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Contents FEATURES Steamboat Springs, CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Still a Western Town 29th Annual MusicFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Nothing new, nothing improved… just more! Nutrition Corner: "Cheers!" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Backstage Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 with Jon Grossman of Uncle Lucius MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend: Dean Dillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Make Yourself Heard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Evolution of Radio and Music Promotion

DEPARTMENTS

BECKER VINEYARDS

Welcome to MusicFest by Dean Dillon . . . . 8 Let It Snow: Micky and The Motorcars . . . . 11 Walt Wilkins – Real Life, Real Music . . . . . . . . . . 19 MY Other Gig – Etan Sekons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 From The Rankin Twins MY Rig – Warren Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 KUSP Songwriters Program Highlights New Talent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Music Reviews – Jessie Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 MusicFest Artists’ Bios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 MY Top 10 Vinyl – The Washers . . . . . . . . . . 54 Americana, Texas & Lone Star Music Charts 62 The MusicFest Magazine is distributed throughout the Southwest USA and directly mailed to all 50 states, several countries and read by hundreds d of thousands. DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! Go to dicksonproductions.com or themusicfest.com for your FREE subscription. Have a comment or questions? Advertise to over 200,000 (hard copy) and over 300,000 (online) dedicated readers. Email us at info@themusicfest.com.

On The Cover: Todd Purifoy captures a snowy performance on the MusicFest Outdoor Stage with Micky Braun of Micky and The Motorcars.

VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE! BigSkiTrip.com, theMusicFest.com and DicksonProductions.com SUBSCRIBE! For subscription inquiries, write to info@themusicfest.com

The MusicFest Magazine is: Publisher/Editor in Chief:. . . John Dickson Managing Editor:. . . Eleanor Sawyer Assistant Editor:. . . Lauren Danser Ellerbee Art Director:. . . Ron Crose, Pranamedia Graphic Designer:. . . Lisa Herbert Advertising: . . . Sarah Hearne, Matt Naftis Contributing Writers:. . . Howie Doyle, Lauren Danser Ellerbee, Jon Grossman, Vince Messina, Kathleen O'Keefe, Wendy Jo Peterson, Jessie Scott Photography:. . . Todd Purifoy, Carl Dunn, Ron Crose TheMusicFest.com:. . . Pranamedia

As you endeavor on your musical odyssey, do not just stop at reading this publication. We urge you to go online and research your favorite artists and venues. Educate yourselves by reading these other respected and informative publications: Texas Music Magazine, Best in Texas, Lone Star Music Magazine, and Country Line Magazine. No matter who you are, or where you are, as a reader of this publication and a devoted follower of the music it supports, we all have something in common: an unfailing enthusiasm in our hearts for the crafting of well-made music, and a quest for adventure that this authentic music scene has shaped and produced.

The MusicFest Magazine is published biannually by Dickson Productions, Inc. 6425 S. IH 35, Suite 150 PMB#293, Austin Texas 78744. Copyright 2013 by Dickson Productions. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the USA. This magazine or its trademarks may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented without written permission from the Publisher. For subscription inquiries write to info@themusicfest.com. Website www.themusicfest.com. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for views expressed herein by contributors or claims made by advertisers. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for care and return of unsolicited materials.

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John Dickson Photo: Carl Dunn

George Strait to Roger Creager to The MusicFest Magazine Ten Years!

n 1979, I started bartending at the Gristmill Restaurant and pitching in at Gruene Hall on those really busy New Braunfels nights. George Strait, Asleep at The Wheel, and Jerry Jeff Walker were some of the “house bands” that played at the Hall in those early days. Needless to say, those were amazingly good times to enjoy music at the “local dancehall.” When Strait performed, I made sure to get to the Hall as quickly as possible, not to bartend, but to enjoy a great time with the local cowboys and cowgirls. One night, I remember leaning against the bar telling local cowgirls Julie and Bebe, “This guy is really good. I’m surprised he’s not playing huge arenas.” At that moment, The Ace in the Hole Band started playing “Silver Wings,” and we all headed for the dance floor…again, amazing times. We’re elated to present Dean Dillon as this year’s MusicFest Tribute to a Legend Honoree. A truly incredible artist who has played an integral part in Strait’s exceptional music career, Mr. Dillon graciously provides his “Welcome to MusicFest” in these pages, giving us a feel for the great tribute to come. We also greatly appreciate George Strait for sending his accolades to Dillon in the tribute feature article. Just down the road from Gruene, San Marcos’ Cheatham Street Warehouse was also hosting shows back in the day, with Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a slew of talented performers who would become the starting ground for artists like Todd Snider, Terri Hendrix and Randy Rogers – to just name a few! Cheatham Street’s owner even allowed THIS young promoter to present his first concert. THANK YOU, Mr. Kent Finlay! We’ll honor Cheatham Street, and its more than 40 year history incubating some of Texas’ finest talents, with a special MusicFest show hosted by its owner and founder, Kent Finlay. So get ready for some great Texas music and stories from those who share the Cheatham experience. MusicFesters can look forward to all of this and more in the MusicFest’s marathon musical lineup. Lastly, it was over ten years ago that I struck up a conversation with some teenagers in a Houston suburb. I heard some familiar tunes cranked up in their truck that prompted me to ask, “Who else do you guys listen to?” They replied, “Marshall Tucker, Skynyrd, Allman Bros.,” obviously influenced by their parents! I said, “Then you must really like Randy, Boland, Wade, Stoney, Ragweed, Reckless, Roger,” and they looked at me kind of puzzled. I realized Houston’s pop country stations didn’t play this genuine music (and at that time social media was still in its infancy), so they didn’t have access to real Texas music! I gave them all the CD’s in my truck and told them, “You’re gonna like this.” It was then and there that The MusicFest Magazine concept came to me, with the goal being to expose music aficionados of all ages to this exceptional music scene, and to hopefully entice a curious reader to see just ONE live show…and of course to also spread the word about the amazing artists and event that is the “namesake” of the magazine! The MusicFest Magazine has grown tremendously in content and readership in both the print and online versions, and has focused on the same goals that originated from that encounter over ten years ago. I thank all who have assisted with the creation of this publication over the years, and I’m certain it has helped to expose more fans to the unique art known as Texas/Red Dirt/ Americana music. I hope you enjoy this issue’s coverage of both the veterans and newcomers to this amazing music scene. And be sure to share it with someone! Hope to see you slope side. Cheers! – John Dickson

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Welcome

A MUSICFEST WELCOME F r om De an Di llon Texas has always held a very special place in my heart. I remember the first time I went there on tour and the fervent crowds that greeted me. They were different. They listened more intently than any other audience I had ever played for. And I think it was because they "lived" the songs, not just sang along with them. Over the years I have had the opportunity to hang and write with some of the most prolific songwriters in the world: Robert Earl Keen, Lee Ann Womack,

some Texas songwriters, and let me tell ya something. They brought it. All of 'em. Great songs sang with great emotion, honesty and heart. I was also impressed with the camaraderie all of them shared with each other. There's not a better feeling in the world than to be told by a fellow writer that they love your music. There's just not. Makes you feel like you've accomplished something with your life. After all, if you live, sleep, eat and breathe it, it's nice to know that another

I can't wait for January 4th. I look forward to seeing some of my old friends and making some new ones.

ellow songwriters, musicians, friends, and strangers, welcome to this year's MusicFest at Steamboat. In 1979 I was sitting on the front porch of a house on 18th Avenue with my friend Frank Dycus, popping tops on a few cold ones, when a friend of ours by the name of Blake Mevis pulled up to the curb, rolled down his window and said he had a new guy he was gonna produce a record on, by the name of George Strait. At that moment, life as I knew it changed forever.

and Stoney LaRue just to name of few. Oh yeah, and Bruce Robison and did I mention Robert Earl Keen? There's just something in the water in Texas that quenches the soul of anyone there who ever laid pen to paper, because there are so many who will lay you out with their ability and infinity for this thing we call Country Music. I came to the MusicFest for the first time the year Lee Ann Womack was honored. I had the opportunity to play a few shows with

person who lives, sleeps, eats and breathes it wants to talk to you about living, eating, sleeping and breathing it. I can't wait for January 4th. I look forward to seeing some of my old friends and making some new ones. So, bring a guitar, pencil and napkin from the last restaurant you ate at and who knows, for the next five or six days, we might write one or two.

–Dean Dillon

Contributing Writers, Extended Family Get Real For The MusicFest Magazine Jessie Scott Scott is a partner at Music Fog, a video blog venture promoting the Americana music scene, and a founding member of the Americana Music Association. Scott was one of the first female on-air personalities on a major market Top 40 station, the first female jock on the AM dial in New York and she also hosted a nationally syndicated show. The first female Program Director hired at XM Radio, Scott’s channel became the most listened to Americana music station in the world.

Lauren Danser Ellerbee Lauren Danser Ellerbee is a native New Orleanian and LSU graduate, but she settled in Austin, Texas as soon as she could. Her lack of musical talent fuels her enthusiastic appreciation for what others do so well, and she feels very fortunate to be able to express her passion through writing. Lauren enjoys traveling and learning, as well as sharing time, food, and music with the ones she loves.

Wendy Jo Peterson, MS, RD Wendy Jo is a dietitian/ nutritionist who specializes in sports nutrition with a particular interest in fueling the athlete in every musician. You can find her tweeting about “good-eats” and healthy living or catch her on the road working with musicians to modify their 12oz nutrition plans!

Do you love Texas Music? Do you love to write? Maybe you should write for MusicFest Magazine! We're always looking for those who enjoy doing what they love. Send an email to Eleanor Sawyer at eleanor@themusicfest.com if you're interested in contributing as a writer. Articles in this magazine are the opinions and experiences of other people. The MusicFest Magazine cannot be held responsible for the reliability of events, press releases or news printed or the actions and occurrences during any events, press releases, or news printed. We do not confirm submissions from promoters, public relations representatives, or outside news sources, but simply provide postings as a community service to our readers. All collaboration or verification of such postings is the responsibility of the reader prior to relying on such information for any action that may be taken on their behalf or on the behalf of others. We suggest you confirm the locations and lineups of promotions before attending any event listed.

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Friends of the Fest

Let it Snow Micky & The Motorcars Celebrate Ten Years of Performing at MusicFest We sat down with Micky Braun and asked him about the MusicFest Outdoor Stage, the band's most memorable moments and what they have cooking for the future. Here's what Micky had to say...

Micky Braun of Micky and the Motorcars play the Outdoor Stage at MusicFest, 2003

Photo by Todd Purifoy

What was your first impression of MusicFest?

The first time we pulled into the 'Boat I really didn't know what to expect. All I had heard from Reckless Kelly and Cross Canadian Ragweed was it was a great time that we didn't want to miss. Coming from those two groups of guys, I knew it had to be true. I was blown away by how many Texans had made the 1,120 mile trip across snow covered roads to party in the Rockies. I was even more blown away by how many of them knew how to ski. Nonetheless, after my first day and night at MusicFest I knew exactly why they had come and I knew that I too would be making the trip every year until I wasn't asked back.

Your photo is on the cover of this issue of Musicfest Magazine. What can you tell us about that day you played in one of Steamboatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic snowfalls on the outdoor stage?

That day was great!! I think it was our third MusicFest. I remember talking to John the previous summer and him saying that some of the bands didn't want to play out there because of the cold; of course being from Idaho and wanting to show off my ability to handle the cold I said The Motorcars would love to do it. Well he got me hook, line, and sinker. That was the coldest show we had ever played. But it was also one of the most fun. Opening up for Jack Ingram to thousands of people stumbling up from the hotels and skiing in from the slopes while the snow just kept coming down made it seem like we were in a movie. The next summer when I over heard John talking about nobody wanting to play outside 'cause it was too cold, I got my Austin Texas ass up and got out of that room as fast as I could.

What is your most memorable moment from MusicFest, and what do you enjoy most about the event?

My favorite moment at the Fest was the first year we played there. We were playing at Bear River to a rather calm bunch that was told they had to stay seated for the show. The first thing I did when we walked

on stage was ask everybody to stand up and drink and dance and just have fun with us. Lucky for me they did, and to this day it's in my top ten favorite shows I've ever gotten to play. I love everything up at MusicFest, from watching friends play at jam sessions, skiing, hot tubbing, playing shows, and cooking in the room with friends and family.

How have Micky and the Motorcars evolved over the past ten years both musically and songwriting aspects?

Looking back on those first couple of years, we really were a baby band with so much to learn. I think between then and now, musically and writing-wise, we have covered so many more miles and actually lived through the things that we sing and write about. I think it makes it easier to sleep at night knowing that you're not just a poser who's clever with a pen. It's made it much easier to have real emotion on stage performing songs now that we actually know what we are singing about.

What is in the works for Micky and the Motorcars in the near future?

At this point we are headed to Germany in September for a three week tour for our third time. We have been working on songs for a new record for a long time and are really just trying to line up all the stars for when we can put our heads down and get in the studio. Other than that the usual heavy tour schedule, lots more writing, and staying healthy and happy.

If somebody were to ask us where you could be found at MusicFest, what would the answer be?

I would like to say at the top of the mountain at 11am just getting ready to make my third run of the day. But to be more realistic you would probably find me bumbling the halls of the Grand Hotel, looking for a jam session or my room.

update SongwritingWith: Soldiers

HLN News aired a 30 minute prime time special on July 4 about SongwritingWith:Soldiers called, Stories of Courage: Soldier Songs. Anchor, Robin Meade, even joined Darrell Scott and Darden Smith to collaborate on a song with two soldiers called, "Be Right Here, Right Now." See clips, stories and more at: www.hlntv.com. Additional videos, photos and songs can be found at www.songwritingwithsoldiers.org

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Ski Town, U.S.A.

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Steamboat Ski Town, U.S.A.® and The World Famous Champagne Powder® Snow Photos by Larry Pierce Story by Mike Lane

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teamboat is home to the driest, lightest and fluffiest snow on the planet, which falls in abundance each ski and snowboard season including the notoriously snowy month of January. In fact, over the past decade, the resort has averaged nearly 29 feet of Champagne Powder snow blanketing the slopes in Ski Town, USA. All that snow piling up makes for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in North America, supplemented by Steamboat’s legendary tree terrain, incredible mogul runs, challenging terrain parks and miles of groomed trails for all ability levels.

