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Bands on Our Stages
March 10, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Fantastic show, which lasted until 1:30. Dancers of some type were on the floor all evening. This was a class act. He took time to shake hands with his fans across the entire stage width and delivered a quick comment for a closed club he was once booked into. A previous show at the Longbranch was short and performance oriented. Charlie Albertson and His Band January 19, 2002 - American Legion, Benson. A good dancing night with the band. A few technical glitches did not slow down the dancers. February 24, 2001 - Cary V.F.W. An interesting evening with a mix of the old and smooth rock memories with country western. Even a touch of beach for the shaggers in the room. Definitely a good party mix. Smooth, easy to dance to for most of the evening, and not too loud. Plays new and old country tunes with an old country gentleman's smooth and easy styling. The only band playing these parts that can play Strawberry Wine and not sound like it ought to be buried. Slides tempos occasionally, but has always been fun to dance to. Good music mix. Also plays American Legion in Benson, Ham and Yam Festival, General Assembly functions, and Kinston Seniors. A set may contain the following from the band's Dancin' Tonight CD (song title-preferred dance-BPM-alt. dance).
Gary Allan March 10, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Gary and his band entertained Raleigh for almost 3 hours at the Silver Saddle. For part of the show, the sound pressure and volume were too high for comfort or conversation. Many stayed and stood at his feet for the entire show, while dancers worked the floor. In a three hour show a lot of material can be covered. This show included country western and rock music, with tempos from swing to buckle polishers. It was a great show and several of us (sober) preferred the country western dance material. Yes, it was mentioned that he did some of his movie filming in North Carolina. Ambush 1992 - Dallas and Longbranch Too, Raleigh - Played well for dancers a couple of times in Raleigh and disappeared. John Anderson 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Enjoyable and true to the sound we knew through his recordings. Carroll Arthur April 17-18, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - A strong voice, good looks, zipper front short dress, and platform shoes. Her sound is western Motown or popular easy listening country with a touch of rock. She could be on a pop stage anywhere and bring off a good all-purpose sounding show. My concert folks would criticize her, because she just stood there and sung. Her most exciting stage movements were to turn her back to the audience and then turn around and face us. We are not convinced she is from hard core country stock or can do a strong country western show. Her band appeared to be an instant package of studio pros. They were solid. The music was danceable for those of raised with '60s rock as well as country. We enjoyed hearing the female voice for a dance experience since we are constantly barraged by male vocalists. She is not for hard core country folks and dancers. We are liberal enough to dance with her again. Since it appeared that the record label had her out for promotion, we are intrigued why she disappeared after her Friday show and why the merchandise table was not promoted more. Bryan Austin 1992 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Only so-so for dancers. Performance oriented and almost could be classed as rock. Jeff Barker Claims to be a singer, song writer, musician, and entertainer. We've heard Jeff sing at a Karaoke contest and he was great. Good voice, stage presence, and personality. Been told he is also a very capable one man band with an extremely wide range of songs. We've not heard him play a dance, but he sure could do a party or wedding. He works out of Fuquay-Varina. Booking: 919-557-5512. Bellamy Brothers March 24, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Stood up and delivered good music for dancing and concert goers. Enjoyable and kept the dance floor busy. Encore was fine. They have made their mark on the music world and don't have to race around the stage like the kiddies. Their mom would have been proud. Small intimate concert with the boys, the band, and hundreds of their fans. BlackHawk Walnut Creek, Raleigh - Dancer and audience were possibly dismayed when they decided to run guitar feedback in loops through the speakers, pretending it was music. It wasn't. Bounty Hunters 1992 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The Bounty Hunters rode through Raleigh, played just enough to satisfy the dancers, and then rode out. BR5-49 November 1, 2000 - Cat's Cradle, Carrboro - One of the best concerts for dancers we've ever heard. These guys are some of the hardest playing and most talented artists we've enjoyed in the last 35 years. The string bass player has a swinging relationship with his instrument. The fiddler and guitar players are hard drivin' wonders. The vocals are frequently funny and always skillfully delivered with perfect timing. The sound is excellent - volume, blend, clarity, and tempo. Plan to swing and two-step until you wear out. Self-described as hillbilly and promoted as rockabilly - we love them. Breeze January 24, 1997 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Breeze is a solid country band for the larger dance halls. Most dancers do well with its playing. From the very fast to the very slow, Breeze plays a solid first set. The band tricks the dancers with a few false endings to the songs. Well, I admit staying until the last note and discovered they can play well all night and into the morning. They play hard and they can have fun. The crowd was gone, the club was closing, so they played a little hillbilly rap. Well you see there was this white guy with his ball cap on sideways, dark glasses (2 a.m.), and heavy winter coat doing the Blues Brothers or rapper number. Did I mention he was doing some steps and arm movements too? Got to admit it was funny and fun. Chad Brock October 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Brock is a solid chunk of a man and has a sincere approach to his singing. Although he talks slowly and quietly to the audience during a concert, the dancers appeared very interested. He was not a young, pretty face, with a high Nashville polish and the audience was not a young, undisciplined herd. It was a great night to be out dancing. One wish was to hear a studio steadiness in his songs, but then we knew going out that he was playing for the listeners' ears, not the feet. He stayed after the show for a lengthy autograph session. T. Graham Brown February 18, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - This country eastern singer appeared dressed like the stereotypical Hawaiian tourist with his bright shirt worn over the pants. From his wonderful Memphis blues sound leading us to a slow East Coast Swing to his other regional pieces, he caused division in the audience. His faithful stood and waved him along the vocal trail, the dancers experimented with the unusual mix, and some folks who did not appreciate his music decided to leave. Read about this man, learn and listen to his recordings through the years, and then come out to hear and dance with him the next time he plays Raleigh. You may not like his entire play list, but you will be entertained. And girls, he really is older looking in real life then his cover art. Bullseye (Bull's Eye) May 12, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - We got off on the wrong foot with this band and its followers and it went down hill rapidly afterwards. Shortly into the first set, I was infomed that their followers would pack the place on this occasion. Well they did get 58 people (it holds 1,500+ and I may have given them benefit of a doubt by including some of the staff, Top 40 patrons, or private party guests, in my count) into the country side at the highest body count before 11:30. Johnny B. Goode had so many dropped beats, we gave up dancing. The vocalist's words were not clear at times. Some tempos wavered. Heard a couple decent swing tempos, a run of slow tunes/buckle polishers, and then the introduction of rock in the first set. NOTE: Some of the first set was tolerable for dancing. The band lacks experience with country western dance tunes, generally avoided music that would be played on WQDR since the station switched to country format, and does not know how to play for a country western dance hall. The general dance done by this family and friends group was jump up and down freestyle. This review was influenced by their attack from Skynyrd's 1976 album - Sweet Home Alabama, Gimme Three Steps, etc. The Rascal's hit, Mustang Sally from the '60s. I think we also heard Creedence Clearwater Revival's golden Proud Mary (late '60s or early '70s). Oh, and a nice little fun number from Aftermath and Itchy Brothers and several from the Elvis sets. After the second set started with about 15-20 minutes of solid rock, we left. We noticed only a couple of regulars left in the facility after 11:30. We found most of the folks who walked out through the evening. It seems we all stopped at a club on the south side of Raleigh to hear some country western music and enjoy dancing. This band sounded very comfortable when we think of the many small drinking clubs in rural North Carolina, but we recommend country western dancers avoid them. Cactus Highway September 26, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - They came and played fast. We had fun. That's what it's all about. May 30, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Call 910-484-9350 to book this Fayetteville based band. These guys were shades of Hank Williams and Asleep at the Wheel. We certainly heard some great fast swings. They had a good Bocephus (listen for the bass playing the rock rhythm underneath) with an extended opening, permitting dancers to take the floor - or get off the floor as the need may be. The boys also held together real well for Cadillac Ranch, which few bands are playing. They were sensitive to playing on the stage before and after Carroll Arthur's professional musicians, but to those dancing, it was not an issue. They were not so full of cuteness that they would forget to play steady like some bands we've heard lately. They just got together for an evening of country western and southern country rock and let fly. The guitars had some great strong attacks and the fellow playing the bass notes should get an award. This band is for hard dancin' and may the good times roll folks, 'cause if you aren't dead, your feet will be movin'. Flaws? OK. They had a few intros, which left us wandering about what the song would be and the rhythm wavered in a couple of songs. At times we felt the vocalist was straining his voice. After five visits, we still like this band, although their one polka was so fast it cleared the dance floor. They certainly have fun. The boys seem to gain confidence in the second set and play stronger. Carolina Drifters December 23, 1996 - American Legion, Benson - The music mix is from the big band sounds of the 40's to modern country played old country style. Achy Breaky Heart and the Tennessee Waltz are occasionally in the play list. The country music may resemble the song you heard on the radio. The rhythm is not steady, nor does the tempo match the recordings. There was a lot of discussion and dead time between songs. Intros and outros were weak or not similar to the original recordings. You cannot count on danceable music during the preshow or several break times. This is a laid back group that can be a lot of fun to be with for casual social dancing. This is not for serious country western dancers. Jason Michael Carroll - left region for Texas June 2001 - Longbranch, Raleigh. The band is a fair local band and Jason has a good voice, with several interesting songs in the play list. April 13, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - First set - JMC's band kept the tempos steady and most songs were fine for country western style dancing. Some rock and slow dance numbers could have been omitted for the country western dancers. We were told to stay tuned, because a new show is coming soon. Some of these songs might have been the best we've heard from the band, because they sounded good. March 10, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - First set - songs predominently in the country range, but tempos stayed too slow for too long. It was not a good mix/set for the dancers. Definitely achieving their goal of playing for concert audience rather than dancers. Brenda was in disbelief - who really was that long haired fellow in the ball cap in the first set? Was it? Could it be? Really? Well, the band did announce there was a surprise in the works. October 30, 2000. Booking through JMC Productions, Inc., P.O. Box 91, Youngsville, NC 27596-0091; 919-562-3343 or 888-931-1364. JMC's management company mandates that he not be on stage until the second set. JMC's management company said We strive to be a dance band but also have the intention of being a show band. Truthfully, our long term goal is not to be known as a local dance band. ... our job is not to get the folks to dancing, but to draw them in. October 28, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The first set as announced was the Jason Michael Carroll Band without Jason Michael Carroll. The band (Curtis Church, Jeff Coppedge, Gil Shank, Chris Bailey, John (Tennessee Jed) Fisher, Jon Perry, and Clifton Preddy) played and sang well, but still managed to chase 1-200 dancers off the dance floor as they went from Skynyrd to Clapton by way of the Eagles. One of the other issues was lack of mix with the ballad (slow dance) after ballad (slow dance). One of the printable comments from the dance crowd during this interlude included, Where's the No-Doze? When the band switched back to danceable country western music, the floor packed again. At a dance club, it is normally an inexperienced or arrogant band that does not watch (I would always prefer the band see this happen and react, rather than have the musicians skeptical when it is pointed out.) the dance floor and work to fill it, instead of sticking to the play list. We've been in the audience when Chris LeDoux tossed his set list to play to the rodeo crowd when they walked in. Some bands play without set lists. This Raleigh two-stepping dance audience does not take alternative music gracefully. The boys tried unsuccessfully to hype the crowd into arena style cheering and yelling. For over ten years we've seen this mature and conservative crowd show its pleasure by dancing not yelling. Since JMC and the guitar players have played the Longbranch before, these challenges should have been predicted. This quality band could hold the dance crowd at the Longbranch by simply changing out a few songs. August 19, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The DJ kept the crowd dancing until JMC's overly hyped out-of-place entrance about 11. It was interesting to see his fan club take over the stage side of the dance floor, with a few wandering around without apparently noticing there were dancers trying to dance. Some nights I think I'm one of the few who doesn't recognize him as a national act. The sound was good on the early songs in his set. Although I've heard about his working with a new band, those faces were not all strangers on that stage on this