News & Features

Welcome to HoustonBands.Net! The largest network for Houston, Texas area bands on the internet and the best place to find Live Local Music. We now we have over 1000 bands and artists linked, plus hundreds of venues and local shows. We also list musician resources including recording & rehearsal studios; indie labels; graphic design studios; magazines, webzines & newsletters; management and promotion contacts; online music stores & marketing resources, duplication & printing shops and Houston radio stations. Get local, regional and national music news and find live music from local bands and artists from all genres including rock, pop, blues, country, hip hop, tejano, alternative, reggae and more. Get information on shows, dates, tickets, and events at Houston and surrounding area venues, clubs, bars, pubs, festivals and concerts.

HoustonBands.Net Music News

Sunday, Aug 3rd, 2008

Now Taking Submissions for Annual GoGirlsMusicFest Compilation CD!

GoGirls is proud to announce it’s taking submission for the 9th annual GoGirlsMusicFest compilation CD.

Submit NOW at http://www.sonicbids.com/GGMF08CD. Don't wait because the deadline is August 15th. ALL songs will get listened to. Everyone will be considered. But please send us your best high quality music. If the recording quality is low it cannot be considered. This is a top-notch, professional compilation CD that is given away FREE at all our upcoming GoGirlsMusicFest shows around the country. We also distribute it at music conferences, send it to radio stations and places for review. If you are selected there is NO additional fee. Why? Because we rock! Yep, another great perk to being a member of the oldest & largest online community of indie women in music.

To be considered you MUST submit through Sonicbids and your GoGirls Elite membership must be current. Learn more about GoGirls Elite at http://www.gogirlselite.com



Tuesday, Jul 8th, 2008

Love Street Light Circus Creates New Avenue for Supporting Children’s Causes

Houston, Texas July 8, 2008 – When the Beatles sang, “All You Need is Love,” they struck a chord with an entire generation. Now, with the establishing of Love Street Light Circus, the spirit of helping others will hit a new high note in the city of Houston. A new nonprofit organization, Love Street Light Circus, was created to promote volunteerism among the city’s musicians in support of children’s causes.

In a nod to Houston’s musical past, Love Street Light Circus takes its name from Love Street Light Circus and Feelgood Machine, the city’s premiere psychedelic music club in the late 1960s. “People have fond memories of the old club,” said Patrick Waites, Director of Love Street Light Circus. “In fact, the club’s founder, artist David Adickes, has agreed to give the group access to some of his old items from the venue. He appreciates that we are making an effort to keep its memory alive for a good cause.”

For its inaugural event, dubbed White Album for Purple Songs, the nonprofit has enlisted some of Houston’s top bands to perform the Beatles’ White Album live on stage at Rockefeller Hall on November 16, 2008. Coincidentally, November will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ eponymous landmark double album. This special event will benefit the Purple Songs Can Fly Project, a unique musical program founded by pianist/composer Anita Kruse where the children in the Texas Children's Cancer Center work with Anita and other professional composers to write and record their own songs in an on-site studio. This process helps the children express their feelings about what they are experiencing – feelings they might not otherwise be able to express.

In support of the new nonprofit, Mayor Bill White will be an honorary speaker at the event, which underlines Houston’s proud history of volunteerism and rich musical heritage. Among the more than 40 musicians participating are Norma Zenteno, four-time Grammy winner David de la Garza, and David Blassingame, who recently helped organize a live performance of the Sgt. Pepper album that drew 4,000 people to Discovery Green.

A number of the performers cite a personal connection to Texas Children’s Hospital as motivation for participating in the event. Some were patients as children. Jonathan Lara says that he still bears a scar that reminds him of a stay there almost 20 years ago, which “reminds him to appreciate life.” Others have had children there. Waites recounted that his daughter was admitted on her second birthday. “The nurses took pity on her and bought her some presents and balloons. She doesn’t remember it, but we will never forget.”

In a city whose music community has an active spirit of volunteerism, Love Street Light Circus looks forward to bringing more of the best together to help children who need it most.

For information contact:
Patrick Waites (Director)
713-256-9007
patrick@lovestreetlightcircus.org



Tuesday, Jul 8th, 2008

The 2nd Annual Back2School Houston Parade - August 16th, 2008

2008 Parade theme: "Lift Up a Child & Change the World"

Houston, TX (July 1, 2008) With great excitement and anticipation, we are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Back2School Houston Parade. On Saturday, August 16, 2008, the Back2School Houston Parade will march forward promoting academic excellence in this exciting annual celebration within the City of Houston and the State of Texas.

In recognition of our responsibility as a community, parents, and guardians of our youth, the 2008 parade theme is "Lift Up a Child & Change the World". Join us as we shine light on what continues to be one of the most important issues facing our children today – a quality education.

The 2008 Back2School Houston Parade will step off at 10:00 am in downtown Houston at Minute Maid Park (Texas & Crawford). Sponsorship and Parade registration is still open to public and private entities. We encourage ALL interested parties to join us in this noble endeavor.

The Back2School Houston Parade committee is an all-volunteer organization whose sole purpose is to highlight and promote educational excellence and opportunity for the children of Houston and the State of Texas.

For additional information, visit our website at http://www.Back2SchoolHou.com or feel free to contact us directly at (713) 229-8388.



