OK, so I’m driving home from work tonight and I hit the button pre-programmed to WRIR, Richmond’s Independent Radio station, or as they like to call it, radio for the rest of us.

It never disappoints.

So it just so happens that one of my fav Monday night shows, Lost Music Saloon, is on and it just so happens that the very first song I hear is peppered with sweet accordion. A coincidence? I think not.

I think it was a sign. A sign from the squeaky accordion gods that I needed to update my blog, expose my readers to a sweet new tune by a band they may not have heard of, and clue them in to an awesome local radio show (Garry Morse, every Monday night from 5-7 p.m.). And don’t despair if you don’t live in Richmond--just go to the website and click Listen!

This is how Garry describes his show:

The Saloon has been serving up a fine mix of Americana, alternative country, roots rock, singer-songwriter, Tex-Mex, Irish, rural blues, and all things twang for over 5 years.  You’ll sometimes hear shows built entirely around a theme, an artist, or a band, including occasional music-intensive and professionally-produced one-hour radio specials.
 
I’m always on the lookout for something new.  Every month or two an entire 2-hour show is dedicated to new music – - albums, EPs and songs released within the weeks and months just prior to that show, or about to be officially released in the near future.  The Saloon also gives special attention to new and rising artists, as well as older performers who may have once been household names, but are now largely forgotten by mainstream radio.  You may not recognize the names of some of the artists and bands you hear played in the Lost Music Saloon, but they all have something worthwhile to offer.  And who knows? You might discover a new song, album or artist speaking directly to you.
Well, the Twilight Hotel spoke to me tonight with their song, What do I know about love? Give it a listen! . The singers are Canadian (I’ve never met a Canadian I didn’t totally dig) and they live in Austin (Austin rules!), so talk about an award-winning combo. Plus, their name is cool. And they have an accordion player. Seriously–what’s not to love?

While we’re on the subject of WRIR, you can listen to another wicked good show on Monday night with gobs and gobs of accordion. It’s called Louisiana Dance Hall and Talia Moser spins fabulous, accordion-saturated Cajun and Zydeco tunes from 9p.m. – 11p.m. Check it out. And allons-y, Louisianne, dansez. Et toi!