Get DONK!'d by unique Amarillo band

By: Rachel Nelson
www.amarilloscene.com

Luke Holder has been strumming his guitar and singing into Amarillo microphones as the front man of his own band for years, and the past 2-and-a-half have been spent jamming with local group 'DONK!'

'We just finished an album, and we're about to release that in a couple of months,' he said.

Holder said he has released four albums on his own since 1999, but this is DONK!'s first recording. Although the release date is not yet set, Holder said all 11 songs already can be heard on the Internet by visiting myspace.com/lukeholder and myspace.com/donktexas.

Holder calls DONK! Amarillo's 'soul boogie bar band' and said the four-piece can be spotted playing locally at the Golden Light Cantina, Burberry's, Marty's and occasionally at the Amarillo Museum of Art's Third Thursday events.

'Our main agenda is for (our audience) to have a good time, and we try to provide quality entertainment to make that happen,' he said.

Holder's brother, Drew Holder, plays drums for the band and owns AMP Studio in Amarillo, where DONK!'s album was recorded.

'We're a bunch of guys who just love to play music, and that's what we're doing,' Drew Holder said.

DONK! delves in different styles of music and does not limit their playing to one genre. They use a pedal steel guitar, played by Rick Faucett, which is an instrument normally associated with country music. But DONK! is not a country band. In fact, according to Drew Holder, it's hard to put DONK! into one musical category because each member brings different tastes and influences to the group.

'All four of us are from different backgrounds of music, and that's what really makes us unique, I think,' Drew Holder said. 'If you looked at all of our record collections then there would be totally different music all around.'

Three quarters of the band's live performance is made up of original music, Drew Holder said. The covers they do include songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Neil Young and Willie Nelson.

'We definitely don't play anything that anyone else is playing in town,' Drew Holder said.

The band's name, an example of onamatopoeia accented with an exclamation point, is a symbol of the group's enthusiasm.

'It's just a fun word,' Luke Holder said. 'People like to scream it.'

Drew Holder said the name came to exist at one of the group's practices and has since become 'a brand new cuss word.'

'We were practicing, and the bass player, Justin Hedgecoth, hit a wrong note, and it sounded like a 'donk',' he said.

According to Luke Holder, DONK! plays for fun and is not striving to win a Grammy any time soon. Their main goal is to 'continue making the best music we can make,' he said.

'We're going to do what we do and see where it takes us and play as much as we can.'

Upcoming acts include a performance at Marty's in Amarillo, 2740 Westhaven Vlg., January 16 at 9:00 p.m. They also have been selected to play for High Plains Public Radio's Living Room Concert Series on February 13 at 7 p.m., a gig Luke Holder said DONK! was flattered to get. That event will be held at HPPR's studio at 101 S.W. 5th Ave., Suite 100, in Amarillo. For more information on that show, visit hppr.org/lrc.html.

'I think people should come see us and support live music in Amarillo,' Luke Holder said. ' ... We deserve a chance. I think people would enjoy us if they'd just come and see us.'

'The crowds are getting bigger and better all the time,' Drew Holder said.

Stay up-to-date with DONK!'s schedule by visiting myspace.com/donktexas.

Colorless makeup transforms to match skin tone

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Being a very pale person, it has always been hard for me to find the perfect shade of makeup to match my skin. Even the lightest ivory concealers often leave a clashing baseline at the bottom of my jaw.

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine purchased some of Almay's Smart Shade™ Makeup at Wal-Mart. It was slightly expensive, I thought, at almost $11 for a 1-ounce tube. "You'll have to let me know how that works out for you," I said, too skeptical to purchase one for myself.

The next time I saw her, I asked if the "magic makeup" was all it was cracked up to be.

"I'm wearing it right now," she said as she moved to a more well-lit area so I could examine her baseline. She tilted her head back, and to my surprise it blended so well that I could not even tell it was there. I was convinced enough to try it out myself.

