Texas Music Journal

Threadgill Series Brings Incredible Range of Musical Talent

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

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

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

Chris Hillman

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

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

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

Foster & Lloyd

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

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

Tickets

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

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

Sponsorships

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

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

Spring Concert

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

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

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Clarkson Confirmed for Super Bowl National Anthem

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music Festival Lineup Announced

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

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

Iron & Wine

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

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

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

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

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

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

(lineup subject to change)

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

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.

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

Songwriter Symposium This Weekend for Texas Music Experts

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

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2011

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

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

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

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

SONG CIRCLES WILL FOLLOW THE CONCERTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012

9:00 Registration

10:00 – 11:15

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

SONGWRITING
Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman

PERFORMANCE
Jim Photoglo

11:15 – 12:30

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

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

CO-WRITING
Kimmie Rhodes & Sonny Throckmorton

12:30 – 1:30 LUNCH ( ON YOUR OWN)

1:30 – 2:45

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

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

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

2:45 – 4:00

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

BI-LINGUAL SONGWRITING
Louie Ortega

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

SONGWRITING
Will Sexton & Ruth Ellsworth Carter

4:00 – 5:15

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

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

RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Marvin Dykhuis

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

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

7:00 – 8:00

Spend an hour with Texas Legend, Joe Ely

8:00 – 9:00

CONCERT: Matthew Santos & Jim Photoglo

9:00 – 11:00

SHOWCASES

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

8:00 – 9:00

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

9:00 – 10:15

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

SONGWRITING
Jim Photoglo

ALTERNATIVE TUNINGS FOR GUITAR
Gabe Rhodes

10:15 – 11:30

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

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

PRE-PRODUCTION
Marvin Dykhuis & Stephen Doster

MUSICAL HOOKS
David Halley & Joe Manuel

12:00 LUNCH ON US!!

KGSR’s Roger Allen interviews Jody Denberg
AWARDS CEREMONY

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
2:30 – 3:45

SONGWRITING
Gary Burr & Georgia Middleman

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

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

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

3:45 – 5:00

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

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

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

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

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

7:00 – 9:00 CONCERTS

9:00 SHOWCASES

SONG CIRCLES IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SHOWCASES

SUNDAY MORNING, JANUARY 8, 2012

8:00

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

9:00 – 10:00

Gospel Music Jam: Hosted by Sonny Throckmorton & Thomas Cain

BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS AND FAVORITE GOSPEL SONGS

10:00 – 11:15

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

RECORDING TECHNIQUES
Marvin Dykhuis

SONGWRITING AND PERFORMANCE
Jim Photoglo

CO – WRITING
Georgia Middleman & Gary Burr

11:30 to 1:00

CLOSING CONCERTS

Internet Radio in San Antonio to Feature Texas Music Program

Sam Moore — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:24:45 +0000

Editor’s Note: We received the following notice from OpenPR.com.

RadioSanAntonio.com has joined forces with noted performer, producer, and promoter Nikki Young to launch a new program with a special live event.

The Digital Open Mic Night Show, a showcase for Texas music, will premiere in its regular time slot from 6-8pm on Sunday, January 8, with a live broadcast from Sam Ash Music Store in San Antonio. Hosted by Young, the series will feature music by local artists and combine news, reviews, interviews, as well as updates on area concerts and plenty of in-studio performances from area artists of all genres. The premiere event will also feature tons of giveaways, complimentary munchies, and live performances from SA favorites The Tim & Bob Show, Laura Marie, and The Krayolas.

Nikki Young

For Jay Tope, Program Director at RadioSanAntonio.com, Young – a fixture in San Antonio radio, with frequent guest appearances on KONO and KTSA – is a natural fit for the growing Internet radio station. “Besides having a natural presence on radio,” he explains, “Nikki has a presence in the arts scene here in San Antonio. And as a promoter, she understands how the Internet and social networking are transforming the way musicians and listeners connect with each other. So we’re very excited that she’ll be bringing her energy and expertise to RadioSanAntonio.com.”

