jeffbalke.com - words.pictures.music

A friend of mine told me today that she is concerned about her highlights claiming her hair now looks like that of a “lesbian tiger ho.” I cannot confirm or deny this statement as beauty is clearly always in the eye of the beholder, however, in honor of the plight of all of us […]

Ok people who go see live music, you didn’t think you’d be off the hook, did you? You guys are the lifeblood of the musician. Without your support, we would never go out and perform. What would be the point? But, that doesn’t excuse you from acting like a normal human being […]

In keeping with my series on the do’s and do not’s at live music shows in smaller venues, I give you my top 10 rules for those stalwart employees of smoky (depending upon your ordinances), dingy rock bars. You chose to work there. The least you can do is try and make the […]

I started thinking about the complexities of playing music in local clubs and re-read my post on things said to musicians at gigs. I realized there are things that should be law when it comes to gigs and not just for musicians but for bar employees and music fans as well.
I’ll start with the […]

Yesterday, the band played in the 2008 Houston Art Car Parade. I’ve been to the parade several times, but never been in it. First, to the right, is a photo taken by Jason McElweenie that has now become among my favorite photos taken of me performing ever (I cropped the original a bit […]

It’s that time of year again - it’s time to nominate your favorite musicians, bands and artists for the Houston Press Music Awards. The Press has been giving out awards for a long time and it has made numerous modifications to its awards categories over the years - not a good sign for a […]

My good friend, James, reported the unfortunate news to me that Friday night was the last for live music at Cypress Saloon out on Houston’s northwest side. The venue is owned by a couple guys I went to high school with and James (another high school classmate) had been booking the place since late […]

My band, orange is in, is playing the Houston Art Car Parade on May 10. If you’ve never been, it is a very cool event put on by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. It is the oldest and most famous parade of its kind in the world and attracts visitors and wacky automobiles […]

From Jef (just one ‘f’) with local rockers The Black Math Experiment. Seriously hilarious and sadly true although I might quibble about #10.
1. Rappers, thou shall not message or comment phonetically. Typing a dialect is like trying to catch Down’s syndrome to get out of class. I realize that once […]

Last night, my band did a show with Pale and People Noise, both very good bands with good guys in them. The show was good and we rocked the haus, bitches.
HOWEVER, the night was nearly ruined before it got started. Our drummer, Steve, as usual was there early. He loaded his drums […]