Hello Tyler and all of East Texas. Well summer is in full swing and the heat isn't nearly as bad yet as it usually is this time of year.
I mention this because it makes outdoor dining and concerts an amazing experience. This past weekend I was honored to be able to emcee a concert at Lago del Pino with Taylor Heard and Hudson Moore. Taylor did her usual amazing job and got the stage smoking hot and then Hudson set it on fire. Hudson Moore has opened for ZZ Top and Alan Jackson in the past year and let me tell you, this young man is amazing. He plays country, blues and a little bit of good ole rock n roll. His hit song "Fireworks" had the crowd hooting and hollering at the top of their lungs. Hudson played for 90 minutes with no breaks or pauses and gave one of the best shows I've seen this year. Lago del Pino is an amazing music venue and I always love emceeing there and of course the food is amazing as well. Join me some Saturday night for a great time.
Downtown is always rocking this time of year and Reckless Kelly created quite a buzz at Liberty Hall. I know she seems everywhere these days, but Taylor Heard also opened for Reckless Kelly and last Thursday downtown and Liberty Hall was the place to be.
As most of you can tell I love downtown and the Brick Street area of Tyler. In fact, I love it so much our office is located in the Brick Street section of town. From a great cup of coffee at the one and only Brady's to antique shopping at Carriage House Gallery, you can find just about anything you want or need. Buildings built in the early 1900's offer a feeling that can't be described or appreciated by most folks. Being a big supporter of buying local from local ownership, makes downtown and the Brick Streets that much better for me and my wife Denise. We love the $1 tacos at Don Juan's every Wednesday downtown and having a cinnamon roll and a latte from Brady's will kick start anyone's day.
Every week there is something to do but I have a few special dates to mention that are coming up. On August 24th, Brandon Rhyder will be at Lago del Pino and I am honored to be able to emcee that event and hope to see everyone there. Also Sept. 7th the East Texas All Star Showcase with headliner Uncle Lucius will be in downtown and this event is always one of my favorites to emcee. Whatever your taste in music there is something big coming your way. Stop by and say "hi," I would love to meet you.
Terry Miller is the host of Good Morning with Terry Miller on Toginet Radio and the owner/broker of Miller Homes Group.ehind the Wall" rocked the joint on Jake's Tyler rooftop chaveta last Friday night!
The place was packed and our table of eight immediately took delighted notice once the band opened up with a harmonica-blowing rendition of Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Workin." You knew it was going to be a fun night. The band continued rockin' hard, bluesy flavored renditions of everyone's favorite cover songs.
"Behind the Wall" started in 2009 as "Blind Dog." Ryan McKinney and his band were looking for a singer when Chris Wallace auditioned and they jammed a few rock covers. It wasn't until McKinney struck the first notes of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House" that Wallace poured out his soul, the story goes. Right then, Ryan knew they had something special in the works. The band later derived its new name from friends who had seen them play behind Chris Wallace, hence "Behind the Wall." In their search to find the perfect rhythm, they were blessed to find Garland Moore & Billy Rasnake. "Behind the Wall" is entertaining venues now all over East Texas.
Here's a look at the band's current lineup.
Ryan McKinney: From Tyler. Nicknamed "Mac Daddy," he plays every note on lead guitar with passion. Being one of the best blues guitarists in East Texas, the blues is in every string bend.
Chris Wallace, from Tyler: Nicknamed "Mojo Man," he plays guitar, harmonica and sings powerful lead vocals with a low down dirty voice. He is a down-to-earth comic.
Garland Moore, from Winnsboro: Nicknamed "Geemo," he's been a musician for more than 40 years. He can pluck a bass with low, funky growls that make your body move. He is also involved with the October Poetry Music Festival in Poetry near Terrell. This will be the band's fourth year playing that festival and many others in East Texas.
Bill Rasnake, from Whitehouse: Nicknamed "The Kid," Rasnake lays down the funk with every drum beat. Rasnake is an all-around musician who teaches drums, guitar and bass in his studio.
It's clear this band loves what they do. They play great music and strive to entertain an audience. I will guarantee, you and your friends will be dancing to "Behind the Wall" and requesting more.
You can contact them by calling their manager, Sarah Wallace at 903-253-2542, via email, Freestyle.cwall@gmail.com or check them out on Facebook.
Support local music by checking out "Behind the Wall" and let them know "The Godfather sent ya."
Jimmy "The Godfather of Downtown Tyler" Arber is the owner and operator of Salon Verve in Tyler.