When I opened the makeup, I was intrigued at its white color. But when I rubbed it onto my face, it blended like magic. The makeup is also a bronzer, so it gives skin a sun-kissed look.

I also noticed that it has a runny, light-weight texture to it. The end result was clean, even, natural-looking skin. When I wear it, it never looks like I have a ton of base caked on my face.

The Smart Shade™ Makeup contains tiny color beads that are designed to blend to a person's skin tone when it is smoothed on. Rubbing it in is what activates the beads.

Complimenting skin tone isn't the only advantage to wearing Smart Shade™ Makeup. According to information provided at Almay.com, it contains nourishing antioxidants such as grape seed, ginseng and gingko biloba that "help give skin a healthy glow." It is also hypoallergenic, meaning there is little possibility that using it will cause an allergic response.

You don't have to have ultra-light skin like me to use the Smart Shade™ Makeup. There are three variations to choose from: light, light/medium and medium. Just choose the one that best applies to you.

Although slightly expensive, a little bit of the makeup goes a long way. If you decide to try this revolutionary product, keep in mind that a dime-size amount will be plenty to cover your face. When applying, be sure to rub it in very well so that the color beads can reach their full potential.

After discovering the Smart Shade™ concealer, I liked it so much that I had to try Almay's Smart Shade™ blush. The tube is half an ounce and costs around $8 at Wal-Mart. I was just as pleased with the blush as the makeup. It definitely gets the job done of making your cheeks rosy while blending to look natural. And like the bronzer, there are a few different shades to choose from. I say it's worth a try, but if you are not big on splurging for makeup and have a blush you already are pleased with, you may want to stick with what you've got.

Still skeptical? Visit Almay.com to view a product demo.

Be in the know for Back to School

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

It can be exciting, overwhelming or even depressing, but it's ultimately inevitable.

The first day of school is approaching, and along with it comes a lot to think about for students and parents. From what to wear to where to buy school supplies and get immunized, much preparation goes into the beginning of a new school year.

Taylor St. Charles will be a senior at Amarillo High School this year and said she is optimistic and is "ready to get it over with."

"I think everyone is just ready to get back to school," she said. "I'm sure it will be fantastic this year."

For others, beating the back to school blues can go much smoother when you know where to shop, what to buy and freebies offered in the community.

The Church at Quail Creek, located at 801 Tascosa Road, will be giving away free school supplies packets August 8, to the first 400 people that register. Registration starts at 6 p.m.

Although the packets won't include all items on the school district's complete school supplies list, it will include the basics, said Norma Thomas, a church employee.

They also will be giving away free lunch box snack bags and a sack of back to school groceries to all families. There will be a live band and an inspiring message given at the event. Those planning to attend should enter at the playgroud doors.

The third annual KidsFest will be taking place at Thompson Park August 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"We have over 10,000 people attend," said Kae Rae Austin, administrative secretary at the Amarillo Independent School District superintendent's office.

According to Austin, KidsFest will have food, entertainment, games, bouncers, school supplies and more.

"It's all free to the community," she said.

Kids must be accompanied by a parent at the event. Immunizations will be available, but parents must bring shot records for their kids. There also will be information about how kids can get involved with organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts.

"It's just a fun event for families and we hope everyone will come out and support us," she said.

For fashion, retro-styles of the 70's and 80's are hot for the fall, according to information provided by ARA content. Polka Dots of all sizes have been in style for the summer, and the trend is expected to continue. Fashionclub.com predicts designer hoodies and tops adorned with bows to be popular fashion must-haves this fall.

Accessories to customize binders and lockers, such as stickers and magnets, also are in demand. Trapper Keeper turns 30 this year and is celebrating with new products such as Trapper folders and index card holders. They also have a weekly assignment planner full of 80s trivia, ARA reports.

Some students, on the other hand, aren't concerned with fashion.

"I am probably going to wake up half and hour before I'm supposed to be there and throw on jeans and a tee-shirt," St. Charles said.