Monday, Jul 7th, 2008

Indie Music Success Workshop plus Demo Derby + Networking Event

Take control of your music career and walk away empowered after attending...

Sunday, July 20th from 1-5pm
Dan Electro's, 1031 E 24th St.
Houston, TX 77009  

ATTENTION MUSICIANS: Join us on Sunday, July 20th in Houston, TX for this informative, career development workshop featuring music industry experts Madalyn Sklar, Tish Meeks and Ryan Michael Galloway. Get your music heard at the demo derby with real live feedback from special guest Kenneth Scott. Be sure to bring lots of CDs and business cards because there will plenty of opportunity to network!

Check out details at http://www.indiemusicsuccess.com



Wednesday, Jul 2nd, 2008
O-Merta Music Entertainment hosting Battle of the Bands

O-Merta Music Entertainment is hosting the first annual Battle of the Bands. Cash and prizes for first, second, and third places. First prize will win 20 hours of free recording time. We need good bands to fill our roster. Entry fees will be $100.00. First prize could win over $700.00. If you are interested please contact us A.S.A.P. before our roster is filled.

713-263-4641
o.mertamusic.ent@gmail.com


Monday, Jun 30th, 2008

3 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER SONGS AND LYRICS

There are only 3 days left to enter your songs or lyrics into June's songwriting competition. For more information or to enter your material, please visit: www.songoftheyear.com . Any submission entered online or postmarked by June 30th will be entered into this month's round. International entries are accepted.

MAY'S UPDATE May's winners will be announced by July 14th.

www.songoftheyear.com



Thursday, Jun 19th, 2008
HoustonBands.Net now has a Social Network!

Now you can post your songs and everything else on your own page on HoustonBands.Net for free! We're just getting started so look for many changes soon. Please comment below with any suggestions. Everyone from bands to fans can join. I'll make groups for the bands and eventually link them to the database. Thanks and enjoy!

HoustonBands.Ning.Com

peace,
Mark



Sunday, Jun 15th, 2008

LOS VERTIGOS BRING THEIR ROOTS-ROCK TEX-MEX SOUND TO SOUTH DOWN PARK

Houston-based, Los Vertigos will perform on Local Band Night, at this year’s “Summer Concert Series,” sponsored by the Pearland Parks and Recreation Department, on Friday, June 20th, 8 PM, at South Down Park, in Pearland, Texas. Admission is absolutely Free.

With group members from as far as Tunbridge Wells, England and Mission, Texas, Los Vertigos banded together in 2006 to make your head spin and knock you off balance with their unique blend of classic Roots-Rock, Alternative Country, Americana and Tex-Mex music.

Los Vertigos place emphasis on performing the music of songwriters and bands from Texas; both rock and country, past and present, which are in the national as well as the local spotlight. Los Vertigos are a “cover band with an edge,” explains vocalist and Pearland resident, Rene Silva. “We are proud of our regional cultural and musical roots, which as a band sets us apart from bands in the rest of the country and defines our sound.”

In the last two and a half years, Los Vertigos have entertained for a client base ranging from ice houses to music festivals, and by the time you read this press release, Los Vertigos will on their way to perform at the Republic of Texas Biker Rally in Austin, Texas; a three-day music festival [June 12th – 14th] which will feature such musical luminaries as Joe Ely, Ray Wyllie Hubbard, blues-legend, Johnny Winter and the Charlie Daniels Band; known for their Country music classic, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” To learn more about the ROT Rally, please visit: www.rotrally.com

Los Vertigos are proud members of the Houston, Texas branch of the American Roots-Rock Coalition (ARRC). The American Roots-Rock Coalition is a grass-roots organization whose mission is to curb the excessive use of midi-sequencing in popular music and through its outreach program, expose today's youth to the virtues of public performance utilizing real analog musical instruments. To learn more about Los Vertigos, please visit their Web Site: www.losvertigos.com

Catch Los Vertigos, Friday night, June 20th, 2008, 8 PM, at South Down Park, 2150 Countryplace Parkway, in Pearland Texas. For more information, contact the Pearland and Recreation Department: www.pearlandparks.com or phone: 281-652-1673. Admission is absolutely Free.



Sunday, Jun 15th, 2008
MUSIC ICONS TO JUDGE 2008 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION (ISC)

Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Chaka Khan, Ray Davies (The Kinks), Loretta Lynn, Tom Waits, T-Pain, Robert Smith (The Cure), John Mayall, and Many More Celebrities Team Up With High-Profile Music Industry Executives To Choose 2008 ISC Winners

June 10, 2008 - The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for the 2008 competition. More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be shared among the 62 winners, including an overall Grand Prize of $25,000 (US) cash and $20,000 in prizes. This year's competition includes many new celebrity and industry judges and the inclusion of a Music Video category.

Go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com to enter songs via mail or online.

Since its inception, ISC is renowned for having the most prestigious judging panel of any songwriting competition in the world. Entering ISC offers songwriters and musicians an unprecedented opportunity to have their songs heard by top celebrity recording artists and influential music industry executives.

Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure and an ISC judge for the past three years, says, "I am astounded at the quality and range of abilities - the originality, honesty, and depth of so many of the words, the charm, vivacity, and catchiness of the tunes, and the often staggering energy, skill, and intensity of the performances - the talent has left me at times breathless!"

