Texas Music Journal » Upcoming Events

Threadgill Series Brings Incredible Range of Musical Talent

Sam Moore — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:27:39 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following news release was written by promoters for the Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series in Greenville.

The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series opens its ninth season on Saturday night, February 25th with a Showcase of Five Decades of Trendsetting Country-Rock.

Chris Hillman

The legendary Chris Hillman and longtime musical partner Herb Pedersen will bring their acoustic duo to the historic stage of the Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Greenville at 7:30 pm for a full set of their timeless music, followed by a full set by Radney Foster, Bill Lloyd and their four piece band.

The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series presents a special country-rock double bill featuring Foster & Lloyd in a full band performance, and the legendary Chris Hillman (Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, Desert Rose Band) performing with his longtime musical partner and great LA session musician Herb Pedersen (Linda Rondstadt, Desert Rose Band) at the historic Municipal Auditorium. These trendsetting duos paved the way for the California country rock sound of the 70′s, the edgy Nashville country of the late 80′s and the alt country of the last twenty years.

Get ready for “Turn, Turn, Turn” “Texas in 1880″, “Crazy Over You”, “Mr Tamborine Man” “Eight Miles High”, “Wheels” (Hillman/Gram Parsons co-write), “Sure Thing”, and on and on. Don’t be surprised if Chris and Herb play some bluegrass and gospel too. These artists should be listed in Webster’s under “country-rock” and “Americana”; they define and in many ways created and shaped the genres. This is truly an awesome double bill. Full sets by both acts, Chris and Herb duo acoustic, then F&L with their full four piece electrified band.

Foster & Lloyd

Stay tuned for more information on these groundbreaking artists. In the meantime, we encourage you to check out their websites:

Chris Hillman: www.chrishillman.com
Foster & Lloyd: www.fosterandlloyd.com

Tickets

You can purchase tickets in Greenville at Cavenders on Wesley, and downtown at Calico Cat, Magic Bubble, Petticoat Junction and the Municipal Building. You can purchase tickets online at: www.ShowtimeAtTheGMA.com (the fabulous new Auditorium website) or by calling 877-4-FLY-TIX. Advance purchase ticket prices: Reserve section, $35; Floor general seating, $30; and Balcony seating, $25.

Tickets sold at the door are $30-40. Seating is limited in the reserved section at the front of the Auditorium nearest the stage.

Sponsorships

The Threadgill Series is in the process of its annual sponsorship campaign. If you are a past sponsor, you will receive information soon on this year’s sponsorships and concerts. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and sponsorship benefits, please contact Series coordinator Larry Green, Jr. at lgreenjr@pgnwlaw.com.

The Threadgill Series would not happen without the dedication and loyalty of its sponsors and volunteers.

Spring Concert

The next Threadgill concert is planned for Saturday, April 28th as part of the annual Back Street Bash festival in Downtown Greenville. Stay tuned for an annoucement of the artists who will perform.

More Information
For more information on the concert, please visit our website: www.greenville-texas.com/concert.htm.

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Clarkson Confirmed for Super Bowl National Anthem

Sam Moore — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:32:18 +0000

The NFL has confirmed that Kelly Clarkson will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLVI.

The Dallas native and winner of the first “American Idol” competition will belt out “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the championship game Sunday between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.

Country couple Blake Shelton and Lindale native Miranda Lambert, who married last May, will also take the stage to sing “America the Beautiful” before the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Rocker Lenny Kravitz and Colorado-based band The Fray will also be featured in the line-up for the pregame entertainment.

Madonna will perform during the game’s half-time show. She will reportedly be joined by hip-hop star Nicki Minaj, electronic pop group LMFAO and rapper Cee Lo Green.

Music Festival Lineup Announced

Sam Moore — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:47:51 +0000

Austin, TX — Iron & Wine, Amos Lee and Wimberley rising star Sarah Jarosz are among the acts just announced for the 25th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival, to be held Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, April 22, at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch on FM 1826 in Driftwood, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin.

Iron & Wine

Tickets for the nationally celebrated event are available at www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org. The full lineup — a stellar array of award-winning roots, bluegrass and Americana artists — will be announced soon.

More than 30 acts — including headliner Iron & Wine, blues-rockers JJ Grey & Mofro, jam band Railroad Earth and 20-year-old Jarosz, who won the festival’s inaugural Youth Competition in 2002 — will perform on four stages in a relaxed outdoor setting with artisans, children’s activities and casual, blankets-and-lawnchairs comfort. One stage serves the festival’s popular Ben McCullough campgrounds, where impromptu picking sessions and sing-alongs stretch into the night.

Ticket packages range from platinum (four-day festival wristband plus camping and perks) to single-day wristbands. Camp sites will certainly sell out; about 50 percent of Old Settler’s attendees pitch tents for the duration. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Noting the quarter-century milestone, festival president Jean Spivey says, “We couldn’t be more excited. We’ve grown from a small, one-day festival at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock to a four-day, four-stage event.”

The festival also has grown into a major talent draw. The 2012 lineup so far:

Iron & Wine, www.ironandwine.com
Amos Lee, www.amoslee.com
Railroad Earth, www.railroadearth.com
JJ Grey & Mofro, www.jjgrey.com
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, www. doylelawson.com
Bob Schneider, www.bobschneider.com
Psychograss (Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tony Trischka, David Grier, Todd Phillips), www.darolanger.com/psychograss.html
James McMurtry, www.jamesmcmurtry.com
Steep Canyon Rangers, www.steepcanyon.com
Sarah Jarosz, www.sarahjarosz.com
Gaelic Storm,   www.gaelicstorm.com
Marshall Crenshaw,   www.marshallcrenshaw.com
The Bottle Rockets, www.bottlerocketsmusic.com
Greensky Bluegrass, www.greenskybluegrass.com
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit,   www.jasonisbell.com
Dale Ann Bradley, www.daleann.com
The Wheeler Brothers, wheelerbrothersmusic.com
Pine Leaf Boys, www.pineleafboys.com
Audie Blaylock & Redline, audieblaylock.com
Eilen Jewell, www. eilenjewell.com
Flounders Without Eyes, www.flounderswithouteyes.moonfruit.com
Ha Ha Tonka, www.hahatonkamusic.com
The Blue Hit,   www.thebluehit.com
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, dirtykitchenband.com
New Country Rehab, www.newcountryrehab.com
SHEL, www. shelmusic.com
Slim Richey’s Jitterbug Vipers, www.slimrichey.com
Youth Competition winner Grace London, gracelondonmusic.com

(lineup subject to change)

A one-of-a-kind music festival experience, Old Settler’s offers more than 30 bluegrass, roots and Americana acts performing on four stages over four days, along with camping in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Many festival-goers return year after year for amazing shows by award-winning artists such as Buddy Miller, Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Bruce Hornsby, Yonder Mountain String Band, Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Bela Fleck and David Grisman, along with favorite Austinites like Joe Ely, Patty Griffin, Alejandro Escovedo, Sarah Jarosz and The Gourds.

