An Evening with the "Troubadors of Trouble"

Last Friday night, I experienced a show that was held in one of the most unique venues I've been to yet for a live show. It was held in a church. That's right, you heard me, a church. Every Friday night, a local group of people put together these shows as part of a live music series called "Heights Live" and they use the Heights Presbytarian Church as their venue. We weren't in the actual sanctuary, but rather a small room where they probably have potlucks and Sunday school. When I first found out where we were going, I thought for sure that this was not a functioning church, but lo and behold, I was wrong! After conversing with one of the show's coordinators, she mentioned to me that the priest of the church used to be in a band and that he wanted live music to happen at his church. Did I mention that this event was also BYOB, and I don't mean Bible?!

The entertainment that evening was going to be provided by my good friend Hank Schyma, lead singer of the Houston-based band The Southern Backtones, along with other Houston favorites John Evans & Johnny Falstaff. The fact that lightning didn't strike these 3 individuals upon their arrival to the church was a miracle in itself, but everyone that came out was ready for some great music and it was looking to be an amazing night.

The three "troubadors of trouble", as I once saw someone call them, were going to each do songs of their own and perhaps add a little something extra to each other's music as well. Hank started out the set with and they went down the line to John Evans and then Johnny Falstaff. I had seen Evans play before. As I mentioned before, he is a Houston favorite. His music is a little bit country and a little bit rockabilly. He basically reminds me of Kenickie from "Grease". He certainly has a charisma about him and a voice that makes the girls scream and swoon. Oh, and he has great taste in socks! That night he settled on multi-colored striped socks to accompany his black and white wingtips! Friday was my first night though to see Johnny Falstaff. I'd heard much about him from my friend Hank, but hadn't experienced his music yet. I certainly was missing out on a true local country great. And by country, I don't mean that Top 40 bubblegum country that is streaming the airwaves these days. Falstaff takes a page out of the books of legends like Johnny Cash & Hank Williams and is a true Texas country music star in every sense of the world. He has a huge following in...Germany! I guess you could call him the "Hoff" of Country music!

Anyways, back to the music. These three all have a unique sound that complements their voices perfectly. Hank, being a little more rock and roll than the other two, played many of my favorites such as "Sinful Refrain" and "Drive Under the Moon" as well as some new songs that will make their way to my "Favorites of All Time" list as well. I've known Hank for 9 years now and I still get just as excited seeing and hearing him play as I did at my first show. John Evans delivered many of his classics as well and his fans that were in the audience were certainly pleased as we all sang along to "Pasa-Get-Down-Dena" and other favorites. Johnny Falstaff played the "pretty" songs of the night, as Hank & John mentioned more than once. The three also played their cover of "Sway" which they made a video for as well.

It certainly was a great show and a great night that ended well past the midnight hour. I think the fans had a great time as well and hope that these three will play together again very soon. I strongly urge you to check them out whenever you can!