Well, many things have come and gone since the Drunk Cameraman has posted a blog, I think it's due to the fact that I've been on vacation from work and just been a drunk without a camera. So I was drinking at the bar last night, Bleu and the guys put on a great show as always (Happy Birthday Denny, hope you enjoyed the pinata), and I bumped into the 'Dog Janitor. We were discussing the new pool tables. He was drinking "gasoline" at least thats what it smelled like, and decided to bring up some old stories that I had almost forgotten about. One night when he was cleaning up the bar, he had been drinking the same "gasoline" liquor before coming to work and for some odd reason he thought that yours truly had his janitor keys, or his favorite mop or something and preceeded to turn red in intense anger and I had no choice but to get the jump on him and run for dear life. This in turn lead to a very long game of cat and mouse that ended in half a dozen pool cues flying through the air javeline style at my head. Mind you that noone wants to scrub the bathrooms like the Janitor does so he has enough pull to not lose his job after that, but that was defenitely the GAME OVER. Now if you are wondering why I shared this with you well, the bar did not have pool tables last weekend, and i wanted to let you know that they are back as well as the foosball and a new air hockey table as well as a new sound system for DJ Stevie C.. If you can find the hole in the wall from the pool cues let me know we'll take a shot. See you at the Dog. Salud!
P.S. If you go to the bar, make sure and find Big Cody and order an original BIG SILK. Its a great shot.

The Big 12 is defenitely in town! We wish all the teams the best of luck and welcome them to OKC. As you can see the Diamond Darlings have already established residence at the 'Dog. Come out this weekend and we'll serve 'em up. CHEERS!

SHOOTER F'in JENNINGS...

...ENOUGH SAID!

