Texas Music Journal

Dumplings and Bluegrass Coming to Music City Texas Theater

Sam Moore — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:47:24 +0000

Music City Texas Theater in Linden is preparing for a big summer Bluegrass concert on August 21.

The Hickory Hill Band will perform, with special guest Mike Powell.

Hickory Hill Band

Tickets are $15, and all are general admission. Showtime is 7:30pm. Doors open at 6pm. And this is something great about Texas music shows: organizers say they will be selling chicken and dumplings “as long as they last.”

To purchase tickets, call the Music City Box Office at 903-756-9934, Monday through Friday, from 10am to 3pm.

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Shaver Takes the Summer Off to Heal

Sam Moore — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:28:18 +0000

WACO, Texas — Billy Joe Shaver will undoubtedly, as his song heard in the movie Crazy Heart espouses, “live forever.”

But occasionally parts wear out and Shaver will spend the summer recuperating from surgery for two tears in his bicep ligament. Last month he spent one night in the hospital after doctors placed a stent in a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart.

Shaver has canceled his August dates in order to give himself time to heal.

“I think God came down and did this to me so that I’d rest up a while,” Shaver said. “I wouldn’t have slowed down otherwise.”

“If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself,” added the 71-year-old performer. “But please tell everyone I will be back as soon as I mend up.”

Observer Awards Bring Fun to Texas Music

Sam Moore — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:54:41 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

By Tamara Loggins

What do you have when you throw indie music fans clad in skinny jeans, rap artists with gold chains and old blues lovers in black fedoras together in one room? You get the Observer Music Awards.

Hundreds of people from all different music genres and walks of life flocked to the Granada Theater to take part in the 22nd Annual Dallas Observer Music Awards. Bands went head to head, competing for titles like “best musical group,” “best experimental/avant garde act,” and “best record store.” Just from those titles, you can see this isn’t your conventional music awards. The Observer did a really good job of bringing together all the different types of music genres and awarding those who were voted the best by fans.

What makes this award ceremony different than many others is the fan involvement. Bands who are more active with their fans are more likely to win at these awards. It’s a lot like The People’s Choice Awards, but with strictly local Dallas musicians.

The woman who stole the award show by taking home five awards was Sarah Jaffe. She’s the only artist who for the past three years has won every award she has been nominated for.

The event showcased an eclectic array of musicians, either in on-stage “mash-ups” or in an arena in the center of the crown referred to as “the pit.” The highlight of the evening was watching semi-like sounding musicians’ pair up to create intriguing, off the wall music as they mashed their musical styles together.
Heavy hitters Somebody’s Darling paired up with the folksy duo, The Ohs to create a musical style jam packed with equal parts of country-rock guitar riffs and earthy-toned banjo and vocals. Another fan favorite, Spooky Kids, took the pit with their upbeat, catchy indie rock songs that got the crowd in an uproar.

The entire evening was just full of everything a music lover wants, music, success, and a tinge of alcohol. The Dallas Observer Awards was definitely a night to remember.

San Marcos Band Releases Strong Debut Album

Sam Moore — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:12:38 +0000

Devil’s Hollow, a Texas band hailing from San Marcos, delivers a pounding self-titled debut album filled with bluesy lyrics, rock ‘n’ roll guitar solos, country-esque rhythms and funky beats reminiscent of ‘70s groove music.

The CD opens with “The Charm,” a song filled with heartfelt lyrics and a smooth country beat, then moves on to their more funky-blues oriented tracks, such as “Time and Tell” and “Ketchup’s Boogie.” This album makes you want to both dance and throw up your rock symbols while head-banging.

With sexy beats, great lyrics and rockin’ guitar riffs, what more could you ask for in a debut album? This album should make its way into every blues-rock fans collection.

To check out the band and buy the CD, visit: http://www.reverbnation.com/devilshollow

Father of Modern Recording Speaks at Retreat

Sam Moore — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:53:56 +0000

Austin, TX — Audio design legend and GRAMMY® Award winner Rupert Neve, center, was keynote speaker June 19 at the state-of-the-art Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio in Wimberley for The Recording Academy® Texas Chapter’s P&E Wing®: Texas Retreat at The Rock, that was attended by more than 100 people, including Theresa Jenkins, executive director of Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy; Dodee Crockett and Billy Crockett, owners of Blue Rock; and Chris Bell and Christine Albert, Chapter trustees. Two-time GRAMMY nominee Ruthie Foster, fourth from left, was the day-long event’s featured artist.

Texas Experience Will Help Miranda Lambert on CMT Tour

Sam Moore — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:08:12 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following is courtesy of cmt.com.)

Miranda Lambert will serve as the headlining act for CMT on Tour this fall, which begins Sept. 29 in New York City. Billed as “CMT on Tour: Miranda Lambert Revolution,” the 28-city tour will also feature special guest Eric Church and introduce new artist Josh Kelley.

“Having that Texas club circuit experience at an early age and also touring with some of the best in the business for several years, I know what it takes to bring it every night and give fans more than their money’s worth,” says Lambert. “The CMT tour is a great way for me to thank fans for their support this year and show them I can live up to the honors.”

Lambert recently added her first CMT Music Award to an already impressive list of accolades. “The House That Built Me,” from her latest album, Revolution, held the No. 1 position for four weeks. It follows her previous hit, “White Liar.” Her latest single is “Only Prettier.”

Church’s hits include “Love Your Love the Most” and “Hell on the Heart,” from his album, Carolina.

“I’m very excited to be on what I believe will be one of the best tours going out this fall,” Church said. “I’ve been on a lot of tours, and this one is gonna be the heat! I love what Miranda does, and we are gonna take the stage every night locked and cocked. The crowd better be ready for it, ’cause we are!”

Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley recently completed his first country album. His single, “Georgia Clay,” is expected to arrive at country radio on Aug. 9. After releasing six studio albums, including For the Ride Home, he signed with Universal Music Group’s MCA Nashville imprint in 2009.

Texas Music Odds and Ends for July

Sam Moore — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:21:21 +0000

No Justice Going National

After building a strong reputation in Texas and Oklahoma, No Justice will make their first national television appearance on WGN July 21. The appearance comes in conjunction with the release of their debut “2nd Avenue.” The first single, “Love Song,” is already on the Texas Music Chart’s Top 30. The CD is being released through Dallas-based Carved Records.

Matt Koger Ready with His New CD

“Armadillo Time” is finished, according to the Greenville singer/songwriter, who also practices medicine – in his spare time! To celebrate the completion, Koger will play at the Blue Armadillo in Greenville on July 23-24. He is counting on producer John Kent to sit in on many of the new songs and old favorites. And of course, the CD will be available for purchase.

Sarah Jaffe Announces New U.S. Tour Dates

The 24-year-old Texan has added new dates to support her debut “Suburban Nature” CD. The first single release, “Clemintine,” will hit commercial radio in August. For a complete list of the dates and more information, visit www.sarahjaffe.com.

Songwriting Author Visits Houston

John and JoAnn Braheny will present a seminar entitled, “Creativity, Song Craft and Marketing” in Houston on July 31, from 10am-5pm. The seminar is sponsored by the Houston chapter of Nashville Songwriters Association International. It will take place at 2317 South Highway 6, Houston TX 77707. Braheny is the author of the best-selling “The Craft and Business of Songwriting.” For more information, visit nsai.houstonnorthmetro@gmail.com.

Dallas Library Sponsors Travelling Song Meetings

Instead of inviting a speaker for one large meeting, the Dallas Public Library’s “North Texas Musicians Meetings” will have several small, informal gatherings around the Metroplex. The purpose of the meetings is to network and share information and tips among one another. The first meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday, from 4-7pm at Addison Point, 4578 Belt Line Road, in Addison. For more information, email info@voixdetemps.com.

Shy Blakeman Pays Tribute to a Cosmic Cowboy

Sam Moore — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:05 +0000

Austin, TX — Shy Blakeman, the Country/blues/Southern rock artist currently touring the Lone Star state behind his latest album, LONG DISTANCE MAN (Winding Road Music, March 2010), describes the second single released to radio, legendary Austin singer-songwriter Rusty Wier’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance,” as a heartfelt tribute to the Cosmic Cowboy.

Says Blakeman: “I had never heard a song so completely capture my hopes and dreams like that before. That song had such an impact on me it became the anthem for my life and Rusty the inspiration for my craft.”

Blakeman, who spent Memorial Day Weekend in Nashville, where he opened the Rockin’ Through the Rain Music Festival benefit for flood victims, and is spending July criss-crossing Texas, credits Wier with some of the moves he uses onstage and the gentle blurring of genre lines in his own songwriting.

“But the best lesson I ever received from Rusty,” says Blakeman, “was his true talent. Rusty knew how to connect with his fans. Onstage he would immerse you in his universe of poetic verse and melody. You didn’t just believe the stories Rusty Wier sang, you felt every word.

“Offstage he took the time to get to know every fan,” he continues. “Because in his wisdom he knew what many of us lose as young artists, what’s really important about what we do: We touch people. He touched people; he changed my life.”

Blakeman — whose passion for entertaining translates into every one of his performances and whose LONG DISTANCE MAN cements what’s become his trademark: a great lyric sung with heart and soul — has garnered a fan base with chart-climbing hits from his previous albums. “… The new album [is] one absolute winner, each song a hit,” says MyJoog.com. “There’s too much to write in one setting about this CD. Just go out and get it.”

The Texas tour includes shows at:

July 14, Overtime Sports Bar & Grill, Burleson

July 15, Fat Daddy’s, Waxahachie

July 16, Lakeside Icehouse, Bryan

July 17, Scooter’s Dancehall, Moulton

July 24, Rattlesnake Junction, Waco

July 25, The Railhead BBQ, Aledo

July 28, The Levee, Longview

July 29, Poor David’s Pub, Dallas

July 30, The White Elephant Saloon, Fort Worth

“In the grand scheme,” Blakeman concludes, “I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Wier only a short time. But I cherish every second … I don’t know if Rusty ever knew how closely I watched him as a performer, how much I listened to him as a songwriter or how much I modeled myself after him as an artist. … That’s how I pay homage. That’s how I humbly try to keep the legend that is Rusty Wier alive.”

For more information, visit www.shyblakeman.com

Sarah Jaffe Talks About Her Career

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:54:42 +0000

By Charlie Vann

Denton recording artist Sarah Jaffe is a Texas musician to definitely follow. Her folksy, indie style makes her stand out, not only in North Texas but throughout the South.

As a member of the Kirtland Records stables, Sarah has opened for Grammy winner Norah Jones, and will tour soon with Lou Barlow, former bassist of the hit indie rock band Dinosaur JR. Last month Jaffe’s full-length album “Suburban Nature” was released in stores, and can be downloaded on iTunes, as well.

I had the chance to talk to Sarah about teaming up with Barlow, about opening for Jones, and what she thinks about the North Texas music scene as a whole. To hear the interview, follow the link to http://cvann.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-06-03T12_19_29-07_00.

Reckless Kelly Uses Softball to Help Youth Groups

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:58:33 +0000

Austin, TX — Austin roots-rock band Reckless Kelly members Cody and Willy Braun and Jay Nazz were on the field June 23 at Round Rock’s Dell Diamond before the Round Rock Express-Albuquerque Isotopes game to present four checks totaling $35,000 to members and representatives of four area youth baseball groups — the Miracle Leagues at Town & Country and San Antonio, Balcones Little League and Montopolis Little League — proceeds from the band’s 2nd Celebrity Softball Jam, which was held in April at the ballpark.

