It’s too bad Eddie Cochran isn’t around anymore because I think I just found a cure for the summertime blues. It’s that pulse-pounding power trio known as Chronic Jester!

In case you missed them last month, I’m giving you another chance to experience one of their high-energy, fun-filled performances Friday night at Woody’s Hog Heaven. The party starts at 8pm.

Chronic Jester, a triad consisting of Phillip Vaughn (guitar, vocals), Lucas Garrett (bass), and Brad Fuller (drums), was formed in 2008. Each member brings their own flavor to the group resulting in a delicious cocktail of rock, reggae, funk, and blues. They never prepare a setlist, choosing instead to let the vibe of the crowd dictate what they play, but we’re likely to get a good mix of covers, original songs, and a whole lot of entertainment. Their shows are a perfect combination of catchy, dance-inducing beats and fun, interactive antics that will leave you begging for an encore.

This group is all about the fans having a good time, so don’t be surprised if they bring the “toy box” – a collection of rudimentary instruments, hula-hoops, and other novelties that allow the crowd to really get in on the action. Their motto is “you can’t argue with people dancing,” and there certainly are a lot of them at Chronic Jester’s shows.

I’ll leave you with one of their original singles. This one’s called “Direction,” and it’s a great example of the band’s stylistic versatility. Enjoy!

Don’t be late, or you’ll miss out on all the good toys. See you at the Hog!

A family that plays together stays together, and my friends, the Lancasters are a prefect example. Jim, Jill, and their son, Clayton make up the popular local band, BigWater (along with our very own Warren Meigs and Musicians Hall of Famer Ed Kollis). Tomorrow night, Clayton and Jim will be putting on a special performance at Woody’s Hog Heaven, and it promises to be both unique and a whole lot of fun.

This dynamic duo is bringing a delicious mix of Southern Rock, funk, R&B, folk, and a dash of soul. It’s a one-of-a-kind style that the family has cultivated over decades of performing and recording great music all over the South.

Jim Lancaster aka “Chief BigWater” owns the Playground Recording Studio, where he restores and preserves studio archives from the 50′s to the 80′s and produces new music from local stars like the WaCo Ramblers, Heritage, LaRue McKinney, and of course, his son Clayton. Jim has also worked with Hi Records in Memphis and Ace Records (with Johnny Vincent) in Jackson, Mississippi. His expertise on the bass and behind the mixing board led to collaboration with many acclaimed musicians over the years including Waylon Jennings and David Allan Coe.

Clayton has certainly followed in his dad’s footsteps. He has been performing with the family for over a decade, and he engineers and produces at the Valparaiso studio. He also developed a passion for songwriting, and has penned several BigWater and solo hits. His influences are popular musicians that his family has worked with like Dan Penn, Jim Dickinson, and Mudboy and the Neutrons. He is currently under the Southern Americana Music label.

Here’s a great one by Clayton that pays homage to the Boggy Bayou:

Clayton and Jim take the stage at 8:00 pm tomorrow night. If you’re looking for great live music that you won’t hear anywhere else, this is a show you won’t want to miss. See you at the Hog!

Do you ever miss the early days of Rock music, back when it was more of a celebration and less of a business? Well, if you ever want to go back to that party, all you have to do is see Andy Durand perform.

Durand is an ambassador of Rock’s golden age, and he’ll be on stage right here at Woody’s Hog Heaven tomorrow night. Believe me, ladies and gentlemen, this man can pick and sing with the absolute best of ‘em.

When Durand first started playing music, there had only been two Super Bowls, the Vietnam War was in full swing, and The Beatles had just released The White Album. As a seven-year-old boy living in Tucson, Arizona, he had figured out what he wanted to do with his life. Since then, he’s been touring the country in groups and as a solo artist, sharing his music with the people he loves; his fans.

For Durand, fans have never been in short supply. His brilliantly written and performed music has given him a following not only in the United States, but in the UK as well. Some Durand originals even found their way onto popular 90′s television shows like Picket Fences and Northern Exposure. More recently, he laid down the soundtrack for the 2004 documentary, Five Thousand Meters.

Throughout his four-decades as a musician, Andy Durand has crossed paths with some of the biggest personalities in the history of Rock music. He has also collaborated with several acclaimed bands and soloists including Iron Butterfly, Kingdom Come, and Tim Reynolds of Dave Matthews Band. As a result of his experience, Durand thinks of music as a “brotherhood,” and he’s always willing to inspire–and be inspired by–other passionate artists.

Durand has written and performed hundreds of songs over the course of his illustrious career, and he is currently working on a new album slated for release at the end of this coming summer. It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite Andy Durand song, but “Shine” is definitely in my top three. Have a listen:

Durand takes the stage at 8pm, and he’ll be rocking all night long. Do yourself a favor and come join the party!

