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Master of Sparks

Slightly off topic – this didn’t happen in Terlingua.  In fact, I don’t think Billy’s ever been to Terlingua.  But it is, by gawd, Texas cool.

I got to participate in a photo/video shoot with Billy in Houston.  My buddy and photography mentor, Rodney Bursiel, was doing the shoot for “Cowboys and Indians” magazine.  I was there to drive, help schlepp gear, and make the “behind the scenes” video and photos.

Me and the “Master of Sparks,” Billy Gibbons.

We hung out with Billy all day.  Went to his recording studio where ZZ Top has cut their last five CDs.  Checked out his gear and got some recording tips – Billy’s surprisingly tech savvy.  Got to hear stories of Jimi Hendrix, Joey Long, and some obscure Texas musicians that influenced Billy as well as the stories behind a lot of ZZ Top’s songs.   Like a good Terlingua songwriter, Billy is just telling you about his life in his songs.  He’s had an interesting life.

We ended the day with a Mexican Food feast and shots of Pura Vida tequila.

I’ll be posting some photos.   I’ll print out some of the good ones and bring ’em to the legion for the next Jam.  The video will probably end up online at some point- that’s Rodney’s call.

I’ll be back in the ‘bend next week and we’ll start planning the Legendary Legion Jam #3.

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Legendary Legion Jam #2

The second Legiondary jam was a blast.

On a stunning full-moon night, in the desert about 25 miles North of the Mexican border, a group of musicians – from Dallas, Austin, Fort Davis, Terlingua – got together to play music and hang out.

Word got around, and some of the locals showed up to join the party.

It’s a good thing it was a warm night.  There’s no way that everybody who showed up would have fit into the American Legion hall.

I took video – 2 cameras – which means there’s a total of 12 hours of video that somebody gets to wade through to find the good parts.  In the mean time, there were a LOT of photographers there.  Looking through my shots, I think I got some good ones.  I don’t have time to whup ’em into shape, so I’m just posting snapshots here to give you an idea of what the evening was like.

Thanks to all the pickers and singers who played for free.  You’ll be gratified to know that we raised almost $200 for the Crisis Breadbasket Center.  That will feed some people.

We’ll be doing Legiondary Jam #3 in February.  Check back here for dates and details.

Enjoy the pics-   Continue reading “Legendary Legion Jam #2”

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Terlingua Live Music – Legendary Legion Jam #2

The next “Legendary Legion Jam” is gonna be Sunday, Jan. 27, at the American Legion Post 653.  Once again, the musicians will be playing for free.  No cover charge.  We will be aggressively raising funds for the local food bank – bring food or money if you can.

Scroll down a little to see pics and stuff from the first jam.  It was indeed legendary.

I’m still firming up the line-up, but it looks like:

“King” George Goss and friends

Jim and Anna Keaveny

Pablo Menudo

Mike Dwyer

Trevor Hickle

Laird Considine

are gonna be there.  There will probably be a LOT more pickers – word gets around.  A few really special guests have hinted they’ll show… Continue reading “Terlingua Live Music – Legendary Legion Jam #2”