By Patty Andrew | Photography by GH Andrew
It’s an odd December in the land as many holiday parties and gatherings are changed or scaled down. The good news is that not all the fun has been cancelled, Christmas decorations are still shining bright, and music is in the air!
STEVE GARCIA
First, Steve Garcia. Steve Garcia is a musician’s musician who does it all: sings, plays, composes, and drives long distances to do it! Steve is the solo act every Tuesday night from 6 to 10 PM at the Patio Bar of Jackie’s Brickhouse. Patrons enjoy $3 tacos while requesting their favorite tunes and sipping cold drinks in the breezy Palapa.
Steve sings everything with clarity and ease! He belts out Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler, slides over to Stealers Wheel’s Stuck in the Middle with You, and then mournfully pleads for more during Billy Joel’s The Piano Man. Steve does this with his six-string guitar but without the help of an iPad or cell phone displaying lyrics or chords. He performs all these songs from different genres and eras from his memory. Regulars say if there is something he doesn’t know, he will learn it during the week and have it ready to perform for the next time.
Otis Redding, Jimmy Buffett, Lionel Richie, David Allan Coe, and Kim Carnes – his covers are versatile, musical, and fun. Steve even slides a little humor in between tunes, “I can tell when you’re drinking because that’s when you start singing.” A little guitar riff and Steve is now playing Bob Seger’s Against the Wind. Amazing!
Look him up on Facebook as Steven Garcia – Musician, or, for his schedule, at www.reverbnation.com/stevegarcia. You can hear some Steve Garcia original music on YouTube under his two bands, The Rachels and Not The Rachels.
KELLY WILLIAMS
Second, Kelly Williams. What is not to love about the dynamic Kelly Williams? This 2018 Bay Area Houston Vocalist of the Year is everywhere as a singer, an emcee, a model, a radio host, a former city council member, and the owner of Miss Kemah USA. Performing recently at a private party, Fords v. Ferraris, Kelly was thrilling the crowd with standards and covers with her frequent partner, Andrew Bateman. During the shutdown days of COVID-19, Kelly and Andrew teamed up for Live Facebook concerts from her driveway, garnering tips with an online link.
Kelly has such charisma in her presence and with her voice. Her songs draw you in as she weaves these musical stories of the heart, each one more inviting than the last. Her professional poise that can charm anyone was blasting through the evening at the party with her million-dollar smile and famous striped pants. Kelly’s honey alto voice glides easily through the Southern rockabilly of Creedence Clearwater Revival, mystical rock of Stevie Nicks, and outlaw country of Waylon Jennings, just to name a few of the many tunes floating through the skies.
Kelly expresses a profound gratefulness for being able to perform. She credits the support she receives from other Galveston Bay area musicians and the opportunities that local businesses have given to her as reasons for her success. Kelly sees how the community truly appreciates and enjoys live music, making it a regular part of their activities. She is acutely aware of how music can make a difference in a person’s life so she performs with her whole being. Her natural warmth radiates through her music, touching those who listen. Kelly strives to help others in every way possible because so many have helped her.
Kelly has never wanted to be famous. She has only wanted to sing. Coming from a musical family, Kelly has been singing and performing for many years. When Kelly first brought her singing skills to Kemah, she started by singing on restaurant patios for tips and opportunities. Now, bookings come easier with people seeking her out, but she is nonetheless thankful for each and every one.
In her role both with Miss Kemah USA and mentoring young people, she encourages others to do something because they want to do it and do it with full force. Being true to yourself is more important than trying to fit into someone else’s mold, so don’t be worried about what others think. Stay humble, she tells them, and don’t let fear ruin all those opportunities to be happy. Good advice for all.
Kelly happily takes new paths to help her find more ways to express herself. Lately, Kelly has been learning how to play the guitar. She is also writing her first original song in collaboration with Randy Meadows. Kelly never hesitates to promote others so that everyone can succeed.
Follow Kelly Williams on Facebook, The Kelly Williams Show on Facebook Live and YouTube, or find her online at www.SingerKellyWilliams.net.
Enjoy the holidays. Stay safe. Share happiness. Let music fill your soul.
