Something to blog about... Sarah Lee & Johnny

Well, it's been a couple of months, but I finally found a good reason to crank the blog site back up. Last night, my wife and I attended a concert by Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion at Zilkha Hall (adjacent to Houston's Hobby Center). The show was fantastic, despite being attended by about 20 people (in a venue that seats 500). I'm not sure who's bright idea this booking was (they have previously played at The Mucky Duck), but despite the poor attendance, the performance had its share of magical moments. Their new record 'Exploration' is currently in heavy rotation at my house, and Sarah Lee and Johnny played nearly every track from that record. Despite being pegged as a "folk duo," they tour with a rhythm section, and Johnny is quite fond of his big Gretsch electric guitar.

I don't know what the deal is with Houston concert audiences - this is the kind of show that 100 people would attend at The Mucky Duck, but in a much nicer venue. Granted, it was poorly publicized, and tickets went on sale around March 11. I'd blame it on Sunday night, but I attended an Elvis Costello concert just down the street last Sunday, and it was packed (I know, it's E.C.). I guess Houston concertgoers are just more comfortable staying out until 2am and coming home smelling like smoke. In any case, Sarah Lee & Johnny were very polite and courteous, and appreciative of the people who did attend. They are a charming couple, not to mention ridiculously talented.

I'd love to see another show like this at Zilkha Hall, but Sunday's performance felt like a "test case" (it was sponsored by The Magnolia Hotel and St. Arnold's Brewery, among others). So I'm not holding my breath.

BTW, they are performning in Dallas on Tuesday, March 22, first at a Border's instore and later that evening at Poor David's Pub. Tickets are only $10.

www.sarahleeandjohnny.com
www.newwestrecords.com