Texas Music Journal » Texas Music Genres

The Oak Ridge Boys and a Texas Music Surprise

Sam Moore — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:19:59 +0000

By Sam Moore

In an environment of relaxed excitement, the Oak Ridge Boys delivered their smooth harmonies in a great performance Thursday night at the Allen Event Center.

For the audience, it was like a visit with old friends – not just the Boys, but the songs themselves. The show opened with “The Boys Are Back,” the title track – written by Scooter Jennings – from one of their recent albums. Then the hits started rolling. First, it was “One in a Million.” Others, such as “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” and the beautifully peaceful “Dream On” soon followed. William Lee Golden, he of the baritone voice and mountain man hair, sang his inspiring “Thank God for Kids.” He even paid tribute to his age, ending the tune with “and grandkids, too.”

Lead singer (if this group can actually have a lead singer) Duane Allen is from Taylortown. He and his wife support a scholarship program for music students at Texas A&M. Tenor Joe Bonsall pointed out Allen’s Texas heritage. He said, “No matter what happens, if we sing in Texas, we’ll always have a good size crowd out there.”

In addition to their traditional hits, the Oak Ridge Boys sang several songs from some of their later works, including their current album – available at Cracker Barrel. And to show they remember their traditional gospel roots, they performed an incredible rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Of course, no Oak Ridge Boys concert would be complete without their final two numbers: “Elvira” and “Bobby Sue.” Both songs featured Richard Sterban, the man with the world’s deepest voice (Can you say “oom-papa”?). The audience members were on their feet, clapping and singing along. It was a great ending to a great night.

And what was the Texas music surprise? It was an opening set by Texas singer-songwriter Drew Womack. He surprised many of those in attendance when he played a monster hit that he penned – “She Got It All” (Kenny Chesney’s first number-one hit) as well as “I Hope You Dance” (Drew’s Sons of the Desert Band was featured on the song as a duet, and won several awards with Lee Ann Womack).

Drew Womack

Despite playing an acoustic set, accompanied only by a drummer, Womack produced a much larger, richer sound than anyone expected. It is a sign of his excellence at what he does, and his ability to deliver a quality product to his listeners.

Credit also goes to the Allen Event Center. The acoustics in this arena are amazing. It really is a perfect place for performers to perform, and for audiences to enjoy the shows. The ushers are helpful and friendly. Even the food is good!

What is a sign that the concert was good? Afterward, while standing in line at In-N-Out Burger, I overheard several men talking about what a great show they just witnessed. One couple talked about how it had been 31 years since their first date – an Oak Ridge Boys concert. Tonight’s show was over, but the memories are still going strong.

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Sarah Jaffe Prepares for New Album Release

Sam Moore — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:53:50 +0000

New York, NY – Sarah Jaffe is thrilled to announce the April 24th release of her new full-length studio album – The Body Wins – on Kirtland Records. The new album was produced by John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky, Wye Oak, etc.) and is the follow up to her critically acclaimed debut full-length Suburban Nature which earned raves from New York Times, USA Today Pop Candy, Paste, and NPR among others.

As Jaffe gears up for the release of The Body Wins, she will be performing select dates across the US in February and March. She kicks things off on February 5th with Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Rhett Miller of the Old ‘97s, The Civil Wars and more on the Camayo Cruise. Shortly after, Jaffe will head up to NYC for a special show at the Mercury Lounge on February 22nd where she’ll be playing songs from The Body Wins. Then out to the West Coast where she joins up with Guthrie (Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Jim James, and Anders Parker) for a handful of dates before heading back to Texas for this year’s SXSW.

It’s been nearly two years since Jaffe released her debut album Suburban Nature and these dates will give her a chance to play songs from The Body Wins live. A few songs on the new album were included in an earlier incarnation on the September 2011 CD/DVD release – The Way Sound Leaves a Room. However, expect the unexpected as Sarah has left her acoustic guitar behind (for the most part) and really developed the demos into riveting new songs which can all be found on the forthcoming album The Body Wins – out April 24th on Kirtland Records. Confirmed dates are below and visit http://sarahjaffe.com/ for the most up to date information.

Confirmed Dates:
Feb.     5th-12th             Camayo Cruise w/ Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams & More.
22nd                  Mercury Lounge         New York, NY
Mar.    6th                    The Fillmore*              San Francisco, CA
7th                    Avalon*                       Los Angeles, CA
9th                    Crystal Ballroom*       Portland, OR
10th                  Showbox*                    Seattle, WA
13th – 18th        SXSW                           Austin, TX
*With Guthrie

Two Texas Music Acts Teaming Up for Tour

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:56:47 +0000

Austin, TX — Hit country recording artist Kyle Park, watching while the title track of his latest album, MAKE OR BREAK ME (September 2011), makes waves on both The Texas Music Chart Top 10 and Texas Regional Radio Report Top 10, will team up with country rocker Cody Johnson in January, February and March 2012 to tour regionally.

Johnson — who describes himself as “Texas, outlaw, country, cowboy” and whose “Diamond in My Pocket” from his latest album, A DIFFERENT DAY, is at #17 on the Texas Regional Radio Report — starts the tour with Park on Jan. 19, 2012, in San Marcos, Texas. Dates continue into March.

The complementary pair of high-energy entertainers recently agreed to hit the road together on the Park/Johnson Dancin’ & Drinkin’ Tour, which will feature full-band sets by each, an acoustic song swap and a finale with both entertainers. Park and Johnson have seen regional success from radio and fans that support them by calling radio stations and requesting their music and packing clubs for their live performances.

“Make or Break Me,” the first single from Park’s album, has already cracked the Top 10 on The Texas Music Chart, reaching #3. Written by Park and his friend Ryan Beaver, it earned the attention of Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow.com, who called the upbeat love song “listenable in the extreme.”

The Park/Johnson Dancin’ & Drinkin’ Tour promises a great evening of dynamite music, a sort of “two-fer” of talent, and a rare opportunity for Park and Johnson fans to see them both in full-out shows in dancehalls and larger venues this spring.

