Wade Bowen's Garage Mahal: Episode 6

Wade, his son Bruce, plus Caleb and Will from his band performing Lennon and McCartney's "Yesterday" .

Jillette Johnson at Tobin Center Saturday 11/11

Jillette Johnson is opening for Penny and Sparrow this Saturday night at Tobin Center!

Jillette Johnson is the rare artist who needs little sonic accompaniment to make an indelible impact. Produced by Dave Cobb (the Grammy Award-winner known for his work with Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson), Johnson’s sophomore album All I Ever See in You Is Me offers up sparsely orchestrated songs centering on her spirited piano work and ever-changing vocal texture, an instrument that’s irresistibly powerful whether she’s belting out a refrain or whispering a hushed melody. Like only the most timeless songwriters, Johnson finds infinite depth within that simplicity. Recorded at RCA Studio A—the historic Nashville space where Dolly Parton laid down “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in the same three-hour span—All I Ever See in You Is Me bears an unhurried pace and warm intimacy that echoes the purposeful looseness of its production. Drifting between hazy romanticism and resolute self-awareness, Johnson examines heartbreak and resilience with a willful and magnetic vulnerability.

links:
jillettejohnson.com
Facebook
Twitter
NEW ALBUM on Apple Music

Benefit For The BRAVE

Ben and I, August 2015
The world of music lost an amazing legend back in September. Ben "Lovey" Holliday Dorcy III left this world on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 at 92 years of a life well lived. Ben was the oldest living and working roadie, a term whose genesis was likely when Hank Thompson asked Ben to travel with him from gig to gig as a portable stage hand in 1950. This made Ben the first of a hard working breed of people behind the scenes at concerts that often go unrecognized. Ben mostly worked for Willie Nelson over the years, but traveled with and worked for most of the country music legends from the 1950's on, including many current and recent Texas/Oklahoma "Red Dirt" bands.

A benefit organized by 36D Management and Cody Canada to raise money for the New Braunfels Area Community Foundation (c/o Canada/Kelly Veterans' Fund) is being held on Sunday, November 12, 2017 at River Road Ice House. Artists performing at this event include Cody Canada, Adam Hood, Bart Crow, Dalton Domino, Parker McCollum and more. Tickets and more information are available at riverroadicehouse.com!

Jack Barksdale helping fight cancer

(DALLAS, October 2017) - Ten-year-old singer/songwriter, Jack Barksdale wants to help fight cancer the only way he knows how, with music.

His new song and music video, titled “My Mother” will raise money for cancer initiatives in North Texas through the Cancer Support Community North Texas.

“I wrote this song about how I felt when my Mom had cancer,” said Jack. “Thankfully, she is now three years cancer-free, but many aren’t as lucky. We’re hoping to raise money to help those families still affected by the horrible disease.”

Inspired by folk, rock and blues legends at an early age, Jack started performing original music at the age of nine and has already shared the stage with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Walt Wilkins, Wade Brown and Courtney Patton.

Since late last year, he’s played over 50 shows regionally and wowed audiences with lyrics wise beyond his years. Jack plays guitar, slide guitar, mandolin and ukulele, but identifies first and foremost a songwriter.

“I’ve always been surrounded by music and my parents have always taken my sister and me to live music venues,” said Barksdale.

The music video for “My Mother” will launch Wednesday, Oct. 25. The song will be available for download via the artist's website at jackbarksdale.com. A donation can be made when you download the song. For every $25 donated, you will receive an autographed poster from Jack.

All proceeds will go to the Cancer Support Community North Texas, whose mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. For more information on the Cancer Support Community, please visit cancersupporttexas.org.

Catch Jack onstage in the Fort Worth Stockyards Saturday, October 28th at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 at Fort Worth’s Magnolia Motor Lounge at 7 p.m. with local artists Keegan McInroe, Matt Tedder and Wesley Geiger.

Wade Bowen's Garage Mahal: Episode 4

Wade and his band put their spin on a 1970 John Fogerty tune made popular by his band Credence Clearwater Revival.

Got PICKS?

We have partnered with Lauren Ward to help with this effort. If you have picks you'd like to donate to this project, Billy's Ice in New Braunfels has agreed to be a drop location!

(Austin, TX)
Lauren Ward is a proud mother of three - including a 6th grader and 9-year old twins. She is also a 5 year breast cancer survivor.

The organization in Austin that provided her the most support, the Breast Cancer Resource Center, has a yearly fundraiser to support their efforts. This event, called Art Bra Austin, celebrates survivors by having them model bras, corsets and dresses handmade by artists around Texas. All of the works are auctioned, and the funds go to support patient navigation, support groups, language translation services, and more.

Lauren had made a piece every year of the last five years, including one that featured 1000 paper cranes folded by hand by she and her children. Last year. she made a piece out of guitar picks - and raised the most money that's been raised by a silent auction piece. To make 2018 even more special, in light of her five year mark, Lauren is trying to get guitar picks from artists and musicians all over the world. Each pick will be used in this wearble art creation that Lauren will model - and auction - next June to benefit BCRC and its programs.

So far, Melissa Etheridge, Reckless Kelly, Pat Green, Philip Sayce, and dozens of others (including two music classes!) have already donated some of their picks. Lauren is seeking the community's help in getting as many as possible to show the diversity of artists who support women fighting cancer, and to raise money to ensure that no one in Austin faces breast cancer alone.


