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• 2 • Action Magazine, March 2016 advertising is worthless if you have nothing worth advertising Put your money where the music is. . . Advertise in Action Magazine

• DEPARTMENTS • Sam Kindrick...... 6 Editor & Publisher ...... Sam Kindrick Everybody’s Somebody ...... 9 Advertising Sales ...... Amy Heller Reif ...... Action Staff Scatter Shots ...... 11 Photography...... Action Staff Distribution...... Ronnie Reed Composition...... Elise Taquino Volume 41 • Number 3

• FEATURE • Ruben V ...... 4

Jacques E. Strap ...... 10

Jim Chesnut ...... 12

Action Magazine, March 2016 • 3 • The powerful magic of blues rocker Ruben V

By Sam Kindrick has established himself as been Ruben’s forte. He about other musicians, who looks as good as he were defining the time. I Ruben V’s smile is as the rocking blues face of has shared the stage with both living and deceased. sounds. wanted to play Stevie’s hot as his . the San Antonio music everyone from Delbert The late Stevie Ray Ruben is a happily kind of music--to bend a Both light up the room. scene. McClinton to B.B. King, but Vaughan was the major in - married father and practi - guitar string like that be - Ruben V (as in Vela) Humility has always his favorite topics are fluence whose music did tioner of the Christian cause that was how I felt.” the most to shape the path faith, although he no That Vaughan show is that Ruben is on today. longer plays in non-de - what drove Vela back to On the San Antonio nominational churches as writing and playing, but scene, Mr. V calls South he did in past years. the musical metamorpho - Side blues godfather “I guess I kinda de - sis was just beginning. Jimmy Spacek and the cided that churches are After breaking from the late guitar master Chris buildings, and that God is metal scene, Ruben sur - Holzhaus his mentors. not confined to a building,” rounded himself with his Like both Spacek and Ruben said. “I can honor brothers, and they formed Holzhaus, Ruben V is an God where ever Imay be a group that began touring accomplished writer, working.” together. recording artist, producer, Ruben V has not al - Ruben’s bio material and vocalist who will al - ways been a guitar slinger says, “As time passed, the ways be defined by a of the rocking Texas blues shows became bigger and smoking, walking, talking, persuasion, and he was the four albums they put and crying electric guitar. just emerging from his out became heavier, but, “My guitar might early and troubled musical again, that sound wasn’t change shape and size,” life when I met him in that what Ruben had envi - Ruben says, “but those six Soledad Street tavern. sioned for himself. Forced strings will always be a Ruben’s music of today to confront the different part of who I am and who has been defined as a directions the brothers I have grown up to be.” fresh, smooth blend of were heading, Ruben Ruben V has released blues, Latin, soul, and parted ways with the eight solo CDs, 14 group blazing rock, but it hasn’t group to pursue his own albums, and he averages always been this way. musical path--one that more than 120 live shows Believe it or not, but was true to him, and one a year, more than proba - Ruben once landed an that has become the bly any other San Antonio indie record deal with his essence of Ruben V musician working today. heavy metal band Final music.” I will never forget the Assault. Continued on pg. 7 cold, rainy night I met A self-taught guitarist Ruben more than 20 who hit the road at age 15, years ago. It was in an up - Ruben played with a num - stairs room of a Soledad ber of bands before Final Street bar now known as Assault and the death of a Bond’s Rock Bar. I don’t bass player and friend that recall the bar’s name back made him start question - then, but I have never for - ing the direction in which Let us cater gotten the skinny little kid he was going. your holiday with long stringy hair who He says he felt lost and had just arrived in San An - disconnected. The heavy party or bring tonio from the Rio Grande metal bands of that day your party to Valley. He had a guitar were leaving him empty. with him. That’s what I re - Then he saw Stevie Texas Pride. call the most. The guitar Ray Vaughn in concert. was Ruben’s key to the “I was at a dark time in 210-649-3730 www.texaspridebbq.net The blazing guitar licks of Ruben V are accompanied by a city, and San Antonio has my life when I first saw adopted him like a native Stevie Ray Vaughan in singing voice and songwriting skills to match. He is the complete son, with all of us watch - concert,” Ruben recalls. “It package. ing as he developed into a was the opposite of the strapping stage presence heavy metal bands that 651-4541 4810 FM 1518 N. 1/4 MILE EAST OFF IH35 HOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK

• 4 • Action Magazine, March 2016 Action Magazine, March 2016 • 5 • It’s official now. We will follow up last April’s 40th Asleep At The Wheel. But Willie and Ray actually live in “For sure I think you should do it,” said Augie, anniversary Action Magazine blowout with another the Austin area, while the vast majority of Austin musi - the leader who once toured the world show. cians are transients. Most of ours are home-grown. with The . “And I have some ideas The 41st Annual Action Magazine Anniversary No setting moon for us that will make the next show run even smoother.” and Music Extravaganza will be held October 2 at the The prospect of holding another Action Maga - I had anguished over this decision, just as I had same location as the first--Texas Pride Barbecue on zine-sponsored concert never entered my mind as we tortured myself with black thoughts of impending doom Loop 1604 near Adkins. pumped and planned for the April 12 show last year. prior to other promotions that turned out great. The event has been moved to the fall for vari - This, I figured, would write finish to Sam Kindrick hijinks When I was with the Express and News, I inde - ous reasons. and outdoor foolishness under the sun and clouds of pendently hatched and promoted the First World’s First off, I needed time to decide whether a sec - Texas storm. I would just ride off, so to speak, into the Championship Menudo Cookoff in Raymond Russell ond concert should even be held. It took a lot of juice last snap, crackle, and pop of a setting neon moon, a Park. Willie Nelson headlined this one, and there were and tub-thumping to pull off the first highly successful drum roll and electric guitar wail saying adiose across 30 other bands on the bill, including Johnny Bush and event, and we did it despite torrential rains that hit early the South Texas prairie. the Bandoleros. before the daylong concert was to begin, and again that Mighty dramatic, I thought, but shit....Then There was pomp, flair, drama, and enough rib - night shortly after Johnny Rodriguez closed out the came the first voice. ald humor to satisfy the yearnings of even the most ad - event which drew more than a thousand people despite “Let’s do it again.” venturous. the inclement weather. It was Dub Robinson. Hot Pants Menudo We had internationally-known name performers What say? Famed San Antonio madam Theresa Brown for our 40trh anniversary show, ranging from Rodriguez “Let’s do it again,” said Robinson, leader of the and two of her girls were set up in a motor home with a to my friends Grammy winner Augie Meyers, Johnny Drug Store Cowboys Band. “I never had more fun with huge sign that read HOT PANTS MENUDO. Bush, Darrell and Mona McCall, Kinky Friedman, and any production in my life, and there are a whole bunch And in addition to Theresa, there were more Joe King Carrasco. of other musicians who feel the same way.” than a hundred menudo cooks on the grounds, while San Antonio’s finest So I put out a little feeler on Facebook. the big afternoon event was a 3-round boxing match be - The outpouring of San Antonio’s musician tal - The response was positive and instantaneous, tween homicide detective Roy Aguilar and criminal de - ent pool was outstanding and awe-inspiring. I have long with some musicians who performed in April and others fense attorney Alan Brown, who won with a third-round contended that San Antonio has the greatest congre - who didn’t get to play on the first show. knockout. gation of really fine musicians of any city in Texas, and “We are on,” said Randy Toman. “Just say the Next after the menudo cookout and concert it seemed like all of them were there for last year’s word and Russell and I will be there.” which drew thousands, came Sam Kindrick’s Outdoor event. Ditto said Claude Morgan. Revival and Music Extravaganza on the San Antonio The world’s greatest picker list includes last Claude, we might add, played with almost every River south of the city. year’s show stalwarts such as Sylvia Kirk, Dub Robin - band who worked our initial show. This one featured preaching by flamboyant son and the Drug Store Cowboys, Russ and Randy ReBecca says yea Bourbon Street Chaplain Rev. Bob Harrington with Toman of the Toman Brothers Band, Jimmy Spacek, We have heard from a -based supplied by The Lost Gonzo Band. It wasn’t a big Claude Morgan, George Chambers, fiddle great Ron band that wants on the bill, and ReBecca Drury, female money-maker or anything near it, but nobody got killed Knuth, Kenny Penny, Jerry Blanton and Randy Rein - lead of the San Antonio Rose Live band of Aztec The - or even went to jail. hardt on steel , trumpet ace Al Gomez of the atre fame, says she is on for sure. Tony Talanco, owner of Texas Pride Barbecue West Side Horns, blues belter Laurabell, teen singing “I couldn’t be here for the 40th, but count me in and a lover of Texas music, put it well when he said: sensation Victoria Celestine, Bonnie Lang, Maurice for this one,” she said. “People are looking for those big fun days when Hondo Munter, Hector Saldana and his Krayolas, and many Crouch was still alive, when we had concerts and ar - more. The clincher came from Augie