This is the kind of town where folks say hello on the slopes and share their stories over a beer in the bar. Steamboat is a real ranching town, where cowboys still make a living off raising livestock, but spend their downtime swooshing down Mt. Werner. It’s also a town with deep roots that mix skiing and authentic western spirit. Steamboat has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in the United States and many former and current athletes still call this special place home. Steamboat’s Winter Olympians have represented 11 different countries/ territories, made over 135 Olympic appearances during 18 Winter Games. Don’t be surprised if the person next to you on the lift looks familiar a month

Steamboat was selected as one of the World’s Best Ski Towns by National Geographic, one of the Best Mountain Towns by Men’s Journal and one of the Best Ski Resorts in North America by Outside Magazine. later. You just might recognize them on television during the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Steamboat is a one-of-a-kind place and with so much history you often forget that the best ski days may be yet to come, especially this January. But don’t just take our word for it. Steamboat was selected as one of the World’s Best Ski Towns by National Geographic, one of the Best Mountain Towns by Men’s Journal and one of the Best Ski Resorts in North America by Outside Magazine. As you’ll find out on your visit during MusicFest 2014, Steamboat is the land of the free, home of the brave and playground of red-blooded powderhounds. Steamboat launched its most significant onmountain restaurant improvement in nearly a decade with the new multi-million-dollar Four Points Lodge. The roughly 13,000 squarefoot facility is located in the Storm Peak/ Four Points area. In addition to the physical attributes, the menu focuses on natural, healthy upscale menu items featuring local ingredients, fresh made salads and pastas.

Over at The Steamboat Grand enjoy the intimate gathering spot of the Cabin Bar & Restaurant; it’s the perfect location to relax with friends. The Cabin Bar features a complete menu, with signature brews and unique steamboat libations. With more than 100 bars and restaurants at the ski mountain and in town, it’s easy to find the kind of nighttime adventure you’re looking for. For a place that feels a million miles away, it sure is easy to get to with nonstop flights from several major US cities including Dallas and Houston and connecting service from 200+ more cities right into Steamboat/Hayden (HDN). All that’s left for you to do is pile into the car or hop on a plane, get to the 29th Annual MusicFest and enjoy a boatload of music, genuine friendliness and western hospitality, Champagne Powder® snow and the best resort community in the world. Welcome to the time of your life in Steamboat – Ski Town, U.S.A.® Happy Trails!

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The MusicFest

The 29th Annual MusicFest: Nothing new, nothing improved… just more of what makes MusicFest… well, MusicFest. by Kathleen O'Keefe

ack when the MusicFest first started, the music lineup only offered daily afternoon shows at the Bear River and nightly concerts that showcased ‘up and comer’ artists like Roger Creager, Doug Moreland, Cory Morrow, and other acts that were revitalizing Texas’ Americana scene. ne. ne The venues were intimate, and the crowds ds weren’t so big that audiences couldn’t hear ar the amazing performances. The MusicFest st crowd wanted to kick back and listen just ass much as it wanted to rock out and party, so so a variety of shows and venues were added d over the years. The schedule grew and now w the entire week is jam-packed with all kindss of amazing performances and one-of-aakind shows. Well, just like the old adage, the e more things change, the more they stay the e MusicFest. same sa me e at at Mu Musi ssiicF cFes est. tt..

MusicFest pays close attention to feedback from festival-goers, so there are always new and/or improved venues at the festival and this year is no different. In fact, this year there will be TEN venues to choose from, offering 150 HOURS of music in a wide variety of concert settings. The Th Sheraton Ballroom has been added as Th a brand new luxury venue, which will surely give giv fans some tough schedule choices to gi make, maa between the Sheraton Ballroom’s tiered m seating and Vegas style cocktail table seating seaa se and an n the more rockin’ shows that take place every evve year in the sumptuous Steamboat Grand Hotel Ho Ballroom. Either way, you’re in for luxury and an nd incredible shows.

Photo by Todd Purifoy

MusicFesters can also ski right up to the M Mu Outdoor Stage, which is now a permanent O t Ou fixture f xxttu featuring two shows a day that are fi open ope op e to the public, compared to just a few years y a ago when one or two concerts were ye offered outdoors during the whole week. Not o fe of e a whole lot has changed about the festival itself, w wh MusicFest is just offering more and more of the M Mu uss music m mu mus us you love!

The camaraderie is what really sets MusicFest apart, and that seems to stay the same no matter how well-known the artists are nowadays, and no matter how many awesome options are presented to festival-goers each night.

The festival still retains that intimate feel, mostly because it has added great venues over the years in order to keep up with the festival’s growth, which is still limited compared to what it could be. Today, the MusicFest sells out in record time every year because the spots are so limited, but now there are so many shows to choose from that the audiences still feel small and the crowds still feel like a community that just wants to a) listen to great music alongside their friends and family, b) enjoy the fine skiing and winter wonderland that is Steamboat, and, c) have the experience of a lifetime while doing so. The camaraderie is what really sets MusicFest apart, and that seems to stay the same no matter how well-known the artists are nowadays, and no matter how many awesome options are presented

Not a whole lot has changed about the festival itself, MusicFest is just offering more and more of the music you love! to festival-goers each night. It’s pretty much impossible to make it to every show, but every show is worth making it out of your ski lodge, even if your legs are sore from skiing all day and you were up until 5am at a condo jam session last night.

Kick up your heels in the dancehall tent if you’re in the mood to sing along with a big crowd and turn the amp up to 11 or chill out by the fireplace and enjoy an intimate acoustic performance in a lodge setting. We've got whatever kind of music experience you're looking for – from upscale and contemporary like the new Steamboat Base Club (a.k.a. The MusicFest Country Club) or rustic and casual like the hugely popular set up at the Dung Beetle Saloon (now to feature 12 hours of music each day at the Grand, by demand)! No doubt there’s a plethora of very appealing show options at MusicFest, whether you witness legends jamming onstage together or a new upcoming artist that you’ll want to tell everyone about. That’s what’s new for MusicFest 2014…just more of the same good stuff that MusicFesters want!

2013 Lone Star Music Award The MusicFest receives top honors by Lone Star Music Awards: Festival of the Year as voted for by the fans!

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Nutrition Corner: Drink to Your Liver

CHEERS! by Wendy Jo Peterson, MS, RD

opious amounts of liquid libations can definitely do a number on your body — specifically your liver. Bringing on large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis lowers your immune system, causes brain damage, can lead to depression, increase facial acne, and let’s face it: it makes your liver hate you!

Let’s be honest. The music scene is a perfect backdrop for tipping back some beers and sipping on margaritas. Sometimes, drinking turns into more of a recreational sport than something in moderation. But in all seriousness, it’s important to be kind to your liver! The liver plays a key role in: • • • • •

Controlling infections Removing bacteria and toxins from the blood Processing nutrients, hormones, and drugs Making proteins that regulate blood clotting Producing bile, which helps absorb fats – including cholesterol – and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

But if a night of binge-drinking is on your horizon, there are a couple things you can do nutritionally to soften the blow to your liver and make the following morning a little more bearable. • • •

• •

Take a B-Vitamin Complex. Particularly important are Vitamins B1 [thiamin] and Folic Acid. Eat more hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and tomatoes. Avoid greasy foods. They may taste good, but they just add to the workload of your liver. At least get the tacos with a soft shell instead. Sip on water between every drink. Chug it if you must. (And no, not just any drink on ice counts!) Slam back 16-32oz of coconut water before you zonk out for the night.

Your body wants to get rid of the excess toxins, and although people may tout or try to sell you a “liver cleanse” diet, the principles may not work and could even be dangerous. Instead, follow the above rules and help your liver heal with food. Of course, limiting alcohol can drastically improve results as well… (Just a thought.) Top tip: If you happen to find an Outlaw Food Truck sitting outside your next concert venue, my “Roadie Nutritionist Approved Selection” to ward off hangovers is the Platinum Pork Tacos with a side of the Borracho Beans! In the meantime, consider staying hydrated by making your own drinks with ingredients high in water content.

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Try these creative & yummy

recipes: Water-tini 6 oz of watermelon fruit 1.5 fl oz vodka Lime wedge Place the watermelon and vodka into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour contents into a chilled martini glass and serve with lime wedge.

Cantaloupe Margarita 1 cup cubed cantaloupe 1/4 cup orange juice 1.5 fl oz tequila Mint garnish Place cantaloupe, orange juice, and tequila into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into your favorite glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Honey Whiskey 1 teaspoon honey A splash of sparkling water 1.5 fl oz whiskey In a glass, combine honey and sparkling water. Stir until honey has dissolved. Pour in a shot of whiskey and give it a final stir.

Real Music

Walt Wilkins

is Real Life, Real Music at the Historic Dosey Doe by Howie Doyle

f necessity i is i the h mother h off invention, i i then Texas singer-songwriter Kyle Hutton’s thriving Real Life, Real Music series is, as inventions go, as good as it gets. In the early days of his own musical journey, Hutton became hooked on “the stories and hearts behind the songs” after visiting the venerable Blue Bird Café in Nashville. He found himself in need of shared inspiration from others as passionate about songwriting as he was. Fast-forward to the year 2006, when Texas entrepreneur Steve Said transported a massive, 150-year old barn from Kentucky, and reconstructed it at the gateway to The Woodlands, Texas. Almost everyone falls in love with Dosey Doe when they enter its expanse. The inner space of that big barn has an almost perfect acoustical signature for live music (and the coffee and food are huge bonuses for the area’s gourmands). Michael Martin Murphey himself has said, “I will gladly tell anyone that Carnegie Hall cannot compete with Dosey Doe.” Hutton knew, when he first walked into the venue, that he’d found the place to foster his need for sharing and appreciating great songwriting. Now in its 12th season, Real Life, Real Music has become an important outlet for Texas music artists. The series has proven beyond successful, to the tune of almost 160 shows thus far. The live tapings are edited and broadcast across a growing, syndicated network that includes eight Texas markets, as well as a new addition in San Luis Obisbo, California. One of Real Life, Real Music’s best-loved musicians with roots in Texas soil is Walt Wilkins. In fact, Hutton has booked Wilkins into the series more than any other performer. “For me, personally – and I think for our listeners – Walt’s music is Real Life, Real Music . When he paints a picture with words, he renders it true-to-life. He is an accomplished craftsman, and his delivery resonates with honesty.”

Hutton explained that these songwriting traits are at the Real Life, Real Music series’ core. “When I listen to Walt perform,” Hutton said, “I get the same sense of magic and inspiration that caused me to explore music in the first place.” On a recent night in May, Wilkins performed with his band, the Mystiqueros. Before the show, he was asked why he thought he has been such a series favorite. “I don’t even like talking about songwriting…” Wilkins begins, then pivots mid-sentence, “but with Kyle, it’s easy to talk to him about it. And the name of the series is great.” Wilkins’ simple answer revealed one of the artist’s most endearing qualities: his lack of egotism. He is happy to tell you how he is, but never how great he is. Many have discovered that on their own, of course, including the core audience of the MusicFest. At last year’s event, Wilkins shared the stage in-the-round with Bruce Robinson, Michael Martin Murphey, and Larry Gatlin. The result

was, in the words of the MusicFest promoter John Dickson, “stellar.” To the veteran Wilkins fan, every venue becomes the affable artist’s living room and every audience his family. During his recent Real Life, Real Music performance, Walt shared the news that country music artist Kellie Pickler had just released his song, “Someone Somewhere Tonight," as the first single off her next album. He then launched into a story about his touring van, an aging machine which he and the Mystiqueros have just about run the wheels off of over the years. “Of the five doors on the van, three of them worked until yesterday,” he recounted, “when the driver’s door of the van quit working…So I can’t get into the van from the driver’s side.” Pause. “So… I hope Kellie Pickler’s song does well so I can get the driver’s door fixed.” Wilkins’ good humor put a smile on every

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"Walt’s music is Real Life, Real Music. When he paints a picture with words, he renders it true-to-life. He (Walt Wilkins) is an accomplished craftsman, and his delivery resonates with honesty.”

Photos by Dave Clements, DWC Photography

www.

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BACKSTAGE

PASS

with Jon Grossman of Uncle Lucius beer and laughter fill the hallway, while lovely bartendresses dispense libations with a smile…

he shuttle pulls up, unassuming beneath the awning of a teeming hotel. Your heart races, all anticipation. A crowded throng lines up outside; without a glance their way, one of the uniformed doormen whisks you in the door, where you scale a staircase into a magnificent chandeliered lobby. Just beyond the check-in desk, another impatient throng shuffles their feet, anxious to enter the sacred confines. With one flash of your wrist, the staff is all smiles: “Welcome! Glad you’re here.”

Life is good for the MusicFest Artist VIP. Whatever stress and strain may build up all year, a week in the altitude and the atmosphere washes it clear away, as sure as a bottle of free whiskey can be the tastiest remedy. Texas’ answer to the Telluride Film Festival does not disappoint, a winter retreat where fans and artists mix and mingle, while all attention is devoted to skiing and celebrating art. My first year at Steamboat, in 2011, served as an introduction the Texas scene, of which I’d been mostly unaware while living in Kentucky. I learned quickly that it was a musical universe unto itself, where fans

I learned quickly it was a musical universe unto itself, where fans and artists share a tunnel-vision devotion to one another. And so begins the artists’ evening at the Steamboat Grand Hotel, nerve center of The MusicFest. In a scene reminiscent of GoodFellas, the staff invites you into the bowels of the hotel through labyrinthine hallways to the kitchen, each step of the way feeling halfway between a gift and a theft. Finally your footsteps arrive backstage at the Grand Ballroom, where a yet-denser crowd of Texas music’s best and brightest awaits in all its glory. Free

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and artists share a tunnel-vision devotion to one another. What follows are highlights of my three years as festival goer/ performer, and hopefully it will provide the uninitiated with an interesting – although certainly not comprehensive – take on the Steamboat experience. The aforementioned GoodFellas entrance is as good a place as any to begin. I arrived there at the crack of noon one day this past

year in a state of disarray, but salvation awaited my serpentine journey through the hallways. I arrived backstage at the ballroom, and followed my nose to a pot of warm chicken and dumplings soup. (Few sights are so welcome after a long night partying at unfamiliar altitudes!) While various tech and crew milled about, I ate and watched John Townes Van Zandt soundcheck for that afternoon’s tribute to his father, Townes. Neutralizing my hangover seemed as fitting a tribute as any for the honoree. The Annual Artist Tribute provided me an opportunity to get to know the Texas scene, which is filled with humble, accessible folks, right to the very top. I was completely clueless my first year, when I joined Uncle Lucius in honoring Rodney Crowell, and didn’t recognize the man himself sitting at a table directly in front of the stage. Afterward I shared a cigarette with Kevin Welch; he didn’t flinch when I told him I’d never heard him before, but that I enjoyed his set. His humility proved characteristic of the scene’s stars. Our band’s horn section had a blast this past year backstage, meeting Johnny Lee as he held court in his alligator boots and snakeskin jacket. What began over a beer in the hallway ended with me looking up and seeing Tiger and Mark onstage with Johnny himself, jamming along with his band. Again, the kind of accessibility unique to Steamboat.