But for those who are, keep an eye out for back to school sales going on at local department stores. Thrift stores also may be a good place to shop for vintage clothing.

FYI:
Classes for Amarillo I.S.D. and Canyon I.S.D. start August 25. Complete school supplies lists can be found at amaisd.org and canyonisd.net.

Tiger Moth to bring taste of Dallas music scene June 14

Photo by: Gavan Nelson

By: Rachel Nelson
www.amarilloscene.com

A newly formed rock 'n' roll quartet from Dallas, Tiger Moth, is one of the bands that will perform at Scene Fest '08 at John Stiff Park. The group independently released its debut self-titled EP in April. The festival will mark their eighth show and their first appearance outside of Dallas since forming six months ago.

Tiger Moth consists of:
Cheyenne Schweitzer - Lead Vocals/Rhythm GuitarGlenn Jackson - DrummerDerek Jackson - Lead GuitarRoss Boyd - Bass The Scene did an interview with Schweitzer, who offers a taste of what Amarillo should expect when Tiger Moth takes the stage June 14.

The Scene: First of all, why did you guys decide to call your band Tiger Moth?
Schweitzer: Our bass player's mother gave him a calendar of old biplanes. The Tiger Moth was one of them, and we thought it sounded very rock and roll.

The Scene: Who are your musical influences?
Schweitzer: Speaking for the band, I'd say between Derek and Glenn, they are really into Led Zeppelin and Cheap Trick. Ross is really into Madonna, Robbie Williams and George MIchael. For myself, I like Prince a whole lot, and Radiohead.

The Scene: Can you describe your band's sound?
Schweitzer: You'll definitely hear the 70s influence. You'll hear the riff rock and the Zeppelin. I think you'll also hear some Sabbath as well.

The Scene: Is all of your music original or do you do covers as well?
Schweitzer: It's all original, every bit of it.

The Scene: What makes Tiger Moth unique?
Schweitzer: We are sort of like an older style rock and roll band instead of newer metal and new rock. We take our lessons from the older generation of rock and roll. You can actually step and dance to rock and roll. It makes you want to to boogie, I think.

The Scene: What should people expect when they hear you guys jam at the festival?
Schweitzer: They should expect to see a band that's having a lot of fun with what they do. We really enjoy ourselves, and we like to rock out. So they should expect that. They should expect some really good guitar solos. We're a band with some soul.

The Scene: What is your fan base like? Has the group seen a good response so far?
Schweitzer: Our crowd is pretty varied. They seem to be generally enjoying it.

The Scene: What's the most exciting thing about your live performance?
Schweitzer: We take the performance very seriously. As far as the visual aspect of it, we take that seriously as well. That tends to excite the audience. Hopefully it's very entertaining.

The Scene: What do you try to achieve through your music?
Schweitzer: Ultimately, creativity. We want to represent what we like in our music and also put our own spin on it. Obviously enjoyment as well because we like it. So hopefully we portray that and we communicate that as well.

The Scene: Do you have anything else you want to add?
Schweitzer: We're a real band. There's no alterior motive behind our music. We're not like trying to get girls or become big rock stars, although that would be nice. We're doing this because we genuinely enjoy it. I think it's just real... it's just real music. Also, our drummer is opening up a club in Deep Ellum in Dallas soon to promote live music.

Be sure to look up Tiger Moth on MySpace for a sneak peek before the show.

JOE TACO (Advertorial)

Mexican restaurant provides fresh dining experience

By: Rachel Nelson

http://www.amarilloscene.com/

If you spend a lot of time in northwest Amarillo, you have probably noticed a new and unique Mexican restaurant that is exclusive to our city. The doors at Joe Taco opened on September 17, and co-owner Kyle Johnson said business has been booming ever since.

"The public's response has been overwhelmingly positive," Johnson said.

