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http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2009/01/gig_alert_michael_hearne_at_po.php - Dallas Morning News
Entertainment notes
Michael Hearne and South by Southwest perform at the KTAO Solar Center Saturday night (Aug. 16). Photo by Rick Romancito © The Taos News
What to see and do in Taos and the region
By Tempo staff
Friday, August 15, 2008 7:58 AM MDT
South by Southwest at Solar Center
Kicking off three days of an eclectic and exciting line-up of music at The KTAO Solar Center is Michael Hearne and his band South By Southwest playing in the Pavilion on Saturday (Aug. 16). If you haven’t yet fulfilled that New Year’s resolution to learn the two-step, now’s your chance. With Hearne’s Big Barn Dance coming up next month you still have time to work on those dance steps while being swept away by one of the sweetest voices this side of the Mississippi. While Hearne’s band is irresistible for dancers, South By Southwest is equally noteworthy as a tight and fluid concert band and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who can appreciate listening to fine homegrown music in a spectacular setting. South By Southwest is Michael Hearne, vocals and guitar; Carmen Acciaioli, steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro and hammered dulcimer; and Zeke Severenson on stand-up and electric bass. And if you’re wondering what kind of new ventures Hearne is up to he recently shared that he’s excited about some winter tours in Texas, Nashville and on the east coast. With tour dates concentrated in Nashville Hearne stated, “I’ve got a lot of great connections and a lot of good friends in Nashville. I’ve always wanted to spend a little more time there and now I have an opportunity to go out and pitch some songs, make new connections and rekindle old ones.” As for those New Year’s resolutions, make note that Hearne’s daughter, the delightful and patient Sarah Hearne will be giving an hour-long dance lesson included in the price of admission. With The KTAO Solar Center presenting some of the region’s most fabulous two-stepping bands this month, including Kim and the Caballeros on the 23rd and Don Richmond and the Rifters on the 30th, who knows, you may be a dance aficionado before the month is over. Tickets are $10 at the door and free for children 12 and under. Food by Dragonfly Café and Bakery and bar by Solar Spirits. Bring your ID if you plan to drink. Visit www.ktao.com for ticket vendors or call (575) 758-5826. Doors open and dance lesson begins at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. The KTAO Solar Center is located at 9 NM 150 (Taos Ski Valley Road).
- TAOS NEWS
Barn dance extravaganza
Michael Hearne’s annual event draws avid country fans and boot scooters THE HUM – Taos News September 4, 2008
It’s one of the grandest music extravaganzas to grace Taos and it’s happening today through Saturday (Sept. 4-6). With more than two dozen of the Southwest’s finest musical acts, a dozen songwriting workshops, a master finger-style guitar workshop, free dance lessons, and the grand finale barn dance, Michael Hearne’s Big Barn Dance Music Festival is becoming a tradition that’s not to be missed.
In its sixth year and with attendance having grown from 150 in its first year to over 600 in 2007, Hearne expects 2008 to be better than ever.
The concept of The Big Barn Dance Music Festival came about through a meeting of minds. “Mike Yaccino (owner of the Old Blinking Light) and I were sitting around talking one day,” explained Hearne, “and were thinking how successful my Monday night gigs had become, and also how successful the Des Montes barn dances had become. And Mike said, ‘Certainly once a year we could have a big barn dance and make it a festival,’ and I said, ‘Well, may be I should get some of my good songwriting buddies to come up and we can have some of the events at The Old Blinking Light and then we can end it on Saturday night with the big barn dance.’” And it wasn’t long before the musings became a reality.
Hearne said the festival has grown over the years from a two-day to a three-day event, with an additional fourth day to accommodate more songwriting workshops — and it gets more exciting with each passing year. “Last year was just incredible,” he said. “The weather was perfect, the crowd was wonderful, the music was great.”
Stellar guests
The lineup for the festival, which begins today at 5 p.m. at The Old Blinking Light, is truly superb. There are the great old-timers such as internationally known songwriter and producer Mentor Williams (“Drift Away”) whose compositions have been made famous by the likes of Dobie Gray, Waylon Jennings, and The Rolling Stones; Musician and actor Ronny Cox (“Deliverance,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) who as a singersongwriter has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” National Public Radio’s “Etown” and more; and grand master finger-picker Chuck Pile who in addition to having his songs recorded by John Denver and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has earned a place among academics as a virtuoso instructor of guitar technique.