night. Jim Carroll confirmed that the two guitar players were retained. It's still very strange to have a local newcomer who does not do the usual three sets a night. January 22, 2000, Longbranch, Raleigh. Rumor's have it that Jason's voice can't hold up for the full three sets or he is being posed like a national act. In either case, the band works the opening and brings him in later. Jason is taking lessons from Garth's-style-of-staging-company, but the spotlight operator wasn't able to keep up with his changes from one side to the other. He has been perfecting the moves, which show very well on the stage, and with well timed pauses, does not require tennis match neck snapping. Music, instrumental and vocal, was fun to dance to and strong. It was exciting, with the individual sounds of the different instruments reaching the entire way through the hall. Some criticism was heard about the volume being on the edge of too loud, where one has to strain to talk or listen to someone in the club. This balance of interests is very important in a social dance club, but not important in the concert scene. Triple step swing dancers had to move out smartly to keep up with the tempos. He did move on the dance floor with the wireless microphone, but did not interfere with the slow dancers. He disappeared in the middle of a song to consult with the sound board operator in the back of the club. It was distracting to the audience, even though the band played on and on covering up his disappearance. Again we must report that this is the only band we can remember which brings guests who stand, drink, and smoke on the dance floor. Love to dance with this band again. August 29, 1999, Longbranch, Raleigh. The band was very strong and aggressive on their opening number, which drew the audience's attention. The lack of the star drew the audience's curiosity. Big Country played the first set like fire horses rushing to the fire and the dancers finished the first set like the firemen dragging home after the fire. It was that good. House of Blue Lights was played as strong as Asleep at the Wheel, while Born to Boogie started fast and slowed. God Blessed Texas was slower than the recorded version, challenging the dancers. On another song the band rushed its transitions, which caused the dancers to fumble around looking for the beat. Other than these items, the band was a solid and aggressive dance band. Dancers will find that doing the triple step swing on several of their numbers will be challenging. It was delightful having multiple singers in the band, including a female voice, and they had good vocal blends. Jason was saved for set two, using the entrance of a national artist with a warm up band. His first song was a knock off of Aretha Franklin with the Motown backup singers. After that he moved south into the country. His showmanship was slowed by a malfunctioning headset microphone, which forced him to stay by the stage instead of roaming. He has potential, voice, packaging, style, and a good band. We are looking forward to dancing at more of his performances. And yes, we loved the keyboard player. Things which we do not expect to see at a major country western club: Part of a sound check was done during the DJs open dance session. Guests of the band used the dance floor as the walkway and were standing on the dance floor during part of the second set. Catalinas Garner - Played on the program with a country band, but they were honestly advertised as beach. They played a couple of country songs and slid into a screeching techno Motown. Centerline September 20 or 26, 1996 - Brandin' Iron, Smithfield - Their sound man informed the dancers that the painful volume we heard was normal and could not be turned down. Their speakers were placed on the dance floor. We left to preserve our hearing. To book Centerline call Jimmy Matthews at 919-934-0228 (or just say Hi to Bobby Owens at 919-934-4409). Heard Centerline play and tried to dance with them on several occasions. Three traits of this band during 1994 hurt dancers: unsteady beat, false endings with repeats, and trail off meandering endings rather than conclusive. Rock music sets may also offend country western dancers. Chaparral December 28, 2002 - Taking a break and reorganizing. Playing gigs occasionally in Darlington, South Carolina, at Carolina Nightlife. October 7, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The dance audience reports a lack of two step and country western dance music and questions have risen whether this band will be invited back to the Longbranch. Chaparral has 6 guys and 2 gals on stage, including a male and female lead singer. Contact Manager, Tim Moore, 186 Batton Road, Hamlet, N.C. 28345; 910-582-0010. October 6, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The band was honored to open for the Confederate Railroad. Luckily for the Railroad, Chaparral only played one set. Although the dancers (many on this evening have 5-10+ years of hard dance experience) had been on the floor solidly from the club opening, they left the floor (zero to four couples on that big dance floor was the norm for this band on this night) when Chaparral started its set only to return in numbers for the DJs set (OK. The dancers did come out for three songs and only got mad at one of those. Thank heavens for the line dancers.) Band sound - loud mush. Female singer - had her own key on one song, unfortunately the band had another. Born to Boogie - unusual speed and length, not steady. There are at least three problems: the song and style selection, the band does not watch and respond to the dance floor, and lack of experience. The male lead has great potential. June 9, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - The band had the opening set, before the national act. We should have washed our car in the rain. Liza Jane was running away from home. Notes below generally apply. They sang How do you like me now? Most dancers stayed off the dance floor throughout this set. For those who started the set, they gradually decided to remove themselves from the abuse before the end of the set. The band was too fast, dropped beats, and was unsteady in tempo. This is not news for this band. We heard dancers say, They ought to be on Ritalin. One guy thought they improved in one song, since They only missed a couple of beats. This band may be fine for stage performances since they do not play to or for the dancers. May 27, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - On one hand, I have two people who say, I like the band. On the other hand, dancers were walking off the floor muttering that they were tired of dropped beats and wavering rhythms. During one song, a group of dancers split into two groups, with some trying to stay with the bands' beat before the stumbling beat changed and the rest going with the change. Sandy says to watch the drummer change between his snare and bass and fumble his beats. Several times the clear sound disappeared and the instruments blended into one blob of noise. I kind of like the band, too. Tremendous potential. Some of us just wish they played steadier. April 15, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Chaparral opened for Wade Hayes and the difference was as clear as night and day. Chaparral played on the level of an average local Southern rock band and Wade played national act quality country western. Chaparral's sound crashed into itself like a garbage disposal for most of the set. Contrasting this was Wade's performance with an amazing clarity of individual instruments and vocals. Chaparral's tempos were not steady or the entire song was set too fast or slow compared to original recordings. Several of the unreasonable tempo songs were rough on the dancers. The band either wore out at the end of the songs or stopped dead without the benefit of a decent ending (outro). This is a young band with great potential that needs training and practice, if they wish to play for and please country western dance audiences. Read on my friends:
April 14, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Dancing was a challenge between overly fast tempos, overly slow tempos, unsteady tempos, and songs with a ragged rhythm. We did not like the performance, but could not identify all the elements, which denied us the pleasure. Despite this statement, the band has potential. The two leads can surely sing and they have good stage presence. March 17, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - The band played with an aggressive style, rushing several songs' tempos. It would have been nice to have more variation in tempos during the first set. The keyboard sound was not bright or even audible for much of the evening. They had a hard setup and sound check due to some equipment challenges. Wavering tempos and a drummer stumbling at times were the main challenges for the dancers. Dancers can syncopate to the rhythm, but it's hard when the band drops a half-beat or more. Born to Boogie was slower than the recorded versions and it stayed in the low rumbles of the intro. This was really noticed when the DJ played the brighter and musically cleaner original during the break. This is an extremely active band, much like the ball in a tennis match. The male lead must have watched every body movement trick by the nationals (from Garth to the Chippendales) and has them down pat. The female lead has a very friendly smile and often appeared to be enjoying a good laugh during the show. They were a lot of fun to watch and the movements generally matched the words they were singing. I hope they had as much fun as we did. When I first saw the female backup singer, I thought of a go-go girl from the '60s or Laugh-In, but then decided her image was more like Richard Simmon's younger sister. Dancers, unlike concert audiences, are usually uncomfortable and perhaps insecure, with a new band. Chaparral deserved a larger audience and we definitely plan to come back and hear them again. We were delighted to see a couple dancers from Charlotte, who came to Raleigh to support the band. Tommy Chase Played a good set for dancers. Our notes do not show the detailed performance review information. Chosen Few 1993 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Played good, but never returned. Cimmaron April 27-28, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Music was fine, except for the length of some of the songs. Dancers don't survive well when the songs go near double length. December 29, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The boys had some long songs, which tried the patience of the dancers and had some rock edge sound to their music. Does that sound like their ad? Ad-yet their sound vibrates with an intensity reminiscent of their southern rock heroes. The band's brand of country rock has always been a genre that combines realism and emotional integrity with gritty urgency and percolating energy. They had a clean, bright sound, kept a fairly steady beat, and we had fun dancing. It was a good night. Let's try them again. I've already been told this is not everyone's opinion. City Limits - (See Chris Fulford and the City Limits) Terri Clark December 1, 1995 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Terri Clark is the national headliner, but her road tour band is great too. Both the dancers and concert spectators were pleased with Terri's performance at the Longbranch. This high energy act kept the audience very awake and alive. Solid rhythm, good instrument mix, excellent guitar playing by Terri, good blend, and good sound board control. The song mix went from the blues to 1970-era oldies (that's pretty old for 26 year old Terri). WQDR announced that her song Better Things to Do went number one on the charts just before she played this gig (News and Observer did not verify this). The crowd gave her a clapping, shouting, foot stomping encore call. Clearwater Country Band December 11, 2001 - American Legion, Benson - Solid country western dancing sets. Fun night. October 7, 2000 - American Legion, Benson - The band's made some member changes and played the hardest and fastest music I've heard at the Legion in the past ten years. The first set sounded like Jerry Lee Lewis in his younger years. In fact the band just came back from a visit with Jerry. Admittedly a lot is older rock (Chantilly Lace), but it should give you a lot of practice with the East Coast Swing. They played and we danced: Two Step, Waltz, East Coast Swing, and line dances on this night. To book, call Durwood Benson at 934-4497 or Wayne Benson at 202-8242. September 19, 1996 - Brandin' Iron, Smithfield - There is an honesty about bands that play for their own satisfaction and for dedication to unique markets. I understand that Clearwater traditional plays for senior citizens' groups and has been around a while. Well now, they mix the oldies and the new country that our radio says is Hot Country and its danceable. If you have the chance and meet the age requirements, come out and listen and dance and dance. The tempos are very close to the original artists. You will probably hear some of the crossover melodies from the old time big bands. Enjoy. Also played Benson. Confederate Railroad October 6, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The boys came back and played a great set, although we left afterwards with our ears ringing. January 14, 2000 - Howl at the Moon Saloon, Raleigh - If you want to get a country crowd on your side, just sing I Hate Rap. They did and the crowd did. It was like a small family reunion. A couple hundred of their friends assembled on extremely short notice as the location was changed and announced only two days before the show. The beat was solid, the sound southern country on the rock side, but that it what we expect from them. June 19, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - The band members looked like they were having fun and the audience joined right in. It was a very comfortable night. This was a concert night, with room to dance and the audience did. Some tempos were slower than the original recordings and some waivered in speed, but the boys were playing to the concert audience, rather than the dancers or studio timing. They mentioned their early years in Raleigh in the 80s and their history from The Johnny Paycheck Band to the David Allen Coe Band, finally the Confederate Railroad. It was still fun. Confederate Railroad is Danny Shirley, Michael Lamb, Wayne Secrest, Chris McDaniel, Gates Nichols, and Mark DuFresne. 