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Category Archives: Previous Shows

Some of our previous HubCityMusic.com house concerts

SOLD OUT!
Second Annual Harvest Moon Concert
September 10, 2011 with The Hat Trick
Mark Wallney, Mike Boyd, and Mike Pritchard

It’s our 2nd annual Harvest Moon Party!

SOLD OUT!

This concert is our annual celebration of life, love, and friends, at the time of each fall’s Harvest moon, the full moon closest to the Autumnal equinox.  Often, the harvest moon seems to be bigger or brighter or more colorful than other full moons, so it’s a great time to enjoy a romantic concert.  And it marks the beginning of the change of seasons, reminding us of the passing of time, and how important it is to share our time with those we love.

 

The inspiration for this extra-special house concert is taken from Neil Young’s song “Harvest Moon”, which The Hat Trick performs better than ‘ol Neil himself.
 No disrespect to Neil Young, but let’s face it, Mike Pritchard’s voice is so much smoother and stronger than Neil’s warbly falsetto, and Mark Wallney’s guitar mastery is similarly superior.   Their performance of this romantic and seasonally appropriate song sets the stage for a relaxing evening of undeniable musical and vocal talent by Mark Wallney, Mike Pritchard and Mike Boyd.

The Hat Trick needs no introduction to Lubbock music fans, as these guys are literally musical legends in Lubbock.  All three have musical chops and talent that anyone can appreciate, a point well-proven recently when none other than the legendary Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills, and Nash and The Hollies) joined The Hat Trick onstage to perform with them!  As Mike Pritchard would later say, “It was surreal performing “Bus Stop” with they guy who wrote it!”  Mark Wallney added “Wow, we are still excited about the show and honestly fulfilled one of our childhood dreams, playing with one of our greatest music heroes. Most of you know that CSN is one of our biggest influences that even got the Hat Trick started in the first place.”

You can be sure that The Hat Trick will bring their very best to this “Harvest Moon” concert.  Let’s pack the house for them!  The show is Saturday, September 10th, and starts at 7:15pm. Admission is $20, with 100% of all proceeds going to our guest musicians.  Advance RSVP is required for this show, as it is SOLD OUT.
BYOB. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.

SOLD OUT!  All available seats are SOLD OUT.  Thank you for your interest.

Karla Davis – August 6, 2011

Thanks for a wonderful concert, Karla!  You really connected with everyone there.  Best of luck in your audition for The Voice!  You could be the next Javier!

“Best New Act in Country Music” (January 14, 2010)
Country Showdown 1st place National Final Winner

It’s one thing to be recognized in one way or another as an up-and-coming talent, but Karla Davis has run a gauntlet of talent competitions.  From a national pool of as many as 50,000 entrants, Karla advanced as the winner in local, then state, and then regional competitions, culminating in the Texaco Country Showdown National Finals (hosted by Lee Ann Rimes) in Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on January 14th, 2010.  There, facing other talented musicians who had advanced through the same local, state, and regional gauntlet, Karla Davis was chosen as the winner of the $100,000 first prize, and was named “Best New Act in Country Music”.  (The Showdown has opened many doors for artists throughout its long-running history, including notables Garth Brooks, Sara Evans, and Miranda Lambert.)

Originally from Monroe, North Carolina, Karla now calls Nashville home, although “home” is a place she sees only occasionally these days, with her busy touring schedule.  Her HubCityMusic.com concert marks a swing through Texas, as she finishes June/July’s West Coast Ride Tour that Karla is headlining along with Whisky Row.

Karla has now released her debut CD, appropriately titled “Here I Am”.
And Karla is not just a “Country” artist.  You’ll find elements of Rock, Soul, and Folk in her music as well.   She counts among her influences such notables as Eva Cassidy, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Joss Stone, Bobbi Gentry, Etta James, John Legend, Bonnie Raitt, James Morrison, Jason Mraz, Carrie Underwood, Carole King, Sugarland, and James Taylor.  As such diversity might suggest, Karla resists being categorized as just a Country act.  She says, “I like being very unique and I don’t want to lose my individuality… I don’t want to sound like anyone but myself.”  A review published in Knoxville’s Metro Post says she “shuffles through the dark territory where old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, country, and folk come together.”

