Hoodoo updates, news and video extras

I wrote last week about the effort by a group of Austin musicians to help Miss Lavelle White, an Austin icon who has found herself in need of help with housing.
Check this blog post by Carolyn Wonderland to learn more about Miss Lavelle's situation and how you can help with a donation. Miss Lavelle only played here a few times that I know of, once at McKenna's, probably in the 1990s. She is now in her 80s, and a group of Austin musicians have started HOME or Housing Opportunities for Musicians & Entertainers to help Miss Lavelle and ultimately to help others in similar situations.
www.texasbluesroadhouse.com/profiles/blogs/h-o-m-e-for-musicians-in-need-by-carolyn-wonderland 

Lavelle White at Austin's

 Saxon Pub, 2009

This week many of my Austin and California music industry friends are mourning the loss of Brent Grulke, the longtime Creative Director for SXSW who died suddenly this week, from a heart attack after dental surgery. My friend Cary Baker of Conqueroo pr described posted to his Facebook page, "I loved Brent like a brother. His professionalism was exceeded only by his passion and knowledge of music and being a rare gentleman in a cut-throat world. This news doesn't feel real to me now..." 
Though I personally never met Brent, I was reminded again how small the world is when I learned that this mover and shaker on the Austin music scene, beloved by so many, was born in North Platte, Nebr., and lived with his family for a while in Omaha before the family moved on to several other cities. Such a small world.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Brent's family and friends. He leaves behind a young son and the family is asking for memorial donations to  be made to the Graham Grulke Education Fund, c/o Brad Grulke, 3601 Bee Creek Rd, Spicewood Texas 78669. Read his obit to see how one person can make such a lasting impact on their local scene and amongst their friends.
Brent Grulke, Austin American-Statesman Obituary
Austin writer Michael Corcoran also posted a tribute to Grulke here titled "A friend of music, a listener of life" michaelcorcoran.net/archives/1861

Certainly another reminder in Brent's death to make sure every moment counts. Don't waste a second!


My Hero-Pal Jon Dee Graham has a new CD out, Garage Sale -- you can get it at jondeegrahamco.bandcamp.com/
It sounds like Jon Dee will be back in the area in the fall!

Here is an absolutely excellent video of Jon Dee backing up his son William Harries Graham, on William's composition Rock 'n' Roll in the Street...which he wrote back when he was 5 years old! The band Residual Kid is backing them up. 
Check it!

William Harries Graham with Jon Dee Graham and Residual Kid

Jon Dee performs Laredo with Austin youth band Residual Kid

Another hero-pal, Curtis Salgado, is getting back to gigging this weekend after spending the last month recovering from lung surgery to remove a suspicious tumor from his lung. Doctors expect a full recovery and Curtis will be at Lincoln's Zoo Bar Tuesday, Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m.
He will be back in Omaha on Friday, Oct. 12, performing on a double-bill with Joe Louis Walker as a benefit for the Playing with Fire concert series. See www.theslowdown.com/events/playing-with-fire-fundraiser/
Here's a little video of Curtis and his band recorded in April of this year for local Portland radio station KINK FM, complete with horn section and singers! Mighty fine stuff! I can't wait to see Curtis back in action!

 Curtis Salgado from KINK FM concert series!

Also, the Chip-In for Curtis' medical expenses is still taking donations, please share it around with Curtis' fans. curtissalgado.chipin.com/curtis-salgado-medical-fund

The benefit and tribute concert for Javier Ochoa is Friday night, Aug. 17, at The Waiting Room...
I expect there will be a packed house full of fans and friends paying respects to one of Omaha's most beloved musicians. For details see Remembering Javier A Benefit & Tribute Facebook Page

The new column is online. Lots of great music all over Linoma this weekend and big concerts coming up from B.B. King and Robert Cray at Lincoln's Pinewood Bowl tonight, Aug. 16, to Lyle Lovett next Tuesday, Aug. 21, at the Holland Performing Arts Center and Bonnie Raitt & Mavis Staples next Friday, Aug. 24, at the Orpheum.

Hoodoo for Aug. 16 in The Reader, Clubs, Concerts & Ribs!

Clubs, Concerts & Ribs

by B.J. Huchtemann

This Thursday, Aug. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., two of Texas’ top roots musicians hit The 21st Saloon. Singer-songwriter Randy McAllister has a soulful voice and lyrics with a distinctive viewpoint. His songs celebrate life and offer modern-day twists on the blues, taking on topics from the humorous to contemporary life's tough situations. Joining McAllister is guitarist Buddy Whittington. He is a six-string slinger who’s renown in Texas and who toured for 15 years with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, replacing Coco Montoya.
Musician’s Musicians
Two big favorites of Zoo Bar musician, bartender and talent booker Josh Hoyer are coming to the metro. California singer-songwriter David Vidal plays the Zoo Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m. A Philadelphia promoter raved, “David’s rich voice enhances the depth of the lyrics and the listener feels you have stumbled on a truth-teller for sure.”
Hoyer also recommends Los Angeles singer-songwriter Kevin Sandbloom. Sandbloom’s vocals have soul and a wide R&B range. Sandbloom’s credits include writing the title track to Robben Ford’s Supernatural album. Kevin Sandbloom hits the Barley Street Thursday, Aug. 23 with Citizen’s Band and plays Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Friday, Aug. 24, after 9 p.m.
Kelly Richey
A performer since 1986, Ohio-based guitarist Kelly Richey was originally inspired by icons like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Janis Joplin. Richey is a winner of multiple “best of” awards in the Cincinnati area. See kellyrichey.com. Richey plugs in at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6-9 p.m. and plays The 21st Saloon Thursday, Aug. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Remembering Javier
Friday, Aug. 17, The Waiting Room hosts a benefit concert in honor of Javier Ochoa, a much-loved member of the Omaha music community who passed away unexpectedly this summer. See waitingroomlounge.com.
Bird, Lyle, Bonnie & Mavis
Monday, Aug. 20, Andrew Bird performs at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m., the great Lyle Lovett is at the Holland. Friday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m., two powerhouse musical greats, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples, take the stage at the Orpheum.
Hot Notes
Guitarist Steve Byam’s band Runny Nose Pete rocks raw, old-school blues at Papa Chris’ Chicago Originals Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 p.m.
Carolyn Wonderland is at The Waiting Room Tuesday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m.
Blues and barbecue are on tap at Ribfest this weekend at Stinson Park. See aksarbenribfest.com.
Curtis Salgado is recovering quickly from lung surgery and gigs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Tuesday, Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m. See curtissalgado.com.