Songwriter Symposium This Weekend for Texas Music Experts

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:50:01 +0000

This is a schedule for the 2012 Austin Songwriter Symposium Jan 5 – 8. Registration is now open. Please go to www.austinsongwritersgroup.com for more info.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011

3:00 REGISTRATION OPEN
SIGN UP FOR CONFERENCE
PICK UP SCHEDULE AND WRIST BANDS
SIGN UP FOR THE ONE ON ONE WITH THE PUBLISHER OF YOUR CHOICE

4:00 “The Art of Attending a Conference”
Paul Barker

7:00 KICK OFF PARTY
Meet and greet the instructors, staff, panelists, publishers and special guests

8:00 CONCERTS
Come and hear the instructors perform their favorite songs for you!

SONG CIRCLES WILL FOLLOW THE CONCERTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012

9:00 Registration

10:00 – 11:15

PUBLISHERS PANEL
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

SONGWRITING
Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman

PERFORMANCE
Jim Photoglo

11:15 – 12:30

PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS PANEL
Thomas Cain BMI
John Mullins SESAC
Jesse Willoughby ASCAP

PITCH TO PUBLISHER SESSIONS
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

CO-WRITING
Kimmie Rhodes & Sonny Throckmorton

12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH ( ON YOUR OWN)

1:30 – 2:45

TEXAS STATE OF MIND
Casey Monahan, Governor’s Office State of Texas
Rose Reyes, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
Nancy Coplin, Austin Bergstrom International Airport

SONG CRITIQUES
Thomas Cain, BMI
Jesse Willoughby, ASCAP
John Mullins, SESAC
Talli Giles, NSAI

ONE MAN BAND
Matthew Santos: Simple Looping Techniques and use of effects pedals to enhance your live performance.

2:45 – 4:00

PITCH TO PUBLISHER
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

BI-LINGUAL SONGWRITING
Louie Ortega

FINANCING, BRANDING & MARKETING YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Benji Rogers, Founder CEO of Pledge Music
Charlie Faye, Independent Artist
Ed Bailey, Austin City Limits

SONGWRITING
Will Sexton & Ruth Ellsworth Carter

4:00 – 5:15

PITCH TO PUBLISHER
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

TOURING PANEL
Michael Fracasso
Amanda Mora Jones
Charlie Faye
Zoe Cordes Selbin

RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Marvin Dykhuis

MENTORING SESSIONS
Talli Giles, NSAI
Jim Photoglo
Gary Burr
Georgia Middleman
Jesse Willoughby
Thomas Cain
John Mullins
Stephen Doster

5:15 to 7:00 Dinner (on your own)

7:00 – 8:00

Spend an hour with Texas Legend, Joe Ely

8:00 – 9:00

CONCERT: Matthew Santos & Jim Photoglo

9:00 – 11:00

SHOWCASES

SONG CIRCLES DIRECTLY FOLLOWING SHOWCASES
Marvin Dykhuis
Joe Manuel
Will Sexton
David Halley

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

8:00 – 9:00

Sonny in the Morning: Coffee & War Stories with Sonny Throckmorton

9:00 – 10:15

PITCH TO PUBLISHER
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

SONGWRITING
Jim Photoglo

ALTERNATIVE TUNINGS FOR GUITAR
Gabe Rhodes

10:15 – 11:30

SONG CRITIQUES
Thomas Cain, BMI
Jesse Willoughby, ASCAP
John Mullins, SESAC
Talli Giles, NSAI

SERIOUS ABOUT MUSIC – BOOKING PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS PANEL
K T Gardner, Nancy Fly Agency
Jennifer Hargraves, Kinetic Entertainment
Jean Spivey, Old Settlers Music Festival
Zoe Cordes Selbin, Music Consultant

PRE-PRODUCTION
Marvin Dykhuis & Stephen Doster

MUSICAL HOOKS
David Halley & Joe Manuel

12:00 LUNCH ON US!!

KGSR’s Roger Allen interviews Jody Denberg
AWARDS CEREMONY

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
2:30 – 3:45

SONGWRITING
Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman

PITCH TO PUBLISHERS
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

SOCIAL MEDIA PANEL – Interactive Communications
Doug Freeman, Austin Chronicle
Greg Roberts, AustinMusicCity.com
Paige McGuire, Austinist
Cash Edwards, Cash Edwards Music Services

RADIO TODAY PANEL – Get your song on the radio
Roger Allen, KGSR & Lone Star State Of Mind
Ted Branson, KOOP Radio
Dallas Wayne, Sirius XM Satellite
John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music & FAR
Dave Maisano, Radio Free Texas
David Cotton, Cotton Austin

3:45 – 5:00

PITCH TO PUBLISHER
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

ONE MAN BAND
Matthew Santos: Simple Looping Techniques and use of effects pedals to enhance your live performance.

A LAWYER CAN HELP: HOW MANY ROYALTY STREAMS ARE THERE ANYWAY?
Mike Tolleson, Mike Tolleson & Associates
Tiffany Walker, Haynes & Boone, LLP

PITCH TO PRESS – THE TIMING OF A CAMPAIGN
Richard Skanse, LoneStarMusic.com
Margaret Moser, The Austin Chronicle
John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music
Sandra Greaney, Country Line
David Cotton, Cotton Austin
Tim Basham, Paste Magazine

5:00 – 7:00 Break for Dinner ( on your own)

7:00 – 9:00 CONCERTS

9:00 SHOWCASES

SONG CIRCLES IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SHOWCASES

SUNDAY MORNING, JANUARY 8, 2012

8:00

SONNY IN THE MORNING, Coffee & War Stories with Sonny Throckmorton

9:00 – 10:00

Gospel Music Jam: Hosted by Sonny Throckmorton & Thomas Cain

BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS AND FAVORITE GOSPEL SONGS

10:00 – 11:15

PITCH TO PUBLISHERS
Bobby Rymer, The Writer’s Den
Chris Oglesby, Oglesby Writer Management
Mike Molinar, Effusion Entertainment

RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Marvin Dykhuis

SONGWRITING AND PERFORMANCE
Jim Photoglo

CO – WRITING
Georgia Middleman & Gary Burr

11:30 to 1:00

CLOSING CONCERTS

Texas Music Journal Goes New York for New Year’s Eve

Sam Moore — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:36:56 +0000

By Sam Moore

The Texas Music Journal has decided to try to bring in the new year in style. We plan to bring you live coverage from Times Square on our website.