If you haven't noticed there are LOTS of major things happening around the Wormy Dog. Take a look at the calendar for yourself, and you'll see Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings highlighting this week, The Levelland Jam w Ragweed, RRB, and Stoney Larue in Foss next week as well as Bleu Edmondson and Randy Rogers back inside the Dog, stay with me it just keeps coming because Dwight Yoakum is here on the 18th with Micky and the Motorcars and Mike McClure later in the week and Roger Creager to close out the month. Damn its hard to mention all the shows but there are a dozen other bands playin here and there in between those artists like Jarrod Birmingham, Johnny Cooper, Scott Copeland, Honeybrowne etc, the list goes on and on. Be sure to PLAN AHEAD for all of the shows.
Now ON THAT NOTE, lets talk about a few things that need to be addressed in regards to these and all shows. If you want to be sure that you'll get in BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY. It gets so old to everyone to get phone calls from people trying to get the "hook up" to get in. First off to you name droppers, don't drop names, you look stupid. If you really are friends with bands, staff, owners, etc, pat yourself on the back but don't try and drop thier name and expect special treatment, it ain't gonna happen and you will be impersonated during closing/cleaning time. If you are a true friend to the bar or band you should have no problem paying for your ticket and supporting them both so they continue to have jobs, right friend? With that said, buy your tix ahead of time or don't complain about waiting in line. I love hearing "We'll buy tix but we just dont want to wait in line, what can you do?....plus four" YEAH FREAKIN RIGHT. Aint gonna happen "Sure no problem" CLICK, and if the bar is so busy that there is a line oustide, wouldn't it make sense that noone has time to answer your calls, or do anything about them. Hmm. Another misconception is that the bar is the one setting the ticket prices. The staff, door guys, management, etc dont control that, so call your state representative or booking agent and talk to them so for those that complain to the door guys, about waiting in line, and having to pay for a ticket, and then the ticket price, re-read the previously mentioned, give them a break and then put a drink to your lips, chug it, and make sure you join us for the party, its always worth the cost.
A new paragraph is in order to continue but I have a couple other things to address. People that post guestbooks, myspaces, personal blogs, or just talk out of thier a$$e$ in person about things that they know absolutely nothing about, are so annoying. "Everyone" thinks that they can speak of the "old" or "real" Dog like they have a clue because they frequented the place, and mention it to make themselves look like they know what they are talking about and have some quality background to what they are saying. If you had a clue, you wouldnt be talking out of your a$$ and trying to validate your points. Wouldn't it be nice to just go to shows and enjoy them without people coming up and talking about the reddirt scene/music/bar industry type stuff without any real understanding about how any of it works. So with that said I don't even know what to say about local bands and the continual crying about the dog "not supporting them". Hmm where to begin. Does anyone remember how long it took Ragweed to get a "break" or become "big"? Something like ten years? Interesting that the bands that started playing as little as a week ago are "ready" to play the Dog on a prime time Saturday night headlining gig because they have a "huge" following and "deserve" it. Hell if you deserve it so much, why doesn't the bar throw in dinner, a massage, and a hotel. I give major props to the bands out there that are "putting in thier time" proving themselves, taking any gigs they can get, opening whenever they get the chance, and truly understand that things aren't handed to them on a silver platter. I wish someone else (and he knows who he is) would address the issue as well and discuss how noone realizes how much it costs to run and keep a bar open in Bricktown, let alone anywhere, and the risks of booking a new band that "just needs a chance" and pay rent at the same time. Seems like theres always a new bar opening, closing, remodeling, reopening downtown because they cant hack it. I give props to everyone involved in the WD for keeping it open, keeping the traditons, the partying, bringing the artists back to Oklahoma. So for the bands that think they should "move to Texas, learn barre chords and cover songs" because the "Wormy Dog doesnt support local music and they can move to Texas and become celebrities", i'll help you pack because sadly you don't know what you are taliking about. Can we listen to your songs on the radio here in OKC while we pack? Doubt it. Are you going to sell out the place? Doubt it. Is that odd? Anyone ever thought about the radio support of this scene and the bands that play in OK or move to TX? Last I checked i didnt hear alot of radio support for any of the local or any of the artists for that matter. Also cover songs, when did they become so "uncool". If you would have been around when The Divide, Boland, Ragweed, etc. were plugging along living gig to gig and building thier fan bases when noone knew them you would sure have heard them play cover songs to keep the party going, and slip thier own songs in between at the right time, timing is everything, eventually it seems as though people were asking to hear thier songs, but if they would just go out there, talk five minutes in between songs and play thier originals that werent known, they would still be unknown. Just a thought to those that trash bands that play a few cover songs, and think they "deserve" thier break.
All in all, lets go over some things we've learned, buy your tixs early, don't be mad at the poor door guys when you wait in line, don't decide to call someone yo know at the Dog, especially after not talking to them in months and expect special treatment, exppect them to answer, or have time for your call if there is a line out the door, we're all turning our phones off. If you are a new or local band, don't be mad because you havent gotten your silver platter chance, especially if you've never even dropped by your "press kit/a demo cd/or even called to get booked, and remember that this whole thing in its entirety is mearly in its beginning years so keep at it. For the "know-it-alls" that like to talk remember, it's amazing how the ones that talk all the time dont know what they are talking about, and the ones that know it all say very little. You want to learn what to do make your band successful or play at the dog, talk to Chuck, you want to really learn about "the old dog" or the real reddirt scene beginnings talk to Chuck, my historian Ragen, or even Nancy. They will tell you some good stories. I hope this blog gave you something to talk about for a while, for those that want to enjoy great music, great people, and cold drinks, I will see you at the bar, let's have a shot on me CHEERS

