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Tommy Alverson's Family Gathering #10 Bosque Bottoms Meridian, TX October 4-7, 2007 by Miss Lana |
| Tommy Time #10 was a blow out as promised. There were changes this year in the location to Bosque Bottoms in Meridian, and that in itself made it very different than the past few years at Tres Rios. With this being the 10th year, I know Tommy wanted it to be special. It certainly will be memorable with record October heat and no shade at the stage, or elsewhere for that matter. Unless you were one of the lucky ones to be in Pecan Grove where there are some trees, or you made your own shade (which many did). Some even set up canopies or big umbrellas at the back of the crowded stage to find relief from the heat. Under a couple of these canopies were kiddie pools full of water so festival-goers could "cool their heels under the shade" and still enjoy the live music. I blame global warming and just the unpredictable Texas weather. Tommy, if you're reading this, can we find a location that has a covered pavilion in front of the stage like Tres Rios or at least some trees? As big as Texas is, surely there is a better place somewhere. We were at the mercy of the open skies and whatever Mother Nature decided to bless us with, in this case, lots of sun and humidity. We would have welcomed the rain on Saturday that seemed to escape us somehow, if it would have squelched the humidity in the air. And I thought the tent camping prices were a little steep this year, which might have had something to do with what it cost Tommy to rent the place all weekend, I don't know. On to the music, which is what most of you want to hear about anyway. But I had to give my 2 cents worth on the new venue location, as that is important, too. It's where we exist for 3 days along with many other Texas music lovers and friends. In Texas, shade helps you exist much more comfortably, especially if you're as hot natured as I am. Oh yeah, the music. I missed Thursday afternoon as I arrived about 5:30 that day. The first act I actually saw was Kevin Deal. He and his band have always been tight, but they have improved over the years. Hot, hot, hot!! I didn't see Terri Hendrix, but I heard her from camp. She sounded good, but I really couldn't hear the lyrics of her songs. I have found over the years that most people either really like Terri or really don't...I've never really cared for her music, but lyrically, I must give her credit where due, her songwriting. Matt Martindale was next and was back by Charlie Shafter and his band. They sounded awesome. This is my first time to see Matt without Cooder Graw. I miss Cooder Graw, but I digress. I must try to critique Matt in his new solo environment, which is hard to do when he is rocking with a full band. I could tell he had made some slight changes to some of his old songs, but I like the original versions better. He has some new songs as well, and those were good. Matt is an excellent song writer. He still wows the crowd with his performance skills. I'm glad Matt is still making music, but I will always miss what was "Cooder Graw". Nuff' said! Walt Wilkins and The Mystiqueros closed Thursday night's show. I didn't see them, but I heard them and they were awesome. This band is getting a lot of buzz among the music followers, and now I know why. They have a new CD out, so you should check it out. I made it to the stage on Friday in time for Eleven Hundred Springs. What can I say about these boys that hasn't been said? They always push the envelope with their performances. Matt The Cat earns his nickname as he is a true showman and knows how to work an audience. Michael Hearne & South by Southwest is always a crowd favorite at Tommy's. The harmonies this group produce are better than most, and their songs wrap you up in the lyrics and hold you there until the very end. This is one act that plays Tommy's every year (among others), and I, for one, hope they stay on the bill every year. Michel Klein impressed me and several of my friends that have never heard him before. Jimmy Davis performed shirtless. Yes, I'm sure it was even hotter on stage than out in the crowd...but still. Ed Burleson is one of my favorites and always has been. This year his show was mediocre compared to some others I have seen. Maybe it was me not being used to his new band members, but he still sounded good and put on a good show, just not with the fire I've seen in the past. Davin James rocked the house with his guitar wizardry and keyboards. He ALWAYS rocks the house with whatever he brings to the stage. He is the total package, music, song writing, vocals, and performance. The Derailers followed with one of their best shows I've seen in awhile. Brian is no longer struggling with being the lead man, and they have continued their style and sound that is The Derailers in fine fashion. Kudos to these guys. Saturday's music line-up was stellar with the legendary Steven Fromholz opening, Joe Pat Hennen was next followed by The Tejas Brothers. The Domino Kings (Stevie ripped that guitar up!), then Amos Staggs played the acoustic stage and Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers honky tonked us through their set on the big stage. Ronny Spears played on the acoustic stage, and it's been a long time since I've seen Ronny. Ronny can rock out, or Ronny can be country. I prefer the country version. Randy Brown was next, and this guy has a wonderful voice and put on a great show. blacktopGYPSY put on a great set. Cornell Hurd Band was next...always entertaining and fun to watch. Gary Nicholson was phenomenal. Rusty Weir put on his same old show that he's been doing for years now...but the crowd still loves it and reacts in their usual rowdy fashion in response. The great Johnny Bush was next and his crooning country voice is always a welcomed sound in my humble opinion. God bless Johnny. I'm so glad his voice has healed and he has emerged back onto the local music scene. He is a treat every time I see him. Tommy's band came on stage at 10:30 and they played several hours. Tommy always has the best band, and he still does. At the end of the show, the stage was packed with Tommy's crew, band and special guests to sing Tommy's signature song, "Texas Woman". It was a sight to behold as I wasn't sure the stage would hold up with that many people on it, but thankfully, it did. Another family gathering had come to an end, and more memories of a wonderful weekend of the best in Texas music with the best music family was almost history. It was time to bid farewell to friends you may only see once a year and load up to head back to reality with fond memories of another great family gathering. Thanks, Tommy and all your crew, for all you do to make this a fun and successful event for all of us.
Happy Trails, Written by Lana Hughes, October, 2007 |
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Texicana Music Central
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