Here's a story about her previous creation that brought "the most money ever for a silent auction piece" for Breast Cancer Resource Center, Austin

myStatesman - Austin mom turns Willie Nelson guitar picks into Art Bra Austin piece

Medicine Stone 5

The 5th year of Medicine Stone up in Tallequah, OK starts THIS Thursday, September 21, 2017 and runs through late in the night on Saturday night, September 23, 2017...

Here is the amazing line up for 2017, HOW do they do it??

Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
Randy Rogers Band
Shinyribs
Shane Smith & The Saints
Suzanne Santo (of honeyhoney)
The Washitas
Bri Bagwell
Aaron Einhouse
Jason Boland & The Stragglers
JD McPherson
Cody Canada & The Departed
Red Shahan
Sunny Sweeney
Jacob Tovar
Mike & The Moonpies
Dalton Domino
Bruce Robison
Raised Right Men
Red Dirt Rangers
Randy Crouch & Flying Horse
Charley Crocket
Turnpike Troubadours
Lucero
American Aquarium
Flatland Cavalry
Kaitlin Butts
Dave Kay
Charlie Stout
Dirty River Boys
Mike McClure
Jamie Lin Wilson
John D. Hale
Byron Berline Band
Thomas Trapp
Monica Taylor


MORE INFO at medicinestoneok.com

Wade Bowen's Garage Mahal: Episode 2

Wade and most of his band perform an acoustic version of John Mayer's "Queen of California" in episode 2!

Wade Bowen's Garage Mahal: Episode 1

Wade Bowen invites us all into his house (through YouTube) every other week so we can hear him play a song that he likes. Here's episode 1 with Wade covering Bruce Springsteen's "Loose Change".

New Album from Byrds and Burritos Chris Hillman!

Chris Hillman is one of the most influential figures in shaping good music over the past 5 decades. Hillman often faded into the background during his early days as bassist with The Byrds, but by the time their 3rd album "Younger Than Yesterday" was released in 1967, Hillman shared lead vocals on "So You Want To Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" with Roger (aka 'Jim') McGuinn, as well as putting down vocals on 4 other songs which he incidentally wrote as well.

This new solo project from Hillman is fantastic and very listenable. Hillman's masterful songwriting is very evident and shines through on each and every track. Chris Hillman has influenced an astonishing number of modern day poets, many of which may not even realize it.

Read more about this great snapshot of American songwriting, and check out tour dates and more below!

[press]
Nashville, TN -Chris Hillman, a founding member of the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and the Desert Rose Band, is widely acknowledged as a seminal figure in the creation of country rock and an architect of American popular music. On September 22, 2017, Hillman will release Bidin' My Time, his first studio album in over a decade. Tom Petty produced the album at his studio in Southern California. Hillman's longtime collaborator and co-founder of the Desert Rose Band Herb Pedersen served as Executive Producer.

Featured performers and guests on the recording include Byrds co-founders David Crosby and Roger McGuinn; Desert Rose Band alumni Pedersen, John Jorgenson, and Jay Dee Maness; Petty and fellow Heartbreakers Mike Campbell, Steve Ferrone, and Benmont Tench; Mark Fain, Josh Jové, and Gabe Witcher.

The album kicks off with a new recording of Pete Seeger's and Welsh poet Idris Davies' "The Bells of Rhymney," which the Byrds recorded for their debut, Mr. Tambourine Man. It's always been Hillman's favorite song the band ever recorded. Crosby and Pedersen contribute otherworldly harmonies to the tune, which swells from stripped-down folk into a layered rock-and-roll cry. "I decided to cut it again because I wanted to sing with David and Herb, two great tenors," Hillman says. "David just loves Herb's singing, and at 75 years old, David is still a powerful singer -- one of the best I've ever worked with or been around."

Another Byrds nod, "Here She Comes Again" was co-written by Hillman and McGuinn, and until now, had only been recorded on a live album in Australia. Hillman plays bass on the track -- the instrument he originally played with the Byrds but hadn't picked up in more than 30 years. "She Don't Care About Time" was written by Byrds co-founder Gene Clark, who died in 1991. Hillman had always felt the song, which was the original b-side to "Turn! Turn! Turn!," never quite got the attention it deserves.

Hillman also indulged in an exercise every songwriter craves: he reworked "Old John Robertson," first featured on The Notorious Byrd Brothers in 1968, to write "New Old John Robertson." An ambling story song about a kind old man who lived in Hillman's tiny hometown, the tune revels in Hillman's bluegrass roots. The album also includes interpretations of the Everly Brothers' "Walk Right Back," Petty's "Wildflowers," and "When I Get a Little Money," written by family friend Nathan Barrow.

Pre-order on iTunes
Hillman's originals confirm what a fierce songwriter he remains. Front-porch jam session "Such is the World We Live In" wonders what Hillman's great-grandfather would say about current events. The song epitomizes Hillman's distinct ability to bemoan ills without abandoning hope. Album standout "Restless," another self-penned original, saunters as Hillman delivers a muscly vocal performance. Honest but loving, "Given All That I Can See," a favorite of Hillman's he calls the record's "sort-of gospel song," is a timely call for mercy and grace in an era beleaguered by hate and fear.

The project captures a rarity: a seasoned artist who has never sounded better, making music with old friends for the sheer love of it. "I did everything I felt was right in the moment," Hillman says of the recording process, before adding with characteristic humility, "I did my very best. That's all any of us can do."