Park/Johnson Tour dates include:
Jan. 19, 2012, Cheatham Street Warehouse, San Marcos
January 20, Big Texas, Webster
January 26, Casablanca’s, Laredo
January 27, Harry’s, College Station
February 2, Glass Cactus, Grapevine
February 3, Big Texas, Spring
February 10, Midnight Rodeo, San Angelo
February 11, City Limits, Stephenville
February 15, Shenanigan’s, Huntsville
February 16, Dixie Dancehall, Beaumont
February 17, Midnight Rodeo, Austin
February 22, Electric Cowboy, Tyler
February 23, Denim & Diamonds, Wichita Falls
February 24, Midnight Rodeo, Amarillo
February 25, Wild West, Lubbock
March 1, Crazy Town, Joplin, Mo.
March 2, Tumbleweed Dancehall, Stillwater, Okla.
March 3, Wormy Dog, Oklahoma City

From Christmas Tree Farm to Texas Music Stage

Sam Moore — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:23:51 +0000

By Sam Moore, Texas Music Reporter

D.J. Miller is an unusual person. He has 20 years’ experience in country music stage performance. What makes him unusual is he is only 22 years old.

Miller, a native of Indiana, will appear at Billy Bob’s Texas on Sunday, as part of the Wolf’s 12 Man Jam. That lineup includes Texas’ Eli Young Band, with whom Miller appears at times across the country.

For the past year, Miller has been conducting an extensive radio station tour. He has visited 48 states and more than 250 stations, promoting his current single, “Between Sundays.” It currently sits at number 24 on the Music Row chart. The video of the song debuted at number six on the DMT Pure’s Top 12 Countdown last week.

“It’s a song that pushes the philosophy and walking the walk and talking the talk,” said Miller. “So many people say ‘I went to church on Sunday, so I’m good to go,’ just to feel better about themselves. But what is really important is what you do between Sundays.”

The song was originally going to another artist. But Miller said it grabbed him once he heard it. It promoted the morals and values that he grew up on.

“It reminded me of my family, especially my grandpa. He worked the farm every day and helped everyone without wanting anything in return. And now, that song has the same impact on my audience. And I really want to record and perform for my audience.”

He learned a lot about videos during the production phase for “Between Sundays.”

“This was my first video,” Miller commented. “I didn’t know what to expect. But it turned out great. Now it has been nominated for a best new artist video award (Yallwire Video Music Awards).”

Of course, D.J. Miller is not really a new artist. So how did Miller get so much experience so soon?

He told TMJ, with a laugh, “I have been on the stage since I was 2. My dad had a country rock band – it was really a family band. So naturally, I grew up in the country atmosphere.”

Miller was a huge fan of Garth Brooks. He has studied him and his performance techniques. As a result, members of a D.J. Miller audience will often see a wild, hot-paced and energetic performance. Ironically, Miller has actually attended just one Garth concert, “one of the benefit shows after the Nashville flood.” And he has never met his boyhood idol. “I don’t know what I will do when I do finally meet him,” he said.

One of the other major factors that has helped make D.J. Miller who he is today is the fact that he grew up on a farm. It was not just any old farm – it was a Christmas tree farm. That experience helped humble him.

He said, “In any kind of musical profession, you want to stay humble. Working on the tree farm with my dad, we didn’t have any air conditioning in the summer or heat in the winter. We were roughing it, and that helped keep me grounded and down to earth. It gives me that kind of push that I really AM country. I live in the sticks and I’m used to coming home with dirt under my nails. I am definitely NOT a New York City cowboy.”

That is one of the things Miller loves about coming to Texas. At some places he performs around the country, he may be the only one wearing boots. But in Texas, he feels right at home. He loves the boots, the hats, the horses, the Wranglers, the cattle, and – of course – the fans.

“It’s really a big honor to come to Texas and play at a place like Billy Bob’s,” he replied. “You don’t have to explain to anybody anywhere in the country when you are performing there. It’s fun to see people’s faces light up when you tell them. It’s kind of like one of those Grand Ole Opry scenes. It’s just one of those awesome places to make you proud to say you play there.

“And there is one thing I learned right away when I played there last year. The fans are rowdy and they love their music. If they like you, they will make you feel welcome and take care of you. They told me last year that they had never heard of me before, but they loved my music. That really makes me feel good.”

This year, those fans will get a taste of some new songs. In addition to the single, Miller has been working hard on a new CD. It will be released in early 2012. And Miller says that, despite the trend of pushing just single releases, he is excited about the CD.

“Not everyone is plugged in to iTunes,” he said. I’m 22 years old. I have a bunch of friends who keep CD collections in their cars. If you really like an artist for his music, you will want to have everything he does.”

At 22, Miller is living the dream that so many people have. So what is his advice to others?

“You need to get writing. It is a huge thing in this career. Don’t give up and just keep pushing. I can tell you, the songwriting really helps get things started.”

For now, Miller will continue hitting the road and gaining exposure. He has some concerts lined up for next year. He believes that if you are not on the road, you aren’t doing a very good job of getting your name out there. And as he finishes up his radio tour, he is planning to hit the colleges in 2012.

Miller also has some ambitious long term goals.

“I’m going to cross my fingers,” he said. “But I want to have a few Entertainer of the Year awards. That is something I really do want. I want my songs out there, and I want to be a headliner on the road.”

To reach that goal, he strives to learn.

“I always watch the other performers on stage,” he said, “especially the ones I open for. You can always learn something. You should never say you know it all.”

His next chance to learn comes Sunday at Billy Bob’s.

“I know we are going to have a great time. I love my Texas crowd!”

For more information, visit http://www.djmillercountry.com/

Texas Musicians Have a New Christmas CD

Sam Moore — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:12:16 +0000

Kirtland Records is putting out a holiday CD from many members of its musical stable.

