Step Out For Some Live Music in the Heights
I started researching for a new column about live music venues in the Heights. Talk about “hard work!” Ha. I’d like to invite new artists (musicians) to come and perform at the art market too. So I started my journey last night, and wanted to share with you.
EQ Heights 1030 Heights Blvd. – [themify_icon icon=”fa-facebook-square” link=”https://www.facebook.com/eqheights” ] was my first stop. Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield, from Florida were performing. Americana/Folk/Rock is their self described genre. Roy sang, played guitar, harp and a bass drum and Kim sang backup vocals and mandolin. Roy has stories for his songs and they sound great together. Everyone loves a good story! Find them on the road here: www.royschneider.com
I met the owner of EQ Heights, and he said to expect music there on Thursday & Saturday nights. The shows are free, they do serve beer & wine, breakfast and lunch. Lots of coffee drinks too. EQ is in a typical Heights bungalow, very roomy inside with lots of seating, similar to a home setting – but cooler of course! Big deck too!
While enjoying the music, people were coming and going – it is a coffee shop. One such person was artist Lynet McDonald, a good friend and you may know her from Redbud Gallery on 11th. It appears that not only does this cool spot have coffee and beer and music, but art too! Lynet is curating the art and currently has Gary Griffin’s photography in the front room. I may be risking my health by posting this unapproved photo of Lynet. But ah, life isn’t supposed to be safe! Lynet you’re a cutie, relax. 😀
Cottonwood Houston, 3422 N Shepherd Dr. (From the same folks that own Liberty Station on Washington.) Was my next stop to catch Jason James, old school country/honkytonk. Great big fun! Looks like Cottonwood has music Thursday thru Saturday. There’s a giant stage under a pavilion, a bar is there too, housed inside a shipping container. How cool is that?! This place is big inside, and can accommodate a couple thousand I bet, but roomy enough last night that it didn’t “feel” crowded. There were NOT a 1000 people there though, don’t let me scare.
I ran into more folks I know here, like Urban Izzy, the fashion truck was at the entrance. Ladies if you haven’t met Sarah and her truck, go see her! While here I also ran into the legendary Rick Heysquierdo, Rick is host to the Lone Star Jukebox, his radio program on KPFT 90.1 now in his 25th Year on air! Congrats Rick! Rick moved his live music show called Troubadour Tuesday to Cottonwood, where he hosts a live version of his radio program, and its free! Next up will be Troubadour Tuesday with The South Austin Moonlighters on February 9. Check the Facebook event page here.
BTW, in case you didn’t know, Mayor Annise Parker, proclaimed December 31st to be Rick Heysquierdo Day. So now you have to ask “What are you doing on Rick Heysquierdo Day?” Instead of New Years Eve. Nice!
I ended the night at the legendary Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, 1031 E 24th St. The club is under new ownership, and has added a full bar! They plan to continue to showcase musicians and jams, yeah!
I remember coming to this bar on Thursday nights for the open jam sessions when I first moved to the Heights. (1994 -egads!) Back then, local musicians had a chance to the share the stage with music legends as this was the place they flocked to late at night for some R & R. The walls were covered with celebrity pics of some or our favorite stars. Mostly musicians – but I remember one night getting a call from friend about midnight, that her boyfriend was on stage playing sax along side Richard Gere, also playing sax. WHAT? Wow, crazy times.
Fast forward to 2016 and Erin Fisher Wright (twitter), jazz bassist and guitarist, is hosting a jazz jam on Thursdays. I have to tell you, if you do not know, Houston has some of the most talented jazz musicians on the planet hiding amongst us. And if you want to meet them, follow Erin. This is the 3rd venue for her jazz jam (on my radar anyway.) First she was at King Biscuit Cafe, then Dharma Cafe (both closed) and after a hiatus is back now at Dan Electro’s. They play late and there’s a food truck in the parking lot. Dan Electro’s is in the middle of the neighborhood – and is not what you’d expect to find, but hey, this IS the Heights. Well worth your time, grab a bunch of friends!
Best part? Talking with Erin about bringing a jazz trio to the February art market! WOO
