Trailer Park Troubadours play at BAC for state holiday

The Brewery Arts Center and X-Ville South will present the Trailer Park Troubadours, returning to Carson City today. That should be all is needed to be said for those who have enjoyed their shows in the past.

You can take in the big parade and wander the city and maybe enjoy some Halloween fun, but for music and blue-collar humor, you won't want overlook tonight's marvelously zany musical expedition.

The group, headed by Antsy McClain, is a fantastically popular show in Carson City, with sold-out performances being a given. In previous appearances here, the Troubs (their nickname) have brought down the house with guitar strumming and near-folk singing.

The songs poke light fun at the weirdos, party animals and young loves Antsy knew while growing up in a series of trailer parks in Kentucky.

With song titles like "Living in Aluminum" and "I Was Just Flipped Off by a Silver-Haired Old Lady with a 'Honk If You Love Jesus' Sticker on the Bumper of Her Car," McClain and the Troubs have carved out a niche, with legions of fans called Flamingoheads singing along with every song.

McClain's latest CD is called "Trailercana," and it features guest appearances from Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, Bobby Cochran of Steppenwolf, Tommy Smothers and Bonnie Bramlett.

Antsy joined Debbie Elliott on the CD to talk about the intoxicating scent of Lemon Pledge and how trailers are like the covered wagons of the Old West. Not your usual songwriter's stuff.

McClain, who penned the lyrics and music to seven of the group's albums, as well as his own critically acclaimed solo record, is fast becoming one of the most respected songwriters of Americana music. The Troubs are a skilled assortment of five musicians who play in the rootsy, rock-and-roll tradition of their hard-working, blue-collar fathers. Their live shows are a unique mix of masterful musicianship and self-deprecating humor for all ages.

"The Troubs are a perfect fit for Nevada Day," says John Procaccini, director of the Brewery Arts Center. "They're fun, offbeat and a local favorite."

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.

If you go

What: Trailer Park Troubadours

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Where: Performance Hall at the Brewery Arts Center, 511 W. King St.

TICKETS: $24 for preferred seating; $20 balcony seating, $3 discount is available for BAC members, students and seniors

Call: 883-1976

On the net

www.breweryarts.org