“The Light Connected” is a contemporary compilation of both Holiday classics and originals. Austin’s well-known Bob Schneider contributes a Pogues cover while much loved Texas country band Eleven Hundred Springs does a surprising Billy Squier cover. Other notable acts include former State of Texas Musician of the Year, Sara Hickman and People on Vacation, the new project from Bowling for Soup front man Jaret Reddick.

The CD costs $12 and be purchased on their online store, http://www.kirtlandrecords.com/store.htm.

Kris Gordon Releases Debut Album

Sam Moore — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:16:47 +0000

Country recording artist Kris Gordon, called “jaunty and easy-going” by MusicRow, releases today, November 29, his debut album, DON’T LET GO TONIGHT, which features the “The Upside of Down,” the recording’s first single, with a special album release show.

Square Groove Entertainment presents Gordon and his band playing cuts from the new release at a free show 6-9 p.m. tonight at The Stage on Sixth, 508 E. Sixth St in Austin. Information: 512.614.1540

The single release prompted MusicRow’s Robert K. Oermann to write in his November 23 DISClaimer column: “It has a very cool, loping groove and some charming guitar and steel licks. His jaunty, relaxed vocal performance matches the song’s upbeat mood perfectly. Playable in the extreme.”

Roughstock.com echoed, “Take a listen to this song … Currently a hit on many stations in Texas, we feel this one has enough to suggest it could be a sleeper nationwide hit. …”

Gordon brings to life with his rich baritone the post-breakup lament written by Tony Ramey and Michael White, which features a catchy chorus: “… I’m honky-tonking my way around this heartache tonight/If I’m losing your love I’m gonna do it right/Your memory’ll have to chase me all over town/I’ll be OK as long as I stay on the upside of down.”

Says DJ Anne Hudson of KASE 101 in Austin: “I like an artist with a sense of humor. Kris Gordon clearly has one in his single ‘The Upside of Down.’ I dig the song and its spin on being dumped.”

DON’T LET GO TONIGHT is an upbeat collection of 10 songs that was produced by Dean Miller, son of Roger Miller, who also contributed a co-write with Gordon: rockin’ optimism sandwiched by traditional full-out country vocals by Gordon and great instrumentation.

Texas Music Legend Legacy Continues in Nashville

Sam Moore — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:43:51 +0000

If you spend time in Nashville next month, you will have a chance to attend a show that was run for years by a Texas music legend.

Traditional country music fans have the opportunity to enjoy a stellar line-up this December at the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, which broadcasts LIVE from the landmark Texas Troubadour Theatre (2416 Music Valley Drive, Nashville) every Saturday night beginning at midnight.

George Hamilton IV

December’s hosts will include Mel Tillis, Leona Williams, George Hamilton IV, Dianne Sherril and Jett Williams. Hosted by Admission to these shows are FREE and many artists typically stick around after the show to sign autographs in the lobby. For visitors and natives of Nashville alike, an evening at the Midnite Jamboree provides up-close and intimate performances by legendary artists, as well a glimpse into the history of country music with onsite exhibits and exclusive memorabilia, including Ernest Tubb’s 1964 tour bus. For more information on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, visit etrecordshop.com.

“I am very excited about the artists that will be hosting the Midnite Jamboree in December,” says Ernest Tubb Record Shop owner David McCormick. “The record shop has so many artist friends that I am just humbled and honored that they continue to come host our weekly program.”

Hosting the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree in December are: **

Mel Tillis – December 3rd
Leona Williams – December 10th
George Hamilton IV – December 17th
Dianne Sherril – December 24th
Jett Williams – December 31st

** Line-up is subject to change without notice

Founded by the legendary Ernest Tubb, The Ernest Tubb Record Shops have been fulfilling country music fans’ needs for over 64 years. As part of that tradition, the second longest-running radio show in history, Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, continues to broadcast weekly on AM-650 WSM on Saturday nights at 12 A.M. (Midnight) live from the Texas Troubadour Theatre on Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee.

Shawn Nelson Brings His Music to Dallas

Sam Moore — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:16:33 +0000

Country singer-songwriter Shawn Nelson will bring tunes from his new album of originals, SAN JUAN STREET (October 25; Fonky Tonk Records), to fans in Dallas in December as he shares his fourth recording with the world, an album that, like his first three, highlights his best: rich, round, reedy vocals; lyrics both lively and filled with longing; and master-level multi-instrumental skill.

He and his stage band play at 10 p.m. Friday, December 16, at City Tavern, 1402 Main St. Cover is $5; information: 214.745.1402. Also on the bill is Graham Wilkinson.

SAN JUAN STREET — recorded at Guzman Fox Studios in Austin, produced and engineered by Joel Guzman, mixed by Bradley Kopp, and mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering in Boulder, Colo. — has something to satisfy every music lover: the South of the Border-flavored title track, featuring Mexican horn and mandolin and beat; the haunting “Down Here,” with its rock ’n’ roll-driven guitar and fiddle; “Hit the Road,” a pure-D, long-voweled country love song with the smart lyrical twists and turns that mark Nelson’s originals; and many more.

Nelson, who plays electric and acoustic guitars, harmonica, trombone, and coronet on the new album, tours tirelessly, especially across Texas. His first three albums, SHAWN NELSON AND THE RAMBLERS (November 2004), LIVE FROM ANTONE’S (November 2005) and AIN’T NO EASY WAY (March 2009), yielded songs that have become favorites for fans and band.

Kyle Park Climbing the Texas Charts

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:09:33 +0000

Just as we thought: Kyle Park is doing good.

Country artist Park is watching the first single and title cut from his September release, MAKE OR BREAK ME, quickly climb The Texas Music Chart, reaching #3 this week. “Make or Break Me” jumped five spots in less than a week.

The charting single from the new full-length album — a mixture of up-tempo, guitar-driven honky-tonkers and heartfelt ballads — is earning its own raves. Texas Music Reporter reviewed the collection earlier this year.

Park and his band will continue to tour — including January’s Steamboat (Colo.) Music Fest — behind the release of MAKE OR BREAK ME, doing what he likes best: playing live for his fans.

