It’s a tale as old as Texas. On a tiny stage, a cracked stool and a lone microphone wait like old friends, the way they always have, ready to catch another midnight confession. Singer-songwriters drift in and out of the place like restless ghosts—half poets, half gamblers—trading verses for tips and applause that feel like lifelines.
It was a night like that when we caught three country troubadours in the loft at Iron Society Salon in downtown Wichita Falls—Clint Vines, Colton Sanders and Jay Burnam.
Clint Vines treated us to favorites from his catalog, including Oil City Hell, Train Station, Outlaw, and While the Gettin’ Was Good, and as many times as we’ve seen Clint perform, this was the first time that we realized his delivery can sometimes emulate the legendary Man in Black himself, particularly when he sings a verse in his lower register.
Colton Sanders told the crowd it was his first ever stop in Wichita Falls, and we were glad we got to see him. Colton is a solo artist, but also associated with Izzy Dead, and he played selections from the repertoire of both catalogues. It’s heartfelt original music and we took particular note of Hole in My Chest as a standout track.
Wichita Falls’ own Jay Burnam performed tracks from his streaming release Social Skeletons, including the always crowd-pleasing Every Time They Talk. Jay’s vocal chops are undeniable, and his voice so powerful, he spends a lot of time backing away from the mic and just singing into the room.
This was a powerful night of music, described by our friend Robert Williams as “intimate and soul-reaching.”
Later that night, just around the corner at the Iron Horse Pub, another group of singers and songwriters was ready to put on a show of their own.
It was an impromptu Song Swap at the Iron Horse Pub, featuring familiar faces. Matt Horany took time out from hosting open mic nights to perform his original songs on love and relationships and the travails that go along with them.
Herman Hardin and Anthony Taylor, the founding members of HermAnthony & the Side FX, performed several of their original songs which have become familiar singalongs for many of us, including Reaper and Reflections.
We were perhaps most surprised by Kona Kundert. Kona has a great voice, and seems to be stepping it up lately, with a confidence we haven’t seen before, and a love for the sounds of the 50s and 60s. Kona’s set was great.
With the hustle and bustle of life being what it is these days, a nice relaxing night of singer/songwriters was just what the doctor ordered. Have you seen any of these artists perform? Tell us about it in the comments.
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