Coincidence, Locals and New Arrivals at Open Mic Night
Clint Vines hosted a night of music with a familiar crew and some new faces, too.
It was a good crowd for Open Mic Night at the Iron Horse considering it was a weeknight and people had to work in the morning, and I went in with camera in-hand, ready to get some shots and enjoy some music.
Clint Vines of Clint Vines & the Hard Times was the host and started the night off with a few songs of his own.
I was at the bar and missed a good portion of Clint’s performance. Luckily, he’s bringing the Hard Times back to the Iron Horse for a full gig soon.
Giancarlo Martini’s face is familiar at area jam sessions and open mics and it was cool to see him there.
Multinstrumentalist Martini seems to function as a ringleader of sorts whenever I see him, filling in on whatever instrument is needed, as he did at the backyard jam session at former Wichita Falls weatherman John Cameron’s birthday party recently.
On this occasion, I got some photos of Martini accompanying two performers early in the evening, Mike Burton and Dylan Dodd.
I was told Mike was basically there for a swan song… he’s in the Air Force and shipping out to somewhere else for good on Monday. Mike was the kind of engaging singer you want at your jam or your bonfire or your birthday party… whimsically bopping along to songs with humorous lyrics, but with the talent to impress.
The second singer joining Martini was Dylan Dodd.
While Burton is just leaving town, Dylan is just arriving from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Minot just so happens to be my hometown, and I was never in the Air Force. Small world.
Among other things, Dylan did a killer, soulful version of “Too Close” by Alex Clare that rattled the rafters. If Dylan just arrived in town, I’m looking forward to hearing a lot more from him in the future.
HermAnthony also showed up to perform a set.
Anthony Taylor and Herman Hardin did a couple songs in which each of them took a lead vocal, and they were accompanied on bass by Kenny Reynolds. They finished their performance with an original song, “Ode to My Last Guitar,“ and I sought Anthony out after the show to let him know how good it was. The songwriting coming from HermAnthony right now is excellent.
Daniel Noè joined the show, too. My attention was drawn to the unique sound of Daniel’s performance, due in-part to what sounded like a drop-tuned or alternately tuned acoustic guitar.
Daniel used to play lead with Bryson Lawrence, and Bryson joined him onstage for a number.
I’m looking forward to catching more of Bryson and the guys in Dirt, soon.
Katie Tourmaline also took a turn at the mic.
Katie’s version of America’s “A Horse with No Name” had me and a few others in the audience singing along during the la la’s and it was like a chorus in the Iron Horse. It was pure joy.
As open mic nights go, it was already a success. I did not know what was still to come.
Devin Davis is the sound guy at the Iron Horse and also the bandleader in Tate & the Bedwetters. He took the stage for a couple numbers and blew my freaking mind with a song about his toddler — more of a musical loveletter to his child, which included an incredible spoken-word influenced, stream-of-consciousness segment in the middle.
When Devin was done performing, host Clint Vines took the stage and said exactly what I was thinking.
“Give it up for the sound guy, huh?” and the crowd applauded, loudly.
I couldn’t help but think somebody slipped a ringer in the crowd. No disrespect to the who’s-who of other talented Wichita Falls performers who showed up, but while they took the stage to show their stuff, the most talented guy in the house might have been behind the mixer most of the night.
In the second coincidence of the night, Devin and his band just happen to be headlining a show soon with Garry Walden’s band, Ladybird, on the bill, and I was planning to check it out, so you can watch for more on Devin and Tate & the Bedwetters soon.
The other real treat at the end of the night was a performance from Greg Casillas of Strange Lucy and Better Strangers.
You can almost hear Greg’s voice just looking at a photo of him singing — mouth open, eyes closed, with a powerful set of lungs and a cool rasp in his voice. I’m looking forward to seeing both of Greg’s bands, soon.
It occurred to me last night that maybe Open Mic Nights are a better option for a night out than I had previously considered. You get to see a wide variety of performers and everything is friendly and informal. Give it a try next time you need a casual night out with some free entertainment.
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I am so proud of everyone that was brave enough to grace us with their talent, because let me tell you it's not easy getting up on stage bearing your soul for everyone. I read your article and loved it of course because you are a wonderful writer. But I do have to admit my favorite part was the part about Devin Davis. I can tell you what he writes and performs always comes straight from the heart. He is a self taught musician, songwriter, a loyal friend and a loving father. He truly loves what he does and genuinely cares about the people who get up on that stage. He has talent that surpasses anything I could ever hope for and more. I know he's going to be mad at me when and if he reads this. But I'm so so proud to call him my son. Thank you for all the kind words you wrote about him and everyone who performed.
Thank you again, Sincerely,
Lila