Found myself back at the ol’ Bluelight in Lubbock tonight. I hadn’t been in since the recent remodel. The place got a whole lot bigger with the same old vibe. The expansion took place as a wall was removed from the South end of the building- the adjoining wall between the light and what used to be the Tom’s daiquiri bar. Toms is still a thing don’t worry, it’s now however located on the North side of the Bluelight instead. The patio in the back of the Bluelight now joins the two and creates an amazing atmosphere. The remodel created much more space for patrons and gave the artists their own green room as well as a bigger stage.
Blaze Butler the Bass player for Mason and the Gin Line who opened the show tonight said that playing the new stage was weird but he liked it.
Mason Server and his band Mason and the Gin Line played for a little over an hour. They played much of the old music that their fans know and love. Songs like Pipeliner, Loose Tonight , and Portales brought the fans to their feet and onto the dance floor.
Next up was Daniel Markham to put on a rock show. In Daniel’s own words “an Alternative Rock Show.” I had heard many of the songs that he played as they were off his newest album, Just Like a Dream, an album i listen to regularly. Daniel brought a whole different feel and vibe with him to the establishment. Hearing his songs live , the tones and changes in his rhythm and the amazing lyrics behind the sounds made me love him even more.
Markham who began his career in music in the Lubbock scene has since moved to Dallas. He brought in the old school crowd tonight as well as several other musicians who came just to see him perform.
Singer/ Songwriter Stephen St Clair told me that Markham was one of his best friends. He said the drummer that Daniel was using tonight was actually part of the band Brandon Adams , another longtime Lubbock favorite.
Mason Server told me in his opinion Daniel Markham was a genius.
Drummer Matt Newsom and I discussd the matter – Newsom went on to tell me that Markham is the kind of songwriter and musician that after someone had listened for ten minutes or so, would contemplate later- “man that guy really had something magical happening tonight.”
Magic was what i saw on that big old Bluelight stage. I am just grateful that I had a front row seat.
Mitch and Terri McCalib have been married for 25 years.. Last night I was honored to celebrate their love surrounded by many friends and family at the Lake Ridge country club in Lubbock Tx.. It must have been sometime last December when Mitch told me about the event and didn’t give me any other options.. “You are going to be there, and Mason and the Gin Line are playing..”
Of course that sounded very much like a perfect night to me.
Mason Server and The Gin Line band put on a perfect performance. The Gin Line – Mason Server lead vocals, Blaze Butler Bass Guitar, Cole Stanley Lead Guitar, Matt Newsom drums.
The McCalib family has become my own. A big part of me and who I am today, and what I stand for.
Mason and the Gin Line Lakeridge Country Club
I first met Mitch and Terri’s son Hayden at the Blue Light in Lubbock. The very same night I first got to meet Mason Server and Blaze Butler of the Gin Line. that night I also met Charlie Stout and the Author and fellow music lover Tom Mooney.
Mason and The Gin Line had just released Caprock Composition.. I had been following and corresponding with them on Twitter. I made plans to meet up with them at their show at the Blue Light. The guys welcomed me into their circle, and I have been hooked ever since. Today I even have a dog named Blaze after the bass player and convinced my daughter to name my grandson Mason..
Hayden and his brother Rhyder were at that very concert, we began talking, as Hayden was working in Midland and found out that’s where I was from. From that conversation I learned that the company he was working for was looking for parts people- at the time I was building hydraulic hoses and selling parts. I decided to give it a go and change jobs and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done..
Mason Server asked his cousin Hayden McCalib to help him sing the final song in the set.
In a way, I guess that meeting with Mason changed my life. A new job, new friends, Mason was the first artist who actually believed in my blog and gave me credit and confidence to persue my dreams. I still ain’t where I want to be but I am a hell of a lot better than I ever was.
It wasn’t long after that first night that I ended up divorced. Through some personal experiences and work on myself and with the support system of some amazing individuals like the McCalibs and family.
I was able to walk through it with grace and dignity. I found myself diving deeper into my recovery and learning to love myself again. These people never judge me for who I am and I have just as much fun on the dance floor at a Gin Line show sober as they do 13 beers in.. to each is own..
Happy anniversary Mitch and Terri. Thank you for the Memories…
What is supposed to happen will happen. This theological determinism that lives within us all to some degree. Do you think that’s it’s possible that some unknown force has developed a stream strong enough to control our everyday existence? Is self will strong enough to stop this stream? We think not.