More than 5,000 fans filled the stands for the softball game and outfield concert that featured two teams, Sultans of Sing and One Hit Wonders, made up of sports greats and musicians such as MLB players Greg Swindell and Kirk Dressendorfer, boxing champion Jesse James Lieja and NFL players Ahmad Brooks and Eric Winston mixed with members of Reckless Kelly, Cross Canadian Ragweed, the Randy Rogers Band and The Trishas as well as Pauline Reese, Cory Morrow, Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson and many others.

Coaches Reid and Reese Ryan watched as One Hit Wonders, led by Reckless Kelly front man Willy Braun, routed Sultans of Sing, lead by Reckless Kelly co-founder and fiddle player Cody Braun. Guests were invited to bring blankets and chairs onto the field for the five-hour jam and fireworks finale.

For more information: www.recklesskelly.com

One Seed Delivers Heavy Metal to Texas Music

Sam Moore — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:04:55 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Resident Dallas heavy metal band, One Seed, takes charge with their second CD, Isolation. They infuse pounding guitar riffs, low toned bass sounds, semi-melodic lyrics and hand-banging, thrashing screams to create a series of tracks that will leave you wanting to jump into a mosh pit.

Jeremy Ewing, the band’s lyricist and singer, develops authoritative lyrics dealing in “drug addiction, domestic violence and religious propaganda.” Heavy metal rockers will be pleasantly surprised to hear this band, with a sound reminiscent of past heavy-hitters, such as the Deftones, Evans Blue and Godsmack.

The band shows that heavy metal belongs in the Texas music conversation. One Seed is currently working on their next album, “Just Breathe” set to be released in October. One Seed will be performing July 3 at Dead Dog Barn.

For more information about the band and their upcoming shows visit http://www.myspace.com/oneseed1.

House of Blues to Serve Meat Loaf in August

Sam Moore — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:51:22 +0000

Most people would not consider him a Texas music performer. But Meat Loaf, the rock legend who grew up in Dallas better known as Michael Lee Aday, will return to his home town to perform at the House of Blues on August 26.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am.

Two nights later, on August 28, the singer will perform at the House of Blues in Houston.

Meat Loaf is famous for his “Bat Out of Hell” trilogy, which included the hit song “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad.” He was also part of the cult movie classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has a new album tied to his concert appearances, “Hang Cool Teddy Bear.”

To learn more about this former football player, bar bouncer and stage performer, visit www.meatloaf.net.

Benefit To Provide Funding for Year of Free Texas Music Events

Sam Moore — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:30:33 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release from the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington. I personally attended the event last year, and the money raised was extremely valuable to help them put on free public concerts for the remainder of the year.

The legendary 1970s group, Three Dog Night, is alive and rockin’, and they are coming to Arlington June 26! Joy to the World! Three Dog Night in Concert, presented by Titan Operating, will help Friends of the Levitt Pavilion Arlington raise the funds to produce 50 free concerts this year.

General admission tickets are on sale now for the 9 p.m. concert. Gates will open at the pavilion at 8 p.m. For this concert, no coolers or chairs will be allowed. Chairs will be provided, and concessions will be on sale, including beer and wine.

You can purchase tickets online on the Levitt Pavilion Web site or by calling 817.543.4307 between 1 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Three Dog Night tickets also will be on sale at the Levitt Pavilion during this week’s concerts and at the gate on the night of the concert.

Three Dog Night’s hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures. Songs like Mama Told Me (Not To Come), Joy to the World, Black and White, Shambala, One and Old-Fashioned Love Song are testimony to Three Dog Night’s longevity as well as their continued popularity.

Joy to the World! Three Dog Night in concert is sponsored by the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, the United Service Association for Healthcare Foundation and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Mark Chesnutt Ready To Become an Outlaw

Sam Moore — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:07:28 +0000

There’s a new outlaw in town. And it comes courtesy of Texas music star Mark Chesnutt.

“Outlaw” is the newest CD by the Beaumont native. Its Tuesday release will make available some of the great tunes first made famous by other Texas artists, including the original Outlaws.

Chesnutt grew up in southeast Texas as a rock and roll fan – until he heard the likes of Willie and Waylon.

“I was listening to rock, when Willie and Waylon grew their hair long,” he said. “I remember Mama and Daddy saying ‘they done gone hippie on us.’ I saw all that taking place, and I thought it was great.

“When I was asked to do this album, it was very natural. I know all those old songs. It was fun for me. I knew it was going to be different.”

From the opening song – Billy Joe Shaver’s “Black Rose” – to Guy Clark’s haunting “Desperados Waiting on a Train,” Chesnutt takes us on a musical journey through all the emotions that were first presented in the 1970s by the original Outlaws.

Every song on the CD is fantastic. But these are not necessarily the songs people normally think of when they think of the Outlaws.

Chesnutt said, “Anybody can do the anthems. Anyone who doesn’t know anything about the history of country music could do ‘Good Hearted Woman.’”

Chesnutt and his producer wanted to go deeper. Many of the songs were hits, but not considered anthems. They wanted to display the musical movement that went beyond just the commercial aspect.

One of perhaps the most surprising songs in the collection is Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

“Those songs were in the middle of that movement,” Chesnutt said. “These songs about being stoned were not comfortable for Nashville at the time. These are deep songs that were not intended as dance tunes.”

His personal favorite song on the CD is a different Kristofferson offering, “Lovin’ Her Was Easier.” He heard Waylon Jennings do it, but never considered it to fit his own style.

“I thought it was a little deep for me,” Chesnutt commented. “All these years later, it seemed to make more sense for me now. It seemed to make more sense to me now. I really loved the way that song came out.”

One of the things that helped Chesnutt achieve the sound on the album was the ability to record the songs he calls “the old way.” Musicians recorded their tracks during normal daylight hours. Chesnutt would then go to the studio late at night and lay down his vocals. He credits that to his love of Texas honky tonks.

“There’s just something not natural about singing in the daytime,” he said.

The result is a product that remains true to Chesnutt’s reputation as a country music traditionalist. All but one of the 12 tracks are Chesnutt alone. The 12th track, “A Couple More Years,” is a duet with Amber Digby. Chesnutt had listened to her on Willie’s Place satellite program, and watched her on TV. But this was the first time for the two to collaborate.

“I like the way she sings in unison, rather than harmony,” he said. “It really makes the song feel more real.”

Chesnutt sees the tribute to the outlaw movement as more than just a history lesson.

“We’ve done things here in Texas the way the outlaws did them all along. This is where the outlaw movement came from. If they hadn’t come to Texas, I don’t know where Texas music would be today.”

Among the changes the outlaws brought was the ability to produce songs the way the artist wants to.

“Labels were the boss, the producers were the boss. You showed up in the studio of their choice, sang in their key, with their musicians,” Chesnutt said. “Everybody – especially Waylon – got sick of that. That story of Waylon bringing a pistol to the studio was true! In Texas, they came down and did it their own way. That’s what this album is about, capturing that free spirit.”

Texas is now home to many musical genres. Are there new outlaws today? Chesnutt is hard pressed, but points to two: Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert.

He said, “Jamey is doing it his way, singing songs about getting drunk, getting stoned and going to prison. He is one of the few who you could call a modern outlaw. Miranda is another one. She writes her own songs about shooting guns and kicking butt. Those two are doing it their way. It hasn’t been easy for them.”

As for himself, Chesnutt is happy where he is. He lives in Beaumont, he tours, and knows that at some point he will be back in the studio, recording. He attributes his success and longevity to “being hard headed and stubborn.”

And he is ready for the world to hear his latest creation, when it is released on Tuesday. “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound,” “Bloody Mary Morning,” and “Need a Little Time Off for Bad Behavior” are three more of the outlaw songs on the CD. As Chesnutt says, these are the types of songs that were written in the back of the bus, in the hotel room, by a writer who might be sober, might be drunk.

“Outlaw” is a fantastic example of some of the not-too-distant roots of today’s Texas music. And it shows that the songs that were popular 30 years ago are still just as good today.

Woodlands Hosts Texas Music Festival Tonight

Sam Moore — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:42:41 +0000

More than 100 gifted musicians from around the world will perform a free concert at 8 p.m. tonight for the Texas Music Festival at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands.

Gates open at 7 p.m. with pre-concert activities, including The Pavilion Partners instrument petting zoo and hands-on activities provided by Audi of America and Woodforest National Bank.

Ira J. Black, a prominent music scholar and professor, will host a discussion about the concert from 7:15-7:45 p.m. for Pavilion Talk.

The Texas Music Festival is a summer orchestral training program at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, and participants who have been chosen for the program through competitive auditions, are advanced students and young professional musicians. They represent the United States, Canada, Mexico and countries throughout Europe, Asia and Central and South America.

Under the direction of Horst Foerster, the musicians will perform Wagner’s overture to “The Flying Dutchman,” Bartok’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra and Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.”

The winner and finalists of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition also will be announced during the program.

Picnics are welcome on the Pavilion lawn, and lawn chairs are available for free. Preferred parking in the on-site Town Center garage, located along Six Pines Drive, is $5 per vehicle. Tickets for garage parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion box office.

For more information about The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

Texas State Musician To Appear in Arlington

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:32:19 +0000

Gifted singer/songwriter Sara Hickman has a long list of accomplishments and honors. This year, she added one more: State Musician of Texas. Sara performed her children’s music at the Levitt Pavilion last summer, but this year, she will perform her adult evening of music at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 18.

Since launching her career in Houston at the tender age of 14, Sara has been a force of musical artistry with 11 CDs, appearances on NBC’s Tonight Show, her own VH-1 special, an independent video that won first place in the USA Film Festival, and appearances from festivals to Carnegie Hall. She has won numerous musical awards for her adult music as well as her children’s music and is on the list of the Top 100 Performing Songwriters.

Sara’s concerts are equal parts great music, stand-up comedy and social justice rally. Her performances are always like spending time with a delightful, genuine, extremely talented friend.

Hendrix Prepares for New Release

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:41:18 +0000

On Friday, Terri Hendrix will kick off a weekend of California dates starting at the Live Oak Music Festival in San Luis Obispo. Then it’s back to Texas for the release of Hendrix’s new album, Cry Till You Laugh.

Back in May, Hendrix opened for two packed Texas music dates (at Dallas’ House of Blues and Austin’s La Zona Rosa) for the Indigo Girls. After her set at the 39th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival in front of a record crowd, she joined them on harmonica and harmony on a few songs like the evenings prior.

This year, she received the 2010 Art of Peace Award from St. Mary’s University, was inducted into the South Texas Music Walk of Fame (see “News” in “quick links” for info on all involved), and received notification that she will receive the Hardin Simmons University Distinguished Alumni Recipient Award in 2011.

Super Bowl Brings Musical Extravaganza to North Texas

Sam Moore — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:41:12 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The Following is a story contributed by the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee.)
There may never come another day in the history of Cowboys Stadium when fans enjoy more bang for their bucks than is likely on September 10.

With tickets prices starting at a mere $25 (and going on sale June 26), a two-and-a-half-hour extravaganza titled “XLV Countdown Live From Cowboys Stadium” presented by Frito-Lay will rock the big house in Arlington.