Upcoming Kyle Park shows include:

November 17, George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville, Ark.
November 18, Banita Creek, Nacogdoches, Texas
November 19, Armadillo Ballroom, Brazoria, Texas
November 23, Schroeder Dance Hall, Goliad, Texas
November 25, Nutty Jerry’s, Winnie, Texas
November 26, Mo’s Place, Katy, Texas
December 1, Graham Central Station, Pflugerville, Texas
December 3, Arena 1, Bee County Expo, Beeville, Texas
December 7, Peckerhead’s On Sixth, Austin
December 8, Buckaroo’s Dance Hall, Temple, Texas
December 9, Silver Star, Alvarado, Texas
December 10, Dos Amigos, Odessa, Texas
December 14, Palmer Events Center, Austin
December 15, Billy Bob’s Texas, Fort Worth
December 16, Lone Star Saloon, Uvalde, Texas
December 17, Papa’s Ice House, The Woodlands, Texas
December 21, Electric Cowboy, Tyler, Texas
December 22, Brewster St. Ice House, Corpus Christi, Texas
December 23, Cowboy’s, San Antonio
January 5, Steamboat Music Fest, Steamboat, Colo.
January 20, Big Texas, Webster, Texas
January 21, Cowboy’s, San Antonio
January 27, Hall of Fame, Bryan, Texas
February 4, Nacogdoches Expo Center, Nacogdoches, Texas
February 17, Midnight Rodeo, Austin
March 30, Floresville Event Center, Floresville, Texas
April 12, Longhorn’s, Manhattan, Kan.
May 18, Crude Fest, Midland, Texas

Lambert Wins CMA Award

Sam Moore — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:52:05 +0000

The Texas Music Reporter would like to congratulate Miranda Lambert, who was just named Female Vocalist of the Year during the CMA Awards in Nashville.

The victory marked a sweep for the household. Husband Blake Shelton earlier picked up the award for top Male Vocalist.

Eli Young Makes It to the Top

Sam Moore — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:26:19 +0000

Congratulations to the Eli Young Band.

Depending on which chart you watch, they now have the number one Country song in the nation this week, as “Crazy Girl” sits at the top of the MEDIABASE “Country Singles Chart.” “Crazy Girl” is the band’s first number one song, which has spent 36 weeks on the chart.

“Crazy Girl” is number two on the Billboard country chart.

Lead singer Mike Eli said, “The last ten years of our lives we’ve been really, I mean extremely, lucky to have a lot of success. But this song has changed a lot for us, especially now that it’s getting so much radio play.”

For more on the ELI YOUNG BAND visit www.eliyoungband.com.

George Jones Keeps On Going

Sam Moore — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:17:00 +0000

Although country great George Jones celebrated his 80th Birthday last month, he won’t need a rocking chair anytime soon. “The Possum” is keeping busy with 35 shows scheduled to date throughout the U.S. and Canada from now through November 2012. As Jones sings, “I don’t need a rocking chair…I do my rockin’ on the stage, you can’t put this possum in a cage.”

Jones said, “I’m always excited to get back out on the road and we’re working up new shows and new songs. I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”
George Jones, often referred to as the “the greatest living country singer,” first hit the charts in 1955 with his hit “Why Baby Why” and has since garnered over 140 more while touring extensively. Fans can see the star perform hits such as “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” ”Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” throughout North America on initial tour dates listed below.

2011
Oct. 28 – Elkhart, IN – Lerner PAC
Oct. 29 – Waukegan, IL – Waukegan, IL
Oct. 30 – Green Bay, WI – Oneida Casino
Nov. 18 – Beckley, WV – Convention Center
Nov. 25 – Ft. Smith, AR – Convention Center
Nov. 26 – Texarkana, TX – Perot Theater
Dec. 2 – Grand Berry, TX – Rio Brazos Live
Dec. 3 – Fulton, MS – Community College
Dec. 17– Tulsa, OK – Osage Casino

2012
Feb. 3 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Feb. 4 – Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town
Feb. 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Peabody Auditorium
Feb. 10 – Melbourne, FL – King Center
Feb. 17 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
Feb. 18 – Columbus, OH – TBA
Feb. 24 – Reno, NV – TBA
Feb. 25 – Wendover, UT – TBA
March 1 – Pendelton, OR – TBA
March 2 – Shelton– WA – TBA
March 3-4 – Lincoln City, OR – TBA
March 23 – Metropolis, IL – TBA
March 24 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
April 20 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino
April 21 – Deadwood, SD – Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino
May 10 – 20 – Canada – TBA
June 3 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theater
July 27 – 28 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Country Tonight
Aug.17 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
Aug. 18 – Durham, NC – Durham PAC
Sept. 22 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Alabama Theater
Oct. 12 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Oct. 13 – Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
Nov. 9 – Branson, MO – The Mansion Theatre
Nov. 23 – Winnie, TX – Nutty Jerry’s Winnie Arena
Nov. 24 – Bossier City, LA – Horseshoe Casino

George Jones is the #2 best-charting country artist of all time, with a staggering list of hit singles in every decade since the ‘50s. Jones also has 143 Top 40 hits to his name, two Grammy Awards, is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and holds a National Medal of Arts. At 80, Jones continues to be an active country music superstar, headlining dozens of concerts each year. Visit www.georgejones.com for further information.

Kris Gordon Releases Radio Single

Sam Moore — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:50:55 +0000

Kris Gordon will release his debut album, DON’T LET GO TONIGHT on November 29, a lively collection of positive-themed songs produced by Dean Miller (son of legend Roger Miller), the first single, “The Upside of Down,” was sent to radio stations last week.

“The Upside of Down,” written by Tony Ramey and Michael White, is a classic post-breakup lament that turns pain into a heartening experience with its catchy chorus — “… I’m honky-tonking my way around this heartache tonight/If I’m losing your love I’m gonna do it right/Your memory’ll have to chase me all over town/I’ll be OK as long as I stay on the upside of down” — and with Gordon’s rich baritone, the steel guitar and the rock guitar, shoots skyward. Catch the music video at http://youtube/JD7yarmm764.