Although recognition is coming fast and furious for her, Karla remains down to earth and accessible.  Being true to her values is important to her.  For example, instead of signing with a big label after her Country Showdown success, she took her prize money and, along with British producer John Eden and manager Gabrielle DiMora, formed their own label, 3 Chord Entertainment.  Although this indie approach may be a longer, harder path, it gives Karla autonomy and control that she could never have had she chosen the conventional route.

That approach is consistent with Karla’s values.  One of her favorite quotes comes from Ghandi;  “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  Karla sums her philosophy up this way; “Music can change lives… I know it!  I think everyone is here for a reason, and I’m more sure than ever that I am supposed to use music to help people.  It can happen, and I will spend every day of my life, God-willing, to make a difference.”

Visit Karla’s website:
www.KarlaDavisMusic.com

Here’s a video story about Karla and her music (Thanks William Kerns for providing this!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsD1C-0ExVU&feature=player_embedded

Tori Vasquez with special guests
Micah Vasquez and Kenny Harris
July 15, 2011

Here’s a genuine TREAT for those of you who were not able to attend Tori’s July 15, 2011  HubCityMusic.com house concert.  This is a video of her consummate and moving cover of Eva Cassidy’s Autumn Leaves.  Her vocal on this track is emotion-evoking and technically flawless.  And the interplay between Micah’s bass and her guitar is beautiful!  To hear this, listen with good speakers if possible! (on a laptop, use headphones or earbuds.)

Tori Vasquez
Tori Vasquez has also played at House of Blues in both Dallas and Houston

It’s one thing to come from a musical family, but Tori Vasquez seems to have channeled all of that multi-generational talent into one little body, and the result is astounding!  Seeing her for the first time is like watching an episode of America’s Got Talent/The Voice/American Idol/Name-Your-Favorite-Talent-Search-Show, and when you see this pretty, unassuming, shy woman walk up to the microphone, you are suddenly amazed at the mature, textured, bigger-than-life voice that comes out.  Even more impressive is the fact that this woman is singing her own original songs, and these songs are so good that they feel instantly familiar and relevant, reflecting a wisdom with words beyond her years, and tunes that quickly hook your ears.

Actually, many of Tori’s songs are co-written with dylanesque Kenny Harris, and this is a combination that really seems to work well, with Tori pulling Harris toward broader appeal, and Harris adding an edge to the collaboration.

Last year Tori released an EP, produced by Clif Magness, with five songs.  That EP earned Tori a shot at the national Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, in which she was named a national finalist as the Southwest Regional winner, and earning her a trip to New York for the finals.  See the video of her New York performance on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8hdGPQ_28k

Since last year’s EP release, Tori and Harris have been continuing to fruitfully collaborate.  The result is a new EP coming out this fall.  This new release (entitled “I Remember Well”) is being produced by Jon Taylor, and the new EP will reflect a maturing Tori Vasquez.  Tori speaks of becoming “more musical”, and says “I write more through my music than I do lyrics.”  Thus the value of a talented lyricist like Harris.  Six new original songs are planned for this new EP, and the production will be simpler than her first EP, to better showcase the fundamental qualities of her voice and songs.

Tori performed songs from both EPs at this HubCityMusic.com house concert on Friday July 15th.  Also performing with her was bassist extraordinaire, Micah Vasquez, and friend & collaborator Kenny Harris joined her in several songs, as well.

As with all our HubCityMusic.com house concerts, admission is $20, and 100% of all proceeds goes to our guest musicians.  Advance RSVP is requested and appreciated, but not required. Last minute guests welcome! BYOB. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Listen to Tori’s music and visit her website at
www.torivasquez.com
www.myspace.com/torivasquez

Here are Tori and Micah performing her original “I Love the Night” on YouTube

View Tori’s appearance at the Mountain Stage NewSong Contest here:

Junior Vasquez Debuts All-new Original Songs
June 17, 2011

What an amazing concert this was!  Junior and Mickey set the most intimate mood,
and the songs were amazing!  Even the most loyal Junior Vasquez fans have never
heard a concert like this one!

