San Angelo Spotlight May 2011

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD

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THE DIVAS PAGE 18THE DIVAS PAGE 18

ON THE ROCKS

WITH CAMILLE SANCHEZ

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR HOUSE OF FIFI DUBOIS

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MAY

Play It Again Concert, 2pm @ the San Angelo Mu-seum of Fine Arts – West Texas Jazz Orchestra led by Jim Bode Jazz, big band and dance tunes. FMI 325-653-3333

Stories and Songs for Preschoolers 10am-10:30am @ Tom Green County Main Library, 113 West Beauregard

Art Thursday, 2pm-6pm @ the Museum of Fine Arts – In the Education Studio Art activities for chil-dren and their families. FREE Cinco De Mayo Celebration, 2:15pm-2:45pm @ the Sunset Mall.

True Blue ASU: ASU Student Government Associ-ation is launching a campaign to have San Angelo community members wear ASU blue on Fridays and during ASU events.

Make it for Mom Free Craft Session, 3pm-5pm @ the Sunset Mall by the children’s play area. Come and go as long as supplies last.

Fort Chadbourne Days Living History Event, 9am-4:30pm Hayrides, Buffalo, tractors, artillery, cavalry, cowboys, live entertainment, food and more. FREE admission FMI 325-743-2555

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Saturday at the Old Chicken Farm Art Center The first Saturday of each month is a special treat at the Art Center. We feature work of spe-cial invited artists plus all of the art center artist’s studios are open for visitors. Located at 2505 Martin Lu-ther King Blvd. - FMI call 325-653-4936 Greater San Angelo Crafts Guild, 10am-5pm @ the Wells Fargo Pavil-ion – Texas handcrafted Items – FREE Simply Texas Blues Festival, 9am-6pm @ Oaks Street/Downtown – Bands, Solo/duo acts will compete for sponsorships at the Interna-tional Blues Challenge in Memphis – FREE FMI 325-949-5552 or www.sanangelobluessociety.com Military Appreciation Day at the Depot, 10am-4pm @ 703 South Chadbourne – The Railway Museum of San Angelo invites all active- duty service members, retirees, and their dependents to enjoy free

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admission, food and snacks, children’s activities and live music. FMI 325-486-2140

Greater San Angelo Crafts Guild, 12pm-5pm @ the Wells Fargo Pavillion – Texas handcrafted Items – FREE Story Time for Preschoolers 10am @ Tom Green Coun-ty Library Angelo West Branch, 3013 Vista Del Arroyo CHS Choir Concert, 8pm @ Holy Angel’s Catholic Church on A&M Avenue.

Stories and Songs for Preschoolers 10am-10:30am @ Tom Green County Main Library, 113 W. Beauregard

Day Out With Thomas- Thomas Saves the Day , 7pm-8:30pm @ The San Angelo Coliseum. Through discovery, friendship and coopera-tion, Thomas finds a way to save the day and the festival goes on as scheduled. On Stage of-fers Thomas enthusiast and families an exciting and fresh way to experi-ence the brand. Buy tickets at www.sanangelotexas.us

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True Blue ASU: ASU Student Government Association is launching a campaign to have San Angelo communi-ty members wear ASU blue on Fridays and during ASU events.

Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buffer between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Captain Mor-ton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel.

Adult Birding Adventure, 9am @ the San Angelo State Park/South Gate – Bring your binoculars and camera. FMI Bob 325-944-1839

Family Day at the Museum of Fine Arts, 10am-3pm Families can partic-ipate in hands on art activities, sample new foods, listen to the music of different culture and tour current exhibits for FREE. FMI 325-653-3333 San Angelo Symphony: Salsa into the Night! 7pm @ Joanne & Chris McClish and Janie & Graham Delaney host an al fresco dinner south of the border with dance lessons from Dorothy and Angel Noreiga. $75 per person( reserve by May 6

th) Call the Symphony Office FMI 325-658-5877

or www.sanangelosymphony.org

Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buff-er between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Captain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel.

