Matt the Electrician & Southpaw Jones // Holiday Show
Friday, December 18, 2026 · 8:00 PM
· The 04 Center
About
Despite the name, Matt the Electrician is no longer an electrician, focusing instead on a music career that has spanned the course of two decades, a dozen records, and thousands of shows. His music, however, remains rooted in his blue collar beginnings, with lyricism that embraces the day-to-day, the mundane, the beauty of the ordinary. Before moving to Austin, TX and launching his career as a working-class folk musician, Matt Sever grew up on the West Coast. His parents played John Denver and Pete Seeger songs on the family record player, and Matt spent his earliest years surrounded by the things that would later fill his own music: acoustic guitars, timeless melodies, lyrics that celebrated the joys and heartaches of everyday life, and — above all else — a strong work ethic. That work ethic served him well in the mid-1990s, when he moved to Austin in search of new horizons and better opportunities. Matt was already playing music by then, and in need of a steady day job, he began working as an electrician, spending his days wiring houses in the Texas heat. Once quitting time came, he'd grab his guitar and drive himself to an evening show, usually taking the stage in his work boots and sweaty clothes. "Hi; I'm Matt the Electrician," he'd tell the crowd, hoping his occupation would help explain his appearance. The name stuck, even after his growing fan base at home, as well as abroad, allowed him to hang up his pliers for good. Matt’s most recent release, a double CD called The Doubles, is the culmination of a 2-year vinyl 45 collaborative project. — Here’s what we know about Southpaw Jones : • He makes music for open-minded folks who dig singable melodies and one-of-a-kind lyrics. • He can write a decent song about anything. • He is left-handed. • He plays a right-handed guitar upside down… • …without a high E string. • He treads lightly on the thin ice of irreverent honesty. • He has lived in Houston, Nashville, and Los Angeles. • He currently lives in Austin. • He performs solo if not with Matt the Electrician. • He has had the honor of opening for Dan Bern, Slaid Cleaves, Fred Eaglesmith, Terri Hendrix, Lisa Loeb, and James McMurtry. • He has performed with 5 instruments in 17 states during the past 20 years. • Critics say he has “that most amazing ability to be hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.” • Author Spike Gillespie calls him “the left-handed Elvis Costello and the best songwriter in the land.” • He is a software engineer by day (and some nights). Visit LinkedIn for all that. • Southpaw calls himself “Slim” and sleeps in the fetal position.
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Thu, Nov 5 · 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Shake Russell & Dana Cooper (Night One)
The 04 Center
Shake Russell/Dana Cooper Band - In the late 70's, Shake Russell formed a band in Houston and was joined by hometown friend & fellow Songwriter/Musician Dana Cooper . Based in Houston, the duo enjoyed immense success and was given extensive airplay on local radio stations. Many of the melodies on "Songs On The Radio" album were recorded at Houston's KLOL. For over a decade, The Shake Russell/Dana Cooper band garnered a large following in Texas as well as appearing on "Austin City Limits". Although their respective careers have since diverged to different regions of the country, each of them has continued to nurture their talent and maintain a successful, creative music career. Dana Cooper - In the 1970's, Cooper landed a record deal with Elektra Records and released his acclaimed self-tiled debut album in 1972. Backed by renowned LA studio musicians "The Section", including Leeland Sklar & Russ Kunkel, the album showcased Cooper's lyrical depth & virtuoso guitar playing. Through the 80's & 90's, he built his reputation on the club circuit while also collaborating with artists like Lyle Lovett, Kim Carnes, Susan Werner, Kim Richey, Hal Ketchum & more. Central to Cooper's unique artistry is his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic stories and warm stage presence. Over his 50+ year career, Cooper has amassed a catalog of over 30 albums and continues to tour actively. His latest Release "The Ghost of Tucumcari" has garnered much critical acclaim and was voted #1 Album of 2024 on "Americana Highways" Readers Poll. Several established artists lent their voices to this album, including Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, Darden Smith, Mando Saenz & Libby Koch. "Few artists can claim to make music for 50 years and still do so with the same eagerness and enthusiasm that marked their initial efforts." Lee Zimmerman, American Songwriter "Dana has a poet's eye for beauty and detail, a blues man's soul & a songbird's gift. He is remarkable." Hayes Carll - Songwriter/Musician Shake Russell - For more than 50 years, Texas singer-songwriter Shake Russell, has been entertaining audiences throughout the region and all over the United States with his unique Americana style of folk rock. Weaving sophisticated harmonies through his songs and drawing from various genres, Shake created a style of folk-rock that is uniquely his own. Shake has released 30+ albums in his career and more to come. Shake’s recent