Monte Lipman, President of Universal Records, talks about his role as an ISC judge: "We're always been impressed with the talented songwriters who participate in the ISC. This is a great A&R source to find new artists."

The list of 2008 ISC judges include:

Recording Artists
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20); Chaka Khan; Tom Waits; KT Tunstall; Robert Smith (The Cure); Loretta Lynn; Neil Finn (Crowded House); Buckcherry; T-Pain; James Cotton; Jerry Lee Lewis; Craig Morgan; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Mario; Black Francis (The Pixies); Youssou N'Dour; John Mayall; DJ Tiësto; "Weird Al" Yankovic; and Paul Van Dyk

Music Industry Executives
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK); Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP of A&R, Latin America Sony BMG and President, Discos 605); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Amy Doyle (Sr. VP of Music and Talent, MTV); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, Lost Highway); Jon Pikus (Director of A&R, MySpace Records); Mitchell Cohen (VP of A&R, Verve Music Group); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Peter Strickland (Senior VP, Jack Records/Warner Bros.); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, and more); Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP, Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami); Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music for Little People); and Dr. Demento (Radio Host of The Dr. Demento Show).

ISC welcomes original songs from musicians, artists, and songwriters at every level from amateur to professional. Entrants may submit songs in any of the following categories: Pop/Top 40, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), Rock, Country, Americana, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Jazz, Gospel/Christian, Latin Music, Instrumental, Dance/Electronica, Comedy/Novelty, World Music, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, Performance, and Music Video.

Please visit http://www.songwritingcompetition.com for an entry form or more details.

ISC 2008 sponsors include Luna Guitars, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, Disc Makers, D'Addario, Sonicbids, Shure, Cakewalk, Shari's Berries, Thayers, Hear Technologies, Po Boy Drums, and Alphabet Arm Design.


Friday, May 16th, 2008

ROBERT FRITH NAMED TEXAS MUSIC AWARDS SINGER / SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Given to the Academy Member Artist who delivers the best vocal, musical, and songwriting performance in the Singer/Songwriter genre. Criteria include visibility, performance quality, and with respect to recorded music: lyrics, clarity of delivery, dynamics, emotional input, creative delivery, quality, production, and memorable performance. This is a genre-specific award and must be awarded to a Member in a genre which typically features singer/songwriters in predominantly acoustic performances. Robert Frith plays Americana and Alt-Country and hails from Sugar Land, TX. This is his second year in a row to win this award.

http://www.texasmusicawards.org

http://robertfrith.com/



Friday, May 2nd, 2008

BENEFIT FOR MIT TRAUX Sunday May 4th, 2008

As most of you know, my dear friend Mit Truax has been battling colon cancer for the past six months or more. As soon as he recovered from surgery, they started chemo-therapy. He just completed his last round of chemotherapy and is currently cancer free! Yeah! His friends, family and associates have arranged to host a Benefit Concert on Sunday May 4th, 2008. We're raising money to help defray his astronomical medical expenses.

For all my Houston friends, come on out for a day full of the Best Blues and Rock venue in town! I can assure you it will be a good time. We have a great line up of Live Music all day, 2 Barbeque Pits for Fajita tacos and Texas Scorpions (jalapenos), silent auctions, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, great people and tons of fun.

For those of you out of town, let me know if you are interested in purchasing any tickets for the following drawings. You don't have to be present to win.

First Door Prize - There will be 5 drawings and 5 prizes. The prizes include

1. Refurbished Laptop
2. Mountain Bike
3. Takamini guitar
4. DVD Recorder
5. Steve and Barry Gift Certificate

Tickets are $5 each. Only 1,000 printed.

Second Door Prize - Only one grand prize of Two Round trip Southwest Airline Tickets to any where in the continental U.S.

Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. Only 1,000 printed.

Sunday May 4th, 2008
The Howling Coyote Best Blues House in town!
6536 F.M. 1960 West
Houston, TX

Thanks,
Shannon G.



Monday, Apr 14th, 2008

Kelly's Lot and GoGirlsMusic.com Present "Hep C Aware"

Friday April 18 7pm -1:30am
Last Concert Cafe
1403 Nance St., Houston, Texas
$5 cover All Ages

A night of music, info and testing for Hepatitis C. Kelly’s Lot, HepCAware.org and GoGirlsMusic will present an evening of live music and Hepatitis C info on Friday, April 18, 7pm -1:30am at Last Concert Cafe, 1403 Nance St. Houston, TX. There will be live music by Kelly’s Lot, OSIRUS, The Snake Charmers, Mary Noel & the Blackwood Co., Christie Glaser, Hidden Agenda, P.J. Flowers, EVRiM, 71 Stars, Kimberly Jason and 3 Kisses. Hepatitis C screening and testing will be available. All funds raised will go to The Texas Liver Coalition. More info at www.TexasLiver.org or call 1-800-GO-LIVER

Kelly's Lot, which was honored with the “Best Blues Band” award by Rock City News and named one of the Top 13 bands in the U.S. by Independent Songwriter Magazine, has been involved in raising awareness of Hepatitis C since 2000 when lead singer Kelly Z learned her friend Gioia Siciliano had been diagnosed with the virus. That year, Kelly and Gioia worked with the American Liver Foundation (ALF) to create a marathon of music on the Santa Monica pier and educate as many people as they could. The event was a success but Gioia lost her battle months later after receiving a liver transplant. To honor their friend, Kelly’s Lot became the spokesband for the ALF and created a tour that brought them on the road from Los Angeles to Boston to educate people about this disease. At the end of the tour Kelly ran the Boston marathon and performed afterwards with her band to heighten the awareness. It worked and in 2002, with the ALF as their official charity, Kelly partnered with GoGirlsMusic.com in creating events across the country to raise money and more awareness of hepatitis C.

