The Gourds

OK, maybe this is just here because a certain Spotlight editor loves this band.

But having The Gourds play in Bryan-College Station was a highlight. This group's had more YouTube run than just about anyone, in large part because of their imaginative cover of rapper Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice.

But seeing a live show is a much better representation of The Gourds, who mix country, folk, rock, bluegrass and all sorts of other genres to make their unique sound. But don't worry if you missed the show; there should be other chances to see this group.

As vocalist Kevin Russell said: "We'll do the growing thing: trying to create more Gourdheads out there. As long as we're having fun, we're going to keep doing this."

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/Getting-to-know-The-Gourds

The Toadies

The Northgate Music Festival is a highlight of every year in Aggieland, but 2008's headliners made this event even more special.

Texas band The Toadies were huge in the mid-'90s with hit singles like Possum Kingdom and Tyler before issues with their label and a member's departure led to a breakup in 2001. Some time away, including work for a couple band members with a different band, the Burden Brothers, eventually led the group to consider reforming. With a new album, No Deliverance, the group toured throughout 2008.

Even three albums later, The Toadies are best known for their early hits. As one member said during a concert last summer, "Well, we're that one band that does this song (Possum Kingdom)."

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/081408-TOADIES

Skate park crusaders

It's good enough to be a movie plot: Two teens team up to make their dream of a skate park come true.

They go to officials, lawyers, residents, and finally got the College Station City Council to support a measure to build a skate park.

But that's just what College Station teens Morgan Murgia and Kara Schoenemann did, convincing city officials to put a skate park as part of a bond package that voters approved in the fall.

Plans are progressing toward the building of the skate park, but you can read all about Murgia and Schoenemann's work at Spotlight's Web site.

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/Tales-of-teenage-skate-park-activists

Eddie Money

Yes, that Eddie Money. And if you missed his free concert last spring (part of College Station's Starlight Music Series, you missed something special.

Children of the '80s don't need any reminder of who Money is, but even the younger set will almost certainly be familiar with some of his hits -- Two Tickets to Paradise and Take Me Home Tonight, anyone? Yes, when Eddie Money comes to town, it's worth your while to go out and enjoy the show, as many residents did last spring.

Spotlight talked to Money before the big concert about fame, recording a country album, and his daughter Jesse, a talented musician in her own right.

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/Free-Money

A Hall of Fame joint

If you haven't played the Texas Hall of Fame, you aren't a Texas country musician.

As the venerable old concert hall turned 30 this year, it's still a fixture in the state's music scene, with big-time acts coming through just about any given week (Kevin Fowler was a recent performer). Spotlight's story focused on the club's founding, when a couple of high school buddies came up with $30,000 in cash and $320,000 in loans to open up the place. Three decades later, it's reached a venerable old age for a dancehall.

The strangest show of the year might have been Vanilla Ice's performance last summer, at which an enthusiastic crowd joined Ice on stage to dance for the last several songs.

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/A-big-birthday-for-the-Texas-Hall-of-Fame

Editor's pick: It's magic

One highlight of Spotlight's year was magician Ben Jackson, whose profile appeared just last week.

Jackson came by the office for the story and wowed a small audience of Eagle staffers with an impromptu magic show -- for free, no less, which is a lot less than he charges for his professional shows. Jackson's card tricks were stunning, as was his performance. He kept a running dialogue while effortlessly throwing out trick after trick.

And to top it off, he taught a certain Spotlight editor a great trick, too.

Full story: www.theeagle.com/spotlight/A-magic-performer