The artists’ lounge in the Grand provides the setting for several highlights. It hosts the check-in festivities, where artists are positively lavished with swag above and beyond anywhere I’ve ever played: health food and wine, fleeces and hats, and an open bar besides. As though these gifts weren’t enough, few things give you a feeling of importance like having guitars to sign that will later be auctioned. I made a point to sign every one, as though my anonymous signature would add tremendous value to them. It’s easy to feel pretty important strutting around Steamboat with an artist’s wristband, soaking in the perks. On a shuttle ride, I found myself chatting with a friendly young lady from Lubbock, who spied my wristband and inquired as to my band. A moment later her shriek “Uncle Lucius!” focused everyone’s attention squarely on us. Though a little embarrassed, I happily listened to her lumbering account of her friend who introduced us to her and which songs of ours they especially liked. Distracted by my brief brush-up against free shuttle celebrity, I missed my stop, and with a big

Finally your footsteps arrive backstage at the Grand Ballroom, where a yet-denser crowd of Texas music’s best and brightest awaits in all its glory. the DJs quizzed each artist in turn. The embarrassment of talking about yourself in front of fellow artists gradually gave way to each of us talking up the other, for surely having none other than Seth James praise your group carries more weight than a thousand of your own words ever could.

the piano. Whenever I liked, I could have a staff member open the piano and sit down to play, soon to be surrounded by a mellow crowd whose grins matched my own. I even took tips one year; I believe there’s a fiver still wedged inside the soundboard somewhere.

The temporary buzz of that interview quickly faded, as returning to the lobby I realized I’d missed my slot at the Dung Beetle open mic. Again, don’t let success distract you from the path. Never let so-called fame keep you from where you want to go!

I was fortunate enough to befriend some wiser, more experienced festival goers who led me to the hotel’s seventh floor sanctum, where fancy suites feature songswaps after hours (most every night). These intimate occasions are probably the best way to hear music, with no electrification to interfere with the passion and honesty of the performance. One year I heard Kyle Park swap with Cody Johnson, whose pained warble sounded almost perfect in the din of the early morning. Kevin Fowler joined in later, singing a cappella, using his beer for a microphone.

There were more conventional musical triumphs as well, with no better setting than the properly-touted "Giant Tent." If you can’t feel larger than life on that massive stage, you never will! Uncle Lucius made it there for the MusicFest jams, where we managed to leave our mark as

Despite its massive scale, the MusicFest spirit is most exemplified in moments like these, when worldly concerns fade away, leaving only music and its unbridled enjoyment. It doesn't take a backstage pass to appreciate. grin I hopped off, now at the bottom of a giant, snowy hill. My several blocks’ hike was warmed with the lesson I had only just then learned – never let fame distract you from the path. Other times the artists’ lounge provided a nice respite from the nonstop hubbub of the hotel. Making my way through the GoodFellas hallway one afternoon, I hung out there for several hours, with only a stray Braun brother to disturb my solitude. Later I was joined by a couple small children (belonging to The Trishas), whose grandparents watched them while their mamas attended to interviews upstairs. The interviews take place in a seventh-floor suite, where yet another VIP boondoggle awaits the lucky visitor. After helping myself to a healthy spread of snacks and booze, I joined a round-robin session, as

the festival source for Black Sabbath. One year it was "War Pigs," but this past year we celebrated the passage of Colorado’s Proposition 64 with a spirited rendition of "Sweet Leaf," complete with Cheech on trumpet. Smoking a celebratory cigarette afterward, I saw Randy Rogers emerge from the handicapped port-a-potty, cementing my feeling as a true insider. Many of my favorite musical moments came in informal settings, long after our scheduled shows. The Grand lobby was a constant staging ground, never moreso than this past year, when it seemed like every possible opportunity was spent gathering a song circle or circling around

Watching him in all his drunken devotion I was struck: beneath this cowboy hat stood a great man. Later, I and another unknown, Hunter McKithan, tried our best to wrangle the crowd with our tunes; their apathy turned to chit-chat and soon the party had broken up. Following my wise guide, I found myself in yet a plusher suite, where the song swappers included Michael Martin Murphey, Matt Skinner and Wade Bowen, with Cody Braun on fiddle. I listened to a few rounds, impressed with the quality and conviction of each. This too wound down though, and I headed downstairs, confident that the fun had concluded for the night.

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Watching him in all his drunken devotion I was struck: beneath this cowboy hat stood a great man. www.

bigskitrip. c o m

by Kathleen O'Keefe

erusing Dean Dillon’s whopping list of songwriting credits is almost dizzying. There are so many, it would almost be easier to list the top country artists who have NOT recorded songs either written or co-written by the prolific songsmith from East Tennessee, who now spends much of his time in Gunnison, Colorado with his wife, Susie.

Dean Dillon is undeniably a songwriter’s songwriter, a proven master of the craft, as he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2002 alongside Bob Dylan and Shel Silverstein. Dillon has been one of Music City’s most consistently successful songwriters for over 30 years, and his songs are beloved by literally millions and millions of people worldwide.

Dillon has been one of Music City’s most consistently successful songwriters for over 30 years, and his songs are beloved by literally millions of people worldwide. Artists who have recorded songs either written or cowritten by Dean Dillon include: George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Randy Rogers Band, Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, The Marshall Tucker Band, John Anderson, Travis Tritt, Pam Tillis, Vern Gosdin, Shenandoah, Paul Overstreet, Tracy Byrd, John Michael Montgomery, Gary Stewart, Doug Stone, Sammy Kershaw, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner, Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Reba McEntire, Keith Whitley, David Allan Coe, Tanya Tucker, Kenny Chesney, Shelby Lynne, Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Gary Allan, and Kellie Pickler, to name a few. Then, of course, there’s George Strait, aka “King George,” who has recorded over 50 songs written or co-written by Dean Dillon, including 13 number one hits, among them “The Chair,” “Unwound,” “Nobody In His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” “Ocean Front Property,” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.” A 2006 article on CMT.com called George Strait and Dean Dillon “one of the longest-running hit machines in country music history.” When The MusicFest Magazine asked George Strait what makes Dean Dillon such an incredible songwriter, Strait replies, “I think what sets Dean apart for me is his melodies. They are just a little different. He’s also a great lyricist and has great song ideas.”

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Born in Lake City, Tenessee, Dillon was the son of a single mother who sometimes struggled to keep food on the table. After she remarried, Dillon was shuffled between his grandparents’ in Detroit and a new step-grandparent in Virginia, while the rest of the new family went home to Tennessee. Dillon, feeling alone and displaced, took comfort in the guitar, which he began playing at the age of seven. He began writing his own songs, which were influenced by emotive, honest writers like Merle Haggard and James Taylor. At the age of 15, Dillon won a talent contest and began appearing as a regular performer on Jim Clayton’s "Star Time Variety Show" in Knoxville until he graduated from high school. In 1973, Dean Dillon hitchhiked from Knoxville to Nashville with just $40 in his pocket.

"I slept in a coal bin underneath a house on Music Row." Dean Dillon described his early days in Nashville in recent article published on Knoxville.com. “I slept in a coal bin underneath a house on Music Row,” says Dillon. “That was modis operandi in the 1970s. Kris Kristofferson was a janitor and slept in his car. I didn’t have a car to sleep in! It’s what you had to do. All those hard times I had growing up made it into songs.”

Today, Dillon is the mentor songwriter helping out younger artists, as he writes alongside artists like Randy Rogers and others who catch his ear. In 1976, Dillon was cast as Hank Williams in Opryland’s Country Music Show, and through a friend he caught the attention of producer and publisher, Tom Collins. Collins gave Dillon his first publishing deal, and within a few weeks Barbara Mandrell had cut three of his songs on her album Friends, Lovers, and Strangers. In 1979, Dillon had his first No. 1 hit with Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius’ version of “Lying in Love With You.” Dillon began working with established songwriters including Frank Dycus, as well as celebrated songwriter, Hank Cochran, who immediately recognized Dillon’s natural talent. Cochran, renowned for hits like “I Fall To Pieces” and “Make The World Go Away,” taught Dillon “everything he knew.” Cochran and Dillon would write many hits together, including “The Chair” and “Ocean Front Property.” In 1979, Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus had just written a new song called “Unwound” when their friend and producer, Blake Mevis, dropped by looking for songs for a new artist from Texas named George Strait.

hit number 25 on the charts and later would become a number one hit for George Strait. In 1981, RCA paired Dean Dillon with singer-songwriter, Gary Stewart, and the hard-living duo released two albums, Brotherly Love in 1982 and Those Were the Days in 1983, before going their separate ways. It would be five years before Dillon released his next two albums on Capitol Records. 1988’s Slick Nickel, featured “I Go to Pieces,” a song that climbed into the Top 40, followed by 1989’s, I’ve Learned to Live. Dillon continued to pursue his own recording career, all the while continuing to write songs for other artists. Dillon released two more albums on Atlantic records, 1991’s Out of Your Ever Lovin’ Mind and Hot, Country & Single in 1993 before deciding to write songs for other artists full-time. In 2007, he released Dylyn, a ten-song collection available via his website, followed by another digital release in 2009, Perfect Day. Before Strait makes a new record, he always makes an appointment to go over Dillon’s latest material. Strait tells

"If it was a new artist, you didn’t pitch them your top drawer stuff. But when I heard George sing, I threw that out the window. I pitched him everything I had." “I was going to pitch it to Johnny Paycheck,” said Dillon in the Knoxville.com article, “but Paycheck was in jail. In those days, if it was a new artist, you didn’t pitch them your top drawer stuff. You wanted your great songs to go the Haggards, Cashes, Lorettas, Dollys. But when I heard George sing, I threw that out the window. I pitched him everything I had.”

The MusicFest Magazine, “I’ve only done one record without a Dean song on it and that was only because Dean brought me a song written by a couple of new writers he was trying to help out. It was that song that eventually took one of his songs off the record.” Today, Dillon is the mentor songwriter helping out younger artists, as he writes alongside artists like Randy Rogers and others who catch his ear.

“Unwound” was released in April 1981 as the single from Strait’s debut album, Strait Country. It peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and began a legendary string of chart-topping hits for Dillon and Strait.

Dean Dillon is not your average hit songwriter. Dillon is a standout legend in his own right, having created some of the most heartfelt songs in history, each one its own unique legacy.

Between 1979 and 1983, Dillon himself charted eight times as a recording artist, releasing 12 singles for RCA Records, including “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,” which

The MusicFest and Center for Texas Music History is honored to present Dean Dillon as the 2014 MusicFest Artists' Tribute to a Legend Honoree, as he is more than deserving of this recognition. George Strait agrees, saying, “We’ve been friends for a long time. He deserves to be honored at MusicFest for sure, and I wish him all the best.”

Photo by Terry Calonge

George Strait tells The MusicFest Magazine, “He deserves to be honored at MusicFest for sure, and I wish him all the best.” www.

bigskitrip. c o m

MY Other Gig Q&A with Etan Sekons

Other Gig

From The Rankin Twins he assumption that musicians do ‘nothing but music’ could not be further from the truth. Here’s to artists who continue to break barriers and set standards...both on and off the stage.

Do you have a skydiving license? Yes. There are four levels – A, B, C, and D. The level of the license is based on the number of jumps done. Since I’ve jumped over 500 times, I have my C license. I hope to get my D license someday. I also have my FAA parachute rigger’s license. It’s important to stay current with skydiving to be as safe as possible. It’s like

we jump from 14,500 feet. You can jump from higher, but would need supplemental oxygen on the plane.

At what altitude do you pull your chute? e? Normally, by 4,000 feet. That’s plenty enty of

“Any skydive that you can walk away from is a good skydive.”

What made you take an interest in skydiving? It was adventurous, different. My friend and I had been talking about trying it for years, so one day I just called and signed us up. That weekend, we went and did two jumps each. It wasn’t what I thought. You actually have an amazing amount of control over your body in free fall. Since you jump from so high and have no point of reference to see how fast you’re falling, it feels like you’re floating. You can fly in different positions – sitting, head down, and standing. You can also shoot your body forwards across the sky at tremendous speeds, called tracking.

How long have you been skydiving? When I was skydiving regularly, I did it consistently for about six years (approximately 500 jumps). It’s been a few years since I’ve jumped though.

You mentioned you haven’t been skydiving in a few years. Why not? It’s very expensive. When you start out, you’re doing tandem jumps, and then student jumps, which can be upwards of $200 each time. Once you have your license, you can jump for about $25 per jump. You can easily do five to six jumps a day, and I’ve done as many as ten in one day. It adds up.

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being a pilot. Sometimes you only have two or three seconds to respond to an emergency situation. You need to constantly train for emergencies if you expect to be able to react that quickly. Skydivers talk a lot about safety and study any incidents that happen in order to avoid them in the future.

Have you had any near-death experiences? I’ve had a couple close calls. One time, my main parachute malfunctioned and I had to “cut away” (which means to release the parachute) and open my reserve. I landed safely though. Another time was during a “big way” formation skydive with 22 people. We had all just separated into clear airspace to open our parachutes. I pulled mine, and as it was inflating someone fell past me in full free fall, less than 20 feet away. When you’re flying down, you’re going anywhere from 120-160 mph, depending on your body position. If we had impacted at 120 mph, we would likely both be dead.

What altitude do you have to reach in order to jump? You can jump from as low as 4,000 feet but you would have to pull your parachute immediately (called a hop and pop). Sometimes we do this just to work on canopy skills and landing. Most of the time, though,

time to deal with emergencies. Most consider 2,000 2 000 feet to be the absolute hard deck.

Do you have any memorable moments? So many. One of my favorites was skydiving over Byron Bay in Australia. We jumped over the water, and the landscape was intensely beautiful from the sky. Another cool moment was on a free fly jump with my friend and a photographer. We flew up to each other in a sitting position. We flew toe to toe for a moment and then I was able to walk up onto his knees, then shoulders, and then his head. It was a maneuver I had been working on for a while, and we got it on tape. When you’re skydiving, the sky is like a big playground!

Is skydiving a part of your creative process? I find skydiving to be very inspiring. It’s as much a spiritual pursuit as it is a sport. Performing on stage and being in free fall have a lot of similarities. First, you spend countless hours practicing and visualizing the things you are going to do. Then, when it’s time to perform, you need to just get out there and do it without worry, and forget about everything to enter that “zen-like state” or “zone.” It’s the same if you’re playing music, or jumping out of a plane.

MY Rig

Warren Hood's B y Wa r r e n H o o d

Tools of the Trade

have been playing music professionally for most of my life. I began playing violin at age 11 and was touring in country and bluegrass bands by the time I was 15. I would describe my style as a blend of classical, swing, country, bluegrass, and jazz. People often ask me if I play violin or fiddle, and my answer seems to change depending on where I am or what mood I’m in. The next question is always, “What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?” Well, my dad [Champ Hood] used to say, “About $5,000.” But the truth is, they are actually one and the same.

