Songwriter Night at the Duck

With Harry Potter on the brain, we realized it's been awhile since we strolled into McGonigel'ss for some good ole open mic fun. Every Tuesday night at the Mucky Duck, signers and songwriters fill up the small, cozy Greenway Plaza pub with the sounds of acoustic guitars and tapping feet. Tonights songwriters include Shake Russell, Jed & Kelly, and Mary Cutrufello.

From Bar Harbor, Maine to Santa Fe, New Mexico; from Los Angeles, California to Nashville, Tennessee, one can mention among Texas songwriters, the name “Shake Russell” and be virtually assured of interest, pleasure and joyful recognition. Shake’s songs have been covered by artists ranging from Waylon Jennings; “Deep in the West”, to Ricky Skaggs; “You’ve Got a Lover”, and his co-written compositions with Clint Black; “Put Yourself in My Shoes”. These songs are known in households, not only all over Texas, but also across America and around the world. Shake Russell is a two time recepient of the BMI “Million Air” award for Clint Black’s recording of “Put Yourself in My Shoes” and “One More Payment”.

Two and a half years ago Memphians Jed Zimmerman and Kelley Mickwee (pictured) sold their home, two cars, their furniture, took the money and placed a huge bet on themselves. They hired legendary Memphis producer and songwriter Keith Sykes to produce their first album, Lose To Win, bought an RV and hit the highway, touring nationally, as Jed and Kelley. Living on the road, their bet is paying off. Songs from Lose to Win are receiving airplay on XM Radio’s X-Country station and Jed and Kelley have become darlings of the Texas and Southwestern music scene, playing the major Texas music venues and festivals. They also have a huge following in their hometown of Memphis, packing the venues they play.

By now the more obvious aspects of Mary Cutrufello have been reduced to filler fodder, but the contrasts inherent in an African-American female from the East Coast with a Yale education attempting to play hardcore honky-tonk still bear repeating for the uninitiated, and the fact that she does such a damn good job of it keeps the easy hook from dying. The sound is stripped down to the point of being elemental: Cutrufello's voice and raucous lead guitar playing (no overdubs on either) backed up by upright bass and drums.
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tonight, July 24th | 8pm
McGonigel's Mucky Duck | 2425 Norfolk Houston
Tickets: $15