In the spring of 2015, regional artists Wade Bowen, Butch Hancock, Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines paired up with Texas Tech University to launch an event series called “Lubbock Lights: Celebrating the Musical Heritage of the South Plains.” The event, sponsored by the Office of the President, features discussions and performances by local and regional musical artists and gives attendees an inside look at the creative processes and inspirations that go into each artist’s work.
This year, Lubbock Lights will honor Lubbock native Terry Allen and his critically acclaimed record “Lubbock (on everything)” with a retrospective performance and discussion.
Considered a classic by Talking Heads’ David Byrne, Allen’s album has been called “a masterpiece” that is “essential listening” by Stewart Mason of Allmusic as well as given a five-star rating and listed as one of the essential albums of the 1970s by Rolling Stone, who also numbered it among the top 100 albums of all time.
This double-LP of 20 songs, all written and performed by Allen, was recorded in 1978 at Lubbock’s Caldwell Studios and released the following year. The album marks a historic music milestone as it was the first significant recording of Lubbock music by Lubbock musicians – all done in Lubbock. The recording struck a brash new energy into Texas music and reminded the world that there was more to Lubbock, Texas, than just a wealth of horizon.
Besides being the breakout project for the musical careers of Terry Allen and Lloyd Maines, “Lubbock (on everything),” began a host of musical collaborations and friendships that remain robust and productive to this day. Allen used the finest South Plains musicians for his album, many of whom will perform at the Lubbock Lights concert alongside Allen.
Those returning will include Jo Harvey Allen, Richard Bowden, Don Caldwell, Gwen Decker, Suzanne Henley, Kenny Maines, Lloyd Maines and Curtis McBride. Joining the original recording group will be Terry and Jo Harvey’s sons Bukka and Bale Allen, along with Casey Maines, Donnie Maines and Terri Hendrix.
The event, which will feature a performance and commentary with Allen and guests, will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Allen Theatre of Texas Tech’s Student Union Building.
Tickets are available to the public for $18 through Select-A-Seat at (806) 770-2000 or www.selectaseatlubbock.com. Texas Tech students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
(News Release from Texas Tech University)
