Wayne Hancock, The Doohickeys

21+ event with valid ID at Soda Bar - San Diego.

Alternative country favorite Wayne Hancock is that rare breed of traditionalist who imbues his retro obsessions with high energy and passion so his songs never feel like museum pieces. Hancock is often compared to classic country and honky tonk artists, and he can be a hardcore honky tonker, but he also displays affinity for stomping rockabilly, Western swing, blues, and old-timey country, plus the occasional pop standard.

Wayne "The Train" Hancock was born May 1, 1965, and began writing songs around age 12. After moving frequently in childhood and singing in the family, he started playing juke joints around Texas as a teenager and at 18 won the Wrangler Country Showdown before enlisting in the Marines. After six years of service he returned to Texas, played regionally while working odd jobs, then moved to West Dallas and later Austin. In 1994 he appeared in the musical Chippy and made his recorded debut on the Songs from Chippy soundtrack.

His debut album Thunderstorms and Neon Signs was released in 1995 and earned strong critical attention. Subsequent records explored rockabilly and Western swing and widened his audience among alternative country fans. Hancock later released A-Town Blues and continued a stripped-down traditional approach.