In 2004 Kelly formed HepCAware.org and began working again with GoGirlsMusic on a yearly basis for their annual Invasion of the GoGirls in Austin, TX. Through the years Kelly and Madalyn from GoGirls have met many who were suffering with Hep C, which has inspired them to continue the journey of raising awareness through music. They will be working together in October 2008 to kick off another series of events across the country. Producer of an annual telethon to raise both funds and awareness, Kelly Z has teamed up with a variety of Hep C organizations including The Texas Liver Coalition who will receive the money raised on the 18th.

GoGirlsMusic.com's mission is to promote, support and empower indie women in music. Madalyn Sklar started the organization in 1996 with a vision of bringing together independent women musicians from around the country. Twelve years later, GoGirlsMusic.com produces the GoGirlsMusic Fest, Invasion of the GoGirls, Battle of the GoGirls and more. In the last eight years, Sklar has spearheaded well over 100 benefit showcases for various organizations including the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls, MusiCares, American Liver Foundation and Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation.

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. It is a virus that attacks the liver and is spread by blood-to-blood contact. Although 1 in 50 Americans have the disease, 2 out of 3 do not know it. Persons who most at risk include those who have received blood, blood products or an organ transplant prior to 1992; those who have been involved with drug abuse (either injecting or snorting); those who have been patients of dialysis, those who have been tattooed or pierced, shared personal care items, been incarcerated or have been a war veteran (especially Vietnam).

Musical performances by Kelly’s Lot, OSIRUS, The Snake Charmers, Mary Noel & the Blackwood Co., Christie Glaser, Hidden Agenda, P.J. Flowers, EVRiM, 71 Stars, Kimberly Jason and 3 Kisses.

For more information call 310-377-2527.



Monday, Apr 14th, 2008

SAN ANTONIO LANDS ROOTS MUSIC AWARDS

The city of San Antonio, Texas has been selected to host the annual Roots Music Awards. The annual event will be held in conjunction with the Roots Music Association’s upcoming Radio Seminar, Music Conference and Festival that will be held June 26-29, 2008. The event is expected to bring hundreds of radio stations, networks, and independent artists to the Hill Country of Texas.

The Alzafar Shrine organization has finalized negotiations as the event’s major sponsor to host the event at their premier convention center located conveniently on Loop 1604 in San Antonio and will be the event’s major benefactor for their local Shrine community services.

The event, which has been branded as Music United ’08, will be presenting three days of music on five stages with artists encompassing almost every genre of music. In addition, the conference portion of the event will host educational panels geared towards music industry professionals and artists.

Awards will be presented to radio stations, artists and industry professionals in recognition of their accomplishments and contributions to the music industry over the past year. The event will be open to the public and in addition to three days of dynamic entertainment there will also be exhibits by educational and technological entities that will present information and services essential to the development and support of the independent artists.

A formal announcement is expected to be made with press conferences and media events beginning in early April.

For more information contact the Roots Music Association at: rma@rootsmusicassociation.org or 512-667-6466.

More information on the RMA can be found at the organization’s official website: www.rootsmusicassociation.org.



Thursday, Apr 10th, 2008

“Bobcat Benefit” at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar - April 11 and 12, 2008

Bob "Bobcat" Edwards (owner of Dan Electro's Guitar Bar) fell off a ladder sustaining serious injuries that required a hospital stay and an extensive rehabilitation program... Like so many of us in the music industry, Bob does not have hospitalization insurance and the bills are piling up… Many local musicians are donating their time to offset some of Bob’s medical expenses… Bob Edwards has worked hard to support the local music scene in Houston and this is a good time for all of us to show our appreciation for his contributions to the local scene...

Dan Electro's Guitar Bar
1031 E. 24th Houston, TX 77009
Info: 713-862-8707
Minimum donation of $10
*all times and artists are subject to change without notice

Fri, April 11 - 6pm door – music starts at 7pm

Wil Van Winkle and the Insomniacs (7-7:45)
Stateside Stereo (8-8:45)
SkyBlue72 (9:00-9:45)
Romeo Dogs (10:00 – 10:45)
Vatos Locos (11:00 – 11:45)
The Hates (12:00 – 12:45)
The Drunks (1 – 1:45am)

Sat, April 12 - 5pm door – music starts at 6pm

LL Cooper (6-6:45)
The Classic Rock Band (7-7:45)
LaSed (8-8:45)
Stamen (9-9:45pm)
PJ Flowers (10-10:45)
Fondue Monks (11:00-11:45)
YokoMono (12-12:45)
D’bo’s Chikin’ Coupe (1-1:45am)



Wednesday, Mar 5th, 2008
High Volume Music Block Party/Music Festival! March 22nd!! Be There!!

