Just a couple of weeks ago, I was riding high on the joy of High Water Festival…I drove a five and a half hour drive back to Atlanta, picked up my dog, ate dinner, and was off to a show I have waited years to see. Yep, my energy level was in the negative, but I was doggone determined to not miss a show from an artist I have been hoping to see for years.
Who was it?
Shinyribs
Shinyribs is the power of Kevin Russell. His musical journey began as a child when he found a guitar, a box of comic books, and a billy club, under his dad’s bed. Thank heavens he chose the guitar! Later, he formed a small band, Picket Line Coyotes to eventually develop into The Gourds in Austin, Texas. After that, Shinyribs was born.
“A Shinyribs show is an exaltation of spirit. It’s a hip shaking, belly laughing, soul-singing, song-slinging, down-home house party.”
I knew years ago, I wanted to experience a Shinyribs show. His music is witty, clever, a bit raunchy, but good-natured fun. So I waited and waited…Why would he ever have to leave Texas? His shows are successful and repeatedly sold out in the Lone Star state. So my wait was rather long, but now, I can say totally worth it!
The Shinyribs show began with a strong opening act…
Caleb Caudle
Caleb Caudle is a North Carolina based country rock singer. He has a conversational singing style that is quite soothing. He began his musical career with a punk band, The Bayonets and has since taken a one hundred eighty degree turn to a country rock genre. With his clear southern drawl, it suits him. He just released a new album in February, Crushed Coins. Listen to “Empty Arms”, it has a definite country twang (a departure for me), folk song delivery, and a bit of garage rock reverb. Caudle will be playing Wildwood Revival on July 1st after the Gospel Brunch.
Caleb Caudle Empty Arms
A happy listener snagged the set list and allowed me to take a photo.
Then….the man of the night sauntered on stage. In a fast foot shuffle, he worked his way to the mic and began the set with “Country Cool”.
Shinyribs
He sang, danced, and entertained with great panache. My weary body from a crazy busy weekend at High Water Festival was suddenly energized and excited to experience what I knew would be an amazing show.
Here is only a sample of his guitar skills.
Listen to the chorus of one of my favorite songs…”Who Built The Moon”. I love his hand motions with the lyrics.
As if the night couldn’t get any better…I was lucky enough to have a short chat with Kevin Russell after the show. We are both glistening from the conga line he led through the audience! Why yes, I did jump on and danced with everyone all around the floor. My cheeks literally ached at the end of the night from smiling. He was so funny and so entertaining.
Here I present the set list, written on the bottom of a grocery bag!
If you ever get the chance to see Shinyribs, drop what you are doing and go…you won’t regret it. I promise.
