-Jeff Dykhuis, Fan Reporter #001
Joe's Bar - Chicago, IL
Shiner Beer's 100th anniversary tour made its way up to the windy city for a night of great Texas music at Joe's Bar in Chicago.
A local band played as the crowd started arriving and the Shiner varieties began flowing from the taps. Dallas, Texas resident Darryl Lee Rush took the stage and sang self-penned songs that are narratives of the Texas landscape and way of life, written from a sometimes humorous viewpoint. Darryl is on the Palo Duro/Shiner Records label, where he has released two albums: "Live at the River Road Icehouse" and his latest.
Gruene Hall regulars Two Tons of Steel were up next. Kevin Geil brought energy and entertainment to the stage with a set of songs that combine rockabilly and Buddy Holly with the influences of classic country. There is even some Ramones, as they cover the song "I Wanna Be Sedated!" Two Tons of Steel are a staple in the Texas music scene and have over the last 8 years been bringing in huge crowds for "Two Ton Tuesdays" in Gruene. Look for their live CD/DVD on Palo Duro Records.
After the Shiner girls came out on the stage to do the Shiner merchandise toss, Stoney LaRue & The Arsenal took the stage. Stoney comes from the same Stillwater, Oklahoma music scene as Cross Canadian Ragweed and Jason Boland. He has been known to hang out with fans and other musicians for hours after a show, even creating spontaneous jam sessions till the sun comes up. Stoney listens to an eclectic array of music and seamlessly combines those influences into a sound that is all his own. He is one of the most enthusiastic performers in music today. He hung around after the show to sign merchandise and when that sun came up, we found him "Solid Gone."
-Jeff