Come one come all!! It's free and it's fun for the whole family!! March 22 12pm

In the tradition of the old High Volume Music (CD shop) "old school" block parties from back in the day, the Spring Break Alternative Arts & Music Festival will be held on the grounds of The Plex Multi Media Studios in the heart of Sunnyside, Houston- Texas on March 22, 2008.

Live music will take place throughout the entire day. The festival will present performances from Houston and the surrounding region's best up and coming urban artists, including hip hop, R&B, blues, gospel, reggae, soul, reggaeton, Latin hip hop, spoken word, jazz, acoustic and neo soul artists. This is a family event!

With live Music of 97.9 DJ G.T. of The Boxx - Beat The Trunk Up (HipHop)
Collective Hallucination(Soul/Funk)
PLD (Reggaeton)
Rob Quest of Devin the Dude/Coughee Brothers (HipHop/Rap)
Loretta Gurnell Williams (Singing of the Gospel)
Hosted by HBO Def Comedy Jam Veteran ALI

8408 Colonial Lane Houston Tx 77051
www.highvolumemusic.com for theinformation

Complete list of performers includes: Tycin (Gospel) Kadrae (Soul/Funk) Smurk (Hip Hop) Rob Quest (Hip Hop) Kam (Reggae) Phoenix (R&B) Tonya Ware (Gospel) Andy Macintyre (Blues) Selah (Spoken Word) Collective Hallucination (Soul)
Headliners: Loretta Gurnell Williams (Gospel) PLD (Reggaeton) G.T. (Hip Hop)


Wednesday, Mar 5th, 2008

SOUTH BY DUE EAST 2008 MARCH 14-17

FRI & MON-7pm SAT/SUN-3pm
Dan Electro's Guitar Bar
1031 East 24th Street
in the Houston Heights

Houston, Texas, USA - Celebrating it's 5th year in it's current format, SOUTH BY DUE EAST 2008 will again present over 80 original (mostly local) artists over four days at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar in the Houston Heights, as the Sirius Hippies Production team led by Guy Schwartz & MArlo Blue shoot video and record multi-track audio on two stages to create their fourth SOUTH BY DUE EAST feature length film aimed at staking the claim for H-Town musical artists and our diverse musical scene.

It’s another year of great artists performing at Houston’s best kept secret-four-day-tour of our city's diverse and complicated music scene – All for free and in one place!

At SOUTH BY DUE EAST, the scheduling is purposely diverse. Fans coming to hear their faves will be exposed to unfamiliar artists and styles in the same scheduling blocks. Hard rockers Adrian & The Sickness will perform in the same hour as The Texas Dub Crusaders and country Telecaster-picker Chad Ware.

There's a blues-rock block on Saturday night, an Americana block on Sunday afternoon (at the same time as a small worldbeat block on the other stage). Hiphop will reign late Monday night as will rock on Friday! New York and LA bands shine on Sunday with our locals!

New for 2008 - we’re adding a South By Due East comedy showcase hosted by local Improv talent Al B (each night at 9pm), and expanding the 'Teach the Band a Song' segment, with talents as diverse as Americana Songstress Tressie Seegers from Tyler, soulman Brad Cordle from Las Vegas and Houston's own rapper Twank Star (Sat/Sun eves).

Schedules and artists are at
www.southbydueeast.com or myspace.com/southbydueeast

Can’t make it to any of the live music event? No worries…

STREAMING
This year we’re streaming live from the event on www.stickam.com/profile/bluesguy , so even hometown fans of our visiting bands (like Fruet & Os Cozinheiros from Brasil, or Niemo from Paris, France) can watch live from their comfy chairs back home.

ONLINE VIDEO
Film from this year’s festivities (and past years) is and will be posted at www.southbydueeast.com once mixed and edited.
So now it can be South By Due East every day of the year!

SOUTH BY DUE EAST began as a protest concert - pointed at SXSW's lack of inclusion for our varied Houston artists in 2003. Beginning in 2004, we limited our focus to the creation of media - to be used by the artists and producers to promote & archive themselves and the Houston music scene. Participating venues in our past include earthwire.net & Super Happy Fun Land.

Guy Schwartz (Creative director, Co-Producer) is a Houston musician, songwriter, film-maker and bandleader. His band, New Jack Hippies, will appear at SOUTH BY DUE EAST 2008 as a featured artist, as well as serving as the house band for a half-dozen artists participating in the popular 'TEACH THE BAND A SONG' segments for 'Hippies.TV'. Schwartz' new CD (his 42nd), 'Chameleon v3.5' will be released at SOUTH BY DUE EAST 2008 and available at leading online music sources including CDbaby.com, i-Tunes, bestbuy.com & Wal-mart.com.

Marlo Blue (Producer, Co-Director) is a Houston digital artist, producer, voice-actress, and videographer, who's current projects include 'Hippies.TV' and the new HMS-TV weekly series, 'South By Due East' (Comcast Cable Channel 17 - Friday 10pm beginning in May 2008). Ms. Blue is also the anchor for the KPFT-FM90.1 local news at 5pm.

