Texas Classic Rockin’ Food Truck Rally • October 8

Something delicious rolls this way in early October. And it’s gonna be loud.

If guitar licks and gourmet bites are two of your favorite things, then you won’t want to miss the inaugural Texas Classic Rockin’ Food Truck Rally on October 8 at Gulf Greyhound Park in LaMarque.

Just imagine the pairings: AC/DC and appetizers. Kiss and kimchi. Journey and jerk chicken. Thanks to a lineup of six killer bands, you’ll have ample opportunity to mix and match classic tunes with top-notch, twist-a-licious dishes.

Rally leaders Hugh Lazenberry, Mark Cole and Nikki Ameigh say the idea came while hanging out with the “BarWash Crue” of regulars and friends at Hugh's landmark Hwy. 646 business, Hugh & Jeff’s Car Wash and Grill.

“We put on concert events every weekend at Hugh & Jeff’s, so that gave us the confidence to put together something bigger,” Lazenberry said.

And the food trucks? “They’ve really caught on in Houston and spread to Galveston. I’d never seen the two (tribute band concerts and food trucks) combined,” said Cole.

It’s a win-win for rally attendees and food truck operators, Ameigh says: Attendees get to sample great food with their live music, while aspiring chefs can connect with new fans. To sweeten the pot, operators will compete for several cash prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize for best original dish. That’s a lot of dough.

The HMN Events team said they envision “an absolute festival atmosphere.” The headlining sponsor, Miller Lite, should help toward that goal. Local classic rock radio station The Eagle 106.9 FM will also be broadcasting with live remotes there.

TEAM EFFORT: Hugh Lazenberry didn’t jump into this concept alone. Two of his “Crue” at the car wash started a brainstorming session. From there, Lazenberry, Mark Cole and Nikki Ameigh, formed HMN Events to bring the idea to life. “Doc Rock” Stephens of Piledrive Productions will manage the stage while Clear Lake Shores Food Truck Park’s Billy Flanagan wrangles food vendors. Lazenberry said his son, Hugh & Jeff’s general manager, Hugh, Jr., is responsible for deftly dealing with Miller Lite, which “has really dug in with us.”

KIDS AND THINGS: Thinking of bringing along your young classic rock fan? After all, School of Rock students will be performing. And what grade-schooler doesn’t love KISS? That said, there won’t be bouncy houses. HMN Events rates the Rally as “kid accessible,” so make sure everyone is up to the challenge of a daylong rock festival before buying them a ticket. Other than that, all you’ll need is cash, sunscreen, and a blanket or lawn chairs - that is, if you plan on sitting down, oldster. There are no coolers allowed inside.

ROCK FOR THE CAUSE:  The event benefits more than attendees’ ears and bellies. Rally organizers have partnered with causes benefitting “cops, vets and pets”: A local chapter of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club is raising funds to help women’s shelters; the Lone Survivor Foundation, which gives back to wounded warriors; and the Galveston Island Humane Society, because “We all love animals,” said Lazenberry.

WHO'S PLAYING:  Back In Black, the top AC/DC tribute band out of Dallas, shoots to thrill as the night’s headliner. Face-painted dopplegangers Kiss Alike shout it out loud right after Journey tribute band Escape goes its separate ways. Local recording artists Victim, Southbound 45 and The Band Hennessy showcase original material along with their favorite classic covers. School of Rock students kick things off when the gates open at 11 a.m.

FOOD TRUCKS: These are a sampling (partial list) of food trucks that will be ready to tantalize taste buds at the event: Space City Spudz • Falacos • Lucas Tacos • Bubbas Texas Burger Shack • The Cuban Spot • SW Sushi • Chuckwagon Concessions • Offbeat Eatz • D'Lish Curbside • Nom Mi Street • Pocket To Me • Buttz Food Truck.  As of press time, there were a few food truck spots left. For more information, go to www.texasfoodtruckrally.com

- Jason Goodrich