Here's Chris Hillman's upcoming tour schedule including TWO dates in Texas!
9/21Sellersville, PASellersville Theatre
9/22New York, NYCity Winery
9/23Fall River, MANarrows Center for the Arts
9/24Boston, MACity Winery
9/26Alexandria, VAThe Birchmere
9/29Duluth, GAThe Red Clay Theatre
10/1Nashville, TNCity Winery
10/4Newport, KYSouthgate House Revival
10/5Kent, OHKent Stage
10/6Chicago, ILOld Town School of Folk Music
10/7Edwardsville, ILThe Wildey Theatre
10/12Bakersfield, CABuck Owens' Crystal Palace
10/13Berkeley, CAFreight & Salvage
10/16West Hollywood, CAThe Troubadour
10/26-28Park City, UTThe Egyptian Theatre
11/8Baton Rouge, LARed Dragon Listening Room
11/9The Woodlands, TXDosey Doe Barn
11/10Austin, TXTexas Union Theater
1/27 (2018)Thousand Oaks, Ca.Scherr Theatre

Gary Kyle's "Rewind White" Coming Sept 15

Nashville, TN (August 9, 2017)-Songwriter, performer and producer Gary Kyle wears many hats, just never on stage.  He’s a generational Texan raising a big family and a big career with  a couple of acclaimed albums under his belt and five kids underfoot.  A consummate songwriter  and a robust entertainer, Gary’s live show echoes his deep Texas roots and the storied music scene that thrives there, and his writing style is the seasoned recipe found largely in the music city of Nashville.  It’s this kind of 50/50 concoction that removes all regional borders leaving Gary free to move about the “country.” It’s also the basis for his decision to release his brand new studio album in parts.  On September 15th, 2017, Gary will release Part I: “Rewind White,” a 6-song EP that projects the spirit of his big Texas soul.

Growing up just outside of Houston under the tutelage of musical parents, a very young Gary was scratching out lyrics from the time he could put pen to paper.  His urgency to write was a constant companion captaining him through a life infused with rich homemade love, personal family tragedy and a deep respect for the time allotted us in this life. He did well in school, went to college and got a sales job accompanied by a big devoted paycheck, yet nothing gave him the peace he found in creating music, a beckoning that rose above the cacophony of a “responsible life.” So, he changed direction towards his true north and over the last few years released two studio projects that saw four Top 30 singles on the Texas music charts including “Texas Strong,” the theme song for the nationally syndicated TV show “Lone Star Roads” with host and revered radio programmer, Justin Frazell.

“Rewind White” represents the Texas side of Gary Kyle. The first single “Tornado” characterizes the overall climate of this bona fide country music release and is already sweeping through radio and headed up the Texas Regional Radio chart.  When it comes to putting on the old cowboy boots and heading to the dance floor, Gary does it just right like on the rambunctious “So Good So Far” and the slightly more laidback “Late Night Runaround.”  And when it comes to the more tender spots of the human condition, Gary does it even better.  With a voice the listener can actually feel, he escorts you right to the barstool for a drink full of emptiness on “Champagne.” His precision with balladry is a well-honed skill that leaves no doubt that he has faced down demons of his past.  That is never more evident than on “Whiskey Dents,” a sober reflection about the ripple effect of an alcohol induced state, and by far the most powerful song of the lot. Overall, “Rewind White” is a trip down the familiar roads where Gary grew up in Southeast Texas.  In the spring of 2018 he invites you to take a trip with him around the Nashville landscape with the release of Part II “Rewind Blue.”

links:
GaryKyleMusic.com
Gary Kyle on Facebook

Miranda Lambert at Whitewater Amphitheater

Miranda Lambert's Highway Vagabond tour made a stop in New Braunfels for two nights in a row at Whitewater Amphitheater. Wade Bowen opened both nights at Whitewater, and will continue on with Miranda for two shows at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado in the form of he and Randy Rogers' Hold My Beer Tour.

It was a great night and I was told despite the fact they've had numerous shows sell out, they were expecting record bodies through the gates for the two shows. Wade Bowen is one of New Braunfels' many talented residents, and his opening for Miranda was not by any stretch a decision made at the last minute. In fact, Wade told a story about how when Miranda was 16 and would frequent Bowen's shows with her mother, she told Wade that when she one day made it big, she would have him open for her. I'm not sure how seriously he took her at the time, but her promise has come to fruition multiple times over. Both Wade Bowen and Miranda Lambert put on fantastic, high energy shows.

Miranda's last stop at Whitewater Amphitheater was in June of 2010 with her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour which also included Wade Bowen and a guest appearance of another New Braunfels resident Cody Canada. It was later that year in October when Cody and his former band Cross Canadian Ragweed played their final show ever at Joe's on Weed Street in Chicago.

Here are a few shots from the Friday night show!

Hang Out and Have Lunch with the Randy Rogers Band

(press)

The Randy Rogers Band just launched a two-week online auction in support of The MusiCares Foundation. The highest bidder will receive an ultimate prize pack to hang out and have lunch from Salt Lick BBQ with the band. They'll then receive two tickets and meet and greet passes to the Randy Rogers Band show at the Nutty Brown Amphitheater on July 29 in Austin, TX.


This package includes:

-2 General admission tickets to the Randy Rogers Band show on Sat. July 29th at the Nutty Brown Amphitheater in Austin, TX

-Meet and greet with Randy Rogers Band

-Catered lunch provided by Salt Lick BBQ with members of the band the day of the show

-Autographed merchandise package


The show will offer two hours of fiddle-fueled music from the band, including a performance of the band's current single "Meet Me Tonight" -- youtu.be/ayl1nvMAwPE

"Meet Me Tonight" is the fourth single off of the band's Billboard Top five album 'Nothing Shines Like Neon' and follows "one of the year's most essential country songs" (Billboard), "Tequila Eyes.