Upon entering Joe Taco, customers will first notice the aroma of real Mexican dishes filling their nostrils. After looking around, they will see an atmosphere filled with a classy, Mexican decor. The paint and decorations are bright and fresh, but not tacky or cluttered, Johnson said. According to Johnson, Joe Taco strives to be different from other "cookie cutter" Mexican restaurants.

"We are anti Tex-Mex," Johnson said. "We make everything from scratch. Everything's fresh."

The new dining sensation, Located at 7312 Wallace Blvd., provides Santa Fe dishes, steaks, seafood and other traditional Mexican food. Johnson said that even the traditional selections are different from other Mexican restaurants because the customer can mix things up by choosing from six different meats and sauces.

"So you can create whatever you want," Johnson said. "I just wanted to create a menu that was a little different."

Johnson recommends that guests try the chile relleno. Joe Taco makes them with a pablano pepper stuffed with asadero cheese and a choice of meat, covered with a light, crispy batter and choice of sauce. He also thinks the green chile chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are worth tasting. They are covered with Hatch green chile sauce and asadero cheese, which is a melted smooth and creamy cheese with a medium bite to it, Johnson said.

Joe Taco also serves an assortment of fresh fruit margaritas. Choices include mango, peach, pomegranate, rasberry and strawberry. "We also make our own sangria," Johnson said.

Joe Taco is a great place to unwind after a long day's work with happy hour taking place from 4-7 p.m. every week day. Pints of draft beer are available for $1.50 during this time as well as cheladas and micheladas. Those specials are available all day Saturday and Sunday.

Summer is heating up, and Joe Taco's outdoor patio is a relaxing place to enjoy it. There is a refreshing fountain and a bar right on the patio. An enclosed patio can be enjoyed as well, if that is what the customer prefers. Expect live music on the outdoor patio Thursday through Saturday nights.

Johnson said the prices at Joe Taco are very affordable.

"We're probably the least expensive full service Mexican restaurant in town," he said. "The average ticket is usually $10 to $10.50, and that includes the drink."

Those looking for a great place to work are encouraged to go to Joe Taco and fill out an application.

"We are always accepting applications," Johnson said. "Business is growing so we always need good people."

Paul Huddleson has been working at Joe Taco since a couple of months after they opened.

"I love my job here," he said. "It's a fun and exciting atmosphere to work in and there are good people to work with including good management."

The mixture of fresh, delicious food and drinks accented with an exceptional dining atmosphere and an even tastier price are sure to make any dining experience one to remember and more than likely one that will keep you coming back for more.

Route 66 Roller Derby gets ready to rumble

First home game to take place May 4

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Tickets to the first home Route 66 Roller Derby bout went on sale April 1. The event will be held on May 4 in the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum.

"It's about to blow up," said Heather "H-Bomb" Hoffsteader, vice president of the Route 66 Roller Derby."This is the fastest growing sport in the nation right now."

According to Hoffsteader, there are more than 10,000 names registered on the roller derby national registration site.

The Route 66 Roller Derby, originally named the Rotor City Rollers, was formed in 2006 and is comprised of two teams. When they spoke with The Scene last August, the girls were anxious to start bouting with other teams but were postponing the action because they were in search of a place to hold their events. Hoffsteader said Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt helped to connect the girls with the Civic Center and make it their home venue.

"She was very excited to see a sport that is female driven and the girls are the stars. We don't see that very much," Hoffsteader said.

The league did not expect to see themselves in such a large arena, but they are optimistic about the potential the Civic Center could bring to the sport.

"The Civic Center is making all of this possible," Hoffsteader said. "It's a bit out of our comfort zone, but we're excited that our sport is going to be able to compete at this level. We can fit 3,000 people in that arena, and we want to pack it out every time."

Besides a local family and friends event, the derby held its first competitive bout this season against the West Texas Roller Dollz in Lubbock. Since each game has a theme, this event was named "The Rookie Rumble."

"Lubbock is a new team as well," Hoffsteader said. "We did not win, but it was a very close battle."