Fiddle players might have their bridge shaved down a little, or buy a set of strings that says “fiddle strings” on the package, but it’s all the same. From my own observations and experience, I’ve noticed classical musicians tend to gravitate toward a different sounding instrument than those playing bluegrass, country, jazz, etc. When I played mostly classical music, I played on my William Harris Lee violin made in 2000. It is a much brighter and louder instrument than my current one. That violin projects nicely and has a lot of body down low. It’s terrific for a concert hall with no amplified sound. But the Lee violin doesn’t sound great in the recording studio or amplify well at live shows. All of the subtle overtones need plenty of air between the instrument and the ear or microphone to come together and be heard. When amplified or recorded by microphone, the Lee violin sounds a little harsh.

My entire rig consists of a quarter-inch cable from my L.R. Baggs bridge pickup to the Red-Eye, with an XLR line to the house. That’s it. For louder gigs I’ll run the FX loop to my Peavy LTD 400, but I never mic the amp. Live sound professionals ALWAYS prefer the direct line from the Red-Eye. I’ve spent a lot of time and money in the search for my tone. Several fiddles, pickups, preamps, amps, and strings line the walls of my home’s music room like some kind of music gear graveyard. Although I’ve found a sound that I’m happy with, I’m always eager to try the next big thing. But every time I do, I always end up back where I started. The cheapest and most simple rig I own also happens to sound the best.

I began playing violin at age 11 and was touring in country and bluegrass bands by the time I was 15. I would describe my style as a blend of classical, swing, country, bluegrass, and jazz.

The next question is always, “What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle?” Well, my dad [Champ Hood] used to say, “About $5,000.” But the truth is, they are actually one and the same. Rhinold Schmidt in Germany made my current instrument in 1920. It’s a true “fiddle” as far as I’m concerned. I found it at my favorite violin shop – cleverly named “The Violin Shop” – owned by Fred Carpenter in Nashville. It’s dark, warm, and has a sweetness to the bottom end. It sounds especially good in the studio, as it has a very even tone. There are no random frequencies that pop out louder than the rest. In a live sound situation, having the right instrument is only half the battle. I owe a lot of credit to my Red-Eye Preamp for my live show tone. The Red-Eye is a handmade preamp made by Darren Appelt in Austin. It’s clean, clear, warm, simple, and very small and lightweight. The Red-Eye has a gain knob, treble knob (no need for bass because it’s perfect), boost button with boost level knob, and an FX loop. It takes phantom power or 9 volt battery. Almost every acoustic musician in Austin uses one whether they play banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, or all of the above. There is also a Red-Eye Twin, which is basically two of them in one box with an AB switch. You can use both channels at the same time if you want to blend two pickups or have two players playing through one line, which comes in handy more often than you might expect.

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Make Yourself Heard by Lauren Danser Ellerbee

One steamy Saturday night in Austin, Walker Lukens and his band take the stage at Holy Mountain. He makes vocalizations while turning the knobs on an unobtrusive, unassuming square looping machine. His percussive sounds thump through the speakers, and then, using his own voice as back-up, Lukens begins his song, “Lover.” It’s a great beginning to a set that sets itself apart musically, and in the best possible way. Featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered, critic Robin Hilton said, “Even on my worst days, this is a fantastic record.”

Now that his music is gaining momentum, Lukens knows he’s got to find a way to keep it going. That’s where the modern world of internet and social media comes into play for him. His stop-motion video, “Dear Someone,” premiered on mashable.com and was the first promotional piece released for Devoted. And he says finding different online outlets to premier a track or video is huge, because “it brings in a new audience, and it lends credibility to the audience you do have. That video has been a better business card than anything else.” While technology and newer media provide many opportunities and alternatives for artists to make their

Traditional terrestrial radio, of course, is still hugely instrumental in making a band or singer-songwriter a household name. But with the advent of satellite radio, YouTube, internet radio and mobile apps, the gatekeepers, so to speak, are gone. Of all the music sent to critics, radio stations, and agents, how did Lukens manage to get heard? Luck and talent play a huge part, and of course, there’s the traditional public relations route. But Lukens has also found that certain online outlets and social media – tools that weren’t so prevalent even five or six years ago – are important in gaining and maintaining traction. To promote his new album, Devoted, Lukens sent out less than 50 CDs in February to a very targeted audience, including Hilton. He then followed up with a 7-inch in March, and then the whole CD again in April, when the album was released. Who knows how or why Robin Hilton happened to finally pick it up and give it a go – but he did, and Lukens believes that exposure has been key in catching people’s attention this time around. “It’s awesome that the internet is kind of everybody’s outlet, but I think the thing that hasn’t changed is, there’re still so many components to blowing your music up…but someone who’s serious about music is going to have to play the PR game. Whether you’re earnestly doing it yourself, or you hire someone. And you have to go on a lot of tours. Because that’s the only way to get people exposed to your music.”

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music discoverable, it’s also made it harder to stand out and make a living in music. Lukens is well-versed in using Soundcloud, Vimeo, the MTV music blog, and YouTube to his advantage; he has a Twitter feed, a Facebook page, and an old-fashioned mailing list; he’s even studied the best times of day for making posts to reach the optimum audience. All of these things help him to stay at the forefront of people’s minds, while giving him the opportunity to be heard by a new audience. “Overall, technology brings more pros than cons,” Lukens says, “but it’s impossible to become a real success, a household name, without airplay on at least AAA radio.”

So as emerging musicians craftily forge new paths in order to find an audience, the music industry is adapting from "business as usual" to "business as it's becoming known." David Brown has had a front-row seat in the broadcasting and music industry for what – by his own admission – is longer than he cares to admit. As producer and host of the award-winning public radio show "Texas Music Matters" on Austin’s KUTX 98.9, Brown has an experienced and diverse resumé in radio and otherwise: he is a journalist, lawyer, student, and music lover. With all the changes he’s seen in the music business, those that have occurred within the past ten years or less have been exciting – and sometimes confounding – for artists and listeners alike. “Opportunities have never been greater for up and coming musicians to be heard,” he says. Traditional terrestrial radio, of course, is still hugely instrumental in making a band or singer-songwriter a household name. But with the advent of satellite radio, YouTube, internet radio and mobile apps, the gatekeepers, so to speak, are gone. Musicians have more routes available to them on their road to success. “In fact,” says Brown, “it’s a certainty that musical discovery happens on YouTube. So we film the 300+ performances in Studio 1A each year and upload them to our YouTube channel.” Through this medium alone, local and emerging artists have received thousands of hits from interested listeners. (http://www.youtube.com/user/kutxaustin) “Digital music play is steadily growing, the number of smartphones in cars is steadily growing…21 million people listen to satellite radio. Now, it’s fragmented – they’ll maybe listen 15 minutes an hour, which is still miniscule compared to terrestrial radio. But what’s interesting is commercial radio tends not to break new acts anymore, compared to the other media. It’s quick to react, though, when they get wind of an up-and-comer,” Brown says. “There are 10,000 people in Austin alone who consider themselves trying to make a living in music; they may have day jobs, or write songs, or be studio musicians or band members. But they’re all trying to be heard. It’s not enough to just have a great song. “If you’re trying to stand out, I want to know why you should. What’s your story? If you’ve got a hook, there are multiple opportunities to get it out there,” says Brown. “Very few records grab your ear and hold on to it. If you can say something about the artist at the end of the song, it makes it far more interesting for the listener.”

The History of Radio 1892

Nikola Tesla suggests radio frequency energy could be used as a means of telecommunication

1901

Marconi conducts the ﬁrst successful transatlantic radio communication using 17 of Tesla's patents

1919

Frank Conrad broadcasts as 8XK, the ﬁrst radio station, from his garage in Pittsburgh, PA

1930

The Golden Age of Radio begins. Radio reigns supreme for more than 20 years until TV goes mainstream in the 1950s

1990 Birth of internet radio and the dawn of the Digital Age

1996

Sonicwave.com becomes the ﬁrst internet radio station

1998

Copyright infringement leads to additional royalty fees for internet radio as opposed to traditional radio publishing fees

2002

Sirius Satellite Radio launches

2005

Pandora Radio launched; reaches more than 80 million users as of 2012

2008

Streaming radio revenues rise to over $500 million as nearly 13% of Americans listen to radio online

2012

Turntable.fm launches; Spotify adds radio to their digital service

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It's All Good Songwriters Program Highlights New Talent by Lauren Danser Ellerbee and Eleanor Sawyer

verything’s bigger in Texas, including talent. Our great state is rife with creative and gifted singer-songwriters, both the iconic and the undiscovered. So while we rightfully celebrate our famous musicians, we steadily unearth and flaunt more…more…more.

for Jack Ingram; an Austin studio session to produce professionally made demos, as well as at least one appearance on the “TroubadourTX” TV show, both provided by London Broadcasting; and finally, a package for two adults to MusicFest 2014 at Steamboat, CO.

The Kerrville University Songwriters Program (KUSP) was founded in large part because the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association (TxHSA) wanted to have more artists to honor. Thus, Tim DuBois – singer, songwriter and all-around music enthusiast – started a contest three years ago to find the best of the fresh.

Sure, the MusicFest experience is fun, but it’s more than a vacation for the competition winner. Schneider says, “[There are] so many contacts and lots of exposure – to music, musicians, and songwriting…The contest winner is open to so many opportunities to jam with others, and you never know: [he or she] could end up on stage.”

Winner, Jospeh Dailey, performs.

Photos by Ron Crose

Sure, the MusicFest experience is fun, but it's more than a vacation for the competition winner. [There are] so many contacts and lots of exposure. DuBois grew up in Oklahoma but always identified with the “Texas version” of country music; his zeal for it was so strong, he got excited about being a songwriter. Now, DuBois shares his enthusiasm with up-and-comers. He says that, with the contest, “the goal is to impress others in the music industry…it’s a good group that came through this year. There’s talent, but also drive and discipline.”

And this time, that lucky possibility goes to Joseph Dailey from the University of Texas, Austin. The recent honors graduate says, “It’s incredible…and when I go to MusicFest, it’ll be my second time on an airplane.” He has high hopes for the festival; he’d love to see Larry Gatlin, if possible, as well as Hayes Carll and Randy Rogers. “If I can be in the same room and talk to them – it’ll be an experience I’ll never forget.”

According to TxHSA Board Member Bill Schneider, six universities entered the 2013 KUSP competition: University of North Texas, Denton; Texas State University, San Marcos; Texas A&M, College Station; University of Texas, Austin; Texas Tech, Lubbock; Baylor University, Waco; and Sam Houston State, who participated by satellite. Eight schools will participate next year, and Schneider hopes the contest continues to expand its reach. “We really want to appeal to college students who are serious about the craft of songwriting,” he says.

Dailey, a certified theater teacher, thought he’d teach for a year while pursuing music. But, he says, “Now is my opportunity. Now I’m writing more and playing more.” The music business is tough, but “whatever you do, do it with all you’ve got, then you haven’t wasted any time.” From the sage advice of a novice to the wise words of an industry insider, Tim DuBois says, “Write a lot. Grow. Find a way to lay your work in front of people.”

Certainly, for a burgeoning songwriter, the contest’s spoils are nothing to shrug at: the 2013 winner receives an open performance

For more information about KUSP, please visit www.kerrville-music.com and www. texasheritagesongwriters.com.

Tim DuBois – singer, songwriter and all-around music enthusiast – started a contest three years ago to find the best of the fresh.

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Music Review

Jessie Scott Picks Three for the Road (and Then Some!) by Jessie Scott

ello again! It’s always fun to roll up the sleeves and dig into some new music. It has been a busy time in music lately, with so many albums coming out – it’s hard to pick just three to shine a light on, but here goes. This time, we have different eras, styles, and walks of life represented. Each has its own backstory, yet each of these projects is defined by the ease with which they were made.

Let’s start with the long-awaited new album from national treasure, singer-songwriter Guy Clark. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during the 1970s in Nashville, when Guy, Townes, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, and Billy Joe Shaver hung out together as Texas ExPats. Can you imagine the wattage? If ever you’ve endeavored to put pen to paper, you know just how hard it is to achieve Guy’s eloquence, which he then delivers with disarming candor. It starts with keen observation and his knack for crystalizing the truth of the human condition – skills that have not dulled with the passage of time. The album, My Favorite Picture Of You, contains some absolute gems, polished so you can see your own life’s reflection in them. The title cut refers to Guy’s wife of 40 years, Susanna Clark, who passed in 2012. Guy and Susanna’s life intertwined love and art and a remarkable circle of like-minded characters. Aside from the title track, check out “El Coyote,” “Rain In Durango,” and “The Death Of Sis Draper.”

Next up is the Red Dirt Rangers, the seminal Stillwater band that links the generation of JJ Cale and Leon Russell with today’s burgeoning group of Red Dirt Music heirs. The new album, Lone Chimney, rolls easy like a shiny, chrome-adorned American roadster: built for comfort, not for speed. There is an effortlessness here, a magical interplay of sounds and voices celebrating the sheer joy of counterpart and harmony. John Cooper, Brad Piccolo, and Ben Han coproduced the new album with Steve Ripley of The Tractors. Twenty-four instruments are referenced in the credits; they even note playing “the kitchen sink.” There are other luminaries making appearances on this album too, including John Fullbright, Lloyd Maines, Fats Kaplin, and Randy Crouch. This is front porch picking, elevated to a high art form and accomplished with the absolute certainty of the vibe of each other’s chops. I especially love “Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma,” “Work It Out,” and “Main Street USA.” Shall we now talk Band Of Heathens? Oh yes, let’s! The last three studio albums have been foundational for the Austin band, gaining them national attention and fans across the country. This CD, Sunday Morning Record – whoa buddy! – it is a breakthrough. The Band Of Heathens have always perched at a dizzying height, talent freely dripping. But with three front men, it had to be hard to jockey for one’s tunes on any given project. Their last album, Top Hat Crown &

The Clapmaster’s Son, was solidly imbued with the spirit and vibe of NOLA. Then, 2012 brought the first lineup change to The Band of Heathens in four years, as Colin Brooks, Seth Whitney, and John Chipman departed. Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, with drummer Richard Millsap and keyboardist Trevor Nealon, are carrying onward and upward; they have delivered a polished, sophisticated collection here, produced by George Reiff and Steve Christensen. Their songwriting has matured – sweet, accessible, and lush. Take a listen to the songs “Records in Bed” (a reference from which spawned the album’s title), “Indigo Eyes,” and “Shotgun,” and you will see what I mean. There are still roots flourishes for sure, but the structure is more defined, the production is larger, the harmonies are captivating, and the vision is rock solid. Sunday Morning Record ushers in a new chapter for The Band Of Heathens, and I predict it will catapult them to even wider acclaim than they have attained so far.

