Lost Traveler Band

This weekend we caught up with West Butler and Patrick Owens, who we first heard last year at Tootsies in Nashville. The two have joined with bassist Quinn Messer and guitarist Drew Smith and formed the Lost Traveler Band - a group that combines their country background with classic rock songs. Or at least that's what we heard from their myspace page. The site contains several live songs from a show in Minot, North Dakota. We knew that West and Patrick played a wide repertoire of songs - some originals - and the Lost Traveler band exceeded that. They cover Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, The Outfield, and they even made Journey listenable -- that may even have been my favorite. Drew Smith's vocals are similar to West Butler's - deep classic country - so each song was quite different than the original. What was most impressive was the guitar playing - particularly in Runnin Down A Dream. The band is based in either Nashville or Muscle Shoals, but they advertise that they travel coast to coast. I can't wait until they come east.

Washington D.C. Inauguration Parties

For those traveling to Washington D.C. for the Inauguration festivities, many national acts will be joining you, converging on our capitol to play at the numerous inauguration balls. Here are a few that we suggest finding a ticket. The most popular ball is always the Texas State Society "Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball", this year held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. On Monday the 19th, $200 will get you in to hear Sunny Sweeney, Jack Ingram, Kelly Willis, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Dale Watson, Asleep at the Wheel, Bruce Robison, Charlie Robison, Emory Quinn, and Tracy Byrd. What a lineup. On the same night, several Chicago area artists are playing at the The Big Shoulders Inauguration Ball at the Black Cat in Wahsington D.C. These artists include Eleventh Dream Day, Jon Langford, Judson Claiborne, Freakwater, Honeyboy Edwards, Icy Demons, Ken Vandermark, Tortoise, Andrew Bird, The Waco Brothers, and Ted Leo.

On Inauguration Day itself, the highlight of the day will occur in Falls Church Virginia, and not Washington D.C. We can't watch to watch Donna the Buffalo perform at The State Theatre; part rock, reggae, country, folk, and cajun-zydeco, this is one act you don't want to miss. In case this event does sell out, there are several local acts performing in the area. Try the Glen Echo Park Inaugural Ball with the The Idle Americans and The Gigmiesters or IOTA Club's Inauguration Celebration. This event includes Todd Wright, Shane Hines, Anthony Fiacco from The Blackjacks, Ted Garber, and Seth Cohen Experience. That's some good local talent.

New Music from DayTrotter.com

So far in January, DayTrotter.com has released some amazing songs from Viking Moses to Cotton Jones. Never heard of them. Take a listen. We also liked Brandi Shearer, Ben Taylor, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, and Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. Black Joe Lewis was our favorite, part blues, part soul; just listen to Gunpowder to hear what we mean. But you will be hearing more from this Austin based group. Also listen to Gone The Bells by Cotton Jones. Each artist is worth a listen so navigate to DayTrotter.com.