The derby will kick off its series of home games by having the two local teams, The Bonzai Brawlers and the Deadly Dames, compete in what will be called the "Derby Invasion."

"Although we're all on the same league, I don't think we're going to be holding anything back," said Amber "Fyrebones" Phillips, a skater for the Bonzai Brawlers.

Phillips said she is looking forward to the bout.

"Roller Derby is a challenge to rely not on my own energy, but on God's strength, and he always comes through," she said.

The rest of the games will be with teams from from New Mexico, Oklahoma and other parts of Texas, Hoffsteader said. The official schedule has not been released, but it will be available on the Panhandle Tickets Web site as well as the derby's MySpace page as soon as it is set in stone.

Originally, the Route 66 Roller Derby consisted of three teams, but they reorganized so that they would have a full roster on each team and be able to provide plenty of back up. When the roller girls start taking on teams from other areas, they will pull players from each of the two teams.

Since its formation nearly a year and a half ago, the local roller derby league has become actively involved in the community. This month they will participate in the MS walk on the 12th at John Stiff Park. They will also be set up at the car show on the 27th at Hillside and Bell providing concessions, face painting and information about the derby. That event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets to the game are available through Panhandle Tickets and will cost $10 if purchased in advance. Prices will rise to $15 at the door and cost $5 for children under the age of 10. Season passes can be obtained for $60. Floor seats, or "suicide seating," also is available for $20 per person. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to sit in this section.

"It's very possible that someone will land on you three rows back," Hoffsteader said. Everyone who purchases a ticket for suicide seating will be asked to sign a waiver before the game starts.

Partial proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit local charities.

"Nik Vicious," president of the derby, said she believes that the roller derby is going to be a great thing for Amarillo."It's wild," she said. "It's like sometimes I don't realize how big this has the potential of being, but we have been working so hard for the past year and a half and all of our hard work is finally about to pay off."

ROLLER DERBY: The Basics
** Roller blades are not allowed. All participants must wear quad skates.
** Two teams with 5 girls on each team skate in a formation around the track.
** One girl from each team called a "jammer" races around the track trying to make her way through the other team's girls.
** The girls use blocks, hits and pushes to stop the other team's jammer.

An 'unforgettable' night to take place at Nat Ballroom May 31

Performances by The Whiskey Makin' Mommas burlesque group and Pickled Punk Sideshow to accompany two live bands

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Burlesque performances are an American past time dating back to the mid-1800s. Although burlesque can be a number of different things depending on the artists who create it, it is far more than dress-up for grown-ups. Burlesque is commonly recognized as a style of live production that blends performance, satire and adult entertainment. This usually involves acts by under-dressed women.

The popularity of burlesque saw a decline in the early twentieth century, but according to Nancy Fields, founder of local burlesque group The Whiskey Makin' Mommas, a burlesque revival is taking place.

"It's something I've always been interested in. There's been a resurgence in burlesque, and I knew the only way I'd be able to participate in burlesque here is if I started it."

Fields believes there is a variety of expression that can be achieved through burlesque and sees it as a way for women to feel fun, edgy and sassy all at once. It also gives girls like Jamie Beckley an opportunity to come out of their shells.

"In my private life I'm very much reserved and conservative, and there's something about getting on stage that brings out the beast in me," Beckley said. "I can take off my clothes and feel okay and comfortable."

"It's a positive thing," Fields said. "You can make burlesque whatever you want. I think that's what I like about it... there's really no rules."

The Whiskey Makin' Mommas' next appearance will be May 31 at the Nat Ballroom. The show will be accented with a summer theme.

Along with the burlesque show will be performances by the Pickled Punk Sideshow, garage/punk band Mosquito Bandito and a Michigan rockabilly band.

