Hinesley at Fat Jack’s
Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar on a Saturday night looks like the right place to feel the energy flow when Vernon Hinesley and his band perform.
Hinesley and crew have been playing together for four years—“all over Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma,” he says—and that geographical expanse is mirrored in the type of music he plays.
“We play Southern rock, red dirt country, traditional country, Texas country,” says the frontman for the
band, noting in his view red dirt country and Texas country really are the same. He’s quick to say he’s proud of his Oklahoma roots. And this is the kind of music that’s a natural fit for Fat Jack’s.
“We’ve played everywhere and keep going back to them,” Hinesley said of the Texarkana venue he calls iconic. “They’ve always been known for their live music,” he says. And their great staff. Playing Jack’s regularly, he said, is a sign you’ve made it.
“That really kind of solidifies yourself for the Ark-La-Tex area. If you can play at Fat Jack’s, you’re worthy,” said Hinesley, who admits that getting on stage to perform is something he yearns for and cherishes.
Playing live, he aims for everyone to be happy and enjoy themselves at a show. And to that end, he’s willing to make fun of himself and his bandmates in a good-natured way, jumping around and having a blast on stage.
“I’ve always been very comfortable with a microphone,” Hinesley said. He may not be right in front of you, but he works to get everyone involved in the show.
“We bring the performance and that energy out to you,” Hinesley said of him and his four-piece band. They were a five-piece before and may go back to that if they want to add in that extra rhythm guitarist. But he’s content with it as is—easier that way.
No matter how many are on stage, they aim to have fun. “Every now and then we get stupid on stage and do some Vanilla Ice,” Hinesley admits, and he says this willingness to play the fool and have a good time is the secret to their success.
They make music you can dance to, tap your foot to, and while you’re at it he’ll interact with you during the show. He tries to take care of everyone, he admits.
“I think the biggest thing is the fact that we’re a party band,” Hinesley said of what’s made them successful.
On Saturday night, they plan on unveiling a few new covers they’ve worked on, and Hinesley vows to give Kim Faughn, who works the door at Jack’s, a hard time. And he welcomes it when fans holler back at him.
“It doesn’t get any better than that,” Hinesley said.
(Cover: $5. Show time is 9 p.m. More info: 870-774-5225.)