'Everything has a groove' with Different Beast

Week 2 of the Gonzales Main Street Concert Series will once again feature two Texas-based groups. Bluesy, yet groovy, Houston-based outfit Different Beast headlines this week’s event while All-Americana band Bill Pekar and the Rainey Brothers will open the show.
Different Beast has been playing together since 2011, but some members’ playing days go back way before that. Andy Jackson, one of the group’s guitarist and booking agent, said the “rhythm section” of Different Beast had played in a prior band for 10 years previously. Different Beast is comprised of two singers, a man and a woman, two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer and a keyboardist.
Different Beast is strictly a cover band, but they add their own eclectic sound to the songs.
“A good song is a good song, regardless of the genre,” Jackson said. “We don’t get hung up on trying to do it exactly like the record.”
Local frequent concert attendees may recall Different Beast played at the 2018 Come and Take It festival. According to Jackson, those unfamiliar with Different Beast can expect, “some dancing, some wiggling in your chair if you don’t like to dance, some foot tapping. It’s mostly a good groove and a good beat that makes people want to move.”
Bill Pekar and the Rainey Brothers will get the fun started Friday night. Expect a blend of folk, country and rock when they take the stage at 7 p.m. While the band of four seasoned musicians calls Shiner home and are even sponsored by Shiner Beers, the titular Bill Pekar is originally a Gonzales local.
“It’s fun to come back and play for the hometown folks,” Pekar said.
Bill Pekar and the Rainey Brothers plays a mixture of its own original music and covers. Attendees may even get to hear a sneak preview of some new tunes off the band’s forthcoming album.
“We put out a high energy show,” Pekar said. “We’re very excited about playing. My sister lives in Gonzales and several of our friends; it’s an exciting time for us. We’re honored that we were asked to be a part of this concert series.”
Attendance is free of charge and gates open at 6 p.m. June 14. Bill Pekar and the Rainey Brothers are slated to go on at 7 p.m. and Different Beast will follow at 8:45 p.m.