Fields formed The Whiskey Makin' Mommas in August 2005 when Canadian band Big John Bates and the Voodoo Dollz was scheduled to play a gig in Fort Worth. The band intertwines burlesque with their musical performances, and they were looking for opening acts for their Texas show. Fields contacted the band via e-mail and told them about the not-yet-formed Whiskey Makin' Mommas. The group was scheduled for its first gig before it even existed.

From there, Fields scrambled to find girls that she thought would be interested in performing burlesque. She was successful, and they had one month to prepare for the show.

"We put together a nice, tight 30-minute set," Fields said. "It went really well. We practiced non-stop."

Since then, The Whiskey Makin' Mommas have performed several shows. Fields' favorite burlesque memory is the group's local performance at the August 2006 Femme art show.

"It was the first time a large Amarillo audience saw us, and the response was amazing," she said. "We got a lot of feedback, so that was really thrilling to me that Amarillo was interested in burlesque."

Leta Roberson has been involved with the Whiskey Makin' Mommas for more than a year.

"Honestly, it's just as entertaining for me as it is for everyone else," she said. Roberson said she performs with the group to kick up her femininity.

"When you're a single mom you don't really get time for yourself so it's something that I really do for myself."

The Whiskey Makin' Mommas strive to make each show fresh for the audience.

"Expect the unexpected because you never know what we're going to come up with," Roberson said. "We really try to keep it new. We don't like to do the same thing over and over, so every show is different."

Beckley said those who attend should come expecting to be entertained.

"They're going to be very pleased with what they see," she said.

Fields also is one half of the two-piece Pickled Punk Sideshow, which performs a variety of acts including lying on beds of nails, running on broken glass, setting off mouse traps on the human tongue, playing with fire, body puncturing and much more. This is the first time The Whiskey Makin' Mommas will do a conjoined event with the sideshow.

"It's an unforgettable night," Fields said. "It's going to be awesome."

The official time and cover charge of the event are to be announced. Keep checking http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL3doaXNrZXltYWtpbm1vbW1hcw== to find out more.

FYI: In burlesque, performers, usually female, often create elaborate sets with lush, colorful costumes, mood-appropriate music, and dramatic lighting, and may even include novelty acts, such as fire-breathing or demonstrations of unusual flexibility, to enhance the impact of their performance.

source: www.wikipedia.org

Prepare to R.O.K. with Revolution of Knowledge at Summer Bash '08

photo courtesy of myspace.com/revolutionofknowledge

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Fort Worth five piece Revoltion of Knowledge, or R.O.K., has gone through many phases since its formation in early 2006 when brothers Blake and Russell (drummer and lead guitarist), along with bassist Justin Smith, were in search of the missing pieces to their band.

Chad Paschal, now the group's lead singer, united with the band at a R.O.K. after party. From there the foursome immediately began writing, recording and hitting the stage wherever they could.

"When the guys got together the chemistry was so great it was like lighting a stick of dynamite," the group's Web site explains. Revolution of Knowledge independently released its debut album, "It Has Begun," in 2007. They added the fifth member, rhythm guitarist Chris Schmehr, late last year. Since then they have been playing gigs in the Dallas area and Oklahoma.

"We play a lot in Oklahoma... almost every month. We've got a big fan base there," said Schmehr, an Amarillo native.

Thanks to the transmission of music over the Internet, R.O.K.'s fan base also has exploded in Germany and many other parts of the United States and the world.

The band dishes out an energetic show while mixing heavy instrumentals with vocals that are rugged and melodic. Plans of releasing a second CD are underway for 2008, but first R.O.K. will visit the Panhandle May 31 to participate in Summer Bash '08 at Avenue 10, located at 1404 W. 10th Avenue. They expect to play an hour-long set. So far two local bands are on the line-up as well, but others will be added as the time approaches. The event is B.Y.O.B., and there will be a $10 cover charge.

Schmehr said he joined R.O.K. when he saw an ad that they were looking for a rhythm guitarist. He listened to their music on the group's MySpace page and already knew how to play one song by the time he got to his audition. "They felt like I was the missing piece of the puzzle that they've been needing for a while," he said.

