The Strangest Gig

Our guest this episode comes from the other side of the business. Diana Cox is the Vice President of Kessler Presents, the managing company behind The Kessler Theater, The Heights Theater, and the newly reopened Longhorn Ballroom. We had a fascinating conversation and Diana had some really great insight and advice for younger musicians trying to get booked at these storied venues. She also had a few  great stories about some of the stranger musician rider requests. As well as what it was like getting some classic and historical music collectibles delivered to their offices.

Ken Bethea, lead guitarist for the rock band (don't call them a country band) Old 97's, is our esteemed guest this episode. We get into the early days of the Deep Ellum scene as well as the early days of the so-called "alt-country" scene. We also discuss the veracity behind the long held rumor of the Old 97's vs. Whiskeytown beef. And finally we hear the true story of when Ken and the guys finally first got to play the historic Red Rocks venue, BUT as a three piece and without Rhett Miller their lead singer, who decided to try and fly in day of show. Did he make the gig?! You'll have to tune in to find out!

"American Primitive" by Old 97's is OUT NOW! 

www.old97s.com

This episode's guest is one, Sean Russell, lead singer and songwriter for the Fort Worth bands Cut Throat Finches and The Nancys. We have a really fascinating conversation about the state of the local scene and the state of the local music fandom. Sean had some really great insights on the topic. We also hear the insane story of one of Sean's early bands playing during a puppet show in a pirate bar for an unofficial showcase at SXSW...as will happen.

www.cutthroatfinches.com

The Nancys

Musician/songwriter/producer extraordinaire John Pedigo is a busy man! If you've been around the DFW scene for any length of time, you know his work. Beginning with his early bands Slick 57 and the Boys Named Sue, later on to touring the country and Europe as one half of the country/folk duo The O's, and also as his solo project Pedigo's Magic Pilsner. John has also produced legendary bands like the Old 97's as well as future legends like Joshua Ray Walker. After we recorded this episode John went on the play Jimmy Kimmel Live as a member of Walker's band. On this episode we talk about a potential new/"old" band, and the current state of the local music fandom. And finally John tells the story of an O's European tour, and their antics which caused a local tour manager to rethink his career.

Marc Solomon and Amy Curnow have been running the music school Zounds Sounds in the DFW metroplex for 18 years. We hear about enormous impact they've made on the music community through their teaching and the anniversary party/concert they're throwing showcasing new an old students and teachers at The Granada Theater on November 21. We also hear about the origins of their band Charming Gardeners and what it's like performing as a couple. And finally Marc tells a hilarious gig story about the time a lit Rick James very emphatically and eagerly talked his way into sitting in with Marc's band at a club in LA.

www.zounds-sounds.com

www.charminggardenersmusic.com

Our guest this episode is Kelsey Rae. Kelsey and I reminisce about our time together in Vocal Trash playing fairs and festivals across the country. Including performing during a riot, chain-smoking clowns, and dismissing requests for NSYNC from Justin Timberlake's mom.

Kelsey has been performing on stages since she was 5 years old. First in the musical theaters off-Broadway, then as a member of the theater/stage show Vocal Trash for 20+ years, which is where she and I first met. As a part of Vocal Trash she has traveled the world performing and spreading the message of environmentalism and global healing. She now leads her own stage show called 2B1 World (Rhythm and vibrations through music and dance to help heal the world). Kelsey tells us what's it's been like performing in far off destinations and getting to work with youth to inspire change.

www.KelseyRae4Peace.com

The man with a million bands, John Dufilho, is this episode's guest! You may know him from The Deathray Davies, or you may know him from The Apples in stereo, or you may know him from Motorcade, or you may know him from Clifffs, or you may know him from Corner Suns, or any other of the amazing bands John has been a part of. An insanely talented musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, John also tells about his newest solo venture as John Buffalo and the circumstances surrounding the writing and recording process for the new album, out this November. And finally we hear a harrowing tale from John that involves near certain death...and a sandwich. 

The Strangest Gig podcast is back from summer hiatus! This month's guest is local DFW music luminary Jeff Liles. Jeff currently works as the artistic director for Kessler Presents. He was also a member of legendary Dallas bands Cottonmouth, TX and Decadent Dub Team, the later of which was featured on the famed "The Sound of Deep Ellum" compilation put out by Island records in the late 80s. If there were a Mount Rushmore of the Dallas music scene, Jeff would be on it. We were honored to have him on the podcast. 

www.kesslerpresents.com

Denton musician Spencer Wharton, a.k.a. The Wharbaby, stops by to talk about his band The Infamists and how keeping a band together for 10+ years, especially in Denton, is pretty damn impressive. We also hear the story of how he saved his best friend from a couple of swingers at a biker bar.

Check out his bands The Infamists and Spencer Wharton & The Static Creatures.