Meyers, the Texas icon and Grammy winner who is the face and madillo races and hat stompings out in the sun. You To my knowledge, we didn’t have a single brought back some of this with Austin musician standing on that stage. And this isn’t to soul of what has become known as the San Antonio take anything away from Austin and the great talents Sound. Augie has been my close friend for more than your 40th anniversary party, and people have been talk - there--ranging from Willie Nelson to Ray Benson and 40 years now. ing about it ever since.” • 6 • Action Magazine, March 2016 Ruben V continued from pg 4 Behind raging guitar hides a humble spirit Ruben works San An - tana, Blues Traveler, and truly love Chris. He had tonio extensively, but his Vaughan. tears in his eyes when he work takes him to Corpus The collaboration be - said, “I hope he can beat Christi and other Texas tween Gaines and Ruben the shit. I know some do cities. Every show is differ - produced CDs titled I Am, recover from cancer.” ent with changes in tempo Labor of Shame, and Augie played on that and even instruments, but Come To Me. one, along with Ruben V there is one constant Of his association with and a large contingent of about Ruben V shows: He Gaines, Ruben said, “Jim musicians who respected drives his faithful fans into pushed me and brought the talent. I pointedly a veritable frenzy with an out a more Hispanic flavor asked Chris what he eclectic blast of raw en - than what I had done in thought of Ruben as a gui - ergy and soulful musical the past. He’s an amazing tar player and performer, licks that produces some - man and I was blessed to and here is what he told thing akin to an audience work with him.” me. participation jam. While Ruben calls “Ruben is lightning fast Ruben’s fans can never South Side blues godfa - on guitar, one of the quick - get enough, and he al - ther Jimmy Spacek one of est I have ever run across. ways obliges with a smile his “mentors,” Spacek re - He probably uses too that never seems to fade. ciprocates with a torrent of many notes on some oc - But much more goes praise for the understudy. casions, simply because into Ruben V music than “Ruben has an incredi - he can do it. But he will what meets the eye on ble energy and feel, smooth out in time. He will nightclub stages. pulling licks out of his gui - be a great one before he When Ruben V broke tar and voice like sparks is done.” away from his brothers he flying from a fire,” Spacek Chris was not exactly knew that producing great said. “With awesome gui - frivolous when it came to music would require a pro - tar playing and heartfelt passing out kudos to other ducer with equally high lyrics, Ruben creates musicians, so the enor - standards and talent to music and sound that mity of his assessment of match. pulls one right into his Ruben V was almost pal - Ruben knew what and soul, and that’s a really pable. who he wanted, and he cool and beautiful place to “I loved him,” Ruben went after the best. be.” said. “He was one of the Richard Mullen pro - Ruben’s other self-pro - greats and I learned a lot The Ruben V smile that lights up the world duced Ruben’s earlier fessed San Antonio guitar from him.” CDs, including In His mentor was the late Chris Ruben V band mem - Ruben V as a soul- son Guitars: One hell of a utes, but as I said at the Hands, Home, and Let Me Holzhaus, a temperamen - bers include James Pick - wrenching blues player, good show, one hell of a beginning of this piece, In. tal musical genius and ar - ens on bass, Gabe which he is,” said Rick Del good time. humility is his most ap - Mullen had previously guably the greatest guitar Herrera on percussion, Castillo, guitarist for Del Patricia Vonn: Ruben’s pealing characteristic. worked with Eric Johnson, player to ever set foot on a Steve Mendez on drums, Castillo. “But they often unique soulful mix of Latin, It came out last April , and Stevie Ray San Antonio stage. and Onel Jimenez on sax - overlook how powerful his blues, and rock puts him in when I failed to include Vaughan. I first met Holzhaus in ophone. voice really is.” a class by himself. Ruben V on Action Maga - The producer who fol - about 1976 when he was It has taken Ruben V Other quotes from Lane Gosney, The zine’s 40th Anniversary lowed Mullen with Ruben playing guitar in Augie longer than it should have, Ruben’s fellow musicians Bugle Boy, La Grange: and Music Extravaganza V projects was Jim Meyers’ Western Head but he is now getting the include: Ruben V is a triple Ame - at Texas Pride Barbecue. Gaines, whose previous Band. He later played with recognition he deserves, Alex Ruiz, lead singer naza! An American Latin- It was a mental lapse. credits included multiple Delbert McClinton, and both from the public and for Night Mothers: Ruben rock performer with I had Bush, Rodriguez, Grammy awards and 4X even fronted a band or two his peers. V, the soul and sound of blistering guitar chops, Spacek, Robinson, both Platinum work with San - of his own along