Honorable mentions include the new Delbert and Glen album, Blind, Crippled and Crazy, which is the first to reunite Delbert McClinton and Glen Clark in 40 years. The new Mike Stinson CD, Hell And Half Of Georgia, produced by RS Field, is a rocking and honky-tonking affair, and then be on the lookout for a smoking new tribute album to the group Alabama, with appearances from Jason Isbell, Jason Boland, and The Turnpike Troubadours. Oh, and one more thing… is it time to go to Steamboat for MusicFest yet?

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

2014 MusicFest Tribute Artist

Dean Dillon Releases: Feather of a Diﬀerent Bird (2011), Hot, Country, and Single (1993), Out of Your Ever Lovin' Mind (1991), I've Learned to Live (1989), Slick Nickel (1988), Those Were The Days (with Gary Stewart, 1983), Brotherly Love (with Gary Stewart, 1982) Years at MusicFest: 2

American Aquarium Band Members: BJ Barham, Ryan Johnson, Whit Wright, Bill Corbin, Kevin McClain Releases: Burn. Flicker. Die. (2012), Live at Raleigh (2012), Small Town Hymns (2010), Dances for the Lonely (2009), Bones (2008), The Bible and the Bottle (2008), Antique Hearts (2006) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

ean Dillon was born in Lake City, Tennessee, where he was raised. Dean began playing guitar by the age of seven, and at 15 he had made his first public performance as a singer in a Knoxville television variety show. Following his graduation from high school, he made his way to Nashville to start his musical career. Between 1979 and 1983, Dillon charted eight times, including one top 30 song, "I'm into the Bottle (To Get You Out of My Mind)." At this point in time, Dillon began a songwriting partnership with Gary Stewart. The early songs that came from these songwriting collaborations helped Dillon score a recording deal with Capital Records. Dillon released two records before moving to Atlantic Records and releasing his most successful solo record, Out of Your Ever Lovin' Mind. What makes Dillon more influential to the country and Americana music scenes is that his songwriting credentials are like no other. The late, great George Jones scored a hit with Dillon's song, "Tennessee Whiskey" in 1983. Dillon has had his songs covered by a wide range of artists, most notably by George Strait, who has recorded a number of Dillon's songs such as "The Chair," "Nobody in His Right Mind Would've Left Her," "It Ain't Cool To Be Crazy About You," "Ocean Front Property," "The Best Day," "I've Come To Expect It From You" as well as a number of other great country songs. In Janurary 2014, we will commence in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to honor a singer-songwriter who has been largely responsible for some of the best country songs that will withstand the test of time in music history.

Bri Bagwell

Releases: Banned From Santa Fe (2011), Midnight Hour (EP, 2010) Years at MusicFest: 3

In the business of music, few cross the threshold of being able to say they are truly committed for the long haul. With the release of their latest studio album, Burn. Flicker.Die., American Aquarium is proving that they have graduated to that class of professional musicians who have made an undeniable commitment to their music and their fans. American Aquarium’s seven years as a band have been a fast-moving blur of rubber on road, touring coast to coast through the States and Europe. Most nights of the year are spent far from their Raleigh homes, squinting out from bright stages at a growing legion of passionate fans who’ve followed them through the release of six albums. Like many of their musical heroes that have paved the way before them, American Aquarium can wrap the ugliest feelings in the most spirited soundscape. Sonically uplifting instrumentation and vivid, wrenching lyrics illuminate the dark side of hanging out in rock ‘n’ roll limbo, but also how the band has clawed their way out of it.

Check out more arti performing at thests 2014 MusicFest onli ne at themusicfest.com Artists subject to

change without pri or notice.

Bri Bagwell was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to a musical family that has always supported her dreams of making it as a singer-songwriter. Throughout her teen years, she played with her two brothers in the bands, On Tap and Let It Ride, performing in many Southwest venues and even on the Las Vegas strip. After landing in Austin to attend the University of Texas, she picked up guitar (after playing piano/ keyboard for years), and has stepped into the music scene. She has opened for many of her influences, including Sean McConnell, Stoney LaRue, Josh Grider, and more. After graduating from UT in December of 2009, she quickly devoted her life to her music and writing. Bri brings her catchy, original tunes and plenty of smiles and laughter to her shows and the audience can instantly recognize such enthusiasm as she performs. She is now a songwriter at Sony ATV Music Publishing. Bri was recently awarded the 2013 Texas Regional Radio & Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year. Bri was also featured in Mark McKinney's hit single, "She Ain't Leaving," that debuted in May.

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2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Bruce's Releases: Cheater's Game (2013), His Greatest (2009), The New World (2008), It Came From San Antonio (2007), Eleven Stories (2006), Country Sunshine (2001), Home From Anywhere (1999), Wrapped (1998), Bruce Robison (1996) Years at MusicFest: 6 Kelly's Releases: Cheater's Game (2013), Translated From Love (2007), Easy (2002), One More Time: The MCA Recordings (2000), What I Deserve (1999), Kelly Willis (1993), Bang, Bang (1991), Well Traveled Love (1990) Years at MusicFest: 4

Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis Bruce and Kelly's individual artistic achievements already sum up to impressive totals. Willis has reigned as a critically acclaimed roots music singer since she recorded her debut some two decades ago, and is recognized as a country and Americana pioneer. Her ever-broadening artistic range and gifts as both a canny writer and interpreter of songs have consistently continued to wow her many fans and music critics alike thanks to her finesse, smarts and irresistible charm. Robison has made his mark as both a writer of indelible smash #1 hits like "Wrapped" (George Strait), "Angry All The Time" (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill), and "Travelin' Soldier" (Dixie Chicks) and an artist in his own right who boasts a series of eight albums rich with his laconic yet potent grace and emotional dead aim as a songwriter and singer. But as this couple in life, love, and parenthood now unite as a band all its own, it's more about the promise and thrills of the new than their considerable solo legacies and the laurels they've already earned. 2013 saw the couple release Cheater's Game, an album that has received highly favorable reviews, proclaiming the record one of the year's best. Cheater's Game led to Bruce and Kelly being nominated for two awards from the Americana Music Association for Album of the Year and for Duo/Group of the Year. The album is made up of songs by some contemporary songwriters, and a couple from Nashville legends. Recorded with a small band in an intimate, retro, '70s style, the album is warm, inviting, and features a seamless meld of the duo's voices. This powerful collaboration, whether on recording or live, is sure to please any music fan!

The Cadillac Three Band Members: Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Kelby Ray Releases: The Cadillac Three (2013) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Native Nashvillians Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, and Kelby Ray have been friends and musical co-conspirators since they were kids, and they managed to weather their teenage years, withstand major label letdowns and achieve major triumphs. The Cadillac Three have emerged with a sound that is unlike any other around â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a sound that straddles the fence between radio-ready country anthems, hard-and-heavy rock, and traditional Southern folk. Some could describe it as country fuzz, hipster-billy, or simply put: good music. The Cadillac Three have earned the praises from Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Mark Eli of Eli Young Band, and Dierks Bentley. The distinctive southern sound is built around Neil Mason's thunderous drumming intertwined with and complimented by Jaren Johnston's brilliant guitar playing and Kelby Ray's smooth lap steel performance. Their self-titled debut is filled with plenty of energy and grooving jams, just further solidifying that their own sound is the sound of the South, bigger and badder than ever.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Photo by Todd Purifoy

Charlie Robison

Casey Donahew Band

Band Members: Casey Donahew, J.J. Soto, Steve Stone, TAZ, Josh Moore, A.C. Copeland Releases: Standoﬀ (2013), DoubleWide Dream (2011), Moving On (2009), Live-Raw-Real In The Ville (2009), Casey Donahew Band (2006), Lost Days (2006) Years at MusicFest: 4

After paying his dues early in his career by playing bars and college parties in North Texas, and then on to playing before thousands in arenas and festivals, The Casey Donahew Band has now reached a level of success very few have attained. Casey Donahew Band's new album, Standoff, is a musical stand-out. The album is filled with thunderous, crunchy guitar licks and picks up where the band's critically acclaimed, Double Wide Dream left off, both musically and lyrically. Behind Casey's great voice and lyrics, the band impresses throughout. With tight guitar and fiddle work and a driving rhythm section, the band, like the album itself, hits all the right notes. Casey Donahew is not afraid to punctuate his down home storytelling with a little loud and proud electric guitar. After all, you don't put "10 Years of Ass Kickin' Country Music" on your official band t-shirts unless you're willing to back it up in your music. Donahew says, "I think we definitely make music for our fans, and we don't worry about much else except making the fans happy and making ourselves happy, and we've been real fortunate in doing that."

Charlie Worsham

Releases: Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2013), High Life (2013), Beautiful Day (2009), Good Times (2004), Live (2002), Step Right Up (2001), Unleashed Live (2000), Life of the Party (1998), Bandera (1996) Years at MusicFest: 6

Throughout his career, Charlie Robison has forged his own path within the country music world, as well as within the scenes of Lone Star music and popular music at large. He grew up in the small scenic town of Bandera in the Texas Hill Country, where his family has ranched the land for eight generations. Music wasn’t just a staple around the Robison household; even before he could walk, he would spend Saturday nights with his parents at The Cabaret, a local dancehall in downtown Bandera. But the fare playing in the family home ran the gamut from rock ’n’ roll to singer-songwriters and much more. Robison’s debut album, aptly titled Bandera and released on the tiny Austin Vireo Records label, was a potent opening salvo that included such Robison favorites as the rowdy nightlife celebration “Barlight” and “Red Letter Day.” Since his debut album, Robison has continued to tour and release new material. This past summer saw Charlie release Live at Billy Bob's Texas, perfectly capturing his charisma and unique sense of humor all in the most natural of settings: live and uncut. At the time of this writing, Charlie is currently putting the finishing touches on his latest release, High Life, which will hit the streets and airwaves this fall.

Releases: Rubberband (2013), Charlie Worsham (2012) Years at MusicFest: 2

Born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, Charlie Worsham has been playing music for almost all of his life. Worsham is the only child of a banker and a teacher, both musicians at heart, who helped develop his love for music by exposing him to the broad sounds of Vince Gill, B.B. King, The Beatles, Earl Scruggs, and Aerosmith. By 1998, Worsham had emerged as a banjo virtuoso and was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. He has continued to evolve as a musician and has picked up other instruments to add to his expanding skill set. Worsham continues to perform regularly throughout the South with a number of high-profile artists and bands. In addition to his impressive list of accomplishments, he also studied production and recording engineering at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, which he put to good use as he recorded his second record, Rubberband, which will be released in August.

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2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Cody Canada and The Departed

Band Members: Cody Canada, Seth James, Steve Littleton, Jeremy Plato, Chris Doege Releases: Adventus (2012), This Is Indian Land (2011) Years at MusicFest: 4 (Canada and Plato: 12)

After touring relentlessly in support of their first record, This Is Indian Land, the group entered the studio with new songs, ideas, and arrangements and created an absolute masterpiece of blues/R&B/rock-tinged Americana that is Adventus, their second release as a group. Cody Canada's distinctive vocal capabilities and guitar chops are instantly recognizable and impressive throughout the record. Seth James delivers a number of soulful vocals that leave the listeners gasping for air. James's guitar style is a great companion to Canada's as the dual guitars is becoming a significant contributor to the group's overall sound. Jeremy Plato's bass is steady and deep. In addition, the record features Plato on lead vocals on the track "Hobo." Chris Doege is a fine rock drummer, one content to carry the backbeat with tasteful, precision bombast. And Steve Littleton's keyboard and B-3 organ work carries this album over the threshold of mere "good" music, and into the category of greatness! These guys individually have done some great things over the course of their musical careers, but being a part of this group may be the greatest!

Cody Johnson Band

Coley McCabe

Band Members: Cody Johnson, Jody Bartula, Jeff Smith, Joey Pruski, Nathan Reedy Releases: A DiďŹ&#x20AC;erent Kind of Day (2011), Six Strings, One Dream (2009) Years at MusicFest: 3

Releases: Coley McCabe (2012), Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Establishing a pleasantly unique sound amid this influential mass of country music is not an easy task for any artist, yet its one Cody Johnson Band has accomplished in a respectable way. Fusing country and rock is no new concept, but rarely is it done to the quality by which Cody will soon be known. There are times their sound seems fit for Nashville radio and others it is unmistakably Texas Country/Red Dirt. The 25 year old artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshly energetic blend uniquely bridges generation gaps between fans. At his concerts you will see teenagers and parents alike, singing his songs side by side. Cody has opened for successful artists such as Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson, Brandon Rhyder, Stoney LaRue, Zona Jones, Band of Heathens, Jason Allen, Bleu Edmonson, and several others, including Roger Creager. Be on the lookout for some new material from Cody and Co. in the near future, as these guys are bound for great things. The talent and experience they bring with them has been the vital part of the band's recent quick and upward movement towards the top!

You've seen the bumper stickers donning the phrase "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast I could!", right? Such is the case for West Virginia native Coley McCabe, who took the long way to Texas, but she and her music have now found a home in the Lone Star State. McCabe initially spent time chasing her dream, as many have, of performing country music in Nashville, but soon realized that it wasn't quite her style. Rather than stay in Nashville, Coley chose to take her music and talents to Texas in December 2011. Before departing Nashville, she managed to write the #1 SHeDAISY hit "Lucky 4 You (Tonight I'm Just Me)." McCabe has also managed to write songs that have been performed by Loretta Lynn, Bill Anderson, Lila McCann, American Idol Contestant Kristy Lee Cook and many more. Now settled in Texas, McCabe is as happy as ever and it is only the beginning of this interesting chapter in McCabe's career! www.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Josh Grider Releases: The Gettin’ There (EP, 2012), Live at Billy Bob’s Texas (2012), Sweet Road to Ride (2009), JG3 (EP, 2008), Million Miles to Go (2007), Josh Grider Band (2005) Years at MusicFest: 2

Born and raised in New Mexico, and spending a few years on the road in Texas, Josh Grider recently moved to Nashville. Writing songs and touring is how Josh spends most of his time these days. He knows two things, he loves writing songs, and he loves playing them for people. Across the great southwest, Texas, and beyond, Josh has been delivering the goods non-stop since the release of his first album in 2005. Seven years, four full-length albums, and two EPs later, Josh is still going strong with no signs of slowing down. Currently, Josh splits his time between Tennessee and Texas. The road he walks is not for the faint of heart, or the faithless. As well as a musician, Josh is a father, a husband, a brother, and a son. All these roles help keep him grounded and inspired as he travels the highways and byways, chronicling his experiences in the songs he writes, and playing them for any and all who care to hear.

