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 26 – #2 – February 2023

The Machine’s Pump Volume 26 – #2 – February 2023

2 Comments

Welcome to deep February 2023. Generally, it feels like the pandemic is behind us. People are definitely out and about. Cars and trucks are in the way, everywhere! And more are headed to poor little Denton Town. There is no distinction between Dallas and Denton anymore. I mean, it’s bad when we start referring to downtown Dallas as south Denton. What happened? I don’t know if it’s true, but a friend, whom I consider to be a well-informed info-seeker type, told me over 50% of the new jobs in the USA are in Texas. If that’s true, it explains everything about why the 2023 version of Denton sucks. Everyone says Denton is experiencing what Austin went through years ago; development destroying unique coolness. The difference is that Austin’s music and art infrastructure was always going to remain somewhat bullet-proof; big and organized and chock-full of eccentric high-profile movers and shakers. Denton’s specialness had more to do with our tendency to stumble innocently into weird groovy stuff and our physical distance from other, more aggressive and, indeed, commercial, environments allowed that specialness to flourish. We could plug into Dallas or Ft. Worth or not and be, as many once said, an oasis; a quirky escape from normal life. Well, that reality, I’m sad to say, is almost totally gone. Unless there’s a local avant-garde of which I’m unaware. Here’s the deal. We had no role models. We made it up as we went along. Plus, Denton was loaded with young, energetic creative types, with one of the best music schools in the world and a rapidly growing underground art scene. Plus Denton boasted opening the first head shop in the state. Brave Combo was just one of a myriad oddball bands when we first hit the Fry Street scene in 1979. And, by the way, clubs were open and lively, until 2am, with music often going beyond that. We played many nights until almost 2:30. It was no big deal. And, to my memory, no one ever got shot! Whatever, I’m not a nostalgia freak. Nothing is permanent, as they say, and that’s probably a good thing, in the long run. I mainly just wish I didn’t have to encounter so many cars and trucks and people when I want to make a quick run to the store for some Dr. Pepper-flavored cotton candy or a traffic cone.

Speaking of making music, I’ve been giving lots of thought to why performers want to be on stage, displaying their craft or artistic vision. I’ve been up on one several thousand times, so that’s a lot on which to reflect. And I’ve come up with a list of reasons why someone would choose to be up there, encouraging others to watch.

1. It’s just fun, fun, fun, to be me, me, me!
2. It’s actually enlightening and therapeutic for the audience and I feel obligated to provide a service.
3. I believe I have something profound to express through my art.
4. I’m like an athlete and want to impress others with my dexterity and physical prowess. I can play fast and/or sing high.
5. I need to make money.

There are probably some other reasons (being forced at gunpoint, your parents paid a lot for violin lessons, you’re simply lost) but considering these five, four involve a fair amount of ego. Number five doesn’t require it. I know plenty of musicians who only do it for the money. Every gig is just a gig. So, as I pondered why I ponder such things, I realized I want to try to make my stage time about all five of these things (minimal emphasis on #4) but also about nothing except exploring the mystery of music; how interacting melodies, harmonic structures and rhythms affect me and whoever is listening. I’ve always wanted to play live background music, like through a grocery store’s sound system, while unsuspecting shoppers are pushing carts around. I could set up in a back storage room and play a fast song, then a slow song, then a sad song, then a majestic song, then a whimswilical song, then a reverent song, then a happy song, then a lumbering song, then a reflective song. Get the idea? The only downside would be figuring out how to tap into their PA and talking them into paying me something like $1000-1500 for my trouble. Nah, the truth is, I would jump at doing this for free. It would be a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to perform as live background music, where shoppers wouldn’t know they were hearing a live show. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

A super fan/supporter of Brave Combo (and many, many, many other bands), from Athens, Georgia, William Carlton (Ort) passed away recently. He rivaled Beatle Bob (from St. Louis, Google him) in his devotion to the wonders of popular music. One time we asked him to introduce us at the 40-Watt Club (Athens), I believe. He enthusiastically accepted and did a great job. He used to send me piles of discarded copies he dug out of the trash, which other people had thrown away, at his favorite Kinko’s. He did that several times. I would get big manila envelopes full of Athens’ trash in the mail. He was quite sincere and jolly about it and, I believe he thought it was helping me guide Brave Combo to our goal, whatever that was. Here’s a postcard he sent us once. RIP, Ort!

TEASER. Lisa Cameron (BC’s first drummer), Jad Fair (half of Half Japanese) and I are cooking something up for this summer. Stay tuned!

The long-running NPR program, World Café, out of WXPN in Philadelphia, is coming to Denton and will be interviewing us. I guess they want our wisdom and insight. Hmmm, should I mention Denton’s traffic issues or just talk about tending to feral cats? I’ll figure it out.

Brave Combo is playing the Granbury Jazz festival on Saturday, February 25. It will be a set of crazy blissful expression, with lots of notes and chords and some ridiculous singing. If you live within an hour of Granbury, you should make every effort to attend this show. In fact, gigs are starting to pile up for the year. April, May, June, September, and October are getting full, so make your plans to follow us around and throw kisses our way! Check our itinerary often and have a perfect day, dear friends!

Comments

  1. Sue Hamm says

    February 23, 2023 at 7:32 am

    We have been coming from KC to Denton for the last ten years for the Arts and Jazz fest. We have come to love Denton , know how to get from one side to the other and endured the road construction on University Dr. Every year we’ve noticed the change in traffic and wonder how much longer we can make the trip. We’re not giving up yet though! Hopefully you all will continue to be patient with a slow moving gray haired lady from KS.

    Reply
  2. Heidi “DJ Squeezebox” Knapik says

    February 25, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    Carl, I’d love to interview you about the upcoming accordion convention and air it on my 2 polka radio shows, if you’d indulge me? I’m a fellow Dentonite and hater of traffic, and have seen your band more than any other… and I’ve seen a lot of bands. A lot!
    Please let me know if you’d be available? We could catch up at a local coffee shop or ginmill or something ?

    Reply

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Upcoming Shows

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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

Time

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

Location

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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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

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)

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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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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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KJT Hall

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

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)

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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)

Time

All Day (Sunday)

Location

Westfest Grounds

1110 S Main St, West, TX 76691

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Organizer

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

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

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All Day (Saturday)

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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

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

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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

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

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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)

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All Day (Sunday)

Location

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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