Our coverage will begin shortly at 5:10pm Central time. Four co-hosts will cover all the action in Times Square. It will include performances by platinum-selling musical artists, and hourly practice countdowns to the Ball Drop and midnight celebration.

Additional features will include interviews with revelers who make the journey to New York to be part of the global celebration, behind-the-scenes interviews with the people who produce New York City’s largest annual celebration, a live Facebook and Twitter chat with viewers around the world, and the story of how the party started in Times Square in 1904.

This will be TMJ’s first attempt at bringing live web streaming to our supporters. Wish us luck, and Happy New Year!

The Greatest Generation To Be Honored

Sam Moore — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:52:48 +0000

Music City Texas Theater and Cass County Performing Arts Council present “A Tribute to The Greatest Generation” Dec.10, 2011 at 7:00 PM. Come enjoy, reminisce and dance to Big Band, Swing and Jazz classics performed by the Red River Jazz Band. This 22 member group performs numerous yearly concerts for nonprofit organizations, universities, and museums.

The Red River Jazz Band

The Red River Jazz Band was formed 7 years ago by a group of musicians in Alexandria Louisiana who, according to Director and trombonist James Lacombe, “wanted to play the good old big band songs from the first half of the 20th century to keep the sound of that time alive. Our group is comprised of people who are teachers, lawyers, doctors, dentists, mailmen, nurses, artists and retired individuals whose ages vary from 30′s to 80′s. One of our members who is an avid supporter of Louisiana Public Radio asked if we would ‘auction ourselves’ during a recent fundraiser. The group graciously supported this endeavour.”

The result will be a musical trip back to the days of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey at MCT Theater,
Linden’s 1950 Post-War American Legion Hall, as they pay tribute to “The Greatest Generation.”

Doors open at 6PM and the show begins at 7PM. Tickets are $15. Organizers will present a slideshow WWII Veterans. Please send photos no later than Tues. Dec 6, 6PM to LindenMCT@aol.com. Be sure to include name and branch of service.

For more information call Music City Texas Theater 903-756-9934.

Heidi Newfield Bringing Her Magic to Texas

Sam Moore — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:41:08 +0000

She’s not from Texas, but you wouldn’t know it from her sound. And with a new tour, Heidi Newfield will soon be seeing a lot of the Lone Star State.

Heidi Newfield

She’s Country Tour, presented by Pendleton Whiskey, begins tonight in Little Rock. But the Texas swing begins tomorrow. By the time it is over, Heidi will have performed in Dallas, Katy, and Helotes. The tour also includes rising star singer and songwriter Bridgette Tatum.

Bridgette Tatum

Heidi, of course, first rose to fame as the sultry-voiced lead of the country group Trick Pony. “Pour Me,” their first mega-hit, is considered by many to be a benchmark in the way country music changed in the new millennium. Other hits followed before the trio decided to go their separate ways.

Since then, Heidi has created a very successful solo career. “Johnny and June,” her tribute to friend Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, was nominated for multiple Grammy awards.

Paradigm Talent Agency Nashville is partnering with 343 Agency to promote the tour.

“Paradigm Nashville is proud to help launch this unique all-female tour,” said She’s Country Tour co-producer and Paradigm Nashville co-head, Mike Snider. “Heidi and Bridgette both bring high-energy performances and a ‘let’s party’ attitude that are perfectly suited for these venues.”

Texas Music Reporter will attend the show in Dallas tomorrow night at the Glass Cactus and will bring a review of the concert.

For more information, including dates and locations of the tour, visit www.shescountrytour.com

Noted Texas Music Author to Speak in Houston Area

Sam Moore — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:39:28 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following comes courtesy of yourhoustonnews.com.)

One of the most versatile and prolific writers on the Texas literary scene comes to Montgomery County this month to discuss in extensive body of literary work.

Veteran journalist, novelist and biographer Jan Reid is the featured speaker for the Writers in Performance Series, scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library at Lone Star College-Montgomery.

Admission is free of charge and the event is open to the public.

“His fiction writing is often compared to Larry McMurtry (author of ‘Lonesome Dove’ and ‘The Last Picture Show’ among others),” said Dianne Logan, spokeswoman. “His ‘The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock’ is hailed at as ‘the bible’ for lovers of the Austin and Texas music scenes, profiling Willie Nelson, Kinky Friedman, Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and many others and the story of the 1970s emergence of the iconic Austin music scene.”

Reid’s other work includes “Comanche Sundown,” a novel whose characters include Comanche chief Quanah Parker, Billy the Kid and Bat Masterson, and which won the Jesse Jones Award for Fiction from the Texas Institute of Letters; and “Deerinwater,” a novel and winner of a Dobie-Paisano Fellowship.

Reid’s “The Bullet Meant for Me”, is a compelling reflection on marriage, friendship, boxing and his recovery from a deadly shooting in Mexico. His recent biography, “Texas Tornado: The Times and Music of Doug Sahm,” traces the career of the first American musician to capitalize on the 1960s British invasion who eventually moved to California where he became a star and invented the “cosmic cowboy” vogue.

His book, “Close Calls,” a collection of his magazine pieces, was a finalist for the Texas Institute of Letters Book of the Year Award. Reid’s much anticipated biography of Texas Governor Ann Richards will be published in 2112.

Reid is writer-at-large for Texas Monthly and a long-time contributor to the New York Times, Esquire, Slate, GQ and other national publications.

All Writers in Performance events are free to the public and include a book-signing reception. The series is made possible through a partnership of the Montgomery County Literary Arts Council; Lone Star College-Montgomery library, Conroe Commission on the Arts and Culture, Good Books in the Woods and SWIRL student magazine of art and literature.

For information, contact Dave Parsons (936) 524-6537 or visit www.literaryartscouncil.org.

Texas Legends to Help Fire Victims

Sam Moore — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:28:24 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following story comes from Time Warner Cable in Austin.)

Texas music legends are coming together in October to benefit the Bastrop County relief efforts.

Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel will headline “Fire Relief: The Concert for Central Texas” which will take place at the Frank Erwin Center on Oct. 17.

Kyle Chandler and Turk Pipkin will host the event which includes special guests Eric Johnson, Steve Miller, Shawn Colvin and the Courtyard Hounds, Joe Satriani and the Texas Tornados.

