Country Outlaw Billy Joe Shaver at AMSDConcerts October 9
AMSDConcerts is bringing a solo country act to the stage at the old church at 4650 Mansfield in Normal Heights that will be well worth the pittance you’ll pay to see. October 9 brings Texas Country music singer and songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, whose mid-1970’s album “Old Five and Dimers Like Me” remains a classic in the country outlaw genre. After leaving the Navy, and after a series of dead end jobs, one of which cost him the better part of two fingers, Shaver ended up in Nashville, where he met Waylon Jennings. Jennings filled most of his next album, ‘Honky Tonk Heroes” with Shaver’s songs, and the rest, as they always say, is history.
Billy Joe Shaver has never been a household name, but his songs became country standards during the ’70s and his reputation among musicians and critics has remained legendary throughout the ensuing decades.All Music Guide lists 23 albums, from 1973’s Old Five & Dimers Like Me through 2007’s Everybody’s Brother. Among his many classic songs are “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day),” “Honky Tonk Heroes,” “Georgia on a Fast Train,” “Live Forever,” “Tramp on Your Street,” and “Try and Try Again.”
In 1999, Shaver was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. In 2005, he was one of the performers on CMT Outlaws. In 2006, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. He recently served as spiritual advisor to Texas independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman, and his 2007 album “Everybody’s Brother” was nominated for a Grammy award. For his efforts, the Americana Music Association awarded him their Lifetime Achievement Award in Songwriting.
Shaver is truly one of the most respected living figures in American music. His songs have been cut by Elvis, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and many others. Bob Dylan, who rarely covers other writers, often plays Billy Joe‘s “Old Five And Dimers Like Me” in concert and Johnny Cash called him “my favorite songwriter.” The Washington Post noted, “When the country outlaws were collecting their holy writings, Billy Joe Shaver was carving out Exodus.”
Tickets for Shaver’s appearance are only $25, and come with the famous AMSDConcerts money back guarantee, the only one you will find in all of San Diego. If you don’t like the first set, simply find Carey Driscoll before the second set, let him know you want to leave, and your money will be refunded in cash, on the spot. My bet is that won’t be necessary. You’ll want to stay for the entire show – and the encores, not to mention the chance to meet Shaver, have a CD signed or just express your thanks for an evening of great country music.
Mark your calendar as well for AMSDConcerts for October 11, and the incomparable Tom Rush. In 2009, Appleseed Recordings released Tom Rush’s first full-length studio album in over thirty years, “What I Know.” This album is the newest chapter in his legendary career and features original material and Rush’s interpretations of songs such as “Drift Away.” Included on Tom’s new album is a song by San Diego’s very own Jack Tempchin.
Shaver is truly one of the most respected living figures in American music.
Today, after 50 years, he’s still doing what audiences love him for: writing and playing — passionately, tenderly — knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times. This will be Rush’s fourth AMSD appearance, and his first three shows were excellent. Tickets for this one are $35, and can be reserved at the website www.AMSDConcerts.com San Diego is fortunate to have this venue, alcohol free, cell phone free and a great listening room.
Category: Entertainment
