Last night my friend, Ann, and I went to see Salim Nourallah, a local Dallas musician, producer, and performer, put on a show at his own venue (Galactic HQ) next to his recording studio (Pleasantry Lane Recording). We had not been to Galactic HQ in over a year and were excited to get to hear Salim play and sing. Sometimes, Salim asks other Dallas musicians (and sometimes musicians from faraway places) to join him in his shows. This night, Salim asked his friend and fellow guitarist, NickEarl, to join him. Nick is a seasoned musician and currently plays in The Polyphonic Spree and Tripping Daisy, as well as other well known Dallas bands. He used to be in one of Salim’s old bands called The Travoltas.
–The show begins ….–A reminder from Kurt Vonnegut that Salim put up for us to ponder in these dark times.A reminder of Mr. Boombox, Salim’s assistant for many local shows around Dallas for a time. Cool lunchbox.–A Keith Haring welcome mat, another reminder of Mr. Boombox.–During the break, Salim let people into the studio to look around. So many guitars all over the place!–I feel like I am on the set of a Wes Anderson film when at the studio/venue. Hit Parade is the name of one of Salim’s albums.–One of the yards (this one to the studio). The cactus beds are beautiful. I bet they remind Salim of El Paso.
–I shot this video from the second row. Excuse the quality. This song, Miette, is a tribute to Salim’s now 16-year-old daughter. I think he wrote this song shortly after Miette’s birth. I love this song.–A shot of Galactic HQ during the break.
The first half of the show was Salim and his acoustic guitar. For the second half, things got louder.
–After the break, a shot of Salim’s latest album cover was now up.–After the break, a change into a more Travolta-esque look.–Nick Earl and his magic electric guitar. Alas, all shows must eventually end.
