Alicia Wagner Calzada | 210SA Contributor Catch Lil' Bit and The Customatics on Friday, June 8, at Swig Martini Bar, 18322 Sonterra Place.

THEY ARE: Lil' Bit and The Customatics

THE SOUND: The group's music has morphed since its start from rockabilly to a fusion of Texas roots music and honky-tonk country that makes you want to dance. The band draws inspiration from the likes old-school favorites Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and George Jones.

THE MEMBERS: Lil' Bit (Jen Adams) lead vocals and mandolin, Tomcat (Tom Miller) on upright bass, harmonica and vocals, and Brian Duarte, on guitar and pedal steel. The band has a rotating drummer.

THEIR WORDS: Tomcat, who was born and raised in San Antonio and also spent time in rural Mississippi, said he was destined for honky-tonk. “Being around a bunch of rednecks, I just kind of ended up one myself.” But that doesn't make their shows less lively. “You don't just get music, you get the banter and some shtick,” Lil' Bit boasts.

THEIR ALBUMS: “Short & Sweet” (2003), “Headin' On” (2004), “Whiskey Nights” (2005), “Lone Star Girl” (2007)

WHERE TO SEE THEM: Charlie Brown's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, The Cove, Sam's Burger Joint

THE WEB: thecustomatics.com, myspace.com/customatics

THE 210 TAKE: This team plays to the tune of honky-tonk hospitality. During live shows Lil' Bit grabs attention with her vocals and the sashaying hips of a swing instructor. But she's willing to give Tomcat the lead as he takes over vocals and whips his bass into shape.
 
Jennifer Lloyd | 210SA