#kevinaldridge

Last night I went to Lola's to meet a few friends and to see my favorite band, The Royal Savages, play. 

I got there in the middle of Kevin Aldridge's set.  This guy sing country the way I used to remember it.  Not quite twangy, a little rock, but definitely with southern roots.  He considers himself Folk/Rock/Americana but I definitely hear early 90's country in his style.  I could definitely see him playing at the yearly Whitney Street Dance I used to attend as a child in Whitney, Texas with my Papa, Granny, Uncles and cousins.  That is where I learned to two step, which is still the only country dance I can do....  Isn't that enough?  Kevin Aldridge is a very enjoyable artist and I enjoyed his set. 

Next up were Rob and Riley of the We'rewolves.  I've never had the pleasure of seeing them play as a full band, but they did get nominated and won the award for Best New Artist in the 2013 FW Weekly Awards.  So they're definitely on my radar!!  Rob and Riley did an acoustic set of popular cover songs.  They had that "MTV Unplugged" feel, starting with "Blister in the Sun" by Viloent Femmes.  Of course I fell in love at that moment, one of my favorite songs.  The girls in the audience were dancing and everyone started moving toward the front.  Rob and Riley both sported acoustic guitars, Rob doing the fancy key work during the little breaks, Riley singing with a southern rock, smooth yet gritty voice.  Very Rock and Roll.  Second song of the night, a perfect version of "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd.  At one point, one of the ladies in attendance requested Spice Girls, and Riley busted the beginning of "Tell you What I want" up to the chorus.  I never understood that song, "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends."  Please explain your kinky ways, Spice Girls.  Anyways, Rob & Riley make a great acoustic duo, I can see this act being very popular especially if they learn a BUNCH of songs to do maybe dueling piano style, taking audience requests.  I'd watch them again, shoot I'd book them. 

Then Royal Savages took the stage.  I'm telling you, this band is the hardest working, most amazing band I've had the pleasure of getting to know.  I have seen them maybe a half dozen times or so, listened to their CD so many time I probably couldn't count, yet I never get tired of their songs.  AND the new songs they sing in between are so amazing, I can't wait for their next album!  This band has staying power.  Addison and I talk regularly and his vision is rock solid.  I'm happy they have given me the opportunity to work so closely with them.  Each one of the members are humble, gracious, and great company.  Lauren is just as sweet as pie and GORGEOUS!  But back off guys because #1 she's under 21 and #2 she has a talented song writer boyfriend (who has written a few of the songs they perform already).  She's kind of quirky, when she talks between songs she almost reminds me of that Saturday Night Live skit in her delivery.  For example, "That song was called Racing Tears.  I hope that song made you have tears racing down your face."  haha.  Addison is driven, very methodical, and incredibly talented.  He delivers the lyrics with a voice that just pierces your soul and plays the guitar with skill and passion.  He's one of those we'll be talking about for the next century, a legend in the making.  James is playfully considered amongst my friends as "Johnny Depp" and as of last night, "Johnny Depp mixed with Orlando Bloom".  It fits.  But not only is this guy good looking, but he's amazingly charming and extremely talented on the bass.  He also plays for Cerebral Chauffeurs and is constantly at open mics ready to jam.  He has a blues and rock infused style that is extremely popular right now.  And Ben plays the drums with a style all his own.  He's the quiet member of the group, doesn't even have a Facebook.  This band would not be The Royal Savages without Ben, even though he just joined a little over a month ago.  Any chance to hang out with these guys, any chance to book them, any chance to see them play, I am THERE.  Amazing group of people, amazing, amazing, amazing performers.  Keep it up, guys.

I only had a sitter until 12am this night so I had to leave during The RS set.  But one thing I will note:  Lola's was bumping this night!  Most looked like TCU students (one had on a purple polo with TCU sewn in), a lot of girls.  I'm curious to see how the beginning of the new school year will prove to see an influx of attendees at these types of event.  I only started promoting back in April/May, my first event being in June.  I saw a decline in attendance as the summer went on.  So, if school year = more bodies through the door- WOO HOO!!!!  I have some great shows coming up!!! 

Lola's is definitely my favorite music venue for a few reasons.  #1 It's a great bar with a great patio.  #2 The bartenders are amazing.  #3 The sound is spectacular.  #4 Blackbox does their bookings and I have grown to really like the Knights.  They are reasonable and fair people, who doesn't like doing business with that type? 

Such a great night I'm kinda sad I had to end it early.