Cory Morrow Releases: Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2012), Brand New Me (2010), Ramblin Man (EP, 2010), Vagrants & Kings (2008), Ten Years (2007), Live From Austin, TX: Cory Morrow (CD/DVD, 2007), Nothing Left To Hide (2005), Full Exposure (2003), Cory Morrow Band (2003), Outside The Lines (2002), Man That I've Been (2001), Double Exposure (2000) Years at MusicFest: 14

With a catalog of ten full-length albums, 200,000 records sold independently, and countless appearances on Texas and country music charts over the past decade, the name Cory Morrow is instantly recognized. Growing up in Houston, Morrow began playing guitar at an early age and continued to develop into a premier singer-songwriter by the time he had graduated from Texas Tech University. Since then, he has been one of the leading figures in the Texas/Red Dirt scene, which he helped create back in the late 1990s. Morrow’s most recent studio record, Brand New Me, finds him in complete control and most comfortable. His lyrics have taken on another level of imagery, while the music has become some of the best of Morrow’s storied career. Morrow continues to connect with music lovers – drawing standing-room-only crowds, filling dance floors and delighting fans with more than 150 high-energy performances a year – on tours that take them through Texas, the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest. Cory Morrow has shown no sign of giving up his throne as one of the best Texas has to offer.

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Crooks Band Members: Josh Mazour, Rob Bacak, Andrew VanVoorhees, Sam Alberts Releases: The Rain Will Come (2012), Lonesome, Rowdy, and Restless (EP, 2010) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Crooks are breathing new life into decades-old musical traditions, stripping away the polish and shine of modern radio country and replacing it with earnest songs about life, work and pain. Sometimes it’s weary and lonesome, sometimes it’s downright bleak, and often times it’s just reckless fun. Suddenly, country music is dangerous again. Frontman Josh Mazour formed Crooks in 2007 as a two-piece band, playing stripped down sets at dive bars around Austin. Things have grown from there. He’s now joined by drummer Rob Bacak, stand-up bassist Andrew VanVoorhees, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Alberts, who alternates between guitar, banjo, mandolin, and trumpet. Playing live makes the Crooks an even greater spectacle, as fiddle, trumpet, and accordion players jump on stage throughout their set. Their full-length recording debut, The Rain Will Come, has been a resounding success, kicking down doors for the band on a national level. American Songwriter called it “a driving slice of country noir,” and CMT.com praised it as “rugged and lonesome,” saying “this style of country music makes you want to keep your tab open.” The Austin American-Statesman praises the group and predicts that “the seemingly endless stream of media praise… points toward something bigger coming.”

2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Dirty River Boys

Gary P. Nunn & The Bunkhouse Band Band Members: Nino Cooper, Marco Gutierrez, Travis Stearns, Colton James Releases: Science of Flight (2012), Train Station (EP, 2011), Long Cold Fall (EP, 2010) Years at MusicFest: 4

The Dirty River Boys make music with the type of sound and texture soaked in the realities of the hardscrabble city they call home in the far West Texas desert. Members Nino Cooper, Travis Stearns, Marco Gutierrez, and Colton James have quickly become renowned for their rousing live performances, which display the band’s unique fourpart harmonies, aggressive virtuosity, and potent acoustic instrumentation. By utilizing traditional folk instruments with rock and bluegrass arrangements, they are blazing a trail marked with their own, unique style of music. The Dirty River Boys’ style blows away any preconceived notions of what acoustic music can be. The band’s latest recording, Science of Flight, confirms that The Dirty River Boys are here to stay and in it for the long haul!

Band Members: Gary P. Nunn, Lars Albrecht, Huck Johnson, Russ Patterson, John "Trail Boss" Burris Releases: One Way Or Another (2012), Christmas Time in Texas (2010), Taking Texas To The Country (2010), Something for the Trail (2004), Gary P. Nunn: Greatest Hits, Volume II (2001), It's A Texas Thing (2000), Nobody But Me (1999), What I Like About Texas: Greatest Hits (1997), Under My Hat (1996), Roadtrip (1994), Totally Guacamole (1992), Border States (1986), Home With the Armadillo (1984) Years at MusicFest: 4

Gary P. Nunn has been educating the masses about the beauty of Texas music for some 40 years now, establishing himself as an icon of Lone Star music. Nunn is a founding father of the progressive country movement out of Austin in the 1970s that changed the face of popular music. He is also an independent music pioneer who continues to oversee his own record label and song publishing companies, manage his own career (with the help of his wife Ruth), and play most every weekend at top music venues throughout Texas and beyond. His composition "London Homesick Blues" – with its internationally known "I wanna go home with the Armadillo" chorus – is a signature Texas country song that was the theme for the PBS concert TV show "Austin City Limits" for nearly three decades. It’s no wonder that All Music Guide hails him as "a Texas music institution." In addition to Gary's musical accolades, he will be hosting the 1st Annual Totally Guacamole Belize Bash in San Pedro, Belize in September 2013.

HalleyAnna Releases: HalleyAnna (2013), The Country (2011), Love is War (2011) Years at MusiicFest:: 2

Influenced by June Carter and Emmylou Harris, HalleyAnna has been performing since she was a young girl alongside her older brother and sister. By the age of 12, she was opening for notable acts such as Todd Snider, Slaid Cleaves, and Hayes Carll at various bars and coffeehouses throughout Central Texas. HalleyAnna has been playing guitar and writing her own music for more than a decade, while also singing in churches, dancehalls, and honky-tonks, all of which have helped her hone her own distinctive voice and performance style. She also has acquired a list of accolades that includes being winner of the 2009 Texas State Student Songwriter Competition held by the Kerrville Folk Festival. HalleyAnna’s sophomore self-titled record is loaded with honesty and passion that is as energizing as it is distinct. HalleyAnna carries forward the spirit that has been embodied at the Cheatham Street Warehouse for decades: she writes, in the Townes Van Zandt tradition, simply "for the sake of the song."

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Hayes Carll Hayes Carll delivers songs born of baptism-by-fire experience, worldweary observations, and sharp wit. After releasing two albums independently, Carll found a home at Lost Highway Records and released his 2008 label debut, Trouble In Mind. The album resulted in his nomination for Artist of the Year and became the #1 R&R Americana Album of the Year. Carll has toured nonstop since, while also managing to generate another creative venture, KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories). The album captured Carll as he experimented with elements of fiery rock, twangy country, pensive folk, and even a touch of gospel that eventually landed his name on several best-of lists, including those for Rolling Stone, Spin, and the New York Times Critic’s Choice. In 2011, Carll was awarded the Americana’s Music Association’s #1 Album of the Year for KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories). Catch him as he tours through honky-tonks and rock clubs across the U.S. and beyond.

Releases: KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) (2011), Trouble in Mind (2008), Little Rock (2005), Flowers and Liquor (2003) Years at MusicFest: 7

J.D. Souther

Jack Ingram and The Beat Up Ford Band Releases: Midnight in Tokyo (EP, 2012), Natural History (2011), If The World Was You (2008), Home By Dawn (1984), You’re Only Lonely (1979), Black Rose (1976), Trouble in Paradise (with the Souther Hillman Furray Band, 1975), The SHF Band (with the Souther Hillman Furray Band, 1973), John David Souther (1972) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

One of the principal architects of the Southern California countryrock sound, J.D. Souther played a key role in the formation of the Eagles, co-writing the band's most iconic hits spanning several decades – “Heartache Tonight” and “Best of My Love” by the Eagles, and Linda Ronstadt’s “Faithless Love” among many others. J.D. Souther released four critically acclaimed solo albums and two albums as a member of the Souther Hillman Furay Band. This past June, J.D. Souther was inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Souther’s latest offering, Midnight in Tokyo, is a six-song live EP that is unlike anything released in his past. The project, recorded at an intimate show in Tokyo, was not originally intended to become a live album, which is why he says it’s one of his favorite offerings. “It’s so real and natural,” he notes. “It was a very relaxed set with long solos. It was like playing the Blue Note or the Vanguard in New York, in the 1960s. It felt very organic. The audience was right with us on every note.”

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Band Members: Jack Ingram, Kevin "Frenchie" Sciou, Pete Coatney Releases: Big Dreams and High Hopes (2009), This Is It (2007), Wherever You Are (2006), Live Wherever You Are (2006), Acoustic Motel (2005), Live at Gruene Hall (2004), Live at Billy Bob's (2003), Electric (2002), Hey You (1999), Livin' or Dyin' (1997), Live at Adair's (1995), Jack Ingram (1995), Lonesome Question (1995) Years at MusicFest: 11

Rocking roadhouses, theaters and stadiums relentlessly since 1997, Jack Ingram has remained in the forefront of country music with hits such as "Barefoot and Crazy," "Lips of An Angel," and "Wherever You Are," as well as a number of other notable country classics. Ingram continues to frequent the Billboard Charts and have No. 1 videos on CMT while performing on national tours with Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn and Toby Keith, regularly playing to crowds of up to 20,000 people per night. Ingram has quickly earned the respect of his fans, peers and heroes. Waylon Jennings called him "an incredible talent." Billy Joe Shaver has pronounced him "one of the best performers around." He’s in the best place he’s ever been and it’s clear from a few listens to his most recent album, Big Dreams & High Hopes, that confidence is bolstering his artistry.

2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Jason Boland and The Stragglers Band Members: Jason Boland, Roger Ray, Brad Rice, Grant Tracy, Noah Jeffries, Nick Worley Releases: Dark & Dirty Mile (2013), Rancho Alto (2011), High in The Rockies (2010), Comal County Blue (2008), The Bourbon Legend (2006), Somewhere in the Middle (2004), Live and Lit at Billy Bob's (2002), Truckstop Diaries (2001), Pearl Snaps (1999) Years at MusicFest: 13

Jason Boland and The Stragglers have been called everything from the surfacing kings of alt-swing to outlaw country. But all in all, at the end of the day what you have here are five guys who have been instrumental in putting quality music back on the radio airwaves, on the covers of magazines nationwide and on the lips of music goers everywhere. When listening to the group's latest Dark & Dirty Mile, one can only conclude that this is the group's finest moment. The album is about embracing the truths that country music used to tell but seemingly can no longer stomach telling. “Country music is what I play,” Boland says, adding: “I’m not ready to give up on the idea that country music can be relevant.” Boland was born and raised in Harrah, Oklahoma, and went to college at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he met some like-minded musicians who shared the same passion for music. Since then the band has released seven studio albums and two live discs. The band has gained critical acclaim from all over the U.S. and is averaging over 200 shows a year, which confirms the group’s steady ascension into country music relevance.

John D. Hale Band

Band Members: John D. Hale, Kurt Tietz, Chris Brotherton, Mason Watkins Releases: More Than I Can Handle (2012), Lost (2008), One of A Kind (2005) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Artist Debut

Jason Eady Releases: AM Country Heaven (2012), When The Money's All Gone (2009), Wild Eyed Serenade (2007), From Underneath The Old (2005) Years at MusicFest: 6

Jason Eady is a singer-songwriter whose music is a distillation of country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk, and Southern rock – but in essence it is roots music all the way, with organic arrangements, genuine lyrics, and strong lead and harmony vocals, no matter what style of song he writes. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Eady started playing guitar at age 13; he played in various cover bands around the state and reveled in exposure to Mississippi’s varied musical genres. After serving a stint in U.S. Air Force as a translator, he relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began writing his own songs. After three albums displaying Eady’s diversity of influences, his latest, AM Country Heaven, is a throwback to the heydays of Merle, Waylon, Willie, and other great country legends. The album has a barroom vibe from the start, with Eady’s vocals crystal clear and the band’s sound straight out of the greatest honky-tonk imaginable, highlighted by the presence of Patty Loveless, Lloyd Maines, and Cary Ann Hearst. Eady continues to stay true to his roots music and touches audiences with honesty and inspiration – the thing he’s always wanted to do. Jason is wrapping up work on his recently recorded album, Daylight and Dark, that will be due later this year. The title track was co-written by Jason and Jamie Wilson of the Trishas.

If you were to ask the John D. Hale Band to classify their sound, they’d respond by simply saying, “It’s country.” Charming as this response is, it has the potential to be misleading. Blending together their favorite parts of country, Americana , southern rock, and even bluegrass, the John D. Hale Band have crafted their own edgy and raucous sound. John D. and the boys began playing in earnest in 2005 and the same year saw the group release their debut album, One of a Kind. Although independently released, the record enjoyed widespread radio play domestically as well as in Europe and Australia. The group returned to the studio to record their follow-up effort, Lost. JDHB also broke into the Texas Country Music charts with their single, “Heartbreaker.” In 2012, the group released its third fulllength record, More Than I Can Handle, produced by Reckless Kelly's Cody Braun. The record is an intelligent and well-crafted collection of songs that runs the thematic gambit of the joys and hardships of real country people.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

John Evans

Releases: Lollygaggin' (2009), Lucky 13 (2008), Ramblin' Boy (2006), Circling the Drain (2004), Out of Control (2002), Biggest Fool In Town (2000) Years at MusicFest: 2

John Evans is more than just horn rims and hair. His cleverly written tunes and unique delivery have been mainstays in the Texas Music scene for over ten years. With music born on the bayous of Houston and injected with influences from the Mississippi Delta to Bakersfield, California to the boroughs of New York City, John Evans and his band have taken over his hometown (and the whole Lone Star State) by dominating the Houston Press Music Awards over the last decade, receiving awards for Best Male Vocalist, Best Songwriter, Best of Roots Rock and Musician of the Year. He has also co-written songs with Hayes Carll, Adam Carroll, and Roger Creager, just to name a few. John's star is shining brightly – it is neon, after all. He has a successful career as a producer, songwriter, and mentor to up-and-coming artists. His music has been used in movies and television, having been featured in the movie Country Strong and the television series, Friday Night Lights. Evans is as humble as they come and the most personable performer on the road. He'll make each and every audience member feel like a family member.

Photo by Brian T. Atkinson

Kent Finlay & Cheatham Street Warehouse Kent Finlay, called the "Godfather of Texas Songwriters," has endeavored to cultivate new tunesmiths and musicians, and his establishment has gained the reputation as a premier songwriter venue in Central Texas. Located in San Marcos, Texas, the Cheatham Street Warehouse has been well revered for over four decades by patron singers and songwriters. Many notable performers have emerged from this influential site such as George Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Todd Snider, Randy Rogers, and many others. The club has also been the scene for many live recordings, from early demos of players like George Strait and Todd Snider to full-length albums for commercial release. In 2005, Kent Finlay launched his new independent label, Cheatham Street Records, with the release of Mudcat by Dr. G and the Mudcats. That same year the Cheatham Street Music Foundation was organized as a non-profit corporation "dedicated to developing, promoting, preserving and perpetuating Texas music…." The goals of the foundation include maintaining Cheatham Street Warehouse as a public venue and promoting songwriter educational activities through workshops, lectures, classes, and other programs intended to promote the history of Texas music.

