Category Archives: Music

Two Tons of Steel and the Turnpike Troubadours

Last Saturday, a few of us headed to Dallas to see the Turnpike Troubadours. I’ve never been to the Granada Theatre – I’m glad that I finally got the chance. Completely authentic, the perfect size, seats and standing area. I’m convinced that any seat has a great view (we were in the last seated row). The venue was easy to find and parking was convenient. I look forward to going back – I already have a show in mind!

Evan (the lead singer of Turnpike Troubadours) has a HUGE fan (my current roommate) so we were bound to go. We caught the second opener for the band – Two Tons of Steel out of San Antonio. The best way to describe these guys would be Texas Country meets Country Swing. The lead singer had some Dwight Yoakam / Elvis mannerisms. They were pretty good. The stand up bassist was phenomenal. There’s not enough good stand up bassists in this world!

The Turnpike Troubadours are out of Oklahoma but its evident that Texans are forgiving them. They’re pretty great (we’ve seen them numerous times). Evan – you do seem to get a little more drunk on stage every time I see you play though. Just sayin’.

The two bands (we missed the first) complimented themselves very well. The crowd loved them. The sound was great in the theatre. If you’re looking for some good ole Texas / Texas Country bands – these are two you should definitely check out either live or just pick up their cd for your Sunday drive!

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, HOB Dallas

2 Replies

On November 10th, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals paid a visit to good ole Dallas and my friend Amberly and I were not going to miss it (as usual). If you are ever looking for a wicked show to check out – this is your band. They’ll play a little rock, perhaps a ballad or two, but the magic lies in performance. Personally, anyone can sound good on a record but when GPN comes into play it’s all authentic and 110%. Guitar solos, hitting every note, the band collaborating on the drums, dancing and getting the crowd going from the stage. Everything you want will be there and it’s always a good time!

Here are a couple videos from the show!

Originally from Vermont, they’ve really paved the way in the past few years. They’ve started the Grand Point North Music Festival in Burlington, VT (which I really need to get to). Grace has also collaborated with Kenny Chesney on ‘You and Tequila’ and ‘El Cerrito Place’. They’ll even be going on an European Tour with the Avett Brothers next year! Keep an eye out – you won’t want to miss them!

Line Dancing At Billy Bob’s

6 Replies

So I’ve been here for almost five years and it’s taken me this long to try line dancing at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk! I know, I can’t believe it either. Last Thursday, three of us found ourselves at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, a little nervous. It’s quite serious and the one’s that were dancing before the class obviously had done this before… many times.

Every Thursday, Billy Bob’s hosts a “free” line dancing class. It isn’t exactly “free”, there is a $2 cover to get in but parking is free (right across the street) and really in this day in age how much can you really get for $2.00. So first, we were watching these seasoned dancers which made us a little nervous but soon enough the class started and provided some inspiration that maybe we could do it too!

Once the class started, the dance floor filled up just about as much as it could and the class started. The teacher has apparently been teaching for a long time (I’ve heard around 30 years) and he’s really good. We learned the Boot Scooters Boogie – really easy, really fun. There’s different variables that you could throw in and the steps were even provided on a written sheet so you could practice at home (for those who are forgetful like me) so you can come back and show off your sweet moves later on!

Not only do they have line dancing classes, they also have two stepping classes. The two step is about the most fun you can have dancing with a partner (in my opinion). I just need to find a nice cowboy to take the class with me!

If you happen to be in Ft. Worth – definitely check out the class. If you are visiting, put it on your must to do list. You can’t come to Texas and not go to a Honky Tonk or dance hall and if you’re there – you HAVE to get out there and shake some tail feathers!