Campus music
by David Durham, Copy Editor
Volume 17, Issue 13
November 22 - November 28, 2011
Winners of the Academy of Texas Music award for vocal band of the year, 2-Bit Palomino’s Andy Renfree,
Ren Renfree and Bill Ward perform at Montoya Campus. Photo by Howard Crum.
Art Technician Linda Slater’s work to schedule and host a performance at the Montoya Campus with Texas band 2-Bit Palomino was well worth it, according to the folks in attendance. 2-Bit Palomino traveled 900 miles to perform in J122 at Montoya Campus Nov. 17 to an intimate crowd.
Slater had booked her associates—winners of Vocal Group of the Year by the Academy of Texas Music—months previous, according to Slater
“They made your soul feel like liquid,” said Eric Van, JMMC Director, who attended the performance. “They were fantastic!”
Van compared the award winning group to such bands as Alison Krause, Emilio Harris, Asleep at the Wheel, and Roy Orbison all with rockabilly flair.
“They had a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young feel. Their songs...ah! They were excellent! said another attendee.
A day before the show, Slater also mentioned her concern as to the performance venue which “is very off the beaten path; I’m very concerned about a good turnout. If you didn’t need to go back there, you’d never know it was there.”
“Eric Van was gushing over my friends. He was so impressed that he said ‘next time they come into town, we’ll do it up right,’” said Slater.
Unlike students who may seek charters for their own clubs to garner support, funding and advisement, faculty can propose registered events and clubs that are meant to enhance “campus culture” said Zachary Shank, an associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“We encourage full-time faculty members to identify activities that promote community and the college’s mission, and to document those activities as college service,” said Shank.
Slater said that many more exciting and diverse acts are scheduled and wanted, and that performers are paid, but that no big names are booked.
“I’m happy to contribute to live music,” said Slater.