1993 - Cumberland County Civic Center - The boys played a great show. Although it was performance, rather than dance oriented, they held the steady beat. This is why the Longbranch kept them as a regular band so long in the early years. John Conlee The Continental Cowboys - Disbanded October 4, 1998 at 2 a.m. (A revival was advertised for a local rodeo in April 1999.) Don Cox February 28, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Don Cox was scheduled for two nights at the Longbranch and we discovered one was too much. The band did not play on February 27. This band sure knows how to clear the dance floor for their concert. The DJ had the crowd dancing and then announced the band. Only 12 couples bothered to dance any of the first few dances played on Saturday, February 28, 1998. The opening was extremely slow and then developed into a couple of calypso country songs. It was only on the next extremely slow buckle polisher that the leaners came out. Great Balls of Fire was the first attraction to the dancers, even though it was slower than Jerry Lee's usual. The next number was about the tempo of Behind Closed Doors. Then a medley that came close to a steady two step, except it didn't motivate many dancers to come to the floor. The music eventually went into overdrive on Good Hearted Woman, but it took so long to get there that the dancers did not bother getting to the floor. Another buckle polisher followed. A couple was overheard saying that they were going home to watch CNN's news since it would be more exciting. Then a two step cha-cha mix finally got about 20 couples out. Big Mike the kid got introduced to do a fast Jimmy Buffett M'ville which got the kids encouraged to come out and jump up and down. Finally a decent two step and then a beautiful song for Taj Mahal, if it were still open. Then a great waker upper swing, back to a two step, a good schottische (except this crowd doesn't schottische at that speed), and finally the DJ came back on to pack out the dance floor. People were so glad to hear country music the floor stayed packed solid for almost the entire break. The parking lot had an exodus after the band started its second set, but there were enough kids coming in, the band wouldn't notice. Luckily there was a band groupie and/or family block leading the cheers, but the country western dancers weren't dancing. [First set review only.] Technically a good band, but not a country western band by any stretch of the imagination and that is what keeps this club's dancers on the floor. A shagger loved the band. Perhaps this North Carolina Jimmy Buffett-want-to-be should be booked into the Longbranch beach club next time. On March 7, a week later, we found Twisters in Smithfield packed. A good number of Longbranch folks were vocal about their dislike of the Cox performance. The folks voted by staying out of Raleigh and paying a cover charge four times greater. Crosscreek January 20, 1996 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Crosscreek won the 1996 Academy of Independet Recording Artists Group of the Year award, according to Doug Thurston, president of North Carolina's SRI Records, Inc., Ayden; 252-746-3021. Crosscreek is signed with SRI. The first set played by Crosscreek at the Longbranch was very interesting. The music mix was great and it kept the dance floor filled. The band styled some of the songs differently than the original artists, which surprised some of the dancers. There were a couple for cuddling, rather than dancers. They still need some work on their intros and outros. Missed the second and third set, but we're definitely trying to track down some rumors on those. Dakkota By mid-February 2002, we see only one scheduled concert at a recognized country western dance facility on their calendar. July 14, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - I was reluctant to go to another performance by Dakkota. I was surprised to find basically country western music, most fine for dancing. Sure I agree with the comments of some dancers: too fast on some songs, wavering tempo on others, and forgot the words, etc. Shucks. This is still so much better than their early days, let's try them again. They simply do not play enough serious country western dance halls to get and keep in shape. November 26, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - I had a perception that Dakkota played with a varying speed during the first set and mentioned this to a member of the band. He informed me that my impression was impossible since they were playing on autopilot with their tempo. I thought about what made me say that to him, because I was slightly frustrated with the set. I remembered Fast as You being slow as molasses. We went out to dance and found the tempo extremely slow for the dance we normally use with the song. We started Matchbox with apprehension that we could finish it since we were a little sore and tired. It was no speed strain on us at all, because the tempo was slower than we anticipated. There was a song with a line about a bird, possibly a whippoorwill, where the music slowed from a slow three step to a crawl and then perked up again to a slow three step. I am sure that the band didn't waver, but deliberately played it. No argument, it fit. Then there was the time, or so, when the singer forgot the words and we got wondering about what he was going to do, instead of our dancing. We considered the stretched out version of several songs with the rock style playing. We considered the tribute to Skynyd and gave them three steps. In answer to the question about the band's rhythm: They probably had less trouble with the rhythm than we did. The group now known as John Boy & Billy’s house band on the John Boy and Billy Big Show - Charity Apple, Times-News, 9/23/99 Hear them on these great non-country stations:
The band announced their relationship with John Boy and Billy (hot stuff on rock stations) to our Longbranch WQDR/WKIX country western audience as if it was something to be proud of. A member told me how nice it was to be playing rock again. It gave them so much more music to play. We attended the Friday night concert, which had fewer than a hundred people (fire code about 1700) either on or around the country western dance floor for most of the first set. We were informed that Dakkota was switched to the substantially smaller rock side for the Saturday night concert. Friday night's country western crowd went to the Silver Saddle in south Raleigh and Saturday's expected large turnout for Steve Vie (scheduled artist for the Top 40 side) demanded the larger room at the club. It was a good business decision, but caught the customers and possibly Dakkota by surprise. Dakkota's schedule, play list, play style, and bios remind me of a politician sitting on the fence trying to be everything to everyone. The member's are young. Let's see what happens in a couple of years. To be fair to the band, I do not plan to review them again. I do not normally review rock concert bands and Dakkota has not gone country western dance band enough for me. Please note that Amanda loves them. June 11, 1999 - They came and played country western for the first two sets and we danced and danced and got wore out. They even looked country western in their appearance. In 2 hours of music there were only a couple songs that we had to change footwork to make up for lost beats. Sounded really good, possibly the best we've heard from them in the three years they been playing Raleigh. Looking forward to dancing with them again. We would wish a greater audience for them next time. This week, they were competing with a mass exodus from Raleigh to the beach and a Diamond Rio concert about 5 miles away. Previous comments - We heard some Hank Williams' songs in the band's Saturday night performance and the singer's rough voice sounded great for these songs. We heard a good song and tempo mix, with a reasonable sound level, on Saturday night and the dancers gave their approval on the dance floor. We give mixed votes when we start hearing Give me three steps.... The southern rock crawled out from under the covers, but it was short enough that most folks forgave and danced with them. A song, that normally gets a fast tempo from bands, was played extremely slow and then the tempo wavered. We were left wandering on the dance floor. This would probably not be noticed by a concert audience, but it is important to dancers. Several times during the night, we noted that two of the singers were doing a good job. Dakkota is Joe Beckham, lead singer; Andrew Timmons, lead guitarist; Patrick Riddick, rhythm guitarist; Stan Powell, bassist and booking agent (336-570-3838; 1208 Tucker St., Burlington, NC 27215); and Brian Spangler, drummer. Fan Club, c/o Terri Lamm, 332 Dare St., Burlington, NC 27217. You can also catch them at Coyote Joe's in Charlotte. The boys are from the Elon College area of North Carolina, and their 1996 advertised claim to fame was a southern rock performance style. They play country, southern, and classic rock. Note: nothing in their 1995-1996 flyers claims they are a dance band, but they've been working hard to learn the steady rhythms needed for the dance floor. They played colleges from Florida to Pennsylvania during the first half of 1996. Rhythm was fairly steady in 1997. The first great country western set we heard from this band was played at the Longbranch on 8/25/96. Steady rhythms, good control at the sound board, and a good music mix made the grade for dancers. The band has occasionally played an entire set, which sounded like an extended mix of a medium speed two step song. The band would be more interesting if it added wider range vocal harmonies, a female voice, and definitely other instruments. Note: This band has changed and improved since 1996. Try them. Dakota Rose - See Ronnie Pittman and Dakota Rose Dalton Brothers July 24, 1998 - Flaming Star, Semora - Solid for an evening of music - country western, rock, and blues (We'd like to hear their Fresh Coat of Paint again.). This is a good music mix for many small town clubs (indeed this evening it was almost all free style dancing), but would not be good for a full night at a country western dancing club that expected country western music all night. You could put them behind wire to protect them in the rowdy clubs and let the dancers walk out of the polite clubs. We heard much of the rock music with the original artists the first time around-35 years ago. They sounded better than when we heard them at the Super K-Mart grand opening in 1994. The sound was mixed fairly well and was at a reasonable volume. Since the speakers were sitting on the dance floor we can appreciate keeping the volume under control. It's nice to see them back on the circuit after taking 4-5 months off. Booking through Tim at 919-553-6951. Dalema Ditto and Power Twang 1993 - Longbranch, Raleigh - That's the name on the sign, believe it. Hard belting country gal. Good tempo and show. The lead singer played to the dancers, even took her mike and sang while moving with the dancers on the floor. Love to get her back in town. Clay Davidson June 23, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - There was no escaping the roar of the speakers as this cross between Hank Williams, Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd rocked Raleigh, except for the plucky folks who walked out. The crowd was small and the final applause was very small. The courteous DJ called for a round of applause for the artist. It appeared this politeness was mistaken for a call for an encore. The DJ's mix was so very appreciated before and after this national act. Some folks said that some local bands play better. Del Reno November 18, 2000 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Volume was fine. Music was fine. So, if they continue playing like the first half the evening, we should support them for dancing. OK. There was one a little too fast for what the dancers usually do to it, but it was possible to dance to it. Well they did slip once and all the dancers left the floor, but they recovered with I'm from the country, which filled the floor again. We liked the band on this occasion. If pictures say a thousand words, country went city in Del Reno's Holiday Tours ad. Only two were wearing their country hats and possibly boots, while the rest went Nike casual. Their looks parallel their music, which has confused us for three years. We hope they do really well in Nashville or somewhere other than Raleigh. May 22, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - The band sounded good at lower volumes, when we could hear the individual singers and players. Unfortunately this improved sound was heard in and out throughout the evening. Fiddle and keyboard players did a fine job. A trip down the southern rock path had dancers leaving the floor and some left the club. Several players looked tired or stressed during this gig. By July, Del Reno's web site was not showing any more 1999 shows in Raleigh. April 23, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - The band started to play like a garbage disposal - a swirl of loud sounds (our seats were on the left side of the stage and about 50' out). We missed the fine sounds of the individual instruments and the vocals, which can usually be heard at a country western dance. We saw other guests holding their ears. The second set started off fine. April 10, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The dancers had been filling the floor for an hour and a half, until Del Reno started their very loud introduction. Then the floor completely cleared. By the end of the first number only one couple was on the dance floor. A few more went out on the second number and about the same on the third. Dancers vote with their feet. My analysis was that the sound was too loud and it annoyed (pained) the folks. I mentioned this to the sound board gent, who is proud of his ability to tweak volume out of his equipment. Some regular dancers walked out of the club or at least out of the country side. We left. September 1996 - The first set was a fine dance mix, with a couple slow numbers thrown in for non-dancers. The regulars were so surprised by the faster-than-usual tempo of a very popular dance number, they were very late getting started. Early in the evening the floor didn't fill fast. I think the dancers were getting used to the sound of this band. I particularly enjoyed the Jerry Lee Lewis style attack of the keyboard player and the fiddle reinforcing most of the music. Booking out of D. R. Productions, 133 Swawnee Rd., Lexington, NC 27295; 336-248-2211/704-339-8214. Destiny July 27, 1996 - Country Boys, Lucama - House band at Country Boys Western Saloon, Lucama. Advertises country with a kick and was playing well when I stuck my head in for a minute. Booking through Dennis Burns: 252-291-2924 or 252-291-9977. Diamond Back (formerly Glen Shelton & Common Ground Band) July 31, 1998 - Flaming Star, Semora - Some of the country western and beach folks walked out on this band again. There are indications that this band has trouble playing to a serious dancing audience. They appear better off in the young rock areas although they have been booked in clubs offering a mixed country and rock audience. Dixie Rose Band 1994 - Brandin' Iron, Rocky Mount - Dixie Rose played a good dance mix. Its specialty appeared to be loud hard country rock. The boys from Richmond, Virginia, couldn't maintain a dance rhythm. Double Shot (1997) (formerly Mavericks of 210 South) October 11, 1997 - Parker-Lincoln Building, Raleigh - The band had strong sets for the dancers. The concrete dance floor slowed the enthusiasm. The mix was between strong country with a good balance of rhythms and classic rock. This was appropriate for a private party and was an attempt to reach multiple audiences. Book with Gary Edwards at 919-851-4481. Double Take December 19, 1997 - Longbranch, Raleigh - From Hampton, Virginia. Mostly mellow, steady, and slow. Nice for someone who works well in clutches. The first set could have been any local band playing for the senior citizens center. They opened the second set with God Blessed Texas, which we love to hear. Would we dance to them and go to hear them again? Yes. Bobby Duke and the Rough Riders May 30, 1996 - East Wake Senior CEnter, Wendell - This was your father's country sounding band, playing both country music and pop oldies from the 1920s-1950s. Smooth to bouncy, yet with slow to medium rhythms, and slightly heavy on waltzes for the mid-90s. Slow between song changes, but predictable for many of the part-time bands. Relaxing to listen to, but somewhat difficult to dance to, if you are used to and expecting the faster, modern country western. Eight Second Ride (8 Second Ride) 8 Second Ride was formed in 1994 and maintains four of its original members. They are Milton Carroll on steel guitar, David Jones on lead guitar, keyboards, harmonica, and lead/back-up vocals, Chad Braddy on bass guitar and back-up vocals, and Tim Waters on lead/back-up vocals, acoustic/rhythm guitar, and fiddle. The band's newest member is Chris Waters on drums and percussion. Chris was hired in early 2001. The band's full time light and sound engineer is Randy Hall.