All proceeds from the concert will go to the Central Texas Wildfire Fund at the Austin Community Foundation. According to a spokesperson with the concert, the event’s goal is to help displaced and affected families cope with long-term problems stemming from the fire.

Tickets will be available through TexasBoxOffice.com.

Cajuns Coming to Conroe

Sam Moore — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:39:41 +0000

The complete music lineup for the 22nd Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, set for Friday-Sunday, October 14-16, on the Downtown Square in Conroe, includes Wayne Toups, Cody Canada & the Departed, Band of Heathens and many more on four stages — incredible music makers at the festival known across the state for incredible music, delicious food choices, great kids entertainment, dedicated area for Texas wine lovers, and fine arts and crafts vendors.

Festival hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission at the gate is $12 for adults and free for children 12 and younger ($1 off with two or more canned goods for the Montgomery County Food Bank). For information: 936.539.6009.

The complete musical lineup:
Friday, October 14:
Scooter Brown, 10 p.m.-midnight, Texas Stage
Wayne Toups, 10:30-midnight, Cajun Stage
Hamilton Loomis, 10:15-midnight, Willie B’s Pub Stage
Jason Cassidy, 8-9:30 p.m., Texas Stage
Clay Melton, 8:15-9:45 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Bayou Roux, 6:30-10 p.m., Cajun Stage
Slim Bawb, 6:15-7:45 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Josh Fuller & Dirt Diesel, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Texas Stage

Saturday, October 15:
Cody Canada and the Departed, 10:30-midnight, Texas Stage
River Road, 10:30-midnight, Cajun Stage
Miss Molly, 10-midnight, Willie B’s Pub Stage
Joel Martin Project, 8:30-10 p.m., Cajun Stage
Band of Heathens, 8:30-10 p.m., Texas Stage
Mark Hendrix “Memories of Elvis,” 8-9:15 p.m., Patio Stage
Bonnie Bishop, 8-9:30 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Cyril Neville & Tribe 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Cajun Stage
Cody Johnson, 6:30-8 p.m., Texas Stage
Cheyenne James, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Patio Stage
Trudy Lynn, 6-7:30 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Keyun and The Zydeco Masters, 4:30-6 p.m., Cajun Stage
Folk Family Revival, 4:30-6 p.m., Texas Stage
Double R Nothin’, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Lee Johnson, 2:30-4 p.m., Cajun Stage
The Zydeco Dots, noon-2 p.m., Cajun Stage
The Rod Brothers, 12:30 -3 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Local Band Showcase, noon-4 p.m., Texas Stage

Sunday, October 16:
Gino Delafose, 4:30-6 p.m., Cajun Stage
Charlie Parker, 3:30-5p.m., Texas Stage
The Fab 5, 3:30-6 p.m., Willie B’s Pub Stage
Mark Hendrix “Memories of Elvis,” 2:45-4 p.m., Patio Stage
Troublemaker, 2-3 p.m., Texas Stage
Sol Driven Train, 2-3 p.m., Cajun Stage
Lost & Nameless Orchestra, 12:30-2:15 p.m., Cajun Stage
Heated Frenzy, noon-1:30 p.m., Texas Stage

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival benefits the non-profit Friends of Conroe Inc., which works to enhance the quality of life in Conroe and Montgomery County through civic and cultural improvements. The group contributes funds to other established nonprofit organizations, promotes community projects and supports the renovation of the downtown Conroe area.

For more information and online advance discount tickets and for complete listings of music, food and family fun, visit www.conroecajuncatfishfestival.com.

Kyle Park Releases New Album

Sam Moore — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:17:54 +0000

Austin, TX — Country singer-writer-producer Kyle Park, whom the Austin American-Statesman calls “a young country artist in Texas with the potential for mainstream country radio,” will release on September 20 his third full-length album, MAKE OR BREAK ME.

The album features 15 originals, six all-new with four from his SPRING 2010 EP and five from him as FALL 2010 EP. Park filmed a music video in New Braunfels and Austin for the MAKE OR BREAK ME title track and first single from the new album; teaser to the video is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMJNCEgtBaY

Park’s FALL EP 2010 hit the Billboard charts with the first single released to radio, the catchy love song “All Night”: #56 on the magazine’s Top Country Albums list, #28 on Top Heatseekers and, most reflective of the artist’s regional popularity, #1 on Heatseekers South Central. It also landed at #4 on iTunes’ Top 10 Country Records.

He was featured on an episode of “Veteran Outdoors” on the Sportsman Channel entitled “Anywhere in Texas” after a Park album of the same name.

Park has spent the year touring, with festivals in Germany and France and headlining shows in Chicago, Oklahoma and Kansas. The recording artist plays 200 shows a year in venues, music festivals and honky-tonks, in the Lone Star State and beyond. He’ll continue touring this year behind the new album, doing what he loves the most: performing passionately for eager audiences.

Park’s upcoming performances include:
August 24, Electric Cowboy, Tyler
August 27, Tumbleweed Arena, Stillwater, Okla.
September 2, Westfest, West, Texas
September 3, Whitewater Amphitheater, New Braunfels, Texas
September 4, Shiner American Legion, Shiner, Texas
September 8, Banita Creek Hall, Nacogdoches, Texas
September 10, Ziegfest, College Station, Texas
September 16, Big Texas, Webster, Texas
September 17, West Texas Rodeo, Abilene
September 20, Cheatham Street Warehouse, San Marcos, Texas
September 22, Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo, Texas
September 23, Midnight Rodeo, Amarillo, Texas
September 24, Southern Junction, Rockwall, Texas
September 29, Rockin’ Rodeo, Midland, Texas
September 30, Southern New Mexico State Fair, Las Cruces, N.M.
October 1, Floore’s Country Store, Helotes, Texas
October 5, Texas Ranch Club, Kingsville, Texas
October 7, Wild West, Lubbock, Texas
October 8, Festival on the Square, Tyler, Texas
October 14, Midnight Rodeo, Austin, Texas
October 15, Yorktown Western Days, Yorktown, Texas
October 18, Glade Outdoor Theatre, San Marcos, Texas
October 21, City Limits, Stephenville, Texas
October 22, Rockdale Fair, Rockdale, Texas

Levitt Preparing For Final Week of Free Summer Concerts

Sam Moore — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:36:30 +0000

Start the week on Wednesday, June 29, with Buford, Dusty and Buttermilk Biscuit down on Old MacDonald’s Magical, Musical Farm to explore musical concepts and apply them to everyday life.

The Biscuit Brothers have an Emmy Award-winning TV show on PBS in more than 40 markets, plus six albums and four DVDs. The Biscuit Brothers concert is at 10:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Chesapeake Energy Children’s Concert Series.

