"Looking somewhat like Dracula's nasty little brother who spent some hard years drinking and working as a carnival barker for a second-rate freak show, Unknown Hinson translates that vibe to his style of country and western-tinged psychobilly. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, this red-necked crooner gained regional popularity with a self-produced television show in 1992 and soon was touring nationwide, wowing audiences with his outrageous and campy, white-trash persona and freewheeling, sleazy tone. Hinson’s most recent CD release, Target Practice, melds weepy twang and searing guitar riffs and lyrics that speak of love-gone-bad and the dark side of the honky-tonk lifestyle."
Since 2008, every time that Unknown Hinson has graced Atlanta with his presence Syrens of the South has been his opening act. Last October was the first time at Variety Playhouse and as Unknown Hinson does the voice for Early Cuyler on Squidbillies, he was joined by the rest of the cast to celebrate the new season and DVD release. It was such a hit that Unknown Hinson came back to Variety Playhouse for his 2010 October show. This year he was again joined by Syrens of the South and Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause, who opened the show.
Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause was amazing. They were a perfect pick to open the show. With their twangy guitars and Anna's sultry swagger they made the giant music hall feel like an intimate country bar where you could comfortably cry in your beer or start a brawl.
Up next was Syrens of the South. MC John Carney introduced himself and them had the crowd singing along with The Burlesque Show (set to The Muppet Show theme). Next up double your pleasure and double your fun with Tupelo Honey, a woman so sweet she'll make your tooth hurt, and the Double D's of Dixie, D'lilah D'lite in an old fashion cat fight. The clothes came flying off as they fought over who was woman enough to keep a man! Next was the fastest hips in the South Miss Stormy Knight having a Ho-Down! In her western shirt and full skirt she spun around giving sneak peaks to the audience with an expert tease until it was time for her reveal which the audience greatly appreciated. Then came the Master of Puppets, the Pastor of Muppets, Mr Tim Monteith bringing Elvis back from the grave for a little Jail House Rock, always a crowd pleaser and a nice break of variety inbetween the girls. The Shimmy Shake and Shazaam of Ursula Undress hit the stage as a bride from hell with her devilish grin, coal black hair and flame red dress. Her tail, horns and pitchfork were no match for her angelic good looks and the love of the audience. The screamed and yelled all the way to hell as the joined the Cult of Ursula! Closing out the show was the Southern Sin-Sation Katherine Lashe (me) who came out with green hair and a swampy disposition for her creature from the Black Lagoon Tribute. The show was amazing and super special thanks to Patrick, the staff at The Variety Playhouse and of course the audience who screamed their heads off at every shimmy, shake, bump and grind!
Of course next was the main event, Unknown Hinson. I can't even describe how amazing he is to watch live. He is the most amazing guitarist I have ever seen and his band is perfectly in sync with him. Not only are they all amazing musicians, but the songs are both hauntingly meaningful and hilarious at the same time. He captures every Southern cliche while both simultaneously playing into them and proving how false they can be. He is a brilliant showman and I have never seen or met anyone as dedicated to their fans as he is. There is always an encore and he will stay until everyone in the line has had a chance to meet him, get a picture with him and get his autograph.
Unknown Hinson is always on tour and usually comes back to Atlanta in April so if you missed him and the Syrens of the South you can probably catch them at The Earl in April. If you're not in Atlanta I highly recommend you check his website to see when he'll be in a town near you because it's definitely worth checking out.
No comments:
Post a Comment