So enough with the advertising already! I’ve written about The Trishas before when they were here for the Catfish Festival a few months ago, but I’m writing again because I never tire of the music these fine musicians play. I catch the shows anytime I can not just here in Conroe, but at Mainstreet Crossing in Tomball, Dosey Doe in the Woodlands and I was on hand at their latest show at the House of Blues opening for the Bruce Robison/Kelly Willis Christmas Show.

I’m not sure how many in the audience had heard them before, but Kelley Mickwee, Savannah Welch, Jamie Wilson, Liz Foster and Trisha Keefer mesmerized the crowd during the 30 minute time slot they had. Starting off the 7 or 8 song set with Trouble About My Soul and Rise Above, people began turning and started listening and by halfway through their set the near-capacity audience was as hushed as any audience I have seen anywhere, anytime. If you’ve ever been to a concert at the HOB you know that is no small feat in the House of Blues and I was blown away. Kelley and Liz’s new song ‘Why’ was a welcome addition to the established set list and I’m hoping to see a CD in the near future with more!

Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis headlined and brought their Christmas show to town that same night in their usual down to earth style. Becoming a tradition, the show started off with a soulful Christmas Tears, and Hank Williams Jr.’s All Over But The Cryin, Bruce and Kelly played us many of the country songs many of the audience have grown familiar with over the years. I’m sure I wasn’t too different from most of the audience when I say I grew more comfortable with each song til I felt like I was sitting in a living room with then just kickin back and taking in the memories and the music.

Punctuated with Christmas songs (it IS a Christmas show after all!) the show highlighted with home movies of the Robison family and their four children at home doing what families do at Christmas. Before beginning Kelly asked if the doors were locked, then the screen rolled down and the movies began. The audience laughed at some of the antics of the kids and their parents trying desperately trying to keep kind of order (and sometimes failing miserably too!). The already seasoned parents in the audience chuckled and shook their heads as they totally related to the scenes playing out.

Ending the show with the sentimental Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas seemed to sum up the season’s wishes to all of us in the audience. All in all it was an intimate night where Bruce and Kelly boldly gave us a look into their personal lives at Christmas time. After the show they came to the merchandise table and took the time to share Christmas cheer, autographs and pictures with each fan in the long line. I waited til just about the end of the line and tried to think of something to ask, or say that might be a little unique instead of the standard fare. I decided to ask one question, so I asked if they have any famous quotes! Bruce took a moment before answering with a big ole Texas “Merry Christmas G&%%^@ “ Kelly said I probably wouldn’t want to print that, but I told her I’d be kind. Merry Christmas ya’ll!