The Reverend Horton Heat
Brings Rockabilly To PHX
By Staff Report
Modern Times Magazine
April 1, 2015 — Get yer psychobilly on at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix as The Reverend Horton Heat, who is The Godfather of modern rockabilly will take the stage.
The very right Rev., born Jim Heath in Dallas, originally formed his name-sake band in Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood and the outfit was quickly playing gigs far and wide. Their sound is something not quite punk, not quite country and not quite rock.
It’s psychobilly, baby.
Truthfully, the Reverend Horton Heat sound probably lies somewhere between country, surf, punk, big band, swing, and rockabilly. Combined with a raucous stage show — VERY loud and energetic with more than just a dash of humor — a meeting with the reverend is almost always unforgettable. Current members of the band are Jim "Reverend Horton" Heath on guitar and lead vocals, Jimbo Wallace on the upright bass, and Scott Churilla on drums.
The band’s 11th studio album, REV, also happens to be the highest charting album of the band’s career.
“A throwback to old-school, psychobilly-style Horton Heat,” according to Rolling Stone.
While the album is a statement for the genre that has not be achieved in rockabilly for some time, the live show is definitely the place to find a party.
“We were always a party band…in every town, people were waiting there to party with us,” Heath said.
Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.crescentphx.com.
April 3
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present country star Jo Dee Messina in an outdoor concert in the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, 7380 E Second St., Scottsdale, at 7:30 p.m. Known as, “fiercely independent, outspoken and driven,” Jo Dee Messina debuted in 1996 with the hit single “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” She has since charted nine No. 1 singles and 16 Top 40 singles, selling more than 5 million records worldwide. Open lawn seating for each concert is $39 through www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org or 480-499-TKTS (8587).
April 4
Four Chambers Press — those nice people led by Jake Friedman — have a new collection of poetry and will once again be engaging with the Phoenix Art Museum for live-readings. The walking tour and live performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. For more information, visit http://fourchamberspress.com/phxart02.
April 9
Get yer psychobilly on at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, as The Rev. Horton Heat — aka The Godfather of modern rockabilly and psychobilly — will take the stage. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.crescentphx.com.
April 10 & 11
Take one-part seductive vocals, one part passionate guitar one part honest songwriting, and what do you have? Kara Grainger, apparently. The Australian, backed by John Flower on bass, Eli Wolfmeier on guitar and Matty Alger on drums, will make an appearance in Tucson, April 10 at The Boondocks, 3306 N. First Ave., and in Phoenix at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, April 11.
April 11
April 15
April 16
We had never seen or heard of the Ruen Brothers before a release ended up in our e-mail, but they just might be worth a look. After all, who knows what the next big thing will be. Someone’s got to knock off One Direction one day and they are vulnerable now that Zayn has left. But seriously, the Ruen Brothers have impressed Rick Rubin — if you don’t know who that is, please click the link and get some knowledge — so that’s enough for us. Catch them at the Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. For more information, visit www.crescentphx.com.
April 17
Morgan Heritage, aka the Royal Family of Reggae, will be jammin at Cactus Jacks, 4747 E. Elliot Road, Chandler. The ‘roots reggae’ quintet, includes siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Gramps Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Lukes Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Mojo Morgan (percussion/vocals). The band is touring in support of a new album, “Strictly Roots,” which will be released April 21. The album features appearances from Shaggy; J Boog; third generation ambassadors from the Morgan and Marley families, Jemere Morgan and Jo Mersa Marley; Chronixx; Rebelution; and Bumble Bee from SOJA. For more information, visit Cactus Jack's Bar and www.morganheritagemusic.com
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