I apologize for not keeping up on my end of the dog blog lately. Some Guy finally kicked me in the groin and told me to get with the program. My computer was bogged down...bah blah blah, anyway. Where do I begin. I know I have forgotten alot of the stuff thats been happening at the bar but I do know I need to mention the Charlie Robison show last month. IT WAS AWESOME. Even though there was massive snow coming down and icing over the roads, it didn't stop anyone from coming out to party. I think Charlie's band, The Enablers, couldn't have found a better name for themselves. They play music that makes you wanna drink, and when you put them together they defenitely enable you to do things, like dance on bars, show hidden tatoos, and talk to the girls that are dancing on the bar and showing thier tatoos. What a great time. Since the band was snowed in they had plenty of time to hang out, sign autographs, and drink a beer with thier fans after the show. They were a very cool group to spend time with. I look forward to seeing them come back. I have drank plenty of adult beverages lately so forgive me if I forget or get things out of order. I vaguely remember a Macon Greyson show in there somewhere, congrats to them for getting signed on with a record label. That night was a blur but I do remember Buddy Huffman handing his guitar to a "drinking Big Silk" that was enjoying himself and he began to play the guitar like lightning was coming from his fingertips, wait, maybe that was something else because he immediately cut himself with his "mad" guitar skills but it didnt stop him in true rock star fashion. Buddy walked down the bar or took shots or something and then went back to throw beer on his band, it was a true party Huffman style. I left out of pure fright shortly thereafter. Just kidding. I remember there was a Great Divide show sometime as well. The Great Divide always know how to party old school style, and they were nonetheless hosting one hell of a party. I vaguely remember Danny Miller, who provides pretty much every band with thier major sound equipment, playing the drums and it was bad to the bone. I think JJ Lester began singing but don't quote me on that. The South Austin Jug Band came in to open up for Reckless Kelly and the place was packed for Reckless that night. SAJB was fortunate to have gotten to open for Reckless Kelly and turn on so many new fans that have never heard of them. Everyone was packed in there tight that night and they responded really well to the SAJB so hopefully they will come back. Reckless Kelly went on and completely annihilated the crowd. Booze, hott women, and great music, what more could you ask for? Maybe an apppearance by Crazy Eddie himself, but you can't ask for a better way to spend your night, right Dusty? Let's See Charlie Shaftner band came back and headlined a show and im telling ya they kinda came out of nowhere to me and they are a solid solid band, much praise from everyone that has seen them at the bar. Full Throttle came through at least once to rock out with thier **** out. For three young guys and an old old man for a manager they sure have it going on. Some friends of the music scene from Ft Worth were in town so I must mention that Jenny and Crystal its always a pleasure to see you. Jenny where was Ryan Bingham? Why didnt you bring him to play like the deal we made in Steamboat? Try harder next time. So back to that night, George who is the manager of Full Throttle, I must say man, you need to loosen up and have a drink with us next time. This "i'm working so I must stay sober ALL night" stuff has got to go. Bring your balls next time and belly up and have a drink with us, no more Shirly Temples, one beer would be ok. That reminds me, somewhere around Fat Tuesdayish The Randy Rrogers Band came through town. I almost forgot, or had those memories hid far back in my mind. They didnt play or anything the bar was closed that night, but they were just passing through town and wanted to hang out. We sat around, drank beer at various places and just enjoyed life. They were coming up with titles for an upcoming album and it was alot of fun to help them with suggestions (that they totally threw out the window) but I still liked "Alligator boots size 12" or "Nice Mullet". The guys were stoked to have gotten new "toys" right Brady and Randy? PSP's are cool amongst other things. Jon and Dan pulled out some guitars and played some of the coolest tunes I had heard in a long time. I hope they finish the song they were working on, trust me one of these days you will hear it and I will say "told you so" because its damn damn fine song. I wish I could tell you how it went, but I'll wait til its done. Speaking of good music, Jason Boland and Stoney Larue played a great show for a random acoustic Monday night. It was packed from wall to wall. Good music and a great bar, my dreams are always coming true. Wow to wrap it up, they also played this last weekend, both headlining a show and packing the place and leaving lines down the street. Stoney and the boys left no rock unturned and played the s*** out of good music, new and old just the same. Boland was the best i've ever seen him. He was jumping around and getting into the songs like none other, like "back when the word was thunderbird". The crowd was revved, Boland was revved and they fed off of each other like it was the last party of the semester, remember those days, exactly the kind of time you dont want to miss because everyones going to be talking about it for a long time. Man i'm getting excited just thinking about how intense the music was and how awesome Jason rocked. Damn fine time, damn fine time. Now thats a long month or more to go over so hopefully I wont have to wait that long next time. Just keep the "mezcal" bottle away from me and I'll try and stay somewhat sober.