Del Castillo returns for their third visit to the Levitt Pavilion on Thursday, June 30, at 8 p.m. This dynamic group has an eclectic blend of flamenco, rock, Latin, blues and world music. They have performed with Los Lonely Boys, Willie Nelson and Don Henley and contributed music to the soundtracks of Spy Kids 3D, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Sin City, Grindhouse and Kill Bill Vol. II. Del Castillo is sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

The Killdares have come to be known as one of the hottest, cutting edge bands in music today, Celtic or otherwise. They bring their blend of traditional Celtic, power-pop and rock to the Levitt at 8 p.m. Friday, July 1. Even die-hard fans of purely traditional Celtic music have embraced The Killdares and their fire-driven fiddle and bagpipes with the wail of electric guitar, bass and drums. Their concert is sponsored by J. Gilligan’s.

With a sound dancing between gut-bucket soul and N’awlins grit-down funk and horn-fueled Motown pop, Mingo Fishtrap
is one of the most popular bands to play at the Levitt. They return at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2, sponsored by Plains Capital Bank. Mingo Fishtrap has performed with such artists as Sting, Blues Traveler, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Little Feat and Johnny Lang.

The Texas Power 2011 Summer Concert Series concludes with a bang on Sunday, July 3, along with Light Up Arlington!, Arlington Parks & Recreation’s annual Independence Day Celebration. Food vendors and Boomtown activities for the kids begin downtown at 6 p.m. The Arlington Community Band and Celebration Chorale take the Levitt stage at 7:30 p.m. with patriotic music.

At 8:45 p.m., singer/songwriter Radney Foster completes the evening’s entertainment, presented by Texas Health Resources/Arlington Memorial Hospital. Radney will take a break for the city’s fireworks display at 9:45 p.m., then return to conclude his concert from 10 to 10:30 p.m. Radney Foster has long been revered in the music community as a lyricist and a dry West Texas poet. His songs have been covered by everyone from Hootie and the Blowfish and the Pistoleros to the Dixie Chicks and Guy Clark.

Complete information about the Levitt Pavilion and the artists performing this week are available on the Levitt’s Web site, www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Trevino and Hendrix Participate in Busy Week at the Levitt

Sam Moore — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:06:05 +0000

Terri Hendrix

: Rick Trevino

During the mid-1990s, Grammy Award-winner Rick Trevino emerged as one of the first popular Hispanic singers in country music since the mid-1970s, when Freddy Fender and Johnny Rodriguez were recording hits. He racked up several hits over the next few years with his Garth Brooks-inspired blend of new country and album rock. Rick brings his classic country music with a Hispanic heritage to the Levitt Pavilion this Saturday at 8 p.m. sponsored by Union Pacific. Rick’s hits include the Top 40 single, Honky Tonk Crowd, and two Top 10 singles, She Can’t Say I Didn’t Cry and Doctor Time. Rick won a Grammy Award in 1998 as part of Los Super Seven, an all-star band that included Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Freddy Fender, Joe Ely and Flaco Jimenez.

The fourth weekend of the Texas Power Summer Concert Series kicks off on Wednesday with the exciting and colorful Lannaya West African Drum & Dance Ensemble, an extended family of talented drummers, who perform intricate and traditional dances, songs and rhythms from Guinea and the Ivory Coast, West Africa, with an amazing energy. Their pieces celebrate the life and culture of West Africa with authentic and progressive interpretations of traditional West African dance, music and folklore. Combining gesture, music, audience participation, and historical and cultural aspects of dance and movement, Lannaya creates an atmosphere of connection and support. They will perform as part of the Chesapeake Energy Children’s Concert Series at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

In 2008, The Orbans, from Fort Worth, combined a “do-it-yourself” indie attitude with a style of pop music that’s not afraid to show a little Texas twang. Since then, they have played hundreds of shows, sharing the stage with Blues Traveler, Live, Cowboy Mouth, The Redwalls and Ryan Bingham, and released their first full-length album. The Orbans draw comparisons to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Big Star, Dr. Dog, and Ryan Adams. The Orbans perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday and are sponsored by MiMo.

A classically trained vocalist and deft instrumentalist, Terri Hendrix dodges musical pigeonholes by weaving folk, pop, country, blues and swinging jazz into an eclectic style all her own. She brings her unique style to the Levitt at 8 p.m. Friday, sponsored by Drs. Alexander Orthodontics. In addition to winning several music awards in San Antonio and Austin,Terri’s biggest honor came last year, when she was inducted into the South Texas Music Walk of Fame in Corpus Christi, joining such Lone Star luminaries as Guy Clark, Kris Kristofferson and Doug Sahm. Before Terri performs, 11-year-old Grace London will show off her natural music instincts and abilities that go beyond her years. Her guitar playing is comparable to seasoned musicians, plus Grace has a feel for music and a grasp of different genres that won her the Best Vocalist/Instrumentalist Award at Austin’s ASPVA competition.

Concluding the week at 8 p.m. on Sunday is a return visit by Blame Sally, a collective of four distinct voices and musical backgrounds that has forged a compelling and original sound that has earned the band a national reputation. Blame Sally has performed for audiences across the nation, sharing festival stages with the likes of Los Lobos, Ani DiFranco, Richard Thompson, Roseanne Cash and Greg Brown. The four women who make up the Bay area-based group put their individual careers aside to start Blame Sally when they were in their late 30s and 40s – the age when bands are traditionally supposed to break up and begin solo careers. Blame Sally is sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

Complete information about the Levitt Pavilion, including a summer concert calendar is available on the Levitt’s Web site, www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Austin Brings Latin Funk to Arlington

Sam Moore — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:17:31 +0000

Charlie Daniels

: Grupo Fantasma

2011 started out as a banner year for Austin-based Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma. Their most recent album, El Existential, won Grupo their first Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album. The popular Latin group beings their 21st century beat to the Levitt Pavilion at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, as part of the 2011 Texas Power Summer Concert Series.

Grupo Fantasma’s Grammy was their second nomination. They are widely known for their energetic live shows, which NPR declares “seamless, whenever and wherever they’re on stage.” The 10-piece orchestra has received praise from The Wall Street Journal, La Opinion, and USA Today, which called them “Latin-funk masters.” Their free Levitt concert is sponsored by the Arlington Arts Alliance.

Children’s performer, Eddie Coker starts off the second week of summer concerts at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, as part of the Chesapeake Energy Children’s Series. Singing about things like happiness and purple ducks, Eddie has entertained more than a million children nationwide, created his own radio show for Disney, written music for Barney, Borders Books and Chuck E. Cheese, and has recorded hundreds of songs for children and their families.