Children’s Friendship Songfest, 1pm-4pm @ The Riv-er stage – Geared to promote friendship and keeping San Angelo beautiful, Kids of all ages, FMI 325-942-6757

Stories and Songs for Preschoolers 10am-10:30am @ Tom Green County Main Library, 113 West Beauregard

Downtown Artwalk, 6pm-9pm @ the San Angelo Mu-seum of Fine Arts and downtown participating galleries and merchants. Free admission to the Museum includ-ing refreshments, entertainment, and a make and take art activity for children.

Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buff-er between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Captain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel

True Blue ASU: ASU Student Government Association is launching a campaign to have San Angelo community members wear ASU blue on Fridays and during ASU events.

Evening of Dance, 7pm @ The River Stage – A night filled with music, dance and al fresco dining under the stars. FMI 325-653-8877 Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buff-er between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Captain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel

Les Miserables, 2pm and 7:30pm @ the San Angelo Coliseum – Musical staged by San Angelo Broadway Academy youth theatre troupe.

Armed Forces Day @ Fort Concho – Displays and living history pro-grams including artillery and cavalry demonstrations on site. FMI 325-481-2646 Hobo Festival – 2011, 10am-5pm @ 703 South Chadbourne – Activities include Flea Market, Food, Live Music, Hobo Stew Cook-off, Hobo Cos-tume Contest and more. FMI 325-656-2067 Evening of Dance, 7pm @ The River Stage – A night filled with music, dance and al fresco dining under the stars. FMI 325-653-8877 Mister Roberts, 8pm @ An-gelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Doug-las Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buff-er between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympa-thetic Captain Morton who


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Children’s Fair 2011Children’s Fair 2011Children’s Fair 2011

Photo Provided by Chrystal Ruiz PhotographyPhoto Provided by Chrystal Ruiz PhotographyPhoto Provided by Chrystal Ruiz Photography

seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel San Angelo Civic Ballet – Spring Showcase, FMI 325-653-8877 or www.sanangelocivicballet.org San Angelo Colts Season Kick Off - Meet the Team, 1pm-3pm @ Sunset Mall near the fountains by the Coastal Cookie. Wooly Bully Festival, Downtown San Angelo – The final of 3 long run of monthly festivals in downtown San Angelo until next fall. Events will include a river parade as well as booths and other activities for the whole family. FMI 325-655-2345

Les Miserables, 2pm @ the San Angelo Coliseum – Musical staged by San Angelo Broadway Acade-my youth theatre troupe.

Mister Roberts, 2pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buffer between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Cap-tain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel

Stories and Songs for Preschoolers 10am-10:30am @ Tom Green County Main Library, 113 West Beauregard True Blue ASU: ASU Student Government Associ-ation is launching a campaign to have San Angelo community members wear ASU blue on Fridays and during ASU events.

Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, unhappy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buffer between themselves and the cantankerous, unsympathetic Cap-tain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel.

Mister Roberts, 8pm @ Angelo Civic Theatre - Lt. Douglas Roberts has long served the bored, un-happy crewmen of a navy cargo ship as a buffer between themselves and the cantankerous, unsym-

pathetic Captain Morton who seems more interested in his palm tree than in his men..... Based on Heggen's novel San Angelo Project Graduation 2011, 11pm-4am @ the Spur Arena - Hawaiian Beach Party (ride the wave) FMI 325-569-3400, ext. 122 or [email protected]

Memorial Day Exercises at Fort Concho, 9am - Pa-rade Ground near the headquarters building be-ginning at 9:00 and pays tribute to the men and women who have given their lives to defend our nation. FREE, FMI 325-481-2646


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MAY SAISD Elementary Breakfast and Lunch Menu

MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE


On the Rocks with Camille Sanchez

This month marks the 1 year anniver-sary of a wonderful addition to The House of FiFi Dubois. FiFi's started out as a funky shop featuring a selec-tive medley of vintage furniture, cloth-ing and keepsakes. Now, three years later, it has evolved into so much more.

