#817music

[sallierody]

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, John Rody from The Southside Pirate and James Zametz from Keep Fort Worth Funky at taping of Mayor's community cable show. Topic today was supporting local music & businesses.

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All American by Dru B Shinin'

Dru B Shinin' was nominated for a Fort Worth Weekly award for best R&B/Rap performer this year, and it is apparent why.  This album is full of tight beats, nice samples, relevant lyrics, with a style all its own in the 817.  From beginning to end, I am impressed with this album. 

It was hard, but here is my favorite track:

Dreams of a King (Rashida Jones): A great anthem for anyone who has big dreams to do big things.  The hook is "Got the World on my back I can carry it, til they put me in the coffin and they bury it.  Got the world on my back, I can carry it, all day long."  Personally i can relate to this.  Dru shows his heart with lyrics like, "A real king take loyalty over royalty" and "You're not a king cause of the money you be stackin, you're a king cause your words and actions."  For me, success means nothing if I can't have loyalty from those closest to me and give loyalty to those who stood by me in return.  For me, to be a "king" isn't all about my money but my example.  On top of it all, I just want my family to have the chances I didn't in life, and this song is a great soundtrack for this very thing.  It's not all about mansions, models and money. 

I always try to pick a top 3 and honestly, after Dream of a King a few others tie for second. 

"Imagine" has a chopped up version of Puddle of Mudd's Blurry "You can be my someone, you can be my scene, you know I'll pretend (?) imagine where you are. Cause Oceans in Between..."   "Imagine, just imagine, I swear to God one day it will happen."  This song is a good portrayal of someone working toward a goal, having people hate on you on the way.  "They hate and they want to be me, they don't know deep inside my heart where the dream be." 

"Together" samples "Don't Speak" by No Doubt, a great track in itself.  Shows the softer side of Dru.  Very witty lines about falling for a lady and what he gives up to be with her mixed with continuous samples in the background.  One part, "You and me together always" another "It looks as though you're letting go" interchanging throughout.  Beginning of the song, Dru says "She's my heart, check my vital signs.  When she's around *EKG heartbeat* She not around *EKG Flatline.*"

"Can't Stop" starts out with a nice beat, then Dru saying "I'm chasing my dreams" for a big build up. "I ain't rich but I'm living out my dreams, doing what I love, living just like a King should." followed by a version of Red Hot Chili Peppers "Can't Stop", "the world I love, the tears I drop to be part of, the wave can't stop, ever wonder if its all for you.  The World I love, the trains I hop to be part of the wave can't stop.  Come and tell me when it's time to move."

"My City" featuring Wrex Washington is one I can see them playing at a club with fast beats and a catchy hook "Bouncing, Bouncing putting the City on."  Nice track, Wrex makes a good edition with a playful bridge, "Another verse, nah just a bridge, make it shake like jelly in the fridge." 

Dru has quite a following.  At a show a few months ago I over heard some ladies in the bathroom saying, "I always love Dru's Shows.  They're so fun.  I try to go whenever I can."  They didn't look like normal "hip hop" ladies either, not the stereotype AT ALL.  My conclusion is that his music reaches a broad audience.  A lot of MC's are so pumped with testosterone that there's not really a whole lot of lyrics a normal female would enjoy.  I once read that one reason Bad Boy Records did so well in the early 00's is that they put someone like Ja Rule with Jeniffer Lopez and Vita, spitting softer lyrics.  Although the music was more pop than hip hop, Bad Boy was able to reach out to a female audience who normally wouldn't pick up a Ja Rule CD.  I'm not going to go as far as to say this record is more pop, but the skillful lyrics Dru uses to show his love for a certain lady is definitely attractive to the female gender.  I dig it, and apparently a lot of other ladies do too.  You can chase your dreams, hustle, and still treat ladies with respect, guys, AND still be on top of your game. 

To be honest, I see a lot of the underground hip hop artists having a love and respect for women vs. the image of the past and I LIKE IT!!

Dru B Shinin will be performing at Lola's on November 6th for the Funkytown Hip Hop Showdown!

[callie-dee]

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#cerebralchauffeurs at #the cellar #817music (at The Cellar)

[callie-dee]

It's a great night in Funky Town. Meeting my girls for some live music! #817music #girlsnight

[calliedeepresents]

Here's my contribution to Live Music DFW

[calliedeepresents]

Fort Worth Rock Assembly II

Fort Worth's elite came together for an epic event worthy of the Funkytown name.  Fort Worth Rock Assembly II featured 20+ of the best bands in Fort Worth covering bands from 1965-1985 held at the newly opened J&J's Blues Bar off Henderson.  Each band chose which famous band to cover within this 20 year span.  The choices were amazing, King Crimson, The Clash, Townes Van Zandt, REM, CCR, such amazing bands covered!!!! 

