Why Elaborate…? — Ranchero Brothers

On Friday, November 8, 2019, the Ranchero Brothers played at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA. People who are interested in reading this probably already know the identity of the Ranchero Brothers, but for any uninitiated readers who stumble upon this post, the Ranchero Brothers are Rhett Miller, lead singer/rhythm guitarist, and Murry Hammond, harmonies/bass player for the alt country band, Old 97’s. Click the title to read more…

Saying What I’m Seeing – Rhett Miller

Stepping into the Pico Union Project space in Los Angeles, CA is like walking into a church, where pews for seats are flanked by stained-glass windows, and the long, large metal pipes of the organ in the gallery loom over the small stage. Originally built as a synagogue in 1909, the space was maintained by the Welsh Presbyterian Church until 2011, when it was passed on to the Jewish Historical Society. In 2013, it was founded by Craig Taubman as a multicultural center and house of faith.  On the night of Thursday,  March 14, 2019, the faithful fans of Rhett

Do You Want to Dance With Me

The night of Thursday, March 30, 2017, I was out again to see Ha Ha Tonka and Old 97’s, this time at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Some people may question seeing the same bands at shows on consecutive nights. I find that if I see the same bands and even if they keep to the same or a very similar set list, there are elements of the performance and the overall experience that still make it worthwhile for me.  The previous night I had seen the bands at the venue nearest to where I live, Saint Rocke, which

Remember Back When You Got Lost With Me

Thrilled to see one of my favorite bands, Old 97’s, at my local venue, Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, CA, on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 and with an opener I’d heard of before, Ha Ha Tonka! Doors opened at 6pm, but the show wasn’t scheduled to start until 8pm. This is a small venue and it is absolutely fantastic to see the Old 97’s play here. There was still plenty of space open in front of the stage when I arrived at 6:45pm, but by the end of the night the place was packed and pulsating. Ha Ha Tonka opened

Beam of Light

Saturday, August 13, 2016 I was at the Troubadour to see Rhett Miller, lead singer of the band Old 97’s, perform a solo show.  Trapper Schoepp was handpicked by Rhett to open the show. Trapper, a self-acknowledged Rhett wannabee, noted half-jokingly, half in vexation at the start of his set that night, “I can’t do all the stage moves I stole from him!”  However, he had the talent to successfully assume the position of Rhett-lite, as well as demonstrate his own charm and talent for laying down some catchy, story songs and clever lyric phrases spun over straightforward chord changes.