The House of FiFi Dubois has ex-panded to include an eclectic lounge and live music venue. Drawing inspi-ration from the 1970's radio they grew up with, FiFi and Tony have created a locale unlike any other. When I walk in to FiFi's lounge I am always surrounded by good people, good music and an amazing atmos-phere.

I often talk about how much I enjoy unique, relaxing places to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle that is our lives. The House of FiFi Dubois is, without a doubt, a destina-tion distinct from any you will find in San Angelo. In fact, visiting Toni and FiFi is usually my first choice when given the opportunity. Immediately upon entering The House of FiFi Dubois, you get a genuine sense of visiting a friend’s house. Couches, coffee tables, local artwork and various treasures fill the room. The shop itself looks and feels like an over extended living room. With FiFi and Toni's home directly overhead on the floor above, they are truly inviting all of us into their home. I love knowing every time I walk in the lounge, FiFi and Toni treat us like their favorite guests and although they clearly treat everyone the same way, it never takes away from the feeling. True to their 70’s roots this retroplex features all genres of music, this in turn, draws an ever evolving group of people in to the lounge. I am genuinely impressed every time I go into The House of FiFi Dubois. Toni and FiFi have unquestionably

succeeded in creating an environ-ment where all types of people feel welcome. Something I noticed with a lot of places in San Angelo is that each individual venue caters very specifically to only one group of people. Whether it is through the type of music they play or the over-all ambiance itself, you are sure to find a notably definite group. I can’t help, but be captivated by, the ever changing hodgepodge of people and music that make The House of FiFi Dubois what it is. You can see the happiness radiate from not only their customers, but their live talent as well. The distinc-tive character of FiFi and Toni is clearly represented in their all-embracing selection of musical tal-ent from across the country. Gath-ering bands and musicians of all types, Toni and FiFi continuously pursue a scene that is true to the spirit of FiFi's Lounge. Besides the guarantee of a one-of-a-kind experience, you can also expect to find a drink menu that

goes beyond your average beverage selection. Toni and FiFi serve an unmatched variety of signature drinks, you are sure to find much more than basic house wines and domestic beer at FiFi's Lounge! Before The House of FiFi Dubois became a lounge and hot spot for San Angelo nightlife, I adored their store. I am so pleased to call FiFi and Toni friends and thrilled to watch as The House of FiFi Dubois continues to grow. FiFi's Lounge has been called a “summer camp for adults”. To me, this is a wonderful description. These two women have created a true diamond in the rough. Their establish-ment is simply unequivocal to anything else you are likely to find in San Angelo. If you have never been to this ex-ceptional venue, I highly recommend it!


About two years ago, Dan Carroll wouldn’t sing anywhere outside his home. But it wasn’t until a friend asked him to sing at his wife’s birthday party, he called up four people he knew that had never met each other for an impromptu gig. The response was superior. But when someone asked, “How long have ya’ll been togeth-er?” (Carroll’s answer was, “about an hour”) he knew his singing would no longer be held within the walls of his home only.

The Tone Pirates would be one of San Angelo’s top live acts of the city.

The Tone Pirates are the kind of band you want to see on the weekend to let loose and enjoy a cold beer too. You may find yourself singing along to songs such as the classic 1969 Merle Haggard B-Side “Silver Wings” or tapping your toes to a version of

Asleep at the Wheel’s “Miles and Miles of Texas”. As it may be, the Tone Pirates are a cover band (which we all know are a dime a dozen here in town; or anywhere for that matter) but there aren’t many who can actually stamp their sound as something away from the ordinary “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Brown Eyed Girl” that just anyone can get away with. The Tone Pirates even have caught the attention of radio DJ’s. Tom-my Stubbs of KKCN 103.1 FM (Kickin’ Country) says,

