Brave Combo

Grammy Award-Winning Band from Denton, Texas

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You are here: Archives for Featured News 1

The Machine’s Pump Volume 26 – #3 – March 2023

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Brave Combo opened for The Red Hot Chili Peppers once, in Kansas City, at a club called Parody Hall. It was Jeffrey, Bubba, Mitch and myself. We drove all the way to Kansas City to play this one gig for $500 (plus the club promised us our own headlining date in the near future). The club was packed (around 500-600 people) and the vibe was great. We played one of the weirdest shows we’ve ever played and it worked. The audience loved us. Insanely fast polkas go over really well in that kind of situation. And the Chili Peppers were, indeed, amazing. It was a rocking night and then we probably drove the eight hours home to Denton, clearing about $115 each, after paying for gas. And the club gave us our own headlining gig the next time we made it to Kansas City. I think that show was good, too, but I barely remember anything about it. The management was very nice to us. I do remember that. It’s helpful to have a good relationship with club owners, booking agents, and promoters. The manager of a club in Springfield, Missouri, I think, pulled a gun on a blues band Jeff was in, once, when they tried to get paid. A super hipster promoter/local celebrity took me into a stairwell after we played our set at the legendary Peppermint Lounge in New York City and tried to pay me less than we’d agreed on. He started acting sorta tough, but, somehow, I stood firm and got all of our money. I felt like I’d truly arrived!

Speaking of playing far away from home, we often hear from fans around the country, asking when/if we ever plan to come back to where they are. It might be New York City, Los Angeles, or Davenport, Iowa. It’s enormously gratifying to know we still have fans all over the place, eager for our return, but it’s also enormously frustrating because getting to them has become more hassle than fun, no matter how one travels. On top of that, live music, in general, has been struggling for over a decade and, of course, there’s Covid 19, which has literally, gobbled up more than three years of normal performing/touring activities. It’s been very hard to predict which shows may or may not happen and, frankly, when it would be safe for us to venture out and encourage others to come out and look at us. Bands want and need the venues to be full, so touring will be profitable, but if they’re too full, which used to be a desirable thing, someone could get sick. That’s a sucky situation. Plus traveling comfortably, with several adults who are not particularly interested in too many negative surprises, is more expensive than ever. No surprise there. So, myriad things have affected our ability to feel good about “hitting the road” again. Jeez, we even have to brace ourselves for a routine trip to Austin or Houston. There are lots of reasons the traffic might just stop, over and over, sometimes almost doubling the driving time it should take. If I could snap my fingers and be backstage at First Avenue, in Minneapolis or the Tractor Tavern, in Seattle or Fitzgerald’s, in Chicago or The Beachland Ballroom, in Cleveland, or anywhere, really, I would be there yesterday, as would everyone else in the band. We still seriously dig playing the music we play and we continue to add more groovy tunes to the repertoire. Friday’s gig at the National Accordion convention was, in my opinion, a spectacular musical happening. Unique, in many ways, just as it should have been. I wish every Brave Combo fan in the world could have been there. We were joined by two ridiculously gifted accordionists, Alex Meixner, and Cory Pesaturo and I had the pleasure of just picking out the songs, counting them off, and expressing glee as I played. Total fun. Anyway, I know we’re probably not just next door to where you live, but you really can plan a vacation around one or two of our shows. While we’re all waiting for the touring-band landscape to become more user-friendly, why not check our itinerary and make us a destination? More dates to be added soon!

Speaking of reaching the masses, WORLD CAFÉ, a long-running NPR program out of WXPN, in Philadelphia, recently showed up in Denton to interview Jeffrey and me for an upcoming feature on our musical hometown. We all hung out at the BC World Headquarters and I showed them a bunch of mannequins I bought when the local Macy’s closed down. The host, Raina, and producer, Miguel, were quite decent human beings and seemed impressed with the deal I got on the mannequins. The show will air in the middle of April. Set your watch!

