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nelo

nelo (rhymes with "hello"), whose tight songs have been described as joyful and emotional, packs its live shows with a combination of original pop-rock songs and powerful condensed jams. It was born when Matt Ragland, songwriter and acoustic guitarist, started writing songs in Austin, where he attended The University of Texas at the same time as singer Reid Umstattd. Ragland formed a band, mostly of musician friends from high school, and moved to Athens, Ga. After playing there for little more than a year and building a devoted fan base, nelo moved back to Austin to play for its growing Texas high-school and college-age audiences and started recording its debut album, slated for release February 2008 on Pedernales Records. Prior to joining nelo, Chris Hill (drums, percussion), Stephen Goodson (electric guitar), David Long (tenor & soprano sax, flute) and Mike St. Clair (bass, trombone) all attended the University of North Texas, where they studied jazz.

Fri. May 9 Admission: Advance: $15 Day of Show: $15 Times: Door: 7:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Ace Frehley With Special Guests Hell City Kings Mercury Down

Mon. May 12 Admission: Advance: $25 Day of Show: $28 Times: Door: 7:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Hot Topic & Royal Fluch Present Mindless Self Indulgence Rock/Industrial Metal: The New York City-based punk/industrial/hip-hop group Mindless Self Indulgence consists of singer/songwriter Little Jimmy Urine, guitarist Steve, Righ?, bassist Vanessa, and drummer Kitty. The group's over-the-top sound debuted on their 1999 album Tight, and their equally outrageous live shows won them opening spots on tours with Rammstein and Insane Clown Posse. The group followed this success with 2000's The Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy and 2002's Alienating Our Audience: Live, where bassist Vanessa was replaced by Lyn Z. You'll Rebel to Anything from 2005 found the band signed to the industrial label Metropolis and was issued in three versions, each with different bonus tracks and artwork.

With Special Guests The Birthday Massacre Combichrist

Tue. May 13 Admission: Advance: $20 Day of Show: $25 Times: Door: 7:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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The Fall OF Troy Rock/Progressive Metal: The Fall of Troy formed in Mukilteo, WA, in 2002. Singer/guitarist Thomas Erak, singer/bassist Tim Ward, and drummer Andrew Forsman previously collaborated in 30 Years War, a screamo outfit they formed with fellow high school classmate Mike Munro on guitar. After a pair of self-released 2002 EPs, Martyrs Among the Casualties and Live at the Paradox, Munro left the group and the remaining trio continued as the Fall of Troy, selecting the name as before by randomly opening the pages of a history textbook. Their self-titled debut LP followed on Lujo Records in late 2003. At the time of recording, all three members were still under the age of 17, and apart from a handful of Pacific Northwest dates and a brief California tour, their live schedule was limited until the following year, when they self-released an EP, Ghostship. In mid-2005 the Fall of Troy issued Doppelgänger, their first effort for new label Equal Vision Records. The album Manipulator surfaced on record shelves in early May 2007, and spring was spent supporting the Deftones on nationwide dates.

Wed. May 14 Admission: Advance: $12 Day of Show: $12 Times: Door: 6:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

With Special Guests The Dear Hunter Foxy Shazam Tera Melos

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Hank Williams III

Honkytonk/New Traditionalist: It can't be too easy being Hank Williams III and having people expect you to fill two pairs of boots. Luckily, the grandson to the Honky-Tonk legend and son of one of Southern Rock's biggest outlaws has found his own sound and style. Depending on who he's sharing a bill with, Hank III can be seen effortlessly walking a musical tightrope between Old-Time Revival/Honky-Tonk songs and more snot-nosed, bratty Cowpunk songs. In the former, his voice hauntingly croons and cries in a style slightly similar to his late grandfather, but it more closely resembles that of Hank III's contemporary and friend, Wayne Hancock

Thu. May 15 POSTPONED (Probably to June) All tickets will be honoured on the new date.

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Houston Press Music Awards Nomination Party

The Reverend Horton Heat Undeniably, The Reverend Horton Heat, aka Jim Heath, is the biggest, baddest, grittiest, greasiest, greatest rocker that ever piled his hair up and pounded the drinks down. It’s been an almost 20-year journey for Heath, whose country-flavored punkabilly and onstage antics have brought him and his band a strikingly diverse fan base and a devoted cult following, not to mention the respect of fellow musicians worldwide. It’s true that the Reverend Horton Heat have been called a great many things over the course of their storied career: Perpetual Carriers Of The Rockabilly Flame, Genre-Shattering Sh*t-Starters, Filthy Drunks, and The Most Electrifying Live Act In America (150 shows every year can’t be wrong) among them. “I think it’s cool we’ve lasted this long,” says The Rev. “People still come out to see us play after all these years and all the shows and tours. It’s amazing. I mean, I get to sing songs about cars I love, drinking and chasing girls. Beats the hell out of the alternative.” With Special Guests NashvillePussy Backyard Tire Fire

Fri. May 16 Admission: Advance: $20 Day of Show: $25 Age Restriction: 18+ Only! Door: 7:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700 Nominate Meridian for the 2008 Houston Press Music Awards Click on the image to go to the ballot page.

