By Aaron Brand
Texarkana Gazette
TEXARKANA - As we collectively head into the winter holidays, there is no shortage of reasons to hold a party and share in festive energy.
Live music is just one of many reasons to come together and find fellowship with a good groove. Here is a snapshot of what promises to be a busy live music season, starting with this weekend and next.
Since 2014 with her album "Whiskey Kisses," Allen has recorded and released her own music, combining a Western style with rock energy, as she says in her online bio. She still does rodeo and, for her own songs, writes about the cowgirl life inside the rodeo ring.
The Paragon Lounge presents a Grand Opening event with dueling pianos Friday night. The piano players are from New York and Little Rock. Downtown's new speakeasy joint in the former Arrow Bar location next to Joe's Pizza has the type of setting just perfect for piano lounge vibes with its crafty cocktails and dark interior setting. Piano tunes are just one type of music this venue has featured since opening.
Saturday night at Hopkins Icehouse downtown brings a resurgent local EDM scene to the fore with Atlanta, Ga.-based ShvpeShifter, QwillA, OhNoItsDoug and Droop Method all on the lineup. EDM has been buzzing again in town and this is more evidence of it with an event titled "Metorganic."
Over at Scottie's Grill that same night, two bands in one night give listeners a two-for-one special with I've Heard Worse performing at 7 p.m. followed by Heather Linn and the Deacons cranking up at 9 p.m. Patrons can get patio reservations by calling the venue (903-838-4745). Cover is $5.
And then back on State Live Avenue for a Saturday night, Fat Jack's Oyster and Sports Bar hosts East Texas-tuned country music performer Dakota Ritter, who's been out on his "Take My Ring" tour. That references his single from the album "No Stone Unturned," which the performer says at his website has logged 300,000 streams.
This Jefferson, Texas native has found success on a number of Texas charts, including the Texas Regional Radio Chart, since first coming to the scene three years ago.
Further down the road, the following weekend has a couple more options to keep in mind:
- '50s Sock Hop and Karaoke at The Arrow Bar on Friday, Nov. 29, with music, dancing, a scavenger hunt and karaoke, all with a thoroughly '50s vibe to it. The folks at the Arrow invite all to "come get your groove on" the day after Thanksgiving.
- Soul Session has its Thanksgiving edition, as presented by Arnold Boy Entertainment. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 4110 Arkansas Boulevard with a $10 cover before show time and $20 after it. Lined up to bring the soul that night are SICC, April Nicole and Dee Dee Jones. The one and only Derrick Keener serves as your host that night. To reserve a table or get more information, contact Douglas Arnold at 903-691-9235.