The rest of DON’T LET GO TONIGHT is packed with the same style and sound: country-rock, upbeat lyrics, great instrumentation and traditional full-out vocals by Gordon.

Upcoming shows by Gordon include 9 p.m. October 29 at Waco’s Denim & Diamonds and 10 p.m. November 4 at Thirsty Horse Saloon in San Antonio.

For more information: www.krisgordon.net

Threadgill Concludes Salute to Bluegrass This Weekend

Sam Moore — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:30:49 +0000

Grand Ole Opry Star and bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley and his band The Clinch MountainBoys will close out the 2011 Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series on Saturday evening, October 22nd at the historic Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Greenville!

This concert will be the first in the Threadgill Series devoted to bluegrass music.

In addition to the traditional bluegrass sound of Dr. Ralph and his band of 50 years, the concert will include sets from an exciting young acoustic quintet from Tulsa, Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, and a remarkable guitarist, songwriter and performer from here in Hunt County, Brad Davis.

Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys

A living legend, Ralph Stanley, headlines the first bluegrass concert in the history of the Threadgill Series. Stanley formed The Clinch Mountain Boys with his brother Carter in the native Virginia in 1946. With a haunting voice born in the Primitive Baptist Church and a unique style of banjo playing, Dr. Ralph Stanley has been in the music business over 60 years. Since 2000 he has been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, been named a Library of Congress Living Legend,won a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance, and played a leading role in the soundtrack for the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? www.drralphstanley.com

Rockin’ Acoustic Circus

Rockin’ Acoustic Circus is a young group from Tulsa that includes four teens (including a female cellist) and their musical mentor, Rick Morton. Their acoustic music draws from bluegrass, folk, country, classical and jazz. The band is gaining critical respect from traditional and progressive listeners alike. www.rockinacousticcircus.com

Brad Davis

Commerce resident Brad Davis returned to his native Texas after many years in Nashville playing in Marty Stuart’s band. Davis has also performed with Earl Scruggs, Sam Bush, Billy Bob Thornton and his written songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Thornton and others. As a record producer, Davis has worked with Tommy Shaw (Styx), Thornton and others. He is a clinician for Takamine guitars and is known as The Shredder for his immense chops as a guitarist. www.braddavismusic.com

Doors at the Auditorium open at 6:30 pm and the music starts at 7:30 pm with a set by Brad Davis.

MEET and GREET: Please stay after the concert for a meet and greet with Dr. Ralph Stanley and the other artists. This is a great opportunity to say hi to the performers after the show.

Tickets

Tickets are now on sale through Front Gate Tickets: www.frontgatetickets.com and 888-512-SHOW. The direct link to purchase tickets for Saturday night’s concert on Front Gate is: http://tickets.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=59917&eid=68179.

Tickets are also on sale at Bill’s Records on South Lamar in Dallas and in Greenville at Cavenders and at the Magic Bubble, Petticoat Junction and Calico Cat downtown.

Advance tickets are $25-35 with a limited number available in the reserved section. Tickets sold at the door are $30-40. For more information on the concert, please visit our website: www.greenville-texas.com/concert.htm

George Strait Planning Next Tour

Sam Moore — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:22:15 +0000

January 2012 begins a new year and a new tour for Superstar George Strait. The King of Country kicks off his 2012 tour January 27th in Lafayette, Louisiana and to date, the tour itinerary includes stops in Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Oklahoma, Nevada, Utah and Kansas.

The February 4th Las Vegas appearance will go on sale Saturday, October 29th with other ticket on-sale dates announced soon.

Year after year, night after night, when it comes to showing fans a good time whether it’s on the road or on the radio, Strait always delivers the kind of country music fans nationwide hunger for. This year he’s invited another award-winning country music superstar to join him on stage – Martina McBride.

“I love Martina. She’s been on our tours before and she’s great,“ commented Strait. “I’m really looking forward to the tour. Martina will definitely make it a special night.”

Strait’s 39th studio album HERE FOR A GOOD TIME received rave reviews and recently debuted at Number One on the Billboard Country Album Charts (his 3rd number one album debut in a row) and #3 on Billboard Top 200 Chart. The title track “Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait’s 73rd Top 5 hit out of 89 career singles and sits at Number 2 this week on the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.

“Obviously with each new album, Strait proves he’s not living off the heat from those first initial hits,” says Houston Chronicle while USA Today reports “Strait hasn’t lost his touch for finding astonishing material…”

George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. He is the only artist who has had 84 out of 89 radio singles make it to Top 10 (57 to Number One) and 24 albums at the number one position on Billboard’s Country Music Album Chart.

2012 TOUR DATES
For more information and 2012 tour updates, visit: www.georgestrait.com

Lafayette, LA Cajundome Friday, Januray 27
Bossier City, LA CenturyLink Center Saturday, January 28
Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center Friday, February 3
Las Vegas, NV MGM Saturday, February 4
Atlanta, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center Friday, February 10
Orlando, FL Amway Center Saturday, February 11
Tulsa, OK BOK Center Thurday, February 16
St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center Friday, February 17
Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena Saturday, February 18
Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena Friday, February 24
Kansas City, MO Sprint Center Saturday, February 25

Martina McBride celebrated the release of her eleventh studio album, ELEVEN, on Republic Nashville this week with “ELEVEN Across America Powered by Amtrak,” a four-day train ride with 11 stops, which culminatesin New York City where she will light the Empire State Building pink. The current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” is climbing the charts at radio and has seen steady online digital sales since it was released on August 19. The music video for I’m Gonna Love Your Through It” garnered over 150,000 downloads as the iTunes “Video of The Week” and features dozens of cancer survivors and supporters, including four well-known celebrities – Robin Roberts (anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America); Hoda Kotb (anchor for NBC’s TODAY Show); Grammy award-winning singer Sheryl Crow and ABC journalist Katie Couric – who each have very personal connections to the disease.