releases, “Chasing the Song” & "Gold To Me", showcase a delightful array of original compositions that beautifully show the extraordinary talents of this singer-songwriter. To fully appreciate and comprehend the magnitude of Shake’s contributions to music, one need only listen to his life’s work. From his 1978 album “Songs on the Radio” to his latest “Gold To Me”, Shake’s music is a testament to the reasons why he is so widely celebrated as a Texas Music Legend! "Shake Russell, like Mark Twain or Guy Clark, has the gift of making us think and feel deeply at the same time. He's a prolific pioneer and a true American Treasure." Chad Watson - Songwriter/Musician "Shake's music walks right up to you, says howdy, and gives you a big hug. Nobody writes a better love song." Bruce Bryant - Ghost Ranch Films
Fri, Nov 6 · 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Shake Russell & Dana Cooper
The 04 Center
Shake Russell/Dana Cooper Band - In the late 70's, Shake Russell formed a band in Houston and was joined by hometown friend & fellow Songwriter/Musician Dana Cooper . Based in Houston, the duo enjoyed immense success and was given extensive airplay on local radio stations. Many of the melodies on "Songs On The Radio" album were recorded at Houston's KLOL. For over a decade, The Shake Russell/Dana Cooper band garnered a large following in Texas as well as appearing on "Austin City Limits". Although their respective careers have since diverged to different regions of the country, each of them has continued to nurture their talent and maintain a successful, creative music career. Dana Cooper - In the 1970's, Cooper landed a record deal with Elektra Records and released his acclaimed self-tiled debut album in 1972. Backed by renowned LA studio musicians "The Section", including Leeland Sklar & Russ Kunkel, the album showcased Cooper's lyrical depth & virtuoso guitar playing. Through the 80's & 90's, he built his reputation on the club circuit while also collaborating with artists like Lyle Lovett, Kim Carnes, Susan Werner, Kim Richey, Hal Ketchum & more. Central to Cooper's unique artistry is his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic stories and warm stage presence. Over his 50+ year career, Cooper has amassed a catalog of over 30 albums and continues to tour actively. His latest Release "The Ghost of Tucumcari" has garnered much critical acclaim and was voted #1 Album of 2024 on "Americana Highways" Readers Poll. Several established artists lent their voices to this album, including Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Shake Russell, Darden Smith, Mando Saenz & Libby Koch. "Few artists can claim to make music for 50 years and still do so with the same eagerness and enthusiasm that marked their initial efforts." Lee Zimmerman, American Songwriter "Dana has a poet's eye for beauty and detail, a blues man's soul & a songbird's gift. He is remarkable." Hayes Carll - Songwriter/Musician Shake Russell - For more than 50 years, Texas singer-songwriter Shake Russell, has been entertaining audiences throughout the region and all over the United States with his unique Americana style of folk rock. Weaving sophisticated harmonies through his songs and drawing from various genres, Shake created a style of folk-rock that is uniquely his own. Shake has released 30+ albums in his career and more to come. Shake's recent releases, “Chasing the Song” & "Gold To Me", showcase a delightful array of original compositions that beautifully show the extraordinary talents of this singer-songwriter. To fully appreciate and comprehend the magnitude of Shake's contributions to music, one need only listen to his life's work. From his 1978 album “Songs on the Radio” to his latest “Gold To Me”, Shake's music is a testament to the reasons why he is so widely celebrated as a Texas Music Legend! "Shake Russell, like Mark Twain or Guy Clark, has the gift of making us think and feel deeply at the same time. He's a prolific pioneer and a true American Treasure." Chad Watson - Songwriter/Musician "Shake's music walks right up to you, says howdy, and gives you a big hug. Nobody writes a better love song." Bruce Bryant - Ghost Ranch Films
Sat, Nov 7 · 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Paula Cole // THIS FIRE: 30
The 04 Center
Paula Cole returns to the stage with THIS FIRE: 30 —a special anniversary tour celebrating three decades of This Fire, her landmark album that cemented Cole as one of the most distinctive voices of the 1990s. A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her fearless writing and genre-blending sound, Cole broke boundaries with songs that were both deeply personal and universally resonant. On THIS FIRE: 30 , Paula will perform This Fire in its entirety—revisiting the era-defining music that sparked a generation and bringing new life, nuance, and power to the songs fans have carried with them for decades. Expect an intimate, emotionally charged performance that honors the original spirit of the album while showcasing the artistry and perspective she's continued to evolve. Spanning 50+ markets across the US, the UK, and Europe, THIS FIRE: 30 marks a major touring moment for Paula Cole—one of her most far-reaching runs in years—celebrating a classic album and the enduring connection it created with listeners around the world.