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Nylon Magazine Music Tour Featuring She Wants Revenge Rock/Indie Rock: Los Angeles DJs Justin Warfield and Adam "Adam 12" Bravin formed the moody, Joy Division-inspired She Wants Revenge in 2003. A fortuitous combination of word of mouth, industry connections, and airplay on Sirius Satellite Radio and West Coast airwave giant KCRW provided the duo with enough exposure to snag a record deal with Geffen, resulting in a 2006 self-titled release that has drawn comparisons to Interpol, early Depeche Mode, and the Bravery, as well as their aforementioned eternally depressed post-punk heroes from England.

With Special Guests Be Your Own Pet The Virgins

Sat. May 17 Admission: Advance: $18 Day of Show: $20 Times: Door: 7:30 PM Advance Tickets Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Bob Schneider Roots Rockk/American Trad. Rock: Bob Schneider is a fixture on the Austin scene, having kicked around for years in various bands before embarking on a solo career. He dropped out of the University of Texas at El Paso to front his first band, the funk-and-rap outfit Joe Rockhead. The band independently released three albums before disbanding immediately prior to signing with a major label. A stint with a jamming, slightly Phish-y outfit called the Ugly Americans followed, which experienced some success as an opening act for the Dave Matthews Band and Horde. In 1999, Schneider became a solo act, at first under the band name Lonelyland. Schneider's musical approach as a solo artist has proven as eclectic as the diverse musical styles of his former bands — a little bit singer/songwriter, a whole lot of bits and pieces of funk, country, rock, and folk. Schneider has released three solo albums, and may be on the crest of bigger things with the major-label release of the second of these albums, Lonelyland. His scruffy good looks and strong, husky voice provide a good complement to his semi-confessional songwriting. His music is redolent of singer/songwriters of the '70s from Neil Young to Paul Simon, with a slightly more modern musical sensibility reminiscent of Beck.

Fri. May 23 Admission: Advance: $18 Day of Show: $20 Times: Door: 8:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Benefit for Alex Arizpe “The Tie That Binds” has many meanings. Once the name of a post-punk band from Houston, those words now have special meaning, friendship and support, for that group’s drummer, Alex Arizpe. Alex, 31, is battling cancer, and his musician friends are coming together Saturday, May 24, at the Meridian, 1503 Chartres, to put on a benefit and join him in his fight. All proceeds will go towards his medical bills. A native of Houston, Alex lives in Los Angeles. 30footFALL, the 14-year-old Bayou City group, will headline the event. The original lineup of The Tie That Binds, minus Alex, will be part of the show. This group began in 1993 as Badger. Al Shire, a Houstonian who now calls Austin home, is organizing this event for his long-time friend and will welcome the crowd. “This event is a special coming together of the members of The Tie That Binds and Pretty Boys,” says Shire, Wide Eyed Booking owner. “A primary musical feature in Houston in the early- to mid-1990s was punk with its many variations. Punk ruled!”

Alex in the early '90's

With Performances By 30footFALL Spain Couloured Orange The Tie That Binds Sat. May 24 RED ROOM Admission: Advance: $10 Day of Show: $10 Times: Door: 6:30 PM Advance Tickets On Sale: TBA At: 713.629.3700 Pretty Boys LJ All Stars Molotov Compromise

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Miser

Rock: They say the key to evolution is the survival of the fittest; where the weak will fall and only the strong will remain. The result is a more powerful entity, better equipped to conquer its surroundings and more capable of a longer and greater existence. Miser themselves are a part of an evolution; a “Rock” evolution. Miser blends heavy-hitting rock and textured melodies with memorable hooks and a moving message. The solid foundation is created by the thunderous drums of Moe Martinez and the quaking bass sound of Nick Holmes. This foundation is complimented by the tone and fury provided by guitarist Mark Sims and the timeless melody of guitarist Shannon Nedved. Completing this unit is the rich and beautiful vocal message offered by Miser singer and frontman, Coach. Miser formed in December of 2005. Each member of Miser is a product of a previously successful and great talent within the Dallas music scene, from which they have gained immense growth and experience in the music industry. Members of Miser have had the honor of sharing the stage with several great acts such as Jimmy Eat World, 311, Weezer, Hoobastank, Seether, Bowling for Soup, Slow Roosevelt, Edgewater, 30 Seconds to Mars and numerous others. With Special Guests Dawn Over Zero Subversa Pale