the way. He has shared stages San Antonio. catchy tunes, and capti - Tomans, Darrell and Mona That meeting with with McClinton, Gate - Scott Ward, Austin vating stage presence. McCall, Claude and Chris was in Augie’s old mouth Brown, B.B. King, lounge owner: If you are Get to one of his shows George and Sylvia and farm house on Cibolo Los Lonely Boys, Robert wondering what 6th Street soon. Augie and Patsy and Bubba and on and on Creek near Bulverde, and Cray, George Thorogood, blues rock was like back in Van Wilks: Ruben V when it hit me: Chris was bitching about Buddy Guy, and The Fab - the day when Steamboat carries on the proud Texas I hadn’t even invited something the day we ulous Thunderbirds, to was the go to venue, with guitar style of attacking his one of the hottest guitars “The Great Texas Experience” met. That was Chris. He name a few. blistering guitar solos and guitar with style, taste and would complain if they Endorsements by pre - in Texas, and a real friend Catering crowd pleasing intensity, fire. for more than 20 years. Party Room Rental hung him with a new rope, miere music companies Ruben V delivers. To quote Joe King Carrasco: but I loved Holzhaus, and include PRS Guitars, and The show had started Pavilion Rental my friend Brian Mitchell, Ruben V is the keeper of and we were on the so did Ruben V. GHS Strings. And Ruben “You won’t find this in New the flame of the San Anto - Fundraiser Chris died from compli - has recorded Lone Star grounds when Ruben York City. Ruben V is the nio vibe. walked up with guitar Hosting cations of colon cancer in Beer commercials. And by real deal. David Grissom: Ruben hanging on his back. 2008, but not before Mc - various media outlets, Oilfield Crew Catering Ernie Durawa, Texas is a badass in the fine I started the apology Clinton drove in from Ruben V has been named 210-649-3730 Tornados: Ruben V is a Texas tradition, channel - when Ruben worked the 210-263-3805 Nashville to headline a big best guitar player in San www.texaspridebbq.net badass guitarist and ing blues, RB, and Latin magic which I call humility. medical expense benefit Antonio, best blues band singer with great stage influences into his soulful “I knew I was invited,” for Holzhaus at Sam’s in San Antonio, and the presence, and he is a nice singing and playing. Great he said. “You didn’t have to Burger Joint. city’s best songwriter. cat to top it off. stuff. tell me. I’m here and ready Delbert McClinton did “Most people think of Maclavio Perez, Gib - Ruben has many attrib - to play.” Action Magazine, March 2016 • 7 • • 8 • Action Magazine, March 2016 Action Magazine, March 2016 • 9 • No need to hand Golden State the trophy yet

By Jacques E. Strap are trying to compare the question that seemed front of the Atlanta bench year. Portland had kicked and in a new environ - Action Sports Analyst Steph Curry and the War - to confound poor Pop. didn’t win him any friends the shit out of them once. ment.” The damn-near-un - riors to Michael Jordan’s With his best Droopy along the rough road to And Tim Duncan didn’t Tony Parker is healthy beatable Golden State Bulls. dog face, Pop looked at come. play the night Golden and playing well, while Warriors appear to have Old Jacques here has the intrusive reporters and If Kawi Leonard and State bested the Spurs in backup Patty Mills is capa - let a lot of air out of the been watching the War - said, “I don’t really know if LaMarcus Aldridge are in - January. ble of breaking a game Spurs “Race for Seis” bal - riors do their high kicks anyone can beat Golden capable of staying on the Manu Ginobili hopes to wide open at any time. loon. and Globe Trotter ass State.” court with Golden State, be back in time for the And Kawi Leonard? Those pretty boy bumps, and the major Popovich knows what nobody has convinced playoffs, recovered from a Popovich says the Splash Brothers--Steph thought going through our Tim Duncan knows. them yet that it’s time to groin injury that cost him a reigning defensive player Curry and Klay Thomp - head is what might be the Golden State can be had, quit. of the year “is a pretty son-- did put a world of major thought going and any team in the NBA month of playing time. Yes, Golden State is on hurt on San Antonio in through Spurs coach that thinks it has a rose Aldridge scored only good basketball player.” that first meeting in Janu - Gregg Popovich’s head. petal-strewn path to the course to set a record for four points in the previous Old Jacques is making ary, which Golden State Pop plays the poor, piti - championship might be games won, but we must meeting with Golden no rash predictions at this won by 30 points. ful, whipped hound role looking up a dead horse’s all remember that any - State. It is not likely that stage. Some are saying that like the champion that he anus. thing can happen in the this will happen again, But nothing that hap - Golden State will sweep is. Steph Curry is not NBA. since Aldridge seems to pens will surprise me. Pop the poor