I better stop writing. It’s 4:30 in the morning. Bedtime. There are some cool things coming up, live, live-streaming, and recording. By the way, don’t worry about how unsettled and bizarre the world appears to be right now. As well, try to ignore how flimsy and vulnerable everything feels and how everyone’s sorta losing it. Some night, stay up until well after midnight and drive around wherever you live. The streets will be much, much less crowded, if not empty. I often run to our office in downtown Denton after 2:00 am. I may see only four or five cars the whole time I’m out. Things are quiet. Most people have decided to become unconscious for several hours by then, always missing the best time of the day; when you can think. But what do I know. I’m just me. Goodnight. Or good morning.

 

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Upcoming Shows

Current Month
Kidd-Key Auditorium400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas

sat15apr5:45 pmsat8:45 pmSherman Jazz MuseumSherman Jazz Classic - Kidd Key AuditoriumKidd-Key Auditorium, 400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas5:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Event Details

Jazz up your weekend at the Sherman Jazz Classic! Enjoy the line-up of top community jazz bands with guest artists and ensembles including Brave Combo and Memphis Brass –

Event Details

Jazz up your weekend at the Sherman Jazz Classic! Enjoy the line-up of top community jazz bands with guest artists and ensembles including Brave Combo and Memphis Brass – all day Saturday at Sherman’s historic Kidd-Key Auditorium. Step into an immersive musical experience at the Sherman Jazz Museum’s world-class collection of jazz memorabilia. Catch all the events – the Douglass Distributing Speakeasy Gala, music talks, High School Jazz Band Showcase and Sunday Gospel Jazz Brunch. Free entry to Museum and performances all day Saturday. 

Main Stage Sets
5:45 to 6:15 PM
7:00 to 7:30 PM
8:15 to 8:45 PM

Time

(Saturday) 5:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Location

Kidd-Key Auditorium

400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Main St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalDowntown Fort Worth, TX

fri21aprAll DayMain St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalMain St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, Downtown Fort Worth, TX(All Day: friday)

Time

All Day (Friday)

Location

Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival

Downtown Fort Worth, TX

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Quanah City ParkQuanah, Texas

sat22apr3:30 pmQuanah Concert at the ParkQuanah City Park, Quanah, Texas3:30 pm

Event Details

Join us for a fun-filled day of picnicking and live music at the historic Quanah City Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Quanah Friends of the Park is proud

Event Details

Join us for a fun-filled day of picnicking and live music at the historic Quanah City Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The Quanah Friends of the Park is proud to host this Spring Picnic, starting at noon, and it promises to be a day of endless fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful park’s excellent picnic tables and benches. There will be live music all afternoon, with several games available, including disc golf, horseshoes, basketball, and cornhole. Additional food options will be available on-site for those who want to avoid packing their lunch.

The day’s highlight will be the Concert at the Park, Presented by United Supermarkets, featuring Brave Combo, the two-time Grammy Award Winning band. Brave Combo will take the stage at 3:30 PM, so be sure to plan to stay all afternoon to enjoy the full experience.

Take advantage of this opportunity to spend a beautiful day with family and friends at the historic Quanah City Park, with live music, games, and a concert featuring Brave Combo. So come on down, grab a picnic blanket, and enjoy the day!

Time

(Saturday) 3:30 pm

Location

Quanah City Park

Quanah, Texas

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Dan's Silverleaf103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223

sun23aprAll DayDan's SilverleafFundraiser for the Denton Arts & Jazz FestivalDan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Dan's Silverleaf

103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223

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sat29aprAll DayArts & The ParkHot Springs, Arkansas(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Hot Springs, Arkansas

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sun14mayAll DayAngelina ArtsMother's Day ConcertLufkin, Texas(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Lufkin, Texas

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Murphy Central Park550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094

sat20mayAll DayTunes, Tails & AlesMurphy Central Park, 550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Murphy Central Park

550 North Murphy Road, Murphy, Texas 75094

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KJT Hall1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

sat27mayAll DayNational Polka Festival - Ennis, TexasKJT Hall, 1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Organizer

