Brave Combo

Grammy Award-Winning Band from Denton, Texas

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You are here: The Machine's Pump / The Machine’s Pump Volume 25 – #7 – July 2022

The Machine’s Pump Volume 25 – #7 – July 2022

4 Comments

Okay! Everyone listen up. There is no returning to what was “normal.” Period. There is only now, as it is, and the mystery of the future, which will probably be dominated by challenges we haven’t yet imagined. Trying to hang on to almost any comfort-zone mindsets we once enjoyed, is pretty futile. The cracks and obstructions are in each of us and all of us. We’ve all changed and “returning to normal” just sounds like a pitifully sad plea from the darkness; lost, because the old maps are, well, old! Even before we actually partied like it was 1999, in 1999, I could feel a shift in how the public was perceiving music. Then, on September 11, 2001, a lot changed, of course, and one could feel the reverberations for a very long time. However, from a musical “crisis/opportunity” point-of-view, a lot of new “exotic” sounds were thrust upon the United States, as myriad cultures clashed/mingled and the world’s interest focused on the Middle East. I could really bore you, pointing out all the fully-accepted mainstream pop elements we hear today which almost never entered our ears before 9/11. So, musically, our lives were enhanced by the tragedies of that day. Man, that was a bad way to introduce a style of music to the American mainstream. But, quite effective, in the long run.

More recently, due to social media and generally changing attitudes, the lines between artists/musicians and the public have blurred such that, in some cases, they’ve blended. This presents new dilemmas for those who create whatever. Why does one create, for instance? If it’s all just a popularity contest and those who snooker the most followers determine the sounds we all hear, well, this is the same stupid battle Brave Combo has been involved in for, literally, decades, but on steroids. Every musician who aspires to reach beyond his or her home base, faces unbelievable obstacles. Just imagine. And part of that forced enlightenment includes a lot of time on stage, when one assumes/convinces oneself that one is worthy of being there, with people staring and listening. So, what does one do when one becomes suspicious of the old models?

I have so much new stuff (content, as the newbies say) to throw out there and I am very excited about a good percentage of it. BUT, how do I present it? Clubs are great. I’ve grown up and old in them. I know exactly how most of them smell during the day. I adore many of them and the people who work there. But, first of all, most are indoors and we are, once again, entering the Covid danger zone. Grrrr! So, between now and the onslaught of festivals and big concerts in the Fall, we will be releasing more videos/new music than you will want to hear. A ridiculous amount. You can enjoy/examine it, based on your level of interest in how the crazy brains of Brave Combo work. Everything is going to change a little or a lot. It’s time!

And speaking of change AND the onslaught of Autumn gigs, get ready for THE BRAVE COMBO ULTIMATE POLKA EXPERIENCE. Starting in August, if you attend one of our shows, you will hear some things you never heard before. Why should we hold back? What’s the point? Why keep the radical notions inside our heads? Why not reveal what we know? Feels like now or never, right? And it’s not the time to be subtle. So, open your eyes and ears and try to understand what’s going on, in the big picture. Are you Eloi or Morlock? Is there anything in the middle? Should there be? Brave Combo has always been a misfit band, full of misfit musicians. We function well in uncomfortable/disorienting environments because we can only be outsiders. That’s all we know. So, we’re up for whatever, because we have no preconceived notions. Dig?

In the earliest days of Brave Combo, we played in New York City a lot and one of our favorite clubs was Hurrah! Everything about it was almost perfect, from the friendly staff and crew to the stage and production quality. We were even invited to Hurrah one evening, by Kurt Loder of ROLLING STONE and MTV, to attend an album release party for The Lounge Lizards. I met Brian Eno there and he knew about Brave Combo and our album, MUSIC FOR SQUARES, and gave me the impression he did not care for it much, but he shook my hand and was cordial. I was just happy to be there and to feel like we were part of a new movement. I had no idea what was to follow. This was in 1980. Sadly, another of my vivid memories about Hurrah! is that the booking person/beloved visionary for the club, Ruth Polski, was hit and killed by a NYC cab a short time later and we never went back. The soul of the venue departed. Of course, we’ve continued to perform in NYC regularly, all over that big ol’ place (well, before Covid), but Hurrah! still stands out as a very special spot. Then, out of the blue, this video shows up on YouTube. It’s Tim, Lyle, Dave (now Lisa), and myself, playing a revved-up version of Arthur Murray’s “Learning the Cha Cha,” at Hurrah! and we rocked it! Wow! What a trip! Check it out. I guess someone from the club has released a bunch of videos from their archives. Maybe more Brave Combo will surface!

Okay, I hope you are confused, but intrigued. Keep an eye on our itinerary and make your plans. Now, here’s a very funny joke!

Joke of the Month
Oldster: We need to return to the good ol’ days, I tell ya. When I was a teenager. Everything was perfect. Shoulda stayed like that.

Youngster: Uh, no internet? No cellphone? That sounds great.

Oldster: Hell, Yeah! We had MY MOTHER, THE CAR!

Comments

  1. Kenny says

    July 21, 2022 at 1:38 am

    For one whole season

    Reply
  2. DONNIE RIEGER says

    July 22, 2022 at 9:56 pm

    ENJOY YOUR MUSIC.
    HOW ABOUT A SHOW IN HASKELL’TX OR ABILENE,TX?

    Reply
  3. Spike Spilker says

    July 23, 2022 at 11:31 am

    Gosh! A resident of Denton was in Wit, Wait, Don’t Tell me, and no one mentioned Brave Combo! Incredible! Like the time a guy from Mechanicsburg, PA called the Car Guys and they didn’t even make a little crack about the Town’s name. Duh!

    Reply
  4. Spike Spilker says

    July 23, 2022 at 11:33 am

    Gosh! A resident of Denton was in Wit, Wait, Don’t Tell me, and no one mentioned Brave Combo! Incredible! Like the time a guy from Mechanicsburg, PA called the Car Guys and they didn’t even make a little crack about the Town’s name. Duh! (please note the corrected email. Typing on the cell phone is a nightmare often!

    Reply

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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

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

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Kidd-Key Auditorium

400 N Elm, Sherman, Texas

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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)

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Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival

Downtown Fort Worth, TX

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Quanah City ParkQuanah, Texas

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

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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

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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

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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)

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Dan's Silverleaf

103 Industrial Street Denton, TX 76201-4223

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

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Hot Springs, Arkansas

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

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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)

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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)

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1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

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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)

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KJT Hall

1216 S. Paris Street, Ennis, TX

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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)

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William Henry Harrison Park

11520 Putnam Street, Sugar Creek, Missouri 64054

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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

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

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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

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

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San Marcos Plaza Park

202 N C M Allen Pkwy San Marcos, TX 78666

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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)

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Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

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Westfest Grounds1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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

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Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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Westfest Inc.

254-826-5058

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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.
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Time

All Day (Friday)

Location

Historic Downtown McKinney

111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069

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City of McKinney

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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

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Frisco Square8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034

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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

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

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Denton's Quakertown Park and Facilities

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

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Denton Festival Foundation

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DowntownKilgore, Texas

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All Day (Saturday)

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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)

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All Day (Sunday)

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Southlake Town Square

Main St at Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX

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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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