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I thought I'd share with you a little about the selection of shows at the Rear Window Listening Room. We have been in contact with several booking agents, and there are a couple that seem to be able to point us in the right direction. It is very likely you haven't been to a show that any of the artists we are bringing have played. As we get rolling, we have been very fortunate to have made some very good connections, and the quality of entertainment is right at the top. What has been amazing to me is that these musicians and songwriters have such passion for what they do. From our local song-smith, Jack Motley, to East, Vine & Briggs from Nashville, to Jack Williams of Arkansas, to Matt Harlan of Houston, most of these accomplished songwriters live, breathe and sacrifice to bring us a very intimate part of their lives ... their music! You know, it isn't often that most of us are able, or willing, to take a chance and try to live our dreams, but most of the talented artists you will see and hear at the Rear Window are doing just that. Lord knows they are certainly not getting rich from doing what they do, although if they work hard, and get a few breaks, they can make a decent living at it. Yet, whether in good times or in bad, this seems to be a life choice that they make, perhaps because they have a story to tell, a song in their heart, a dream to pursue, belief in their God given talent or just a hitch in their giddyup; but, whatever it is, we are much better off musically because of them. A few evenings ago, I had the TV on for companionship as I was listing new events on one of the websites, and suddenly my ears were listening to a tune I heard at the Rear Window a few weeks ago. The musical interlude from Matt the Electrician's song, "I Got Your Back," was playing in the background of an L.L. Bean commercial. For those of us who got to spend the evening listening to Matt, it's just pretty cool to have heard and talked to the artist that is getting national airplay on a tv commercial BEFORE it was released. I expect that won't happen too often, but the fact is ... it did! I can't tell you how many times I have heard "I can't believe this music isn't on the radio being played everywhere." If you have been with us for the shows we've already hosted, I promise that the line up of artists will not disappoint you. If you haven't been yet, come visit and have a wonderful evening with a well-above-average audience, friends (both old and new), talented musicians, singer-songwriters and food (after all, this IS Texas!) to delight even the most discriminating palate! You will have a great time and want to come back for more. Please plan to come hear and support the talent we are bring to Ganado, Texas for your listening pleasure ... you'll be glad you did! See you at the Rear Window!
2012's First Show Was Excellent! Montie Callaway, Kim & John Spring started our New Year at the Rear Window with a most excellent show! It really was as if we stepped back in time with them to an era that was much simpler and easier to live in. Their vocals were stellar and Montie didn't disappoint us with his Low & Deep Bass Vocals. Kim Spring brought along a violin/fiddle that was given to him by a mutual friend when he was 15 years old. Kim did that fiddle justice in the couple of songs he played with it. I know that Mr. M would be proud knowing he made an excellent choice in handing it down to Kim. We look forward to hearing these fellers at the Rear Window in the not too distant future. I hope to be scheduling thes back here in a few months. If you didn't catch them Saturday, you will have a chance to come again soon! Jan 9, 2012 Add comment Share Shotgun Party July 1, 2011 Well, if you missed Shotgun Party's show this past Friday, you missed an awesome evening of great music! The minute they took the stage and began to play, it was easy to picture a family sitting in their living room and turning on the Saturday evening radio program back in the 30's. Jenny Parrott's lead vocals are unique (she sounds exactly like Jenny Parrott) and she easily beckons you to the era of music that is very easy on the ears. On several high-adrenaline songs they played, I was amazed at how she was able to keep time with the rhythm strokes on her guitar, and sing without sounding like she's singing into a fan. To Jenny's right was one of the most gifted fiddle players I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Katy Rose Cox, while classically trained has been playing violin since a very young age of four years old, if I recall correctly; and has been playing ever since. Her playing was extraordinarily versatile, and perfectly executed, and her vocals were an excellent compliment to this trio. Lastly, there was Andrew Austin-Petersen lending his first-rate acoustic bass work to this multi-talented group. Andrew's awesome drove the bottom end of their music flawlessly and added to the performance immensely while interacting with both Jenny & Katy Rose. His vocal contributions, although limited, were awesome and a great touch on the evening. This was Andrew's next to last gig with Jenny & Katy Rose as "Shotgun Party." His farewell show with them was at Austin's Continental Club on Saturday July 2nd. Shotgun Party will continue through the rest of the year with an alternate bass player, and although they will miss Andrew dearly, they wish him well in his new adventure with the Lost Bayou Ramblers, a cajun music band from Lafayette, LA. I look forward to keeping up with each of these talented people, because whatever they do next, musically, will be excellent! Bottom Line ... whether you have seen Shotgun Party or not, if they are within a two or three hour drive, you need to get to one or two of their shows, because after this year you won't be able to see them any more! Alan - Rear Window Listening Room Jul 4, 2011 Add comment Share Hamilton Loomis HAMILTON LOOMIS & HIS BAND ... April 9, 2011 First of all, I want to thank our entire audience for coming, because it is only by your ongoing support that we are able to keep bringing shows to this area ... we are grateful! I would like to send a special thanks to the group of Hamilton's fans who caravaned from the small bayside town of Sargent. It was a pleasure to welcome them here. You know, there is just something about a Hamilton Loomis fan that makes you want to smile! I heard from a couple of them today, and they thoroughly enjoyed the show and the Rear Window venue. I am highly confident that Hamilton won a bunch of new fans as well, and deservedly so! The overall vibe in the room never waned, but was exciting from front to back, start to finish. Hamilton Loomis and His Band definitely kicked it up a couple of notches this past Saturday night. I will tell you that if you weren't there, you missed some incredible musical magic! It is not possible to go to a Hamilton Loomis show and leave feeling that you missed something. From the moment they took the stage, they owned us. How he put his team together is no surprise, because Hamilton seems to instinctively know how and when to step aside and let them play through, and, no doubt, they all keep the bar at a very high level. For me, the highlights of the show were, in no particular order, Hamilton's stroll through the Rear Window while playing a guitar solo that kept moving to a new level; or Hamilton, joined by Stratton Doyle on the sax (good lawd, that boy can PLAY) for a remarkable trade off of blues-funk riffs and trading one-liners from memorable songs; or Kent's extremely tasteful bass solo which lifted off slowly then moved to perfectly placed thumps, pops, slaps, sweet triplets and back down for a smooth landing; Ryan's drum solo took us on a wonderful rhythmical ride, his use of the high hat and lightning speed kick pedal (that was a single pedal) were a combination I have not heard anywhere else! Hamilton Loomis and His (World Class) Band ... from chickin' pickin' to soul grinding riffs, "infinity" styles, tones, and perfectly executed breaks (some that left me breathless) this band gave us a taste of R&B Funk Heaven, right here in the upper room of the Rear Window! YIKES ... don't forget the excellent lead vocals and great backups ... yet another excellent facet to this Band. We are hoping to have them back in the not too distant future, so you will have an opportunity to see this World Class Band at the Rear Window again!!! Please stay tuned for more information, and if you want to jazz your life up a bit in the meantime, visit Hamilton's website www.hamiltonloomis.com and load up on his music. It is CONTAGIOUS!!! Check out his calendar, too! If there is a show within a couple of hours of where you live ... it is definitely worth the commute!!! Thanks for your support, Alan Apr 11, 2011 Add comment Share
Thanks & Beyond!!! OKAY ... HERE IT IS ... 2012, and ONE of the mostest awesomest incredibly fabulous music lineup's that anyone could ever even HOPE to be a part of. The mission of bringing first rate "live" music to a listening room environment is an unending task, but we are committed to it. IN FACT, the Rear Window has booked some of the best songwriters, musicians, singers and entertainers that you could ever even HOPE to find, and they are coming right here to the Rear Window Listening Room in GANADO, TEXAS. To our friends & patrons ... Truly, it is only by your continued help and support that we are able to bring such outstanding talent to our stage for your listening pleasure. We are very grateful for your patronage, and hope that you will continue to help us keep this form of entertainment alive and well at the Rear Window Listening Room. What you can do to help ... Continue to keep the Rear Window on your list of regular activities, and PLEASE send our information to all your friends who enjoy or love music ... but especially those friends who play a musical instrument; or those who sing in the car, shower or in a choir ... we guarantee they will enjoy any show(s) attended. Bring