-provided by 8 Second Ride October 12, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Really enjoyed the band. One song was rough on the dancers for dropped beats. September 21, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Their solid playing should earn them a larger crowd. May 25, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - A solid night with a good selection of songs for the first set and decent singing and playing. A couple tempos were far enough off the recorded versions that the dancers stained a little to match the tempos - one slow and one fast. Call M.D. Carroll at 252-826-4576 or Chad Braddy at 252-243-3528 - the boys from Scotland Neck, North Carolina. February 23, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The show was great for dancing, even when they threw in an old rock medley. September 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Good sets for dancers. July 15, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Two fine dancing sets, including a trip down the old rock path with a medley. It was a surprise since it was only the second set, but it was what we would expect in rural North Carolina, instead of a major country western dance hall. May 13, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - They came and we expected nothing. We heard a fine band, capable of even tempos for dancers, good country western dancing melodies, new and old country, and a fiddler. All right we went over board and fell in love with them. They are certainly welcome back. We'd like to try them out again. Two minor flaws - they skipped over one of our favorites in their second set list and they played one Skynyrd in the third set. Debbie Elam Band We had the opportunity to hear Debbie in her native Johnston County and thought she was a very good singer and performer, but then we heard her at the Longbranch and she was great for the dancers. The floor stayed full except when they were worn out. Unfortunately she will not likely get many opportunities to play for us at dance venues. No matter how good the female artists are, the local clubs are still saying male artists bring in the gals and they bring in the guys and therefore no gals will be scheduled to play a regular rotation. Electric Possum - Died Mid-1997 (See Modern Day Cowboys) Joel Ellis et al. April 25, 1998 - Longbranach, Raleigh - It doesn't matter what the rest of the band's name is. Rumor has it that they were formed to play Raleigh after the breakup of Laredo. We have no evidence to suppose a longer union. The guys are probably decent musicians, but not as a group for a country western dance. Perhaps they never played together before - they sure didn't tonight. Someone forgot to warn them that this club doesn't cheer and go wild every time the band tries to manipulate the audience. Applause here is by dancers' feet on the floor. After shouting at the club members a couple of times and getting virtually no supporting yells back, they tried playing. The rhythm was switching from slow to fast and back again during their songs-very noticeably in Born to Boogie and Neon Moon. The band had several slow songs in the first set and thought a medium two step was a fast song. During Workin' Man they had several rhythms going to confuse the dancers. During God Blessed Texas, they forgot the words. The intro to Born to Boogie was unrecognizable-tune as well as words. They started a couple of songs and stopped to regroup and try again. They had a staff meeting on stage between songs, possible to guess what they would play, what key to play, and who was to have the rhythm. Since we had to wait for them, without knowing the topic of conversation, we just guessed. The strongest applause was as they announced only one more song until the DJ came back. The audience was starting a collection for a jukebox to take over. The dancers packed the floor during the break between sets. To us, that speaks the loudest. Too negative? Well, the boys played a great Rocky Top, had several swings in their set, and had a very mellow sound. The keyboard had potentially a great sound-the notes were being hit, but whether due to a weak attack from the player or poor sound system control, the sound failed to carry to the audience. They have potential, but they need to work together as a team, before they play for dances again. Mary Sue Englund and the Crew March 17, 2001 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Tight first set, which kept the dancers on their toes. The speed and length of Rocky Top and its sequel appeared to scare off the dancers, but the playing was great. Her microphone volume was not turned up for the opening number, which had the support crew running for the stage. Let's dance with this crew again. March 16, 2001 - Longbranch, Raleigh - She continues promoting her sexy image by wearing an open backed top. In the first set she led the band well with guitar and song. The music mix was great for dancers and the tempos were upbeat. The bass notes covered her vocals on the opening song, but the sound board correction was made early in the show. There was a spot where the drummer and guitar weren't together, but that was a very minor flaw to mention. If the show stays this good for dancing, bring her back. There was a significant improvement in her first set of 2001 compared to her first set in 1999. July 9, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - She is a country/pop navel act who was pretty distracting during her exercise routine. She gave the staff something to watch during a slow night. The musicians and singer did a fine job with the music for the dancers. A slight challenge for the dancers was that a good percentage of unknown songs were being played. The sound was almost too loud for the small audience (under 50 during the first set in an area that holds over 1,700) and the drummer was mixed so loud we couldn't hear the words for the first couple of songs. She deserved a larger crowd who wanted to watch a concert, but they didn't come out on this Friday. She lost a good number of regulars to another club on Saturday, because of difficulties in cooling the club. Bring her back, we would dance to this band again. 40 West (Forty West) 1995 - Longbranch, Raleigh - 40 West has been unable to keep a solid dance rhythm and unable to eliminate acoustical feedback during its performances 1991-95. Chris Fulford and the City Limits June 5, 1997 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Clubs don't always promote the full name of this band and no Fulford anyone appears on the card (telephone 336-472-9376). They did share the following members' names with us: Robert Foster, Ken and Joe Harrell, David Gainey, and Julian Draughn. The young casually dressed band members were a surprise to the older country western dancing crowd at the Longbranch. The first set on both Friday and Saturday (Jan. 17-18, 1997) covered a fairly wide range of music, which was played with a solid tempo for dancers and yet with showmanship for the non-dancers. (They were invited back the very next Saturday, 1/25/97.) The music mix included traditional southern themes. As long as the other sets were of the same quality, you will definitely want to hear and dance to this Asheboro, North Carolina, band. I heard some complaints that the band was playing too many fast numbers (swing rhythms), but I noticed that the complainers/dancers were not dancing to any other songs. I therefore dismissed the complaints and enjoyed dancing to the band. Galen Griffin Band September 28, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Rocked their way into the second set like they were playing a small town joint, which had to please all types of patrons before midnight. Bo Griner and the Straight Shooters 1993 - Longbranch, Raleigh - A solid act for dancers. Buck Hall and Buckshot 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Looked good, sang good, and played good so we danced good. The first set was a fine blend of country music. A trip down the rock music road (they are from Tazewell, Virginia) chased all the dancers from the floor and some out of the club during the second set. The band went back to country and dancing continued. We missed the third set, but we suspect these guys could play enough different songs to fill a three-hour night. This was not their first rodeo. If they come back, we'll try to be there to dance with them. Get their In the Dog House CD - Don Sprouse on fiddle. Hannah Creek - Took December 1995-1996 to quit. Wade Hayes April 16, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - This was a solid country western set which kept the dancers on the floor throughout. It was particularly momentous since the opening act was the local southern rock band, Chaparral. The crowd loved him and his band, as we did. Tempos were precise and the music was extremely clear. It was exciting to hear the sounds of each instrument at the hands of good musicians. May 21, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The artist has a good voice and we enjoyed the singing. Several songs were a little rocky for the dancers. The fiddle player was good. We did not find the band any more exciting than several regional and local bands that play this area. He introduced a portion of the set to be the traditional oldies of country music and went way the whole way back to the '70s and '80s. The kid thinks that old in country time. Hicksboro Station Band - Quit May 4, 1996 - Enchanted Barn, Benson - Four guitarists, drummer, and a gal on the tambourine. They can blend their voices and sound smooth, or growl 60s/70s rock. Constant beat made dancing easy, except for very slow ballads. Many of the customers appreciated the opportunity so they could lean on each other. Waited a long time for the gal to smile, it was worth it. She's a MBA student working the late show. Even dancers appreciate a smile or a little movement once in a while from the band. After midnight, the sound got harder on the rock edge. Hog Wild March 28, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson. - Good steady Country Western dance music. Can play lots of swing music. Check the Bill Ellis house band out. Includes Frankie Taylor, Nancy Dail, and Bowie Martin. Horizon - (See - White Lightning) Brian James 1994 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Brian James played a fine show for dancers. Colton James and the Rolling Thunder Band August 5, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - This is a recently formed young male band who plays Southern rock, according to a band member. The band has great potential, but on this night did not meet performance quality standards. I would have preferred back to back (Friday and Saturday) performances to let them get comfortable with the Raleigh audience and the club. The boys fell apart on a couple of songs in the first set, which encouraged the audience to migrate to FACES to hear The Amazing Lounge Lizards. The wavering rhythms and dropped beats did not find favor on the dance floor, but the casual listening audience probably didn't notice anything. The opening of the second set was strong and steady with country western dance favorites, although some a bit long. Perhaps we need to get them back again to see if additional practice helps. I'm sure it will. Fewer lengthy efforts from the stage to try to get the dance audience applauding and cheering would be received with our normal quiet favor. Frankly we aren't used to it and we don't intend to encourage interrupting the dancing. George Jones 1993 - Cumberland County Civic Center, Fayetteville - We could dance all night with his gang playing and his singing. A great show and beautiful, fun music and lighting. Toby Keith February 19, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - A splendid evening for most folks. A visually attractive light set working behind and above the band made this a special show for the viewers. Solid dance music for the most part with a good band and singer made it very special also. Yes, he rocked out at the end, but it was a short enough part of the act that the country western crowd accepted it. Kentucky Headhunters About 1995 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Well they played the Longbranch like drunken ZZ Top on a rampage. More like an artillery barrage then dance music. It was a painful experience. Tragic, we really wanted to dance to Dumas Walker and some of their other music. Kindred Spirit (See Slickerbilly) Knolf Family - Lost them about 1994 Laredo - Rumored break up in April 1998, missing show dates Tracy Lawrence April 8, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - On the edge of loud, but kept the dancers on the floor for the entire show. OK. The pre-Tracy warm-up by the band was a too noisy. Solid. 