WHAT: Live music returns to LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch – Katy and west Houston’s place to shop and play – with the 2009 TGIFall Concert Series, September 3 through October 29. Guests are invited to unwind after a long day or ease into the weekend with a mix of some of the area’s premier jazz, blues, pop, and country artists each Thursday.

Food and nonalcoholic beverages are available from any LaCenterra restaurant or specialty food retailer. Courtyard beverage service will be provided by Fish City Grill.

Performances take place weather permitting. Showtimes and performers subject to change. Visit www.lacenterra.com for additional information and the latest event announcements. Events are free and open to the public.

WHEN: Thursday Nights

September 3 – October 29

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

DETAILS:

September 10 Jawad & Friends

www.jawadmusic.com

Frontman Jawad has performed on stages with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, The Manhattans and others. His eclectic style epitomizes “cool.” Regardless of the temperature, the night is sure to be breezy and comfortable when Jawad takes the stage.

September 17 Fondue Monks

http://www.fonduemonks.com

The Fondue Monks play "Texas Funk" with a groove that remains true to their Lonestar roots. Driven by a dedication that borders on obsession, the Fondue Monks are totally committed to the crowd and immersed in the beat. Their live performance is a combination of raw energy, emotion and a vibe that is captivating and infectious. Led by vocalist Denver Courtney, the quartet’s lineup has been the same since 1991 and is only getting better with age.

September 24 The Stringbenders

http://www.thestringbenders.com

The Stringbenders are from Houston, but are often more broadly referred to as a “Gulf Coast” band. With sets that mix classic country, Cajun, Zydeco, TexMex and rock, it’s hard to argue with the logic. Guitarists/vocalists Tracy Park and Jim Ferguson, bassist Pat “PK” Kominczak, Accordionist “Astro” Joe Garcia and drummer Benny Rod grew up with these musical influences and proudly keep the regional heritage alive and the party rockin’.

October 1 The Revelators

http://www.myspace.com/therevelatorsband

The Revelators are one of the few bands able to capture and celebrate the funky spirit and eclecticism of rock n’ roll pioneers like Stephen Stills or the Texas’ own Sir Douglas Quintet. Comprised of a supergroup of local players – guitarist/vocalist James Reese, keyboardist/vocalist Skip Nallia, bassist/vocalist Ken Woodard, saxophonist Mike Reed and drummer Michael Aguilar- this band is in demand for its ability to groove you up and take you back. That’s why the band boasts, “If the Revelators don’t turn you on, your fuse must be blown.”

October 8 The Slags

http://www.the-slags.com

Wanna dance? Well, get ready cause it’s hard to keep the knees steady and feet on the ground once The Slags take the stage. The group covers familiar pop and rock from the 80s, 90s and present day. Combined with an electric stage presence and *poof…* let the dance party begin.

October 15 Hamilton Loomis

“If blues, soul and rock can be said to form a triangle, you’ll find Hamilton Loomis right in the center of it.” says Guitar Player Magazine. Loomis is a local guitar plucking treasure on the brink of being discovered nation-wide. He’s played alongside or been given personal mentoring by legends like Bo Diddley, Gatemouth Brown, Joe “Guitar” Hughes and Johnny Copeland among others. Combining a reverence for blues tradition with a continuing flirtation with funk and rock, Loomis looks to add his name to a list of Texas blues-rock luminaries that dates back to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

October 22 TropiCrew

The name TropiCrew says all a music fan who loves a Latin dance party needs to know. The group’s repertoire includes salsa, meringue bachata, cumbia, reggaeton and Latin pop, as well as a U.S-based party favorites from disco to swing. TropiCrew has turned up the heat all over the Houston area including large crowds at the Reliant Center and Minute Maid Park. Don’t miss your chance to see them on LaCenterra’s intimate stage.

October 29 In The Pocket
www.jazzperformances.com
In The Pocket represents a talented cast of professional musicians who share an interest in classic improvisational jazz and a healthy admiration for musical greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Horace Silver.