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Cary Banks CD release concert
October 19, 2018
with special guests
Steve “Gittar” Williams, Jerry Brownlow,
and Megan Poppe

Cary Banks and Steve “Gittar” Williams

Due to the unexpected passing of Claire’s aunt, Claire and Paul had to be out of town to attend the funeral on the date of this concert.

Through the kindness of Van and Leslie Shaw, we made arrangements to move the location to Uncle Bill’s Music Barn where our Harvest Moon concert was also held.

Legendary Maines Brothers Band member Cary Banks performed a special CD release concert on Friday October 19, 2018. This is Cary’s 4th CD as a solo artist, and he will have early release copies of this new CD, called simply “Piano”, for sale at this concert. Cary was accompanied throughout the concert by guitar virtuoso Steve “Gittar” Williams, who also performs on Cary’s new CD. Also joining them for selected songs were Maines Brothers Band member Jerry Brownlow, and violinist Megan Poppe.

Those who know Cary are aware that he is one of the most versatile musicians around, having excelling skills with multiple instruments and musical styles and genres. In addition, there is no one who has more fun performing than Cary Banks. He is a delightful entertainer, and is sure to captivate every audience.

“Piano” by Glen Garnett. This original 15″ x 15″ album cover art will be auctioned to the highest bidder at this concert.

The phenomenal cover art for Cary’s new CD is an original painting by the talented Glen Garnett, also titled “Piano”. The original piece was not only on display at this concert, it was auctioned to the highest bidder during the concert! The chance to own this original artwork is exciting to say the least! Glen has commissioned an extremely limited run of 10 high quality, signed and numbered prints (mounted on dryboard) of this piece, and these were also for sale at this concert. There will never be another print sold beyond these 10. See “Piano” and more of Glen Garnett’s work at his website: https://www.glenartstudio.com

All in all, this was an unforgettable evening!

When: Friday October 19, 2018 at Uncle Bill’s Music Barn.

See Cary’s website at http://www.carycbanks.com

Heath Wright
Friday February 27, 2015

HeathWright-300x300Heath Wright is one of many South Plains College, Commercial Music Department, graduates who have gone on to some big accolades.

As the lead singer in Ricochet, Heath has performed on some of the biggest stages in the country, as well as having numerous Country top-40, top-20, and top-10 hits, including a #1 hit, “Daddy’s Money”.  He has also performed as lead singer in top band, Restless Heart.

Heath returned to West Texas to headline the 17th annual Scholarship Gala at South Plains College on Saturday February 28th, and thanks to our mutual friend Cary Banks, we have were given the opportunity to host a very special, intimate house concert for Heath on Friday February 27th!  What a rare opportunity to be in this environment, face to face in our living room, with a performer who is at home headlining concerts for thousands of people.

In spite of the biggest snow of this year on the morning of the concert, a good-sized group of people braved the weather to enjoy an energetic performance by Heath, Cary Banks, and percussionist and vocalist Chris Hempfling.  These three blended their talents beautifully!

 

Kelley McRae Duo
Saturday March 8, 2014

(to toggle music preview on/off, click the “compilation” at the upper right) —>

Kelley McRae DuoIn the last 2 years, the Kelley McRae duo has played over 300 shows coast to coast and traveled over 75,000 miles in their VW van. Along the way they encountered the people and places that inspired the songs on their recently released third album, BRIGHTER THAN THE BLUES.

Kelley’s music can be described as heartfelt Americana carrying a sense of hope and light, and she has found impressive fans: Paste Magazine gave her four stars, and WNYC’s ‘Soundcheck’ named her performance one of the year’s best.
(If samples of Kelley’s music did not start playing when you landed on this page, click “Kelley McRae compilation” at the upper right column of this page.)

Kelley McRae DuoThe duo has performed at such venues as The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, The Red Clay Theatre in Atlanta, and The Living Room in NYC, and has performed with The David Wax Museum, Kim Richey, and Rose Cousins, among others.

Previously residing in NYC, the duo is currently writing and recording new material in a cabin in the Nantahala Forest of North Carolina. In 2014 they are embarking on a seven week European Tour as well as headlining the TVFCU Stage at The Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, TN on Friday, June 6th.

When adding our HubCityMusic.com venue to their resume, Kelley and Matt brought their “A” game, performing with incredible vocals and musicianship.  And they earned our respect in regard to their songwriting ability, as well.  Kelley and Matt are as well matched in regard to creative songwriting as they are in regard to vocals, instrumentation, and marriage.  This is one of those couples that was destined to find each other, and we are so glad they did!

Here is their HubCityMusic.com performance of their original “Brighter Than the Blues”

…and here is their HubCityMusic.com performance of their new original “Fair Weather”

Visit Kelley’s website: www.kelleymcrae.com

Kenny Maines “Magic Train”
CD Release concert
Friday January 24, 2014

KENNY MAINES PLAYS TO A SOLD-OUT AUDIENCE for his CD release house concert!

(to toggle music preview on/off, click the “Compilation” to the upper right) —>Kenny Maines

The first month of the new year has been a busy one for Kenny Maines!  Fresh on the heels of the release of his new CD, “The Magic Train“, Kenny hosted two CD release concerts.  The first of these was a sold-out, intimate solo acoustic HubCityMusic.com house concert on Friday 1/24, and the second was at the Cactus Theater on Saturday January 25th with a full band CD release concert, accompanied by the musicians who participated in the making of the CD.

Paul Johnson’s house was packed to capacity (62 people!) as Kenny delivered not only the music, but the story behind the music.  In this intimate setting Kenny had plenty of opportunity to interact with the audience and share the stories behind these new songs, and how they all fit into the “Magic Train” theme of this new CD.  Needless to say, both Kenny and the audience loved the close, personal interaction that is so characteristic of house concerts.

These concerts fall at the end of a week that included the big screen release in Lubbock of Kenny’s film debut in the leading role of the action-packed movie “The Arroyo” on Monday January 20th at Lubbock’s Premier Cinema.  The movie will remain on Lubbock screens for at least two weeks, and Kenny participated in several Q&A sessions through the week.  Conceived, co-written, and directed by Lubbock native Jeremy Danial Boreing, “The Arroyo” also features another well-known Lubbock musician (and HubCityMusic.com alum) Junior Vasquez, along with notable performances by David Armendariz and Lubbock actor Glenn Polk.  Boreing is highly complimentary of Kenny’s performance, saying “In the end, Kenny Maines made this movie happen.  I enjoyed his work ethic.  I’d have to say Maines proved he could be an honest-to-God movie star.”

Kenny Maines The Magic TrainMovie star qualities are one thing, but Kenny’s songwriting and performing talent are what brought him to our collective consciousness in the first place, and that is where Kenny’s heart remains.  He is proud of “The Magic Train“, noting that the CD weaves a musical story of love, adventure, life, death and redemption, from the first song to the last, and he is excited to share that story in these CD release concerts.  Hop on board “The Magic Train”, and (if you haven’t already) buy a copy of this new CD!  It is available on Kenny’s website (www.KennyMaines.com) and on iTunes.

Here is a video of the last song (not including encores) of the night, “The Revival”:
(if music is playing, be sure to stop it before watching the video, by clicking “Magic Train compilation” at the upper-right near the top of the page)

Click here to visit Kenny’s website

Click here to see the trailer for “The Arroyo”

Kenny Maines performs at a HubCityMusic.com CD release house concert for his new CD "The Magic Train" - 1/24/2014

Kenny Maines performs at a HubCityMusic.com CD release house concert for his new CD “The Magic Train” – 1/24/2014

Sold out again!
Fourth Annual Harvest Moon Concert
Friday 9/20/2013 with The Hat Trick
Mike Pritchard, Mark Wallney & Mike Boyd

Our 4th Annual Harvest Moon party!

3rd Annual Harvest Moon House Concert

It sold out again, this time in only 24 hours!  It’s become a tradition – our 4th Annual Harvest Moon Concert with Mike Pritchard, Mark Wallney, and Mike Boyd, aka The Hat Trick.  And they were in top form, perhaps the best they’ve ever been!  It was a musically perfect evening, with a magical aura that seems to accompany the Harvest Moon.

This concert is our 4th 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.

TheHatTrick2No 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.”

Here is a video of their performance of “Helplessly Hoping” from their 2013 HubCityMusic.com Harvest Moon house concert:

Here is a video of these guys performing “Harvest Moon” at the prior year’s HubCityMusic.com annual Harvest Moon house concert on 9/29/2012:

Wendy Colonna
Friday June 21, 2013

Wendy Colonna

Wendy Colonna – voted Austin’s “Best Singer Songwriter” (Austin American Statesman)

Wendy Colonna combines the heart and soul of her Louisiana roots with the funky refinement of her current Austin domicile, and the result is a sophisticated, sexy, soulful sound that is all her own, yet remains accessible and inviting.  A masterful songwriter, her poetic lyrics have an interesting edge that connote meaning beyond words, and her delivery – which can vary between melodic and gritty – brings them home with soulful style. 

A multi-year regular at the Buddy Holly Summer Showcase, Wendy has performed two annual HubCityMusic.com house concerts at Paul Johnson’s house, each time sharing the kind of intimate evening that can only occur in the eye-contact environment that is unique to the house concert format.

Here is a video of a wonderful song, “Vacancy”, from Wendy’s recent concert:

This is a video from Wendy’s HubCityMusic.com house concert last year:

A review of this song on Amazon.com:
Wendy Colonna is one of those artists that must be seen live to really appreciate the depth of the soul she brings to her music. “Shine” is a great example – you haven’t experienced this song until you hear it live. There are a few versions of it on YouTube, each different from the others, based on who she has accompanying her at any given time. But any version of a great song is still great, and that is certainly true with “Shine”. It has a rocking, rolling, rhythm & blues fundamental that is spiced up with some of Wendy’s back-home Louisiana influence.

Beyond the pure musical appeal of this song is a message that is worth hearing. This song was inspired by a quote from Turkish poet and activist Nazim Hikmet: If I do not burn If you do not burn If we do not burn How will darkness come to light?

Certainly a message we can all take to heart – If we do not spend ourselves burning brightly, how else will darkness disappear?

This level of excellence in both music and message is compelling, and makes this song a worthwhile addition to your musical and philosophical libraries.

Visit Wendy’s website at www.WendyColonna.com

Jenni Dale Lord
Saturday April 20, 2013

Jenni Dale Lord brought two awesome sets of her own original music to our HubCityMusic.com house concert on Saturday April 20th!  19 original songs – 6 from the soon-to-be-recorded new release from the Jenni Dale Lord Band, along with an intimate look at the stories behind the songs.  She was accompanied by Tony Garcia and Kevin Long.  It was such an intimate evening, and you really missed something special if you weren’t here.
Jenni Dale Lord

What a pleasure to host Jenni Dale Lord for this concert!
After rocking the ‘live music capital of the world,’ Austin, Texas, for over a decade, Jenni Dale Lord has returned to her roots in Lubbock to claim her place in the West Texas music scene where she first began her career, and she has really made a name for herself in the music world.

It has recently been revealed that one of her songs, “All Along” (from her self-titled debut CD), is under consideration by a music publishing / licensing company run by a TV music supervisor.   Every one of the songs on this CD is written by Jenni Dale, and each of these songs contains a lyrical and musical sensibility that is extraordinary.  The lyrics are tight, concise, and never forced, being at the same time credible and emotionally involving.  The music is accessible and familiar, without being derivative.  Songwriting talent like this does not go unnoticed, and when the right people notice, you will see big things happen fast for Jenni Dale Lord.

There is an element of pure country in Jenni Dale’s music, but her songwriting and performances are an amalgam of country, rock, blues, folk, and more, making her style unique and all her own.  Click the “play” arrow on each of the songs below to hear a few cuts from her debut CD “Jenni Dale Lord”. Each of these songs is completely different, and gives you an inkling of her versatility and musical range.

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/All-Along.mp3″ text=” ‘All Along’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Willie.mp3″ text=” ‘Willie’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

[wpaudio url=”http://hubcitymusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Smile.mp3″ text=” ‘Smile’ by Jenni Dale Lord” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

Be sure to “Like” Jenni Dale’s Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/JDLmusic

See Jenni Dale’s website at www.jennidalelord.com

There’s a nice story and interview with her at http://theoutlanderproject.com/post/44652795516/sami-vox-outlander-artist-jenni-dale-lord

Christopher Williams
Friday January 25, 2013

We were blessed to again host Nashville singer/songwriter Christopher Williams on January 25th!
It was an awesome concert, probably one of the most flawless live performances we’ve ever seen!  Christopher was in top form, and his musicianship was only matched by his personable demeanor.  He drew us in with stories of his parents, his son and wife, and his life, and how all these relate to the songs that he brought to life that evening.