On Friday, June 3, at 8 p.m., Soul Track Mind blends ’60s and ’70s era soul and R&B with flares of jazz, blues, funk and dance rhythms. With their debut album, Ghost of Soul, and a string of well-received appearances since, Soul Track Mind is becoming a force to reckon with in the modern soul genre. Their free concert is sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

The Levitt Pavilion’s annual benefit concert is The Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday, June 4, presented by Titan Operating LLC. This is the only Levitt concert that requires a ticket. Tickets are $25 in advance through the Levitt Pavilion Web site, www.levittpavilionarlington.org, or by phone at 817.543.4307. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $35. Gates open at 7 p.m. for the 9 p.m. concert. The new face of traditional country music, Blaine Gray, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Charlie Daniels concert help the Levitt Pavilion pay for this year’s 50 free concerts.

Finally, the second week of concerts concludes at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 5, with the Austin Lounge Lizards known for their hilarious song parodies about everything from health care, big bank bailouts and all things Texas. Their concert is sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

All of the Levitt Pavilion’s Summer Concerts are free, except for the benefit concert featuring The Charlie Daniels Band. Concerts begin at 8 p.m., except for the Wednesday Chesapeake Energy Children’s Concerts, which are at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Summer concerts continue through July 3. There is free parking all around the Levitt Pavilion.

The Texas Power 2011 Summer Concert Series is generously supported by our Season Sponsors: Texas Power, Chesapeake Energy, Titan Operating LLC, the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, Levitt Pavilions, the City of Arlington, Arlington Parks & Recreation, the Arlington Chamber Foundation, the Arlington Arts Alliance, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Aaron Ave. Records, the University of Texas at Arlington, the United Services Association for Health Care Foundation, the Star-Telegram, and the Sheraton Arlington, the official hotel sponsor for the Levitt Pavilion.

For more information and a complete calendar of summer concerts, please visit the Web site at www.levittpavilionarlington.org.

Austin Expands City Limits for Festival Performers

Sam Moore — Tue, 17 May 2011 20:54:55 +0000

The Eagles perform at 2010 festival

Asleep at the Wheel and Jack Ingram are among the Texas music stars who have been selected to perform at this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival. But Texas performers will not be alone.

Among the notable performers set to appear are Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Colplay, Randy Newman, Allison Krauss & Union Station, and Cee Lo Green.

The festival takes place Sept. 16-18 at Zilker Park in Austin. Ticket sales to the festival directly benefit the Austin Parks Foundation for the purpose of improving parks throughout the capital of Texas.

The “Austin City Limits” live performance television show series began in October 1974 at the KLRU studio, but the last taping at the studio took place in November 2010 with Lyle Lovett on stage. The show is now recorded with a live audience at the Moody Theater in downtown Austin.

For more information on the upcoming festival, visit http://www.aclfestival.com/

Texas Performers Prepare for Dancing with Wolves

Sam Moore — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:34:30 +0000

The Memorial Jam is coming to Fort Worth.

Wolfdance 2011 will be held at the Ft Worth Stockyards on Saturday, May 28. The two-stage format will be used, with one stage at each end of the grounds. Bands will alternate performances, allowing the maximum number of acts. 20 bands will perform between 11am and 11pm.

Headliners include the Casey Donahew Band, Wade Bowen, No Justice, Josh Abbot and Johnny Cooper.

Advance tickets are available at Kroger Stores or online for $20 plus fees. Tickets can also be purchased the day of event on site, for $30.

For more details, visit www.memorialjamdfw.com

Upcoming Concert Will Have a Taste of American Idol

Sam Moore — Thu, 12 May 2011 21:29:00 +0000

American Idol is coming to north Texas – sort of.

Idol contestant and McKinney Boyd High School student Hollie Cavanagh has been chosen to sing the National Anthem to kick off the 2011 Smiles Charity Concert on May 29 at 5pm.

“I am very excited to sing at the Smiles Charity Concert because the soldiers benefitting from this year’s aid have done so much to keep our country safe, and risked their lives to allow me to follow my dreams. So I think it’s amazing we can give back to them and I’m honored Smiles asked me to be a part of it,” she said.

Smiles Charity has worked this year to build homes for soldiers in need following their return to the United States. The annual concert is designed as a thank you for everyone who has helped during the past year, and to help bring awareness to their cause.

Holly has loved music since she was 12 and sang in a middle school talent show. Last summer, she decided to chase her dream and try out for the hit Fox show. Out of hundreds of thousands of Idol hopefuls, she made the Top 40.

Hollie’s departure from American Idol did not discourage her. Rather, she left very hopeful. Judge Jennifer Lopez recommended she come back to the show when she said, “You can come back and win – that’s how good you are.”

To get more information on the upcoming Smiles concert, visit www.smilescharity.org/concert.html.

The Virginian Coming to Texas

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:42:55 +0000

James Drury

The Allen Public Library is mixing old time western television with Texas music in a very special upcoming performance.

Veteran actor James Drury joins The Texas Trailhands for an exciting evening of western music and nostalgia at 7:30 pm, Friday, June 10. Sponsored by Bach to Books, free tickets are issued at 6:30 pm. The Texas Trailhands will perform their special brand of “Cowboy Swing” and will introduce James Drury who will discuss his career in western films and television. The Texas Trailhands performance at the library will be as close to a campfire swing as you can get.

James Drury is the star of the first 90-minute color western TV series, ‘The Virginian’, which aired from 1962-1971. ‘The Virginian’ is the third longest running western series in the history of television. The television series was adapted from the 1902 Owen Wister western novel, “The Virginian, A Horseman of the Plains”. Like the novel, the protagonist was never given a name other than the Virginian. James Drury used that to his advantage in creating a mysterious air surrounding the Shiloh ranch foreman. “Nobody knows the name of my character,” James Drury says, “not even me.”
James starred in the legendary science fiction masterpiece Forbidden Planet (1956), which was his second film, and as Crewman Strong, he was devoured by the monster. After The Virginian, he appeared in Alias Smith and Jones and Walker Texas Rangers.

The Texas Trailhands present an upbeat unforgettable experience. Bandleader Miss Devon declares, “We are cowboy swing. We’re not country or country and western … We’re very particular about which songs we do. A song has to pass quite a few litmus tests or they’ll limp away brokenhearted.” Miss Devon is the singin’, yodelin’ voice for Jessie, The Yodelin’ Cowgirl on the Grammy-Winning CD “Woody’s Roundup featuring Riders In the Sky”, released by Walt Disney Records in August 2000. Miss Devon is also Jessie the Yoddling Cow Girl on the follow up CD for Toy Story Two. In 2009, Miss Devon won the Academy of Western Artists “Western Music Female Performer of the Year.”