One day before the Dallas Cowboys kick off an NFL season that will determine what two teams end up in North Texas for Super Bowl XLV, the Host Committee’s mammoth undertaking will include:

• A concert headlining country superstar Tim McGraw. McGraw made the official announcement Saturday night on stage while performing for a sold-out crowd at Superpages.com Center in Dallas. He’ll wrap up the Host Committee’s three-tiered Kick-Off Concert Series, which began with a performance by his wife, Faith Hill, in March at Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall.

• North Texas’ own celebration of Emmitt Smith and his Hall of Fame career. The most prolific runner in NFL history will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a month prior to this celebration. Smith commented, “I am so humbled to be honored in such a way upon my return from Canton. This is a very special evening for me and my family to be able to share this with the greatest fans in America.”

• A tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys. The great stars over Cowboys’ history will introduce five-minute segments of a half-century of highlights displayed on the huge stadium scoreboards. NFL Films is providing the footage, and the 90-piece XLV Symphony Orchestra will score it live.

• A rare public performance by Van Cliburn. One of the great pianists in history, raised in the East Texas town of Kilgore and now living in Fort Worth, Cliburn will perform the “National Anthem” on his grand piano.

• The chance to see Cowboys Stadium, for the many who have yet to step inside. As Kit Sawers, Host Committee VP of Special Events, puts it, “We are expecting more than 30,000 fans to join us that evening…for just a little more than the price of a stadium tour.”

• There’ll be several more announcements this summer. In other words, be on the lookout.

Even those who have only visited the year-old wonder for previous concerts will get a far more striking look at the massive scoreboards, which will be lowered and active throughout the evening.

Tentative plans are to set up the stage at the 50-yard line facing one end zone. Floor seating will reward those who already purchased tickets for all three Series events (Hill in Fort Worth, Sting’s Dallas performance in May, and this big one) and for $65 purchasers.

No upper deck seats will be sold, and the $25 seats will comprise 80 to 85 percent of the configured seating. Bill Lively, the Host Committee’s President & CEO, says pricing is “one-sixth the cost of other major concerts at Cowboys Stadium.”

As with the other two concerts, this one is presented by Frito-Lay. Live Nation and Host Committee partner CorporateMagic are handling event production. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will introduce Emmitt Smith. And the University of North Texas’ internationally acclaimed College of Music is assembling the 90-piece XLV Symphony Orchestra.

“As you can imagine,” Sawers said, “determining the setup of Cowboys Stadium was a little bit trickier than it was for Bass Hall or the Winspear Opera House. But the Cowboys and our partners helped us figure it out, and the large screens will be featured in a way they have not been featured before.”

The high-energy evening will run from roughly 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 26, at www.ticketmaster.com or by dialing (800) 745-3000.

Lively emphasized, “It’s important that the people in this region that have supported the Cowboys for five decades and care about where they are now, have a chance to come into the stadium that’s going to host the game and see something that’s really unparalleled here.

“The League has told me this: This will likely be the biggest event introducing an NFL season in history… So the goal is to make this so spectacular, if we can, that people will come to this game who can’t go to the Super Bowl and have an experience that will be memorable.”

Tony Fay, the Host Committee’s VP of Communications, feels McGraw’s broad name identification makes him the ideal performer.

“I think the number one thing we were looking for all along was an act with a wide appeal, somebody who was not slotted into one genre,” Fay said. “Tim McGraw has that wide appeal. He’s had the network specials, he starred with Sandra Bullock in the movie The Blind Side, he has a big following, not strictly a country following.”

McGraw is also a huge NFL fan.

“North Texas has an obvious passion for both music and football,” McGraw said, “and it will be an unbelievable experience to be a part of the official countdown to Super Bowl XLV. This will be more than simply a concert, but rather a celebration, and Cowboys Stadium is the perfect venue.”

Nobody is going to forget the reason for this event: It really is the kickoff to the NFL’s regular season. And at the end of this season, Super Bowl XLV will be played at Cowboys Stadium.

“I think it’s important that each one of the three concerts has not just been a matter of us opening the door and putting an act out there,” Fay said. “Everything we’ve done, we’ve been very conscious of trying to bring it back to the Super Bowl. Whether it be Joe Buck and Troy Aikman hosting Faith Hill at Bass Hall, or Cowboys legends hosting for Sting, we’ve brought it back to the sports page, which is what it’s all about.”

Whoever thought a family of four could walk into Cowboys Stadium for $100 bucks? The bang is coming this fall.

Texas Music Loses an International Legend

Sam Moore — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:22:31 +0000

Jimmy Dean often talked about his roots in Texas music. The country legend died Sunday. He was 81.

Dean died at his home near Richmond, Va. His wife, Donna, said he had been doing well lately, despite ongoing health problems.

Jimmy Dean and the Texas Wildcats

Dean dropped out of school after ninth grade. He fronted the Texas Wildcats band. He had his first national hit in the early 1950s, “Bummin’ Around.” His fame was immortalized with his Grammy Award-winning “Big Bad John” in 1961. He also had a popular television show in the early 1960s.

In 1969, Dean branched into the food industry, popularizing Jimmy Dean Sausage.

Dean is survived by his wife, three children, and two grandchildren.