Spurs come play - How can you beat Michael Jordan, and doing Lowly Dallas has really begin hitting his knows more than his face off time, while other fools Golden State? That was his little shimmy act in beaten Golden State this stride with his new team is revealing. HANGIN’ TREE SALOON march BAND SCHEDULE The Fun Place to Relax. A Real Authentic Texas Saloon 3/1 Open mic with Cody Coggins 3/17 Kenny Penny 8:30 p.m. OPEN 10AM DAILY • NOON SUNDAY Votted 7:30 p.m. 3/18 The Lavens 6:30 p.m. 51.5812 Bestt 3/2 night 8 p.m. Paseo Street Walkers 9 p.m. 18424 2nd Street • BRACKEN, TX • 210.6 3/3 Blue Note Ringos 7:30 p.m. 3/19 Sam Pace and Gilded Grit 6:30 p.m. Please don’t forget to book your parties now. Graduation is right around the corner. Liive Tish Hinojosa Smokehouse Guitar Army 9 p.m. Musiic (Greenhouse Series) 7:30 p.m. 3/20 Miss Neesie and Earfood 1 p.m. 3/4 The Lavens 6:30 p.m. Pam and Gary 4 p.m. Ruben V 9 p.m. 3/22 Open mic MARCH BAND SCHEDULE Happy Hourr 3/5 ReBeca and Friends 6:30 p.m. with Jeff Reinsfelder 7:30 p.m. Tues--Frrii The Mo-Dels 9 p.m. 3/23 Jazz night 8 p.m. 3/6 Alex Harvey 1 p.m. 3/24 Beer tasting 7:30 p.m. FRI 4 GERONIMO 8-12PM 2pm--7pm Blues jam 3;30 p.m. Sonic Waves 8:30 p.m. 3/8 Open mic w/Lesti Huff 7:30 p.m. 3/25 The Lavens 6:30 p.m. Patio 3/9 Jazz night 8 p.m. Anthony Wright 9:30 p.m. FRI 11 BURGUNDY 8-12PM Patio 3/10 Emily Davis 8:30 p.m. 3/26 Amanda Cevallos 6:30 p.m. Pllaygrround 3/11 The Lavens 6:30 p.m. Michael Martin Brother Dave 9 p.m. and Infidels 9p.m. PiingPong 3/12 Stoop Kids 6:30 p.m. 3/27 Closed for Easter FRI 18 BIMBO & Tablle Los #3 Dinners 9 p.m. 3/29 Open mic 3/13 Marks Brothers 1 p.m. with Nico Laven 7:30 p.m. Now that you’ve Clyde 4 p.m. 3/30 Jazz night BORDERLINE 8-12PM 606 3/15 Open mic w/Nico Laven 7:30 p.m. found Luckenbach, W Cyprress 3/16 Jazz night 8 p.m. where the heck is Bracken? FRI 25 TWO WAY STREET 8-12PM We take credit cards 227--2683 www.thecove.us MAKE MY DAY LOUNGE Corner of Perrin-Beitel & Thousand Oaks BEXAR BALiceInLse Across from HEB #145 102 S. COMAL #2, SATX 78207 We are always open at 7:00 a.m. for our night shift patrons BONDS We open Sundays at 12:00 N (210) 655-6367 FREE POPCORN, POOL AND WI-FI KARAOKE WITH LARRY & MADONNA Every Thursday and Saturday at 9:30pm and every Friday at 8:00pm KARAOKE WITH JOHN & KATHRYN Every Monday at 8:00pm

1126 W. Comm2e5rce% Stre eOt GFSoFu thM of ojails patrk Bingo lotn (unddes r the over pass) 3 ALHLo sSteTd AbyR M iJkAe EMllis and 2Ja5ckTieH Hu YddEleAR Every Sunday at 9:30pm 210Vic-to2ria E2mb4rey, -Ma9nag9er 15 All Requests Welcome • 10 • Action Magazine, March 2016 Honest Charlie Charlie on the November wife to the big show. son for closing is I had Top swing band mony. Tattoos closed 2015 cover of Action Mag - Potter will be afforded sort of stepped out of run - honor to Mata Asleep At The Wheel azine, and the article de - celebrity status at the up - ning the shop and al - leader Ray Benson em - After more than four San Antonio’s Billy tailed a life that included coming confab, complete though I spent a lot of time ceed the awards show, the decades as a San Antonio Mata and the Texas Tradi - Potter having his name with his own booth with there and we did a lot of result of Austin musician tattoo fixture, Honest tion were named best legally changed to Honest space also reserved for work, since I "retired" no - Dale Watson’s determina - Charlie Potter has hung it group in Charlie before his first trip Action Magazine. It is un - body was in charge of tion to recognize the tradi - up. this year’s Ameripolitan to the La Tuna federal known at this writing money, paying bills and tion-honoring country Music Awards ceremony lockup on a weed convic - whether we will be able to such and every month I music and those who at Austin’s Paramount tion. attend. had to come up with cash make it in the genres of Theatre on February 18. Charlie was a cell mate When asked why he for them to continue. I hate western swing, honky- at La Tuna with the late was shutting down his being the boss. tonk, outlaw, and rocka - Billie Sol Estes, America’s San Antonio tattoo opera - It became more like a billy. best-known white collar tion, potter answered: social club and a refuge This was the third year criminal. And Potter will Several reasons...we for my ne’er do well for the awards show which never be forgotten by the only used half the building friends and tattoo guys honored Wanda Jackson denizens of Rattlesnake for tattooing and the back with no place to live to and the late Red Simpson Hill near Fort Sam Hous - was wasted so we wanted come to for a spot. That with Founder of the Sound ton for his original tattoo a smaller location but and I just have a hard time Awards. Charley Pride re - emporium in the neigh - mostly I had retired and with 40-60 hour weeks al - ceived the Master Award. borhood. the shop monkeys had Honest Charlie though I love the party. Other winners and their Potter had a pet bear in been running the shop The closing