Inside or outside, music fans get July dose of old-school hits
July ended with a music doubleheader, with country singer John Conlee entertaining fans at the Paramount Theatre and the band Pure Prairie League outdoors at Lime Rock Amphitheatre.
Pure Prairie League, now in its 53rd year, showed its staying power. Only pedal steel player John David Call remains, but what a sound he offers to the band.
They couldn't leave without playing their most famous song, "Amie." But "Two Lane Highway" and their biggest chart hit, "Let Me Love You Tonight," were good, too. Deep-dive fans chuckled when they dusted off "I'll Change Your Flat Tire Merle."
"I'll fix your flat tire Merle
Don't ya get your sweet country pickin' fingers all
Covered with erl
Cause you're a honky, I know, but Merle you got soul
And I'll fix your flat tire Merle."
The evening opened with an unannounced artist, Abilene's own Greg Young and his upright bass. Always a treat to hear this often overlooked but always appreciated musician.
Following was Jesse Lee, who turned in a great performance. She mixed her covers of songs as far-ranging as Clapton and "Stuck in the Middle With You," the 1972 Stealer's Wheel hit, with her own songs. Her work offers a woman's point of view and catchy lyrics. Her jazz influences can be heard.
A favorite was:
"You're gonna be your mama
Even if you don't wanna
You walk like her
and talk like her
And cause a lot of mid-life drama."
(And make a mean lasagna)
Her song "Where He Ain't" currently is at No. 30 on the Texas Regional Radio Report charts.
She has a new album out this week, "Dive Bar Superstar."
Texas singers such as Lee and Ariel Hutchins are showing the boys how it's done.
The Paramount continues to bring a blend of music to town, including some favorites of the past. Conlee pleased his fans with blasts from the past including "Rose Colored Glasses" and "Common Man." These old school guys still are to be appreciated.
Upcoming at the Paramount:
Sept. 1: Ruthie Foster (blues)
Sept. 30: Bacon Brothers (eclectic duo)
Oct. 8: Marty Stuart (country)
Oct. 20: Bob Schneider (Austin sound, former leader singer of Ugly Americans)
Tickets to all four are on sale at paramountabilene.com.
Spit happens each year at De Leon watermelon festival
DE LEON - The annual De Leon Peach and Melon Festival is underway.
Events began Tuesday, including the selection of this year's queen. She will be presented at 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
The carnival was scheduled to begin Thursday, resuming at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the festival grounds.
The tractor pull is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Tractor Pull Arena, with a dance by DJ Javi featuring his light show at 9.
The 5K Watermelon Crawl race is at 7 a.m. downtown, with the games of 42 played at 10 a.m., a seed-spitting contest at 1 and free watermelon served at 3.
Gospel and bluegrass music is on the festival stage at 7. Thirty minutes later, it's more tractor pulling.
Live music in town
FRIDAY
Darby Sparkman, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.
T.J. Templeton, Matera Bar & Grill, 833 South First St.
Billy Alford, Sharon's Barbeque, 2050 Antilley Road
Tredwater, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
Los Bromigos, Lytle Land & Cattle, 1150 E.S. 11th St.
Eric Logan, Winery at Willow Creek, 4353 S. Treadaway Blvd.
SATURDAY
Abby French, Matera Bar & Grill, 833 South First St.
Jeff Martin, Potosi Live, 897 FM 1750
Matt Hartman, Sharon's Barbecue, 2050 Antilley Road
Carter Peaslee, Betty's Rose's, 3934 Catclaw Drive
Soulmates, Lytle Land & Cattle, 1150 E.S. 11th St.
Shane Terrell & the Stumblers, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Inside or outside, music fans get July dose of old-school hits
