Growing up in Austin, Texas I got an early education and appreciation for live music. My mom took me to clubs on 6th St from the age of 12 and I got to see all kindsa musicians play most notably Stevie Ray Vaughn whom I adore.

As a result of this early exposure, I try to see live bands every week in Dallas and have been known to travel nationally and internationally JUST to hear good music.

Over the years, I've discovered some awesome singers and musicians in the Dallas music scene with tons of talent if little to no national exposure. So, let's pay tribute to the hard-working, hard-rocking artists in your neck of the woods.

Who are your fave local groups? I wanna hear 'em!

[Edited 8/8/11 18:32pm]

My fave vocalist is a lady named Martha Burkes. I used to borrow a fake ID to go see her at RJ's by the Lake in the early 90s. She's another one you can find somewhere jammin every weekend. When I'm in the house, she does a sick rendition of All This Love

Again not the best material but whatcha gonna do??

[Edited 8/4/11 17:09pm]

When you want gospel of course Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin are here in D-town. But I love Shaun Martin who is a grammy award winning producer. But aside from his gospel duties, he co-hosts a weekly jam session at the Prophet Bar with RC Williams, Erykah Badu's musical director/producer, and musicians from her band. I've seen many vocalists sit in with these dudes, including Stokely.

Shaun also does killer go-go nights. You ain't lived til you've heard Prince and MJ songs done go-go style in a hot, funky juke joint.

Here's Shaun performing with kids from his high school.

Although he's known for gospel music, Shaun has serious love for go-go. Last Thanksgiving night, I went to the Prophet Bar to see New Birth Brass Band from NO. Then Shaun shut that bitch down with his go-go til 3 am.

[Edited 8/4/11 17:36pm]

Here's Stokes at the jam session. He comes every year to sit in with the band

Ms. Badu has been known to roll up into the Prophet Bar, like this night of her 26th bday

[Edited 8/4/11 17:42pm]

How could I forget my honey boo Pat Peterson. She's the baddest one-woman band evah. Pat sang with Ray Charles as a Raylette and has been with John Mellencamp for over 20 years. When she's not touring with John you can catch her at the Melrose Hotel. She has the sweetest spirit and is foine as frog hair's to be pushing 60.

I'm not crazy about this medly tho

I love her voice on this joint very Chaka-like

Here she is in my fave Mellencamp video.