Guitarist and yodeler Miss Devon will be accompanied by “Hoot Al” on acoustic bass, clarinet, guitar, lead and harmony vocals, “Rodeo Kate” on fiddle and flute, “Red River Rick”, lead guitar & harmony vocals, “Chuckwagon Chuck” on harmonica, guitar, and percussion.
Wear your western clothes!

Levitt Preparing for Summer Concert Series

Sam Moore — Mon, 02 May 2011 01:10:41 +0000

AMBROSIA

The concert calendar for the Texas Power 2011 Summer concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion is ready. The summer calendar is filled with enough different kinds of music to keep you entertained from Memorial Day weekend until the city’s annual Independence Day celebration on July 3.

1970s five-time Grammy nominees, Ambrosia gets things off to a pop-rock start on Friday, May 27. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, their timeless tunes will: How Much I Feel, Biggest Part of Me, You’re the Only Woman and Holding On To Yesterday. Click here to see a video about Ambrosia and some of their memorable songs, then make plans to be there opening night.

Also on Memorial Day weekend, join us for the intricate triple-fiddle harmonies and Bob Wills-inspired music of The Quebe Sisters Band, one of the most popular bands in our area. Closing the first weekend is the world-famous New Orleans music machine, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Children’s entertainment returns this summer on Wednesdays with the Chesapeake Energy Children’s Summer Concert Series. Levitt Pavilion favorite, Eddie Coker, gets things off to a happy start singing about purple ducks and other such things on June 1. The Children’s concerts are every Wednesday in June at 10:30 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.

The free music continues five nights a week all of June with such artists as Grupo Fantasma (brand-new Grammy winners), the Austin Lounge Lizards, Cas Haley (from America’s Got Talent), Terri Hendrix, Rick Trevino, Blame Sally, Josh Weathers, Del Castillo, The Killdares and Mingo Fishtrap. Summer concerts conclude during Light Up Arlington! with West Texas poet Radney Foster and fireworks to light up the sky above the Levitt Pavilion stage.

All concerts are free, except for the benefit concert on June 4 featuring The Charlie Daniels Band. Concerts begin at 8 p.m., except for the Wednesday Chesapeake Energy Children’s Concerts, which begin at 7:30 p.m.

To make the most of your Levitt experience, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, a picnic and cooler, bug spray, and your family and friends to enjoy music under the stars with you. There is plenty of free parking all around the Levitt Pavilion.

The Texas Power 2011 Summer Concert Series is generously supported by our Season Sponsors: Texas Power, Chesapeake Energy, the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, Levitt Pavilions, the City of Arlington, Arlington Parks & Recreation, the Arlington Chamber Foundation, the Arlington Arts Alliance and the Sheraton Arlington, the official hotel sponsor for the Levitt Pavilion.

See the Texas Power 2011 Summer Concert Series calendar …

Willie Is Getting Hungry for a Picnic

Sam Moore — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:20:58 +0000

Willie’s getting ready to throw another picnic.

Willie Nelson’s annual 4th of July Picnic and Country Throwdown will be Monday, July 4, both inside and outside of Billy Bob’s Texas and Rodeo Plaza in Fort Worth.

The celebration will feature Willie and friends, along with Jamey Johnson and the concert lineup from the Country Throwdown tour. More information on that can be found at www.countrythrowdown.com.

Tickets for the picnic go on sale Monday at Billy Bob’s box office, 817-624-7117, online at www.billybobstexas.com, or on Ticketmaster. Advance tickets are $30, and are $35 at the gate. However, there is no guarantee that any tickets will be available on the day of the show.

Steel Guitar Festival Upcoming in Allen

Sam Moore — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:06:05 +0000

The Allen Public Library is preparing to go country.

The East Texas Steel Guitar Association presents a Steel Guitar Jamboree, 7 p.m. Friday, May 13th. Sponsored by Bach to Books, this event is free and tickets will be issued at 6:30 p.m. that same evening.

The performance will include masters of the steel guitar and lap steel, Maurice Anderson and David Wright, and will include a presentation on the history of the steel guitar.

Originating in Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the roots of Hawaiian guitar music is generally credited to the Mexican and Spanish cowboys who were hired by King Kamehameha III around 1832. Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolos, established the tradition of Hawaiian slack key guitar music. Although steel guitar popularity became firmly entrenched in Hawaii, its teachers spent most of their time performing and the technique was almost lost by 1960s.

Hawaiian steel guitar has now been fused into multiple genres of America and international music, including blues, country and western music, rock and pop, as well as the music of Africa and India.

Typically, the steel guitar is positioned horizontally; the strings are plucked with one hand, while the other hand changes the pitch of one or more strings with the use of a bar or slide called a Steel (generally made of metal, but also of glass or other materials). Each steel guitarist offers a unique brand and style.

Maurice Anderson and David Wright will be accompanied by Josh Rogers on drums, Lou Carfa on bass and Mark Gheen on keyboard.

Based in Tyler, Texas, the East Texas Steel Guitar Association is dedicated to promoting, persevering and developing steel guitar music throughout the world.

For more information, call 214-509-4911.

Smiles Charity Concert to Feature Uncle Kracker

Sam Moore — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:37:38 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following news release comes to us from Smiles Charity in McKinney. Every year, their work through Habitat for Humanity helps put people in homes. And every year, they say a big “thank you” to their supporters by hosting a Memorial Day weekend concert.)

The 2011 Smiles Charity Concert and Festival will be held Sunday May 29th 5:00-10:00 pm at the Adriatica outdoor concert venue and will feature country star Uncle Kracker. Joining Uncle Kracker on stage will be local favorite the Maylee Thomas Band and Stars Go Dim, an up and coming band that recently opened for the GooGoo Dolls in Los Angeles. The Memorial Day concert event will also have a flyover by WWII era planes, a kids area with bounce houses, games, and activities, local food and drink vendors, a tribute to fallen military heroes, and a spectacular fireworks display at its conclusion.

The announcement of Uncle Kracker as the headliner was made official on 97.5 KLAK, the radio station of Collin County playing today’s hits and yesterdays favorites. KLAK, an active supporter of Smiles Charity and its mission, along with Raytheon, Crest Auto Group, Dr. Buchanan Orthodontics, Torchmark and Simpson Strong-Tie make the concert event possible. Their support allows Smiles Charity to organize an event to draw thousands together for a great cause.

