Hello, friends, and welcome to College Football Thursday.

A good bit has happened since we last talked: I became a dad in the offseason. It’s been quite the transition. My wife and I are so glad to have our little girl and she is, by far, the cutest baby on the planet. Don’t @ me.

As far as Lubbock restaurant news, I had a great chat with Lubbock in the Loop that posted earlier this week. There were a few things that we didn’t get around to discussing, however. For new restaurant openings, please check out their comprehensive list. I’ve put together a list of the restaurants I’m aware of that have closed in the last 12 months, and it’s a bit startling: Texas Land and Cattle, Moe’s, Fox & Hound, Twisted Spigot, Cowboy Chicken (near TTU campus), Dickie’s (98th and Slide), Abuelo’s Taqueria, Ranch House, Rib Crib, and Ruby Tequila’s (both locations).

Speaking of closings, it’s time to pour out a longneck or two for Wild West who shut their doors in the spring. Like many of you, I spent several nights there during college days standing elbow-to-elbow listening to Stoney Larue, Ragweed, Aaron Watson, Randy Rogers, etc.

Needless to say, it’s a competitive world out here on the South Plains.

Evie Mae’s BBQ, the pride of Wolfforth, cracked the top ten of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas at number nine. Hats off to Arnis and Mallory for serving up some of the finest food this side of heaven.

We go from good news in the world of local BBQ to sad news: Tom and Bingo’s pitmaster Dwayne Clanton passed away in June.

Clanton’s father and great cousin, Tom and Bingo, began the family business over 50 years ago in the East Texas city of Tyler. At one time, there were Tom and Bingo locations in Abilene and Amarillo as well, but Tom Clanton chose to focus on one location in Lubbock, according to a 2015 Visit Lubbock article. Dwayne Clanton owned the restaurant since 1982, when his father passed it down to him.

Under Clanton’s ownership, Tom and Bingo’s barbecue was featured by Texas Monthly, Texas Country Reporter and ESPN College Game Day. The restaurant’s barbecue sauce is available in select Market Street and HEB locations, giving the brand statewide fame.

While looking through the Tom and Bingo’s Facebook page, I saw a comment about Clanton from former Texas Tech standout Brandon Carter that I hope he wouldn’t mind me sharing with you all:

So sorry to hear this. He was always so good to the players at Tech. We would all go up together and he was always a fantastic man towards us. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am very thankful I got to have the pleasure to know him.

Clanton’s son-in-law, Ian Timmons, is carrying on the tradition. Give him your support when you can and stop by for a chopped-to-order hickory smoked brisket sandwich.

Lubbock Events

Thursday, August 31st

McPherson Cellars
Patio Night featuring food by La Picosita and music by Joy Harris – 6-9pm

The Blue Light
American Aquarium w/ Matthew Ryan

Friday, September 1st

Depot District & LHUCA
First Friday Art Trail – 6-9pm

Charley B’s
Casey Donahew Band

The Blue Light
Austin Meade

The Office
The Shane Rogers Band

Saturday, September 2nd

Jones AT&T Stadium
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS v.
EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES
Kickoff – 3pm
TV – FSN

Alamo Drafthouse
TTU Football Watch Party – $5 food/beverage voucher

The Blue Light
Raised Right Men

Sunday, September 3rd

John Walker Soccer Complex
TTU Soccer vs. Appalachian State – 7pm

Monday, September 4th

United Supermarkets Arena
TTU Volleyball v. Abilene Christian – 6pm

The Blue Light
Songwriter Night

Wednesday, September 6th

The Blue Light
Carson McHone

Ongoing/Upcoming Events

September 8th-9th
JAB Fest 2017 featuring Josh Abbott Band with Joe Nichols, Wade Bowen, The Last Bandoleros, Kaitlin Butts, William Clark Green, Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Rich O’Toole, and Ross Cooper

September 16th – November 11th
The Maize
Tues-Fri: 6-9pm
Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 2-9pm
Closed Monday

October 5th
Ray Wylie Hubbard

October 14th
Turnpike Troubadours Street Show with Red Shahan, Dalton Domino, & Bri Bagwell

October 21st
Kalf Fry featuring Randy Rogers Band, William Clark Green, and Red Shahan