last month Hard to get over...if I stay categories in this year’s a pen behind the tattoo and like our country, when of Honest Charlie Tattoos up past 30 hours or so as program included: Margo studio, and the sport of the monkeys run the zoo Billy Mata on Fredericksburg Road we always did, it takes me Price, honky-tonk female; that day was soldiers the whole island is in peril. signals the end of an era. twice that long to recover. Contacted after the Charlie Thompson, honky- wrestling the bear while I had to divest myself Potter called the shop Guess I am just getting presentation which we did wagers were placed both from shop and work to try tonk male; Jeff Woolsey his own Monkey Island, old and health issues not attend, Billy told Action on and against the bear for SSI. That and a couple and Dancehall Kings, and the assortment of tat - raise their ugly heads. I Magazine: and his human adver - of months with injury and honky-tonk group; Marti too specialists who drifted guess it happens to us all It's ok Sam, you were saries. illness, everything just got Brom, female; in and out of the establish - sooner or later. The guys there in spirit. The only Tattooers from all over fucked up. The landlord Wayne Hancock, rocka - ment were fondly referred at Honest Tattoo in thing I can say is I'm so the world are expected for went up on rent and then billy male; Bellfuries, rock - to as Honest Charlie’s Athens, Greece are doing happy for the guys. the 40th anniversary of wants us to pay taxes also abilly group; Carolyn Monkeys. a benefit to raise some They've worked so hard the first world convention so it just became more Martin, western swing fe - Another Honest Char - cash to help. Super guys for me thru the years, and in Houston this month. than I could handle. We male; Jason Roberts, lie’s could open in the fu - and world class tattooers. Officially known as the are looking for a new loca - never went mercenary on ture, but it would be on a They are on Facebook. western swing male; Bon - Houston, Texas Tattoo ex - tion but I really don't me once. Always on board much smaller scale, and My health has been so nie Montgomery, outlaw travaganza, the conven - have the $7,000-$10,000 for any journey. the operation would likely bad I am surprised my female; Whitey Morgan, tion will be March 25, 26, needed to reopen in good The other members of be under the direction of monkeys kept it going this outlaw male; Jason and 27 in the Crowne location. So probably I will Mata’s Texas Tradition Charlie’s son Richard Pot - long. Anyway...we will Boland and The Strag - Plaza Hotel. have my son or the guys Band are Richard Helsley, ter. glers, outlaw group; White Hustler, Esquire, and open a smaller spot. I will likely reopen, but like Col. fiddle and harmony, New Charlie Potter is one of Horse Saloon (Austin), Action Magazine were the take a little time to travel Sanders...it might have his Braunfels; Roger Edging - San Antonio’s most color - Ameripolitan venue; Jason only publications to cover and do some tattooing at name and he might come ton, steel guitar, San Anto - ful characters and a long - that first convention 40 friends shops. . Maybe I by and do a little some - nio; David Waters, electric Roberts, Ameripolitan mu - time friend of Action years ago, with Action ed - will go to S. Africa for a thing...but don't expect guitar, Victoria; Terry Hale, sician; Ted Branson, editor-publisher Sam Kin - itor-publisher Sam Kin - while but there will be an - him to fry all the upright bass, Austin; Ameripolitan DJ; San An - drick. drick accompanying other shop soon. chicken...and that's me Rocco Fortunato, Brack - gelo Cowboy Gathering, We featured Honest Honest Charlie and his I guess the biggest rea - now. ettville, drums and har - Ameripolitan festival. Action Magazine, March 2016 • 11 • Jim Chesnut reinvents a star that almost was By Sam Kindrick Jim Chesnut had both is one that Chesnut ren - Jim Chesnut of San the voice and the song - ders with an honesty befit - Antonio may be the best writing talent, and he was ting one of his songs. country music songwriter taking the stage with “I was too full of myself, alive who is virtually un - everyone from Willie Nel - ignorant of both the indus - known to the world around son and MIckey Newbury try and the real potential him. to Tom T. Hall and Charley that was there. I was get - It’s his own fault, a fact Pride. ting my head into the bot - which the 71-year-old Chesnut saw Pride tle back then, and I had Chesnut acknowledges record one of his first been signed as an exclu - without self recrimination songs-- Oklahoma Morn - sive staff writer for Acuff- or a whole lot of remorse. ing --and it was Pride who Rose, the firm that What’s done is done, later endorsed Jim’s first produced songwriting and the good news is that album-- Let Me Love You greats such as Hank Chesnut has reinvented Now --with words of high Williams, Mickey Newbury, himself as a true country praise. Eddy Raven, Don Gibson, singer and