I hadn't been to J&J's in YEARS before this event.  The parking was easy, just across the street.  They had a huge tent set up outside with the sound system and a beer bar.  A few vendors set up shop on one side with food trucks on the other and a stage by the front door of J&J's.  Inside looked pretty much the same as it did 7 years ago.  An eclectic array of signs and lights scattered the walls.  The stage set up in the far corner and a huge bar area with plenty of seating.  One band would play inside, then the next outside, alternating through out the night.  What a great way to cut down on down time and sound check, right?  Tony Diaz emceed between acts, giving a silly stories and keeping people entertained. 

A few of the acts went to extremes, Lindby dressing as David Bowie, Pablo and the Hemphill 7 performing Pink Floyd with a she male version of Dorothy, Hannah Barbarians lead singer with a Rod Stewart mullet and all in tights.  Each band chose some popular and some b side songs to perform, each one KILLING the performance both in sound and stage presence.  The Rock Gods came down from Heaven and graced Fort Worth with their spirit this weekend.

Events like this make me proud to be from Funkytown.  The camaraderie of the Fort Worth music scene is astounding.  The Who's Who of Fort Worth music were in attendance each night and especially on Sunday.  Most of the bands I've dealt with and mentioned in previous write ups showed up to support, rooting on each band as they performed whether they had a show there or not.  This is what separates Fort Worth from every other music scene in every other city.  The love for music is so VIBRANT amongst this crowd.  We're a big enough town to be "on the map" musically/culturally but small enough to be like a big family.  We all help each other out.  Aaron and Jaime Knight of Blackbox never wastes an opportunity to give me advice.  And GOOD advice at that.  In every other sense they should be my competition, but instead they have become some great mentors.  I see why they are Fort Worth's #1 booking agency. 

I wish I could have spent all 20+ hours at J&J's and caught every performance, that's how good they were.  Looking forward to FW Rock Assembly III!!! 

Videos and pictures on my fan page.

[callie-dee]

Reviews of local venues, music and more!

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Lola's Labor Day EVE

I was given the opportunity to book around a band at Lola's for Sept 1st.  I'm always up to a challenge, so why not.  I looked the band up on Facebook, it was a metal type band so I started trying to find metal type bands to go around them.  I'm telling you, three weeks before the show was NOT a good time frame to accomplish this.  But I committed and kept trying.  Between tours, the holiday, bookings and jobs, I came up with Agents of Solace opening and Trailer Park Princess headlining.  It looked to be a pretty decent show. 

Night of, I get a text from the booking agent I'm working with, so short story, Tripp Mathis was thrown into the mix.  Agents of Solace needed to leave early, so the line up went Agents of Solace (metal), Tripp Mathis (folk), Vanity Strikes (metal), Trailer Park Princess (multi genre).  Needless to say, I'm that booking agent that I talk shit about....How did THIS happen? 

Night of, I met the traveling band, Vanity Strikes.  Cool cats between the ages of 20 & 22 from Rochester, New York.  Brave guys, traveling all over the US getting gigs off a smart phone app.  Craziness.  Sounds like a ton of fun and a good excuse to travel.  I ran into an ex.  Not a bad experience, but not really exciting either.  Mixed feelings on that one.  Met a lot of new bands through Agents of Solace's member, Keith.  Visited with Trailer Park Princess's lead bongo player and singer, Paul.  Everyone had a groovy vibe to them.  Tripp and his crew kind of came in and did their thing very well, visited toward the end a bit.  Nice guy. 

There were at least 20 heads there at the beginning.  Agents started promptly at 9.  Macie on vocals has one of those rich, full voices.  The style reminded me a lot like Flyleaf with more edge.  Very good band, nice people, and I will definitely book them in the future. 

Tripp Mathis and his band did a great job, as they always do.  I have seen them play before with my brothers band.  I felt bad because this was definitely not their crowd.  They brought a few people in and that was cool, some of the crowd even started dancing. 

And then Vanity Strikes.  Kevin on guitar has some mad skills.  Danny, the lead singer, has some 80's hair band vocals.  Very marketable sound.  One bad thing about booking bands via the internet is you don't see them in their full glory. When I see a band I automatically think of 2-3 other bands they would sound good with.  I really didn't do their genre justice.  Scheduling is definitely number one in the booking game, and this is another reason why i try to plan 2 months in advance AT LEAST when booking shows.  On a positive note, they put on a heck of a performance, and when they decide to roll back to the Funk I have a better idea for a line up.  And they promised to let me know months in advance so we're cool :)  Really nice guys.