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Kevin Fowler Releases: Chippin' Away (2011), Bring It On (2007), Loose, Loud, and Crazy (2004), High on the Hog (2002), Live at Billy Bob's (2002), One for the Road (2000), Beer, Bait and Ammo (2000) Years at MusicFest: 8

Kevin Fowler's name alone evokes a rowdy, largely entertaining live show that combines elements of country music and rock ’n’ roll into one unique product, leaving audiences singing loudly and chanting for more. Kevin was born in Amarillo, Texas, and his mother taught him piano very early on, while his father shared country legends Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, and Johnny Horton. However, it was the rebellious, infectious appeal of rock ’n’ roll that lured Fowler away from Amarillo to Los Angeles. While in L.A., Fowler learned the ropes of the music industry and the effort it takes to succeed in the business. Fast-forward to the present: Fowler is now at the top of his game while supporting his latest album, Chippin’ Away, the sixth of his outstanding career. Fowler has successfully combined country and rock ’n’ roll into what he describes as “country music with a bad attitude.”

2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Kyle Park Releases: Beggin' For More (2013), Make or Break Me (2011) Kyle Park (EP, Spring 2010), Anywhere in Texas (2009), Big Time (2005) Years at MusicFest: 5

Born just north of Austin, Kyle Park began learning guitar at the age of 14, and shortly after, started writing his own songs. However, it was not until Park relocated to San Marcos, Texas, where he met other like-minded musicians in the active and encouraging community of singer-songwriters, that his songwriting began to mature and take shape. In 2005, Park released his first record and has been writing, producing, and touring constantly ever since. His most recent record, Beggin' For More, has produced notable hits such as "True Love," "The Night is Young," and the album's title track. Kyle Park is one of those Texas guys whose soulful and personal songs are appealing to audiences far and wide. Kyle is currently on the road in support of his latest album, where he is currently playing nearly 175 shows a year across the Southwest performing alongside some of the biggest names in country music, such as Asleep at the Wheel, Jack Ingram, Randy Rogers Band, Clint Black, and Kevin Fowler.

Releases: The Shovel Vs. The Howling Bones (2012), Lincoln Durham (EP, 2010) Years at MusicFest: 2 (1st as a solo artist)

Lincoln Durham With a voice that has been compared to Ray LaMontagne and Paul Rodgers, brooding lyrics that dance intriguingly on the edge of ghoulish, and an intense, swampy, Mississippi Delta sound, Durham has the soul of an old bluesman. That Howlin' Wolf-ish soul, however, finds its incarnation in the form of a polite, gracious and upbeat young man from a small town in northern Central Texas. Lincoln Durham's most recent release, The Shovel Vs. The Howling Bones, was co-produced by none other than Texas music legend, Ray Wylie Hubbard. The record consists of 11 original tracks featuring several of Austin, Texas' finest musicians (including some skillful picking by Hubbard himself ) and showcasing Durham's soulful, gritty voice and smart, dark lyrics that belie this musician's relative youth. The album has been well-received by music fanatics, and the go-to Americana website, Galleywinter, describes Durham's album perfectly: "Durham's made an album that blues aficionados can respect and Texas Music fans can appreciate. Take the pen of Townes Van Zandt and the spirit of Muddy Waters and that comes as close to setting the scene of this album as any description one can give. A wonderfully and wholly realized project that exemplifies all the best authentic qualities of Texas Music…of American music."

Los Texmaniacs Band Members: Max Baca, Josh Baca, Oscar Garcia, Lorenzo Martinez, Willie J. Laws Releases: Texas Towns & Tex-Mex Sounds (2012), Live in Texas (2012), Borders Y Bailes (2009), About Time (2008), A Tex-Mex Groove (2004) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Grammy Award winners, Los Texmaniacs are the new kings of Tex-Mex. Personally anointed by Flaco Jimenez, Los Texmaniacs feed the masses, with only the best in musical fare. Like a great salsa, Los Texmaniacs mix the simplest yet finest ingredients of Texas music to create a sound solidly rooted in tradition, exploding with contemporary vitality. Founded by Max Baca, Los TexManiacs are a product of his wideranging experience touring and recording with Flaco Jimenenz, the original Texas Tornados, Los Super Seven and even the Rolling Stones. Los Texmaniacs versatility has led them to performances such as The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, International Accordion Festival, Kennedy Center , Governor of Texas Ball and many major festivals oversees in countries such as Germany, Holland, and Spain. Los Texmaniacs have been awarded proclamations as ambassadors of good will from several government entities such as: Cities of San Antonio, Texas, Austin, Texas , Los Angeles, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Max Stalling Releases: Native Stranger (2013), Four Day March (2010 with the supergroup, Eleven Bones), Live at StoneCringe: Vol. I (2009), The Nighthawk Affair (2007), Four Winds (2001) Years at MusicFest: 7

Releases: Home To You (2010), Live From The Granada (CD/DVD, 2009), Topaz City (2008), Sell-Out (2006), One of the Ways (2002), Wide Afternoon (2000), Comfort in the Curves (1997) Years at MusicFest: 5

Matt Skinner Matt Skinner is an American musician, singer, songwriter, artist, poet and traveler blending original lyrics with elements of country, blues, western swing and roots rock and roll. Graced with a keen eye for detail and imagery and coupled with a powerful, road-worn tenor voice, Skinner commands the stage with a tender ferocity and presence that is spellbinding in its organic honesty and mercurial resonance. Matt has released three solo albums, Four Winds (2001), The Nighthawk Affair (2007) and Live at StoneCringe: Vol I (2009) on Tapadero Productions label and one independent rock EP, Four Day March (2010) with the supergroup Eleven Bones. Recently, Matt's collaborations with Canadian artist Corb Lund on his 2012 release Cabin Fever resulted in a #1 Album in Canada and a Juno Nomination. In addition to touring with his own band, Matt tours internationally as a duo with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bonnie Bishop. Skinner’s 4th studio album, Native Stranger (2013) is scheduled to be released in early fall.

Micky and The Motorcars

Max Stalling was born and raised in the Lone Star State. After graduating with his master’s degree in Food Science from Texas A&M, Stalling’s interest in music began to develop. Stalling started writing and performing his own music after being influenced by some of the state’s great singer-songwriters, such as Guy Clark, Robert Earl Keen, and Townes Van Zandt, but yet performs with his own distinctive style. Stalling's style is modern with a more vintage approach. His latest release, Home to You, has introduced new audiences to Stalling’s unique approach of combining elements of traditional and modern Americana into one enjoyable listen. The album has produced hits such as “Long Way to Get,” “I Ain’t Drinking Alone,” and “6x9 Speakers - Revisted.” Stalling’s delivery makes one feel at home, with a smooth vocal delivery and down-to-earth lyrical content that allows one to envision Stalling’s description. Stalling will continue to thrive as he combines elements of the past and present into one special experience for all audiences.

Band Members: Micky Braun, Gary Braun, Dustin Schafer, Joe Fladger, Bobby Paugh Releases: Raise My Glass (2011), Live at Billy Bob's (2009), Naïve (2008), Careless (2006), Ain't In It For The Money (2004), Which Way From Here (2002) Years at MusicFest: 10

Founded in Challis, Idaho, Micky and The Motorcars have made their own impact in the Texas scene with their Americana rock. Brothers Gary and Micky Braun first began learning music from their dad, Muzzie Braun, alongside brothers Willy and Cody of Reckless Kelly fame. Now traveling across the United States, Europe, and Canada, Micky and the Motorcars play more than 200 dates a year, in support of their latest recording, Raise My Glass. The most rewarding thing for Micky and Company is watching crowds grow bigger as they perform with the same raw emotion that has been a trademark characteristic since the group's inception. As their legion of followers grow and word continues to spread, the journey of the band will continue to play out in a way that combines a dedication to music with a dedication to family.

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2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Midnight River Choir

Band Members: Eric Middleton, Justin Nelson, Mitchell Pyeatt, Bob Driver Releases: Welcome to Delirium? (2011), Freedom Wine (2009) Years at MusicFest: 5

The four guys who form Midnight River Choir have a close-knit chemistry that cannot be duplicated, and it is obvious when one watches their live shows and listens to their music. They have a wide range of influences that carry over into their own songs, resulting in a special sound that attracts new fans after each awe-inspiring performance. Formed in New Braunfels, Texas, the band has spent the past couple of years performing alongside some of the music scene's most notable acts such as Cody Canada and the Departed, Micky and the Motorcars, and Reckless Kelly. Backed by a solid rhythm section consisting of drummer Mitchell Pyeatt and bassist Bob Driver, the groove is complemented by the graceful and smooth lead guitar play of Justin Nelson, while the group's unique sound is rounded-out by the harmonious yet emotional vocals of Eric Middleton. The band's most recent recording, Welcome to Delirium?, is a potent and powerful statement of what is to come. These guys have nothing but open roads ahead of them as they continue to the next level in their careers. At the time of this publication, the Midnight River Choir are beginning the process of their follow-up record to Welcome to Delirium?.

Paul Thorn has done it all as a professional boxer, factory worker, skydiver, and songwriter supreme. Musically, Paul takes his rootsy style of gospel-infused rock and roll to a more refined place. Born in Wisconsin, but moved to Mississippi as an infant, Paul was raised as a son of a minister, where he learned the passion that went into performing gospel music. Paul was a boxer throughout the 1980s, and then retired from boxing only to immerse himself in music. His debut album, Hammer and Nail, was released in 1997 and he quickly set out to make a name for himself on the road, displaying his guitar chops and soul-inspiring performance. Since his initial record debut, Paul has released four full-length albums. His latest, What the Hell is Going On?, is his first all-covers collection that features songs written by Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rick Danko, Allen Toussaint, Lindesy Buckingham, and several others. What the Hell is Going On? was listed the #12 Most Played Album of 2012 by the Americana Music Association. Paul has toured with and opened for notable artists such as Sting, Huey Lewis and The News, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, and Mark Knopfler.

Paul Thorn

Releases: What the Hell is Going On? (2012), Pimps and Preachers (2010), A Long Way From Tupelo (2008), Mission Temple Fireworks Stand (2002), Hammer and Nail (1997) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Randy Rogers Band

Band Members: Randy Rogers, Jon Richardson, Les Lawless, Geoffrey Hill, Brady Black Releases: Trouble (2013), Burning The Day (2010), Randy Rogers Band (2008), Just A Matter of Time (2006), Live at Billy Bob's Texas (CD/DVD, 2006), Live at Billy Bob's Texas (2004), Rollercoaster (2004), Like It Used To Be (2002) Years at MusicFest: 11

When a band spends the bulk of its year on the road, its members are bound to have their share of trouble and strife. But only the truly talented are able to take those trying experiences and turn them into enduring art. The Randy Rogers Band is one of those few, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve transformed coal into diamonds yet again on their latest album for MCA Nashville, Trouble. Named "Top 10 Must-See Artists" in Rolling Stone magazine, the Randy Rogers Band has appeared on Letterman, Leno, and Conan, and been nominated for Top Vocal Group by the Academy of Country Music. The latest album, Trouble, saw the group team up for the first time with producer Jay Joyce, who has previously worked with Eric Church, Cage the Elephant, and The Wallflowers. The Texas five-piece dove headfirst into songs of loss, love and, above all, truth. The album has already produced hit songs "Fuzzy," "Trouble Knows My Name," and "Flash Flood" which all have populated country, Americana, and Texas music charts. The Randy Rogers Band put everything they had into Trouble and it shows with the refreshing, infectious, and innovative sounds that fill this record from start to finish. There is no question that the Randy Rogers Band has created its own place in country music history.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Reckless Kelly Band Members: Willy Braun, Cody Braun, Jay Nazz, David Abeyta, Joe Miller Releases: Long Night Moon (2013), Good Luck & True Love (2011), Somewhere in Time (2010), Bulletproof (2008), Reckless Kelly Was Here (2007), Wicked Twisted Road (2005), Under The Table and Above The Sun (2003), The Day (2000), Live at Stubb's (1999), Millican (1997) Years at MusicFest: 11

When Willy Braun, frontman and principal songwriter for Austin, TX's Reckless Kelly, began writing songs for the newly-anticipated album from Reckless Kelly, Long Night Moon, he quickly found a theme emerging. "About halfway through writing the record, I noticed that almost all of the songs I was writing, whether they were songs about the road, life, or love, had something to do with traveling. It started as an accident and I decided to just go with it. Before we knew it, there was a definite theme." It's honest, original, and constantly evolving. The group has become known for their explosive live shows and have a incredible passion for making albums of substance. Long Night Moon is no exception. The record follows in the steps of 2011's Grammy-nominated Good Luck & True Love, which took home four Lone Star Music Awards and sent three singles to #1 on Texas radio. The new album also features phenomenal musicianship by the band as well as legendary guest musicians Lloyd Maines, Bukka Allen, and Jeff Plankenhorn. The album's lead single "The Last Goodbye" has been lighting up Country and Americana radio stations across the Lone Star State in addition to across the U.S. The band in a way resembles an aged whiskey – just getting better as the years pass. That’s old school. That’s Reckless Kelly.

Band Members: Roger Creager, Stormy Cooper, Rick Redford, Matt Medearis, Allen Huff, Aleph Yonker Releases: Surrender (2012), Here It is (2008), Live Across Texas (2004), Long Way to Mexico (2003), I Got the Guns (2000), Having Fun All Wrong (1999) Years at MusicFest : 16

Roger Creager

This Corpus Christi native was raised under the influential sounds of Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, and others – and after witnessing Creager's commanding presence and full-bodied voice live, one will immediately appreciate his vast musical influences. Touring in support of his latest release, Surrender, Creager's fifth studio effort in a prolific career, he has continued to impress and entertain audiences far and wide. Many of his hit songs have successfully ascended the Texas Music Charts over the past decade and surely more creative songs and albums to come. After five albums, hundreds of thousands of road miles, and ever-expanding fan base, Creager is still going strong. When you hear his signature voice, you can't turn it down – you "turn it up."

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Shinyribs Band Members: Kevin "Shinyribs" Russell, Winfield Cheek, Jeff Brown, Keith Langfor Releases: Gulf Coast Museum (2013), Well After Awhile (2010) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

The 'buzz' cannot be ignored much longer as the word is out on Shinyribs. These guys have a musical "stew" that covers all areas of music – ranging from rock to gospel to Cajun to country to folk, Shinyribs have it all plus more. Fronted by Kevin Russell and his defining stage presence, this group is an act not be to missed during the week of MusicFest. On stage, Russell impressively switches back and forth from electric guitar and ukulele, delivering a wide range of musical compositions that consist of traditional folk ballads to classic country to rhythm and blues. Backed by the solid rhythm section of Winfield Cheek, Jeff Brown, and Keith Langford, Shinyribs deliver a jaw-dropping set of tunes, almost of a spiritual epiphany, that have audiences chanting for more and more. All one has to do is listen to the group's latest recording, Gulf Coast Museum, to confirm the intensity and passion that Shinyribs perform with. These guys are an act not to miss!