Here is a video of his new original song, “Good Thing”, from this concert.  This is a new song and is not on any of Christopher’s CDs yet.  It’s an awesome song!  Enjoy!

 

Christopher WilliamsAfter hosting our very first Harvest Moon concert as a “test run”, we decided to begin hosting a regular monthly series of house concerts, and Christopher Williams was the first musician we booked for this series.  So this concert began our third year of house concerts with a  return visit from the guy who helped get all this started.

Christopher first performed in Lubbock more than 15 years ago, at Durham’s Coffee House, and since that time has gone on to become a prolific songwriter, releasing a total of 11 CDs, to great fan and critical acclaim.  Christopher has toured all over the U.S., opening for, and playing with noted performers such as Jars of Clay, Arlo Guthrie, Phil Keaggy, David Wilcox, Bebo Norman, and many other well-know performers.  It is an honor to have someone of CW’s stature perform in the warm, intimate environment of our HubCityMusic.com living room.  Although he remains as down-to-earth and accessible as ever, Christopher is no stranger to celebrity and success.

Christopher earned accolades as the Southeast Regional Round winner for the 2011 Mountain Stage NewSong contest, and in 2010 his song “Anything But Fail” won the Independent Music Award for Best New Contemporary Christian Song, at the same time as his live CD “Something As Simple” was nominated for Best Live Recording in the Independent Music Awards.

But it is his direct connection with his audience that makes Christopher such a compelling performer.  By the end of the evening, you will feel like you know CW personally, and you have become his friend.

Click this link to learn more about CW and listen to his music at:
www.christopherw.com

Third Annual Harvest Moon Concert
September 29, 2012 with The Hat Trick
Mike Pritchard, Mark Wallney & Mike Boyd

It’s our 3rd Annual Harvest Moon party!

3rd Annual Harvest Moon House ConcertWhat an amazing sold-out concert!  Scroll down to see a video of the “theme song”, Harvest Moon.

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.”

“Harvest Moon” video from our HubCityMusic.com annual Harvest Moon house concert on 9/29/2012:

Cary Cooper house concert
Tuesday August 14, 2012

We teamed up with Van Shaw, who has another House Concert venue here in Lubbock called Uncle Bill’s Music Barn, to host this concert.  What a great venue!  Van and his wife Leslie have created a musician’s paradise, with a stage, lighting, and professional sound system, as well as a great venue for the audience.

Cary CooperCary Cooper was in top form, and the audience appreciated hearing not only selections from her CDs, but a number of new songs as well.  This concert was planned in conjunction with Cary’s travel to the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival in Lyons, Colorado, and Cary introduced two new songs that she is entering in the prestigious Songwriters contest at the festival.  (I think both have a great shot at winning!)

Thanks for blessing us with a wonderful evening of music and stories, Cary!

Recently cast in the TV show, “Troubadour, TX”, Cary Cooper sings of life from the perspective of a lover, a mother, a daughter and a friend. Her songs will make you laugh, cry, think, and most of all celebrate your place in the world.

In early 2011, Cary was spotted by the producers of Troubadour, TX, a new TV docu-drama that premiered in September 2011 on the CW network. Along with several other Texas songwriters (including her husband, Tom Prasada-Rao), Cary was cast on the show. Part of her appeal is the unique songs she’s been writing on her cute little pineapple ukulele. Cary picked up the uke in the summer of 2010 and it blew open the door to a brand new batch of songs that are featured on her newest CD, “Pink Umbrella”, which was released in the fall of 2011 coinciding with her main stage set at the Kerrville Wine & Music Festival and the debut of Troubadour, TX.

A multi-dimensional artist, Cary brings honesty and clarity to her music, and subsequently to your heart.

See more about Cary and listen to samples of her music at www.CaryCooper.com

For more information about Troubadour, TX and Cary Cooper, go to http://troubadourtx.com/artists/carycooper/

For more information about Uncle Bill’s Music Barn visit www.unclebillsmusic.com.