Luke Wade & No Civilians

Anticipation was overwhelming all day Saturday. It had been far too long since I had seen Luke Wade & No Civilians. And believe me when I say, you cannot get enough of this man's voice and the musical talents of the band as a whole ... complete with saxophone.

I walked up on the sound check at 11 p.m. at NOS Bar. The bar was hosting the "Official Ranch Bash After Party" so the crowd was soon to follow. For now, it was just me, Stella Artois and several others anxiously waiting.

The outdoor concert was on the verge of becoming a wet t-shirt contest, with the storms blowing in, so before their first set they moved all the equipment into the smoky hole in the wall, where Ashley and I took our seats at the closest table.

I love NOS Bar. It's look's like it should be pictured in the pages of an adult I Spy book. I spy a urinal. I spy a bra. Real talk though: There are bras hanging from the ceiling. Word on the street is if you throw your bra in the rafters and it gets stuck, you get a free shot ... the thought crossed my mind. Hmmmm ... Not enough booze in me for that one.

The band began to play and the drunken crowd softens in unison ... except the really drunk guy front stage cheering them on and blocking my view. I turned to tell Ashley how annoyed I was at the wasted guy, when I realized I know that drunk ass hole!

The bar began to dance and move when Luke Wade introduced a song he claimed, "gets the white girls dancing." Man knows his shit. About 10 chicks swarmed the stage and several tipsy stragglers, including myself, follow not long after.

My favorite thing about this band is their sound. Each member brings something great to the table. The way the drummer moves with the beat he's creating, it's like he is having a dance with his drums. The way the sax player plays with his eyes closed, it's like you can see him loving the music he is making. And Luke Wade's voice ... captivating and seductive.

Luke Wade & No Civilians claim the genre folk rock/pop/soul. By claim, I mean rule that genre. Some personal favorites: Ghost on a Wire, Eyes on the Horizon and Doctor, Please.

Do yourself a favor, listen to his music and attend a show. Luke Wade, who I have a hard time calling just Luke, is a jokester at heart. You will crack up all evening.

Do you already love Luke Wade & No Civilians? Tell me your favorite songs or a great night you had at a show with this brilliant group of artists.

This weekend, I head home to Stephenville, Texas, where I will be in cowboy boots and purple attire all weekend long for TSU's Homecoming.

Next week's post(s): City Limits featuring — Josh Weathers & the True Endeavors tonight and The Turnpike Troubadours on Saturday.

I'm so PUMPED UP!

I might get two out of this, if I don't drink too much ...