Photos by Nicole Hall
Greg Schroeder
Saying a gruff-voiced “Hello”, Dallas’ own Greg Schroeder (@GregSSchroeder) took the lime-green lit stage first at Three Links on Sunday. Towering over 6 feet, the musician folded classics like “Dallas” by Jimmie Dale Gilmore in with original numbers such as “Marching to the Grave”, a song about social media site Facebook. Schroeder also entertained with a tune that is slated to debut on Hank Williams’ forthcoming album, proving that DFW is a hub of talent that is making its mark on the rest of the country.
Bonus Fun Stuff: Bulladora: A Unique Festival Experience in Dallas.
Josiah
With baby blues and moves that would make Elvis proud, Tennessee’s Josiah (@josiahandthe) took to the stage next, playing a brief set of songs that appear on his debut EP, “Cold Blood”. The title track itself is a wonder, the antithesis of a love song with a haunting beat. He may not be old enough to buy a drink, but Josiah can write a hook like a well-seasoned musician.
William Elliott Whitmore
Last to play, headliner William Elliott Whitmore took his place about 10 p.m. The roots musician is on the 2nd leg of a tour that primarily hits spots on the west coast and the South. Those unfamiliar with the artist’s punk-rock past may have be surprised by some of the diversity found in Whitmore’s chord progressions, but the artist adeptly intertwined both to the audience’s admiration.
Raised in Iowa, Whitmore seems to stay true to his humble farm upbringing. With soil under his nails and whiskey on his breath, Whitmore spoke with fans and gave autographs before the show began. Intent on keeping his set loose, he encouraged an audience of about 50 to shout out requests. While some fans requested old favorites like “Dry” and songs tied to cherished personal memories, others requested songs by an altogether different artist, to which Whitmore obliged. The audience slightly worse for wear, and himself 2 whiskey’s in, Whitmore serenaded the audience with “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash in the fervent hope he could do the song justice. But it isn’t just his Iowa roots that this farmer keeps close to his heart. Having previously performed at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, which recently announced it will be closing in June, he spoke fondly of the Denton venue during one of many toasts.
The neon-lit stage at three links was full of talent on Sunday evening, with performances from diverse musical acts. Three musicians from different states left their distinctive mark on Elm Street at Three Links on Sunday. One thing we all had in common on: the enjoyment of roots music for hard-working people.
