August in Arizona part 1: Austin Invasion

On my latest trip to Phoenix, AZ, I was fortunate to attend 3 different shows, 2 in one night and scored some decent video. the First show I attended was Scott H Biram, Mario Matteoli, and Tom Vandenavond at the Last Exit Bar in Tempe,AZ. There was already a camera crew present so some the shots having random people walking in front of me, while i try to re-angle.


First up on the lineup was Tom Vandenavond from Austin,TX. This guy probably has the most haunting male vocals I have heard in a long time and sings some great ballads . Its hard to compare him with anyone, he has style thats familiar while also being original. if you like the video posted below you can check out more music at

Tom Vandenavond

Next up was another singer songwriter from Austin,TX, Mario Matteoli formerly of the Weary Boys who had percussion and vocal backup by Cayce Marsh. I had never seen Mario Matteoli solo and was really looking forward to it, after seeing the Weary Boys a handful (or maybe 2 handfuls) of times. I would have to say the only thing I found disappointing was how short the set was. It was great to hear songs sound so full when they had the simple ingredients of acoustic guitar, vocals, and feet stomping along with the tambourine. Each video features a song from different albums, if you want to hear more go to

Mario Matteoli

the Raw & Primal Roots Revolution

For the past few years, 2 of my buddies have been putting together some of the finest roots/punk infused shows in Phoenix, AZ. Proving that an underground country and blues scene can thrive as long as you work hard to showcase the incredible talent that exists all over the United States. The Hillgrass Bluebilly guys started basically as promoters, then quickly to leaders of a movement. Starting off in Arizona, then on to Louisiana, Indiana, Tennessee, and the new music capitol, Austin,TX. They even recently put together a tribute album to LeadBelly and Hank Williams Sr. entitled "Hiram & Huddie" which features covers by Wayne "the train" Hancock, Possessed by Paul James, and many more produced by John Carter Cash. Below are some rough pictures and video of the first Hillgrass Bluebilly North American tour featuring Bob Log III, Scott H Biram, and Left Lane Cruiser at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland,OR August 16, 2008. To find out more about Hillgrass and some of their upcoming artists go to www.dirtyfootfamily.com


LEFT LANE CRUISER








SCOTT H BIRAM











BOB LOG III