As one of the most spectacular voices in any genre of music, Martina McBride is a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and GRAMMY® winning recording artist with more than18 million in album sales. Recently she was nominated for both CMA and CMT Music Awards.

Both Mediabase and Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) have also declared her as the “most played female artist on country radio for the past 11 years.” The superstar has appeared on such high-profile programs as VH1 Divas, Dancing with the Stars, the Today show’s “Today Throws a Wedding,” American Idol, Oprah, The Bachelorette, Private Sessions, a 20/20 special and will be a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman (10/13) and Good Morning America (10/14) later this week. Martina has also graced the covers of publications like Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, People Magazine, Country Weekly and Shape. For more on Martina, please visit martinamcbride.com.

Lots of Texas Ties with Two McCoy Projects

Sam Moore — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:40:39 +0000

Neal McCoy has an embarrassment of riches in his fall and winter schedule, with two recording projects due beginning this month and rolling out through January 2012.

In November, DPTV Media, the multi-million dollar entertainment label of WTVS Detroit Public Television, will release a concert CD and DVD collaboration pairing McCoy and his band with the iconic Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown. “Music of Your Life with Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown, Starring Neal McCoy, and Special Guests Charley Pride and Janie Fricke” includes many of Neal McCoy’s Top 10 hits and American Songbook standards. A 13-song CD and 21-song DVD are due 11/8/2011, and will be available through traditional, online and digital outlets across North America.

Also due from McCoy in January 2012: After eleven albums, over twenty-five charted singles, and countless fans across the nation, McCoy will be releasing his highly-anticipated studio album, ‘XII’. The new collection of twelve songs, produced by Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Brent Rowan, marks McCoy’s 12th studio album, and his first with new label home, Blaster Records. McCoy’s first single from “XII”, “A-OK,” penned by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Brett Eldredge, will be released in October 2011.

McCoy, twice named Entertainer of the Year by the fan-voted TNN/Music City News Awards, says of his different upcoming releases, “My DPTV project with Les Brown gave me the opportunity to do something I always wanted to do, sing with horns and a Big Band. And I’d like to do more of that. Having Miranda and Blake involved in ‘XII’, the first project at my new label, Blaster Records, is huge for me. Not only do they have great vision, but they know when to have fun and when to get serious along with being fantastic musicians. I’m so excited about everything that’s coming up.”

The DPTV Media project has roots in McCoy’s earliest years, when he started out singing standards with a small jazz band in Texas. “Sentimental Journey,” a huge hit for Les Brown’s Band of Renown (the band Les Brown Sr. founded in the 1930’s as Les Brown and His Blue Devils), was a favorite of McCoy’s. When Brown and McCoy met in Branson, where Brown lives and hosts his syndicated radio show on the “Music of Your Life” Network, Brown was tickled to know the song, written by Les Brown Sr., Bud Green and Benjamin Homer, was in McCoy’s repertoire.

McCoy says, “I grew up on pop music and Great American Songbook, and I love melody and good phrasing in whatever I’m singin’. As I established my cred in country, I started putting songs like ‘Sentimental Journey’ and ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,’ back in the shows. People love the old songs because it’s just great writing all around.”

McCoy and Brown also share a strong connection to the USO. McCoy frequently entertains U.S. and allied troops around the world, as did Les Brown Sr. in his many USO shows with Bob Hope. To date, McCoy has performed seven concerts in Iraq, two in Afghanistan, along with shows in Pakistan, Germany and Bosnia, on ships in the Persian Gulf and military bases all over the states. In the DPTV Media show, McCoy and Brown pay tribute to our military men and women with the song, “I’m Your Biggest Fan” to a great crowd reaction.

DPTV Media, in its maverick fashion, pulled the trigger quickly on the project. “I’m a big Neal McCoy fan,” says Jamie Westrick, Executive Producer of DPTV Media. “Les Brown and Neal McCoy have created something very unique. We’re proud to be a part of it, and to be sharing it on PBS stations through DPTV Media.”

DPTV is the only PBS licensee in the country – and the first of its kind – with its own entertainment label, DPTV Media. DPTV Media was the #1 Billboard Top World label in 2004. DPTV Media is distributed throughout North America by eOne Entertainment. Executive Producers for this project are Jamie Westrick and Les Brown Jr., with Josette Marano serving as TV producer, and Keith Olsen and Les Brown Jr. as music producers.

The 60-minute DPTV Media concert special delivers a mix of many of McCoy’s Top 10 Country hits plus several standards, all with the backing of the 20+ piece orchestra (including McCoy’s band with each player featured throughout the show). Added to the performance roster are singer Janie Fricke, who discovered Neal McCoy, and Charley Pride, who signed McCoy to his first record deal. Fricke and McCoy team on “It’s a Cheating Situation.” Pride and McCoy duet on “You’re My Jamaica”.

Fund Established in the Name of Waylon Jennings

Sam Moore — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:46:02 +0000

Waylon Jennings was bigger than life. Now medical experts hope his name can help others live their lives.

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has established the Waylon Jennings Research Fund to help fuel the fight against diabetes. In partnership with the BMI legend’s wife Jessi Colter and son Shooter Jennings, TGen will use the Waylon Jennings Research Fund to raise awareness and capital benefiting its research, which is focused on the genetic factors that cause or contribute to complications due to Type I and Type II diabetes.

Donating to the fund is secure and simple. To give and learn more about TGen’s ongoing work, visit www.thewaylonfund.org.

Matt Koger Working with the Little Things

Sam Moore — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:29:11 +0000

By Sam Moore

I consider Matt Koger to be one of the “good guys” of Texas music. And once again, the Greenville doctor/singer/songwriter is proving me correct.

On the night of his 42nd birthday, Matt was in the studio, when he says something really cool happened.

“I sat down to record a new song, ‘The Little Things,’ which was written by the whole family,” he said. “It is a simple song, recorded in one take with me playing and singing at the same time. After I laid it down, I just kept on straight into another new song, ‘Tall in the Saddle.’”