I felt it from the moment I first heard Mason and the Gin Line, that this musical group was going to make some big moves. I have personally witnessed some changes in their dynamics, a new guitarist here, a new drummer there, hey when the heck did we add a keyboard? But what remains was that solid tune of a life that’s been lived. A beautiful mix of the highs and the lows of this world that we live in. Songs of love and heartbreak and sounds of triumph and failure. The best part is that it always ends up just the way it was supposed to. Three of the bands core members became fathers in this last year. One got married. Priorities change and life gets lifey. At the end of the day this old globe we live on still spins and the winds still blow across the plains of West Texas.
I have been anticipating this new single, Let it Ride the first drop from the Gin Line this year. I first got to hear it a few weeks ago through a sneak preview on the Red Dirt Rebel, a morning show straight out of Mason’s home town, Lubbock, Texas. The official release of the song was today March 8, 2024. Song Credits state that the songwriter is Mason and the Gin Line. A band that I am proud to know and love.
Mason Server the bands lead man promises more to come. He says they will be back on track very soon to begin a new season of their fierce brand of music. The band recently played the home court advantage at the Blue Light in Lubbock and will make several appearances next month including Portales , New Mexico.. oh I hope to hear Portales in Portales.. If you know you know.
About the band: This is a humble group of men who will never turn anyone away. They will always support what’s right and aren’t afraid to tell the truth. They follow and support other artists and give frequent compliments. Mason and I like to call this genre of personality and pride CAP ROCK.
Keep on Cap Rocking and follow Mason and The Gin Line.
I have been waiting for some time for last night to happen. I think it was like 3 or 4 months ago when I first saw the show announcement. I casually posted on the Twitter once that it would be so cool to see Mason and The Gin Line open for the Vandoliers. There must’ve been some kind of prophecy in my word, because someone actually made it happen.. but better. Better because they added The Band Laredo to the Lineup.
Sort of a mini tour occurred this weekend where Mason and The Gin Line, The Band Laredo, and the Vandoliers played at Laredo’s home court – Magnolia Motor Lounge in Ft Worth and again at The Bluelight in Lubbock. I was super blessed to have caught the Lubbock show. All these bands are great- And so much fun to watch live.
I was talking to my little brother and several friends and we are all in agreement that this may have been one of the last times that we would ever see some these guys in such an intimate venue again. They are all capable of selling out much larger ones and have all shown ability of being the Headliner. Getting to just bask in their presence, the laid back atmosphere and hearing the best music in the world were definitely some of the highlights of this year. I also enjoyed that the same show with the same lineup and makeup held in two cities across the state from each other meant more folks could enjoy it. It was almost as if the homies in DFW were present in Lubbock, because they had just done the same things I was doing and hearing only hours before. Of course the homies that were there last night made everything just right!
Blake Farrar the TxRiverTonk and I
I began to get to know Blake on Twitter and I got to meet him in person a year or so ago in San Marcos. Since then we have kept in contact. We have lots of similarities about our lives and the biggest is our love of music. Anything and Everything to support these guys that are making the sounds that we love to hear. He made the trip from Austin to Lubbock – he is actually originally from the area- so this homecoming from him was an extra treat when he got to see this lineup of musicians.
Last night I met Clayton Smith live in person. Clayton is another guy who until now I have only followed on social media. Smith is the guitar for the Band Laredo, an independent musician and songwriter himself and is also part of the Rye Boys Band as well as multiple other projects. Our conversations last night were enlightening. We too love and respect the same guys and gals of this musical industry and the same styles of music.
The Band Laredo opened the night at the Bluelight
The Band Laredo opened last nights show and jump started the Bluelights flame with their hard hitting songs like Gasoline and Kerosene.
With their blends of countrified rock, us in the audience were already enjoying a journey that was just beginning.
Mason and The Gin Line took the stage next and with their home court advantage they got the crowd primed and pumped up for the next level. Their set included many tried and true favorites about their lives on the Cap- Rock with their lyrics which include the local blue collar work and the surrounding towns. They also mixed in several of the songs from the new album Sangre. Mason has begun developing a sound all of its own- a mariachi blend that ends in heavy metal and blues rifts. I have been watching these guys from the very beginning and they never disappoint.
Mason and the Gin Line BandMason Server lead singer- Drummer Matt and Blue Light regular can be in the back drop. Blaze Butler- Blaze is the Bass player and keeps the Gin Line Running on the bidness side of things.