-Guy Schwartz & MArlo Blue
SOUTH BY DUE EAST 2008
Hippies.TV
www.hippies.tv
www.southbydueeast.com
Box 31324, Houston, Texas, USA 77231
MArlo 001-832-439-9517
Guy 001-832-622-2295



Wednesday, Mar 5th, 2008
KRUCIBLE to play Rocklahoma Festival!!

Nightmare Records, Blastzone Entertainment Group, and Chavis Records have teamed up to form a new partnership, the Tri-Label Group.

The Tri-Label Group intends to bring you four incredible days of music entertainment on the second stage (North) at this year's major U.S. rock festival, Rocklahoma.

Rocklahoma is set to take place July 10-13, 2008 in Pryor, OK. This highly touted event triumphs all others in the U.S. Rocklahoma will bring you four days of nonstop, festive, 1980s-era rock music. Last year, the rock n' roll event brought over 30,000 fans from all over the globe to see the best in rock entertainment.

As the headliners are preparing to perform on the main stage, you will enjoy the unbelievable line-up Tri-Label Group has put together for you on the second stage (North)!! Tri-Label Group is preparing to indulge you with a massive amount of heavy talent destined to rock your world; featuring not only a mixed array of top notched musical acts from each of the three labels, but additional high profile talent that will provide you with raging rock and metallic energy.

The confirmed acts for second stage (North) thus far are as follows (in alphabetical order):

ASPHALT VALENTINE
BONESHAKER
DANGEROUS INC.
DEATHRIDERS (feat. ex-ANTHRAX singer Neil Turbin)
GODS OF KANSAS
KRUCIBLE (LANCE KING)
LIPSTICK MAGAZINE
MINDFLOW
ORDER OF NINE
POWND
SACRED DAWN
SHADOWSIDE
THE JACKYLS
WARMACHINE

Rocklahoma 2007 was the largest rock festival of its type featuring bands from the Eighties. Attendance came from all fifty states, every province in Canada, every country in Europe. A total of thirty-two different countries from throughout the world representing every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Located four miles north of Pryor, OK, off Highway 69, the Catch the Fever facilities include over 6,200 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 50,000 people. The grounds also feature over 4,000 campsites, on-site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, and overnight security provided by Mayes County Sheriff's Department. Rocklahoma also has a Picture Alley that allows anyone in attendance to approach the stage during any performance and take photographs of a favorite artist at close range.

There are a limited amount of V.I.P. tickets available to Rocklahoma, which includes free beer and food for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a special pre-party on Thursday, July 10 for all three-day and V.I.P. ticket holders at no extra cost. Through February 29, prices for V.I.P. tickets are $325 and three day general admission tickets for just $110. They can be purchased by calling toll free 866-310-2288 or click here to buy online.

Appearing on the main Stage:
Thursday, July 10:

BRET MICHAELS (headlining)
L.A. GUNS
ENUFF Z'NUFF (possible Jake E. Lee appearance)
VAIN
HOUSE OF LORDS
JETBOY

Friday, July 11:

TRIUMPH (headlining)
EXTREME (co-headlining)
NIGHT RANGER
KINGDOM COME
ARMORED SAINT
XYZ

Saturday, July 12:

CINDERELLA
WARRANT (with Jani Lane)
KIX
TRIXTER
BLACK 'N BLUE
TORA TORA
EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE
PRETTY BOY FLOYD

Sunday, July 13:

[Major act yet to be announced]
TESLA
LYNCH MOB (with Tommy Aldridge, Marco Mendoza)
ZEBRA
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
AXE


Friday, Feb 29th, 2008
Seeking bands and volunteers for benefit at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar

You may or may not be aware of the fact that Bob "Bobcat" Edward's (owner of Dan Electro's Guitar Bar) fell off a ladder while changing the Dan Electro's marquee... He sustained serious injuries that required a hospital stay and he is currently in an extensive rehabilitation program... Like so many of us in the music industry, Bob does not have hospitalization insurance and the bills are piling up...

I am organizing a benefit weekend at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar to raise money to offset some of Bob's medical expenses... Bob Edwards has worked hard to support the local music scene in Houston and this is a good time for all of us, in the music industry, to show our appreciation for his contribution to local music...

"The Bobcat Benefit" is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11th and 12th, 2008...

Any bands interested in performing or Any individuals interested in volunteering time to help with the organization of the benefit, please contact Chris Harkness…

email: chris@mm55productions.com

pho: 832-651-1861



Thursday, Feb 21st, 2008

SugarHill mourns the loss of Calvin Owens

(HOUSTON, TEXAS) - February 21, 2008 -Iconic trumpet player and former B.B. King Band Leader and arranger, Calvin Owens died early this morning.

A native Houstonian, Calvin "The Maestro" Owens' recording credits included work as an artist and producer for Memphis' Kiondict Recording Company, A & R director/studio musician for Peacock Recording Company locally and as an arranger for A & M Recording Studios in Los Angeles. He founded the Sawdust Alley Preservation Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to blues preservation.