By the time he got out of his chair, Matt had recorded 10 new songs.

“The vibe was great and the recordings came out so good, that I decided to release a new CD called ‘The Little Things,’” he said.

He calls them simple songs in a simple format. And now that it is available for purchase, he selling copies with a simple purpose in mind. $5 from each $10 CD sale will go to benefit the Wesley United Methodist Youth Ministry in his north Texas home of Greenville.

Matt believes that what he calls the “G-rated” songs, performed by him solo and acoustic will help.

“The youth will get some new furnishings for the youth hangout area at church, and you will get a new CD – or at least a unique coaster!”

CD’s can be purchased on Matt Koger’s website, www.mattkoger.com. He hopes that the little thing of your action can add to big things for the kids.

New Kyle Park CD Now Available

Sam Moore — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:24:48 +0000

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,” has just released his third full-length album, MAKE OR BREAK ME.

The disc’s first single, “Make or Break Me,” written by Park and his friend, Ryan Beaver, has already cracked the Top 50 on The Texas Music Chart, reaching #26, and earned the attention of Robert K. Oermann of MusicRow.com, who called it “listenable in the extreme.”

“Country music has returned,” Oermann writes. “Produced with plenty of oomph — crashing guitars, thudding percussion, slippery steel and admirable energy. The driving, melodic country rocker has a splendid undertow beneath his boyish tenor delivery.”

CountryChart.com said the upbeat love song “deserves to be another #1 country chart single for Park … [Its] inspiring lyrics and will appeal equally to both young male and female demographic groups.” He filmed the music video in New Braunfels and Austin; the video is available at: http://youtu.be/jw0Q1Lh0nPc

“Park’s strong country voice [is] in great form, and the musicianship of the instrumentalists assembled for the album is first-class,” continues CountryChart.com, including Texas legend Lloyd Maines and Park’s manager, John Michael Whitby, on piano.

“Mistakes I’ll Regret” showcases the more reflective side of Park, with sterling production enhancing Park’s carefully nuanced vocals. The endearing Park “swagger” returns on “I Love Her for a Million Reasons,” which has “mainstream country radio potential,” says CountryChart. “Brokenhearted” impresses by forthrightly addressing the pain of losing the woman you love. The catchy “Leavin’ Stephenville” offers all the ingredients of a classic country song and will have radio program managers smiling.

“What You’ll Never Know” is a heartfelt country track with superb instrumentation. Other highlights include the high-energy “The Heart of You” and the addictive (and immensely hummable) “All Night,” one track from FALL EP that Oermann described as a “breezy charmer.”

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 all corners of the Lone Star State and beyond.

Upcoming Shows:
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
October 28, Wild West, Waco, Texas

George Jones Celebrates Birthday With Friends

Sam Moore — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 05:08:35 +0000

George Jones – a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame – is a music icon, frequently referred to as “the greatest living country singer” celebrated his 80th birthday at a party in Nashville this week with some of his closest celebrity friends. Those in attendance included Travis Tritt, Billy Joe Shaver, Jason Michael Carroll, Bryan White, Joe Diffie, Guy Penrod, The Kentucky Headhunters, Elaine Roy of The Roys, Jamie Dailey of Dailey & Vincent, The McClymonts, Ken Mellons, Billy Yates, TG Sheppard, Billy Gilman, John Conlee, Jeanne Pruett, Jack Greene, Bo Bice, Eddy Raven, David Lee Murphy, among others. Wayne Newton sent a special jazz trio to perform and read a special note.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, Jones began his career as a radio host and has successfully scored over 150 hits during his fifty-plus year career. Many attempts have been made, but rarely capture in words the immense, singular vocal gifts that have made George Glenn Jones one of the most influential singers in country music history. He is the undisputed successor of earlier primitive geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell—singers who, in turn, so heavily influenced him in his formative years.

Born in a log cabin on an oil patch settlement in a remote East Texas region known as the Big Thicket, Jones found early refuge in music from the rages of an alcoholic father. As a child, George sang for tips in the streets of Beaumont, Texas, where, at an early age, he moved with his parents into a government-subsidized housing project. Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, and Lefty Frizzell comprised Jones’s youthful triumvirate of influences.

Jones launched his recording career in the early 1950s, and with the turn of the twenty-first century he is still going strong. It is more than sheer longevity, or the almost near religious purity of his hard-core country instincts, that has made him such a towering, influential figure. In many ways, Jones is one of country music’s last vital links to its own rural past—a relic from a long-gone time and place before cable TV, FM rock radio and shopping malls; an era when life still revolved around the Primitive Baptist Church, the honky-tonk down the road, and Saturday nights listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. The fact that Jones has changed little over the years, and at times seems to be genuinely bewildered by the immensity of his own talent and the acclaim it has brought him, has merely enhanced his credibility.
In 2008, Jones received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor. In 2009, he released the album, A Collection of My Best Recollection, exclusively through Cracker Barrel Music.
For more information, please visit www.georgejones.com

Professor Studying Life and Death of Buddy Holly

Sam Moore — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:54:07 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following comes courtesy of the San Marcos Mercury.)

Poor management and haphazard planning could have contributed to the death of music pioneer Buddy Holly and changed the direction of rock and roll, a geographer from Texas State University suggests in an upcoming research article.

Kevin Romig, assistant professor of geography at Texas State, examines the touring life and career of Holly in an article titled Not Fade Away: Geographic Dimensions of Buddy Holly’s Meteoric Career. The article will appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Texas Music History, published by the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State.

Holly, a native of Lubbock, would have turned 75 on Sept. 7 of this year.

The article delves into details about the catastrophic “Winter Dance Party Tour of 1959” when Holly chartered a plane to fly him, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson from Mason City, Iowa, to Fargo, North Dakota, just so they could avoid another long, cold bus ride across the icy Great Plains in early February. The chartered plane crashed within five minutes of take-off, instantly killing the three musicians along with pilot Roger Peterson. Holly was 22.