National Polka Festival

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KJT Hall1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

sun28mayAll DayNational Polka Festival - Ennis, TexasKJT Hall, 1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Organizer

National Polka Festival

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William Henry Harrison Park11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054

sat10junAll DaySugar Creek Slavic FestivalWilliam Henry Harrison Park, 11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

William Henry Harrison Park

11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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San Marcos Plaza Park202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 78666

thu15jun7:30 pmthu9:30 pmSummer in the ParkSan Marcos Plaza Park, 202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 786667:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Event Details

Concert site: San Marcos Plaza Park 202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX

Event Details

Summer in the Parks San Marcos

Concert site:
San Marcos Plaza Park
202 N C M Allen Pkwy
San Marcos, TX 78666

Rain site:
San Marcos Activity Center
501 E Hopkins St,
San Marcos, TX 78666

Time

(Thursday) 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Location

San Marcos Plaza Park

202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 78666

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Organizer

San Marcos Performing Arts Association

info@sanmarcossummer.com

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Westfest Grounds1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

sat02sepAll DayWestfestWestfest Grounds, 1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Organizer

Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

Learn More

Westfest Grounds1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

sun03sepAll DayWestfestWestfest Grounds, 1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

Add to ICS CalendarAdd to Google Calendar

Organizer

Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

Learn More

Historic Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

fri22sepAll DayMcKinney OktoberfestHistoric Downtown SquareHistoric Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069(All Day: friday)

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this year’s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes,

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this year’s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children’s activities and much more

The “beer garden” covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all downtown McKinney has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. McKinney Main Street, supporting sponsors and the shops in Historic Downtown McKinney host non-stop activities in the heart of our great city.
conditions

 

Time

All Day (Friday)

Location

Historic Downtown McKinney

111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

Add to ICS CalendarAdd to Google Calendar

Organizer

City of McKinney

Learn More

Historic Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

sat23sepAll DayMcKinney OktoberfestHistoric Downtown SquareHistoric Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069(All Day: saturday)

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this year’s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes,

Event Details

Dust off your lederhosen and tune up your yodel for this year’s Oktoberfest. McKinney Oktoberfest is a family favorite, offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children’s activities and much more

The “beer garden” covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s Historic Downtown square so you can enjoy all downtown McKinney has to offer with a German beer in one hand and a bratwurst in the other. McKinney Main Street, supporting sponsors and the shops in Historic Downtown McKinney host non-stop activities in the heart of our great city.
conditions

 

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Historic Downtown McKinney

111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

Add to ICS CalendarAdd to Google Calendar

Organizer

City of McKinney

Learn More

Frisco Square8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034

sat07octAll DayFrisco OktoberfestFrisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Frisco Square

8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034

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Denton's Quakertown Park and Facilities321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 76201

sun08oct7:00 pmsun9:00 pmDenton Arts & Jazz FestivalDenton's Quakertown Park and Facilities, 321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 762017:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Time

(Sunday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location

Denton's Quakertown Park and Facilities

321 East McKinney (Corner of McKinney and Bell) Denton, Texas 76201

Learn More - Click to Visit Website

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Organizer

Denton Festival Foundation

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DowntownKilgore, Texas

sat14octAll DayKilgore OktoberfestDowntown, Kilgore, Texas(All Day: saturday)

Time

All Day (Saturday)

Location

Downtown

Kilgore, Texas

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Southlake Town Square Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX

sun15octAll DaySouthlake OktoberfestMain StageSouthlake Town Square, Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX(All Day: sunday)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Southlake Town Square

Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX

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Organizer

Southlake Chamber of Commerce

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Machine’s Pump – Latest Issue

The Machine’s Pump Volume 26 – #3 – March 2023

Brave Combo opened for The Red Hot Chili Peppers once, in Kansas City, at a club called Parody Hall. It was Jeffrey, Bubba, Mitch and myself. We drove … [Read More...]

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