Iconic American singer/humorist/politician Kinky Friedman will swing by the Belly Up on Sunday as part of his Go West Young Kinky Tour, his first trip to the West Coast in nearly 20 years.
Friedman, who fancies himself a modern-day Mark Twain, cut his teeth in the '60s as an irreverent country singer, with songs ranging from sentimental ballads like "Western Union Wire" to race-baiting social commentaries like "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore."
Not one to hide from the spotlight, Friedman branched out from there. Over time, he was touring with Bob Dylan, writing columns for Texas Monthly and running for office. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor of Texas, and one of his main platforms was the "dewussification" of the state. Even though he lost the race, Friedman came in fourth out of six -- not bad for a guy from Texas whose first name is Kinky.
In 1975, Friedman taped the only episode of "Austin City Limits" that has been banned from the airwaves. According to the show's executive producer, Terry Lickona, "I think it was a great show, and it might be as offensive today as it was back then."
You can probably expect something similar at the Belly Up on Sunday; that is to say, it should be one hell of a time. Get your tickets here.
T. Loper is a writer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
