Dan Roark

I had the good fortune to be in the lineup for New Faces Tuesday on August 22 at Love and War in Texas in Plano.

Shaun Outen was hosting the evening. The sponsor, Texas Select/Texas Select Radio, was broadcasting live on TexasSelectRadio.com. Dana Verrill of Texas Select was on hand for the first part of the show.

Alex Francisco Caruthers opened the evenings performances. His music and songs are reminiscent of Dan Fogelberg. Although the lyrics were a little hard to distinguish through the harmony pedal up a little too loud. But we could distinguish enough to know that they were good songs. After a few songs, he was joined on stage by Christopher Odell Mills and they traded songs. Christopher  made one think of Darius Rucker – in stage manner and vocal style more than looks or sound of his voice. He had nice songs and stage banter  – which Alex shared with him.

Next up to trade off songs were Dusty Fields, Kenneth Waters, and Mandalyn Mack.

Whereas Alex and Christopher were more Americana, these three were straight country. Real country, not the crap you hear on mainstream country stations. Some of the cover songs played throughout the evening may have been played on those stations, but not in heavy rotation.

Dusty Fields is also in Shaun Outen’s band and a good friend of Shaun’s. At one point during the set, Shaun took Dusty’s place and played his single, Senoritas and Tequila. Kenneth Waters calls his music red dirt – as does Shaun – which works in both cases. You can find their music on Reverbnation.

Mandalyn Mack is a sixteen year old girl with a big voice. She played mixed cover songs and originals as well. The most memorable of her originals was My Love Song to Beer. Which is ironic – as her father Alvin pointed out – because she is sixteen years old and has never had a drink. Nevertheless, the song was good.

Following them were Jeff Smithart and Ray White. Which mixed outlaw and traditional country. Check the links for their music.

Last up was Dan Roark, John Willis, and Scoot  Drescher. Mixing americana, folk, and country. John and Scoot played together since they

are part of the Garage Door Boys. They played along with Dan on I Got My Ass Kicked in Nashville, Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters, and the Aardvark Song. Likewise, Dan joined them, adding his voice on Why You Been Gone So Long.

Shaun joined John and Scoot for the last songs of the evening. (More pictures on my Facebook music page.)

Thanks to Shaun Outen, Texas Select Radio, Dana Verrill, and Love and War in Texas Plano for New Faces Tuesday. You don’t want to miss the next one. Hopefully, it will be a little cooler and less humid.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.