Schmehr said Revolution of Knowledge has recently cut back on playing in venues to focus on their upcoming album, which will contain 10 songs. So far eight of those have been perfected, he said.

"The band has evolved so much," Schmehr said. "We're just focused on taking that next step and getting signed. We're thinking that this album is what's going to get us there."

After the release of the album, R.O.K. plans to do a tour around Texas hitting nine cities, including Amarillo. They also will perform in Oklahoma City, Lawton, OK, and Shrieveport, Louisiana.

To hear music from R.O.K., visit them on the Web at myspace.com/revolutionofknowledge. To keep up with the status of Summer Bash '08, visit myspace.com/summerbash08.

Huckabee: Amarillo was pivotal to campaign

 

Only candidate to stop in Amarillo spoke at AQHA Feb. 28
 

 By: Rachel Nelson, Web Editor

http://www.ac-ranger.com/ 

Although Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee did not gain the delegates he needed in Tuesday's election to stay in the race, his campaign was optimistic until the end.

Sen. John McCain won enough delegates Tuesday to take the republican party's nomination.

Although Huckabee did not succeed in the election, he told spectators last Thursday that he would not have done so well in his campaign if not for Amarillo.

"Quite frankly, we wouldn't be standing here today if it hadn't been for Amarillo. So we have a real special place in our hearts for this city and the people of it," Huckabee said when he spoke at the American Quarter Horse Association Feb. 28.

Huckabee was the only candidate in the 2008 race that visited Amarillo before the Texas primaries Tuesday. Huckabee arrived about an hour and a half late to the rally, but the crowd did not dwindle during the wait. Huckabee showed up with special guests Chuck Norris and his wife, Gena Norris. He was escorted and introduced by former Amarillo mayor Trent Sisemore.

Huckabee said he has been associated with the Sisemore family for about 35 years. Jack and Trent Sisemore hosted a fundraising event for Huckabee at Jack Sisemore's home last summer.

"Our campaign last summer was really just, you know, making it month by month and week by week and sometimes day by day. I had committed to my wife and to myself and to the Lord that I would not borrow money and go into debt for the campaign," Huckabee said. "So we were at a point where by that next week we couldn't meet payroll and the fundraiser that we had here in Amarillo at Jack's house was what kept us floating. And from there we were able to go on to Iowa and do extremely well in the straw poll, but it kind of catapulted us on.

Huckabee pointed out that his campaign has spent about $1 to the other candidate's $10, and he mentioned that his frugality would be beneficial to the country if he was to be elected president.

During his speech, Huckabee addressed hot issues that have been up for debate during the race for the White House. He seeks support from values voters and told spectators that he is the only candidate to stand by a human life amendment as well as a federal marriage amendment. He also voiced his stance against embryonic stem cell research.

"Now those are issues that I think bring together the value voters like nothing else," he said. "The people who say this is about principle and that's the only reason that they're involved -- they endorse me. And I'll accept that as a validation of standing for the things that I believe most people in Texas stand for."

Huckabee also spoke against illegal immigration."I thank God we live in a country where people are trying to break into and not out of," he said. "Our government has a responsibility to us to control our borders. We're the only country that hasn't."

Huckabee promised voters that if he is America's next President, he would order the construction of a border fence that would be complete within 18 months.

Huckabee also pointed out that he was the only candidate in the race that had experience running a government. He served just over 10 years as the 44th governor of Arkansas before seeking to be the 44th President of the United States.

Huckabee also said that the country is in need of tax code reform. He proposed what he called "The Fair Tax," where people's paychecks aren't taxed until they spend money. He said that this would get rid of the "underground economy," meaning that drug smugglers, prostitues and illegal immigrants could no longer get away with evading taxes.

Huckabee believes that the United States can become energy independent, and that that could be accomplished by using something the Panhandle has a lot of.