songwriter in Wrote Pride: Jim has a Roy Orbison, and The an age when the big stars tremendous talent for writ - Everly Brothers.” of what TV calls “country ing, and as you can see The unwise career de - music” would make Hank from this album, for deliv - cision on Chesnut’s part and Lefty want to barf. ering a good country song was reserving the rights “I tried watching the also. for recording purposes Grammys the other night So why, you might ask, every one of the 10 top- and all but threw up my didn’t Charley Pride 100 singles and two al - supper,” Chesnut said. record more Jim Chesnut bums that he would Hit the rewind button songs after Oklahoma release in the 1970s and and go back into the Morning? early 1980s. 1970s when a kid from The short form answer “A case of the dumb - Midland, Texas seemed to this one is “bad busi - ass,” Chesnut admits. “The ready to take Nashville by ness decision.” prospect of writer royalties storm. The long form answer every time a country music star recorded one Jim Chesnut delivers hit quality songs he has been writing of my songs seemed to for years. have escaped me. My always there when some - “I am a singer first, and when Chesnut handed me ego told me I could write body calls. I’m just grateful a songwriter second,” says a copy of his new CD. Herb’s Hat Shop them, record them, and to get a few calls these Chesnut, whose new Reason for this is that I perform them without any days.” album is aptly titled This don’t know much about The help from anybody. I’ve Chesnut is again writ - Guy Sings! music, and most of the learned a lot since those ing, recording, and per - We don’t have a tradi - people who write and Legacy days. I haven’t had a forming after a 26-year tional record review col - record songs are more drink of whiskey in over hiatus from the music umn in Action Magazine, singers than they are writ - Lives 30 years. My phone num - at Carroll Herb and P business. and I explained as much ers. The late ber is in the book, and I’m We are now a Yeti dealer I have a filing cabinet filled with CDs by pur - SATURDAY MORNINGS ported “songwriters” who 9:OOAM - 10:00AM can’t write. Like a vocalist who has a tin ear for the notes he is trying to reproduce, we have people in the record - ing, newspaper, maga - zine, book, and general print industry who have tin ears for the written word. 4922 Rigsby 648-9242 There is no flow, no 9 a.m. til 6 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday rhythm, and no story. Saturday 9 a.m. til 4 p.m. Roy Holley 830.426.9228 I’m no music critic, but I Host [email protected] know a singer and song - Continued on pg. 13 • 12 • Action Magazine, March 2016 Chesnut reaction to this song. He Chesnut said. “I like Merle years, Chesnut has estab - telling the human story...a the so-called “new coun - replied by saying, “It may Haggard’s simplicity, and lished himself as a redis - story that includes mar - try” has been influenced continued be the best song I have I was always attracted to covered country picker riage, divorce, infidelity, by hip-hop and is promul - ever written.” Tom T. Hall for his story- and writer in national sec - death, faith gained and gated by a tuneless, tone - writer when I hear one. It When I asked Chesnut telling ability.” ondary market radio play lost, joy, sadness, hope less culture which has was lyrics that first at - for his writer influences, It is easy to see where lists. and despair.” excluded both melodies tracted me to Willie Nel - he answered “John a youngster like Chesnut In 2013, his single Get He decries the modern and meaningful lyrics. son back in the early Donne.” might have been over - Aboard a Catamaran, racket that has been “The new music is 1970s, not his guitar licks Following my visit at a whelmed by the wonders reached number 12 in the loosely defined as “new strong on rhythm and or melodies. Nelson once Jim’s with Chesnut and his of Nashville circa 1978 or New Music Weekly indie country.” wanted me to write a book Continued on pg. 14 longtime friend George 1979. and country charts. Chesnut believes that about him that would be ti - Chambers, he mailed me He was personally In 2014, Chesnut’s CD tled The Words of Willie. this correction: signed to Acuff-Rose Troubadors and Dreamers Jim Chesnut is one of “When you asked me Music by company presi - was listed as a top-30 these rare animals. my influences in songwrit - dent Wesley Rose, and he album for the year in the I was floored after lis - ing, I quoted John Donne was to tour the country in Roots music Report True tening to his CD This Guy when I said that I am a the company of Country Album Chart. And Can Sing! part of all that I met. Well, Nashville’s biggest stars. the single Oklahoma This guy can sing, but it wasn't Donne, it was Chesnut was repre - Morning reaching number his writing is as good or Great Barbecue... Tennyson. That's what I sented by Bob Neal, Elvis 6 in RR’s True Country maybe even better than Great Texas Music... get for sleeping through