Look, let’s cut to the chase, here. We all love Joe Pug and his folk-eriffic work over the past four years. When he finally released a full-fledged LP last year, Messenger, appropriate hosannas were sung by many, including this blogger, for sure.

While the recorded output of Mr. Pug has been consistently stellar, his live product is equally so, whether with a full band accompanying him, or if he’s just standing alone, letting all out for everyone to take in.

Joe Pug is hitting the Dallas/Ft. Worth area next week, as he swings by The Loft in Dallas. The Loft has seen an insane amount of talent grace its stage as of late (Frightened Rabbit, Felice Brothers, Trampled by Turtles, The Vaselines, among others) and of course, this coming Saturday will be no exception to that rule.

The folks at The Loft have been kind enough to give-away a pair of tickets to this show, which will be opened by the equally folk-ified Strand of Oaks. Want to win? Be the first to EMAIL ME – kelly@thegobblersknob.com – with Pug Is My Messengerin the subject line and your name will be at the door for a sweet pair of tix, courtesy of The Loft.

Telegraph Canyon is one big happy family with a great CD on the way soon.

I haven’t done one of these in a few weeks, so what the heck? Tons of good stuff around the Dallas/Ft. Worth (and beyond) area. Here are a  few that have caught my ear that I think you’ll like, regardless of where you are from:

Nicholas Altobelli - To the surprise of many, this area has quite the collection of quality folk artists. Altobelli’s self-released disc, Waiting for the Flowers to Bloom is an elegant but raw gem that showcases Altobelli’s tailor-made-for-folk vocal performance. Go to his Myspace page to find out how you can get his music for free.

Heatrstring Stranglers - Another great example of acoustic, rootsy excellence from Dallas’ neighbor to the north, Denton. Check out this podcast that features not only the Stranglers, but many of Denton’s other fine acts.

Dust Congress - This group boasts members that have played or currently play in many of the areas better acts, including Pinebox Serenade, who I featured on the last DFW area mix. On the heels of their recent release, Regurgitate Sunshine State, these guys have been touring quite a bit. Trippy and experimental, the imagery of the lyrics shine through. Visit them at their offical website for some video and audio.

Telegraph Canyon - After a successful SXSW, these guys are on the verge of releasing their full length, The Tide and the Current (Spune). The disc, produced by Will Johnson, has been getting good buzz around here, and I really liked what I heard when they streamed the album a couple of weeks ago.