Dave Wheaton

For several years now, I've found reasons to use a motto loosely borrowed from comedian Bill Hicks. The basic intention of this brief saying helps me find a fresh perspective on life's situations that may seem negative at first glance. The motto? "It's all in how you look at it.". Simple, right? Tax season reminds me of this saying on a regular basis.

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Up and coming singer/songwriter Greg Bates has already banked a hit song with 'Did it For the Girl', and shows no signs of slowing down with his second single, 'Fill in the Blank'. As Bates lays the foundation for long-term success, there's a good chance that years from now, you'll be talking with your friends, saying "remember that time Greg Bates played in Abilene?". Along with special guests Mat Slovacek and Kayla Conn, Greg will indeed be making his way to the Lucky Mule Saloon on Friday night, May 10th.

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Whiskey Myers is one of those bands that is not only successful with any single they release to Texas radio, but they are also one of the more entertaining and purely talented live bands you will see. There's something special about this East Texas quintet. They always seem to be working to improve the entertainment value of their live performance, so whether you're watching them play for the first time or the 20th, you're sure to have a great time. Along with another great Texas-based singer/songwriter, John David Kent, Whiskey Myers will be playing the Lucky Mule Saloon on Thursday night, May 16th.

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There's your baby's first steps, first words and first tooth. Potty training, learning to read, and learning to ride a bicycle. All huge milestones as parents gauge the growth of their children. But my son Nathan and I enjoyed an all too often overlooked milestone: his first solo trip into the pawn shop.

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My 13-year old son, Nathan, has become quite a fan of movies lately. And as is the case with most teenagers, he has an opinion about pretty much everything. So I figured we could combine his appreciation for cinema and hearing himself speak, and have him review the movies he goes to see.

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Stoney LaRue is a legend and a pioneer of the Red Dirt music scene. He is making his way back to Abilene for a special event. Don't miss the opportunity to see Stoney, with special guest Zach Harmon on Thursday, April 18th for the Chris Shields Memorial Scholarship Benefit Concert at the Lucky Mule Saloon.

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A while ago, I wrote a blog about New Year's Resolution ideas. As the start of 2013 came and went, I came to the realization that, while I offered some suggestions that I believe are pretty good, I hadn't actually chosen one of my own. So, I decided to put a resolution that I've been holding on to for years to task: learning to play a m

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I don't think anyone will be surprised to hear me say that Earl Dibbles, Jr. is the alter-ego of Granger Smith. The Texas Country singer/songwriter with a whole lot of talent, an impressive collection of Top 5 singles and has very unique ways of entertaining his fans. Smith as Dibbles, Jr. can easily be described as an extreme country boy who regularly speaks his opinion with a simplistic approach to life, love, political views and beer drinking (a.k.a. 'crackin' a cold one'). And he posts his opinion regularly on social network sites like Instagram, Twitter, and my personal source for Earl Dibbles Jr.-isms, Facebook.

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We all know Kevin Fowler for his free-spirited, infectious songs that help define the Texas Country Music genre. His live show is a party every time every time he takes the stage. The man is an outstanding entertainer, deserving of his popularity and huge fan base. But every time I see him playing for a packed house, or hear his song on the radio, I think of a slightly different Kevin Fowler. A real good guy.

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It's no secret that one of my favorite TV shows is 'The Voice'. But if you're not like me, and looking for a little extra incentive, watch the NBC hit show to root for Holly Tucker. The country singer who was chosen to be on 'Team Blake' has family and close ties in Clyde, Texas.

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Robert Earl Keen is known as one of the most influential names on the Texas country music scene. The 30 year veteran made his impression on an entire generation of up-and-coming singer/songwriters who themselves influence the landscape of the music scene in Texas and beyond. Keen will be headed to West Texas on July 5th for a show at Red Dirt Pavilion in Buffalo Gap.

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A fond memory I have of my childhood is when my mom would surprise me and my younger brother, Greg, with a trip through the car wash. It was always such a pleasant, wonderful surprise when she pulled our family station wagon into the full service wash and asked for the "hot wax". What followed was 2-3 minutes of childhood bliss. I'm happy to report that some things never change, and my kids appreciate a trip through the car wash as much as I did.

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