Chronic Jester will be joining Wayne Hall tonight at Woody’s Hog Heaven! They are a self-proclaimed “power trio,” and I’m inclined to agree with them. The energy is nonstop when this group performs with a mix of rock, reggae, funk, and blues. Sometimes they even let the audience contribute by passing around cow bells, egg shakers, wood blocks and other simple sound-makers. Two great acts on the Hog Heaven stage tonight – come by and join the fun!

Few people know adversity like the man who will be taking the stage tomorrow night. Tragedy struck at a very young age, and he has been forced to deal with the consequences every single day of his life. Believe me, he is a fighter. But what’s also remarkable is that when Wayne Hall performs, he manages to free us from our own cares and worries. He brings us to a special place where we can all just relax and enjoy the music.

So, come on down to Woody’s Hog Heaven tomorrow night at 6:00 pm and welcome Mr. Hall back to the stage. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. The positive energy and the passion that Hall brings to his performances make each one a uniquely wonderful experience.

Wayne Hall has a great sound that appeals to audiences of all ages. His voice has that rare mix of strength and clarity that you hear from the likes of Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell – two legends who have inspired him. Yet, Hall’s style is very much his own, and I particularly like the variety in his setlist. He has some songs that rock hard and others that make you want to hold your lighter in the air (please – no open flames in the restaurant!).

To show you what I mean, I’ve posted a couple of songs from Hall’s latest release, There’s Only One You. I’m a big fan of both of these tracks – “Pedestal” for its sustained energy and “Maple Leaf” for the calming effect that is has. Check them out; Hall’s got it all.

If you would like to hear more, you can find Hall’s music on iTunes. His 2007 release, Lost in a Moment, can also be found there. And once again, if you want to see him live, be sure to stop by Woody’s Hog Heaven tomorrow night at 6:00pm. I’ll see ya there!

 

 

If there’s one thing I like almost as much as great barbecue – it’s a cool guitar. And they don’t get much cooler than the Mach VII Jet Double by Dean B. Zelinsky and Mike Lipe. Calling it a guitar in the singular form is misleading because it’s actually two guitars joined at the body to create these epic Siamese Twins of rock and roll supremacy.

Now, I’ve seen double-neck guitars before, but they usually have more of a stacked setup (like this). Although they are difficult to wield, they’re also timesavers because players can switch back and forth between fretboards to achieve different sounds without having to change guitars. However, the Mach VII Jet Double–with a righty neck and a lefty neck going in completely different directions–wasn’t made for convenience or time management. This guitar was made to separate the men from the boys. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know how to hold it, never mind play it. But man – would it look great on my wall.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to settle for a poster unless Michael Angelo Batio is feeling generous. This one-of-a-kind was built specifically for him, and it was given its fighter plane finish because for Zelinsky, watching Batio play was like watching an F-15 takeoff.

I’ll let you be the judge:

 
As it turns out, Zelinsky and Dean Guitars have been making these double guitars for years (check out some other examples here). I guess they don’t mind catering to a small market because Michael Angelo Batio is pretty much the only man on earth who can play them. Does anyone know if he likes pulled pork, by any chance?

Thanks for stopping by Woody’s World, and if you know of any other amazing axes like this one, please share them in the comments section!

When the great “Blue Lew” Hogue says that listening to you play the Beatles and the Rolling Stones is “like a step back in time,” well, sir – it’s time for you to play on my stage.

For the first time, Woody’s Hog Heaven is proud to present Kevin Pabst of The Jersey Seals, performing on Friday, May 27th at 8:00pm.

When it comes to classic rock – Kevin’s got it covered. Along with hits from the Beatles and the ‘Stones, his repertoire includes Elvis, Billy Joel, Elton John, CCR, Steely Dan, Van Morrison, and so much more. He’s also got some contemporary songs in his bag of tricks from the likes of Weezer, Maroon 5, and MGMT.

Pabst’s weapon of choice on stage is the piano. He started playing at very young age, and his mastery of the ivories along with some killer vocals are what earned him notoriety with the local legends at the Cabana Cafe in Miramar Beach. Now, Kevin rarely passes up a chance to perform. He plays with a number of different bands at youth retreats, church services, jam sessions, and of course, he goes solo.

For Pabst, music is life. Not only can he hold his own with some of the greatest classic rock songs ever, but he also writes his own stuff. Maybe it’s hard work and dedication, or maybe it’s pure, God-given talent (I’m betting it’s a little bit of both). But one thing is for sure – Kevin Pabst sounds really good.

Be sure to come see Kevin tomorrow night, and if he takes any requests,  I recommend Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger.” Check out his awesome rendition of the 1979 hit below:

 

(sound/video courtesy of bluelew.com)

 

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