To local musicians, with reverence

Houma is a breeding ground for a wide array of occupations. We churn out workers in trades involving the oilfield and in every aspect of the business of seafood. Houma also has its fair share of artists, musicians, and thespians. The unique culture of our city is represented in these artists’ work and in the talent they display.

Everyone has his or her own path to take in life. Some of these paths intersect, and we are brought together on a common ground. I would like to spotlight not a band, but a few of the local musicians that are out making the music of Houma, every day and night.

I grew up in Lafourche Parish, the son of a musician. Music has been in my blood since the day I was born. It was only natural for me to choose a life in music as my career. In doing so, I became part of a community of musicians, a brotherhood of the music in some ways. These individuals that I’m fortunate enough to call friends are some of the best that the area has to offer. If you’ve ever been out in downtown Houma and seen live music, chances are you’ve seen one of these guys perform, either with their original projects or with their cover gigs.

With the number of talented artists around, I’m bound to leave some people out and if I do, I’m sorry. Houma has more talent than this column can handle.

Monday nights at The Brickhouse, it’s Jam Night. I get to host the night, alongside Seth Stogner and Alex Alfortish, two of the most brilliant musicians that I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with.

Alfortish is 24 and started playing the drums when he was 9 years old. “ I started just playing in my room by myself along with bands such as Soundgarden and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Then I studied drums and music in school at Vandebilt and later at ULL,” Alfortish said. He can be seen on Monday nights at the Brickhouse and in his original projects Ravens of October and Rick Flavored Arsenal.

Stogner is 27 and grew up in Lockport. He started playing music at the age of 13. “ I was sitting in a recliner when a beam of light that was Phillip K. Dick came down and told me to be a stenographer. When that didn’t work I was inspired to pick up the guitar backstage at a Blue Man Group show” Stogner said. Seth can seen on occasion with Souled Out, on Monday night and with his band the Wet Fingers.

Every Wednesday night at the Boxer and the Barrel, Seth helms an equally talented assortment of musicians for a weekly jam. Shawn Roddy and Timothy Belanger provide the accompaniment for a night of exceptional music.

Shawn “Diesel” Roddy hails from Schriever and has been a staple of the Houma music scene since the mid-90s. When not playing on Wednesday night Roddy can be seen with Frontiers, Cyanide Smile, and on Tuesday night with The Brickhouse Allstars.

Tim Belanger is by far one of the best drummers that I’ve ever seen come out of Houma. His talent is immense and his style is like silk to the eardrums. He can be seen every Wednesday at the Boxer, with Souled Out and in his original project Ravens of October.

Every Thursday night, The Brickhouse is the home of the Cool Whips. It’s here that I get to share the stage with more of the town’s wonderful musicians.

Chris Briggs is 24 and has been playing music since he was a child watching his brother. His practice has paid off and Chris has blossomed into an astonishing guitarist and vocalist. Chris can be seen at The Brickhouse every Tuesday with the Allstars, Thursdays with the Cool Whips, and with his projects the treesomethings and The Beautiful Hips.

I’ve had the privilege of playing music with Terrell “ T-Money” Clark for years now. He lays down some of the funkiest grooves you’ll ever hear on a bass. Terrell is 27 and was born and raised in Raceland. He can be seen with The Beautiful Hips, Rick Flavored Arsenal and the Cool Whips.

Rick Voision is 24 and is one of the most unique individuals that I’ve met in my entire life. Rick is a skilled marksman on the drums, and he brings his creativity to every song he plays. He got into music to impress the ladies, and he learned to play music with his hands.

These are the musicians that make up the Houma music scene. This is only a short list, with so many names being left unmentioned.  Anyone who is a fan of great tunes needs to get out and see some of these awe-inspiring artists in one of their projects. I would like to thank them all for letting me call them friends and for letting me share the stage with them.

– Columnist Alex Martin is a local musician and thespian who loves and lives in Houma. Reach him at alex@gumboguide.com

Terrell “T-Money” Clark is among the area’s best bassists, columnist Alex Martin writes in his reverent survey of local individual musicians.

COURTESY PHOTO