Junior VasquezWell-known musician Junior Vasquez has spent the past year or so writing a cache of all-new original music.  Before considering a second CD of all-original music, Junior has been looking for just the right venue to introduce this all-new original music to his fans.

So for Junior Vasquez, HubCityMusic.com’s House Concert format is just the right environment at just the right time.

“It’s a musician’s dream,” Junior says, “an intimate environment without the smoky, noisy distractions of the bar scene.  A place where both the audience and musician can be comfortable.”

Junior will be introducing not only all-new original music in his June 17th house concert in Paul Johnson’s home, he will also be performing original tunes from his first CD, “It’ll Turn Around”.  (available on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/itll-turn-around/id359346482)
He will also be sharing the back-story behind each song.  It’s an opportunity to get to know Junior at a personal level, to hear the life-stories that have brought him to this new musical beginning, after having traveled such a long and winding road to get here.  For Junior Vasquez, these original songs have come from a fresh creativity and enthusiasm, and mark a contrast to the homogenous “standards” that the usual venues in the Lubbock scene seem to demand.

Of course, with two sets to fill, there will still be a place in this concert for some of Junior’s favorite covers to be woven in with his original songs.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to introduce this new, original music in this environment,” says Junior.  “This will be the first time this music has been played in public, so not only is this a great opportunity for me, it’s a great opportunity for people to hear my new music for the first time.”

BYOB – complimentary Hors D’oeuvres will served between sets.

Go to Junior’s website at www.myspace.com/therealjuniorvasquez

Christopher Williams – May 5, 2011

Christopher wants to thank everyone who attended his HubCityMusic.com house concert on Thursday May 5th.   Many of you have already requested a return visit from Christopher, so we are certainly going to make that happen sometime in the future!

Here’s a video from a previous concert, Christopher Williams singing “Your Love”

I first saw Christopher Williams in Durham’s Coffee House more than a decade ago.  At the time he already had a CD, which includes one of my all-time favorite songs, Hope For Morning.  Since that time he has published 10 CDs and toured all over the U.S., opening for, and playing with, noted perChristopher Williamsformers such as Jars of Clay, Arlo Guthrie, Phil Keaggy, David Wilcox, and others.  Christopher is a songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer – offering songs that are honest and confessional, yet never overbearing; and performances that engage audiences with an appealing mix of intense passion and humor.  With “lush guitar work, and sweet soaring vocals,” (Boston Phoenix) punctuated by the percussive vulnerability of a single African djembe hand drum.

Listen to Hope For Morning by Christopher Williams

Listen to a sample of his many musical styles on his website:  http://www.christopherw.com/

Note – We will start the concert promptly at 7:15 pm.  Even if you stay afterward to buy CDs, get autographs, and visit with Christopher and other guests, you can expect to be out no later than 10 pm.

Tara-Leigh Cobble – April 16, 2011

Thanks to all who attended our April 16th house concert featuring Tara-Leigh Cobble!
It was almost a sell-out!  Everyone who atended had a great time, and Tara-Leigh said afterward that this was one of the best house concert audiences that she had ever had.
Tara-Leigh proved herself to be an amazing songwriter, an engaging story-teller, and an incredibly talented singer.  She engaged her audience more intimately than anyone expected, even learning the names of many of the people there by asking questions of audience members throughout the evening.   We laughed, we cried, and we were drawn in to the back-story behind each song.
Listen to Somehow Stay by Tara-Leigh Cobble
Listen to more of her music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/taraleighcobble
“God did not call me to be a rock star. He called me to express my salvation through music. And there is a vast difference. He made it very clear to me from the start that if I intended to follow Him, I should never expect more than having to drive 8 hours to play for 10 people who don’t know who I am and who don’t care. They might not buy the CD, and I might have to sleep in my car that night, before I get up and do it all over again the next day.
It was very clear that this was not going to be about me. So I’m trying hard to remember that. I fail miserably at it most of the time.  Sometimes, when I start to think I’m really cool, God allows me to trip and fall flat on my face, so that I’m eye-level with those feet that need washing. It’s humbling. I honestly had to look back at that whole day and say, “Thank You, God, for answering my prayer and for reminding me that it’s not about me.”

Here is a link to two songs from Tara-Leigh’s house concert on April 16th: