TCM weekend schedule!

Bringing you the schedule a day early--everyone knows Thursday should be counted as the WEEKEND anyway!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Reckless Kelly - CD RELEASE Party - Rockin Rodeo in Denton, Texas
Seth James / Backporch Mary - Woody's Tavern

Steve Helms - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Rick Springfield - Wyndham Anatole Hotel

Eddy Raven - Stagecoach Ballroom

Zane Williams-acoustic @ Last Chance Saloon (in downtown Plano, Tx)

Zach Huckabee Band - Executive Surf Club

opening for Phil Pritchett (Acoustic) Corpus Christi, Texas

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff--The Garden Entertainment

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Josh Abbott Band w/Charla Corn- Billy Bob's Texas
Charlie Robinson - Silver Saloon in Terrell, Texas (Ladies get in FREE)

Zach Walther & The Cronkites / Ben Danaher - Woody's Tavern

Riverwood - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

County Road Zero at Lone Star Saloon in Richmond

Jeremy Lynn Woodall at Ben Hur Bar in Ben Hur

Brandon Rhyder - Hurricane Harry's in College Station

Scott Wiggins Band at Tumbleweeds in Houston

Amos Moses Band - Caddo St in Cleburne, Tx 9pm

Rich O'Toole - Crosswire 3330 NE Loop 286, Paris, TX

Robert Donahue Band - T-Bones Bar & Grill, 101 E Main St, Denison, TX

Jonathan Garcia Band @ Shiner Saloon (5th and Congress), Austin TX
Whiskey Meyers - Hank's in McKinney, Texas

Trent Willmon - The Mule in Commerce, Texas

Houston Live Stock and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff--The Garden Entertainment

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Saturday, February 27, 2010
Brandon Rhyder - Hank's in McKinney

Dale Watson & His Lone Stars - Stagecoach Ballroom

The Band of Heathens / Bruce Robison / The Trishas - Granada Theater

Jason Eady / Greg Schroeder - Woody's Tavern

Three Fools On Three Stools - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Stephen Pointer Band - Overtime Burleson, Texas

Chris Allbright - Wild Country Granbury, Texas

Tejas Brothers - Swiss Alp Dancehall in Schulenberg, TX

Josh Langston at Brazos Lounge in Mineral Wells

Shane Rogers Band at Rocky LaRue's in Lubbock

Sally Thieves at Old Town Saloon in Wichita Falls

County Road Zero and Mark Allan Atwood at Cypress Saloon in Cypress

Scott Wiggins Band Crazy Horse Saloon in Wichita Falls

Cody Riley Band - Click's in Tyler, Texas
Amos Moses Band - Turkey Creek in Alvarado (9pm)

Rich O'Toole - The Mule Barn 218 S.Hwy 156, Justin, TX

The Robert Donahue Band - Wall St. Duncan, OK
Zach Huckabee Band - Dead Fish Belton, Texas
Houston Live Stock and Rodeo BBQ Cookoff -- The Garden Entertainment

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Scott Wiggins Band Live with 106.9 The Ranch w/Jim Nash at the Rocket Cafe

make sure to get on out and support some Texas Country Music this weekend! raise that glass high in the air and salute these men & women for their hard work and devotion.

God Bless Texas!

peave, love & texas music!

betsy

(p.s. if you are confused as to why i am not Jessica it's because she has asked me to freelance this blog which goes with the Facebook page! I loveeee Texas Country too...so why not team up on promoting it to everyone!)

Oma Gruene's Secret Garten

My weekend in the Hill Country wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the most relaxing and historically rich town of Gruene, Texas! This being a Texas Country Music blog we wanted to showcase a local establishment that has a strong connection to the music and embodies everything Gruene.

I sat down with Paul Davis and Tracy Graves, owners of Oma Gruene's Secret Garten to find out the history of the land, their connection to the Texas music scene and what exactly one can expect from a visit.

"We just blindly stumbled into it," Graves said of the pairs tie to the Texas Music scene. After meeting Davis in Austin and selling light fixtures together, Graves said she thought having Oma Gruene's Secret Garten would be a fun hobby to have on the weekends; it soon became a lifestyle.

The historic patch of land this establishment lies on is the back yard to Oma Gruene's (one of the grandmothers of the founding family) house, which used to be the congregating area for hands who worked in the fields and down by the river, Graves said. The pecan grove was originally built by the Gruene family.

"They [the workers] would have barbeques and camp out, it was like a public park to them," she explained.

For just about two years, Davis and Graves have ran this quaint German-American restaurant/Texas music venue and have come a long way while still keeping the spirit and sameness of the land intact.

Local and devoted customers donated wooden picnic tables to the Garten after the duo was having trouble coming up with the funds to purchase the amount needed themselves, Graves said.

"I found a great deal on the tables and started talking about them one day, and they [the customers] began pulling out their checkbooks left and right to help," she said. "We made a fun thing out of it and said, 'Okay, this is your table. You can call me and I'll save it for you.'"

Each table has a gold plate attached, engraved with the name of the donor and some have saying on them too. The table I sat at said "Texas Music Lives," quite appropriate don't you think.

A few months after getting settled, the music was brought in and the Garten has been showcasing talents of Central Texas and the Hill Country almost daily on their two stages. One outside, built by Graves' father and the Underground--a small intimate stage area in the basement of Oma Gruene's home that seats about 30 people.

"We actually have all kinds of music on stage, though most of it is the Americana type, we've had a Reggae band out here before," Davis said. "Like attracts like and the people kind of come to us."

Davis also pointed out how strong and tight knit the music scene is in the Hill Country; "The artists really support each other and can call one another up if they suddenly become sick to fill in for the night--there is a lot of talent in Central Texas," he said.

Talent interested in playing at Oma Gruene's Secret Garten need to call ahead and book a show or come out on a Wednesday night for the "Songwriter's Showdown." A five dollar entry fee and you're on stage performing your songs for an audience of judges.

An open mic style competition, the "showdown" winner goes home with a cash prize and that week's title. Depending on how many contestants enter, accounts for the number of songs each songwriter plays to the crowd. After the first round the non-participants, or the audience, then votes on the top three who go head-to-head for the win. Eventually those musicians who did not make the finals vote on the winner--another example of the strong and motivating musical community.

"This is a very happy place," Graves said with a smile beaming from ear to ear. "Not even Gruene itself, but this backyard...this little patch of land. We get to see people at their absolute best, not thinking about work, just a snow cone or a cold beer."

Even for the short amount of time I spent in this historical haven, I could tell the amount of passion and hard work that is put into making Oma Gruene's Secret Garten a relaxing, care-free, enjoyable place for everyone involved. I can't wait to get back down to Gruene and spend some quality time in Oma's backyard, listening to great Texas music and taking in the surroundings.

For more information on the Garten, fan their Facebook page and remember, "Oma Loves You!"

peace, love & texas music!

betsy

Josh Abbott @ Midnight Rodeo

This past Friday I ventured to the Hill Country to see one of my favorite Texas artist in one of my favorite Texas towns--Josh Abbott in Austin!

Josh and I after the show with the new album

After their second album, "She's Like Texas" debuted at #3 on the iTunes Country Music Albums chart, just behind Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift, the Josh Abbott Band has been (and will be) celebrating with CD release shows all over the state.

As one of the fastest growing Texas Music stars, Josh has skyrocketed onto the scene and built an adoring and devoted fan base. This show at Midnight Rodeo was one of the best I've seen from him and the crowd was bigger than ever. He and his band mates make a strong connection with their audience by taking the time to say a few words between songs and trying to relate the lyrics to real-life experiences.

