Dexter Romweber and Robbie Fulks

Thursday I was able to catch the first set by Dexter Romweber, who played solo at Sadlack's. Dexter is truly one of this area's legends. I've long said that Jack White ripped off at least part of his schtick from Dexter. I prefer him in a duo, because then he really gets crazy, but solo is good too. Here's the video. Dexter started at 7, which allowed me to run over to the Hideaway and catch a packed show by Robbie Fulks. I'd never seen Robbie before, and honestly I think he's a bit too much of a novelty singer for me. But he is a damn fine player. When he just simply played, he was awesome. I couldn't get any photos in the Hideaway, but I did get two videos, including one of Robbie and Terry Anderson.

Big downtown concert -- club show later

Yesterday's big concert downtown was mostly a success. I probably would have stayed to see Hobex if it hadn't been raining. I really hate precipitation in all its forms. I know the farmers need it -- my garden certainly needs it -- but hate standing in it. the other downside is that I didn't take my camera because the last time I did, I was refused entry. But yesterday they didn't check my purse, and lots of people were snapping photos. If I find any photos from yesterday on Flickr, I will link to them. Anyway, The Never were great. They have such lush, beautiful harmonies, and such broken-hearted songs. Big City Reverie is one of those bands that just isn't my thing, but I recognize that they're good, and really have a shot at becoming huge if they play their cards right. They remind me a lot of Train. A Rooster for the Masses was fun as always and worked the crowd expertly. Kudos to them for talking about Darfur in front of a crowd that was already half-drunk off of drinks that came in big, carved coconuts. Later last night, I ended up at Slim's to catch Joe Swank & the Zen Pirates -- despite my original plan to see Viva La Venus at the Downtown Music Hall. I really intended to see both, but Joe was so good, I decided to stay at Slim's. The movie I got was from the first set, but their second set was actually much tighter. I think Alex got some footage of that, and I will bug him about it.

Hick'ry Hawkins at the Hideaway

Hick'ry was great last night at the Hideaway. He's got Dave Quick, of TCB 56 playing guitar now, and Quick really wailed. Here's a post I did about TCB 56 and others at Elvisfest in January. Quick is the guy that I thought looked like Prince William. Seeing him a second time only confirmed that opinion.

The opening band left me cold. They essentially had one song and played it over and over, as fast as they could, as loud as they could. Even the covers all sounded like the same song.

Only got a couple of Hick'ry photos, and they didn't come out well. Neither did the video. I really need a new camera. Maybe I should set up a paypal account and make a call for donations on myspace. If everyone on my friends list donated $2, I'd be able to get a Canon Rebel, which I truly covet.

Looking forward to the big show downtown today, but not likely to get any photos. Last time I tried to get into one of the downtown shows with a camera, I was turned away. It's too bad because I'd really like to get some footage of Hobex and The Never. I love The Roosters as always, and am looking forward to Big City Reverie. Haven't seen them since Dive Bar in Dec. 2005!