Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson, et Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Fans of Ray Wylie should know what to expect when coming to one of his shows. As he says himself, he is 'a bit of an acquired taste' but certainly one that is worth acquiring.

With a career that spans decades, Ray Wylie has anecdotes and stories to spare. This show was the 3rd time I've seen him in the last 9 months or so, and he sticks to a pretty basic formula. Him, his son Lucas, and the drummer play a very similar set-list every time. Snake Farm fans, don't worry, it's his second song. What really makes his hows are his jokes and stories. Many are repeated night after night, but sometimes there are new ones. And they are worth it. Even the ones I've heard over and over are hilarious. Ray Wylie is a character, period. Buy a ticket to one of his shows and you get a hell of a concert, and a comedy show for free.

Thanks-giving came a little early to Northampton on Sunday night. Gilkyson was in fine voice and spirits, and her accompaniests - Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry, accomplished artists in their own right - put this performance over the top. Gilkyson’s song introductions gave ample credit to those in her family who wrote or otherwise inspired the songs that were not hers. Her renditions of songs from her own catalog were rich, and for someone who despairs for our collective future, her passion, artistry and good humor can’t help but give us all hope. She’s a seeker, trying, by her own admission, to connect with something bigger than ourselves. She did that in the Parlor Room.

On Nov. 8, 2017, the Texas Troubadours project brought Ruthie Foster, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Carrie Rodriguez − three of the Lone Star State's finest — together at Vancouver’s Chan Centre for the Arts. A most memorable night of music.