Then there are other world class acts like Trout Fishing in America, whom The Los Angeles Times has referred to as “some of the most lyrically creative, musically sophisticated, vocally muscular musicmakers in the family music business,” Shake Russell who was voted Entertainer of the Year for 2008 by the Texas Music Awards, and Texas legend Gary P. Nunn (“Home of the Armadillo”), just to name a few.
And, of course, Hearne wouldn’t think of having a party without inviting his local buddies. Taos favorites are also in the lineup including up and coming folk rock sensation 21-year-old Taos native, Max Gòmez.
The music continues Friday starting at noon. Hearne emphasized, “This is the day that is packed with loads of first-rate songwriters who have wonderful stories to tell. We’re really encouraging a listening audience for this day, so even though we’ll have a dance floor set up off to the side we’re going to have seating right in front of the stage so the audience can really watch and listen to these fine performers.”
Finale under the pavilion
Saturday evening, after another full day of music at The Old Blinking Light, the festivities will conclude at the KTAO Pavilion when Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams kick off the barn dance.
This spirited five-piece band that Hearne assures us plays “killer dance music” is classic honky-tonk reminiscent of the great bands of Hank Williams Sr., Buddy Holly and Bob Wills. Then, at 8 p.m., it’s the grand finale with Hearne and South By Southwest and — what would a festival be without a special guest — Eliza Gilkison. “It’ll be a dancer’s THE HUM Continued on Page 16/The Hum
Continued from Page 15
hog heaven,” said Hearne, “and we’re expecting the barn dance to sell out. I don’t want people crammed in there, so at some point we’ll have to close the doors, which means that if you just want to come to the barn dance you might not be able to get in.”
He explained that even though barn dance tickets will be sold at the door, in order to have guaranteed admission, attendees will need to purchase either a full weekend pass or a Saturday pass.
And if you think you have two left feet don’t worry. Sarah Hearne and John Henry Moore will be giving a free two-hour dance lesson starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Old Blinking Light. Just be sure to get there early.
Personal touch
The Songwriters Workshop, which actually began Wednesday (Sept. 3), but continues through Friday (Sept. 5), is at the neighboring Quail Ridge Inn. With classes such as “Getting Your Music Past the Fear”, “Writing From the Heart” and “Ten Favorite Pro Songwriting Tools” this is a rare opportunity to glean invaluable information from some of the best in the biz.
Rub elbows with Mentor Williams, Buzz Cason, Chuck Pile, Don Richmond, John Dillon, Vivian Nesbitt, Michael Shorr and Hearne, in addition to other workshop special guests.
Hearne says, “Many of our teachers have had huge success in the music business. They’re super knowledgeable, easy to talk to and they’re here because they love to help other songwriters.” All levels of experience are welcome.
Another feature of the festival is the “Chuck Pile Finger-Style Guitar Workshop.” Pyle will be teaching finger-style accompaniment using bass lines, counterpoint and musical hooks and will be demonstrating several right-hand rhythm guitar patterns unique to his picking style. Pyle says, “These patterns emulate piano and even the feel of the whole rhythm section.” While geared toward advanced-level students, beginners and intermediates are also welcome with the understanding that individual attention will not be available.
A special highlight of the event for Hearne will be the appearance of his son, 25-year old singer-songwriter Travis Hearne. “He’s a Marine and he’s shipping off to Iraq on Sept. 15. He’ll be playing with us and doing some of his songs and I’m real excited about that.”
Extraordinary gathering
Hearne said he believes “there is true greatness in these songwriters and bands. These are my peers and my friends and I’ve known them all for a long time.
Even though people might not be familiar with all of these artists you can trust me that they’re all great and the opportunity to catch all these performers in one location over the course of three days is extraordinary.”
So, come sit by the campfire, enjoy some barbecue and a cold margarita. Listen to the finest of music and show off those fancy duds, all while basking in pure New Mexican splendor. Echoing Hearne’s lyrics, “If you ain’t happy here, you ain’t happy no where.”
For full schedule and ticket purchase visit www.bigbarndance. com. Tickets also available at The Old Blinking Light, KTAO Solar Center and Que Pasa Music. For information call (575)776-8787.
Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams will perform during the Big Barn Dance at the KTAO Pavilion.