Levitt Pavilion Profiles Austin Band

Sam Moore — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:05:25 +0000

Be sure to catch this Sunday night’s concert when Levitt Pavilion audiences can hear the new opening act for the Dave Matthews Band, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears at 8 p.m. June 13. Joe Lewis’ retro style shows his love of deep Southern blues masters, but with a more dangerous slant. Add a gospel-inspired call and response, crisp, soul-soaked staccato brass, and song titles such as Big Booty Woman and Master Sold My Baby, and the result is a sweat-soaked sound edgy enough to win over youthful audiences unfamiliar with the likes of Lewis’ show-stopping predecessors, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave or Wilson Pickett. Ending 2009 on a variety of “best of” lists, Joe Lewis and his Austin-based combo have the kind of gritty attitude and deliciously greasy groove-consciousness that would pass muster in the best juke joint. Their concert is sponsored by the Arlington Arts Alliance.

Black Joe Lewis

Leading up to Sunday, the Levitt is pleased to welcome back The Boogers for the Chesapeake Children’s Concert Series on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Since The Boogers (Sticky, Crusty and Greenie) visited last summer, their debut album, Road to Rock, won a 2009 National Parenting Publications Gold Award! No wonder choosy kids pick Boogers!

On Thursday, the Levitt is proud to welcome Grammy nominee Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, sponsored by the Star-Telegram. Cedric has been making a name for himself reviving the old Creole fiddling styles and injecting a healthy dose of his own personality. The Alternate Routes take the stage on Friday night with a sound that’s a hybrid vibe of rock ‘n’ roll grit and ghostly, meaningful balladry. They are sponsored by the Arlington Arts Alliance. After a life-threatening illness almost ended his music career in the late 1990s, Deryl Dodd re-emerged with a new appreciation for life and a stronger loyalty for himself and his own music, rooted in the country music classics he grew up listening to in Dallas. His concert with the Homesick Cowboys is on Saturday, sponsored by Vandergriff Auto Group. The concerts on Thursday through Sunday all begin at 8 p.m.

Texas Music a Big Hit for Dallas Band

Sam Moore — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:14:37 +0000

By Tamara Loggins

Southern country-rock band, Somebody’s Darling, has begun to make a big splash in the Texas music scene. A mish-mash of four supremely talented members, the band plays an amalgamation of folk, country and rock. Band members, Amber Farris, David Ponder, Nate Wedan and Michael Talley talk about how the group came together and their debut album.

How did the band get started?

Amber: Well Nate and I have known each other from high school. We’ve always wanted to play together, we started playing together and then we kind of went our separate ways. And then I was in a band with Dave and we met up started writing songs, and I called Nate up and told him, “Let’s play,” and then I called Mike and we were like, “Bam.” Literally, overnight we were a band. People kind of liked us.

Nate: It caught on quick.

David: That was two and half years ago.
How would you explain your genre of music?

David: Americana-soul-rock.
How long have you all known each other?

Nate: I’ve known Mike for a while. We’ve played in a band before this. We’ve known each other three or four years. I’ve known [Amber] since I was fourteen. I’ve known Dave for a couple of years.

David: I’ve known Amber from when we went to [University of North Texas]. And then we were in a band before this called Raw Leaves.
You guys recently won the Shiner Rising Star Award. Can you tell me a little about that?

Amber: We felt like we were apart of that music scene, country-rock. We always listened to that station, [95.3 The Range] and wanted to try it out. We thought it would be kind of fun, and a good way to meet some new people. We ended up winning the whole thing. We had been together less than a year when we joined it. It was cool.

Nate: They sent us up to Nashville and we cut our debut album up there. It was great.

Amber: We’re going on tour with Stoney LaRue. We just played The Texas Music Revolution [concert], and we’re playing with Hays Carl, Ray Wiley Hubbard, and a lot of big bands. A lot of good things came out of that competition. It was definitely more than just a battle of the bands; it was a big start for our career.
What was the contest like?

It was a twenty-four band battle of the bands. So they did it in two or three different rounds.

Amber: Over two hundred different bands entered and they narrowed it down to twenty-four. And they kept narrowing it down week by week with different judges. It’s not like a who can clap the loudest [competition]. There are actual musicians out there judging you.

Nate: Yeah. It was fun.
Was it a mix of genres?

Amber: We were probably the biggest outside genre. We were more rock than everybody else, more folksy-pop-rock. Everything else was pretty much country. That’s why when we won, we were kind of surprised. We were like “There’s no way. We’re not in their range. This isn’t going to work,” and when we won we were like “O.K.” So, it was cool. It worked out for us in the end.
It was your big break?

Dave: Hopefully, one of them.

Amber: Hopefully, we have a bigger break than that, but it was definitely the beginning of a big break.

Nate: It definitely jump started us. It helped us out a lot. Like he said, hopefully, there are more [big breaks].

Michael: It gave us the opportunity to work our asses off more.

Dave: And it gave us a really good quality album. I don’t know that we could have afforded that kind of album.
So tell me about the album.

Amber: We got to go to Nashville, and Dan Baird from Georgia Satellites produced it. We literally went to the studio, went to bed, woke up, and went back to the studio for about eight days straight. We were a new band; we didn’t have that many songs. Usually you want to go in to the studio with twenty plus songs. When we went in we had, like, five, and then we created fifteen more.

Dave: Within, like, a month.

Amber: And we were kind of just all thrown into it. They were like, “Go record in Nashville with this big producer,” and we were like “O.K.”

Dave: We were like, “You want us to go [to Nashville] a month? Really?”

Amber: We kind of didn’t know what we were doing, but we acted like we did. That works sometimes. When you pretend like you know what’s going on in the world, you tend to swing by things.

Nate: Nashville was great. I got to use King Coover’s, who was the drummer for Wilco, snare drums and stuff. It was just a great big room. The Dixie Chicks got to cut their first two albums in there, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s been in there. The room has been around since the ‘50s and it had a great vibe. Dan Baird just dialed in to who we are as musicians, and just captured our sound pretty well.
Who writes your songs?

