I've decided to do a Memorial Day Weekend countdown. No, this is not going to be a Top 500 classic rock songs type deal, where no one is shocked that "Stairway to Heaven" remains at number one. Instead, it will be a top ten list of the greatest bands to ever emerge from the metroplex area. The results will be found on my MySpace playlist to be compiled and published on May 24th.  The usually commentary to go with the tracks will of course be found at the Ghost of Blind Lemon blog, but you knew that already.

Here's how this will work. Email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and send me your top 5 local acts of all time. Please put your favorite as number one, obviously. I don't want to put too many rules on this, but I do have two general rules. Here's the biggest one: I do not want people to use this countdown as a means of promoting their new band or their friend's new band. This countdown is supposed to represent the best of the best of what Dallas and the surrounding areas has ever put out.

Second of all, while my blog is rather eclectic in what it covers, please do not vote if you feel there is no shared ground in my taste and yours. Yes, I realize that there are some major local bands out there that have made their mark on our music scene that are far outside that of my musical taste. Pantera, Drowning Pool, and Forever the Sickest Kids are three bands that while I do not like their styles, I cannot deny the impact they have had on the music community. Having said that, I think this countdown should be a fair representation of the tastes of my readers, and if you do not share my taste, please be respectful and bow out of the voting process.

With that in mind, I welcome all your votes and look forward to seeing how this countdown will turn out. Voting will end May 22nd at midnight, so don't delay and send in your top five.

Almost a year ago, I took on the endeavor of starting a blog about the local music scene.  In honor of celebrating that year, I'm throwing a little party for myself.  This Saturday, August 2nd, come out to Club Dada and celebrate one year of the blog along with eight of my favorite local artists.  Here is the lineup:

6:45 Kristina Morland
7:30 American Werewolf Academy
8:15 Rahim Quazi
9:00 The Felons
10:00 the cut*off
11:00 THe BAcksliders
12:00 Rose County Fair
1:00 Somebody's Darling

If for some reason you're not familiar with these bands, each day this week on the MySpace page, I will spotlight a different song from each artist.  Sunday started with Kristina Morland's "Arthur", then Monday will be American Werewolf Academy, and I will go down the list of artists in order of lineup appearance, with the series of songs ending Saturday with Somebody's Darling.  The Felons will not get a spotlight due to the technicality that there is no MUSIC posted on their MySpace.

Cover is $10, which is pretty darn remarkable considering both the quantity and quality of bands.  Spread the word and bring your friends out.  It's gonna be a par-tay!

I'm doing weekly playlists of local music on last.fm, and the one difficulty I'm encountering is that so few local artists have their music on the site. I would encourage all local musicians reading this to register his/her/their music on last. fm. If you do so, either send me a message on here or email me at ghostofblindlemon@gmail.com and let me know that your music is uploaded.  Who knows, you may find yourself on one of my playlists!

I'm sure you've noticed the change in my profile pic.  Rarely do I take the Blind Lemon Jefferson pic down, and when I do, you can be certain it's for a very special reason.  The Ultraviolet Rock Show & Art Auction definitely qualifies as a special reason.  This musical and artistic extravaganza is a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  This is a cause near and dear to the hearts of Kirk & Rebecca Dixon (El Gato and Lovie, respectively), as their daughter Violet has CF.  For a mere $5 minimum donation, you get a fabulous lineup of music, as you can see from the flyer.  You also get the opportunity to bid on art and photography from local artists, plus you can pick up a copy of the Ultraviolet compilation CD, featuring tracks from Sebadoh, Tim DeLaughter, Deep Blue Something, Baboon, THe BAcksliders, Blue Petal, The Felons, and way too many others to list.  This is sure to not only be a fun filled evening, but it will help raise money for a wonderful cause.  You have to love it when you can do good and have fun all at once...

With another musical showcase.  Hope you decide to come and check it out.  The event is Saturday, March 29th at Opening Bell Coffee.  Klickitat starts at 8:00 or so, followed by Tonite Tonite, with Lovie headlining the shindig.  Although there’s not an official cover, there is a $5 suggested cover, and all the money goes to the band.

I hope to see everyone there.

Hosted By: "The Ghost"
When: Saturday Dec 29, 2007
at 8:00 PM
Where: Opening Bell Coffee
1409 S. Lamar Suite 012
Dallas, Texas|44 75215
United States
Description:
"The Ghost"

Click Here To View Event

Here's what you need to know:

Dec. 29th - Opening Bell Coffee

Featuring:
Fishing For Comets
Chris Holt
Rahim Quazi
Blue Petal

I'm still hoping to get at least one more act on the bill.  I don't want to officially say who yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  I'll keep y'all informed as I get everything worked out.