THIS night they specialized in bringing live music to their showroom in the form of Eliza Gilkyson.  They had an open “Pot Luck” food variety that was next to none that began at 6:30pm.  Rosie and I have been to house concerts before and thee array of grub was awesome.  They featured ribs, many styles of deviled eggs, three types of sausage, turkey, great spinach salad, and small sandwiches to name a few!   It seemed like most of the 64 patrons were participating in it which was homey and cool. It was BYOB and the seating was comfortable and the lighting just right.

By the time sweet EG began to play, we were well fed and ready to be entertained. Her sidekick this gig was the vastly badass guitar player out of Austin, Mike Hartwick. This guy is so unselfish and smooth.  Once Eliza started in she takes over the room with her story telling and sharp wit.  The gig never bogs down either and she is hilarious provoking many belly laughs from this reviewer. Whether it’s about her many ex-husbands (“I used to marry my guitar players to get to know them!”) or why she had so many records (“Because I’m old!”), Eliza has thee audience in the palm of her hand.

Her vast catalog of chestnuts was on display this night for sure with “Requiem”. “Emerald Street”, “Rare Bird”, and “Hard Times in Babylon” to name a few!  Thank God she’s going into the studio to release yet another album soon and the title cut “Roses at the End of Time” was sweet.  Sending “Easy Rider” to her famous daddy, Terry Gilkyson was heartfelt.  Crowd participation in “Welcome Back” was loud and fun. Eliza’s pipes never sounded better and we’ve been on her trail for years now. “The Party’s Over” and “Rose of Sharon” also stood out.

I could go on and on-and already have-about this lady and Mr. Hartwick, but they are that good.  Overall I can’t decide which was better- the super nice people or the gig itself??   “MC” Mike and “Head Greeter” Pat did a super fine job indeed.  Let’s call it a draw in a good way!  Next up for these fine folks is Butch Hancock 2/12/11!  They tell me they can host outdoors, too and hold 90 or so patrons.  Count HMR IN and hats off to the wonderful evening they provided……Circle your calendars and have a nice night “somewhere” catchin’ live music!