support your local scene | keep the music live

Houston music scene is so bad because everything is spread out. If you want to check out multiple bands in an evening, you have to get in your car and drive to each location.
Austin and Dallas have great music scenes as most clubs are centrally located and it's nothing more than a casual walk from one place to another. At one time, early in the 90's, I thought Washington Ave. would obtain that crown w/ clubs like The Vatican, Fitzgerald's and the Fabulous Satellite Lounge.

I think radio stations play a big part as well. I hardly hear any stations outside of KPFT and KTRU supporting local acts. Whereas a station in Austin, such as KPFT that play mainstream radio, also proudly play local artist.

As mentioned before, The Fabulous Satellite Lounge was a great music venue and I think local music took a big hit when they were forced to close (I hope the property owners of Star Pizza are happy with that). I use The Continental Club to make up (some) for the heavy lose I have suffered.
Scout Bar has been pulling in some top acts, but it's just too far away (Clear Lake / Nasa Rd 1). I'm sure those individuals who live in the surrounding area are enjoying it, but (true) downtown Houston is taking another hit. The bands they've been booking should play within the city so surrounding areas (Katy, The Woodlands, Kingwood) can come in town and enjoy a good show. I give the club and whomever is booking the bands their props.

jhollywood nailed it. If Houston was ever going to truly have a scene like Austin and Dallas, it would have happened long ago. With that said, the fact is that Houston is a great city filled with some really creative and talented musicians. The scene that does exist is small but filled with some really great bands. With a little research it's not hard to find a great local band playing at Rudz or Fitz on any given night of the week. And hark55, I haven't heard the name Tom Bunch in years .. that's a blast from the past. I remember him from the old days when he was promoting shows a different venues and I was working the door at the Axiom. ah, the good old days.

Seeking musicians and volunteers for benefit at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar

You may or may not be aware of the fact that Bob "Bobcat" Edward's (owner of Dan Electro's Guitar Bar) fell off a ladder while changing the Dan Electro's marquee... He sustained serious injuries that required a hospital stay and he is currently in an extensive rehabilitation program... Like so many of us in the music industry, Bob does not have hospitalization insurance and the bills are piling up...
I am organizing a benefit weekend at Dan Electro's Guitar Bar to raise money to offset some of Bob's medical expenses... Bob Edwards has worked hard to support the local music scene in Houston and this is a good time for all of us, in the music industry, to show our appreciation for his contribution to local music...
"The Bobcat Benefit" is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11th and 12th, 2008...
Any bands interested in performing or Any individuals interested in volunteering time to help with the organization of the benefit, please contact Chris Harkness…
email: chris@mm55productions.com
pho: 832-651-1861