Dog Jam returns with big names, new faces and local talent

Tommy Mann, Jr.

The longest running, not quite annual rock concert series returns on Oct. 18 with nationally recognized acts, upcoming talent, and, thankfully, the return of local acts to the main stage.

Dog Jam ‘09 will take place Oct. 18 at Ford Pavilion in Beaumont and features The Black Crowes as this year’s main attraction. Joining them will be Dog Jam III alumnus, Sevendust. Other acts scheduled to perform include newer talent such as Saving Abel and Halestorm, and openers Forever Falls, the first local act to be included at Dog Jam since Dog Jam IV.

The concert series traces its humble beginnings back to 2001 and 2002 when the first two installments were held on the grounds of Fair Park and the event was known as Texas Dog Jam. The concert was created by local rock radio station Big Dog 106 and remains affiliated to this day.

In 2003, the event changed its name to Dog Jam and relocated to Ford Park, known as the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex at the time. 3 Doors Down was the headlining act and approximately 8,000 people in attended.

Rain cut short the 2002 event, drenched those in attendance in 2004, and no concerts were held in 2005 and 2008 because of hurricanes. Still, this concert series remains one of the most anticipated events on the Southeast Texas music scene year after year.

One of the most exciting additions to this year’s concert lineup has to be the Pennsylvania-based rock act, Halestorm.

This group, although considered new by many fans, was formed in 1998 by sister and brother, Lzzy and Arejay Hale. The band also includes members Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith.

The band made a name for itself in 2006 when Halestorm was included on the Seether, Shinedown and Flyleaf tour. Fronted by Lzzy Hale, the band earned new fans with its straight ahead rock power and Hale’s amazing vocals.

Now Halestorm is touring in support of its self-titled debut album, which also features the rock radio hit, “I Get Off.” Despite the band’s popularity, Hale said it is still odd being considered a “new” band.

“We get that a lot from people, even though we have been a band over 10 years,” she said with a slight laugh. “But it does seem kind of like overnight success, just several years later. You should see some of the early stuff from our career on You Tube. Nothing embarrasses me anymore.”

Hale said the tour in 2006 with Seether and Shinedown was basically to let the band prove itself to Atlantic Records and to fans. Now there is more pressure for the band since it is supporting its first full length CD.

“It’s a whole different animal on tour this time,” Hale explained. “And a little less debauchery.”

Hale said she and her brother grew up in a household where her parents were big music fans and listened to bands such as Deep Purple, Heart, and Led Zeppelin.

She believes Halestorm’s music incorporates traits of those acts while remaining modern in sound.

“My parents were completely supportive when we started this band,” Hale continued. “They never asked what our backup plans were. Arejay and I knew what we wanted to do, and they allowed us to pursue that.”

Growing up surrounded by music, Hale found herself being influenced by great female vocalists such as Janis Joplin, Pat Benatar, and others. Yet her love of singing was matched by her determination to be a well rounded guitarist, which she is.

“I’m a huge Black Sabbath and Dio fan,” Hale said enthusiastically. “And I listened to a lot of Queen too. Tony Iommi and Brian May were such big influences on me.”

However, if Hale had to pattern her style of guitar playing after just one person, she said it would be from Metallica frontman, James Hetfield.

“James Hetfield has a forearm of steel,” Hale added. “When I warm up before a show, I try to do a lot of downpicking like he does.”

Hale knows the music business is finicky at times, and she knows Halestorm should take advantage of its window of opportunity while it can. Thankfully the band appears to have all of the intangibles needed for success.

“We’re looking forward to being part of this show in Beaumont,” Hale said. “It’s something we said ‘yes’ to right away when it was offered. Hopefully this will be the first of many performances there."