‘Galveston Oh Galveston’

It is Monday morning, (my Sunday morning) this week. I’ve had a cup of cowboy coffee and I am ready to roll. I’m thinking about the past week with shows we had in Galveston, Houston, and Fulshear,TX.

Friday night we headed to the island and played for a full house of ‘Spring Breakers’.  The added attendance audience was a little livelier than usual, but we were able to rein them in for a great, fun night of music. We had them all singing along.  Old man Wrecks Bell even made an appearance to introduce us.

Saturday night we were at the iconic Fitzgeralds ‘in the Heights’. It was a 40 year reunion/celebration.  I want to thank all of you who came out to celebrate and remember all of our past times at Fitzgeralds. There were folks who had their first date there, some were even underage. And had to sneak in, but I won’t mention any names, to protect the guilty back in the day. There were plenty of stories to tell and to hear, many requests for tunes from the 70’s. Yes, I broke out a few I hadn’t performed in quite a while: Song on the Radio, Troubles, Hard to Find Smile, In Spite of Myself, Jubilation, You Wouldn’t Know Me, and a great sing along on It’s Against the Law.  At times it felt like it was 1977 all over again. I keep saying I play songs that cover five decades and two centuries. I’m shooting for at least one more decade, maybe one more quarter, and perhaps a little bit ‘overtime’.  Thanks Sarah Fitzgerald.  It was wonderful to see you. Keep up the good work my friend. It was a memorable return to my old stomping grounds.  I hope to see you there again this year.

Sunday evening, working our way back to Austin, we stopped over and performed in Fulshear, TX. at the beautiful home of  Scott and Allison Witt.  What a great way to wrap up a three day trip.  Folks filled the room and again were shouting out requests, old and new. There were old fans of the music there from the 70’s and some who had never heard us but really enjoyed the performance. We sold a suitcase full of CD’s and some of my cowboy coffee too.I also want to thank Bob Riley and Scott for booking us.   We indeed hope to return next season to this wonderful home concert series.

We continue our spring tour this Saturday in Mason, TX on the square at LeaLoumason! It is a celebration of 25 years married for Paul and Robin Bozzo and their guests but it is open to the public and a free show.  It’s a party in the biergarten that once was a lumber yard. Good food, pizza, salads and beer and wine all available for purchase.  We hope to see you all there.  I’ll let you all know how that went when we get back.  It is in our back yard, just an hour and a half drive for us.  Https://www.facebook.com//lealoumason.com for information and directions.

Thank you for supporting live music and hope to see you at a show.

Peace, Shake

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Big D little a Double L A S!

This Saturday night Michael Hearne, Mike Roberts and I pull into Dallas for “POOR DAVID’S PUB 40th Anniversary Bash. Yes, David Card has been bringing live music to the Dallas for the past 40 years.  I’ve been a part of it and have performed at the iconic Dallas music club for many of those years. We’re please to be there for the occasion. A special treat to add to the mix of this show will be Bill Hearne joining us for the evening.  Michael’s “Uncle Bill” is a legendary flat picking guitarist extraordinaire.  He taught Michael just about  everything He knows… so the story goes.  I’ll tell you folks, I’ve been listening to Bill since the early 70’s up in Austin, in the Bill and Bonnie Hearne Band. They were the first ones way back in the day to record one of my songs, “It’s So Hard to Find A Smile” on their 1973 album called ’SMILIN’. Anyway Bill’s the real deal! So be sure and arrive early enough to hear Bill’s opening set.  I am sure Michael will be ‘sitting in’ trading licks with him.  We’ll be hitting the stage around 9pm and doing two sets. You won’t want miss this I promise. Make plans now to come on out and bring some requests with you and help celebrate and thank David for the 40 years of music.  Music starts at 8 pm.  www.poordavidspub.com for tickets.

SATURDAY… we are back in Austin at “The RawHide Trail Concert Series.”  We’ve performed several times at this house concert and always enjoy the experience.  The home concert has in the past has provided a masseuse with a chair/massage for a quick shoulder, neck, hands adjustment “back stage”.  What a treat, I hope that’s still part of the deal.  I’ll let you know how that turns out. Sorry, this show is already sold out I believe?  BUT…. for those of you who couldn’t get tickets for the RawHide Trail show, here’s some good news…Monday night March 13, Michael Hearne and I will be at The El Mercado Restaurant on First Street in South Austin “Where Austin is still weird!!!” There’s a touch of old Austin in the air, with good food, cold beer, old hippies, and good times and music everywhere.  Christine Albert hosts “Mystery Mondays”.  Michael and I will
be swapping songs with her and jamming with David and Tommy like we’re a band.  It’s always good fun, and off the cuff, kind of night. You just never know who might stop in and jump up on stage for a song. It’s a great way to spend a Monday evening.  It always puts a smile on my your face all the way home. Music is from 7:30-9:30pm!  The price is right… Never a cover! You’ll be home early.