Headlining the show last night was the Vandoliers . The first time I ever saw these guys was during Covid and so I got to see them perform as a trio . Joshua Fleming, Travis Curry the fiddler and Corey Graves who plays horns and keys and anything else he can get ahold of. I was able to catch them a few months ago in Dallas as they released their most recent album, as a full band and they rocked the house and sold me as a life long fan. Last nights show was no different. These guys can go hard for the entire set and the energy that can be felt throughout the audience is something that cannot be matched.
The Vandoliers Joshua Fleming puts his heart and soul into every single song he’s ever sungWhen at a Vandos concert do as the Vandos do and take your shirt off and dance like there’s no tomorrow
Other highlights of last night was the great conversation with many old friends. Making new ones and I got to spend a little time with my baby brother and introduce him to reasons why I love following this Texas Music Scene.
Me and brother Luke Watson
If you want to have some fun then go catch a show- I haven’t seen many bad ones- but this show last night was definitely one for the books.
Tonight fans crowded into the BlueLight in Lubbock, Texas to help Mason and the Gin Line bring in the new Album. Sangre was released yesterday on all platforms. To celebrate with them tonight were the West Texas Exiles as well as the Dirty River Boys. A week ago, the Exiles released their EP , Volume 1 as well.
Marco Gutierrez West Texas Exile
Tonight’s show was opened by the West Texas Exiles. By the time they began to play the first song, the Bluelight was standing room only. The crowd really seemed to be into all 3 of tonight’s bands. That Lubbock audience is back in full swing to the live music scene.
Next up was Mason and the Gin Line. As the band took their places on the stage, Mariachi music was playing over the house speakers. Mason Server the lead of the Gin Line humbly thanked each and everyone for coming out. He thanked the West Texas Exiles. In his opinion, He couldn’t do what he does or be where he is today without those guys. The bassist for the Exiles, Eric Harrison happens to also be the producer for Mason and the Gin Line’s music. Marco Gutierrez is featured in one of Mason’s most popular songs, Pipeliner.
In attendance tonight was also, Zach Nelson, who designed the album art for Sangre as well as Tori Vasquez who is featured on the new album in the song, Leaves of Fall. She stepped onto the stage to sing it with Mason tonight.
Mason Server with Tori Vasquez
Mason and the Gin Line played the entire album start to finish. It sounded just as good as it was in the studio version. They closed out their set with Gutierrez and Harrison joining them with the song Pipeliner..
Mason Server and Guitarist for the Gin Line Cole Stanley Blaze Butler Co founder of the Gin Line band, he plays bass and has had a hand in writing many of the bands songs
After Mason and The Gin Lines set, The band The Dirty River Boys took the stage and kept the party going on ‘til closing time. Cole Stanley the guitarist for Mason and the Gin Line described Dirty River Boys music to me like this, “It’s like Dropkick Murphy on Crack, Everything is bigger In Texas..”
Many memories were made. Lots of great music was pouring off that little Blue Light stage.
I am a proud Supporter of Live Music. Buy the Merch , see the shows , stream the music.
The blue light is a wierd little place but it’s our place we like it
Blaze Butler
“The BlueLight is a weird little place but it’s our place we like it, “ Blaze Butler, bass player for Lubbock’s own Mason and the Gin Line, once told me. He was describing the iconic and historic venue nestled in Lubbock’s depot district. The BlueLight gave many a singer songwriter their first chance to play the songs that they had scribed on paper and picked over so many times a place to bounce off of fans and other musicians alike. Many success stories began in that little place. In the Texas country scene many names that we all know and love have performed on that little stage and keep that flame shining bright on Buddy Holly avenue.
Jason Boland started there. Cleto Cordero took his little band from Midland and grew it into the brand now known as Flatland Cavalry in that weird little place. William Clark Green, John Baumann, Josh Abbott have all been there. There were plenty others. Brandon Adams calls the place home so does Charlie Stout.
If you happen to be near Lubbock, Texas on any night of the week and you want something to do, the BlueLight is the place.
Bill Whitbeck, Robert Earl Keen’s longtime bass player, recently wrote a song named for this Texas Icon. The lyrics tell a story about one musician getting her start under that flame. Blue Light is a new single performed by Whitbeck and the Singer/Songwriter Robert Earl Keen.