Bid on the "Hang Out and Have Lunch" package, here.


About The MusiCares Foundation
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Folk-grass marvel Sierra Hull in Wimberley this Saturday!

Sierra Hull is an absolutely amazing madolin player! As if that wasn't enough, she's an over all fantastic performer who writes most of her own music. Her 2016 release "Weighted Mind" received a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination. Sierra is busy touring the US this year, with 3 upcoming dates in Texas that include this Saturday (June 10) at Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley (as well as on Concert Window). She heads out at the end of June for a short European run.

"Sierra Hull has been recognized from age 11 as a virtuoso mandolin-player, astonishing audiences and fellow-musicians alike. Now a seasoned touring musician nearing her mid-20s, Hull has delivered her most inspired, accomplished, and mature recorded work to date; no small feat. Weighted Mind is a landmark achievement, not just in Sierra Hull's career, but in the world of folk-pop, bluegrass, and acoustic music overall. With instrumentation comprised largely of mandolin, bass, and vocals, this is genre-transcending music at its best, with production by Béla Fleck and special harmony vocal guests Alison Krauss, Abigail Washburn, and Rhiannon Giddens adding to the luster. Hull speaks eloquently, in her challenging and sensitive originals, her heartfelt vocals, and once again breaks new ground on the mandolin. Béla Fleck special guests on banjo on two tracks and duo partner, Ethan Jodziewicz, not only anchors the record on bass, but introduces us to a major new instrumental voice."

"I am so glad to have ended up being a part of this project." - Bela Fleck

"I think she’s endless. I don’t see any boundaries. Talent like hers is so rare, and I don’t think it stops. It’s round." - Alison Krauss


Josh Ward filling the charts, touring with Cody Johnson

Nashville, TN (June 5, 2017)-When taking a retrospective look at Josh Ward’s precipitous rise into the very coveted Texas music scene, it seems like his music is plugged into a perpetual power source that few newer artists are able to harness. His collective body of work spanning two full length albums has functioned like an inexhaustible machine amassing seven consecutive #1 hit singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. His latest album “Holding Me Together” picked up perfectly where his previous album left off with all four singles snagging the #1 spot, distinguishing him as a new generation heavy weight champion of old school country music. With the release of his new single “Change My Mind,” Ward continues his pace towards his next hit song, and also to new venue stages. Adding to his success at radio, his live show reputation has similarly turned hordes of music fans in his direction, and his peers have taken notice. In August 2017, Ward will accompany fellow honky tonker Cody Johnson on a West Coast tour, a perfect paring of authentic country music genius. Check tour dates here. joshwardmusic.com

After a few years of cutting his teeth on the touring circuit, Ward truly found his stride in 2012 with the release of his first full length album “Promises,” produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Greg Hunt. It seemed clear that radio had discovered their new banner artist in Ward with all five singles hitting the Top 20 on the Texas Music charts, three of those scoring #1’s-almost unheard of for a debut artist. Ward wrapped up 2013 as the Texas Regional Radio’s New Male Vocalist of the Year. When it came time to get back in the studio for his next album, Ward knew just where he was going…back to Rosewood Studios in Tyler, TX with the return of Greg Hunt behind the sound board. Their work on Ward’s third full length album “Holding Me Together” proved yet another triumphant collaboration. All four singles went to #1 on the TRRR Chart starting with “Highway,” and continuing with TRRR’s Song of the Year, “Whiskey & Whitley,” then “Somewhere Between Right & Wrong,” and finally with “Broken Heart.”

Through tenacity and hard work Josh Ward has grown into one of the most respected and appreciated musicians in the state. A well versed songsmith with a hauntingly traditional voice, his honest and visceral delivery of every song compels audiences to feel his lyrics with him as he takes them on his musical journey. From start to finish his latest album gives you the white-knuckle roller coaster ride Ward intended you to have. A thrill that translates meticulously to the stage with live performances that not only mirror the studio versions, but as a whole, has only one singular motive…to hold you hostage on the dance floor.

Medicine Stone 2017

(press)

Tahlequah, OK (May 23, 2017)-The 5th Annual MEDICINE STONE music event is scheduled for September 21st through the 23rd at the scenic Diamondhead Resort in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Having seen a 283% growth rate since the event’s inception in 2013, MEDICINE STONE stands alone as the premier outdoor Red Dirt music event and speaks to the momentous cult-like following of a unique genre made of motley sounds cultivated out of Oklahoma soil. This year the event creators have added a third hotel for lodging accommodations and also the RIVER STAGE for day time performances in order to satisfy the horde of Red Dirt music extremists who flock to the event from all over the United States. The 5th Annual lineup includes Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Boland and The Stragglers, The Randy Rogers Band, Cody Canada and the Departed, Shinyribs, Jonny Burke, Lucero, Mike McClure, Sunny Sweeney, Mike & The Moonpies, Kaitlin Butts, Bruce Robison, Aaron Einhouse, American Aquarium, Bri Bagwell, Dalton Domino, Dirty River Boys, Jamie Wilson, Randy Crouch & Flying Horse, Red Dirt Rangers, Byron Berline Band, Raised Right Men, Red Shahan, Monica Taylor, Shane Smith and the Saints, Thomas Trapp, The Washitas, and Jacob Tovar. Tickets for the 5th Annual MEDICINE STONE will go on sale via the event’s website on June 1st at 9:00 AM Central. Music fans are encouraged to snag their tickets early as the premier camping accommodations, RV spots and hotel rooms sell out within hours. Single day tickets go on sale August 1st. medicinestoneok.com