1994 - Cumberland County Civic Center, Fayetteville - Fantastic show. Sounded like his studio best without retakes. Chris LeDoux Spring 1994 - Butler, Pennsylvania - LeDoux and his band can play formal sets or trash their play list and play to the audience. In either case the dancers will enjoy LeDoux's experience. The sitters can enjoy the warmth and personalities which shine. We've treasured our evenings with this band. 1993 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The stage was completely fogged, the familiar music started, then a shadow walked forward into sight and the sound of the William Tell Overture (The Lone Ranger Theme) cleared the fog and the crowd cheered. Brenda Lee 1993 - Dallas, Raleigh - Brenda Lee put on a fine and high spirited show. Then she came out and signed autographs for all her fans. A wonderful event for both dancers and concert spectators. Leesburg Lead singer: Everett E. Rouse. March 23, 2001 - Maynard's, Seven Springs - The first set had a good country western song selection. A couple of the songs were played with a rock style. Sure, we'd dance with them again - preferably closer to home. April 28, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Solid band. Just sorry they didn't come back on Saturday. We thought we would have a two night stand with them. They wore many dancers out in one set. September 13-14, 1996 - Brandin' Iron, Smithfield - The name and their looks didn't reassure us that they would be a country western or even southern country band. The business card said something about the best in country and country rock .... Well, call or write Scott Kennedy at: 910-799-6832; 4414 Southfield Court, Wilmington, NC 28405. We danced four sets in two nights with this band and they gained speed uncomfortably during only one song. We recognized most of their songs and appreciated them as a dance band. If they play this solid for the dancers all the time, they are a must hear and hoof band. One of the regular band members was out waiting for his wife to deliver their baby and another very good musician filled the spot. Danni Leigh May 20, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - A husky voiced gal wearing torn jeans, tossed her blonde mane, and sang for us. The sound was styled slightly rocky with the loud guitars and drums, when we would have preferred to hear stronger vocals with lighter instrument support. Steady beat, with planned tempos changes. Some delays appeared due to equipment failure or band members inexperience. A very casual show, much like we would expect in a down country North Carolina club. Donald Link and the Renegades 1993 - Longbranch, Raleigh - They came, we danced, they left. Another decent dance band that wandered through Raleigh. Little Texas Walnut Creek, Raleigh - Rockin' country with earplugs required. Livestock June 30-July 1, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - I am very tired. This band played for two nights and I enjoyed them so much I can hardly walk. They played straight country western music with a very minor diversion to rock. They invited a musician, who is planning to play the Saddle, to join them in a number. Sadly it was Lynyrd Skynyrd material. If you enjoy bands that just stand up and play solid music, come out and support this band. They were very comfortable. We found Neon Moon a tad too fast for Annie's Cha Cha and the Watermelon Crawl was speeding along. The sound board man did a fine job. March 24, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Let's call this the new and improved Livestock. We have the lead singer and three new band members, according to word we received a few days before the concert. Possibly the best news, with the best result, was that the sound board person was replaced just before the show by club staff. Sound - Good and clear. Each instrument and vocalist was able to be distinguished from the others. The lead drops his projection when doing announcements and the sound person did not increase gain, so the audience could not hear the announcements well. This was particularly noted at the end of the first and only set. Music selection - All selections were fine for a country western dance facility. Two were not personal favorites due to lack of a solid four beat rhythm, but then I didn't write the music. Other folks took the dance floor. Musicians - Played and sang well for a local band. Conclusion - Let's bring them back and dance some more. February 4, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Most of the only set, we were unable to distinguish the lead singer's song or speech. He was overcome by a guitar. The rim shots were clean and loud. The Southern rock songs thinned the dancers sufficiently, but it went unnoticed by the band. It was the same the last time they played here. Several guests liked the band, but they were not dancing very much. Yes, we got some dancing in. January 7, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - A double dose of Skynyrdese in the first set was in extremely poor taste for the country western stage of a country western dance hall which has a separate rock stage and dance floor. Aggressive rock styling, loud volumes, and wavering tempos caused some audience departure with some comments reaching management's ears. John Anderson's Swingin' was played very well as were a couple of songs appropriate for Annie's Cha Cha and Three Step. The first set was a slow pace for aggressive dancers. Tonight's sets 1 and 2 would have suited a rural North Carolina honky tonk fine, but failed to excite the local country western dancers. Some dances' rhythms appeared to be 2/2 rather than 4/4, which did not give the dancers' their normal supporting beats. One band member appeared to disconnect his guitar cable and we had a slight gap until he was rewired. Another time the sound went dead and the dancers were a bit surprised, not thinking the song was at its end. We had some fine singing at times with three of the fellows and they did a fine job on a Johnny Cash style song. At times, when the guitar player wandered through the audience, the sound scrambled. A couple of songs sounded as if they were being played with the drummer and guitars a beat or two apart, which made dancing almost impossible. Possibly the fluctuating weakly supported resonance of the vocals was due to the use or quality of the wireless microphones, or straining the young voices. We are cautious about expecting a full fun night of country western dancing with this band. - rls October 15-16, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Advertised as a true country band from Greensboro. Very comfortable dance band, with a rural North Carolina style to their country western music, with a short and tolerable southern rock side trip. A couple unstable tempos, but decent. Bring 'em back. Lone Wolf October 6, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Negatives:
Musically I would have preferred:
Conclusion: Still one of the better rural North Carolina bands playing country western music. -rls September 3, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Good show, good sound, fun night, do it again. June 4, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Mixing slow and fast numbers this band kept the dancers tired. The band and concert audience had a lot of fun during Watermelon Crawl, but the dancers did not appreciate the meandering or length, while the band did its introductions. Of course we had trouble identifying some songs by their intros, but this is one of the better rural North Carolina bands. May 1, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Sitting beside the sound board at the far end of the dance floor from the stage, we could not understand the words of the singers (we could understand the singers, when we moved to the foot of the stage, where the speakers were not controlling the air waves). Some rhythms were not steady, beats were dropped. Medleys were not appreciated by dancers. It was sometimes extremely difficult to hear the beat. We recommend Lone Wolf lose the rock concert moves/songs and play more country western dance music for this Texas dance hall. Some regular dancers left early and we suspect to another dance venue. March 7, 1998 - Twisters, Smithfield - The Wolf played a volume controlled set of country and rock music on its small town circuit. The introduction was not the usual and it was impossible to hear the vocals start in God Blessed Texas, which is the cue for dancers to start. Several extended plays and medleys lost the interest of the dancers. But a last dance of Born to Boogie served them well. A shorter, standard rendition would serve them even better. Most serious dancers put a lot of effort in this dance and expect to endure for only three minutes. This band was a lot more fun to dance with than another in the area on this date. They seemed to take a delight in pleasing the audience. August 1997 - The Lone Wolf on its Howlin' at the Moon Tour was introduced into the Piedmont with some startling responses. The music mix went from slow buckle polishers to very fast swing, schottische, and rebel struts. God Blessed Texas, Watermelon Crawl, and Get Into Reggae Cowboy helped get the line dancers moving. For booking, contact: Tony Fales, Star Struck Productions, 232 Flemington Road, Wilmington, NC 28401; 910-762-0308. Several of the songs had a loud rock edge or were extended so long that dancers left the floor in early 1997. This was a hard dancing group, who is not used to extended plays. The band members seemed very interested in pleasing the customers, therefore I believe there is a great deal of potential with this young group. I'd like to dance with them again. Lonesome Road September 14, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh. Enjoyed the mix, although it appeared to be too fast for some people. The gang did a nice job. Lost Highway May 2, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson. A new band with a member from the Dalton Brothers Band and his friends. The mix was good for dancers. We heard one comment about the lack of fast two steps, but with the narrow floor and the crowd at Ellis' who are not trained in country western dance, it probably was safer. Very steady for the dancers. Bill Lylerly Band October 6, 2000 - Railroad Days, Selma - It's hard to class this band. Let's just say we got some great East Coast Swing in. He's been known for rock, country, R&B, and beach. Call for a booking: Bill Lyerly, 919-550-6495 Mavericks 210 South (1996) (See Double Shot (1997) Tim McGraw Walnut Creek - Played a good set. Midnight Express Brandin' Iron, Smithfield - Played fast and dropped outros. The Midnight Justice Band December 16, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Midnight Justice is (May 2001): David Youmans - drums/backing vocals/owner, Aaron Rowley - lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Carl Legge - keyboards/bass/backing vocals, Andy Conant - lead guitar/acoustic/bass, Craig Newcombe - sound/lighting/pyrotechnics. Booking: 919-639-8417. I discovered this band, while they were packing up after an unannounced demo at Raleigh's Longbranch on a Thursday night. The band advertises country to alternative rock, which is very dangerous to recommend. The sample play list had a good number of our favorite dance numbers and we would like to try the band out in a major club, if they can fill a play list for three country western sets and drop the rock. They play on both sides of Benson and Lillington. Midnight Rodeo Raleigh, 1992 - Longbranch Too. We thought Midnight Rodeo practiced enough in Fayetteville and other venues before playing Raleigh. They were interesting to listen to and yet they occasionally played below tempo, skipped beats, and changed rhythm in the middle of songs. Midnight Run May 8, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh = They came from Myrtle Beach and warmed up during the DJ's dance session, so we were very apprehensive about the evening's performance. The first set was solid, including a trip down Steve Earle's Copperhead Road (UNI UNID-7 - 1988). Our gang sniped at their rock songs on Friday, so they had an audience member confess to requesting Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama (NC1194D 1994) during the second set. They had the best sound board control we've heard in this venue. The boys voices and instruments were blended well. We enjoyed dancing to them. A couple false endings this evening by the DJ and band got on some dancers' nerves. Let's try them again. They wore me out. The attendance was normal for a Mother's Day, multi-college graduation, and sunny weekend in this capital city. Miller, Josh September 14, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - He recorded the Longbranch commercial music. Mirage Band - Disappeared Modern Day Cowboy - Road kill in mid-June 1998. The Modern Knights Band July 31, 2001 - American Legion, Benson - Booking: 910-875-3058. The band played a fine mix for the over 50 crowd. Johnny B. Goode was the fastest tempo, while a song like Silver Wings popped up every couple of dances. It was smooth, steady, relaxing, and a nice evening out. In late 2001 and early 2002, the band was scheduled for American Legion, Benson; Moose Club, Wilson; Galaxy, Kinston; Twisters, Smithfield; Lane Tree, Goldsboro; and Moose Hall, Shallotte. John Michael Montgomery Raleigh, Reynolds Auditorium - Too many ballads for dancers, but quality sound. David Lee Murphy and Big House June 6, 1997 - Longbranch, Raleigh - We missed the performance of David Lee Murphy and Big House, but heard a lot of negative about the show. Native Son - (Quit via split, with part going Gospel on January 1, 2002) John Nelson July 1997 - Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville - Contact him at: P.O. Box 303, Hendersonville, TN 37075; 615-826-4165. He played with great sound and solid rhythms. A dancer could wish for nothing more. No Name Band - Died Nowhere Bound July 23-24, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Slow paced country western band. Generally there was a break between songs. Five tempos in a couple of songs, unfamiliar original music, extended plays to allow each member a claim to fame, and Lynyrd Skynyrd songs got on the nerves of some dancers who left. Johnny Paycheck Raleigh, 1993 - Dallas - Weaker performance for dancers than we expected, but still a good show. The Pearsall Brothers January 19, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Richard, Steve, and Chris with booking by William Bazen, 1101 Pennock Road, Durham, NC 27703; 919-598-1462. No review - we often do not review overly loud rock bands, when they are booked as country western bands. January 14, 2000 - Howl at the Moon Saloon, Raleigh Danielle Peck February 11, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - If you ever got together with a random group of coworkers or friends and tried to start a song session, you might fumble over the words, tempo, and pitch, although it may eventually work. Well, Danielle and the band eventually got together after some really rough intros. On several fast songs, they played faster, faster, and faster and on other songs the tempo increased and decreased randomly. Occasionally she and the band were not together and perhaps not even on the same song or verse/chorus. There was less high end feedback screeching on Saturday but it was there, along with occasional crackling in the speakers. Several times, her microphone was worthless. Several guests made comments regarding the horrible sound control on Saturday. A good section of the crowd went elsewhere well before the second set. Suggestions for improvement: practice; sing in range; get and use better equipment - monitors, etc.; don't race the tempo on fast songs; bring the tempos down closer to or at the same speed as the recordings being covered; train the sound board person; and for the dancers, play a cha cha as a cha cha, a swing as a swing, and a two step as a two step. A set of normally different types of dances were played with an identical styling. As played, the overall style of the first set was a little rocky for a country western dance set and it wasn't necessarily Texas swing. Good potential. February 10, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Danielle Peck's recorded sampler was slow music, but she and the band came on stage strong, hard, fast, and ready to entertain dancers. The music selections for Friday's one set night were fine for most dancers, even those who just jumped up and down to rock. Several were too fast for our dancers to even attempt - probably over 195 BPM. The music was too loud to talk to your date and to ask for dances. The frequent echo and feedback were unnecessary. Ms. Peck had trouble staying on pitch and failed to sing well as she attempted notes above her vocal range. She was a good cheerleader for the main act, but some dancers fail to appreciate shrill screams, that are so very popular for concert audiences. She occasionally got faster than the band's tempo, but the boys caught up and supported her. This is more acceptable with concert audiences, who do not have to try and move precisely with the changing tempo. Good potential and enthusiasm. Ronnie Pittman and Dakota Rose July 31-August 1, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Vocal and instrumental harmonies, steady rhythms, good variety of songs, and fun to dance with. The first impression in Raleigh was not good, since they were still setting up after the club opened for the evening. I do remember it's a long hard drive from Nashville to Raleigh! Once they started to play, all we heard from the audience was favorable. Bring 'em back. For bookings and