Presley’s first manager, Singles Chart. his vocals. In the fashion English classes years and he was booked by the In 2015, his Another Come Join The Fun... of Willie, Tom T., Stein - ago.” venerable William Morris Day in the Life of a Fool Thursday Bike Night beck, and Mark Twain, Chesnut is a part of it Agency. debuted at number-one in Live Classic Rock & Blues Chesnut has something to all. Those were some good RMR’s True Country Sin - Friday Fish Fry and Dance say, and in this context “I am a better writer old days for Chesnut, but gles Chart and remained Live Country Band there isn’t too great a void now than I used to be,” they all came to an igno - in the top 5 for several between Grapes of Wrath Saturday Chesnut said. “But I still minious end in 1982 when weeks. and a Bloody Mary Morn - Concert and Dance write the material that I he quit the music business His current release of ing. Classic Car and Hotrod enjoy singing. I have en - and returned to San Anto - This Guy Sings! is his My pick on the new Cruise Every Sunday 1:30pm countered more people, nio to battle his addiction fourth self-produced CD album is a song titled True to 6:30pm and I have had more ex - to alcohol. since 2008 when he re - Love is a Dance in Three- perience with the human Now with almost 35 turned to the music busi - 221100--624693--387035 0 Quarter Time. story. A good example of years of continuous sobri - ness with all of his talent www.texaspridebbq.net The dance with the that is True Love is a ety, Chesnut can also look gears still meshing. young may start fast and Dance in Three-Quarter back on a successful ca - “It really feels good to lively, passionate as with a Time.” reer in marketing commu - be back and creating,” salsa, but as this couple His explanation of real nications which started Chesnut said. “As a song - dances on through life to - life influences is interest - with his selling air time on writer I am focused on gether, their final steps will ing and KKYX Radio. His com - have slowed to a beautiful well put. pany is known as Jim waltz. “I have always liked Chesnut Productions. What Johnny Bush says about I emailed Chesnut my Willie’s transparency,” Over the past two Action Magazine:

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Action Magazine, March 2016 • 13 • Chesnut himself with new club and Las Chiladas Mexican restaurant owners in a Restaurant, Northwest continued fashion whereby there is Military Highway at It doesn’t take a rocket weak on both melody and “a symbiotic” and prof - Braesview; Heavenly Pho, scientist mentality to know lyrics,” Chesnut said. “This itable relationship be - an Asian cuisine eatery at stuff appeals to a club- tween the venue owner Blanco and Huebner; that print advertising, coupled going crowd or an arena- and the musician. BBQ Station, Loop 4 10 at with full internet coverage, is “I’m not a thumper,” Harry Wurzbach; Williams going crowd that doesn’t Chesnut said, “but the Creek Depot in Tarpley; dance. It is a poor excuse the best deal in town. Bible says a prophet has and Pete’s Place behind for music. It’s just bad.” little credibility in his home Wine 101 in Helotes. Chesnut personally town. This is the mindset “I got tired of standing So what are you waiting for? shops some of his music we need to overcome.” in line to play in some pop - to radio stations, and he is Chesnut can work solo, ular San Antonio venues represented by a profes - but when a backup band that are notorious for not sional record promoter in Put your business out there is needed he can reach paying musicians a decent Tennessee who is getting out to steel player Jerry wage,” Chesnut said. “The good results. where people can see it Blanton, guitarist Alan musicians have brought Chesnut’s biggest Kolby, and Mister Every - this upon themselves. peeve is the same one I have heard Augie Meyers thing George Chambers. There are musicians who Advertise in voice repeatedly about I try to be very sensitive will play for free just for the music venues that don’t to the needs of the venue opportunity to play. This is pay musicians a fair wage, owner. We watch things harmful to the industry be - Action and the musicians who like volume and types of cause it doesn’t create a will work for next to noth - music, and we always try value in what we do. It is ing just for the opportunity to play at least 50 percent just stupid on the part of Magazine to play. cover music the musicians.” Augie has always taken although most of us would Chesnut says he is Since 1975, the most respected and best-read most of his shows on the prefer to play our original continually looking for new entertainment journal in South Texas road, and Chesnut says material,” Chesnut said. outlets for his music. To advertise call (830) 980-7861 he is trying to establish Venues Chesnut plays To book him call (210) on a monthly basis include 422-7204. www.actionmagsa.com

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Action Magazine, March 2016 • 15 •