Amber: We all write together. Initially I’ll come up with an idea with my acoustic and my vocals and then me and Dave will make it something more. And then we’ll take it to the band and we all create a song out of that small idea. It’s a band effort. No one person completes it.
What is your most popular song?

Michael: It just depends on the crowd. Who’s heard what. Out and about they like “Another Two Step.”

Amber: We have some songs that have been on the radio, like, “Horses,” “Been better,” “Another Two Step,” and one of my personal favorites “Cold Hearted Lover.” We’ve been getting a lot of good responses from that. It’s kind of rock and roll.
What radio stations play your music?

Nate: A lot. There’s the Satellite, Outlaw Country. 95.3 The Range.

Amber: Yeah, [Outlaw Country] is the big one.

Dave: There’s like twenty stations.

Amber: Our promoter is trying to get us on as many radio stations as she can, and then we’ll go from there. Hopefully people will like it and they’ll call and request it.

Dave: Then we’ll tour there.
What do you recommend for someone who’s starting their own band?

Nate: Gig, gig, gig.

Michael: And keep writing.

Dave: Write and play as much as you can.

Amber: We literally played once and then went out and played a gig. That’s how you get better.

Nate: Our first three shows were back to back.

Amber: Just do it. You have nothing to loose. Don’t wait for something to happen. You have to make something happen.

Nate: You’re not going to get rich quick. Just play and love it. Have fun.

Michael: And don’t quit your day job, or get used to semi-poverty.

What do you hope people get from your music?

Amber: My main thing is I like to see people have a good time. We write and play really passionately, and I want people to see that we really like what we do and what we write. And we take a lot of heart into the band. I think that’s been a big part of our success is that people can see it in our faces that we really care about this and it’s what we want to do.
Where can people find out more about your band?

Nate: Go to somebodysdarling.com. We also have Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.
People can buy your album from your website.

Michael: And we’re on iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, and Amazon.

Amber: Or call and request on 95.3 the Range. That’s a fun way you can listen to us too.
Do you guys play private events?

Amber: Yes.

Nate: Those pay pretty good [laughter].

Amber: I’m going to start doing weddings pretty soon [laughter].

Nate: I do mitzvahs, both bar and bod. Just letting you know [laughter].

Amber: If people ask us to play, we’ll play, as long as it’s a good crowd. We’ll pretty much do anything.

Smiles for Habitat a Big Success

Sam Moore — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:59:06 +0000

The Smiles for Habitat Concert and Family Festival held this past Memorial Weekend was bigger than its first two events in 2008 and 2009 setting a new record for both attendance and revenue.

Despite a delayed start because of lightning, the concert and festival were an immense success. Drawing a crowd of 12,000 fans, Smiles for Habitat eclipsed its 2009 attendance of 8,000. Sales of t-shirts, raffle tickets, and concessions during the concert event brought in $40,000, more than doubling the concert’s 2009 proceeds.

Following a Memorial Day tribute which included a powerful rendition of the National Anthem by former Nashville singer Christie Taylor and a flyover by World War II era airplanes, the concert began with McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller issuing a proclamation declaring the Sunday before Memorial Day as Smiles for Habitat Day in McKinney. Maylee Thomas, who performed with her band during the concert, helped Mr. Loughmiller celebrate his 50th birthday on stage by leading McKinney residents in singing “Happy Birthday.” The drum line from McKinney Boyd High School performed while athletes from all three McKinney high schools carried collection buckets throughout the crowd.

The concert featured three bands to entertain the crowd. The opening band, sponsored by Dodie’s Place Sports Grill, was Dallas-based guitar virtuoso Tommy Katona. Following Mr. Katona was McKinney favorite The Maylee Thomas Band. Headlining the evening was Gavin DeGraw who entertained thousands of fans with his upbeat original music. Screaming fans enjoyed his performance and lined up to get his autograph after the concert. Mr. DeGraw says he had a “blast on stage and is very happy to have been a part of this event.”

The festival entertained thousands of local children and featured rock climbing, bounce houses, Games 2U video games, and the ever popular large inflatable hamster balls. Entertainment Photography, the official event photographer, is selling photographs of the concert and festival and will donate fifty percent of its sales of Smiles for Habitat pictures back to the charity. Proceeds from the 2010 Smiles for Habitat Concert and Family Festival will go towards the Habitat for Humanity home of McKinney resident Tracy Sawyer and her two sons, Eric and Josiah. Tracy, an Alzheimer’s nurse at Provident Living Center in McKinney, received a presentation on stage from Smiles for Habitat founder Dr. Jennifer Buchanan.

The 2010 Smiles for Habitat Concert and Family Festival was made possible by generous donations from local businesses and corporate sponsors such as Simpson Strong Tie, Dr. Jennifer Buchanan, Pogue Construction, Crest Auto Group, Torchmark, Dr. Don Nix, Zimmer Wilson Phillips, Dodie’s Place Sports Grill, KLAK 97.5, Independent Bank, RSC Equipment Rental, Medical Center of McKinney, HGTV, Chili’s Restaurants of McKinney, Print Right, Olive Garden, MediaGrafix, and many more. Under the direction of founder Dr. Jennifer Buchanan, Smiles for Habitat was organized by twelve dedicated McKinney women who share her vision and friendship. Additionally, more than one hundred McKinney residents volunteered their time before and during the concert to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.

The mission of Smiles for Habitat is to bring the community together to change the world one family, one home at a time. By offering free admission to the concert and festival, Smiles for Habitat encourages the entire community to be involved and to donate at their own level. The stories told by families realizing their dream of home ownership thanks to Smiles for Habitat and the North Collin County Habitat for Humanity generate smiles that last a lifetime. For more information about this year’s concert or to become involved in the 2011 event, please visit www.smilesforhabitat.org.

