Whiskey Myers to perform at Tumbleweed

Blues southern groove straight from east Texas will meet hard-rock jams of the 70s tonight when Whiskey Myers takes the stage at the Tumbleweed Dance Hall.

The red-dirt Texas band began in a way that sounds similar to many college basement jam sessions. Lead vocalist Cody Cannon and guitarist John Jeffers were childhood friends who shared a passion for music.

After the addition of guitarist Cody Tate, a move to Tyler, Texas, and the addition of drummer Jeff Hogg and his cousin, bassist Gary Brown, the band was complete.

However, Brown didn't play bass until unlikely teachers recruited and educated him.

"Me and John had to teach Gary how to play bass, and we didn't even know how to play the bass," Tate said.  

After the five band members moved into a house together, they began playing for their friends, who strayed in and out.  When the band gave its first official performance in Montalba, Texas, the members anxiously played through their set list.

"It was kind of nerve-racking to get out there, get on stage and not know really what I'm doing, playing a borrowed bass on a borrowed amp," Brown said. "They're talking about, ‘What do you want in your monitor mix?' I'm like, ‘What's a monitor?' I had no idea what was going on. "

Despite the confusion, Brown and his band mates got something right that night. It led to openings for the Eli Young Band and Roger Creager in the Lonestar State.  

The band has two albums, and will perform throughout Texas and other nearby states.  

Guests must be at least 18 years or older, and tickets are $7. Doors open at 8 p.m.  For more information on Whiskey Myers, visit www.whiskeymyers.com.