“Texas has long been a center for musical invention,” Young (a former board member and event coordinator for the Texas Music Coalition) says. “From pop to punk, from country to conjunto, every genre of music has been touched by artists and innovators from this state. This show will be an opportunity to introduce listeners to some of those innovators, to music that has been relatively untapped by broadcast radio. And given that more and more of us are discovering music through the click of a mouse, RadioSanAntonio.com is a perfect fit for the show. I’m thrilled to be working with Jay on this new venture.”

In support of the new show, Sam Ash General Manager Jon Johansen has announced that the store will extend its closing time to 8pm on January 8. “We’re proud to support Nikki and RadioSanAntonio.com in their new show,” he says, “and we encourage everyone to come to the store that evening to support them and the local music scene.”

Musicians interested in having their music featured on upcoming shows can either drop off CDs at the event, email mp3 files to nikki@radiosanantonio.com, or snail mail materials to:

Digital Open Mic Night
c/o Nikki Young
6338 N. New Braunfels #328
San Antonio, TX 78209

Please be sure to include contact info on any and all non-returnable submissions!

Launched in 2011, RadioSanAntonio.com is an internet radio station dedicated to providing audiences with a positive listening experience. Its programming includes music from yesterday and today, morning and evening shows, and live broadcasts from area venues across San Antonio. For information about the station and to listen live, please visit www.radiosanantonio.com.

A native of San Antonio, Nikki Young is one of Texas’ most familiar names in arts and business. As an actress, she has been featured in over 20 films, nearly 50 plays, and numerous print and television campaigns; as a producer, she has developed projects for stage and screen; as a promoter and supporter of the arts and entertainment, she has worked with organizations including the Texas Music Coalition (TMC) and American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), to name a few. Young has been recognized in newspapers and magazines, on websites, on radio, and on television for her work as a community partner. For more information on Young and her work, please visit nikkiyoung.biz.

Live Video Feed from Times Square NYE 2012

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:10:26 +0000

Happy New Year from Texas Music Journal!

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

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

By Sam Moore

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

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

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

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

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.

The Greatest Generation To Be Honored

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

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

The Red River Jazz Band

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

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

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

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

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.

Heidi Newfield Bringing Her Magic to Texas

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

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

Heidi Newfield

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

Bridgette Tatum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Another Successful Day of Giving

Sam Moore — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:07:42 +0000

As was hoped for, more Austin-area businesses, large and small, participated in Health Alliance for Austin Musicians’ 6th HAAM Benefit Day on Tuesday, October 4, and more acts performed live music throughout the city than ever before. The number of participating businesses topped 215, and the number of bands playing reached more than 170.

New records set also include the number of HAAMbassadors and community members who volunteered during the special day that recognizes the hard-working musicians in town and the organization that provides them with access to wide-ranging healthcare service programs, from primary medical care to dental care to vision, hearing and mental health/addiction-recovery services, with a focus on wellness and prevention.

More social media buzz circulated in cyberspace, and thousands used HAAM’s new custom mobile website and its schedule of music performances and venues to plan their day.

Most important, the 6th HAAM Benefit Day raised more money than ever before — $235,000, Health Alliance organizers report — for the expansion of those healthcare service programs and the number of member-musicians (more than 2,700 served) who benefit from them. That figure has come in from businesses that pledged 5% of the day’s proceeds such as presenting sponsor Whole Foods Market or made a donation as well as donations from Austin residents and matching grants from C3 Presents and Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association.

“We are grateful to everyone who came out and supported HAAM Benefit Day,” says Carolyn Schwarz, executive director of Health Alliance of Austin Musicians. “The day would not have been possible — nor the record-setting numbers — without the community behind us.”

The 7th HAAM Benefit Day is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

For more information on HAAM and HAAM Benefit Day and to donate: www.myhaam.org.

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.