I'll say a few things about Trailer Park Princess.  First of all, the band members and all of their guest showed almost immediately after the doors opened and stayed the entire show.  They cheered on and danced for all of the bands.  They have to be some of the BEST people to have in a line up for this very reason.  Way to support your fellow musicians, guys.  Big ups on that one.  TPP puts on one heck of a show.  To put in one genre is next to impossible.  I heard salsa, rock, jazz, a little punk and some folk all mixed into one act.  There's bongos, a full drum set, a guitar, and bass guitar with the occasional harmonica.  You'd have to see it to believe it because they have NO music online.  Very good show, very unique sound and a great crowd to have around. 

Wasn't a great night, but it wasn't a bad night, and I think everyone had a good time.  It's always a good time at Lola's!! 

Video footage on my fan page www.facebook.com/CallieDeePresents

[calliedeepresents]

Shipping and Receiving's Grand Opening

I was lucky enough to snag a waitressing job at Shipping & Receiving, this old warehouse turned mixed used building.  Upstairs on half of the building is lofts.  The other half is commercial space, some at ground level and then there's the bar and outside music venue.  It's really quite genius. 

I arrived at 5:15ish, and the bar was already packed.  The crowd was really diverse as far as age was concerned, and everyone was well dressed. Southside Pirate Radio had a table with info and T-shirts, another "T-shirt Club" person was there handing out free T-shirts, and Salsa Limon had a food truck there.  It was well put together.  As soon as you walk in there's a jukebox on the right which I haven't checked out yet.  There's a really beautiful long wooden carved table with glass on top, and if you keep going, there's a pool table and shuffle board table.  The women's bathroom was nice, you know that's my favorite part :)  The bar is beautiful wood, stocked with 60 different kind of beers including Bud Light, Miller Light, Dos Equis, and Shiner.  And then a whole lot I don't know....Brooklyn Brown, Milkstout, Nude Beach, Dale's Pale Ale...off the top of my head.  Sierra Nevada.  And then of course spirits, but the crowd this night were mostly beer drinkers.  And then there's a few bar tables scattered through out with a section of couches facing each other under a gorgeous chandelier.  They have posters and art on the walls, very nicely decorated bar. 

When the music started at 9pm, the patio got packed.  There's about 4-5 long picnic style benches down by the stage with lots of standing room. Then up the stairs there's a patio area with 4-5 4 top tables and more standing room along the rails.  The owner set a beer bar up at the entrance of the bar for a few of the beers on hand.

The only bad part about waitressing during the show is  I can't really get to ENJOY it.  But, all the bands were very good, brought a decent crowd, everyone seemed to enjoy it.  The lights were nice, the stage is nicely set up and the sound was decent and not too loud but loud enough. 

The owners, managers, and all of their friends are nice and warm people.  The vibe in this place was warm and fuzzy.  I am really blessed to have gotten this job at the right time, and hope to see this place grow.  I'm excited to get a tour of the lofts!  And to see all the great bands that roll through.  Exciting times. 

Pictures of Shipping & Receiving on my Fan Page

[callie-dee]

I've always loved music. As long as I can remember I've been addicted to any source of music-...

Don't forget to catch me on Facebook. 

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Lola's on a Thursday Night

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. 

Videos on my Fan Page.

[calliedeepresents]

Cerebral Chauffeurs & Frisky Disco @ The Basement Bar

Oh how I love these two bands!!  Let me count the ways....

Cerebral Chauffeurs has three amazingly talented members.  Joe Prankster is bassist of Animal Spirit as well as We'rewolves, and lead singer/guitar in Cerebral.  James Hughes plays bass and Ben plays drums in both Royal Savages as well as Cerebral Chauffeurs.  We all know I love the Royal Savages, I was actually reppin their shirt this very night :)  This band is a little bit Rolling Stone, a little Pink Floyd, dash of Doors, splash of jazz and a whole lot of Rock n Roll.  Joe's voice is smooth like silk, his delivery full of soul.  They do these rocking breaks where the whole group just gets down, then pick back up with that hypnotic voice and lyrics.  You can not only tell, but FEEL the love these guys have for music.  Girls can't help but get up and dance semi seductively to these tunes.  Great job, guys!  I always enjoy when you play.  