- TAOS NEWS
Palo Duro Announces The Chattahippie Music Festival
Posted by: cjthomas in Buzz Cason, Darryl Lee Rush, Derailers, Events, Gary Nicholson, Miles from Nowhere, Press Releases, Tommy Alverson, Trent Summar, Two Tons of Steel, Walt Wilkins, Whitey Johnson
We are excited to announce the musical lineup for the debut Chattahippie Music Festival, featuring the best talent in Americana, Rock, Blues, Jam, Country, Folk and Bluegrass from around the nation! With over thirty artists from ten states, this promises to be a great celebration of peace, love and music!
Northwest Georgia Bank presents the 2008 Chattahippie Music Festival featuring: Pure Prairie League, Chris Knight, The Derailers, Charlie Louvin, Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Two Tons of Steel, Elizabeth Cook, Dallas Wayne, The Gougers, Gary Nicholson, Jason Eady & The Wayward Apostles, Laura Cantrell, Buzz Cason & The Love Notes, Beggars’ Caravan, Lou Wamp, Roger Alan Wade, Dane Varese, Joe Moss, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob, Jimmy Davis, Michael Johnathon, Band of Heathens, Doug & Telisha Williams, Miles from Nowhere, Michael Hearne & South by Southwest, Tommy Alverson, Billy Block, Whitey Johnson, Penguin, Tressie Seegers, Darryl Lee Rush, and The New Binkley Brothers.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Palo Duro Presents an intimate acoustical evening with a group of the most successful talent in history including Gary Nicholson, Buzz Cason, Michael Hearne, Dallas Wayne, Tommy Alverson and Walt Wilkins. With over 100,000,000 records in combined sales, these songwriters have written the hits recorded by mega-legends including The Beatles, U2, BB King, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Gloria Estefan, Delbert McClinton and dozens upon dozens of others. The evening is kicked off with music from The Gougers.
This attendance-restricted event will feature great music and smaller crowds, and will include a meet-and-greet with all of the performing artists. Attendance limited to 500 adults, available only with limited-availability 4-day and Stage/VIP Ticket.
Friday, September 19, 2008
From rock to blues, from jam bands to Americana, Saturday promises to be a full-day of great music, food and good times. With over 12 hours of live entertainment, you’ll need to rest up to start early and party late.
Hosted by Western Beat’s Billy Block, the festival will feature music by Pure Prairie League, Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Band of Heathens, Buzz Cason & The Love Notes, Beggars’ Caravan, Whitey Johnson, Joe Moss, Dane Varese, Penguin, and Two Tons of Steel.
Come early, stay late - you can sleep on Monday!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The morning after a great night is always a bit rough, but Sunday promises everyone a fresh start - beginning with an early-morning Hippie Church gathering. Afterwards, join us for a pancake breakfast and a full day of folk & bluegrass music hosted by Michael Johnathon and featuring music from Charlie Louvin, The New Binkley Brothers, Jason Eady & The Wayward Apostles, Laura Cantrell, Michael Hearne & South by Southwest, Doug & Telisha Williams, Tressie Seegers, Jimmy Davis, and Lou Wamp.
Sunday afternoon will mark the end of our Chattahippie celebration… until next year!
The Chattahippie Music Festival is presented by Northwest Georgia Bank; additional support provided by Sirius Satellite Radio, The WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, Custom Werks and Palo Duro Records.
Tickets available online at www.chattahippie.com, by phone at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office (423) 642-TIXS, and in person at Chad’s Records (Chattanooga), The Billy Block Show (Nashville), and The Chattanooga Market.
The Chattahippie Music Festival is family-friendly, but children should remain in the direct supervision of their parents/guardians at all times. Festival lineup subject to change without notice; additional acts may be announced in future weeks. No pets or coolers are allowed on the festival grounds.
Popularity: 60% [?]
