Jackie Venson

I'm a HUGE supporte of Beto O'Rourke for governor of Texas, and I attend evry one of his town halls and rallies that I can. On Friday, July 15th, he was the keynote speaker at the Texas Democrat Convention, held at the Dallas Convention Center. The event I atteended was at a place about a 10 minute walk away, in the heart of downtown. It was billed as Beers and Bands and Beto. Outdoor venue, with a stage at the farthest point from the building. There was a giant video screen at the back of the stage. They showed his speech in full (including the most dynamic introduction ever), and he killed. Maybe the best political speech I've ever seen. And I'm 63 and have had three passions in life: Baseball, politics and music. After the speech, which left me (and most of the crowd) breathless. As soon as the crowd settled down a little, they introduced Jackie Venson. I had never heard of her before, and I figured that like with other musical acts that played a Beto's events, it was going to be either a decent cover band or a less than decent original act. She was neither. For the first time since maybe the early 90's, I was completely sucked in and blown away by someone I had never seen or heaqrd of before! Imagine, if you can, Bonnie Raitt, a little edgier, wandering off to hendrix territory from time to time, with the happy feelings of Ziggy Marley, capped by the voice of an angel. This was not the best situation in which to see a musical act (lots of politicking, which was the main reason we were there), but I'm sure that the farthest I'll have to go to see her is Austin. Wherever it is, I will definitely begin a hard follow of this exceptionally tallented young lady!