Thank goodness the Texas summer heat is rapidly falling behind in life’s rearview mirror. The summer film series is always fun, but it’s time to get down to business. And as The Paramount is leading up to its first century celebration, another fall season is at our doorstep. The acts are as varied as ever, but all excel in their craft: storytelling, songwriting, singing and playing. Songs and tales of regret and joy can touch our hearts and take us places we were not expecting. Each event is an adventure unto itself, and these roads of emotional journeys can be paved in laughs or tears. Nevertheless, it is the skill and style found in all acts that will engage us and remind of the power of life and art.
Regardless of the guests, the artistry is the signature. And these experiences are ours to behold.
So what’s in store from now until 2015? I’m glad you asked…
The Flatlanders – Sat, 9/20/14 @ 8pm
Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Butch Hancock formed the Flatlanders in Lubbock, TX in 1972. Their original run lasted little more than a year, but the band’s early recordings gained a cult following as each of its members pursued successful solo careers. They reunited in 1998, and are now widely hailed as kings of the country rock and Americana genres they helped create all those years ago.
Garrison Keillor – Tues, 9/23/14 @ 8pm
Garrison Keillor has released several new books since his last Paramount visit: The Keillor Reader; O, What a Luxury: Verses Lyrical, Vulgar, Pathetic & Profound; and a new Guy Noir novel. With this bevy of new material under his arm, there’s no doubt he is prepared to keep you engaged and entertained!
Billy Joe Shaver’s 75th Birthday – Sun, 9/28/14 @ 7pm
Shaver’s legendary status was cemented in 1973 when Waylon Jennings released Honky Tonk Heroes, the seminal outlaw country album comprised almost entirely of Shaver songs. At this special 75th birthday celebration, Shaver will be joined by numerous special guests who he influenced over the course of his decades-spanning career.
Suzanne Vega – Sat, 10/18/14 @ 8pm
Suzanne Vega first emerged as a leading figure of the folk music revival during the 1980s. Best known for her international hits “Tom’s Diner” and “Luka,” Vega has released eight albums to universal critical acclaim over the course of her career. Expect highlights from her 2014 release Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles at this intimate Stateside engagement.
Don Williams – Wed, 11/5/14 @ 8pm
This Texas native wrote songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Lefty Frizzell, Kenny Rogers, and Waylon Jennings, in addition to notching seventeen number one hits of his own (including the worldwide smash “I Believe In You”). He retired in 2006, but lucky for us, it didn’t stick. Williams is back on the road and back on the Paramount stage.
David Sedaris at the Long Center – Mon, 11/10/14 @ 8pm
Back with his latest book Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls, the always insightful and hilarious David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humorists. Slicing through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with ease and precision, Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most perceptive writers addressing the human condition today.
Ray Wylie Hubbard’s Annual Birthday Bash – Fri, 11/14/14 @ 8pm
Ray Wylie Hubbard started his career as a folk singer before falling in with the outlaw Texas country scene of the ’70s. His most recent album, Grifter’s Hymnal, finds the Austin icon writing the strongest material of his career. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Stateside for his annual birthday bash!
Randy Newman – Sat, 11/15/14 @ 8pm
With songs that run the gamut, and a host of unforgettable film scores, Randy Newman has created musical masterpieces, widely recognized by generations of audiences. His many honors include six Grammys, three Emmys, two Academy Awards, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. After many attempts, we are thrilled to have Mr. Newman perform at the Paramount!
Leon Russell – Sat, 11/22/14 @ 8pm
Hailed as one of the most accomplished and versatile musicians, Leon Russell has written, produced, and played on countless classics over the course of his 50 year career. Most recently, he collaborated with Elton John and T-Bone Burnett for the Grammy-nominated album The Union, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Rick Steves – Wed, 12/3/14 @ 8pm
Guidebook author and travel TV host Rick Steves is America’s most respected authority on European travel. Producer of more than 50 guidebooks, host of America’s most popular travel series on public television as well as a weekly hour-long national public radio show and a weekly syndicated column, Steve is an enthusiastic and prolific speaker that will both inform and entertain.
Darlene Love Christmas Show – Thurs, 12/4/14 @ 8pm
Darlene Love is one of the finest singers to ever pick up a mic. From her first hit “He’s A Rebel” to the countless songs she sang backup on for artists like Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, Cher, and Aretha Franklin, 2011 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love is an unsung hero finally getting her due.
Texas Songwriter’s Circle: Jimmy LaFave, Gurf Morlix, Amilia K Spicer – Fri, 12/5/14 @ 8pm
Jimmy LaFave hit his stride when he perfected his brand of Woody Guthrie-inspired “red dirt music.” He’s joined by multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Gurf Morlix and up-and-coming Los Angeles songwriter Amilia K. Spicer for this one-time-only song swap.
The Moth – Thurs, 12/11/14 @ 8pm
Now considered an annual tradition at the Paramount, The Moth returns with all new stories and storytellers. Hailed as “New York’s hottest and hippest literary ticket” by The Wall Street Journal, The Moth has presented more than three thousand stories, told live and without notes, by people from all walks of life to standing-room-only crowds worldwide.
Kelly and Bruce’s Holiday Shindig with the Relatives – Sat, 12/13/14 @ 8pm
Join Texas country music’s first couple for their annual holiday show at the historic Paramount Theatre. Each year, the singer-songwriter husband-and-wife duo perform songs from their Christmas album Happy Holidays, holiday-themed classics, and more! Dallas-based gospel funk heroes the Relatives kick off the festivities.
Allen Toussaint – Sat, 1/31/15 @ 8pm
76 year-old Allen Toussaint is arguably the finest living purveyor of New Orleans music. His work as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and performer shaped the foundations of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, and funk. This show will be the first in our Paramount Studio Performance Series, where we’ll enclose the upper areas of the auditiorium to bring the audience a much more intimate performance setting!
2015 Ameripolitan Awards – Tues, 2/17/15 @ 8pm
The Ameripolitan Music Awards acknowledges those artists whose music honors tradition while demonstrating exceptional originality, creativity, and musicianship. Through their work, Ameripolitan Music will ultimately be defined. Ameripolitan Music is a new music genre with prominent roots influence. It is broken into four related subcategories: Honky Tonk, Western Swing, Rockabilly and Outlaw.
Kodo Drummers – Thurs, 2/19/15 @ 8pm
Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form with their desire to play the drums simply and with the heart and enthusiasm of a child. Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts.
It’s a fine half year, and tickets are available now. You can subscribe or buy tickets separately. Th countdown to 100 years is on, and the stars coming shine brighter than the marquee lights out front. We can’t wait to see you.