SXSW is in A town Wednesday, March 15, Michael and I will be part of the Kerrville Folk Festival Showcase takeover of Threadgills South.  We go on at 2pm.  If you’re out and about drop by and check out a sample of the festivals performers.   Betty Soo, Guy Forsyth,  Billy Crockett,  Rachel Laven, Emily Scott Robinson, George Ensle, Melissa Greener, American Dreamer Gordy Quist and Ed Jurdi, The Flyin’ A’s and Los Texmaniacs and, of course, Michael and I and Mike Roberts!  Come on out!

I am going to wrap it up for now, but I hope to see you at one of the shows.  More on upcoming events to come.  Stay tuned

Thanks,  Shake

Big D little a Double L A S!

This Saturday night Michael Hearne, Mike Roberts and I pull into Dallas for “POOR DAVID’S PUB 40th Anniversary Bash. Yes, David Card has been bring live music to the Dallas for the past 40 years.  I’ve been a part of it and have performed at the iconic Dallas music club for many of those years. We’re please to be there for the occasion. A special treat to add to the mix of this show will be Bill Hearne joining us for the evening.  Michael’s “Uncle Bill” is a legendary flat picking guitarist extraordinaire.  He taught Michael just about  everything He knows… so the story goes.  I’ll tell you folks, I’ve been listening to Bill since the early 70’s up in Austin, in the Bill and Bonnie Hearne Band. They were the first ones way back in the day to record one of my songs, “It’s So Hard to Find A Smile” on their 1973 album called ’SMILIN’. Anyway Bill’s the real deal! So be sure and arrive early enough to hear Bill’s opening set.  I am sure Michael will be ‘sitting in’ trading licks with him.  We’ll be hitting the stage around 9pm and doing two sets. You won’t want miss this I promise. Make plans now to come on out and bring some requests with you and help celebrate and thank David for the 40 years of music.  Music starts at 8 pm.  www.poordavidspub.com for tickets.

SATURDAY… we are back in Austin at “The RawHide Trail Concert Series.”  We’ve performed several times at this house concert and always enjoy the experience.  The home concert has in the past has provided a masseuse with a chair/massage for a quick shoulder, neck, hands adjustment “back stage”.  What a treat, I hope that’s still part of the deal.  I’ll let you know how that turns out. Sorry, this show is already sold out I believe?  BUT…. for those of you who couldn’t get tickets for the RawHide Trail show, here’s some good news…Monday night March 13, Michael Hearne and I will be at The El Mercado Restaurant on First Street in South Austin “Where Austin is still weird!!!” There’s a touch of old Austin in the air, with good food, cold beer, old hippies, and good times and music everywhere.  Christine Albert hosts “Mystery Mondays”.  Michael and I will
be swapping songs with her and jamming with David and Tommy like we’re a band.  It’s always good fun, and off the cuff, kind of night. You just never know who might stop in and jump up on stage for a song. It’s a great way to spend a Monday evening.  It always puts a smile on my your face all the way home. Music is from 7:30-9:30pm!  The price is right… Never a cover! You’ll be home early.

SXSW is in A town Wednesday, March 15, Michael and I will be part of the Kerrville Folk Festival Showcase takeover of Threadgills South.  We go on at 2pm.  If you’re out and about drop by and check out a sample of the festivals performers.   Betty Soo, Guy Forsyth,  Billy Crockett,  Rachel Laven, Emily Scott Robinson, George Ensle, Melissa Greener, American Dreamer Gordy Quist and Ed Jurdi, The Flyin’ A’s and Los Texmaniacs and, of course, Michael and I and Mike Roberts!  Come on out!

I am going to wrap it up for now, but I hope to see you at one of the shows.  More on upcoming events to come.  Stay tuned

Thanks,  Shake

AS WE GO MARCHING ON

AS WE GO MARCHING ON…

March 1, 2017 and it looks like  we’re heading towards an early spring.  We saw our first bluebonnets driving down to Beaumont last week. Yes indeed, all those wild blue flowers of Texas, along the track, were forever waving back. Our return to The Logon Cafe was a success.  I hadn’t played there in eight years, so I wasn’t
sure who or if anyone would show up, but you did and we had a wonderful time and audience to play for.  Thank you Beaumont!  Thank you Chantelle for having us!  We hope to be back in Beaumont this summer. Be sure and watch for us.