Frisky Disco is a 4 man band, Hayden Miller on lead vocals, Tyler Vela on Guitar, Jonnie Mans on Bass, and Zach Tucker (Also in Panic Volcanic) on drums.  Even though the other guys contribute fully to this band, Hayden is the one to notice.  He has "it".  The guy is a performer.  Swinging the microphone, catching it then belting out the next lyrics, pushing the microphone down then pulling it up, jumping around stage. He even did a few songs playing the keyboard. He's a fireball.  Frisky Disco is very jazz/blues inspired with a very classic Doors era edge with the enthusiasm of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.  I couldn't stop taking video footage, they were that intriguing of a band to watch.  Hayden is great at engaging with the crowd.  They covered "I'm not your stepping stone" by the Monkees, and rocked it!  At one point, a chick even attempted to crowd surf which basically was her being lifted by ten people and waved around a minute.  Funny to watch.  Go see Frisky Disco at The Pour House after Friday on the Green THIS Friday.   

It was great to see the rest of Animal Spirit and Panic Volcanic in attendance.  These bands really support each other and I can appreciate the camaraderie.   This is really a great group of talented people.  

Basement Bar has grown on me.  Every time I have been there, I've had a good time.  The bathrooms are great, I haven't had to buy my own drink there yet so I'm not sure about prices (big grin).  It's a nice little spot.  Wouldn't mind throwing a show there.  The only issue is parking but this is the Stockyards so that's kind of the deal.  

Great night, Fantabulous bands.  For a few videos go to my Facebook Fan Page

[calliedeepresents]

SirKUTTA DuFRANE CD Release Party @ Lola's

This event had a lot of Facebook coverage with posts such as track “leaks", soundcloud posts, and requests to share (which I did). So I anticipated the night to be off the hook. Cory aka SirKUTTA even offered the first 25 people through the door a free CD and hand towel.

I arrived at around 9:30. Diverse Teknics, or D.Tek, started the party with laid back and chill hip hop, cutting it up every so often. It’s the kind of music like back in High School, if this was playing you knew you were with the cool kids. D. Tek hyped everyone with “Is Eight Seventeen in the house?"

MA’AT started out the night. These two underage MC’s, Don J. and Rob the Shaman, not only don’t fit the “mold" of what people think hip/hop is, but also speak about things that definitely don’t fit the “new" mold of hip/hop. They talk of Occupying Wall Street, meditation, opening your mind and seeing things a little clearer…straight hippy kind of stuff. Rob even performed without shoes. They spoke of these things in great rhythm, perfect beat, and with such conviction. This was my second time to see these two guys perform. I’m excited to see them explode.

Next on the stage was RJ TreeKiller featuring Kool Breeze and Anetix. RJ definitely has a great sound, great deliverance as well as a stage presence. Kool Breeze was another great MC from Fort Worth. One of his songs on Soundcloud is named, “It’s More Than Music" which describes the love of hip hop to a T. “This is a lifestyle, takes hard work and dedication, let them hate, just use it as motivation." Anetix was a spit fire of a white dude. All over the stage, moving around and delivering his lyrics with such fire, murdering beats. If I saw him on the street, I would never have guessed. All three of these guys not only had their own style but were MIND BLOWINGLY amazing.

Beast took the stage next. He had one song that stuck out, talking about doing the music for his family, not only those blood related, but friends and the family of hip/hop. Good words.

The DK crew took the stage last, Birds Eye Blue, SirKUTTA DuFRANE and Spewcatalysm. I got a free CD but none of the songs they performed were on there, later found out they songs that had been released already. I wouldn’t have known the difference because I’ve only seen them one other time at The Grotto. These guys have a great dynamic. Each has a difference style and presence. Definitely marketable music. I’d like to see them get nationwide in the independent hip/hop scene. They’d be a great representation of Fort Worth talent.

D. Teknics dropped the beats the entire night, closing around 12:30. I was interested to see DJ Remode on the cover of the album but he was not the performing DJ. D. Tek kept the party going all night, busted out some scratches that are an art in itself. Not only can you tell of his love for music and being a great DJ, but he has love for the local acts and Fort Worth. Definitely someone I don’t mind supporting and promoting.

The crowd tonight was fairly sparse. There was a little guy about 7-9 getting down with his bad self and other family supporting this night. I wondered to myself why these GREAT performers- all of them- didn’t draw a bigger crowd? I know there are a lot more people who love hip hop in the community, maybe it’s time to do an outreach of some sort. Remind people that not only is hip hop not dead, but that these guys are talking about things that are relevant vs. hoes, cars, clothes, money, and sex. Little Wayne does not live in Fort Worth. I’m with MA’AT, it’s time for a revolution.