Category Archives: Music

A Day In The Life… Fort Worth

Life is not meant to be boring for this girl hailing from Vermont. I’ve decided to start this new series, “A Day In The Life” which will follow me for an entire day, wherever I happen to be. Some day’s I need a break but other’s amaze even myself when it comes to the moments that I come across.

For the first installment, where better to start than one of my favorite places in Texas and the place that I call my “Texas home”, Fort Worth.

The first part of the day was spent running errands so I won’t get into that. Next came lunch. I’ve been looking for a new BBQ place to try and heard this was the place! (Funny thing was I drove by this location a year ago on a random drive.) Great BBQ, a dessert that will “blow your mind” (ask for the Pecan cake) and some Texas scenery, this is now my place – Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ. Sure the building gives the “are we sure about this” appearance but once inside you are surrounded by the greatness of what BBQ and Texas is all about.

This visit was different than what one would normally find. This was day one of setting up shop for a TV show that would be filmed all this week. I even was asked for an interview on my experience at the restaurant. Let me tell you – being in front of the camera is much different than being behind it. No preparation and being put on the spot – oy! [If you’re looking for a TV opp and some delicious BBQ – this is your place this week!]

Next up – I headed to the old part of Fort Worth – The Fort Worth Stockyards. Beware, this is a huge tourist spot. Don’t let all the “tourist” locations only suck you in, there’s so much more! If you happen to head this way, there’s so much more than what meets the eye, especially depending on what time you visit. For me, this visit was purely concentrated on photographing some of the old buildings but I found a few other gems along the way.

The sights in this area are incredible. Bring your camera, even if you are a local. The buildings and art work located on them are truly a gem but don’t let your eye bypass the other sights along the way. A simple boot shine sign, yep – they’ve got it. Slip on into a small restaurant to listen to some local flavor, you can find it here too. Plus there’s always the fun of peeking into the boutiques or looking and dreaming about your next pair of boots! You can never have too many pairs!

A quick stop at home, followed by a short walk in a local park (the weather was actually decent enough for a walk so I took advantage) followed up by getting ready for a sold out show. Patty Griffin was playing at The Live Oak in Fort Worth. I’ve waited months for this show. This venue has turned into one of my favorites (except for how packed it was for this show). We ended up eating dinner here as well. The service happened to be a bit slow and a little packed. So packed, we shared a table with a couple in front of us who were on their first date. Oh, moments! Excellent musicians, plenty of microbrews on tap and a good crowd of people.

(For more video’s, check out my YouTube channel)

The show ended early, so why stop there? The Southside Fort Worth district is amazing. Every once in a while it’s good to venture from the downtown or West 7th Street areas. I found my way to Shipping and Receiving and upon a band that was right on the money. Wally West & Them Lostbound Souls. Reminded me a bit of Ryan Bingham. Great, small local band to come across.

Lastly, I ended the night venturing to one more late night stop and a local food truck. Heck, if you can end your day with good breakfast food from a food truck – it was a pretty good day! Until next time Fort Worth!

Have you been to any of these places? What are your favorites in Fort Worth?

Front Row and Free

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William Clark Green has been a top contender on my Texas Country list for a while. I love his shows but he seems to just magically appear around Fort Worth. A couple of weeks ago, I just happened to see his name pop up again to open for The Josh Abbott Band at Billy Bob’s, even though he wasn’t listed on their website. Sneaky, sneaky!

Then, I just happened to get free tickets to see the show, at the last minute.
The tickets just happened to be reserved seating, front row, dead center.
If I got any closer I would’ve been hugging the man on stage. Not saying I would’ve had a problem with that…

William Clark Green is amazing live. Ah hell, I’ll just let you have a listen for yourself. You’ve heard me praise him before.

Then there’s this one with Josh Abbott (who was having a ton of fun onstage) – I was one happy girl to hear this song! LOVE!

The Josh Abbott Band on the other hand. Well, the man is amazing or should I say band. He is one of the few performers who was scheduled for two nights in a row at Billy Bob’s – it’s rare. The place was packed. There was a lot of folks with a good taste in music. JAB may be more widely known due to the songs that he writes. They’re trying to bring attention to causes that the majority may over look. His most recent release, She Will Be Free, brings attention to sex traffic crisis in the US – it’s more prevalent than most think. Check out the video.

This is one of my all time favorite Texas Country songs… makes me just wanna two-step!

This turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve been to in a while. Maybe it was the fact that we were so close. Perhaps it was because they were so personable. Good company adds to the mix (and good beer). Texas music – doesn’t get much better! If you have a chance to check out either of these guys (or purchase their album) – I highly recommend it!

Grady Spencer, Michael Donner, John Fullbright

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Last Thursday, while most of the metroplex was hunkering down in preparation of the great “Icemageddon of 2013”, this lady was headed to Fort Worth to catch a show she promised herself she wasn’t going to miss. Crazy? Perhaps. Other attendees would say, no, just dedicated like themselves.

I arrived at The Live Oak just off Magnolia Street in Fort Worth. This is now my favorite venue in the metroplex. Small, seated (I think it tops at 188 seats), microbrews galore and the acoustics. Oh the acoustics in this room are some of the best I’ve heard in a long time. I found my spot three rows from the stage (third row only because the first two were VIP seating). Made quick friends with the group behind me sharing laughs on the cooky man sitting along the way hitting on everyone and “the best pick up lines” we’ve all heard.

First to hit the stage was a man by the name of Grady Spencer. Besides the fact hat Mr. Spencer carries a fantastic mustache, this man is a great musician! I loved his set and look forward to seeing him again.

Next up, Michael Donner from Michael Donner and the Southern Renaissance. Go ahead, take a listen. Both fantastic!

John Fullbright. That’s the man that I was there to see, to listen, to relax and try to get some kind of insight about what makes this guy tick. See, the key isn’t to know everyone’s entire book… it’s more interesting just to get little tidbits into what makes them who they are, what they do, the rest will make it all come together. John Fullbright may be one of the most dedicated and serious musicians I’ve run into in a while. He lives through his music. One of my friends has told me – don’t miss one of his shows. He was right. Oklahoma born, once a member of The Turnpike Troubadours and the Mike McClure band – this should give you a good root of his music. Don’t even get me going on the grand list of his influences. You’ll pick up on them. Goosebumps. I’m at a loss for words when I find musicians I really love. Just take my word for it, Google him, YouTube, just go buy his album… it’ll do you good.

If you happen to be within a distance to one of these musicians, especially John Fullbright – do yourself a favor, traverse a great ice storm, drive around a tornado, or just walk across the street, grab a cold one and sit back and be ready to be blown away.