information call Nashville-615-833-5667 or Atlanta-770-898-9887. Bill Pollard's Band January 13, 1998 - Garner Senior Center, Garner - The band played Garner and we were surprised. The band maintained some of the fastest tempos we've heard in any of the local Senior Citizen Centers. Here we were in 1998 dancing the Achy Breaky (wasn't that 1992's hot number) and fast moving swing numbers. Plays traditional down country sets, including one square dance before the breaks. Pontiac Moon March 25, 2000 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Enjoyed the mellow sound of this band, including the one looking like a misplaced North Raleigh suit. Generally the music mix was fine for dancing, the beat solid, but we missed the outros. (Heard a comment that the music sounded the same all set long and think perhaps it was due to the even sound level and lack of acrobatics typical with the young bands lately.) A few swings pushed the 190 BPM range. A stand up and play band. Let's do it again. Pure Country July 8, 2000, Longbranch, Raleigh - The band was set up on time, but the dance floor was so badly trashed we didn't stay for the performance. It was a shame, because we had fond memories from the boys last trip to Raleigh. June 10, 2000, Longbranch, Raleigh - The unknown band from Mathews, North Carolina, entered the Longbranch with the customers after 8 p.m. It was extremely unprofessional for the band to set up and work their sound check during the DJs set, but it wasn't overly loud. We heard two sets of solid country western dance music, with a forgivable dabble of rock. The bass player was great. Listen to their entire version of Neon Moon, if you want to hear some beautiful playing. Bring them back, but set them up earlier in the evening. Rebecca & The Hi-Tones July 6, 1996 - This band is one of the most frequently booked groups for local swing dances. They play primarily Western Swing and Jump Blues; almost all of the music is fast, suitable only for Lindy or single-time East Coast Swing. They are good and danceable, but dancers suffer from the lack of tempo variation - particularly in hot and humid parts of the year. In particular, I'd like to hear some of their Louis Jordan covers done at the original, slower tempos. Toward the end of the evening, Rebecca stepped offstage and the boys continued in a very different, Blues-oriented style - providing the only good opportunities for West Coast Swing in the evening. Hopefully this subset of the band will be booked for an entire dance at some point. Rating:*** - Triangle Swing Dance Society, Mr. Leech. Restless 1993 - Brandin' Iron, Smithfield - Good dance band that we haven't heard in Raleigh. Rough Cut September 9, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh, NC - The band played all their music well and had an extremely varied county western first set with only a touch of rock. After waiting over 30 minutes into the second set for country western dance music, we left. The Longbranch has a rock/Top 40 side, where this band should have been scheduled for their second and third sets. June 24, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh, NC - A last minute band from Lexington, North Carolina, that entertained us well. Bring them back so we can try them again. One song wavered a bit in tempo, but we had a lot of fine dancing. A touch of rock was well played and not overextended. Brandon Sandefur and Roughcut September 8, 2000 - Carolina Stampede, Winston-Salem - A very enjoyable band with peddle steel and harmonica. We appreciated the skill of the band and the voice of the lead. We certainly would go to hear them again. We danced to two sets, before wearing out. I definitely got the CD. I hope they can come to Raleigh. Glen Shelton & Common Ground Band (See Diamond Back) February 14-15, 1997 - Top of the Hill, Bunn Shenandoah November 18, 1999 - The Silver Saddle - Enjoyed the boys for dancing and the memories they brought to us from all their hits. Shiloh Lane December 8, 1995 - Branding Iron, Smithfield - Reorganization after losing a couple members may introduce a new sound in spring of 1997. First heard Shiloh Lane in Raleigh's Longbranch during January 1995. We found the sound to be very bright and good for dancing. We were surprised they weren't getting more play time in their area club, Brandin' Iron, Rocky Mount (which had a Virginia band playing). Heard them again in Smithfield and had two pleasant discoveries. They improved and expanded their play list. The dancers only snarled and walked off the floor once. That was after the second false ending and as the band cranked up to continue playing the third segment of Chattahoochee. Dancers don't take musical surprises real well. Shiloh Lane claim's to be the house band at The Diamond Club - so what was it doing in Smithfield? Silver Bullet 1994 - Country Boys, Lucama - Silver Bullet is a decent dance band, but unfortunately has been limited to playing the smaller bars and dance halls. Silverayne April 20, 1996 - Red Rover, Fayetteville - Silverayne is a young male band with a strong drummer. Contact: Drew Smith at Rt. 1 Box 333-R, Fayetteville, NC 28301; 910-484-9350. The boys are performance oriented. We enjoyed listening to Garth style ballads, but they were undanceable. We enjoyed the band's rendition of the Tractors' Baby Likes to Rock It ..., but we would have enjoyed it even more if the rhythm stayed constant. They just need more practice at being a dance band and less posing in a pile of bodies and guitars. They were strong and yes, we liked them. Also it was fortunate that the bulk of the club's customers this night were sitters and band boosters, for they had a good band to watch. The fog machine worked overtime! Simmons Brothers November 2, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh. Introduction sounded like the band was from Wilmington. The floor cleared as many dancers decided the band wasn't worth dancing to during half the first set. The vocals were under the instruments in volume, the instruments were not distinctive, while the dropped beats and changing tempos wearied the dancers. More dancers came on the floor during the second set. Skeeter Hawk Band Heard the last set in Country Boys, Lucama. It was good, solid, and fast. Slickerbilly (aka Kindred Spirit 1999-2000 and Slickerbilly 1986-1999) June 9, 2001 - Longbranch, Raleigh. The boys are back with a new look and sound. The first set was extremely good with the boys sitting and calm and their acoustic sound. The second set was a little loud with several folks wishing the volume would be turned down, which it was after a request to the sound man. One song sounded as if ZZ Top was here on steroids. The Slickerbilly name is back for 2001. More to be announced later. The boys had a good Nashville run in February and March at the Wild Horse in Nashville. CD was released in February 1999 under the name Kindred Spirit (KS). This is a great band to have in town, whether you are learning or yearning to dance. The dance beat is extremely steady and they play very few undanceable ballads. This all male band has the ability to vocally harmonize, with and without instruments. The members play both their own compositions and main line standards. They keep the volume at a reasonable level and do not pretend over driven speaker distortion is music. They are based in Nashville (for booking information call Tony at 615-264-6441 or manager Rob Olds at 615-969-6676), but have been playing in Raleigh regularly since 1991. Enjoy Kindred Spirit and remember the last Raleigh area favorite band to go chart toppin' was Confederate Railroad. Yes. Kindred Spirit can play rock, beach, and blues - but, they will stay fairly solid country western in Raleigh. The last performance included some new material for the first set and concluded with a Gospel, mostly without instruments, harmonizing number. Yes it was a good set. Glad to have them in town. Three Yankees and two proper Southern boys got together to form the band in 1986. Chicago natives Guy Meyer (guitar) and Keith Anderson (keys) found Tony Owens (bass) from Nashville. Ohio born Tom Mock (drums) was added based on his session work. To wrap up the band's formation, Lenny Wallace from Fifty Six, Arkansas joined, with the all-in-one talent of acoustic and electric guitar, fiddle, banjo, and vocal ability. Lynda Smith with Live Wire December 15, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Lynda did not inspire dancers on this evening. We tried Watermelon Crawl and God Blessed Texas, but both were played below the recorded normal dance tempos. The vocals were covered by the guitars so dancers lost the start for God Blessed Texas. I think I was the last regular dancer to leave the club, with about 8 minutes left in the first set. There was certainly some beautiful music, but the tempo range meandered between ballads and Charlie Rich's Behind Closed Doors. This was not a lively set. Southbound April 19, 1997 - Silver Saddle, Roxboro - Introduced as the band from Henderson. Not so sure the band has enough music for a country western dancer's night out. Although this band was in a dual venue, a third of its music belonged on the other side, where people jump up and down and consider it to be serious dancing. Since a lot of the country western folks left and many wandered over to see if the other band was better, I can only conclude my observations were right on the money. Uneven tempos, cut intros. The Southbound Showdown Band February 1, 1997 - C and G Country Club, Lillington - The scheduled band canceled just before the evening meal so the club manager got on the phone to Danny Perdew at 910-423-0530. The band was setting up by 8, completed sound check before 9 and was playing the first set by 9:30. This Fayetteville area band advertises kickin' country, rock, and variety. You may start a dance kickin' but you'll be racin' to the finish line before long. They occasionally speed up during the song. Go hear them, dance with them, and forgive them the ZZ Top stuff. This band can play to the smaller clubs and mixed audiences quite well. Plays just on the edge of too loud. Southern Breed August 1, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Poses from Elvis, rock attacks, and meandering rhythms are this band's strengths. This band has the potential to play for dancers, after they learn to play better and also learn some country western music. Dropping beats and changing tempo in the middle for the songs does not win dancers' favors. Plus they were just loud and shrill. Between yelling at the crowd and screeching some of the vocals, we decided a new lead vocalist with experience singing for a mature dancing audience would help. We heard they were told not to play their Friday night's third rock set again in the Longbranch. A gal asked if we believed any band could play worse than Dakkota and then answered herself by stating that we were listening to them. Dakkota got better for dancers through the years by listening and practicing. Southern Breed might. We were surprised at how full the floor got with dancers during the band's break. Southern Drawl Band February 1, 2002 - Duke's Place, Micro. - With 8 years in the same location, long term prior experience playing in Micro, and additional exposure in area clubs, makes this a band with a strong following and good reputation. The mix is rural North Carolina country including mixers, Cha Cha, Two Step, Waltz, Swing, and subtle Latin rhythms. Relax and enjoy. February 21, 1997 - Duke Benson's, Micro - The house band at Duke's, named after Duke Benson - owner and band member, is Southern Drawl Band. This band kept the local seniors dancing happily for years in downtown Micro, but now went Branson East. They remodeled a small town grocery store into their own dance hall about 1994, and after 1996's hurricane, and play weekly. The music ranges from older Jerry Lee Lewis to todays' Travis Tritt. Tempos were steadier than in the past. The keyboard player strengthens the band's sounds and possibly inspired the quicker tempos. Southern Exposure - last concert played was in October 1999, before member defections Southern Image Band American Legion, Benson. Good mix of old to modern country. Played with a steady beat, slower than recorded tempos, and lacks intros and outros. David Smith, manager, 919-365-6232. Southern Rain Band January 17, 1998 - Red Barn, Lucama - This is the band your grandfather loved to hear. Call Robert McGee about bookings at 919-894-4503. Has the old country sound and the security to invite audience members up to sing and pick along. Sure they were not the high polished arena band with the great sounds just like the record performance. There was a refreshing honesty about this band and its members that we love to hear and dance to. Don't count on the traditional intros, outros, or rock steady timing. Just appreciate the traditional approach to a country barn dance. When playing an 8-11 p.m. gig, they may start a minute or two late, have two breaks, call two square dances and two line dances. The line dances will be of the Virginia Reel style, not the new country style. And if you think you've read this review before, you have. The band hasn't changed over the years. Southern Star aka Sothern Star May 30, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson - The house band of the Red Barn came over to play the Ellis country night. The first set opened with a Jerry Lee Lewis number and finished with The Twist. This may have been the band which played the greatest number of slow tempos at Bill's place, and fewest fast tempos for country western dancing. The mix was typical for the rural Piedmont area of North Carolina. They got the people on the dance floor. Southern Steele Band August 14, 1998 - Flaming Star, Semora - No review. This is a Southern rock and classic rock band, playing Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Prince, Rolling Stones, etc. Try these numbers to book: Jason or John Holland 804-476-2138, Ray Martin 804-575-1279, or John Tucker 804-572-4033. Staircase Band October 12, 1997 - Target, Garner - Good for dancers and people who just like to jump up and down. This band can handle country, beach, old rock, and current pop. Watch out or the lead singer will have you moving and dancing and having fun. Booking agents: EastCoast Entertainment, Raleigh, NC; 919-875-1800. This is not a country western band. Stampede June 2-3, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - A band that has three sets of diverse and mostly danceable music. There were only a few times we were challenged. Born to Boogie was a little rockier than we would prefer and a tad hard to follow. Two Pina Coladas moved more to a Cajun or Reggae sound. We do know it was different. We preferred an evening without Clarence Carter and Lynyrd Skynyrd numbers, but since there were only two and they came at the end of the second set, we could live with them. We really like what we heard on these evenings and would hope they will come back again. Joe Stampley 1993 - Dallas, Raleigh - Good for dancers. Just wouldn't stay around Raleigh very long. The Starliners Mid-November, 2001 - American Legion, Benson - Booking: Linwood West; 910-592-7918. One of the strongest country western/country dance bands to play the Benson Legion. They do play the two squares. The Station Street Band January 22, 2002 - American Legion, Benson - Tuesday over age 50 event set list - song names are best guess - timings were counted at 15 seconds and multiplied by 4 to get the BPM