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This entry was posted on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm and is filed under Buzz Cason, Darryl Lee Rush, Derailers, Events, Gary Nicholson, Miles from Nowhere, Press Releases, Tommy Alverson, Trent Summar, Two Tons of Steel, Walt Wilkins, Whitey Johnson. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
2 Responses to “Palo Duro Announces The Chattahippie Music Festival”
1. Reckless Kelly + More, Releases 6/24 - Twangville says:
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
[…] Palo Duro Announces The Chattahippie Music Festival [Palo Duro Records] […]
2. Loretta’s Songwriters HoF Performance Sparked Impromptu Encore -- The 9513 says:
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 am
[…] Palo Duro Records announced the lineup for the inaugural Chattahippie Music Festival, “featuring the best talent in Americana, Rock - CHATTAHIPPIE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sensitive Side
A Review by Deonne Kahler
“The High Road to Taos”is Michael Hearne’slatest CD release, and
it might be his best yet.This record is what we’ve come to expect from Hearne — excellentsongwriting, top-notch musicianship and arrangements, plus that voice of his, like burnt honey. Hearne has dug a little deeper on this one, shining a light on a vulnerability he doesn’t
expose very often, bearing witness to a man who seems to be taking a look at where he’s been and where he’s going. Even the photos on the CD represent a serious Hearne without his trademark grin. Produced by Hearne and Don Richmond,“The High Road to Taos” was recorded, mixed
and mastered at Richmond’s Howlin’ Dog Recording in Alamosa. Hearne is in fine form on vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and synthesizer, and lucky for us, Richmond is all over this record, too. We get to hear him on myriad stringed instruments, backing up
Hearne on vocals, and putting his tasteful,meticulous stamp on the record’s production.
The album starts out with the catchy countryrocker “Texas New Mexico Line,” written by Jed Zimmerman (late of Memphis duo Jed and
Kelley). This is simply a great opening track, a portrait of what it’slike to be young and unencumbered, on
the road and heading west. You’ll be
humming this onelong after the CD is
over.Two songs were co-written with
Taos songwriter Monica Smart, including “Reckless Love,” an aching lament featuring Jed and Kelley on hushed backing vocals and touches of
lilting piano. The other track, “Ghost,” is a dark vignette. It’s got a repeated
descending guitar motif, stark vocals, and lyrics about regret and longing. The ghost recurs throughout as a message, a reminder of what’s
gone past and a harbinger of things
to come, and ends with a foreboding
guitar strum.
It’s classic Hearne on “Red Willow Way,”written by Hearne, Shake Russell and Jimmy Stadler. Robert Mirabal’s haunting American
Indian flute opens this track and weaves throughout, adding a beautiful layer to this love
song to Taos. “Trip Around the Sun” features Hearne’s daughter Sarah on backingvocals. It’s a snapshot of birthday reflections, where Hearne sings “make a resolution
that I’ll never make another one, just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun.” The Hearne-Russell tune is “Today’s the Day,” which launches with Richmond’s trilling banjo. This is an optimistic song.
Hearne wrote “Something’s Gotta Give” with his son Travis, a rant by a middle-aged music lover pondering the future of music, and perhaps
even society. Each chorus is a litany of classic song titles, lyrics and artists. This is satisfying rock and roll, chock full of meaty electric guitar and pedal steel. “High Hill” is a melancholy tune written by Champ Hood, with sweet vocal harmonies from David Ball, and Richmond commanding the fiddle. It wouldn’t be a Michael Hearne record
without a few dance tunes, like “You Better Be Ready to Dance,” written by Hearne and Keith Sykes, who share vocal duties. Spanish guitar
and trumpets plant this one firmly in a small town New Mexico dance hall.
Two more that will get folks on the dance floor are “Mary’s Down from the Mountain” and “Ruby.” The album ends on a lighthearted note with the Hearne-penned “Honky Tonk Heaven.” It’s a fun cowboy take on the hobo tune “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” with Michael’s uncle
Bill Hearne sharing vocal duties. Hearne has dreamed up a place where the beer is ice cold
and free, cover charges and last calls don’t exist, pretty angels want to dance, and all the country
greats are hanging out at the bar — there’s even a surprise appearance from The King. It’s unknown if Hearne is indeed thinking about his
place in the world, but regardless, “The High Road to Taos” is a fine legacy. Purchase the CD online at cdbaby.com/cd/mhearne5. They’re also available at Hearne’s
shows, which he does regularly at The OldBlinking Light, Mile Marker 1, NM 150 (Taos Ski
Valley Road). Call (575) 776-8787. Also at Taosound
Tape & CD, 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte.
Call (575) 758-0323.
Visit online www.michaelhearne.com. - TAOS NEWS
All music is local to somewhere, of course, but some is more tied to a locality than others. Take what New Mexico songwriter Michael Hearne refers to as his "Southwestern Americana," a term appropropriate to both the music's origin and sound. Hearne played a dusty cowboy swing that doesen't mask the artistic range of his songs. [His LP ] Sight and Sound for example, includes 11 songs about 11 different works of art [from Taos artists in residence). The organizers of the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival have great art. Hearne has played the festival's main stage for the past five years.