Sat. May 24 MAIN ROOM Admission: Advance: $10 Day of Show: $12 Times: Door: 8:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Adversary Productions Presents Infernaeon Fierce Allegience Uncleansed Hod Ebonmortis Funeralcult

Sun. May 25 Admission: Advance: $10 Day of Show: $10 Times: Door: 6:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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The Marshall Tucker Band

Southern Rock/Country Rock: From their first LP in 1973, to their powerful stage presence today, the Marshall Tucker Band has played countless concert venues around the world. With the success of the Volunteer Jam Tour, and 1999 release of Gospel, the good ol’ boys from Spartanburg, South Carolina remain as a powerful force in the world of music. David Muse has rejoined the Marshall Tucker Band after a three year absence. As a founding member of Firefall, David took sometime away from MTB to reunite with his bandmates. David originally joined MTB in 1996. We are truly grateful to have such a tremendous talent return on flute, sax and keys. Doug Gray, lead singer, is quick to credit the band’s current dynamic members with carrying on the everlasting Marshall Tucker Band sound. In 1989, slide guitarist Stuart Swanlund joined the lineup of talented musicians. They also added the highly respected B.B. Borden, who is a former member of both Mother’s Finest and The Outlaws, on drums in the early 90’s. “The buying public never really cared whether we were country or rock and roll” says founding member Doug Gray. “They called us a Southern rock band, but we have always played everything from country to blues and all things in-between. We’re still playing all of the classic songs, but we are moving ahead into other styles as well. We’re also playing for a younger audience than we have in the past, perhaps to the kids of the fans we played in front of in the 70’s and 80’s.” Gray also notes that people have gotten “married and buried” to classic MTB songs like “Desert Skies” and “Can’t You See”. After nearly 30 years, The Marshall Tucker Band continues to be played on classic rock and country radio, and they have never stopped touring. “We never play less than 150 shows a year, and sometimes we play as many as 200 shows. We feel we owe it to the fans who have supported us through the years to deliver the music in person,” says Gray. “As we’ve become older,” Gray grins, eyes twinkling, “our Southern heritage seems to come out even more. But no matter how old we get, we can still rock your socks off.”

Thu. May 29 Admission: Advance: $20 Day of Show: $25 Times: Door: 7:00 PM Music Starts: 8:00 PM MTB Starts: 10:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale: TBA At: 713.629.3700

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Old 97's

Rock/Alternative Country Rock: One of the most popular bands in the alternative country movement's rock & roll wing, Old 97's hailed from Dallas and drew their inspiration from classic country, bar band rock, the raw sound of early punk, and -- especially on their later records -- the tight songcraft of power pop. The positive attention given to the band's two indie albums led to a major-label deal with Elektra Records, on which Old 97's debuted in 1997 with Too Far to Care. Critics hailed the album as the best balance yet between the group's Texas traditionalism and pop leanings and placed the band among the leaders of the alt-country movement. Their next release, 1999's Fight Songs, actually began to move away from their country influences, offering a more polished, pop-friendly set of songs. 2001's Satellite Rides had an even stronger power pop flavor and once again received highly positive reviews. In 2006, Rhino Records/Elektra issued Hit by a Train: The Best of Old 97's, which contained songs released prior to the band's 2004 label switch. That same year the Old 97's were featured prominently in concert footage during the climax of the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn hit film The Break Up.

Fri. May 30 Admission: Advance: $20 Day of Show: $20 Times: Door: 8:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Big Head Todd & The Monsters

Jam Rock, Rock/Pop: Colorado Jam Rock band Big Head Todd and the Monsters play a leaner, more streamlined version of Jam Rock than some of their Horde Tour brethren. The sound of the band -- which at its core is a power trio, though sometimes they augment their touring lineup with keyboards -- pivots on Mohr's bluesy baritone voice and his fluid, post-Stevie Ray guitar work. The band earned their reputation and dedicated following through relentless touring. Self-released records sold into five figures, which in turn attracted major labels.