MEDICINE STONE offers a delicious array of food, beautiful landscapes, onsite amenities and an endless supply of delectable music to keep you fully satisfied! The event features the main stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and the Gravel Bar Stage, Mary Ellen’s Greenhouse Stage and the new River Stage for day time performances and after party gatherings. Details on the “The Deputy Chief of MEDICINE STONE 2017” contest will be released shortly. One incredibly lucky individual will get the chance to see it all from the other side, up close and personal and will serve as a direct liaison between festival goers and the festival production team. The lucky winner will kick off the event and introduce the first band on opening night from the main stage, and will receive two (2) three-day VIP access passes to the event and meet-n-greets with all artists, and a 2017 MEDICINE STONE T-shirt and koozie.

New music video from Jesse Stratton Band

(from Jesse Stratton's Facebook page)

We are proud to present the music video for "1981"! I wrote this song about the property I grew up on - a peaceful 4 acres of land at the end of a dirt road, with a beautiful view of the Texas Hill Country in the backyard. Wherever you grew up, hopefully you can relate to this song; it reaches out to sunny childhood memories of that place in time that I believe we all come to miss, that place called "home".



We hope you enjoy this video, and we would be very grateful if you would take a moment to share it after you watch it! As always, we truly appreciate your support. We love making music, so thank you for listening!

Thank you to Twin Sisters Dance Hall for allowing us to film portions of this video in their historic dancehall! Also, thank you to everyone who came to Twin Sisters and danced while we filmed! And finally, thank you to our sponsors, Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin and Hill Country Truck Store and Firearms!

Video credits:
Produced by Evan Manning.
Filmed by Evan Manning and Rickey White.
Additional filming by John Ohlinger and Jesse's parents, Gary and Jody Stratton.

New single and music video from Saints Eleven

(press)

Honky tonk troubadours, Saints Eleven, are riding the high waves of acclaim from their new album “Coming Back Around.” Produced by the iconic Walt Wilkins, the album quickly incited media applause with rave reviews across the nation calling it a riveting collection of profound musical bliss. The band’s brand new music video “Coming Back Around” is the next chronicle in an already impressive video library. TheBoot.com, one of the top sources on the latest country music news, and the outlet that gave a special premiere of the song before the album’s release, recently caught wind of the epic new video and premiered it on Monday, April 24th. Fans will also have a chance to win a vinyl 3-pack via TheBoot.com’s social pages.

See the video and more on The Boot!


“Coming Back Around” is the album’s first single release and the song that sets the definitive tone of the album. The entire collection symbolizes Jeff Grossman’s full circle journey in life, mistakes made, pain digested and resolve to wear those scars like a shiny new tattoo. The matrix-esq video was shot at Tellers Bar in Austin, Texas, and was produced by Van Scott Folger whose work with Uncle Lucius sold Grossman on the idea.

"This is one of my favorite songs on the new record. It's about making dumb decisions in life and learning from those mistakes. Yes, I know I screwed up, but give me a minute, I'll come back around. I had been talking to Van Folger, out of Austin, Texas, for a couple of months. Van had shot the video "Keep The Wolves Away" by Uncle Lucius, which is why I reached out to him. I thought that video was incredible. Then I received the script that the director Shrader Thomas wrote, and I was in. I thought it was brilliant! From the first ten minutes of being on the set the day of the shoot, I knew it was going to be a cool video."

Saints Eleven’s live show reputation has definitely moved them to the forefront of the music scene attracting music fans from all walks of life, and music business veterans as well. In fact, it was at a recent festival that music manager Bobby Turner caught the band’s set and struck up a conversation with them about working together. Turner started out in the entertainment business managing nightclubs and venues in Texas. In 1997 he became manager and booking agent for Cooder Graw, one of the pioneers of the modern Texas music scene. He was responsible for booking the band into venues throughout Texas and has been associated with them for 20 years. While getting back with the band to book their reunion tour, Turner noticed the obvious need for indie artist management, someone to take over the gears when demand becomes overwhelming for the artist. It’s that situation that inspired the company name, Shifting Gears Entertainment, and Saints Eleven is a proud new addition to the family. Turner’s instinct to sign the band was immediate and he is pumped about their new partnership.

saintseleven.com

“I grew up with Walt Wilkins, so knowing he believed enough in the band to produce their latest album was almost all I needed to know. I believe we were all on the same page after we met and really felt like we would work well together creating a true partnership in taking this to the next level. These guys have all the elements in place to hit the ground running, so it makes perfect sense for us to come together at this point in time.”

Trailer Alarms

If your job involves dragging musical gear around the state or all over the country, and whether you've invested hundreds, thousands or WAY more on your gear, shouldn't you spend a little more so that you have peace of mind and know your gear is better protected?

Trailer Alarms has solutions for you!

New music video from SHINYRIBS!

After playing his last show with The Gourds in 2011 to focus on his Shinyribs project, Kevin Russell was doing his thing in smaller bars with a very small band and blowing minds with his unique, original tunes and his VERY unique take on popular songs of numerous genres. In what seemed like a very short period of time he was selling out these shows and he moved on to larger venues with typically himself plus an 8-piece band. He SOLD OUT his CD release show for his new album "I Got Your Medicine" at Gruene Hall this past weekend and he is VERY much in high demand in and beyond our Texas music scene!

Here's a new music video for his single "Trouble, Trouble" from "I Got Your Medicine"!