Last Sunday night I performed a solo show at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck with all of you coming out clapping and singing along with me, it almost felt like a Saturday night. I knocked the dust off quite a few songs I hadn’t played in a while. I appreciate all the requests you sent my way. Plus…Joshua Cain Daugherty set up his audio equipment and recorded the show. It was just me and my guitar, so it was pretty easy to capture. Thank those of you who took home a copy/recording of the show on a thumb drive. Besides the great quality recording provided, how about all the little extras Joshua tosses in to the production: The little back stage video, graphics, pictures, set list.  He always goes the extra mile and does a really great job!  I hope you enjoy it. I’ll be back at The Duck with Michael Hearne and Mike Roberts on May 20th.  Please make your reservations soon as this show will sell out. www.mcgonigels.com

This Saturday March 4th, we’ll be in Houston at UNITUNES Concert series, located just west of the Galleria at 1900 Bering Drive, Houston, TX, 77057, between Westheimer and San Felipe. It will be our fourth visit to this wonderful venue. It is hosted by Emerson Unitarian Church, I tell you, there’s nothing like singing in a church, to a room full of music loving folks. Great acoustics too!  My brother, who is a Baptist preacher back in Missouri, would be impressed, proud, and very pleased his brother is playing the big room. So make plans to come on out this Saturday evening.  We’ll be breaking out some Bluebonnet songs.  They are starting to bloom everywhere between here and Austin and up in the Hill Country. 

We hope to see you at Unitunes. For more information and tickets: www.unitunes.org.  Music starts at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7:00.

Thanks,
Shake

JUST TO CATCH YOU UP ON THE GIDDY UP!

Well we are back in the saddle again! 2017 is off and running. Started off with a SRO crowd at

McGonigel's Mucky Duck on Jan. 7, always fun and then 2 sold out shows at our Annual Golden House Concert.  Thank you Judy and Frank for having us for the 10trh year to celebrate your anniversary. 
We had a great show at Bernhardt's Winery in their new indoor music room with a newly constructed 

industrial size stage.  Wow! Way to go Jerry! It’s always fun to play outside surrounded by the pastoral

beauty  of the winery (when weather permits), but it is sure nice to have the ‘indoor option’ when we need it.

The winery continues to grow thanks to Jerry’s never-ending vision of What if?….

Our annual Valentine Show at Main Street Crossing in Tomball, TX.
was a great success, thanks to all of you who came out on such a romantic
Tuesday night to help make it a memorable evening.  There was dinner, dessert,
wine, and music.I swear Michael Hearne even wore a coat and tie!
 He looked like he was running for high office of some kind! Maybe a sheriff or Governor of
New Mexico!  I‘ll tell you what…I would have voted for him! The fashion show alone was worth
the price of admission. It was very impressive.  Mike Roberts was looking pretty dang dapper also!
Me?  I looked the same as always but I did wear red shirt.  At the end of the evening Michael led
the encore of  “I CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU”. Everyone sang along and
yes there was love in the air!  I swear i heard Elvis singing somewhere on the last verse.
‘Wise men say only fools rush in…….Oh What a night!!

On Feb. 11^th   we played one of our rare “Unplugged concerts" at Lake Side Country Club
in Houston. It was a private party hosted by Wade Jones,who was a big contributor to our campaign
last year for our three new CD's and was to thank folks who had donated towards the purchase
of 125 body armor vests for the officers in their local Precinct 5. It was a great cause and a cocktail
party/dinner get together with musical entertainment. That would be us.  We played a good long set.
Sometimes it’s nice to leave the sound system at home and simply perform “unplugged”.  However
this concept only works if everyone will gather around and listen… and they did!   Great folks, great fun!
Easy load in…easy load out. Thanks Wade for asking us to be a part of this special evening. We all
must support and back our men and women in blue.

Last Saturday night we kicked off 2017 season for New Braunfels  "Backyard at Gruene on Pebble Brook"
Concert Series hosted by Sandy and Rob Mueller. The show takes place in their beautiful, spacious
backyard just a stones throw from’ Old Gruene Hall’.  It was a pleasant short sleeve Texas night under the stars.
The weather was almost spring like.People came from all over the area, some as far as Canyon Lake,
 and by dark had filled up the backyard 75 guests. We played our first set, took a break, and then everyone
enjoyed a pot luck, covered dish banquet style feast…and then we played a second set. House concerts are
a performers dream.  There is a built in marvelous listening audience, who come to these events because
they love live music and wish to support it.  Thank you so much.We also thank Sandy and Rob and others for
taking the time  out of their busy lives to bring live music to their friends and community. We had a blast and
hope to return in the 2018 season.