Owens was a fixture at SugarHill Studios, beginning with the Gold Star era recording in the late 40s with Blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins and in the early 60s with singer Joe Hinton. He returned to the studios in 1994 recording parts of "True Blue", and would record and mix another eight Blues albums, two Spanish-language albums and one Hip-Hop album with Chief Engineer and longtime friend, Andy Bradley. Those albums included: "The House is Burnin'" (2002) a remixed/remastered version of "True Blue" (2005), "Keeping the Big Band Blues ALIVE" (2005), "I Ain't Gonna Be Yo' Dog No Mo'" (2006), his Hip-Hop album "Say Boy How You Do That Thing?" (2006), "Es Un Amor Legendario" (2006) and remixing "That's Your Booty"(release pending). In 2007 he released "Houston is the Place to Be" and his final Spanish-language album, "La Mujer Que Canta Blues" featuring Evelyn Rubio.

Owens arranged and played on countless releases including Trudy Lynn's "I'm Still Here" (2006) and Johnny Bush's acclaimed 2007 release, "Kashmere Gardens Mud". He also arranged two tracks and played on three tracks of the forthcoming Johnny Bush album featuring Willie Nelson and Ray Price. Owens was heralded by many and worked with musicians spanning a spectrum of genres. Among his recordings you will find tracks featuring Shelly Carrol, Otis Clay, Archie Bell, Arnett Cobb, B.B. King, Conrad Johnson, David "Fathead" Newman, Marvin Sparks, Keith Vivens, Barbara Lynn, Pete Mayes, and Rue Davis.

Andy Bradley said, "My heart is heavy with the loss of one of the most talented musicians and a very dear friend. Personally and professionally, I will miss his enigmatic spirit. May his memory live on through his resplendent music."

http://sugarhillstudios.com



Friday, Feb 15th, 2008

Slivered’s new LP, ' thought you could soar ' will be out this month.

The CD Release Party is scheduled at Rudyard’s (2010 Waugh Drive. Houston, TX. 77006) on Friday, February 29th, 2008.

Live music will be performed by Slivered, Treehouse Project, and Hearts Fail (from San Antonio).
Price of admission: $8 Price of CD: $8 - at this show only!

Sponsored by Sinkhole Productions (www.sinkholeproduct ions.com / www.myspace. com/sinkholeprod uctions) The new Life Flight EP can also be purchased at the show, on-line or at various record stores for $8. Send an email to info@sinkholeproduc tions.com for locations and additional details. We will have Slivered t-shirts and stickers at the event as well.

For more information about Slivered, please visit www.slivered. com The site features streaming audio, photos, concert dates, new merchandise and updated information about the band.



Thursday, Feb 7th, 2008

LAST CONCERT CAFÉ to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Houston/ Galveston

HOUSTON, TX – Come out to the Last Concert Café on Saturday, February 9th, and enjoy food, fun, and excellent live music, all to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/ Galveston, Inc.

Bands The Black Math Experiment, Live Oak Decline, and Mo Pair and the Ugi Mooks, will be playing free to benefit the charity, and as a memorial to honor and celebrate 3-month old Aubrie Kristine Acosta who died of SIDS on January 12th. The concert was put together by Acosta's grandparents, Brian and Amber Trafton owners of Wounded Rabbit Productions, to celebrate the great love and joy she gave to the world during her short stay on earth.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provided comfort and support to the family during their time in the hospital, and now the family would like to give back to the charity by inviting you to this very special benefit. Admission is $10 at the door. You will be able to enjoy the bands throughout the night starting at 8 pm. Food and drinks are extra, but the proceeds from the admission go directly to the charity. Last Concert Cafe, one of Houston's oldest (and definitely friendliest) live-music venues continues to serve up great music and delicious Tex-Mex since 1949. LCC is known as the best place to catch jam bands in Houston, but also features funk, bluegrass, rock, blues, world beat, rockabilly and more!

On February 9th, the entertainment will include bands from various backgrounds starting with Houston's own The Black Math Experiment. Since their inception in 2004, they've become one of the state's leading live acts, often compared to DEVO and The Pixies. They became famous for the shout-along sarcas-hymn "You Cannot Kill David Arquette" whose subject met the song with great amusement, and sent the band a box of gourmet cupcakes in thanks. Also playing is creative rock band Live Oak Decline, celebrating the 2007 release of their first full-length album HELLO WORLD, which has been acclaimed as a vintage perspective on modern times channeling the spirits of Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and David Bowie. Additionally, one of Austin's more interesting bands, Mo Pair and The Ugi Mooks, will be groovin' some bluegrass and folk music all for your entertainment.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Houston/Galveston, Inc. is dedicated to improving the health and well being of children in Houston and Galveston. RMHC does this by creating, finding or supporting various local programs, including: The Ronald McDonald® Care Mobile Scholarships to local graduating high school seniors Grants to worthy non-profit organizations also dedicated to the mission of RMHC of Greater Houston/ Galveston The Ronald McDonald Houses® of Houston and Galveston and the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®

For more information please visit our website rmhc-houston-galveston.org



Wednesday, Feb 6th, 2008

HBC Winterfest 08’

Saturday February 9th 2008
Meridian 1503 Chartres
713-2271717

The Houston Band Coalition is a non profit 501.c.3 organization of enthusiast, made up of diverse but like minded people who hope to merge our ideas and efforts in order to establish, preserve and progress the gift of local music in our area. Please support us in our efforts to unite the local music scene and bring attention to Houston’s premier musical talent along with industry professionals and a supportive network of fans. Help us as we attempt to bring national attention to our burgeoning musical scene and brand of music.