"This next song is the first one off the new album and it's all about road trippin' with your friends and drinkin' Boone's Farm Wine," Josh yelled to the crowd as everyone cheered, whistled and raised their drinks in the air.

Speaking of Road Trippin', --which draws you in from the moment the first chord is played--these lyrics talk about taking those long-weekend road trips with your best friends and not having a care in the world. He continued to play new songs from "She's Like Texas" and some more familiar ones like, Taste, Scapegoat and one of my personal favorites, Evil Woman.

Josh Abbott though, wouldn't be complete without his band; and let me just say, this is quite a group of musicians. While Josh introduced his band mates (as he does every show) these four other men rocked out for the crowd and took a bow. Preston Wait on the fiddle and electric guitar, Daniel Almodova on the bass, Gabe Hanson on the electric guitar and Edward Villanueva on the drums.

Check out Josh's tour page to see when he'll be traveling to a venue near you and if you haven't yet, buy "She's Like Texas" and see for yourself what all the excitement is about.

peace, love & texas music!

betsy

TCM weekend schedule!

You can ALWAYS count on Texas Country Music to fill up a weekend! Take a look at this weekend's schedule and find a show that is just perfect for you & yours!

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FRIDAY: February 19th

Brandon Rhyder - Billy Bob's Texas

Wade Bowen - Gilley's Dallas (on stage at 10:30)

Johnny Cooper w/ Lee Brice @ Hurricane Harry's, College Station, TX

Josh Abbott Band CD Release Show @ Midnight Rodeo, Austin, TX
Rachel Stacy - ROUTE 66 "PRE - SALE CD RELEASE PARTY!" OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma

Steve Helms - The Mule Barn in Justin (Music starts at 8:30p)

Chara Corn - Bono's in Decatur
Charlie Robison - Gruene Hall
Kat Daddy - Railhead BBQ In Willow Park

Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward / Rob Baird - Woody's Tavern

Rick Springfiled - Winstar World Casino

Trail Blazer's Showcase - Texas Theater - Free Admission 7:00 P.M.

Tejas Brothers - Love & War in Plano, TX
Noah Caveny - LaGrange in Dallas, TX

Phil Hamilton & The BRD Double Headliner @ City Limits, Stephenville, TX
Kyle Bennett Band @ Floores Country Store, Helotes, TX

Cody Johnson Band @ Grampy Larry's in Willis

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SATURDAY: February 20th
Jason Boland and The Stragglers (w/Ryan Beaver) - Gruene Hall
TRES MEDLOCK CD Release Party - Texas Theater

Randy Houser - Billy Bob's Texas

Rachel Stacy - Dan McGuinness Pub Moore, Texas

Johnny Cooper - Red Moon (Ennis)

Bart Crow Band - Gilley's Dallas

Eddy Raven - Stagecoach Ballroom

Tommy ALverson - Luckenbach

Chris Allbright - Horny Toad Cranfills Gap, Texas

Tejas Brothers - Bostocks in Stephenville, TX

Steve Helms Band at Raihead BBQ
Scott Wiggins Band w/The Josh Peek Band - Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall in San Antonio, Texas
Seth James / Backporch Mary - Woody's Tavern

Gary Allen (PBR:Built Ford Tough Series) - Cowboy Stadium

Zack Walther & The Cronkites - Mule Barn

Honeybrowne - Hank's Texas Grill
Phil Hamilton & The Backroad Drifters - City Limits
Anson Carter Band - Rockett Cafe & Club
Kyle Bennett Band - Gilley's Dallas
Eli Young Band - San Antonio Rodeo

Roger Creager w/ Cody Johnson Band @ Armadillo Ballroom, Brazoira, TX

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SUNDAY: February 21st
Wade Hatton - White Elephant Saloon- Songwriters in the Round-Sun @ 2pm
The Ranch Roadhouse (106.9/107.1) Rockett Cafe & Club

**Sharla Manry Benefit at Pearl's Dancehall in Fort Worth (Stockyards) from 2-9pm - Tommy Alverson, Randy Brown, Max Stalling, Kevin Deal, Ed Burleson, Blacktop Gypsy. Benefit show, $10. cover, lots of auction Items. Music starts at 2:00. Great lineup, Great cause.