The mid-set tape included Electric Slide and Good Brown Gravy. January 12, 2002 - American Legion, Benson - The band played faster than the recorded versions as they started several of the dance standards and then raced even faster as the song progressed, making it impractical and difficult to dance with the beat. Two steps became swings, swings became twists. July 28, 2001 - American Legion, Benson - Booking: Randy Mason, PO Box 102, Erwin, NC 28339; 910-897-4355; playing country, Southern rock, and blues. The pace was a mix of fast, slow, etc. through the long sets. In all cases the rhythm was steady, the sound mellow, and the vocals on key. It was country music or country styling, even on the songs that were '50s and '60s rock hits. Think before attempting a dance, because the tempos may be slower or faster than the recorded versions. Been caught and now I know better. Love to dance with them again. Steel Horse November, 16, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - A Tampa based band which can keep a steady beat, provides four vocalists and a good track record. Sound mix was as good as the dance music. They are welcome anytime. They kept the dancers on the floor. Steel Kickin' January 25, 2003 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - A solid show for the dancers and we need to hear them again. 1995 - Branding Iron, Smithfield - These were the trashiest women you ever saw play with a two-month old beard. They were weak on playing for dancers, but skits were funny enough to forget the flaws. They are not politically correct, which means you will probably have a very good time with the boys. Also played Longbranch, Raleigh. Still Kickin' September 7, 2002 - The Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Good dance music. Bring them back. Street Feet February 6, 1998 - The Waregouse, Pelham - This band can mix country western sounds, with beach and rock from the 50s-90s. They play with a well balanced moderate sound level. They have the ability to play many types of music and you will find it recognizable. With good intros, dancers were able to get to the floor to begin with the correct entrance beat. Third set goes rock. The girls loved their get down hamming on stage. Write P.O. Box 38245, Greensboro, NC 27438, or call Ed Poindexter at 336-545-1941. Sundown April 18, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson - Includes Ricky Hagen. The first couple of sets let us find satisfaction in a two-step evening and left some Southern rock folk disgruntled. We'll be back. Extremely solid tempos for dancing. Super Grit Cowboy Band October 3, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson. They played danceable country western music at this facility on a monthly rotation. Very nice job. An entertaining and solid band, which allows time to introduce youngsters to the stage. Still has Clyde Mattocks. April 7, 2000 - The Silver Saddle - A great mixture of tunes and rhythms between country western and rock standards. The musical ability of the band members is not a question, since they do a great job. The performance of their sets is mixed from the old traditional stand up and play style to a choreographed enactment of the songs. If you have a chance to hear them - do it. Played their first gig under this name in Greenville's (North Carolina) Attic (night club) in January 1975. Bill Lyerly (listen at blues and beach joints) and Clyde Mattocks (steel and dobro guitar and banjo)(P.O. Box 1352, Kinston, N.C. 28503) formed the band from Lyerly's former band, SouthSound. We have never experienced a full program of country western dance music from this band, nor do we expect it. We would go for the experience. December 25, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Well it took us five years to hear these guys on a big country stage and it was a great country and western show. I was well worn out before the second set was over. It was a great night for dancing and fun. This band is a North Carolina treasure. This is the fourth year we've seen this band and we love them for pure entertainment. The occasional costume (of course the cap and shades are worn for Highway Patrol), great acting and enthusiasm, and musical skill of the members make this a good band to watch and listen to. I am very impressed with all the instruments played and with the skill of the players. The band definitely has mixed its sets for its different facilities and you may get a southern rock night, which will kill your two step plans, so plan to sit and discover how versatile they are. You may enjoy them as much as they enjoy playing. For our dancers - do not count on full studio intros, outros, phrasing, and tempos. Get your feet moving fast on The South's Gonna Do it Again or some of fantastic fiddle tunes. Clogging or Rebel Strut are extremely appropriate-if you can move that fast. I once complained that they played a night without a waltz. Tonight the waltz came in the middle of another song/dance. I just couldn't figure out the transitions between their rhythms-but, they are great for sitting and listening. They deserve a bigger stage than some they've played, to get the full effect of their show. 1996 - This band is Bill Norton, etc., playing a mixed bag of Southern Music. Let's start with appearances. We saw a just turned 17 year old boy with a crew cut playing right next to the bearded-longer haired-possibly ?? year old man. Get a one year subscription to their schedules for $5 at: Schedules, Hoodswamp Enterprises, P.O. Box 7083, Greenville, NC 27834-7083. The music was as diverse - old style country, modern country, southern rock, 1960s old rock, one on the edge of blues, and slow buckle polishers. Extremely flexible. This band was fun/funny. Playing like a punk rock band, the players piled up in one corner of the stage, or as the horses in a merry-go-round with the alternative up and down, bobbing as they played. Also played Dallas and a lot of local street fairs and festivals. Switch August 3, 1996 - Top of the Hill, Bunn - Booking: LAD Productions, PO Box 779, Zebulon, NC 27597-0779; 919-269-0953; FAX 919-269-0983. Regardless where you saw the ad for this band as country/country western, don't believe a word. Even the band members wouldn't argue the point. After listening to the overly loud urban jungle noises, I asked a band member what he perceived the band's category was. At one time, they had one set that was country/country western, but then changed to full audience satisfaction. Read that: a lot of their music is not danceable. The floor filled and the audience loved them on the very slow belt buckle polishers (rambling ballads and too slow for most dancers). Ditto for the very loud thump and bump songs. They were the first local band I've heard try Macarena. Unfortunately the patter that introduced it was way off the mark. I am beginning to believe that a band who jumps straight up and down to accent every beat to its music gets the same out of its dancers-and that is not country western dancing. Some of the music was played and sung very well, but I wouldn't walk across the street to go country western dancing, if Switch was on the program. Warning: every band member but the drummer gets out and plays on the dance floor without watching out for the dancers. Here's a copy of a fan's comments: They have a musical talent that is out of this world ... they do songs ranging from Metallica to Savage Garden (my personal fave) .... 1994 - Longbranch Too, Raleigh - The notes comment on a good dance set, but fail to note if the name is that of an individual or of the band. Ten Feet Thick October 15-16, 1999 - Faces in The Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Well, they are rock, but they play a great East Coast Swing. Well, they were from the East Coast? Thunder Road Band October 10, 2002 - Bill Ellis Convention Center, Wilson - The band played well, but during the first two sets, the songs were heavier in oldies rock and beach for the evening than this venue usually hears. Born to Boogie and God Blessed Texas are in the mix. Bill Toone and the Windy Creek Band October 2, 1998 - Wendell - Decent casual country and rock band for an outdoor concert at a small town fall celebration. Mellow sound. Town and Country Band August 15, 1996 - Branding Iron, Smithfield - Your father's country and mostly town band. This band is more for the old smoothies than the country crowd. The surprise of the evening was the band's rendition of Boot Scoot Boogie. The rhythm was bouncier, tempo faster, and intro substantially changed. The band plays nursing homes and seniors' dances. Generally the music was below 125 BPM, which is similar to slow West Coast Swing or easy Beach Music. Mellow and enjoyable, but not for serious country western dancers. In fact they had a sound similar to those Happy Moog records from 30 years ago, which I still own. For booking information call Charlie Melton at 851-2397 or Gene Fowler at 772-7381. Troubadours January 29, 2002 - American Legion, Benson. The band played a good selection of songs for this mixed level/style dancing over 50 folks. The tempos were solid, their sound was mellow and well mixed. The horn and a solid cymbal made this an unusually bright sound for this facility. Medium and fast songs were always alternated with a slow song. Pat Beckwith is the leader of the pack, Craig Eller handles the booking duties: telephone 919-496-2165. Their specialty is private parties and their mix is: light country, early beach, 50's and old time rock 'n' roll. Trouble October 8-9, 1999 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - Trouble is from Tidewater, Virginia and advertises playing American music. The band and booking agent is John Blankenship, 757-242-3740, and Barry Hurdle, 757-539-8980. Also John Russ and Pete Milby. This very good rock band was booked as a country western band to play for a major dedicated country western dance hall. They played songs from the catalogs of Wilson Pickett (solo artist with R&B and pop fame and with Booker T and the MG's) and Roy Orbison (Texas raised rock legend, who toured with the Beatles) (1960s), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Florida high school drop outs formed a band dedicated to hard, intense rock-fill sound with echo, feedback and distortion and opened for The Who)(1970s), and Prince and the Revolution (used to be identified with the R&B genre)(1980s). Our rock oriented friends cheered the renditions of these oldies. The band was a mismatch for this dance facility. Brooks and Dunn's Boot Scootin' Boogie had an unrecognizable intro followed by a search for the words to the song. Some were found. Some other country western songs had equally impressive intros. Occasionally the band wandered around looking for the notes and the words. There were dead times between songs, while the band ignored the audience. We were told the band failed to play their allotted set times and wandered off the stage whenever they felt a need to pause for whatever their cause. The band took pride in their lengthy rock masterpieces and no note of the general audience frustration level. The height of humor was when the band had the remaining audience sing the line and we wanna go home. Our recommendation is to find another C/W dance club, when you find Trouble in yours. Book them for rock oldies. True Justice January 31, 1997 - Longbranch, Raleigh - True Justice is managed by Chevy Chevront, KO Management, Inc., P.O. Box 2971, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577; Beeper - 803-828-6763. We heard their first set on 11/15/96 and wanted to dance with them again. Sure they dropped a few beats and wandered the tempo of Born to Boogie (justification for tar and feathers), but they played a diverse music mix. The first set was keeping the dancers on the floor and doing a wide variety of dances - couples and line. Possibly the band members were not getting the feedback that was expected. The Longbranch typically has a dancing and quiet crowd, rather than the louder and rowdier concert audience. Bands can look at the dance floor and tell their level of appreciation by the numer of dancers. We had three hours of hard dancing and no energy for the next two sets. Bring them back. I'd like to hear their other songs. Well, they came back. We heard a good music mix, with forced vocals and some slightly rough tempos on 1/31/97. Two of the fellows were sick and they ended up canceling the performance for the next day in Lillington. I'll wait until they are well and check them out again. Trey Tucker Band December 22-23, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The first set was enjoyable for dancers, but they played several songs with a meandering rock styling, which some dancers fussed about. The Watermelon Crawl is styled by them and they are aware that the dancers may not appreciate the treatment. It and God Blessed Texas have short sped up phrases, which can irritate those who are trained by the recording studio to dance to a steady beat. The sound board man fixed the sound and we were able to hear and appreciate the vocals on most of the songs. Try them out and let them know your likes and dislikes. October 27, 2000 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The band, from Roanoke, Virginia, started out playing painfully loud. The sound board turned the volume down when requested. Unfortunately the bass volume setting was so loud the vocals and other instrumentals were buried. They sounded like a boom car from the floor midpoint to the far end of the room. By the stage, the band sounded fairly good. Watermelon Crawl was difficult for dancers due to the tempo and the overly loud bass thumps. Looking over the band's schedule, this may have been the first serious dance club they've played and we had very few members turn out. Under the Gun March 3, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - Opening number was a little rough, both as they tried to play together and in the same key, unless it was intentional considering they do Lynyrd's stuff. The rockin' Born to Boogie didn't win any judos. The extended Rocky Top medley was doing in the dancers. Glad to not hear Sweet Home Alabama closing the first set on this night. Great deal of potential here to match this band with the Raleigh area dancers. We did not hear the other sets either evening. March 2, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon - Country western-southern rock band made it through the first set, opening with All Night Long, moving to Super Love, eventually Walk Softly Through This Heart of Mine, and ending with Sweet Home Alabama. Do I personally like to hear or dance to some of their songs? No. Were they played well? Yes. The speed and style change during Born to Boogie frustrated the regular dancers as well as the very extended Rebel Strut medley. There were enough slow songs in the mix for the lovers and non-dancers that most everyone found something to like or dislike. Great drumming and keyboards tonight. Unlike some of the bands we've heard this past year, this band appears to have been practicing, because the timing was fairly tight. Walkin' Jesse's September 11-12, 1998 - Palomino, Greensboro - We've heard this band play country sets and on other nights mix in the southern rock. They kept the audience dancing. The playing is solid and they are very sincere in asking for your requests. After all they played mine and remembered it when I came to visit them again. Members had prior experience serving with other bands, including Coyote Joe's former house band, the No Name Band. If they are in town, go