Performances by:
Swinging Teresa
Arride
Savage Evolution
The Fight Scene
She Craves
Deus-Machina

Festivities and Sponsorship provided by:
ABC Body Art
Twizted Mad Graphix Design
Double Dragon Tattoos
Pro-Mark Drumsticks
My City Rocks
Skullsessions Studios

The Houston Band Coalition appreciates your continued support!

HBCLIVE.COM



Tuesday, Feb 5th, 2008
2007 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Finalists And Semi-finalists Announced

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2007 finalists and semi-finalists. Selected out of over 15,000 entries from 100 countries, they represent all genres of contemporary music. For a complete list of 2007 ISC finalists and semi-finalists, please visit: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm

This year's competition is the largest yet for ISC, with the biggest growth coming from entries outside the USA. For the first time ever, a majority of finalists and semi-finalists come from outside the USA, from countries as far away as Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Mariana Islands, Peru, Hungary, and many more. This year, 53% of finalists and 54% of semi-finalists come from outside of the USA. This embodies the true spirit of ISC and establishes it as the largestinternational songwriting competition in the world.

Over $150,000 (U.S.) in cash and merchandise will be awarded to 59 winners, including an Overall Grand Prize winner who receives $25,000 in cash (the largest cash Grand Prize of any songwriting competition in the world) and over $25,000 in prizes.
Winners are selected by a panel of high-profile judges and will be announced in April, 2008. ISC judges include executives from ten record labels (including the presidents of Epic and Universal Records) and celebrity recording artists. One winner will also be selected as part of the ISC Peoples' Voice which invites the public to listen to and vote for their favorite ISC finalist. To listen to all the finalists' songs and cast your vote, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome2007.htm

The complete panel of 2007 judges include: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Julian Casablancas (The Strokes); Nelly Furtado; Ray Davies (The Kinks); Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Ornette Coleman; Youssou N'Dour; Sean Paul; Jerry Lee Lewis; "Weird Al" Yankovic; Black Francis (Pixies); Robert Smith (The Cure); Cassandra Wilson; David Cross; Craig Morgan; John Mayall; Joe Satriani; Toby Mac; Michael W. Smith; Chris Hillman (The Byrds); John Scofield; Hinder; Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Macy Gray; Peter Hook (New Order); Paulina Rubio; Tiesto; Charlie Walk (President, Epic Records); Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Mona Scott-Young (President, Violator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Steve Lillywhite (Producer - credits include U2, The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Peter Gabriel, and more); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Betty Pino (DJ, WAMR Miami, pioneer of Latin radio); Angel Carrasco (President, 605 Discos and Sr. VP A&R, Sony BMG Latin America); Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Nancy Wolpert (VP Home Entertainment and Nick Records, Nickelodeon/BMG); Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People); and Paul Majors (CEO/Founder Majors Music).

2007 Sponsors include: Electro-Voice, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, Cakewalk, Shure, D'Addario, Thayers, Sam Ash, Hear Technologies, Disc Makers, Sonicbids, Musician's Atlas, Sibelius, Karian Studios, OnlineGigs, The Music Business Registry, Mediaguide, ArtistMonitor, Platinum Blue Music Intelligence, Alphabet Arm Design, George Stein, Esq., SongU, Shari's Berries, The Indie Venue Bible, and Taxi

For information and to enter ISC, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com



Friday, Jan 18th, 2008
RedGorilla Music Fest 2008 Accepting Showcase Submissions -- Enter Now

(Austin, TX) January 18, 2008 -- RedGorilla Music Fest is accepting submissions from bands, solo artists, and DJs to showcase at RedGorilla Music Fest in Austin, TX on March 12-15, 2008. RedGorilla Music Fest takes place during one of the most important music weeks in the year. It is the music industry's premier destination for the year, and thousands of fans and music industry professionals descend upon Austin to network and check out new talent at the various music festivals around town. RedGorilla Music Fest offers showcase slots to bands and solo artists so that they can take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

The deadline is quickly approaching, so go to http://www.redgorillamusic.com for a submission form. Submissions are accepted online or through the mail.

RedGorilla has earned the reputation for being the cool, rebel showcase that caters to its artists and fans. Brian Waymire, Founder of RedGorilla, says, "Our goal is to help up-and-coming artists further their careers, and RedGorilla truly captures the spirit of independent music." RedGorilla will showcase over 200 bands, solo artists, and DJs from all over the world in venues right on 6th Street in Austin - in the heart of all the action. The event is free to attend and is open to the general public.

Over the years, some of the hottest up-and-coming acts have been showcased by RedGorilla Music Fest. As a result, RedGorilla has received international media attention and a reputation for being the showcase for new music. Showcasing acts have included artists who are unsigned, signed, and many who have gone on to being signed, including: Landon Pigg (RCA), Family Force 5 (Gotee/EMI), Dropping Daylight (A&M/Octone), Luna Halo (Columbia/American), American Bang (Warner Bros.), AutoVaughn (Epic), Porcelain (Universal), Earl Greyhound, Cage The Elephant, FLOREZ, Absent Star (Columbia), and many more.

RedGorilla Music Fest is not affiliated in any way with SXSW or South By Southwest, Inc.

For more information, go to http://www.redgorillamusic.com or call the RedGorilla office at 615-251-4920.


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