Story and pictures by Mary Jane Farmer
John David Kent band pix
Dustin Perkins pix
Bing Crosby sang, “Don’t Fence Me In.” It was a different time when Bing, and then Ella Fitzgerald and countless others recorded that classic. And written more about the actual wide-open spaces than the figuratively small stage in the Love & War In Texas (Plano) patio. But it came to mind when watching and listening Friday night (Sept. 25) to John David Kent & The Dumb Angels at the western-feel stage “under starry skies above.”
The show got a slower start than usual, because those starry skies clouded over for a bit, threatening rain, and so band and sound equipment relocated to the more canopied part of the patio. Then, the starry skies opened up again, and again a shift. The crowd didn’t mind all that much as they waited first for Dustin Perkins and Colton Gilbreath to open, and then for JDK and the guys. It was worth the wait!
John David Kent
The Dumb Angels may be the dumbest name I’ve heard for such an incredible band, at least the “dumb” part. The Angels — John David, Jamey Gleaves, Michael Graska, Tony Kent, and Jason Andrew — tightly knit a blend of having fun which spills out over the stage and into the audience/ fans, with the professional entertainment quality many bands, no matter how equally talented they may be, don’t exhibit.
And it’s as much about entertainment as it is talent, for my buck. The Angels jump from one song to the next, working from a set list built in their heads and their countless hours of practice and working together. They spin and move and interact on stage. The Angels aren’t afraid of hard work, and aren’t afraid of pursuing their ambitions in directions (Nashville, i.e.) that some bands resist or reject. It’s this business attitude that led to their video “My Girl” making some waves on CMT televisions’ Pure Country network.
There was a break in Friday night’s set list when John David sang Happy Birthday twice to the same Debbie. Then, Debbie’s friend asked to take the mic, and she belted out a version of Happy Birthday (which remains the most requested song of bands of all times), in a style so reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s rendition for President John F. Kennedy. Michael provided harmonies and often lead vocals, and Jason and Jamey added more back-up vocals, never missing a beat on their bass and fiddle.
John David introduced at least one new song which he said will be going onto the band’s new CD, and which he said they are going to begin recording Monday. Look for that to be ready in very early 2011.
Dustin and Colton, because of the equipment/ cloudy skies snafu, only got about 35 minutes to perform. It was packed with 35 minutes of the Best of Dustin Perkins… including his “Greener Pastures” receiving airplay on Dallas Americana radio station KHYI, among others across Texas. Tory, Love & War manager, did his best to give an ear to Dustin’s short set, but the restaurant was packed. Maybe if we all give Tory hints, he’ll bring the entire Dustin Perkins Band back to that stage.
Dustin Perkins
“Let me be by myself in the evening breeze.” Fall temperatures are making the Love & War patio the perfect place to feel those evening breezes.
Check out the Live Music Calendar regularly to see who’s coming next to Love & War in Texas, Plano and Grapevine. Yeppers, there is another is this restaurant and live music venue, totally Texas from its menu through its music.
