Clark, Shaver & Allen at The Red Jacket

Shaver, Allen, Clark

Live AT The Red Jacket

August 1, 2002

by Lone Star Mama

Arriving at the Red Jacket in Dallas just before 7 p.m., my husband Andy and friends, Bobby and Mike, parked across the street and just missed getting to visit with Billy Joe as he was going into the venue. I stuck my head inside the door to see if we could go in yet, they told us doors would open at 8. We decided to go grab a drink and bite to eat elsewhere. A round of beers, chips, queso, and hot sauce graced the table where we sat visiting, and watching for the line to form back across the street. Soon there were folks gathering, many of whom we knew, so we headed over to get in line.

Sometimes being in line can be an ordeal. On this day it was hot, but everyone was filled with anticipation. Folks were wandering up and down the line, exchanging hugs and greetings with friends (and asking for seat saving). It almost had the feel of a class reunion of some sort. Perhaps it was the class of OKOM lovers, for this was the place to be.

It was finally time to go in. Upon entering, I was first struck with how few seats there were down front. This place was obviously a dance club, not really a concert venue. The front was much like a deep orchestra pit with a few tables and chairs for about 50. The second level was at ground level, standing room at the railings, with a few seats and tables on one side. The third level was up a flight of stairs, with larger tables and booths and more seats and tables along the railing. Many folks decided sitting on the stairs was their best option. I later found out the club was actually designed on the inside by Terry Allen.

Our crew of friends ended up scattered all over the club. It wasn’t a place very conducive to much "seat saving". In fact, thanks to friends Tommy, Ed, and Sherm, I had a spot downstairs. Andy chose an upstairs spot with Mike, and Bobby later came down and stood most of the show beside me. After a bathroom stop and a fresh cold beer (no Lone Star, damn it), I was ready for the music to begin. There was much speculation amongst those around me as to what order we’d see the three, since all three performers were headliners in their own right. It was soon apparent, as Billy Joe, Bob Brown, and Jerry Hollingsworth stepped onto the stage, that “our Billy Joe” would be first.

The friends around me (roughly a dozen of us) were just as excited as I was to see our hero coming out. I immediately noticed that many in the club must have been unfamiliar with Billy Joe Shaver. I’m not sure if they just weren’t clapping much, weren’t paying much attention, or what...just not the response I am accustomed to. I took a few deep breaths and let myself be absorbed into watching a living legend. First and foremost, Billy Joe looked great and sounded great. In fact, he even did some fine dancing on that stage, the likes of which I haven’t seen in a long time. It was fantastic! He had us rockin’ with high energy with songs like “Georgia On a Fast Train”, and had many of us in tears as he sang “Star In My Heart”. The expressions of friendship during this song…..hugs, hand holding, pats on the back or shoulder, winks, smiles, and even the offer of a hanky (thanks, Kathy) were as touching as the song itself. I only wish Billy Joe knew how truly special his music is to his fans, and could feel how we do in moments like those. From there it was back to the “Good Ol’ USA” pulling us out of gripping emotion to sheer joy so quickly it almost hurt. He was all in all…..AMAZING. When Billy Joe was done, all my compadres I spoke with agreed, we all had gotten our $27.50 worth already. Jerry Hollingsworth was great, and it must be said again and again in writing. Bob Brown is an incredible musician. No matter what instrument he’s playing or what song he’s playing, he never seems to miss a beat. Perhaps most importantly, he GETS the music Billy plays, making it that much more sweet.

Quite a number of us were looking forward to finally seeing Terry Allen LIVE and in person. It amazed me how many of us have his CDs and hadn’t managed to ever catch a LIVE performance. After a short break, both Terry Allen and his partner for the evening, Lloyd Maines, very casually took the stage. Immediately I could tell a bigger chunk of the audience knew this guy. His performance was also A+! He sang many of the favorites, “Bare Naked”, “Amarillo Highway”, “The Great Joe Bob” (with an alternate ending, citing it as the day the “Great OJ went bad”…we rolled with laughter), “New Delhi Freight Train”, and of course, “Gimme a Ride to Heaven". Watching him with Maines made me feel as if we were in a big living room watching friends play together as they’ve done a million times before. Outstanding, and I felt I had gotten more than double my money’s worth now.

We had seen Guy Clark several years ago at a Texas Music Revolution show, which was a relatively short set. We somewhat knew what to expect, but not long after he and Verlon Thompson stepped onto the stage, we knew this was going to be a fine performance. And suddenly, many of the chatterboxes were more quiet. We heard many of the favorites from him too, including my personal favorite “Sis Draper”. An audience member set a Ziploc bag onto the stage, very obviously containing “Homegrown Tomaters”, and after taking a big bite of one, he played the song much to the delight of the crowd. Perhaps one of the tastiest treats of the evening was when Guy stepped back and had Verlon step up and do a couple of tunes. I had gathered he was quite talented, but he stepped up, going alone in the midst of a crowd seeing three living legends, AND did an exceptionally good job on his own. What a treat!! As friend Tom Geddie said, “He almost stole the show”. He was that good! At the end of the set, I felt I could have paid 3 times that $27.50, and still I felt I got a good deal.

The grand finale was a stage full of talent. Terry and Lloyd joined Guy and Verlon for a couple of songs. Terry and Guy had co-written a song about having to bury Terry’s dog, and they had the audience right in the palms of their hands with every word and note. Though we all could have listened to them together for hours, the show soon drew to a close. I think most people left the venue feeling they had experienced a rarity, quite possibly a perfect night of music.

Though separated from Andy in the venue, I felt fortunate that we were sharing this musical experience of a lifetime together. Gentleman that he is, he insisted I keep the seat down front rather than sharing with him or sitting farther away. I was treated to a drink from a sweet friend, and more than the free drink, it was the thought that really touched me (Thanks Tommy). I was offered a hanky as tears rolled down my cheeks, and a friendly pat on the leg to go with it. I was hugged by a friend who was also in tears. I was in the arms of friends singing together during “Live Forever” while on the phone with Rhonda, almost as if she were there. I was lucky enough to share love for this music with my high school Government teacher, and watch as he had just as much fun as I did. I saw Steve and Vicki dance, always such a comfort to me, as if all is right with the world. People would offer their chairs to those standing when they took a restroom break. Most of the time, I saw those seats given back. These are the finest of people, if you ask me.

I saw other well-known artists attend the show, as much in awe of the music as I was. They greeted fans who recognized them cheerfully, signing autographs and having conversations with them, making them feel in the moment as if they were the only fan there. There were many handshakes, smiles, hugs, and lots of mutual respect. Talk about class.

Our evening ended with excited conversation with Bobby and Mike about our amazing evening. God bless Whataburger for being open all night to feed the hungry music lovers on their way back home. A night with legends and true friends……..life is good!

Lone Star Mama

Written by Dana Jones, August, 2002

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