As the year comes to a close tonight, it’s time to take a look back at the highlights and low points of 2008.
If you are in the mood to enjoy some live music tonight to help welcome in the New Year, you have many options. Let’s take a look at what your choices are.
First up, there’s two great blues bands ringing in the new year at Billy’s Ice on Loop 337. All In Blues Band will open for Devil’s Hollow for this free show. If you caught their set last week at Gruene Hall, you know just how good this young band is.
“This week is our one-year anniversary as a band,” explained singer and guitarist Adam Johnson. “I was a huge fan of the blues, and when I met bassist Jacob Christian and we formed the band, we just stuck with the blues.”
Once they added guitarist Curtis Clogston and drummer Brianne Willis, they started writing original tunes and learning more classic cover songs. Everywhere they played, the crowds loved it.
“Depending on how long we get to play,” said Johnson, “we can do about half originals and half covers. For our show at Billy’s, we’ll get started about 8 p.m. We’ll hang around and jam with Devil’s Hollow.”
Speaking of Devil’s Hollow, I spoke with Justin Murray, lead vocalist and guitarist for the group.
“We’re really looking forward to the show at Billy’s Ice; it’s going to be a lot of fun. We have written some new songs, and this will give us a chance to try them out. We have some special guests that are expected to drop by and jam with us.”
The band recently added guitarist Tom Young, changing the original trio to a rocking four piece band. They are working on a new CD that they plan on releasing early next year.

Other New Year’s Eve shows scheduled for tonight include Robert Earl Keen and Toni Price at Gruene Hall. Tickets for this show are $100, and it is sold out so hopefully you already have your tickets if you are planning on going. Tavern in the Gruene will feature Dave Jorgenson and will offer free snacks and champagne. Tickets are $10 at the door. The Joel Hofmann Band will be welcoming in 2009 at Riley’s Tavern on Hunter Road. Call (512) 392-3132 for more information. Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos has Texas FX and Kyle Park on the schedule, while Floores Country Store in Helotes welcomes Two Tons of Steel. Roger Creager will be at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, and Geronimo Trevino will be at Hangin’ Tree Saloon in Bracken.

Looking back on all the great CDs released in 2008, it’s hard to single out just one favorite. My Top 20 favorites for the year are: Hayes Carll – Trouble in Mind; Rodney Hayden – 12 Ounce World; Wade Bowen – If We Ever Make it Home; Jamey Johnson – That Lonesome Song; Waylon Jennings – Waylon Forever; Reckless Kelly – Bulletproof; Band of Heathens – Band of Heathens; AC/DC – Black Ice; Bleu Edmondson – Live at Billy Bob’s; James McMurtry – Just Us Kids; Randy Rogers Band – Randy Rogers Band; Jason Boland – Comal County Blue; Metallica – Death Magnetic; Rodney Crowell – Sex & Gasoline; Chris Knight – Heart of Stone; Eli Young Band – Jet Black & Jealous; No Justice – Live at Billy Bob’s; Darius Rucker – Learn To Live; Billy Payne – Country Til I Die; and Alejandro Escovedo – Real Animal.
Honorable Mention goes to Zack Walther & the Cronkites – Ambition. It will be released next year and will be one of my favorites of next year. Please e-mail me your top picks. I’m sure I’ve overlooked many great albums. Remember, don’t drink and drive.
Have a safe and Happy New Year.