a friend or neighbor ... we find that unless you actually attend a show, it is very difficult to explain what it is like listening to live music without the noise and other distractions, that most other venues have. Getting to know, meet, and talk to the artists is also something that you will not get at most venues. Facebook - If you go to our Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rear-Window-Listening-Room/100580630001059 and "Like" it, you will be connected to an easy link to find out what's currently happening. To the artists ... We have had just over a year's worth of phenomenal shows and it all begins by the bands and artists saying "Yes" to coming here. The Rear Window is grateful to all of you songwriters, singers, guitar slingers, ivory ticklers and overall awesome musicians. We are proud to be able to continue providing a place where your music can be heard by the best audience in the WORLD! Your sacrifice to take your music to the world is our great fortune, and our wish for you is that you accomplish your dreams so we can have a part, however small, in helping you get there! As you all know, it is not easy to establish a new venue, and while some shows are better attended than others, the attendance does continue to grow, due in large part to your saying "Yes" to playing here. To Everyone ... Beginning in January, you will have the opportunity to meet and listen to some of the top talent in the world right here in Ganado. Tickets for these events can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets, or at the GANADO CAFE, or by phoning 1-800-838-3006 These make great gifts!!! Our Starting Lineup of 2012 Shows is Fabulous ... for a small glimpse of what is coming, please take some time to look at the Events Page and get to know some of these artists prior to their arrival. If you are able, take a look at their videos; but, please keep in mind that even if the videos sound excellent, their LIVE performance far surpasses the audio quality of the youtube videos ... Change the Picture ... Instead of the same routine that we all get accustomed to, venture out and explore Rear Window and its lineup of Excellent Singers, Songwriters, and Musicians. In a very good way, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. We look forward to seeing you at the Rear Window! Jan 23, 2012 Add comment Share Raina Rose Just got home from listening to Raina Rose & her bassist, Andrew Pressman, give us an amazing two sets of musical heaven. We are so fortunate to be getting this caliber of talent to the Rear Window. Once again, she kept everyone attentive and wanting more; I don't think you can ever get enough of her live performance ... she is one of the very best. Along with Andrew's very capable bass carrying the bottom, I could very easily have listened to another set or two without tiring. Thanks, Raina & Andrew for coming back and making your incredible music. We look forward to your return in a few months! Mar 5, 2011 Add comment Share Back to the Original Way At the beginning of this year, I talked Clinton into switching from a two ticket system where our customers buy a "show only" ticket and purchase the dinner at the door the night of the performance. Okay ... it sounded really good to me, but it seems to have caused even more confusion and concern with people who want to come for an evening out with the dinner. The most common concern was "What if we come in from Houston, Victoria, or even three blocks away, and you are out of food?" Well, even though there certainly are eating establishments in very close proximity, the question became "what if they are busy & we can't get to the show when it starts?" So ... Beginning with the Raina Rose Show on March 5th, we will go back to the two ticket system. There will be a "Show Only" ticket AND a "Dinner & Show" ticket. If this is in any way confusing to you, I take full credit for the confusion. Please email me if you have any questions and I will do my best to help you out. We continue to be bringing you the best of shows that we can find, and so far, my expectations continue to be exceeded by the talent we have at the Rear Window. I am usually pretty confident that the artists we bring are going to give us a good show, but, so far my expectations have always been surpassed by them. 2 Bit Palomino was no exception. Even with Andi, their female vocalist, not having her voice, they went well above what I had hoped for ... so we look forward to bringing them back in July. The next show, MC Hansen & Matt Harlan, is going to be a wonderful show. They have been playing a few shows together already, so they will have had time to work together and give us some of their absolute best work. I am truly looking forward to hearing them this Saturday. We look forward to seeing you at the Rear Window, and promise you a great evening and your money's-worth in food AND entertainment! You can bank on it!! Happy trails, Alan Feb 21, 2011 1 comment Share
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