Here's a little something I threw together to promote the sold out show at Gruene Hall with Jomo and The Possum Posse opening...

Prophets and Outlaws Perform for Dallas Cowboys



Prophets and Outlaws will be at River Road Ice House on Friday, March 10!


Nashville, TN (March 1, 2017)-It was not a typical Saturday night for Prophets & Outlaws who would normally have been on a faraway Texas venue stage performing for their diehard fans.  Instead, they were honored to be at Gilley’s performing their rendition of the Willie Nelson classic “Our Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” during the in memoriam presentation at the star-studded Dallas Cowboys 25-year reunion for the 1992 championship team.  This was a private charity event spearheaded by quarterback Troy Aikman with proceeds going to The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. The event was attended not only by the 1992 team, but by members of the 1993 and 1995 teams as well.  The Dallas-based band also performed an hour long original set before the ceremony commenced, and the entire experience will definitely go down as an all-star career highlight.  Catch the performance video on their Twitter page here.

“People can't imagine how literally perfectly the song ‘My Hero's Have Always Been Cowboys’ sums up how I felt about the early 90's football teams. Those players were my ‘high ridin' heroes’ and still are in a lot of ways.  I was honored to help pay tribute to their long lost coaches and teammates. Hopefully they won't forget that moment just like I won't forget so many moments they gave me.”  -Matt Boggs/lead singer of PAO

PAO is no stranger to the local sports realm having had their songs played regularly at the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers homes games.  You might have also heard their songs playing in the background during locker room interviews.  Their broad musical tastes, cultivated over a decade, continue to generate a huge buzz among industry folks, peers and music fans. Their latest EP "V" was released last year debuting at #21 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart and on the country side,landed TWO music spots on the hit television drama "Nashville" within one month's time.  They have performed at other prestigious events including Larry Joe Taylor Music Fest and Music Fest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Check tour dates here.   www.prophetsandoutlaws.com

"If you think you like these guys on the radio wait till you see em‘ live. These cats do it like they mean it"  -Larry Joe Taylor

"Matt's a great singer and these guys mix genuine country music with a sultry harmony of soul that fits perfectly in the groove of their band for an awesome sound."  -Curtis Grimes

“Led by Matt Boggs’ truly striking voice — it’s a true showstopper, rich and full and a little reminiscent of another soulful Texas star, Josh Weathers — Prophets and Outlaws breezily moves between Muscle Shoals and the Broken Spoke without breaking a sweat. You can hear the results of the band’s relentless road schedule in the crisp performances and feel the determination in every syllable.”  -Ft. Worth Star Telegram

“The five-song collection is a shining example of why the band is one of the brightest emerging on the Texas scene (or elsewhere for that matter).  Groovy, soulful and utterly unique.”  -The Daily Country

“The Dallas based band has taken up a notch and created a dynamic set of songs.  The guitar/drum ratio is perfect, just the right amount of cymbals, giving that vibe that screams blues in every sense of the word.”  -BluesRockReview

links:
prophetsandoutlaws.com
Their 2016 EP "V" on Apple Music
TICKETS for March 10th River Road Ice House show

Sam Riggs' "Second Hand Smoke" is Refreshing

Nashville, TN (Tuesday, February 28, 2017)-It’s been an incredible, and at times, overwhelming few years for Austin-based artist Sam Riggs since he burst onto the indie music scene in 2013 with a powerful debut album that quickly marked him as a brilliant new talent whose break into real stardom was a foregone conclusion.  His latest studio album aptly titled “Breathless,” the first to be released on his own label (Deep Creek Records) in 2016, has kicked Riggs’ steady career stride into a cross-country sprint that has left him lightheaded and gasping for breath, but he ain’t about to quit.  Last week he proudly released his brand new single “Second Hand Smoke,” a highly addictive love song that captured the attention of Rolling Stone Country who featured the young artist and showcased the acoustic video performance of the song.

"After writing ‘Second Hand Smoke’ with Matt Nolan, I was slightly spooked by how closely the song resembles me as a person. I have an addictive personality, and it pegs me 100%. Playing the song in front of a crowd for the first time showed me that so many other people relate to it as well, and in a very deep way... it's become an anthem of sorts- the anthem of the imperfect and afflicted. I've never seen a song take on a life of its own as much as this one has, and I couldn't be more excited to finally have it at radio. It's one of my favorite songs from the album, and it will always be one of my favorites to play on stage every night." - Sam Riggs

“Second Hand Smoke” marks the album’s third single release, and it definitely won’t be the last.  The unanimous acclaim surrounding this album was palpable right from jump, and almost a year later has not slowed down, proving there is still plenty of life coursing through this body of work.   The six-foot plus red headed troubadour is no longer one of the best kept secrets in Texas.  To date, he has garnered 7.6 million total streams on Spotify, over 2 million views on YouTube, over 30,000 Facebook followers, 13,000 Twitter followers and 21,000 Instagram followers.

