The ELM STREET BLUES JAM: Louie, Louie’s Dallas, TX
August 4, 2023

Louie Louie’s is a Deep Ellum institution. I’ve never really liked piano bars, but Louie Louie’s has some serious redeeming features. The place thrives on chaos and rowdiness. Usually with two pianos, and a few supporting musicians, they interact with the crowd and virtually everyone joins the riot by midnight Tuesdays
through Saturdays every week. They were boarded up for almost two years during the COVID epidemic and no
one was sure they’d return. Nonetheless, they reopened about a year ago and have been growing ever since.
Though presumably closed on Sundays and Mondays, in the pre-COVID days each Monday night they hosted what has been called the Elm Street Blues Band, a Tower of Power type jam that featured a few regulars and a bunch of talented interlopers. This all came to a halt when COVID hit. However, with the reopening, several months back, the Blues Jam returned, now every first Monday. It supposedly starts at 9 PM, but is invariably late. Admission is free and on Monday nights, parking on Elm street is an option. The band is not so large as in previous days, but the old guys are still there and the those dropping in to play are increasing. This is the first time I’ve been back in
over two years and am very happy to report that it’s good, it’s fun and it’s growing. “Jams” are not unique in Dallas, but those of this quality are hard to find. They don’t advertise, just go on the first Monday in September. The price is right and you won’t be sorry.

JB

PINK SLIP at Six Springs, Richardson, Texas July 28, 2023
 

It’s unusual that we see groups that are very early on in their development. However, that was exactly the case with PINK SLIP, a six person group of young people under the tutelage of Rockstars of Tomorrow, a music academy in Frisco,Texas.
 

It was a slow, hot Friday night and I didn’t expect much. I was, however pleasantly surprised. The group was fronted by a talented young woman ( Grace Figueroa ) who had more stage presence and a better voice than many we’ve seen who have probably hit their peak. The vocal harmonies were provided by Luciano Rojas ( guitar and vocals ) and Skylar Bishop-Smith ( keyboards and vocals).
 

Emilia Figueroa played lead guitar and was better than many who are twice her age. Michael Shirley Jr and Ken Lemke provided bass and drums, respectively. The music could use a little polish, but all the basics are there and time and practice will do the rest. Gabe Porter opened the show with his smooth DJ mixes.
These young folks are good and will likely evolve get even better with time. They are also clearly having fun and they convey this to their audience. They really could be rock stars, maybe not tomorrow, but pretty soon.
 

Thanks to Six Springs Tavern & Kirk Lunsford of Rockstars of Tomorrow.