, the Eagles are as good now as they ever were.
The Currys at Scallop RePUBlic on Cape San Blas, Florida. I’ve been making trips to the
Florida panhandle for many years and listening to a lot of music while I’ve been at it. One particular trip I was treated to this group of two brothers and a cousin, all Ivy League
educated, who now play music for a living. Their harmonies and musicianship on their
instruments explained in no uncertain terms the capacity crowd in one of the coolest venues on the Gulf Coast.
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials at The Big Chill in Hot Springs. This was the kick off show for the Hot Springs Blues Festival over the Labor Day Weekend. Ed & crew played a high energy show To a capacity crowd, interacting with the audience and hanging around afterwards to shake hands. Lil Ed remains one of the best showmen in the business.
Justin Wells at The Big Chill. I was introduced to Wells’ music by fellow deejay Jeffery Don Splawn. Wells, who usually plays with a band, worked this gig as a solo. Hailing from Kentucky, his original songs describe the love and hardships of families trying to make a life in the world. I’m particularly taken by one of his tunes called "Goin’ Down Grinnin." Vanessa Collier and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal at The Forgotten Music Festival in Destin. This festival was originally set to be held on the beach in Mexico Beach. Hurricane Michael had other plans. The promoters moved the event to Destin on the original date and turned it into a fundraiser for the victims of the hurricane. The venue and the weather the day of the concert could not have been better for an outstanding lineup of music. Two acts that particularly impressed me were saxophone queen Vanessa Collier and the blue-eyed soul & funk from Josh Hoyer and his band Soul Colossal. Both performers performed over the top sets and both had moments in their performance that made me feel like I was in the song with them.
Coco Montoya, Earl Cate & Carolyn Wonderland jamming onstage together at The Auditorium during the Eureka Springs Blues Weekend. Montoya was a last minute headliner, stepping in for former mentor John Mayall who had fallen ill before the weekend. To sweeten the pot, Carolyn Wonderland had been tapped to be Mayall’s newest guitarist in the Bluesbreakers. With a little scheduling magic, Montoya’s set ended with him, Wonderland and the incredible Earl Cate onstage together. I was front row for this one.
Amanda Fish at The Big Chill. This is one of the shows I scheduled to raise money for the
musicians relief fund. Fish has a much more raw, laid back approach than her younger sibling. Her original music and performance were top notch. Utilizing local guitarist Josh Parks and bassist Heather Crosse, Fish wowed a capacity crowd.
Craig Gerdes at The Big Chill. Gerdes hails from Indiana. His soft spoken demeanor is
deceiving. When he and his band hit the stage they transform into a shit kicking honky tonk party. Playing original music and putting his spin on covers, Gerdes delivered a high energy performance that had the crowd dancing all evening. This was one of the surprises of my
musical year.
John Nemeth in several places. I got to see Nemeth perform several times this past year
and I have to say he puts on one of the best shows in the business. With The Blue Dreamers, his crack band behind him, Nemeth delivers blues, soul, funk and rock with equal ease. Usually wearing tie-dyed coveralls, Nemeth is always having fun on stage. He is also one of the humblest guys I know.
Ok, so that was more than ten but whatever. These were just some of my fave shows this
past year. There were many more that I didn’t mention that were just as good as these.
If you take nothing else from this list at least take this…go hear live music. Go to your
local club. Go to an arena. Go to a festival. Buy a t-shirt and CD. Go support live music and the people who make it.
Here’s to a great year, everybody. I’ll see ya backstage.
Peace, y’all.
---DH
