Modern Music

Brian Keane gets to have it both ways.

For starters, he’s playing keyboard and singing harmony with the Randy Rogers Band, whose past three albums have all hit the top 10 on the Billboard country charts.

But at the same time, he’s building a solo career to get his own material out there.

The Randy Rogers Band will headline the bill at 7 tonight at the Lucky Mule, with Keane providing support as the opening act. Tickets are $17.

Although he’s enjoyed some modest success as a solo songwriter, Keane’s biggest, tell-your-grandkids-about-it moments have come as a sideman with the Rogers band.

Appearing on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, for example.

“It was surreal,” Keane said.

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Members of a chorus comprised of students from all three local univiersities rehearse under Abilene Philharmonic conductor David Itkin on Tuesday night.

Abilene Philharmonic conductor David Itkin rehearses with a chorus comprised of members from all three local universities on Tuesday night.

The chorus will perform with the Abilene Philharmonic on Saturday night at the Abilene Civic Center.

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Britney Spears has been on her promo grind this week following last Tuesday’s release of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale. If you have been following Brit Brit’s live performances of late, one thing is clear: Girlfriend’s not turning it out like she used to. However, she still manages to create great music, as evident by this project.

The album is set to hit Japan this Wednesday, April 6th, featuring an exclusive track—”Scary”. Produced by UK producer Fraser T. Smith, the song is a smash.

And, Britney fans don’t get mad because its not on your copy on this side of the Pacific.

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If you go

What: Singer-songwriter Andrew Belle in concert, with Cody Carnes and Paul Matta

Where: Monks Coffee Shop, 233 Cypress St.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Cost: $8

Information: Monks, 437-2984

While he’s carved out his own modest success as a songwriter, Andrew Belle has never stopped approaching his work from the perspective of a music fan.

His peers even rib him for it. Take the story of how Belle got into Ten out of Tenn, a consortium of songwriters and performers out of Nashville.

The group formed with its original 10 members in 2008 and was touring through Chicago, where Belle lived at the time. A friend practically had to drag Belle to the show.

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Young the Giant brought their foxy guy charms to the appriopriately names Woodies. Heh.

I interviewed a bunch of buzzworthy music artists and bands at SXSW this past week. Many of them were new to me, and some I talked to without being familiar with them at all. When so much talent’s there and ready to talk, sometimes homework comes later! And I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a handsome face and an affable attitude. My point is, here are three bands that I developed mini-crushes on, just ‘cuz they were so dang charming, cool and yes… Good-looking!!!

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