Tag: Cole Stanley

Mitch and Terri

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…

Pancho.

Sangre Night at the Light

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.

Pancho.