Hey, Hey, It's Another Monkee

The Monkees' Dallas invasion continues with Michael Nesmith concert at The Kessler

Michael Nesmith's October 30 date at The Kessler will be the third Dallas appearance by The Monkees or one of its members in 2013.

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The Monkees are a nearly 50-year-old band who haven't put out any new music since the mid-1990s. But with the news that Michael Nesmith will perform a solo show at The Kessler on Wednesday, October 30, this could easily be called The Year of the Monkees in Dallas.

That's because this will be the third local appearance in 2013 by either a member of the band or the band itself. Peter Tork played a solo date at Granada Theater on June 1, and he joined surviving bandmates Nesmith and Micky Dolenz for a full Monkees concert at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie on August 1.

Unfortunately, unless he announces new dates during the holidays, Dolenz will not put on a solo show in Dallas in 2013, leaving the dream of a complete Monkees bonanza unfulfilled.

Prior to his current reunion with Tork and Dolenz in the wake of the death of former bandmate Davy Jones in 2012, Nesmith — who partially grew up in Dallas — had famously eschewed anything to do with The Monkees. Now, in addition to shows with them, Nesmith is recommitting to his solo work, going on his first U.S. solo tour in more than 20 years.

Although he hasn't put out a new album since 2006's mostly instrumental Rays, Nesmith has released a string of new songs over the past couple of years through his website.

Tickets for Nesmith's show are now on sale through The Kessler, ranging anywhere from $25 for standing room to $600 for eight-person suites. Given the size of the venue and the The Monkees' ability to still draw a crowd, you'd better get your seats soon.

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RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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