Tag: Matt Newsom

A Bigger BlueLight

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.

Pancho.

Daniel Markham
Mason and the Gin Line

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.