In 2011, the goal of the Smiles Charity concert is to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing by severely wounded soldiers returning from war. These heroes deserve nothing less than the gift of a home from a deeply thankful nation, and the Smiles Charity Concert and Festival will provide the opportunity for those who want to say thank you to make a difference in a soldier’s life.

While admission is free, Smiles Charity will be accepting donations throughout the event to help build homes for severely wounded veterans. Cash and credit cards will be accepted for all donations as well as concessions, and a small $5 entrance fee for the kids area. Specifically, net proceeds from the 2011 concert will help build mortgage-free homes for Levi Wilson and Alan Hornaday, both of whom were left disabled after sustaining injuries while serving their country in Iraq. Additionally, during the concert event, Smiles Charity will honor two local fallen heroes, Brandon Bury and Cody Board, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan.

Supporters are encouraged to volunteer during the concert as hundreds of volunteers are needed to make the concert and festival a safe and successful event. This year’s event will have a special need for active and retired military members to volunteer in uniform. Please register to volunteer at www.smilescharity.org and click on the volunteer tab.

Celebrate Memorial Day in McKinney on Sunday May 29th to enjoy this family friendly concert event which gives those who attend the chance to thank America’s military heroes with a generous donation. Feel free to bring blankets and lawn chairs, but coolers and pets are not allowed.

Reckless Kelly Preparing to Play Ball for Kids

Sam Moore — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:22:06 +0000

Austin roots-rock band Reckless Kelly’s 3rd Celebrity Softball Jam — which will feature a hectic and hilarious game of softball played by musicians, professional athletes and members of the media followed by an exciting concert on two stages in centerfield — is set for May 1, 2011.
This year, fans are encouraged to participate in the “Reckless Recycling Program” and bring new, outgrown and gently used baseball gloves, bats, shoes, catcher’s equipment and other baseball-related items, which will be collected at the gate of the Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express, and donated to youth players and leagues in need.

Reckless Kelly has already donated more than $65,000 it raised from the first two Celebrity Softball Jams, attended by more than 12,000 fans, with proceeds going to benefit area youth baseball groups.

In addition to Reckless Kelly, the artists taking part in the concert will include Ray Benson, Heidi Newfield, “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice, Micky & the Motorcars, Hayes Carll, Dale Watson, Muzzie Braun, Charlie Robison, Wade Bowen, Bruce Robison, George Devore, Mary Cutrafello and Django Walker. The complete lineup will be announced April 18.

Many of the musicians will participate in the game, too, along with sports figures such as former UT Longhorn and Big League pitcher Greg Swindell, former Major Leaguers Brooks Kieschnick and Kirk Dressendorfer, boxer Jesse James Leija, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver/former UT football player Quan Cosby, and former Cleveland Browns/Miami Dolphins/UT cornerback Stephen Braggs.

Through April 30, tickets are $15 at the Dell Diamond box office and at www.rkcsj.org. At the gate on May 1, tickets will be $20. Kids 12 and younger get in free with an adult.

For more information on the band, visit www.recklesskelly.com.
For more information on the 3rd Celebrity Softball Jam, see www.rkcsj.org.

Date Change Made for World Guitar Record Attempt

Sam Moore — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:12:24 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following message comes from the governor’s Texas Music Office.)

Greetings! We’ve been working hard to spread the word about “Pickin’ for the Record II.” As many of you know, we established a new Guinness World Record at Luckenbach in August 2009 and our record has since been broken by a group of 6,436 Polish Pickers. We’re determined to bring the World Record back to Texas and we’re well on the way. Our production team has determined that we need more time, so we’ve elected to change the date of “Pickin’ for the Record II” from Sunday, March 20th to Sunday, June 26th 2011 on the south steps of the State Capitol. Here’s why:

On Sunday, June 26th 2011, the State Legislature will no longer be in regular session and we’ll have better access to the Capitol grounds. Key on-site legislator parking in our “event area” will be available in June that would not be available during the regular legislative session.

The City of Austin, who has been tremendously helpful in our efforts, is more amenable to the June date. It gives city officials more time to deal with the necessary street closures to accommodate the large crowds that will attend “Pickin for the Record II.”

By June, school is out. This is a family event and we’ve had numerous comments from supporters mentioning that the Monday after the March event is a school day. The June 26th date makes it easier for families with school-aged children to attend.

Most Importantly, Failure to Reclaim Our Record Is Not An Option!

Our co-promoter in this event, the Texas Music Office, agrees. We simply must assemble the necessary pickers to bring this Guinness World Record back home to Texas in support of our Troops. We must have adequate registrations well in advance of our event date to insure success. Because this is an Official Guinness World Record event, we need specific information on every picker. Guinness requires precise documentation, and we want to give adequate time to officially register at least 6500 pickers on our website (http://voicesofagratefulnation.org) in advance of the June 26th event date. Because failure is not an option, we’ve elected to make this important change:

Registration Is Now Free!

Yes folks, we’re opening up the floodgates to allow everyone an opportunity to participate in this exceptional event, to support our troops, and to be part of Texas Music History.

We will be accepting registrations at no charge to all those who want to participate, but we will encourage them to make a $15.00 contribution to secure their T-Shirt and Dog Tags. We’re hoping that the bulk of our new registrants will exercise this option.

We sincerely thank you for your support and hope to see you on the south steps of the State Capitol on Sunday, June 26th, 2011 to establish a special page in Texas music history and, most importantly, to support our music programs for our troops and their families.

http://voicesofagratefulnation.org

Southfork Ranch Welcomes Texas Music Revolution 15

Sam Moore — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:49:05 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following is from KHYI Radio, the Range)
A majestic Texas ranch is a fitting backdrop for a country music festival that views itself as a revolution.

This all-day affair, held at Southfork Ranch on Saturday, is packed with a brilliant mixture of national and regional talent, all in an effort to provide attendees with an apt symbolization of what they hear when they tune in to the host radio station, KHYI-95.3 FM The Range. To be sure, this is one day-long show that requires attendance from the onset, thanks to key upstart locals including The Will Callers, Somebody’s Darling, Rodney Parker and The O’s. Even Austin’s Deadman will lend their soulful support to the cause.

And the two nationally beloved headliners aren’t only tied to Texas, but showcase divergent styles of what so many lazily deem as “Texas Country.” Dallas’ beloved Old 97′s scorch a path that rocks more than it swings, while noted Hill Country dweller Robert Earl Keen displays country songcraft at its folksy best.

For the independent station’s 15th Texas Music Revolution, The Range capably proves that any battalion needs not only its share of charismatic, strong-willed leaders, but also a group of supporters that possess every bit the passion and ability as the proven parties leading the charge.