With Jessica Waffles
on the Dallas, Texas Beat
Photos and Blurbs by: Jessica Waffles of Waffles Weekly
Picture: Joshua Ray Walker @ Sons of Hermann Hall
Joshua Ray Walker
Hot off his 2018 singles “Workin’ Girl” and “Canyon,” Joshua Ray Walker is taking Dallas by storm with his 2019 album release of Wish You Were Here, his epic 10-track album featuring Walker’s dynamic striking vocals and finger picking style. The atmosphere in the sold out room of his album party at Sons of Hermann Hall on January 25th was large in magnitude and heavy in a realization that this moment was a culmination of years of work, dedication, and the support of the music community that night showed just how much this man is loved and respected for his art. “Lot Lizard,” one of my favorite songs from the album, shows off Walker’s southern yodeling style – Walker is in his own world here, transporting me into the stories he creates. Catch him on a mini tour this month in Dallas, Austin and Houston, 2/14 The Kessler Theater, 2/15 Central Presbyterian Church, and The Heights Theater resp
Picture: Jamie Vahala (left) and Rags O’ Hooligan (right) @ Club Dada
The Gawd Almighties
A night with The Gawd Almighties is dawg-gone damn good time I tell ya what. This band busted out of the gates in late 2018, doing a double single release with “Easy on the Rock n Roll” and “Be So Kind,” fronted by former Straw Hat Society’s Rags O’ Hooligan and Regina DeBilio; the duo also perform as Honey Folk. The band is rounded out by Marcia Keys on drums, Jamie Vahala on bass and Aidan Grace on that lead six-string. Nominated Best Folk Act in the 2018 Dallas Observer Music Awards, this new band is quickly becoming a local sensation – and you better catch the train before they get on the road and show the rest of the world how to party. Catch them down in Gun Barrel City on 2/15 and in DFW at Six Spring Tavern in Richardson on 2/22. Stream their music on Spotify. [State Fair Records]
Picture: Charlie J Memphis @ The Rustic Dallas
Charlie J Memphis
This young firecracker has been creating a buzz in Dallas, belting out classics with a booming voice like “Folsom Prison,” “House of the Rising Sun,” and “Mannish Boy” – with the guitar skills to boot. His debut single “Move Along” dropped last summer, followed by his EP Bloody Is The Water that’s riddled with influences from rockabilly, blues, and rock n roll. This 17-year-old songwriter is well on his way to being distinctly recognized in DFW. His upbeat sense of maturity coupled with his trained & natural music talents is setting his path positively, often surrounded by wonderful mentors in the DFW music scene. One of the best things about how much I’ve seen this artist blossom is the major support from like-minded individuals around. Helping nurture artists at a young age is so important, it’s really cool to see fruition. Catch him at Sundown at Granada 2/9, Twilite Lounge Dallas 2/15, and Fred’s Texas Cafe in Fort Worth 3/22. Stream on Spotify.