“Details about the furious travel itineraries along with the rinky-dink venue types and seat-of-the-pants arrangements made by tour promoters in Holly’s day would frighten the modern day professional musician” said Romig. “In many ways, the poor organization and management of the Winter Dance Party killed Buddy Holly and significantly changed the trajectory of rock and roll into the 1960s.”

In the article, Romig presents detailed maps depicting the journeys Holly took as a budding musician, along with a narrative highlighting the life of a rock and roll musician in the late 1950s.

In an 18 month professional career, Buddy Holly appeared in more than 250 live performances, performed on four television shows, traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, and managed to have eight top 40 hits on the Billboard charts.

“Buddy Holly’s imprint on the future of rock and roll was tremendous, and it is important for Texans to remember such a local hero and celebrate his amazing but short life,” said Romig.

Strait to the Top Again

Sam Moore — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:06:05 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following comes courtesy of Front Page Publicity.)

If a talented country music artist is lucky, they have a hit song or two on the radio. If luckier, they might have a number one selling album sometime in their career. Accomplishing this feat multiple times and becoming a mainstay in the music business is something the elite few enjoy. But there is only one artist who has had 84 out of 89 radio singles make it to Top 10 (57 to Number One) and 24 albums at the number one position on Billboard’s Country Music Album Chart – George Strait.

Strait continues to defy the odds, live up to the royal praise and deliver what only “King George” can do. His newly released album, Here For A Good Time, debuted at Number One on the Billboard Country Album Charts this week (his 3rd number one album debut in a row) and #3 on Billboard Top 200 Chart (behind Lil Wayne & Adele) with first week sales of 91,414.

The title track “Here For A Good Time,” written by Strait, his son Bubba Strait and songwriter Dean Dillon, is Strait’s 89th career single and sits at Number 8th this week on the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. This marks his 84th Top 10 radio hit and continues the unbelievable streak of having all but 5 singles in George Strait’s entire 30-year career reach the Top 10 mark (those five landed Top 20).

“Strait knows how to pick a song and tell a story…” reports The Salt Lake Tribune, “This album shows why Strait continues to be one of the top-selling recording artists in any genre.”

“Obviously with each new album, Strait proves he’s not living off the heat from those first initial hits,” says Houston Chronicle.

“Strait hasn’t lost his touch for finding astonishing material…” says USA Today.
“Strait has spent his career defying music industry conventions,” reports Associated Press.

“This album is a musical statement from the man whose name it bears. It is a name that means sincerity, honesty and class. George Strait is a name that completely defines the word ‘country music.’” – Maverick magazine

Strait once again co-produced this album with his long-time friend and legendary producer Tony Brown at Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, FL – the same studio where Strait recorded his last three award-winning albums. The Country Music Hall of Famer co-wrote seven of the album’s 11 tracks with his son Bubba and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

For more information and 2012 tour updates, visit: www.georgestrait.com

Terri Hendrix Fighting Fire with Love

Sam Moore — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:07:42 +0000

Terri Hendrix wants to help the central Texas fire victims. And she is asking everyone to join her.

Prior to her performance Saturday night at the Austin Acoustical Café, she plans to go shopping for the victims of the fires that have ravaged the state. She will then deliver them to the Capital Area Food Bank to Central Texas Wildfire Relief , those who will distribute the goods, during her performance. Go to her website, www.terrihendrix.com to find out how you can contribute to the funds she will use to shop.

Those attending the performance Saturday night can also bring donations. Most desired food donations are healthy, non-perishable items such as:

- Water and enhanced water such as Gatorade
- Ready to eat meals preferably with pull-up, pop tops or foil packets such as chili, stew, canned pasta w/sauce
- Single serving snacks such as protein or granola bars
- Single serving foods that do not require refrigeration such as Lunchables
- Diapers
- Baby formula

Terri has also dedicated a music video to the fire victims. Acre of Land can be seen on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFvOHFY2IvE&feature=youtu.be

Robert Earl Keen Coming to Linden

Sam Moore — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:19:11 +0000

Music City Texas Theater welcomes renowned Texas singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen September 24th at 8 pm. Keen is considered a pioneer in the world of Americana music who skillfully blends elements of folk, jazz, country, blues, rock, Texas swing and spoken word with his wry wit and penchant for satire. His songs make people laugh, cry, dance, sing and most importantly, think. Through all of this, the common thread that runs through Keen’s impressive body of work is the narrative. Robert Earl Keen is a master storyteller who stands side-by-side with the great storytellers of his era, in any genre.

His new studio album Ready For Confetti is the 16th release in a celebrated career that spans 30+ years and shows no signs of slowing down. Keen has toured extensively throughout most of his career, creating a loyal fan base as a result of his years on the road. In three previous appearances at Music City Texas Theater, Keen has played to sold-out crowds in this legendary 360-seat venue.

Ready For Confetti was produced by Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks, Flatlanders), who also produced Keen’s critically acclaimed 2009 album The Rose Hotel (Lost Highway).

Reserved Seating Tickets are $50 and go on sale August 29th. To purchase tickets contact the Theater at 903-756-9934 Mon. – Fri., 10 am to 3 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 8 pm.

Linden Music City Texas is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Northeast Texas with quality entertainment. Visit http://www.musiccitytexas.org for more information.

Eleven Hundred Springs Playing in Arlington This Week

Sam Moore — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:42:11 +0000

One of Texas music’s favorite “water” bands will be flowing in Arlington this week.

Country rock quintet Eleven Hundred Springs plays at the Levitt at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. Eleven Hundred Springs has produced three albums, including one this year, Eight the Hard Way.

Their latest album showcases their winning blend of country shuffles and Western swing as well as their appreciation of traditional country music. Their song, We’re From Texas, says it all about this Dallas-based band that lists among its influences fellow Texans Bob Wills and Buddy Holly.

For more information on this and other great shows coming up this week and next, visit www.levittpavilionarlington.org.