COMING UP…

HEADS UP…This Saturday Feb. 25th we will return to the LOG ON CAFE in Beaumont, Texas.
It has been awhile since I’ve played this venue.  Michael has never played there so it’s a first for him.
Looking  forward  to seeing you all out there. The show starts at 8:00 PM.  www.logoncafe.net.

SUNDAY EVENING  I will be performing a “SOLO” show at McGonigel's Mucky Duck ’supper show’
from 6pm-7:30 pm.  It’s one 90 minute set of me and my guitar, and some stories of how the songs
came to be. Come on out and hear me play some tunes I don’t perform that often and  of course,
a few of those I do.  Bring some requests with you. www.mcgonigels.com for tickets.

AN ADDED ATTRACTION… Joshua Daugherty will be recording the show and thumb drives documenting the show will be available for purchase to take home at the end of the concert. Joshua has recorded several shows for the trio over the past year. He has a wonderful creative eye and instincts and captures it all.  Besides a great audio stereo recording of the concert, he also provides visual graphics, such as a CD cover, a set list, additional photos he takes of the performance and of the venue itself. HE ALSO SHOOTS A MINI VIDEO BACKSTAGE OF ME SAYING HELLO, THANK YOU, ETC….So, the end result is a one of a kind, keep sake of the night.
Come on out a be a part of it!
Hope to see you at a show.
Shake

January   2017

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What a way to start the new year with my friend, Michael Hearne being inducted into the Austin Songwriters ‘TEXAS LEGENDS HALL OF FAME’, on Jan. 12, 2017.  I must say it is very well deserved. I had the honor to be there and present to him as one of the inductees from last year.  Michael has spent his life dedicated to his guitar and passion and love for music. After spending  over 30 years in New Mexico  and becoming a musical icon there, he came back to Texas and now has one boot in Texas and one in New Mexico. I am glad to call him my friend and it’s a great pleasure to write songs and play music with him. Congratulations Michael! 

Speaking of playing music….

Michael and I and Mike Roberts closed down 2016 at Anderson Fair on New Year’s Eve with a big send off party with along with musical friends, Ken Gaines, Wayne Wilkerson, Matt Harlen and Rachel Jones. Black eyed peas were in the air and champagne flowing at the Fair. Thanks again Tim Leatherwood and all of the volunteers!

Now we’re off and running into January…. We’re back in the saddle again. We had a big show in Houston at The Mucky Duck on January 7 to a standing room only crowd! It was our first in the new year.  Thanks everyone for coming out! We had two sellout shows on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at The Olive Hill House concert series in Startzville, TX. My old Houston friends, Frank and Judy Golden, host the series in their home up near Canyon Lake and it was our 9th annual Golden House Concert celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary.  They are definitely two silver hearts! Three more years it will be their ‘Golden’s  Golden’! We will be there to celebrate number 50.

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“YOU WOULDN’T KNOW ME”    Update!

Miranda Lambert’s new album, “THE WEIGHT OF THESE WINGS”  has gone platinum. It shot to the top of Billboard Chart right out of the chute.  Go get ‘em Miranda. I’m hoping to meet her sometime this year to thank her and find out how and where she heard my song. Check out her version if you haven’t heard it! I’d put a Blue Star on that baby!! Happy New Year Miranda!!

We have more shows coming up, but the BIG ONE… the one to put on your calendar is Feb.14, “VALENTINE’S NIGHT” .  Come join us at Main Street Crossing in Tomball, TX. It is our annual Valentine show and it fills up fast, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Make your reservations now and bring your sweetheart for dinner, wine, and fine music!  LOVE… will be in the air that night. 
You will have never heard so many love songs performed in one evening,
in one place, by one band in your entire adult listening life.   It will be the Mother of all romantic shows. We hope to see you there.

January is always a little slow to get going, but it’s usually needed down time to take care of other sides of the business, such as bookings, getting tax info together, and generally making plans and mapping out goals and what we wish to accomplish in 2017.

It looks like it’s going to be a very exciting year!
I will keep you all posted as the future takes shape so stay tune for more news.

Thanks All,
I’ll see you soon.

Shake