I need to back up a week and catch up on the Dog blog before I can move onto this weekend. There is a reason that I have waited a week, due to Cooder Graw's Matt Martindale, but I will get to that in a minute. First things first, Roger Creager rocks. He gave everything he had when he played on Friday night. I wouldn't doubt if he lost ten pounds of water weight from first song to the last song.. The man gave everything he had to the crowd that night, and the crowd in return showed him that the Wormy Dog can party just as hard. It had been a while since I had seen Roger Creager in concert and I was blown away. Anyone that can get the crowd worked up and worn out that fast has some major cahonies and my hat is off to him and his band. The Wormy Dog/Roger Creager rendition of "You've lost that lovin feeling" on 2/10/06 will go down in the books as one to remember and serves as a prime example of the crowd taking over and giving back to the artist. Lots of booze, lots of babes, and one hell of a party. Everything rolled over to Saturday and the party continued. Cooder Graw showed up on Saturday with a "familiar" look, and a refreshing new face. They brought a fiddle player with them that made jaws drop. I have drank too much since then so I apologize on forgetting her name, although I think it might be Trisha but I have no last name or you, but anyway she was drop dead gorgeous and she played a mean fiddle. The unanimous decision among the Wormy Dog regulars was any woman that can play a fiddle like that and still look as amazing as she did is a catch and half and a fine addition to a band that already rocks socks off. There's never too much washboard, and as my good friend Eric used to say "there can never be enough Cow Bell". I'll add to that by saying that you can never get enough Cooder Graw, you guys are a true class act and it shows. With that out of the way, I need to explain a small endeavor with our friend Matt Martindale, who most of you think is named "Cooder Graw", but really it's Matt. I waited a week to post this blog because I told Matt I was going to poke fun at him, he assured me that he would be disappointed if I didn't, and that he would be checking the website all week long until I did. Naturally I waited until the last minute just to aggrivate him. So the guys take stage on Saturday and I start thinking, "hmm it's been a while since I've seen them, but man something seems very familiar". I go about my business of taking pictures and taking shots (not necessarily in that order) and then as I'm taking the picture above it hits me, and as you can see by Matt's expression, he figured it out at the same time and gave me a classic "deer in the headlights look". He was wearing the same shirt he wore last time, not that funny? well it is because we did this the time before, even though we joked about it then and it spiraled downward into a really weird drunken deja vu'. The proof is even hanging on the wall at the entrance of the bar in Cooder Graw's picture if you don't believe us. We razzed each other until he declared that his "Wormy Dog shirt", then DK started razzing him some more, until he finally took the shirt off, donated it to the bar until next time around, and stood shirtless in a leather coat with a fur collar. If Matt Martindale, now "eminem" to me, dressed gangsta isn't a funny sight, I dont know what one is. Cheers Matt, drinks and blue shirts on you next time.

There was alot of drinking going on Saturday night, and it all rolled over into Sunday's Superbowl Bash (which commercial was better cavemen/Fed Ex or Budweiser streaking sheep), so it has taken me a few days to get back on track and post a blog, but now that I've sat down here we go. Let's Start with Saturday night and see what I recall. The opening band was The Jackson Taylor Band and they were impressive. I defenitely recommend going to one of thier shows or buying a cd, when they come back. Theres nothing like starting the night off on a good note, especially with some Waylon and Merle to get the party started early. When they were done they stayed for Bleu and partook in the drinking and the party. Maybe even a bit too much, but it was all good and alot of fun and yes they did find thier van keys. If you get a chance to meet Josh thier guitar player he's pretty damn cool, if I remember correctly he is old school Stillwater and remembers how to jam. I was completely right with my predictions for Saturday night. The Bleu Edmondson Band brought some amazing energy into the Wormy Dog. When I say energy Im talking about some serious serious energy. Dave Bowen had just bought some crazy drums that were brand spankin new and he was beatin' em like he had to break them in or try and break them while he still had a warranty and the boxes. Devin was jammin on the guitar and Dicky was going crazy and bouncing around and jumping off of amps like a true rocker while Bleu, as you can see from the picture, was giving the crowd everything he had. I've seen these guys play dozens of times over the last however many years, and the show Saturday night was nothing short of one of the best and I was right in saying they were bringing "the wrath of a thousand loaded guns", ask anyone that was there, they did. The beautiful women were out and they did defenitely multiply by the masses. The Big Silk proved that he knew how to consume a drink (or two) and not just make them and the party was thrown into full effect. I think Denny made a "special guest appearance" onstage, but I think he did it just to impress a certain someone, right Brandy? Vinny was there and had a koozie, but I didnt get to see if it was a Shark koozie or not so whoever was questioning him on the guestbook rest assured that he was there, with a koozie. I know there are several people coming out for tonight's acoustic show, it's Brandon Jenkins, c'mon people you know you can't resist. Speaking of acoustic, did everyone see the show coming up on Feb 20th? That's right Jason Boland and Stoney Larue acoustic so mark your calendars, in fact, I want to challenge my friend Ron who works on a Farm in the panhandle, to stay in town for that Monday and enjoy life one more day. Hope to see everyone out tonight or this weekend. Cheers!