Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – If you weren’t at this year’s Junior League of San Angelo’s western dance held on Saturday, January 26th at the Stables at Fort Concho, to hear one of the best four-member band, described by co-chair, Whitney Watson Wood, as “Texas Country” then you are in for a treat later on in the spring because they are coming back! The theme for the JLSA was “Cantina on the Concho.”
That band, Midnight River Choir, started 10 years ago with two original members: Eric Middleton and Justin Nelson. The current four members are comprised of Middleton (lead vocals and guitarist), Nelson (lead guitarist), George Talbot (drummer), and Bob Driver III, (bass guitar).
In 2011, Midnight River Choir released an album titled, Welcome to Delirium? One of the songs, Run Away From Me was written by former bassist, Jeremy Yager. Middleton in an interview said. “I had heard it a couple of times but had not really listened to it.” Middleton liked it enough to “work it up” and since then it’s been one of his favorites. With Valentine’s Day just a couple days away, after hearing it, this reporter feels like it is one of those that should be on everyone’s iPod fab five. It’s a tearjerker break-your-heart song.
“I can’t change the way I am. Lord knows I’ve tried. And I didn’t like that man. I think that you, to protect your heart, run away from me, trying a brand-new start. I only bring you down that’s something I don’t want to do. Runaway from me, cuz I’m no good for you” Runaway From Me- songwriter, Jeremy Yager
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XAZCMl3JFo
Flaco Guapo asked Eric if playing the guitar came easy for him. “Yea, it just made sense, I don’t know how to say it.” “It was like another part of me. “Fortunately for me it was relatively easy” said Middleton. It turned out to be a smooth process that was pretty cool,” concluded Middlteon.
Check out below the complete interview with Midnight River and one of its songs performed at the western dance.
Before Flaco interviewed Midnight River Choir, JLF co-chair, Mrs. Whitney Watson Wood, informed me that this was their major fundraiser event of the year. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward community outreach which involves a children’s literacy program. Watson Wood followed up on Midnight River’s debut. “We are so excited to have them take the stage."
A year ago, Junior League raised approximately $60,000. Watson Wood would like to at least raise $50,000 on this go-round. After the band took a break, there was a silent auction, a live auction led by auctioneer, Wade Kirkwood, and three emcees: KIXY FM’s personalities: Rick Mantooth, Rick Andrews and Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health representative, Berkeley Puckett.
“Between the casino, the live auction and silent auction; and to check out guests, we needed everyone from Junior League volunteers and JLSA members to bring it all together and make it happen” concluded Watson Wood. The casino consisted of seven black jack tables, one poker table and a Craps table to play it like Las Vegas style!
At the end of the night the grand prize given away was a firepit, courtesy of Unlimited Air, worth $800.
“We couldn’t of course do it without our sponsors, the two biggest being, US Well Services, HEB with the floral arrangement” said Whitney.
Pearl Icehouse catered the affair with the following on the menu: Fajitas, smoked steak, and chicken breast, southwest salad, charro beans, iced tea and water. Julio’s provided the salsa and chips bar.
