Upcoming Denton concerts - June 12-13, 2009

by Josh Hogan of My Denton Music

Eleven Hundred Springs & The Whiskey Folk Ramblers @ The Boiler Room - Friday, June 12

Following Rodney Parker's terrific performance at the Boiler Room last weekend, you might be in the mood for a little bit more Texas Country. Well, it just so happens that the same venue who hosted Rodney Parker last weekend is showcasing two more of the regions finest country/rock acts. First up is one of our favorite acts, The Whiskey Folk Ramblers. Last year's winner for Best New Artist in the Dallas Observer Music Awards, their down home sound is crisp and a joy to listen to any time. The Whiskey Folk Ramblers are the definition of a perfect summer band. With a carefree style and laid back tunes, they are the perfect soundtrack for a trip to the lake with your best friends.

Headlining the show will be the legendary Dallas act, Eleven Hundred Springs, who have been hard at work since the late '90s. These outlaw country honky-tonkers have created a strong fan base all across the country and especially in their home town of Dallas. The reason I and so many others are drawn to this band is their pure country and no gimmick sound. It is straight forward country music in the same vein as Cash and Williams. The same sound and purity that seems to be lacking in the popular country music on the radio today.

Viva Voce @ Hailey's - Friday June 12th

Viva Voce, Cut Off Your Hands, Robert Gomez...hmm...perfect! Yeah, that sounds about right, perfect. This show is going to be great. There is not much I could say about Robert Gomez that I am sure you have not already heard. He is a musical genius living right here in our neighborhood and is an incredible ambassador for Denton music, and good music everywhere. Oh yeah, he is OPENING this show!

Cut Off Your Hands is a rock band from New Zealand. I won't insult them by mentioning any HBOish New Zealanders. They are an exciting and energetic band who found early success in 2006 shortly after forming. Since then they have been slowly making their way from their island home to the shores of Europe and now the United States.

Viva Voce is on fire right now, and I could not be more excited to have them coming through Denton. They are a pure indie rock band with a load of talent. From Portland, Oregon, they have a sound rich in beautiful harmony and originality. They are a European favorite and they are currently making a bigger name for themselves stateside. Currently, their biggest hit "From the Devil Himself" has nearly 100,000 plays on their MySpace page and is a perfect example of this band's potential.

Mount Righteous @ Andy's Basement Bar & Grill - Saturday, June 13

Mount Righteous is a nine piece group of musicians playing marching band instruments. Based out of Grapevine, Mount Righteous is one of the most entertaining groups in the area. At one point in the show on Saturday night, they took their act off the stage and came down to play right in the middle of the audience. This is one band that I recommend to absolutely anyone who enjoys lively music and having an overall great time.

The best way I can describe this band is fun. I know, pretty riveting right? But I stand by my seemingly underwhelming description because in fact it is not. They are a fun band in every way. I dare you to not smile during their show, it is an exercise in futility. Their tunes are happy and are delivered in one of the most unique ways I have ever seen. Check them out and find out for yourselves. They play at Andy's this weekend!