dance with them. Booking agent is Rick McSwain; 828-294-6759. Warren Brothers June 9, 2000 - Silver Saddle - They started out like a breath of fresh air. Their tempo was solid and steady. We only heard the first 30 minutes, but it was starting well. Carl Wayne July 7, 2001 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh - The band played an interesting dance mix from the Jerry Lee Lewis side over to their own compositions during the first set and started the second set out fairly slow. Only one number was rough in the first set. It was an easy evening to have fun, but they needed to fix the loud pops from their sound equipment. For booking, contact: PO Box 16113, Chesapeake, VA 23328. Whiskey River (Be aware that this band does NOT have an original name - there's been others reported in Maryland, Vermont, etc., etc.) December 3-4, 1999 - Silver Saddle - We understand the band was hired and asked to play country western dance music, not rock, R&B, and blues . The first set on Friday had fine volume, good blend of tempos, and a good amount of danceable rock, but when they decided to get silly with Skynyrd in the first set, we gave them three steps - Bus Stop and out the door. We did not notice the band's groupies along and felt the crowd was one of the lowest for a Friday in recent memories. On Saturday the second set started out with rock and declined to pure noise in less than 30 minutes. On Saturday, survivors said the crowd thinned substantially by the end of the first set and we saw another exodus as the band came on for the second set. There was a small, but fairly active dance crowd during the band break, which faded during the first 30 minutes of the band's second set from non dancers jumping up and down on the floor to no dancers at all. Did the band play some country western music. Yes. OK. We know its hard to argue that a Texan, Doyle Bramhall, wrote a song that we don't consider our normal country western dance music. But how many country western artists open for Jimi Hendrix; play as part of the pop rock cover band, The Chessman; back the blues men on the drums; and play in the Nightcrawlers with Stevie Ray Vaughan, another blues legend. R&B/Blues is found in another section in our music stores and on our radio dials. We aren't playing horseshoes, where close counts. Ditto for the selections from Skynyrd, the high school dropouts who became known for their hard, intense rock-fill sound with echo, feedback and distortion. August 27, 1999 - Silver Saddle - Volume was loud enough it was difficult to speak to your friends at the club. The singer's words could not be understood in several of the songs before 11:30. Steady for dancers. Rock edge was hard on the country western folks, but the friends of the band loved to get out and jump up and down. Several of the rock numbers emptied the floor of the country western regulars. It was good that tended to put a quiet slow dance after fast and loud numbers. This band brings out one of the most diverse crowds at this club. 1995 or earlier - This Whiskey River is: Curtis Woodall, Hugh Worley, Bert Marshall, Landis Parrish, Steve Stott, and Fred Dunn. The first two sets in Whiskey River's recent performances have generally been very danceable. Line dancers will notice that Born to Boogie is played far slower than the traditional Hank Williams, Jr.'s efforts and the wavering beat makes it extremely difficult to dance the Bocephus. Don't remember hearing either a waltz or polka during the first two sets in recent performances. Top 40/R&B creeps into the second set and the third set opens painfully loud. In two recent efforts, we've not been able to tolerate the third set's opening (Top of the Hill). Look for them from Fayetteville to Roanoke Rapids. White Horse (Whitehorse) September 17, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - White Horse played a good mix of country western music for the dancers during their second set. They dropped the rhythm twice during the set and recovered it fairly quickly. Yes. We want to dance with them again. October 23, 1998 - This band plays a wide mix of music, but it is not all appreciated by country western dancers. On October 23 White Horse continued to clear the dance floor during the second set with abnormally phrased or unusual beat songs, rock music, undanceable slow ballads, wavering tempos, and beautifully played concert music. Two dancing couples made the floor look full for quite a few songs and it was plain empty for a while. In fact some band members came down and played on the dance floor, assuming dancers wouldn't mind where they stood and wandered. See below for earlier reviews. Please note that this band has the talent to play fine country western dance music, if only they would. Like many of our friends, we are not coming back on Saturday to find out if they change the play list. O'Henry wrote about the clothes making the individual. The French style beanies and the band's trot to the top 40 side during its break also reinforces our opinion that they may be a mismatch for us. Look out. They're back! The loud rock edge is back, the deliberately wavering tempos, and the undancable music has returned to the Longbranch with the September 12 performance of White Horse. There was some technically great music played this night, but because it wasn't all designed for dancers and in fact cleared the floor, we must warn you that this band could be offensive to some country western dancers. Several of the 'Branch's better dances fled to the quieter rock side and others were counting their steps, because they couldn't follow the band's tempos. Booking is through Cellar Door Country, P.O. Box 11686, Roanoke, VA 24022; 703-772-8064, or call Terry Hannabass at 540-342-4455/Marvin Chambers at 540-297-5228. Over the past 18 months we've enjoyed dancing to the White Horse band. In early 1996, the band was having trouble keeping a steady dance rhythm, but we both kept coming back. On July 19, 1996, we also heard a sharp rock edge on the music. Any musical blend disappeared in the mesh of distortion and loud volume. Headache level sound and playing a sound like ZZ Top at a live performance, forgetting the quality sound they mixed in the studio. This was mainly at the end of the extended first set. Thankfully, the first set on 7/20 was toned down and blended better. From spring to fall 1996, the Cotton Eyed Joe was not phrased for dancing as Sweat and most others play. By October 1997, it was danceable. In 1998 it has gone to never land again. In 1996, a band member said they were playing more rock to satisfy the demands of the crowds in Virginia and assumed the North Carolina audience would appreciate it. Not all of us did. The Longbranch offers a rock/top 40 side for those entertainers and customers and a country western side performer should be entertaining the guests with country western music. From August 1996 to October 1997, we've heard a more sedate country sounding band. In October 1998 the rock and performance stuff is back and many dancers walked out. The gal singing lead has done a very good job during the last year. Fine country western first set again on October 10, 1997. White Lightening August 2001 - Probably the most aggressive country western sounding band playing the American Legion, Benson. Booking through: Matthew Davis, 702 Tussey St., Lexington, NC 27292; 336-248-2313. The tempo increased during a couple of songs, which stressed the dancers, but on the whole, it was a fine night of dancing. They play a very fast version of Boot Scootin' Boogie. White Lightning (formerly - Horizon) October 5, 2002 - Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh. Very balanced and steady set first set. They have been very entertaining and kept the dancers busy for several visits. March 10, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - I think this was the best set I've heard Horizon perform. We were very surprised to see all the dancers walk off the floor, after the band interjected their extension in the middle of Watermelon Crawl. This was not planned or coordinated and happens so infrequently, we are still amazed. A string bass accompanied their fine version of Jump and Jive, which is either a song title or description of the dance (sure, we would have preferred a song with a rhythm like Brown Gravy Boogie instead). We know some of their material is not country western, but the overall impression of the evening was very favorable. The band was a little too loud at times, but musically exciting and fine for the dancer's workout. January 21, 2000 - Silver Saddle, Raleigh - I wrote Not distinguished after this band's last performance. Still applies. Mellow sound. Stretched out Watermelon Crawl with a tour of the mundane in the middle, which was distressing to the dancers. The second set opened with Steve Earle's Copperhead Road, which is rarely heard in this area's country western dance clubs. It was followed by T.R.O.U.B.L.E. and then the fun from Ricochet, She's Got her Daddy's Money. Our guests from Louisiana said we should try walking through the Electric Slide for a slow Mustang Sally (classic rock). Wild Heart January 31, 2003 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Decent early set. January 8, 2000 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The recent performances from Wild Heart parallel their 1997-98 attempts. There is either a disrespect for Raleigh's country western dance audience or a lack of practice and experience. The sadness is the bottom line effect on our local club scene as folks leave before the second set. Heard the band on Saturday night and they sounded a little better. The crowd was good on the floor during most of their songs. The only thing I noticed was after their first break, when the DJ's last song before the band was T.R.O.U.B.L.E., the band came on and played the same song. I enjoyed the line dance the first time, but couldn't remain standing the second time it played! The band still needs a little work on tempo, but I believe they will improve. I would go hear them again just to see if my prediction is accurate! - jj Several other guests complained the band was extremely loud and would not keep the volume under control. January 7, 2000 - Longbranch, Raleigh - I did hear the band ... and it wasn't good. They were a little flat. The comment I heard was since they hired 3 new band members that they should keep the 3 new guys and get rid of the 2 old band members!! That's pretty bad. - jj December 4, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Best first set yet. Attractive stage set up and light use for the act. Really enjoyed the vocal blend, steady rhythms, etc. Volume was fine. What a refreshing change from last year. They are winning us over, bring them back. August 21, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Best first two sets we've heard from Wild Heart. They stayed country western in their music selections, played at a reasonable volume, and kept steady tempos. Their original work was well done. We heard some grumbling in the crowd against the show, but tonight it was undeserved. The band did a good job. May 21, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - Best soundboard work for the band, we've heard. Unfortunately, there was some wavering on the tempos and they increased the tempo on T.R.O.U.B.L.E., beyond their ability to play it well. Fast and loud are not equal to quality. November 7, 1998 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The band played well, but too loud. You've heard it from us before. Half the crowd disappeared by the midpoint of the second set. We'll also admit the club was cooler than normal, possibly due to malfunctioning heating equipment. From an earlier review - They came from Virginia Beach and played the best sets we've heard from them yet. The musical choice was fine and the playing was decent enough we wanted to come back and hear them again. Their volume was on the edge of too loud as it has been. Folks lost their social evening as they shouted to be heard. It was hard to ask for a dance and consider oneself polite while shouting at another guest. After their great blast off intro the feedback brought everyone's hands to their ears. Later the band just sort of disappeared from the stage without comment. Folks were looking at the electrical system as if something blew out, but no one thought to tell the audience what was happening. Yes, thankfully the DJ microphone and music system was still working. It looks like they are overcoming some of their earlier problems. They appeared to agree on key, tempo, and got rid of some undanceable rock music - or moved it to the third set. Hobart Willis & the Back Forty June 13, 2002 - Ellis Convention Center, Wilson - Very steady good old country music fit for dancing. Heard some good original material. Try them out. Go to their Internet site - on the top of our Band Schedule page and check what you might see and hear at their gigs. Think your impression might be tattoos, alt, and ... They play some interesting places. Dale Wilson Band February 13, 1998 - American Legion, Benson - If you went to a club and no one will tell you about the band, what do you think? I probably thought a lot of negative things and I was pleasantly surprised to hear a good down country sound. Heard it was a recent assembling of friends and players. Well the band leader appeared city formal and the event was a Valentine's Day Ball and we showed up in boots. But I think we may have had the most fun with the band and the folks are getting used to us. If you like the casual rural country style of North Carolina small town bands, go and dance with this band. They play slightly faster tempos than most you'll meet here in the neighborhood. Ronnie Wolf and the Pack June 23, 2001 - Longbranch, Raleigh - The first set was good for the country western dancers, with a steady mix from fast to slow. Only one song had a particularly fragmented beat, which frustrated the dancers. Mellow sound, not too loud. December 17, 1999 - Longbranch, Raleigh - We could hear the individual instruments and the vocalist without the overall sound being too loud. They sounded like good solid musicians. Tempos were steady and the speed mix was good. We left hot, sweaty, and tired. This was a good band for dancers. You will experience a very fast T.R.O.U.B.L.E. and a swing (try Keep Keepin' It Up) or two. You might also hear Mustang Sally (classic rock by The Rascals). Yankee Grey October 17, 2000 - Dorton Arena, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh - Yankee Grey was promoted as a country western band, introduced by a local WQDR DJ, and then drove the folks out of the arena by playing rock music. The men started walking out with their families as the concert approached the 10 minute mark. About 36 fans (most were young and female) screamed in front of the stage for most of the concert. By the 30 minute mark, lines were forming on the arena floor as folks tried to get up the chutes and out of the area. Just after the 50 minute mark the crowd had shrunk to about 200, including the swell to 48 in front of the stage. The boys ended the show, their girl fans shrieked, so they came back for an encore. Why? An encore performance was traditionally given when an audience rose to render mass applause. In this case, most of the audience removed their bodies from the musicians, indicating their displeasure. Unfortunately the band failed to get the message. No review is needed for this performance. |
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