Last night I witnessed perhaps one of the greatest moments in Mason Server’s career. Mason and the Gin Line put on perhaps their greatest performance to date. Texas Singer/ Songwriter and artist Charlie Stout and I had a short conversation after the event and in a description of the show, Charlie in his slow drawl simply stated, “Well… That Just Happened.”
The musical Gods were shining in the old Bluelight in the Depot District of Lubbock, Texas last night. I saw 3 bands and none of them were a disappointment. Besides just the bands I saw some good friends and made some new ones. Everyone seemed to be feeling the buzz in the room. The crowd was visibly entertained from start to finish. Blaze Butler, Mason and The Gin Lines bass player once told me, “The Blue Light is a wierd little place but it’s our place we like it.” All 3 bands that played there last night had the hometown advantage as they all had some beginnings in that little place that feels like home.
Eric Harrison, Marco Gutierrez with Blaze Butler
During the set, lead singer of the Gin Line Mason Server shared his heart and gave thanks to those who had helped him when no one else would to be able to get his start. During his song “Pipeliner” Mason called his producer, Eric Harrison and Marco Gutierrez of Dirty River Boys, now the lead of West Texas Exiles to the stage to sing the song with him. On the Mason and Gin Line album, Caprock Composition, it is Marcos voice that can be heard in the harmonies.
Cale and the 45s kicked things off last night, Cale has super talent. Cale is another Texas artist who plays country rock and plays it from the soul. At one point during Cale’s set I jokingly told Mason, “they are pretty good for an opening band.”Masons response was, “They are the bomb.”
The West Texas Exiles were next. They are a phenomenal mix of talent. The vibe seemed to flow more naturally for them than it had the night before at the Goldenlight and they found their sounds together on the ol’ Bluelight stage. Last night was only the bands second show together as the West Texas Exiles. A namesake that comes from one of the bands songs. The group played together as if they had been touring together for years.
Marco Gutierrez of West Texas Exiles Dan Davis West Texas Exiles
The night was one of the best days I have had in a long time. There’s something about live music that sets me free. I can’t wait to get to do it all again, see ya down the road.
It’s been more than a year now that I first discovered Mason & The Gin Line. At the time I had a blog called Pinkie and Pancho, that site has now been dissolved due to circumstances beyond my control. What I didn’t know then was that the blog I created would begin to change the direction of my entire life. I am up for the challenge to give this blogging another chance and it is my hope that it will be well received. Even if it isn’t, I believe in my heart that it is worth it and by doing it, I am doing what I love the most. Writing and Music. I don’t think you can get much better than that combination. This is essentially what I want this blog to be about, the singer/ songwriter, I want you to see that person behind the song from my eyes. This is the way I see it as the fan I am.
I had first heard Mason & The Gin Line through some random Spotify algorithm. I believe that first song I heard by them was Pipeliner.
Pipeliner is about a jealous Pipeliner working the Oilfields in Odessa, Texas. It is a story that took place right in my home turf.
I eventually got to meet Mason Server the lead singer, and the rest of the band one night in Lubbock, Texas at the iconic BlueLight. One of the first conversations that Mason and I ever had, centered around the Pipeliner song. Mason wasn’t even sure he should record that song. “Would people even listen or relate to it?” He questioned. In the end they chose to cut the song and it can be found on the band’s first album Caprock Composition.
Pipeliner now has over 80,000 listens on Spotify. It has been one of the most requested songs on the Lubbock radio ranch, and has charted on stations in Amarillo and Dallas. I would consider it Mason & The Gin Lines signature song, but don’t discount the rest of the discography, I haven’t heard anything by these guys that I don’t like.
Since that first meeting, I have had many more conversations with Mason that center around the world of Texas Music, especially that music that comes out of the Cap Rock region of Texas. I consider Mason and his Bass Player, Blaze Butler as real friends today and I think the feelings are mutual. The Gin Line Band recently told me they will always consider me as their original fan.
A fan of music I am. Here on Panchos Picks I want to explore the world of music and share each of my experiences with the world. I attend as many shows as I can and I try to support everyone I can who is trying to make a living by sharing their sounds with a guy like me. I would encourage you to see these guys play live. Stream their songs and buy merchandise. I know Mason isn’t doing this for the money, he does it because he truly loves what he is doing, but on the other hand, I also know that in order to provide the best quality sound for you and I it takes money to do. Show these guys and each and every other artist that you enjoy the love they deserve.