“A painfully beautiful love song…much like the essence of a live show that’s left it’s aroma on your clothes.” –Brad Heitman (Operations Manager KORQ & KABW)

“Sam Riggs' new single ‘Second Hand Smoke’ shows off his ability to write great lyrics that everyone can relate to. By the end of the song, the one that got away will be all you can think of. This song is a hit.” -Craig Vaughn (Program Director KPUR, Cumulus)

“Long before this song made the record, Sam was kind enough to play it for me.  I told him I hoped that he would cut it as I thought it was a certifiable #1. This is the kind of song that will satisfy hard core fans and open the ears of new fans seeking solid, original country music.”  -Justin Frazell (Program Director KFWR “The Ranch”)

“Breathless” made its first huge imprint in the industry landing a #3 debut spot on the iTunes Country chart following close on the heels of Chris Stapleton and Sam Hunt. It ranked at #22 on the iTunes All Genre chart and #12 on the Billboard Country Album chart. The album’s first single “The Lucky Ones” has drawn over 900,000 stream son Spotify followed by the second single “High On A Country Song” that settled in at #6 on the Texas Country Chart.  He has been featured twice on the nationally syndicated TV show “Texas Music Scene TV ” with 9-time Grammy winning host Ray Benson, had a #1 hit music video on CMT Pure, landed a music spot on the hit TV drama "Nashville" and has performed on some of the region’s most prestigious stages including Music Fest in Steamboat Springs and Larry Joe Taylor’s Fest, where he has become a regular.  All this while still maintaining a tour schedule that boasts over 150 dates a year.  Looks like Sam won’t be coming up for air anytime soon. www.samriggsandthenightpeople.com

"The extremely listenable project (Breathless) seems the perfect vehicle to slingshot the young artist to mainstream success." -Country Weekly Magazine

“Here’s a special heads up for the producers of television’s ‘Nashville.”  Hire this fellow Sam Riggs as one of your songwriters.  Luke, Rayna, Deacon and the Exes could all benefit from his abilities. ”  -No Depression

links:
samriggsmusic.com
"Breathless" on Apple Music

Hayes Carll at Moore's Store in Ben Wheeler, TX

BEN WHEELER, TX, February 22, 2017: Ben Wheeler’s, Moore’s Store presents “An Evening with Grammy Award Winning, Hayes Carll” on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

Praised by Anthony DeCurtis as an “inheritor of the Texas songwriting tradition that includes Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker and Steve Earle,” Hayes Carll has garnered a reputation as one of the finest troubadours Texas has to offer. Often performing more than 200 shows a year, Carll has co-written with the likes of Guy Clark, John Evans and Ray Wylie Hubbard. In 2008, Carll won the Annual Americana Music Association’s “Song of the Year” award for his satirical “She Left Me for Jesus”. In 2015, Lee Ann Womack’s cover of his song, “Chances Are” won a Grammy for her and Carll. He is currently on tour promoting his new fifth album release, “Lovers and Leavers”.

On Saturday, March 4, 2017, Hayes Carll will be performing acoustically at Moore’s Store. The show is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. Moore’s Store’s atmosphere provides a personal experience between the artist and audience as well as free parking, great food and cold drinks.

Located in historic Downtown Ben Wheeler, Moore’s Store was opened in 1933 as a general mercantile and operated as such until it’s closing in 1992. In September 2009, Moore’s Store opened the doors again as a restaurant and live music venue that includes a full bar and dance floor.

General Information:

When: March 4, 2017 8pm
Location: 1535 FM 279, Ben Wheeler, TX
General Admission: $20 advance ticket, $25 at the door
Cocktail Table VIP Tickets: SOLD OUT
Parking: Free

To purchase tickets visit: mooresstore.com/music

New music from Charlie and the Regrets

When country music was becoming a thing, it was songs about every day struggles with things that most normal people could identify with, and a few songs about other real things like screwin' up and gettin' throwed in the hole. It was music about real life. There are definitely some great songwriters still out there that are keeping with the spirit of writing about real life, among them is Charlie Harrison of Charlie and the Regrets.

Charlie has a new album "Rivers in the Streets" coming out on Friday, February 24th. These are songs about the struggles of life, the ups and the downs (mostly the downs), sort of a "what to expect when you're expecting a hard time" guide.

You can see Charlie and the Regrets live the day before their official release date on Thursday, February 23rd at Superfly's Lone Star Music Emporium in San Marcos for a CD release show at 6pm! Go meet the band, hear them perform this new music live, and pick up a copy while enjoying some free beer!

PRE-ORDER on iTunes (or BUY if it's after February 24!)

Promo video for "Proud Man":

Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festival 5: Recap

also on
Five years have come and gone... When I started Music of New Braunfels, I wanted to do two things... I wanted to promote the live music and songwriter community in our area, and I wanted to help produce live music events for local charities or individuals that either need help or are doing good things for the community. With the help of the TX Citizen staff, the great folks at Freiheit Country Store, our songwriters and bands, a few great volunteers, as well as our wonderful sponsors both past and present, those dreams have been realized!

This year our beneficiary was Pink Warrior Angels, and we are honored to have been able to lend some support to these sweet ladies! They pair breast cancer survivors up with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. They do this to help them through the hard times they will surely go through, letting them know what to expect. When it is the right situation and they’re able, they help financially. This is a classy organization doing great things for people that truly need it!

This year we added a Friday night preparty with our official sound engineer and one of few who have performed at every single Blowin’ Off Steamboat Music Festival, B.J. Thibodeaux’s band Backwater Blvd. With a little creative scheduling, we ended up with a bonus set from Rumor Town as well! We are working on something really big for a Friday night kick off party next year, so stay tuned!

Video Highlights from BOSMF5!


First-timers Elisa Maria and Navy Blu kicked things off on Saturday at noon, followed by Brittney Nemec of the sister band TBA. TBA was with us in 2013 for a brief set, and this year Brittney went solo with some harmony vocals contributed by her Aunt Tisha and sister Aubrey.