“These guys are the closest thing to Merle Haggard” ( a nd t he

Strangers). When they play “Silver Wings” you’ll know why. The band’s live shows are always unpre-dictable. One Moment you’ll hear a sax solo in a country song and the next, the front man is out on the dance floor making use of his wireless guitar setup. But it’s not just the band that gets everyone moving and wanting more. The band lets the songs do all the moving even if there’s no need for energy. The group consists of five members. Among its alumni (and as mentioned be-fore) is Dan Carroll who is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitar player. Once a bus driv-er for the western swing outfit Asleep at the Wheel, Carroll gives the group it’s “tone” with his baritone singing style that’s as smooth as Tommy Duncan’s (singer for Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys). Jimmy Butler, a five-time Austin Music Award winner is the Tone Pirates most honorable member. Butler plays with such great technique and finesse. He can really cut loose on the ZZ Top classic “La Grange” and puts the British guitar God Eric Clapton to shame on “Wonderful To-night” by making up a whirlwind on-the-spot solo where there’s not one. Harvey Weiner is a fiddle player’s fiddle player. His history of playing alongside Bakersfield country greats of the 1960’s, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, only

makes matters more exciting to see him play let alone hear him. Mike “Fish” MacKrell has an interesting position in the band that still looms to find its place. A very talented saxophone play-er and keyboardist, MacKrell offers back-ing vocals as well. Catch him take spot-light on the Roy Orbison classic “Oh, Pret-ty Woman”. Paul Schroder is the bands noted drum-mer but that’s not all. He’s very proficient on the banjo and guitar. He also adds backing vocals and helps the boys keep in time. Last but not least, Norris McCarty, the bands bass player adds groove to the style and low end to the songs. Last January, the band embarked on re-cording a live album which consists of the more solid and poignant sounding num-bers the band does and does well. The group recorded the album as a way to say “thanks” to the fan base that has grown and given them something to keep with them (as well as to pass along to those who want them for booking). No release date has been set for the album as of yet.

You can find out more about the Tone Pi-

rates at www.thetonepirates.com.

TONE PIRATES

By Bob Simpson



Sunday, May 1

Jeska & Friends, Every Sunday Brunch – Sealy Flats

Thursday, May 5

Piano Bar Sing-A-Long – Miss Hattie’s Clever Blue – Sealy Flats

Friday, May 6

Veins of Jenna, Shotgun Rebels – The Deadhorse Cody Johnson – Midnight Rodeo Crossing Tyler – Blaine’s Pub San Angelo Concert Series – Emmanuel Recital Hall Dan Calhoun & Gasoline Alley – Kimbo’s Saloon Manzy Lowry Band – Float 404 Nathan Hamilton and Beaver Nelson – Emmanuel Episcopal Church Swamp Sauce – House of FiFi Dubois Mike Milligan & The Altar Boyz – Sealy Flats

Saturday, May 7

Mike McClure Band – Blaine’s Pub Swamp Sauce – House of FiFi Dubois Badstrip, Duke, Bugota – The Deadhorse

Thursday, May 12

Hollywood Texas Blues – House of FiFi Dubois Whistlestix – Spam’s No Justice – Midnight Rodeo Piano Bar Sing-A-Long – Miss Hattie’s Live Music in the Courtyard – Chicken Farm Art Center Three Bad Jacks – The Deadhorse T. Gozney Thornton – Sealy Flats

Friday, May 13

Tha Shizz – House of FiFi Dubois Tejas Brothers – Blaine’s Pub Buster Jiggs – Party Ranch Tablespoon – Spam’s

Saturday, May 14

Vallejo – The Deadhorse The Divas, Red Steagall – McNease Convention Center Somebody’s Darling, Talley Services – House of FiFi Dubois Mark Searcy Band – Sealy Flats Mark Searcy – Sealy Flats

Thursday, May 19

Piano Bar Sing-A-Long – Miss Hattie’s Dedra Knox & Aubrey Lynn England – House of FiFi Dubois Slim Jim Rose – Sealy Flats

Friday, May 20

Susan Gibson & Van Darien – House of FiFi Dubois Turbo 350 – The Deadhorse Rob Baird – Midnight Rodeo Doug Moreland – Blaine’s Pub Happy Fat – Sealy Flats

Saturday, May 21

The DIVAS – House of FiFi Dubois Chris Brazeal Band – Party Ranch Snake Skin Prison – The Deadhorse Chris Ruest – Sealy Flats

