Marc Broussard Finds a Home at Kessler Theater

by: Tina and Damon Rodgers

When asked to write a review of Marc Broussard this weekend by Galleywinter, I was a little taken aback.  When I think of Galleywinter, I think of Texas Music, the boys from Oklahoma, and maybe a few bands from North Carolina, but I don’t think of artists like Marc Broussard or Tab Benoit who happen to come from Louisiana.  But in the end, Galleywinter is about good music that deserves a place to be heard, and that is where Marc Broussard enters the picture; he fits into the same realm as the Sean McConnell’s, Uncle Lucius’ and Josh Weathers’ of this scene.

First things first:  If you’re in Dallas and want to see your favorite musician play every note, the Kessler Theatre is the place to go.  It is a small, unique theater that is a true music lover’s paradise.  The crowds come to listen, laugh, and enjoy the artist and his work.  If you want to avoid standing room only tickets, make sure to get them early.  I have seen Todd Snider, Hayes Carll, and Marc Broussard at the Kessler and all three shows have been sold out well before show time.

This night out at the Kessler did not disappoint.  The Austin based band, Mingo Fishtrap came out horns blazing to fire up the crowd and it worked.  As if this band gave them a choice because when these guys go on, they go big.  Lead singer/guitarist Roger Blevins Jr. brings it with passionate vocals backed up by the keyboard, bass, two percussionists, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.  Though short, their set packed a punch full of funk and soul.  As if that weren’t enough, midway through their set, Blevins called his “favorite singer/songwriter” to the stage and out walked Marc Broussard.  The crowd was on their feet for the first of many times throughout the night, before settling in for a rendition of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” that would’ve made Otis Redding proud.  As quickly as he came on, he was gone as Mingo Fishtrap went on to finish out their set leaving the crowd ready and wanting more.

Marc Broussard brought the South to Dallas Thursday night.  He brought the deep, soulful part of the South via his outstanding vocal delivery of powerful and moving lyrics.  One moment, Broussard and his band had the crowd out of their seats clapping and singing along to songs like, “The Wanderer” and “Love And Happiness”.  The next thing you know, you found yourself on the edge of your seat ready to plead for mercy on his behalf as Broussard laid it all out with his guitar in “Let Me Leave”.   Toward the end of the set, Broussard asks Mingo Fishtrap back to the stage and at one point, I felt like I was on Beale Street in Memphis with all the brass and soul that anyone could ask for.  He closed with “Home” which is a song that embodies the essence of who Broussard is as an artist.  The contagious melody and rhythm, vocal prowess, and profound lyrics in this song are incredible.  Watching him sing it was even more so.  I am certain that I was not alone in the crowd when I quote this song to say I “felt like I was swimming in a sea of soul”.  The next time Marc Broussard comes to town, go see him folks.  He will not let you down.