Sunday, November 26, 2006

Adam Dale-Josh Wheeler-Jason Ellis @ The Corner Cafe...


A very entertaining acoustic show last night at The Corner Cafe! There was fantastic attendance, and two acts that certainly filled the bill for quality live music entertainment, the likes of which...we have come to expect from this particular venue.

Starting off the night was the ever popular, and always satisfying, acoustic duo of Josh Wheeler, and Jason Ellis. Whether performing covers, or originals...these guys give it their all! Musicianship, powerful vocals, and a presentation full of emotive content and energy... are the three salient features that mark this duo's ability to pleae an audience. These elements were all evident last night, and certainly set the stage for what was to follow. Fantastic job guys!

Finishing off the night, was Adam Dale, currently of Baton Rouge, LA. This outstanding lyricist/vocalist, is most notably known in this region for his tenure as the frontman, and a substantial part of the creative genius behind the highly poular alternative rock band, The American Tragedy. Certainly no stranger to the music fans here in El Dorado, nonetheless... they were treated to a more intimate perspective of this talented individual as he performed solo-acoustic.

It's difficult to describe what this artist has that captivates an audience so...there are just too many variables. Radiating vocals, intriguing lyrics, frenetic fretwork on the guitar, and an odd sense of timing & delivery that goes beyond the normal pale...these all combine to provide the hearer an insight into the inner workings of this performer's psyche. Maybe that, in iself, is the answer...Adam Dale's music display's Adam Dale in such a powerful manner that one cannot help but be drawn into the total experience. Whatever it is...it certainly is effective, and pleasurable as well.

I look forward to seeing this unique, and personable artist again, and eagerly await his soon coming solo effort on CD. Fantastic job, Mr. Adam Dale... and we look forward to seeing more of you in the future!

Saturday, November 25, 2006

JamFest @ The Corner Cafe-11/25!


The Corner Cafe in downtown El Dorado, AR was the place to be last night, as the monthly JamFest was a huge success! The large crowd was treated to some exciting, and varied performances by some of the best in local musicians.

This multi-genre event is always a pleaser...due to the fact that all styles of music are welcome & encouraged. Rock, blues, country, funk, americana & dance music, were all featured last night and the vocal crowd showed it's approval after each number. The people were up & dancing, and their were abundant smiles everywhere.

A great night of music & dancing...a celebration of talent indeed!

JamFest hosted by local songwriter, Chris Loggins...is held on the last friday of each month @ The Corner Cafe at 117 E. Main St. El Dorado, AR from 9pm-1am. This is an all ages event, and there is no cover charge. All performers, musicians & vocalists are invited, as well as encouraged, to take part in these events. Amps, pa's, drumkit provided...bring your instrument of choice, or sticks if you're a drummer, and any special equipment beyond the normal that you might need. Just inform the host that you'd like to perform, & you'll be allowed an opportunity to showcase your talent.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Acoustic Performances Rule The Night On 11/18!


Downtown El Dorado was definitely the epicenter of acoustic performances in our area of the Ark-La-Tex this past saturday night! Five of the best musicians in our region show-cased their acoustic prowess at both The Corner Cafe, as well as upstairs @ The Laredo Grill.

Acoustic duo, Trey Johnson & Josh Guest, performed before a jam-packed room at The Laredo Grill. Trotting out a host of blues, folk-rock, country, and americana...these two demonstrated their remarkable skills at capturing an audience. No matter how many times I see these two on stage, it's aways a pleasurable experience.

Musicianship, as well as pure talent... are always evident at their shows, but their
personable presentation is what captures the audience the most! These two friends enjoy playing to the crowd, and the crowd always reciprocates in kind.
Don't ever miss an opportunity to catch one of their shows!

Meanwhile, across the street at The Corner Cafe...music lovers were treated to a talented trio of performers in Chris Loggins, Brian Martin, and Hokie Gjertsen. Acoustic Cafe is an event that features three of the region's most respected musicians as they perform individual sets each, and then a final set collectively in a collaborative effort to close out the night.

This event just seems to get better each time, and saturday night was no exception. All three were excellent by themselves, but together...they took it to another level. A very appreciative crowd displayed their approval with robust applause & by singing along with great enthusiasm.

To me, that's the attraction of these acoustic performances...it brings the artist & audience closer together than you might experience with a band configuration.
El Dorado certainly experienced that saturday night!


Saturday, November 11, 2006

Kings Of The Delta-Smooth Groove @ The Corner!


On friday night, 11/10...The Kings of The Delta, of West Memphis, AR brought an eclectic set-list that contained elements of groovin' , boogie-influenced, jazz-rock fusion laced with blues, and latin beat laced with a generous helping of funk!

This jam/party band blew the doors off The Corner Cafe! The audience was thin at the start, but quickly increased to an enthusiastic, & boisterous crowd. Their musical diversity was a welcome change, and their musicianship was surely enjoyed by everyone who was fortunate to hear them.

Once again, El Dorado has been fortunate to enjoy some of the best in regional musical talent...Can't wait to see this band appear in SouthArk soon!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Lance Younger Debuts in South Arkansas...


This past weekend, 11/3 & 11/4...El Dorado, AR was treated to a fantastic talent from Hammond, LA as The Lance Younger Band made it's debut in south Arkansas!

Starting out at The Corner Cafe on 11/3...this young man quickly established himself in the hearts & minds of everyone who saw his performance. With strong, powerful vocals, and virtuoso fretwork on his Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocaster...Mr. Younger simply blew the audience away.

Backed by Mike Duke on drums, and Tyrone Thigpen on bass, Lance was obviously in his element in a three-pc configuration. With stellar rythm & lead playing, Lance Younger owned the stage for a four-hour show that included a bevy of blues-rock and funk covers that captivated the entire crowd. Standing at the back of the room, and surveying the crowd, I couldn't help but notice the faces of those in the audience...shock, amazement, and satisfaction were evident everywhere.

On 11/4...Lance performed solo-acoustic upstairs at The Laredo Grill, and once again proved his ability to capture a crowd, and carry them along with him! The upstairs lounge was packed with listeners, and Mr. Younger won the crowd over with his performance, as well as...his personality. On the last break of the night, Lance returned to The Corner Cafe briefly, and did a couple of numbers onstage with local musicians Mike Talley on drums, Brian Martin & Kelsey Camp on guitar, and Courtney Paulus on fiddle. The crowd thouroughly enjoyed the collaborative effort, and was gracious with the applause...this artist knows how to impress an audience!

An exciting weekend for the downtown entertainment district, and an incredible debut in this region for The Lance Younger Band...I can't wait to see them again in a couple of months!