Pegasus News Local Music Showcase returns to Club Dada on July 18

by Erin Rice

After a rather long wait, we've finally put together the second Pegasus News Local Music Showcase. For our sophomore effort we're heading back to Club Dada on Friday, July 18. We'll have the same deal as the last time. If you favorite the event, you get in for free (otherwise it's $5). The whole night will be be videotaped, so please, no matter how sexy the music is, keep your clothes on.

Hal Samples

Telegraph Canyon

July's showcase will feature four bands running the folk music gamut. One's a little indie folk, another has roots in bluegrass, there's a more rock infused Americana band, and the requisite singer/songwriter folk with an artistic flair. Needless to say, they're all local bands you should know. Here are some introductions to whet your appetite.

Opening the show at 9 p.m. is Kristina Morland. Earlier this month, Morland released her debut album, Pidgin Music, at Fort Worth's Rose Marine Theater. To say that her music is beautiful would be an understatement. Think of the brilliance of Dallas' own Sarah Jaffe with a more playful combination of instruments and tone. Her voice instantly reminds you of Joanna Newsom, just with an acoustic guitar instead of a harp, and a little less of the crazy. This isn't one of those concerts you show up fashionably late for. If you miss Kristina Morland's set, you'll definitely be sorry.

Up next we take you into bluegrass alt-country with the A.M. Ramblers. The band, who got their start just over a year ago, released their full length, self-titled album last month. With two lead singers switching off songs, their set ranges from harmonized ballads to dancehall-inspired tunes. Check out our live review from their April concert at Lola's Saloon.

Lifters' lead singer Peter Black

The third showcase band is Telegraph Canyon. Their brand of dark, soulful folk has grabbed the attention of the FW Weekly and the Star Telegram over the last year, in addition to musical contemporaries like Doug Burr. The band came out with All the Good News in 2006, an album that has been described as, "a burnished, folksy gem that captures one of the area's finer songwriters, Chris Johnson." Telegraph Canyon are currently working on their sophomore album, Whispering Revival, to be released later this year.

The final band on the showcase ticket is one I've been watching for a while now. They were originally named Thief, then Peter Black and the Lifters, and now, for brevity's sake, Lifters. Their 2007 EP Switchblade Waterpistol tends towards a rocking Americana with an independent spirit. A friendly reviewer described lead singer Peter Black as the "Rufus Wainwright of alt-country/rock." If you like Pete Yorn, Jeff Buckley, and Coldplay, or any combination of the three, you're bound to enjoy Lifters. What else can I say to recommend them? Just check 'em out. Preferably at our showcase.

Needless to say, we're really excited to introduce you to this group of local bands and artists. Doors open at 8 p.m. and we'll be interviewing all the bands and artists during soundchecks to be broadcast on PegNews and the iMedia network. Again, if you favorite the event, you pay no cover. So feel free to order that top shelf drink as opposed to the well version.

Hope to see you out at Club Dada on Friday, July 18 for a great night of local music.