Song of the Day: “So We Won’t Forget” by Khruangbin

Posted on 05/19/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged funk, Houston, Khruangbin, psychedelic, Song of the Day, soul, Texas.

Khruangbin (Photo by Tamsin Isaacs)

Khruangbin recently released a new single, “So We Won’t Forget,” a track from their forthcoming album, Mordechai, out June 26 on Dead Oceans, in association with Night Time Stories.

My Favorite Artist: Lucinda Williams

Posted on 03/18/2020 by Mark Engleson in Live Review and tagged Americana, appreciation, Houston, Lucinda Williams, My Favorite Artist, singer-songwriter, Texas.

Lucinda Williams (Photo by Danny Clinch)

Editor’s Note: Parklife DC asked its contributors to write essays about their favorite bands. These essays appear in an occasional series, My Favorite Artist, and provide our readers with insights into our bloggers, their motivations, and their approach to covering concerts.

In 1994, Lucinda Williams won her first Grammy Award for Best Country Song for “Passionate Kisses,” a track from her self-titled 1988 turn to Americana. Mary Chapin Carpenter’s cover of the song also won for Best Country Vocal Performance.

While Mary may have taken away the hardware for her performance of the song, Lucinda’s hardcore fans — like me — will always prefer her performance of the song.

Live Review: Sunny Sweeney @ City Winery — 12/15/19

Posted on 12/18/2019 by Mark Engleson in Live Review and tagged Brennan Leigh, City Winery, country, holiday party, Houston, Sunny Sweeney, Texas.

Sunny Sweeney (Photo courtesy True Grit Management)

Sunny Sweeney brought her Dysfunctional Family Christmas show to DC recently, with frequent partner Brennen Leigh joining her at City Winery. Accompanied by Sunny’s guitarist Harley, the pair traded off songs and stories, making for a highly entertaining evening.

Live Review: Robert Earl Keen @ Lincoln Theatre — 12/6/19

Posted on 12/09/2019 by Mark Engleson in Live Review and tagged Americana, Ari Strauss, bluegrass, country, holiday party, Houston, Lincoln Theatre, Robert Earl Keen, Stryker Brothers, Texas.

Robert Earl Keen performs at the Lincoln Theatre on Dec. 6, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)

“If you want Christmas music,” Robert Earl Keen told the Lincoln Theater recently, “go to the mall.” REK’s Countdown to Christmas Tour steered clear of holiday music until the encore, when he played the fan-favorite “Merry Christmas from the Family,” an ode to the dysfunction and craziness of the holidays.

Preview: Robert Earl Keen @ Lincoln Theatre, 12/6/19

Posted on 12/02/2019 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Americana, bluegrass, country, Houston, Lincoln Theatre, Robert Earl Keen, Texas.

Robert Earl Keen (Photo by EMG/ Shutterstock)

Robert Earl Keen began 2019 with an induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. He leaves it on a Christmas tour, including a stop at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Dec. 6!

Live Review: Blue October @ Baltimore Soundstage — 11/14/19

Posted on 11/18/2019 by Corey Paterson in Live Review and tagged Alternative rock, Baltimore Soundstage, Blue October, Houston, Texas.

Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October (Photo by Chris Barber)

I had the pleasure of seeing Blue October for the second time this year recently. Justin Furstenfeld and company made a stop in Baltimore at one of my personal favorite venues — Baltimore Soundstage — as they finished the last few dates of their current tour.

Preview: Blue October @ Baltimore Soundstage, 11/14/19

Posted on 11/07/2019 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Baltimore Soundstage, Blue October, Houston, post-grunge, Texas.

Blue October (Photo by Chris Barber)

A must-see on the fall festival circuit? The upcoming music documentary Get Back Up, which centers on Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October and his struggle with addiction.

Meanwhile, catch Blue October, back and reinvigorated onstage, in performance at Baltimore Soundstage on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Live Review: Maxo Kream @ U Street Music Hall — 10/25/19

Posted on 10/29/2019 by shedrickpelt in Live Review and tagged hip hop, Houston, Maxo Kream, rap, Texas, U Street Music Hall.

Maxo Kream performs at The Anthem on Oct. 25, 2019. (Photo by Shedrick Pelt)

If the Astros being in the World Series is any sign that the city of Houston is glo-ing up right now then Maxo Kream and his Brandon Banks Tour making its way around the US is the icing on the cake. H-Town has forever been layered with certified artist dating back to the godfather’s DJ Screw, Big Moe, and Devin The Dude. Now it’s Maxo’s time to tell his story about life in Clutch City.

Live Review: ZZ Top @ MGM National Harbor — 10/25/19

Posted on 10/29/2019 by julesontheroadphotos in Live Review and tagged blues, hard rock, Houston, Jules McNamara, MGM National Harbor, southern rock, Texas, ZZ Top.

ZZ Top performs at MGM National Harbor on Oct. 25, 2019. (Photo by Jules McNamara)

ZZ top is one of the world’s most iconic rock bands. With their Texas-style goatees, sunglasses, hats, and black attire, the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are instantly recognizable. But they’re also iconic in the sense that this is a truly great band. They may call themselves “Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers,” but, beneath the image, this a tight group of incredibly talented musicians.

And ZZ Top’s appearance on their 50th Anniversary Tour at MGM National Harbor recently showcased that, after all these years, they’re still the best at the dirty Texas blues-rock.

Preview: Maxo Kream @ U Street Music Hall, 10/25/19

Posted on 10/22/2019 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged hip hop, Houston, Maxo Kream, rap, Texas, U Street Music Hall.

Maxo Kream (Photo courtesy Ticketfly)

Houston rapper Maxo Kream dropped Brandon Banks, his third studio album and his major label debut on July 19 through Big Persona/88 Classic/RCA Records. The rising hip hop star performs at U Street Music Hall on Friday, Oct. 25.