K.Oliver - Freetimes Weekly of Columbia SC
Discography
2000 to present
All Together Now
High Road to Taos
Live At the Old Blinking Light
Sight and Sound
Taos Christmas Eve
Ear to the Ground
Me and My Guitar
1990's
Honky Tonk Road
Deep In the West
Listen to the West
South By Southwest
Photos
Bio
How do you say ‘Acoustic Southwestern Americana Musical Guitar Genius’ in just two words? Michael Hearne. That’s how. Since the 1970’s, this native Dallas Texan has strolled down a musical path inspired by the great folk and country singer/ songwriters who typify and have characterized the Americana ‘roots’ scene. Even minus the undeniable influence of the musical giants he has admired and respect to this day, Michael simply had no choice when it came to deciding to Be who he Is.
This prodigious musical talent was blatantly obvious in Hearne as a young kid. With minimal formal training as a child, coupled with hours of music immersion and hardcore practice, his destiny was forever tangled in “wire and wood.” Hearne had his hands on his first real guitar by age 7 and by 12, Michael was a fixture at parties and local homespun events, not realizing that this period was actually dress rehearsal for what would prove to be an ever evolving and rewarding musical career.
Michael continues to leave an indelible mark on his audiences not only with his signature ‘Michael Hearne’ guitar sound, but also with songs and stories that are rich in lyrical prose, imagery and humor.
He is a songwriter’s songwriter, cut from the same cloth that propels an artist on a committed journey to experiencing life as a series of creative events and fulfillments. Even though the musical high road is typically scattered with twists of fate and a few u-turns along the way (all of which make for great lyrics), Michael continues to forge ahead by just keeping on doing what he loves.
Longevity has yielded Hearne a vast fan base that is solid and ever expanding. Any one who has ever grooved to one of Hearne’s impeccable guitar leads or kicked up their heels to one of the many two stepping tunes played by him or with his band - South by Southwest - has also probably been caught singing along at some point in the night, note for note, with that beautifully distinctive voice that can never be mistaken for anyone else.
Hearne’s never met an audience he didn’t like and fans quickly become repeat offenders on the house concert, music festival, and club scene, as both the man and the music are extraordinarily genuine, inspirational, and entertaining.
His newest CD, The High Road to Taos, has received critical acclaim, with some discriminating reviewers declaring it to be his finest work to date. “Michael Hearne's record embodies all that I love about New Mexico. Between his whiskey velvet voice, the evocative songwriting and gorgeous musical production, I found myself profoundly aching for my favorite place in the world.” Eliza Gilkyson “Once in a while there comes a recording I never tire of playing. “My Funny Valentine” by Chat Baker comes to mind. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones is another. It’s like they were recorded only yesterday even though it might be years since they were first released. In January of 2008, I heard Michael Hearne’s “High Road To Taos” and I knew from the second or third time I played it, and that’s been a lot of plays ago, that this was one of those records I’ll always play and every time I do it will be as fascinating, alluring and inspiring as the first time I played it. It’s a very real classic and it’s my hope it gets the wide audience it so richly deserves.” Keith Sykes
Just after it’s release in December 2007, The High Road to Taos landed a coveted position on the KTAO Top Ten recordings chart for that year. Michael Hearne is now being heard around the world thanks to the World Wide Web, old- fashioned regional and national airwaves and because of the legion of loyal fans who continue to request and support, “Taos’ own….Mr. Michael Hearne.”
"His voice, style and outstanding musicianship blend into one beautiful gem. It’s no wonder that Michael’s work will stand the test of time, as he remains the artist who captures the musical essence of the southwest. Like it’s second nature. That’s because it is." A dedicated and eclectic fan base, which spills across borders and state lines, and represents a smorgasbord of musical tastes, keeps Hearne perfectly aligned with the spotlight.
A consistent winner of the "Best of Taos" awards for performer and singer for the past 10 years plus, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Production - 2001 NM MIC AWARDS, Song of the Year - "Taos Christmas Eve" 2002. Michael Hearne’s song writing credits are impressive, penning songs for Jerry Jeff Walker and Gary P. Nunn (Lesson to be Learned from Love) and his New Mexico anthem, “New Mexico Rain” recorded by his uncle and aunt, Bill and Bonnie Hearne, and country music legend, Johnny Rodriguez. His critically acclaimed cd “Sight and Sound”, 11 songs written about 11 different works of art, won seven awards at The New Mexico Music Awards, making him the biggest winner in their history. This cd includes the song, “The Songwriter” co-written with grammy
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