Sunday, May 22

Antique Scream – The Deadhorse Jeska & Friends, Brunch – Sealy Flats

Thursday, May 26

Piano Bar Sing-A-Long – Miss Hattie’s Jason Eady, Bobby Duncan – Blaine’s Pub

Friday, May 27

Zac Harmon – Sealy Flats Cory Morrow – Midnight Rodeo Toenail Trail Days Music Festival – City Park Shotgun Rebels, Heroine – The Deadhorse A Band Named Sue – House of FiFi Dubois

Saturday, May 28

Derek Teague Band – House of FiFi Dubois Thunderosa – The Deadhorse Blues Boy Willie – Sealy Flats

Sunday, May 29

Owen Pye – Cork and Pig Tavern Jeska & Friends, Brunch – Sealy Flats

Tuesday, May 31

Oscar Ornelas – Sealy Flats



Seven different women came together on a hot summer’s night in August of 2008 at Rod Bridgeman’s Sealy Flats (Blues Inn) to play some of their favorite songs to a sold out audi-ence. Little did any of us know (who were there in attendance) that we were in for such a treat. “It was kind of a joke”, says Diva Dedra Knox. “It just kind of stuck so we kept the name”. The Divas are an all-girl cover band who bares their name proudly on an over-sized trailer (and a banner behind them when they play) with a distinctive style of harmo-nies and sassy personas. On the Divas website (www.thedivasmusic.com), you’ll find a different story than what there really is.

Who are these self- proclaimed Divas?

San Angelo native Dedra Knox, the quiet Diva, is the most diverse of the 6 women that make up the group. She plays guitar, percussion, keys, and a variety of other musical in-struments for the Divas. Knox is better known around town as “Patsy” from her role in the production of “Always…Patsy Cline”. “I’m writing new material”, says Knox. “But no matter where I play I always get the request to sing “Crazy”. Not that she minds performing the Patsy Cline classic; as to her, there are two ways to looking at it. Willie Nelson wrote the song whom she is a big fan of.

Jerrilyn Prestiano is a flautist who plays with a distinctive line of melody on any given song. Prestiano is also the other half of the local folk duo Prestwood. Filling in when need-ed on parts where brass or woodwinds are needed, she certainly fills some big gaps. Prestiano is also considered to be a flutologist knowing more than you could imagine there is to know about the flute itself. “The Divas are all amazingly talented individuals and, with the group's support, have potential for influence far beyond San Angelo”, says Prestiano.

Mary Parmer, originally from Dallas, is the purest Diva. She brings sweetness to the groups songs with her own angelic voice and soft arrangement. “I think we blend well”, says the guitar-vocalist who continues; “The difference in our voices and styles is what makes us unique”.

Jersey girl, Tamara Rossini-Laney (the one always sporting a straw cow-gal hat), who was a Nashville songstress in the 1980’s, brings on an edge to the Divas with her spastic ener-gy and subtle songwriting style. Influenced by the close harmonies of the Everly Brothers, the guitar-vocalist is a strong believer in the Divas and brings the Everly’s flavor to the group. “The harmonies, the songs….everything! There’s a sisterhood amongst us and also something very spiritual there”, Rossini-Laney says.

The newest Diva, Ann Southall, is a local music teacher whose influences range from her mother to Led Zeppelin’s (now Them Crooked Vultures) John Paul Jones. On the electric bass, Southall adds deep end to the divas instrumental abilities. Southall says, “The Divas have a lot of depth and could go several ways, but the music is why we do this. Being a part of a band is unavoidably up close and personal. It's very rare and very special.”

Now five talented women only come together on occasion but always please each crowd they play for. With guitar picks and beer koozies for merchandise, the possibilities are endless for these ladies. The San Angelo Art community is their largest fan base. Could it be because of the nature of songs that the 40-plus crowd goes for? Whether they’re play-ing original songs (yet to be recorded but hopefully soon) or covering old classics by some of yesteryears favorites, the Divas are always of the divine.

By Bob Simpson s


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San Angelo Spotlight May 2011