**Deryl Dodd - Cowboys Arlington (8p-12a) - Benefit for Fallen Arlington PD Officer Chris Story
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=318739867255&index=1

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Raise your glass/bottle/what have you, to those who devote their life, heart & soul into making Texas Country Music what it is!

peace, love & TEXAS music!

Betsy

WIN a Gibson guitar & FREE Brandon Rhyder music

ATTENTION all Brandon Rhyder & Texas music FANS!!

Brandon is giving away a CUSTOMIZED & signed Gibson guitar and an iPod NANO (stocked with all 6 of his CD's) in a drawing!

PURCHASE "Head Above Water" on iTunes before Friday, Feb. 19th at 5pm & send a snapshot of your purchase or iTunes receipt information to brandonrhyder@gmail.com to be entered in the contest!

Support Texas Country, Support Brandon Rhyder & WIN!!

Winners will be announced via facebook Friday before Brandon takes the stage at Billy Bob’s CD Release show Friday!!

See BR's FACEBOOK for more current information & the Texas Country Music Concerts page for constant concert updates!

peace, love & TEXAS MUSIC!

Betsy

NEW releases!

Two amazing Texas musicians released new albums yesterday and have already had a huge response from the fans!

"She's Like Texas" is a continuance of the Josh Abbott Band's "Brushy Creek" EP which came out in August 2009. His talent and amazing lyrics have quickly pushed Josh to one of the fastest (if not THE fastest) growing Texas Country singers since Pat Green. Be sure to check out his tour dates to find out when you can catch Josh live.

This Friday he's playing at Midnight Rodeo in Austin, TX for a "She's Like Texas" CD release show and will be spending tomorrow, Feb. 18th in Tyler, TX; in stores at Hastings starting at 6pm and then a show at The Down Under Pub afterwards.

Brandon Rhyder has been around the Texas Music scene for quite a while now and keeps putting out record after record of amazing hits and songs that speak to his fans. "Head Above Water" is his 6th album and is sure to be just as amazing as the rest. Check out his tour schedule to see when BR will come to a venue near you.

Today at 5pm you can catch him in store at the Waterloo Icehouse in Austin and tomorrow night in Longview, TX at The Levee. For those of you in the DFW area, go see him at the "World's Largest Honky Tonk," Billy Bob's Texas, Feb. 19th tickets on sale now.

Don't forget to check our Facebook Fan Page for up-and-coming talent, shows and more!

peace, love & texas music!

Betsy

Charla Corn

Okay girls!

So you know wheile we are driving down the road, putting on makeup, fighting traffic & looking for a great upbeat...fierce girl cd to listen to then you must get Charla Corn's New CD called More Than I Should. She has written so many great songs on here like...Break my Heart Tonight, Where did all the Cowboys Go, Lie A Little (great song) & She Ain't Always Been an Angel.

I had the opportunity to sit down with her for an interview, she is such a sweet & humble woman with an amazing voice.

Take a minute an check her out...I promise you will be ROCKIN out to her too.

http://www.charlamusic.com/

www.myspace.com/charlamusic

Upcoming Concerts:

2/19/2010 - Bonos - Decatur, Texas

2/20/2010 - Cow Pony - Weatherford, Texas

2/24/2010 - Baker Street Pub - Fort Worth, Texas

2/25/2010 - Banita Creek Hall w/Josh Abbott Band - Nacogdoches, Texas

2/26/2010 - Houston Stock Show & Rodeo (4pm) - Houston, Texas

2/26/2010 - Billy Bob's Texas w/Josh Abbott Band - Fort Worth, Texas

2/27/2010 - South Plains College - Levelland, Texas