Sat. May 31 Admission: Advance: $20 Day of Show: $20 Times: Door: 8:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Augustana American Trad. Rock/Alternative: Mellow piano rockers Augustana are a heartland equivalent to Coldplay or Keane, with a little bit of mid-'90s adult alternative throwback (think Counting Crows or the Wallflowers) as well. The band formed in Greenville, IL, in 2002, while singer and keyboardist Dan Layus and guitarist Josiah Rosen were attending a small evangelical college there. The original lineup of the band was completed by bassist Simeon Lohrmann, second keyboardist David Lamoureaux, and drummer Kyle Baker. This lineup released a pair of self-distributed CDs, the full-length Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays and the EP Mayfield, both in 2003. Choosing music over academia, Layus and Rosen left Greenville for Los Angeles in 2004, jettisoning the rest of the band and re-forming with a new lineup that included keyboardist John Vincent, bassist Jared Palomar, and drummer Justin South. The reformulated Augustana signed with Epic Records in 2005 and released their major-label debut, All the Stars and Boulevards, in September of that year. A slow starter, the album eventually gained attention when the single "Boston" started receiving radio (and later VH1) airplay. A limited-edition reissue of the album, with extra songs and video content, was released in September 2006. Josiah Rosen left the band for a solo career in early 2006, replaced by guitarist and mandolin player Chris Sachtleben.

With Special Guests Wild Sweet Orange Paddy Casey

Tue. Jun. 3 Admission: Advance: $15 Day of Show: $15 Times: Door: TBD PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Matt Costa Indie Rock/Alternative Pop: Born in Huntington Beach, CA, in 1982, Matt Costa received his first guitar at age 12. While he was always interested in music, even playing in a band in high school, Costa's first love was skateboarding. His dreams of going pro came crashing to an end, however, when he seriously injured his leg in a skateboarding accident at 18. During his year-and-a-half-long rehabilitation period, Costa decided to refocus his energy on songwriting and guitar playing, and began using a four-track to make demos. One of these demos found its way to No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, who liked what he heard so much that he offered to produce Costa's music, and soon they had recorded two independently released EPs, Matt Costa and The Elasmosaurus, as well as a full-length early version of Songs We Sing. These caught the ear of Brush Fire Records owner Jack Johnson, who was impressed by the young musician's work and signed Costa to his label and invited him to open his 2005 summer tour. In 2006, Costa's official major-label debut, Songs We Sing (slightly different from the 2005 indie version) was released. Unfamiliar Faces followed in 2008.

With Special Guests Delta Spirit

Sat. Jun. 4 Admission: Advance: $15 Day of Show: $15 Times: Door: 8:00 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700

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Dark Tranquility	With Special Guests Divine Heresy	Fri. Jun. 6 Admission: Advance: $15 Day of Show: $18 Times: Door: 6:30 PM Advance Tickets On Sale Now! At The Meridian Box Office Online or 'Phone At: 713.629.3700
Death Metal: Dark Tranquillity is one of the longest-standing bands from the Gothenburg, Sweden, metal scene and one of the pioneers of the melodic death metal genre, along with In Flames and At the Gates. Formed in 1989, under the name Septic Broiler, in 1990, the band recorded a demo cassette tape entitled Enfeebled Earth before they would change their name to Dark Tranquillity and their style. It was followed by two more demos: Trail of Life Decayed (1991) and A Moonclad Reflection (1992) (both were later remastered and re-released in 2004). In 1993, Anders Fridén, Dark Tranquillity's original lead vocalist, left the band and later joined In Flames.[1] Mikael Stanne, who formerly played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals, then became the lead vocalist, and Fredrik Johansson was recruited to take over rhythm guitar duties. Johansson left prior to the release of the 1999 album, Projector , and Martin Henriksson switched from playing bass to replace him. The band added Michael Nicklasson on bass and Martin Brändström on keyboards and electronics. At this point the band also signed to Century Media Records. Since then, the band has remained stable in its line-up and its musical style; blending layers of rapid guitar lines with harmony-rich electronic keyboard washes and extremely precise rhythms underneath Stanne's abstract growled lyrics. Much more recently they have added a great amount of progressive metal elements to their music.

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Ladytron

Electronica / Indie Rock: Buzzy glam rock fashion plates Ladytron came together in a jet-set miracle in mid-1998. Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu, who lurk in the background playing rhythm boxes and keyboards in the band, settled in Liverpool after a spate of DJ work in Japan and world travel, including a train trip in Bulgaria where they met vocalist Mira Aroyo. Helena Marnie, who also sings and plays keyboards for the group, also joined them and they began work on their first single, "He Took Her to a Movie," which was recorded for 50 pounds. The release brought a wave of critical attention with writers extending into jubilant metaphor to describe the band's unique sound.