Lonestar Visits The Price Is Right

Sam Moore — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:12:05 +0000

CBS’s Emmy Award-winning THE PRICE IS RIGHT, with host Drew Carey, welcomes country music band “Lonestar” on Thursday, June 16, (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT), on the CBS Television Network. Lonestar will play live throughout the show as the house band. The show will also offer an exciting showcase with prizes that include a new car and trip to San Diego, as well as tickets to attend a Lonestar’s concert plus band merchandise.

Lonestar with Drew Carey

Lonestar has amassed a total of 27 singles on the country charts, with 10 of those reaching #1. In 1999, Lonestar achieved crossover success when their hit single, “Amazed,” reached #1 on both the country charts and the Billboard Hot 100. Lonestar, consisting of Cody Collins, Dean Sams, Michael Britt and Keech Rainwater, released their 11th studio album Party Heard Around the World, in April.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey. Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network.

Chandler Nash Talks with Texas Music Journal

Sam Moore — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:58:43 +0000

Few 17-year old musicians can claim veteran status with a straight face. Dallas singer-songwriter Chandler Nash is one. Her previous band, The Bella Cullen Project (formed with two friends at a sleepover when they were just 13), released 2 full-length original albums; enjoyed over 1 million MySpace plays; performed live nationwide; and was featured on MTV, ABC’s Nightline, and in Esquire, People and CosmoGirl magazines.

Yet, as she embarks upon a solo career, this Dallas singer-songwriter remains eager to evolve her craft. “I just want to keep playing,” Chandler enthuses. “Since I was 6-years old I’ve always wanted to be a musician. Even if it doesn’t work out, I’m still going to play music even if I’m just a wedding singer or something!”

Moving away from her old band’s folky sensibilities, Chandler is now melding diverse influences into contemporary, robust pop/rock expressions flecked with lurking country heartache. On her debut, the aptly-titled Solo (released through Interscope Digital Distribution), increasingly accomplished songwriting connects through her emotive, lithe-yet-lived-in timbre. “I like a little bit of everything,” mulls Chandler. “[But] my favorite artists are kind of oldies like Billy Joel, The Beatles and Elton John.”

During the recent Wildflower Festival in Dallas, Chandler spoke with Texas Music Reporter Charlie Vann. The interview can be heard by connecting to the link below.

http://cvann.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-05-12T09_30_06-07_00

Texas Music Special on PBS Honors Troops

Sam Moore — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Austin, TX — “Texas Burning: A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops,” the award-winning concert special commemorating the opening of San Antonio’s Center for the Intrepid, is premiering on Texas PBS stations over the next few weeks.

Houston PBS Channel 9 began by broadcasting the one-hour program Monday, May 24, followed by Killeen’s KNCT-TV at 10 p.m. Sunday, May 30, and San Antonio’s KLRN-TV at 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. Each has a viewing party or sneak preview attached.

The concert was recorded live at the historical Charline McCombs Empire Theatre in San Antonio in 2007, days before the dedication ceremony of the state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility for seriously wounded troops at Brooke Army Medical Center. It showcases seven impressive Texas- and Gulf Coast-based artists who perform in a variety of musical genres.

“The unique mix of talented musicians, performing in honor of the military and their families, creates a compelling concert special. It’s a great way to begin the week leading to Memorial Day weekend,” says Andrea McKenna, assistant director of programming for Houston’s KUHT.

The show is hosted by Austin’s Patricia Vonne and Sam Baker, who both also performed. “It was a very special night of music in recognition of our brave troops and their loved ones. We hope everyone will tune in and join us in saying ‘thank you’,” says Vonne. Her song, “Texas Burning,” is the origin of the show’s title and its theme song. Guitar goddess Carolyn Wonderland, internationally renowned blues player Sherman Robertson, GRAMMY nominee Ruthie Foster, singer-songwriter Shannon McNally and New Orleans’ Swedish chanteuse Theresa Andersson are also featured.

Blues player Sherman Robertson

It is the first project produced by Houston-based Rampant Entertainment. The program is being submitted to the National Educational Telecommunications Association, known as NETA, for national distribution to more than 350 public television stations. Executive producer Anthony Cutrona, a Houston-based attorney, anticipates that many TV stations, especially those serving large military communities, will begin airing the program later this summer. “By the time Veteran’s Day rolls around in November, we hope to have hundreds of stations offering ‘A Lone Star Salute to Our Troops’,” he says.

John Frazier of Houston’s Rollin’ Films, was the director and producer of the concert video. He and Cutrona were recipients of an award for Best Music Video in the Shows/Specials category at the 2007 Houston WorldFest International Film Festival. The program was partially underwritten by House of Blues, Restorative Health Care (based in San Antonio), Marshall Sound Design (based in Dallas) and the Houston Blues Society.

KNCT-Killeen will air the show following PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert live broadcast from Washington, D.C.

The concert special includes introductory footage of wounded warriors being treated at the Center for the Intrepid. Hundreds of military personnel, catastrophically injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, have been treated there during the past three years.

The live concert audience included many soldiers and family members. Rampant Entertainment donated seating to troops stationed in the San Antonio area, and all ticket proceeds were donated to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization with headquarters in San Antonio that provides support to the families of deployed soldiers.

A DVD of the one-hour program will be offered for sale during the PBS broadcasts. Rampant Entertainment will release the complete three-hour concert DVD and Blu-ray disc for sale later in the summer. It will include 30 songs, with three in Spanish, and features a number of duets and collaborations, along with behind-the-scenes footage.

Rampant Entertainment plans to develop “Texas Burning” into a televised concert series by recording a concert annually in Houston and San Antonio. It hopes to shoot its first “Texas Burning: Live from Houston” concert at Rockefeller Hall, the historical venue formerly known as Rockefeller’s Nightclub, later this year.