“Seems like you need a little Hill Country…”

In case you haven’t noticed, I have a little bit of a love affair going on with my home state.  Although I grew up in suburban North Dallas, I’m for the rodeo, Wrangler jeans (not worn by anyone I’m dating – but I like them on Texans, generally) and wild bluebonnets.  I think Kinky Friedman is one of the best men on God’s green Earth.  Visiting the Tony Lama store in El Paso brought a tear to my eye.  I’m sure that Austin is the greatest city I’ve ever lived in and I know that it will always have my heart.  I remember the Alamo – REMEMBER THE ALAMO!  (And yes, I know we lost it.)  I own a cactus.  I think burnt orange is sexy and my fitted cowboy hat is one of my most prized possessions.  Like a true Texan, I love the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks – when the teams are playing well, that is.  I’ve been known to sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” in the shower, clapping and all.  I think cowboy boots are an essential part of a wardrobe.  I’ll happily smother salsa on anything I’m eating.  And, I love Texas country music.

Austin

Rougher than watered-down-Nashville-country-music, Texas country musicians really know how to rock.  In particular, I’m a big Pat Green fan.  He’s about as Texas country as they come: born in San Antonio, raised in Waco, educated at Texas Tech and toured with Willie Nelson.  His songs like “Southbound 35,” which references the drive I used to make between Dallas and Austin for school, “Carry On,” which suggests you should eat + drink your cares away at El Arroyo – one of my favorite Austin Tex-Mex joints and “Texas On My Mind” are a great comfort to me living in the South, where people tend to find my state pride irritating.  (I know they are just jealous.) 

Lady Bird Lake = Me + Stevie Ray

Pat Green’s concerts are packed in Texas.  In fact, he may just be the most famous country music artist you’ve never heard of…  Well, as luck would have it, Pat Green is preforming in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse on Thursday, February 25 @ 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are super cheap and it’s going to be a great show! 

Pat Green

Need a bit more convincing?  This should help – here’s the Q+DD on Pat Green:

I’m for wildflowers in the window
Mechanics you can trust
I’m for crackers in my chili
And leavin’ grudges in the dust

I’m for drive thru order takers
Who can muster up a smile
I’m for takin’ in that stray dog
That’s been hangin’ round for awhile

I’m for turning off the TV
Gettin’ off the Internet
I’m for learning all the words
To the Gettysburg Address

I’m for dusty pawn shop guitars
And boxers passed their prime
I’m for soakin’ up the wisdom
When an old man speaks his mind.

I’m for laid off factory workers
When the wolf is at the door
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
If you know what I’m for

I’m for Texas Margaritas
Gettin’ outta debt
I’m for havin’ faith in something
That hasn’t happened yet

For the shy kid in the corner
Afraid to ask the girl to dance
For the ex-con outta prison
Who just wants a second chance

For the inner city teacher
With her heart stuck in her throat
Can still see God in every child
And never gives up hope

I’m for dusty pawn shop guitars
And boxers passed their prime
I’m for soakin’ up the wisdom
When and old man speaks his mind

I’m for Detroit factory workers
When the wolf is at the door
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
If you know what I’m for

I’m counting all my blessings
When the wolf is at my door
You don’t have to ask what I’m against
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
You know what I’m for

 - Pat Green “What I’m For”

Pat Green

Goosebumps.  Everytime, goosebumps…  If you are looking for a fun, high energy concert, I encourage y’all to check out Mr. Green on February 25.  Plus, Variety is a killer place to see a live show.  I’ll be there clad in vintage boots, my cowboy hat and tight jeans (J Brand - not Wranglers, but whatev.) attempting to get Slick to two-step with me. “So, take me out to the dancehall/ Tap my foot down to the rhythm/ Tell ‘em to play that old song that we all love…” 

Just don’t forget:

xx, L