We had acoustic sets with David Russell of Empty-Handed Vagabonds and Jason Scott, Dennis Jay with Bob Stafford and Mike Ethan Messick, then Tyler Derryberry and Neil Cooper finished out that run before kicking off the first full band set.

Carol Cochran and Two-Way Street, a staple in our musical diet at BOSMF, played some classic country favorites. Along with Carol, there’s Clark Grein on lead guitar, Pat Nichols on bass guitar, Kim Hanney on steel guitar, the drummer known only as “Fruit”, and vocals from every part of the stage!

An acoustic set from Billy Broome of Silo Road and Keith Hickle was up next, followed by more amazing BOSMF veterans, Kori Free and The Groove Hounds. Alli Mattice also returned for a fifth year and joined Kori for a few songs, and after Kori’s set we were treated to a full band set from the Alli Mattice Band.

Country sweetheart Kayla Ray joined the amazing Reed Brothers, Kyle and Keegan, for an acoustic set, then we closed out the night with two HUGE full band sets from Jomo & The Possum Posse and Smoke Wagon! If you’ve ever seen the “Guy On A Buffalo” YouTube series, that song is Jomo & The Possum Posse’s light-hearted albatross, much like Ray Wylie Hubbard’s “Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother” or Mike Ethan Messick’s “Everclear”. Smoke Wagon is one of my favorite local bands, they’re very high energy and put on a great show with a mix of red dirt and Texas Country covers as well as a growing catalog of GREAT originals that have already tipped into the top 40!

We hope you’ll join us for the Sixth Annual Blowin’ Off Steamboat Music Festival on Friday, January 19th and Saturday, January 20th, 2018 at Freiheit Country Store. Stay tuned here for more details!



Also in the TX Citizen!

BOSMF Spotlight: Kori Free & The Groove Hounds

Kori Free is one of VERY FEW that have been at every single Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festivals! The first year she was 14, and she blew us away! I knew then Kori was on a path of greatness, and we'll have her back every year that she'll still do it! This is now our fifth year, and Kori is back full band at 7pm with Alli Mattice sitting in for a few songs!


Voodoo Child - Phoenix Saloon - June 2016:


Learn more about Kori at facebook.com/KoriFreeMusic!

BOSMF Spotlight: Jomo & The Possum Posse

Granada Theater
We had Jomo and Jes of Jomo & The Possum Posse with us last year, but we have a WHOLE MESS of Possum this year, the WHOLE POSSE!

Ok I'll stop. But seriously, if you haven't experienced this band, then you're REALLY missing something! From the HIGHLY popular "Guy on a Buffalo" YouTube series that currently has around 25 million views between the 4 parts, to great original songs like "Do What You Like", "Girl from Acadiana", "Farts Ain't Funny" and many more, or even some of their great spoof covers. If you like this band half as much as I do, they'll be one of your favorites!

They'll take the stage around 9pm on Saturday, January 21st at Freiheit Country Store for our 5th Annual Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festival!

Explore their music on iTunes:

Dive into "Guy on a Buffalo" for the first time or reintroduce yourself to this greatness!


Or how about something like this Bone Thugs N Harmony cover?


Find out more about them at thepossumposse.com!

BOSMF Spotlight: Smoke Wagon

Bradford Coolidge Photography
I'm so excited about the 5th Annual Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festival!

Like every year we've got several bands and several acoustic song swaps...  This year, my friends in the band Smoke Wagon are closing out the night...  I've known rhythm guitarist Stephen since the 80's, we went to high school together, and I couldn't be more honored to know these guys because they have every bit of talent and potential needed to be one of the next great bands out of Texas that are in high demand across the country and even across the pond!  They started several years ago doing red dirt and country covers, but in the past three years they've added several original tunes written by lead singer Jay Brown and rhythm guitarist Stephen Ocshner, and now they've got a radio ready catalog of original tunes!  You're gonna like what you hear, I guarantee it!  (I'll pat you on the back and smile as if I'm sad for you if you don't enjoy it)  :)

Enjoy this video of one of my favorite Smoke Wagon songs, "Where Did I Go Wrong?".


Read this artist spotlight I wrote a little over two years ago about this great band, I can't wait for you to see them if it's your first time!

Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festival FIVE



What:Blowin' Off Steamboat Music Festival
When:Saturday, January 21, 2017
Where:Freiheit Country Store, New Braunfels
Why:Raise money for Pink Warrior Angels!
Cost:$10 minimum donation

This is the fifth year that Music of New Braunfels and TX Citizen have teamed up with Freiheit Country Store to produce this event, and we are very proud to have Pink Warrior Angels as our beneficiary this year!

Wait, it's a music festival, right? Here are all the performers!!

On Friday night we are gonna get the party started early! BJ Thibodeaux & Backwater BLVD will play, and Tony Taylor will open the show! We will have armbands for Saturday available on Friday night, but Friday IS a free show! Armbands are a minimum donation of $10, but we're trying to raise as much money as possible for Pink Warrior Angels, so feel free to open that wallet a bit wider if you can!

Saturday:
Jomo & The Possum Posse
Smoke Wagon
Kori Free & The Groove Hounds w/Alli Mattice
Carol Cochran and Two Way Street
TBA (Tristan, Brittney & Aubrey)
Erin Enderlin Kyle and Keegan Reed & Kayla Ray
Dennis Jay w/Bob Stafford
Mike Ethan Messick
Keith Hickle
Tyler Derryberry
Billy Broome
Kris Smith
Jason Scott
David Russell
Navi Blu
Elisa Maria
Hannah Jenkins

Check our FACEBOOK PAGE for the most up-to-date information!

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