"Wind has great potential for power," he said.

When Huckabee visited Amarillo, he was still hopeful that he would take Texas and be continue in the race. He said that Texas, the largest Republican voting state in the country, would play a key role in the future of the election.

"This election is not over until Texas says its over," he said.

Huckabee noted that Texans can be "stubbornly independent," and hoped that would work to his advantage Tuesday.

Amanda Lightfoot attended the event with her grandfather, AC photography instructor Ken Pirtle.
"I just turned 18 and I registered to vote. It's my first year to vote," she said.

Lightfoot said she would vote for Huckabee in the primary. "I'm a republican, but I don't support John McCain.

"I just love to hear that guy speak," Pirtle said. "He's so eloquent in a brilliant way. He first gained my respect as a debator, but what I really like about Huckabee is his conservative stand on the issues."

During the time he spent in the race, Huckabee said he enjoyed being the underdog.

"I love being the underdog because it makes victory so much sweeter when it finally comes," Huckabee said. "I've always been an underdog in everything I've ever set about in my life so it's a role that I know how to play. What I don't know how to play is the favorite."

Although Huckabee's victory never came, he did carry 236 delegates before Sen. McCain won the 1,191 delegates needed to get the Republican nomination.

In Tuesday's Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton won Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. Barack Obama won Vermont. Both of those candidates are still in the race.

Up close and personal with Kevimean

photo courtesy of myspace.com/kevimean


Taking a break from the stage and feeling like a whole new band

By: Rachel Nelson
http://www.amarilloscene.com/

Some people blow off steam by playing sports or going to the club, but local three-piece Kevimean gets down every Friday night in their bedroom-sized practice room preparing to play shows that rock Amarillo.

"We get through our week knowing that there's an exclamation point at the end," said drummer and lead singer Jason Burt.

Although they haven't played since the Brian Deneke Memorial Festival in December and don't plan to play again until late February or March, Kevimean has a lot going on. The boys are currently taking a break from the stage to focus on learning new music.

Bassist Ryan Putman is looking forward to a fresh beginning, but noted that the band will still take old requests from the audience.

"It gets old for us to play the same songs over and over and it just makes it more interesting," he said.Putman is a long-time friend of Burt. Kevimean formed in 2002 after they met lead guitarist Steven "Stevo" Galan who, according to Burt, was itching to do something with his life. They began writing songs their first practice.

"It was awesome. I knew it was right the first night we played," Galan said.

Burt also was pleased with the trio.

"We're so good together as three. I know what each of us has to offer. We have so much to offer, and we have so much fun doing it," he said.

Kevimean took their name from Burt's brother, Kevin, who passed away in 1997.

"Sometimes our music gets kind of mean, kind of dark," Burt said.

The name also is meant to sound like the animal tranquilizer ketamine.

Today the band counts themselves as brothers.

"We just kind of feed off of each other," Putman said. "We play for fun. In 2008, we're probably up to about a two-hour set."

Galan said the new set includes a diverse mix of covers and originals. Kevimean likes to mix things up, playing everything from heavy metal to jazz, blues and even rap.

"We've taken on a new approach. The covers we've taken on are probablycovers that no one else
has taken on in town," Galan said.

The break has provided an opportunity for growth in the band.

"It's pushed us out of our comfort zone," Putman said.

The band's creativity is being rejuvenated, and Kevimean says the audience will see that at their shows. "You can see everybody revived, so it's nice," Galan said. "We feel like we're a new band almost."

Kevimean plays well with others. "We like to share the stage with people who like music and are serious about it," Putman said.

According to Galan, the next thing on the agenda is making a recording. Until then, get a taste of Kevimean at myspace.com/kevimean. Also keep checking The Scene event calendar for show dates.

SNEAK PEEK: Go to Kevimean's upcoming shows to hear the obscure three-piece play covers by

the Deftones, Tom Petty, Ween, Cracker and more. Also, request original rap/metal song "Saturday"