2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Releases: Overnight Success (2013), Ride With Me (2011), The Right Place (2009), Hurry Home (2006) Years at MusicFest: 2

Zane Williams What makes Zane Williams stand out is his songs. Like mini movies, they pull you in, tell you a story, make you laugh, and remind you of life’s deepest truths. Zane wrote all 11 songs on his latest album, and while they cover a broad range of sonic and lyrical territory, his unique voice runs through them like a thread that ties them all together. The music is country; no doubts, no apologies, but Zane makes the traditional sounds his own and manages to stay relevant while paying homage to the past. Zane’s own journey to becoming an overnight success began with writing songs as a hobby while at Abilene Christian University. After graduating in 1999, that hobby quickly grew into a career as a college coffeehouse performer, taking him to over 500 colleges nationwide in a seven-year period. Following a two-year stint as a staff songwriter in Nashville and a Top-20 Billboard hit with “Hurry Home” (recorded by Jason Michael Carroll), Zane moved back to Texas in 2008 and refocused his career on building a grass-roots local following. Now, thanks to a busy touring schedule, a rapidly growing fan base, and a critically acclaimed new album, Zane’s 15-year overnight success story is beginning its most interesting chapter yet.

Band Members: Stewart Mann, Garrett Mann, Ben Bradshaw, Kris Schoen Releases: Ramble on Privilege Creek (2013), Diﬀerent Kind of Light (2008) Years at MusicFest: 2

Stewart Mann and The Statesboro Revue Reminiscent of singers from decades past, Stewart Mann’s soulful voice is both evident and familiar. His seasoned timbre is well-worn, but polished. Joining Stewart is younger brother Garrett Mann, the lead guitar player who holds down the fort then lets loose when the song calls for it. On the bass guitar, Musicians Institute alumnus Ben Bradshaw, provides the backbone and sturdy foundation, while mixing in melodic leads and runs that only a player of his experience can muster. Drummer Luke Ayer’s ability to both drive the tunes and lay down a lazy snare for the slow groove furthers the dancing frenzy that ensues at a Statesboro Revue show. The all-star list of shared stages more than hints that this all-inclusive working band is truly worth their weight. The Statesboro Revue has played and performed alongside with the The Wailers, the Allman Brothers Band, Willie Nelson, Ryan Bingham, Reckless Kelly, Turnpike Troubadours, Randy Rogers Band, Marshall Tucker Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Will Hoge. Never being afraid to aim high, The Statesboro Revue released their debut album, Different Kind of Light, in 2008. Hitting the Texas Music Chart with two Top 20 singles, the blues rock effort quickly drew a dedicated fan base to their stages. In 2013, the group released Ramble on Privilege Creek, which Stewart Mann proudly describes as "an album that is extremely broad in subject matter and style, in musicality and production, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’ve always strived to create a sound that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. I think this record is as close as I have ever been to accomplishing that goal.”

Stoney LaRue Band Members: Stoney LaRue, Casey Twist, Jeremy Bryant, Rodney Pyeatt Releases: Velvet (2011), Live Acoustic Album (2009), Live at Billy Bob's (2006), The Red Dirt Album (2005), Downtown (2002) Years at MusicFest: 12

Riding the wave of success off his latest record, Velvet, Stoney LaRue has been touring nonstop while sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the music scene, such as Willie Nelson, Rodney Crowell, and Lee Ann Womack. Born in Taft, Texas as the son of a struggling bass player and a nurse, LaRue instantly recognized how valuable and important music can be. He began writing and recording songs by the age of 12. As he grew older, LaRue continued to absorb and study various styles of music ranging from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan to Jim Croce. LaRue eventually settled in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and quickly distinguished himself as one of the music scene's elite. Still touring in support of Velvet, Stoney is performing close to 300 dates a year at top festivals and venues around the globe.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

The Rankin Twins

Releases: Moonshine and Maybes (2013), Silver Lining (EP, 2011), Headaches and Heartaches (2010), I Would (2008) Years at MusicFest: 3

Growing up in the small Gulf coast town of Portland, Texas, twin sisters Amy and April Rankin have been entertaining spectators since they could walk. The Rankin Twins have a unique charisma that could melt the hardest of hearts while delivering an aweinspiring and captivating array of music that sets them apart. The Rankin Twins are quickly rising in the local club scenes throughout Texas and are expanding their audience across the state and beyond. Their 2013 release, Moonshine and Maybes, confirms The Rankin Twins are real Texas-country talent with an undeniable quality that makes one fall for them at first sight and sound. The new record proudly displays their stunning vocal harmonies and well-crafted songwriting talents. And they’re not going away anytime soon – it is apparent that The Rankin Twins’ best days are still ahead of them.

Ke elley Mickwee

The Washers Jamie Wilson

Releases: First Solo EP to be released late 2013 Years at MusicFest: 6 (solo and with bands)

Releases: Dirty Blonde Hair (EP, 2010) Years at MusicFest: 7 (solo and with bands)

Kelley’s strong, beautiful voice is a unique blend of formal musical training and the local flavor of the Memphis music scene. Formal vocal training from the age of eight and summers at a theatre arts conservatory in Memphis provided the basics. After graduation from the University of Memphis with a marketing degree, Kelley and fellow Memphis native Jed Zimmerman, joined forces for a five year run as Jed and Kelley. The duo toured the country in an RV and cut two full-length records with Keith Sykes in Memphis. Along the way, Kelley taught herself to play the mandolin and guitar and developed a solid live-show stage presence. After the duo split, Kelley headed for Austin and eventually ran into a group of singers who would call themselves The Trishas, singing together for the first time at Musicfest 2009. When she’s not on stage with The Trishas, she can be found playing solo/duo shows with a rotating cast of friends. Her first solo project will be available late 2013.

When describing Jamie Wilson's voice, two aspects come to mind: that honeyed tenor twang, and that poetic, down-to-earth point of view she brings to her songwriting. An artist of singular talent and restless creativity, she broke into the Texas music scene as one of the lead vocalists of the Gougers, before the band gradually gave way to not only Wilson's solo work (the fine EP Dirty Blonde Hair released in 2010) but also her musical adventures with The Trishas, an all-female band that has toured through some of the nation's best venues. Scoring one of the best albums of 2012 with High, Wide & Handsome and framing Wilson's stunning originals in the context of sisterly collaboration and harmony, The Trishas have brought her career to new heights while leaving room for solo gigs, guest spots on over a dozen albums, and song-swaps with like-minded artists all over Texas and beyond.

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Band Members: Matt Kopycinski, Justin Wade Wilcox, Todd Kinfolk Janik, Mike Faltysek Releases: Tired Eyes (2012), Devil's Name (2010) Years at MusicFest: 2

The Texas Gulf Coast town of East Bernard rarely draws attention, but that is certainly about to change with the emergence of The Washers. A hard-working East Bernard band that produces driving rhythms, footstomping grooves, and talented musicianship, The Washers showcase their most distinct quality: the guys’ vocal flexibilities – four of the five band members share vocal duties equally. The constant shifting of singing allows these guys to create beautiful yet complex vocal harmonies and melodies that escalate their songs into a new realm of artistic creativity. The Washers have successfully combined their influences of folk, rock ’n’ roll, and country into one quality product that will leave listeners addicted to the unique blending of Americana music. In addition to this group's innovative musical style, they also coordinate their own Washer tournament and music festival every January in the town of Hungerford, Texas.

2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Turnpike Troubadours

Thom Shepherd Releases: Simplify (2012), Live in Key West (2012), Texas Girls (2011), Tropicalifragilisticexpialidocious (2011), Uncharted Territory (2010), Turning Point (2008), Live at XM (2006), Side Eﬀects (2006), Tonkyhonk (2005), Country Squire (2003), Could Be Worse (2000), The Early Years (1998) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

Most people are first introduced to Thom by one of the long list of songs that he has written, but were recorded and released by other artists. He is the writer of the #1 singles “Redneck Yacht Club," recorded by Craig Morgan, and “Riding with Private Malone” recorded by David Ball. He wrote the #1 Josh Abbott and Pat Green single, “My Texas.” Kevin Fowler recorded two of Thom’s songs, taking “Beer Season” to #1 for three weeks and “Cheaper To Keep Her” to #3 on the Texas Music Chart. He also wrote the GMA Canada Song and Video of the Year "A Father's Love (The Only Way He Knew How)" and the title track of Tracy Lawrence’s Grammy nominated album, The Rock. In total, Thom has had over ten singles and had over 90 songs recorded by artists including Easton Corbin, Colt Ford, Bucky Covington, George Jones, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Trailer Choir, Montgomery Gentry, Buddy Jewell, and Cledus T. Judd. He has written for five different music publishers in Nashville, but after years of living there, Thom decided to relocate to Texas in 2011 to pursue a full time touring career. “I’ve always written songs so that I could perform them live on stage,” he says. “It’s always exciting when someone else records one of my songs, but there is no greater feeling than connecting with an audience.“

Band Members: Kevin Galloway, Mike Carpenter, Hal Vorpahl, Josh Greco, Jon Grossman Releases: And You Are Me (2012), Pick Your Head Up (2009), Something They Ain't (2006) Years at MusicFest: 4

Band Members: Evan Felker, Ryan Engleman, R.C. Edwards, Kyle Nix, Gabe Pearson Releases: Goodbye Normal Street (2012), Diamonds and Gasoline (2010), Bossier City (2007) Years at MusicFest: 4

The Turnpike Troubadours’ name derives from the bumpy Oklahoma toll roads and the hard-lived, folk-singing heroes that influenced the group’s sound. Breaking down traditional barriers between the audience and the stage is something in which the Turnpike Troubadours excel as their live shows have developed into a communal celebration of music. Fast, gritty, and often drenched in beer, the Troubadours perform to both their fans and new audience members with a genuine sincerity. The Troubadours are touring relentlessly in support of their latest album, Goodbye Normal Street. The new album epitomizes the Troubadours’ finest qualities: fine musicianship, catchy lyrics, and excellent visualizations. Hit songs from the album such as "Gin, Smoke, and Lies," "Blue Star," "Morgan Street," along with countless others, show that the Troubadours know how to write a song that appeals to all listeners. With an endless highway ahead, the Troubadours are prepared to take their fans and audiences with them to the next level.

Uncle Lucius

Packing a punch with soulful grooves, Southern-fried guitar licks, and deep heartfelt lyrics, Uncle Lucius has become a prime attraction during the week of MusicFest for all music aficionados. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band takes pride in its live show and believes that performing live is still the truest form of communication with their fans. The band’s most recent effort, And You Are Me, is a push forward for the guys as they continue to incorporate various essential elements of rock ’n’ roll, R&B, blues, and country into their own tour de force. Harkening back to the deep, impassioned, headphone music of the ’60s and ’70s, the new record has produced soul-rockin songs such as "Pocketful of Misery," "Keep the Wolves Away," and "Ain't It The Same," along with a number of other grooving jams. Do not miss out on this unique group. You will not be disappointed.

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A Look At This Year’s Musicians

Wade Bowen Releases: The Given (2012), Live at Billy Bob's (2010), If We Ever Make It Home (2008), Lost Hotel (2006), Blue Light Live (2003), Try Not to Listen (2002), Just For Fun (2001) Years at MusicFest: 12

Wade Bowen was born and raised in Waco, Texas, and later attended and graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. While in Lubbock, Bowen learned to write songs and eventually honed his songwriting craft to the point he became a permanent staple in the Texas/Red Dirt music scene. In 2001, Bowen released his first album, Just For Fun, and began touring extensively. Twelve years later, Bowen's seventh album, The Given, has earned him enthusiastic reviews from both listeners and media critics alike. The Given has further solidified his strong, remarkable presence within the music community. The mention of Bowen’s name generally evokes the trademark traits of Bowen’s songs: emotional, passionate, and intense. Wade Bowen’s path continues to be marked with mass-media acclaim, continuous radio airplay, and a constantly expanding fan base that attracts a ceaseless tour schedule amounting to over 200 shows a year.

Walt Wilkins and The Mystiqueros Band Members: Walt Wilkins, Bill Small, Ray Rodriguez, Jimmy Davis, Corby Schaub, Brian Langlinais Releases: Wildcat Pie (2013), Agave (2010), Diamonds in the Sun (2007) Years at MusicFest: 7 (2 as a group)

This unique grouping of talented individuals have all achieved a degree of success in their careers, but when these musicians unite, the chemistry is at its finest. Walt Wilkins, who is viewed as the group's front man, has made his impact in Texas and Nashville, becoming recognized as a writer with a John Steinbeck caliber level of writing and signature voice that is like no other around. The musicianship by all players that is captured on the latest record, Wildcat Pie, is a true work of art as these musicians harmonize with one another and feed off one another's energy. The music this group performs live is highly reminiscent of 70s country rock from Texas and the West Coast and blues and soul that members grew up listening to and helps influence the group's quality songwriting, musicianship, rhythm, and vocal arrangements. A true treat for any music aficionado!

Band Members: Warren Hood, Willie Pipkin, Emily Gimble Releases: The Warren Hood Band (2013) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Artist Debut

The Warren Hood Band

Warren Hood first began playing the fiddle at the age of 11. He attended Berklee School of Music where he was awarded the school's top honor – The String Achievement Award. Since then, Warren has recognized and awarded for his talents and was acknowledged by the Austin Chronicle Music Poll for his string virtuosity. The Warren Hood Band consists of Warren, guitar ace Willie Pipkin, and singer and pianist extraordinaire, Emily Gimble. The Warren Hood Band has also performed alongside with some of the most accomplished and distinguished musicians such as Ray Benson, Marcia Ball, Lyle Lovett, Elvis Costello, Susan Tedeschi, and several more. The Warren Hood Band self-titled record was released this past summer and has been met with many favorable reviews, recognizing and applauding the quality musicianship by all members of The Warren Hood Band. The record was produced by Charlie Sexton and nine of the 11 songs featured on the record were written/co-written by Warren. This past spring and summer The Warren Hood Band performed across the U.S. with Hayes Carll at sold out shows and festivals with notable appearances at the Kerrville Folk Festival, Pagosa Folk and Bluegrass Fest, The Americana Music Festival in Chicago, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco.

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2014 MusicFest in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Whiskey Myers

Will Hoge

Band Members: Cody Cannon, Cody Tate, John Jeffers, Gary Brown, Jeff Hogg Releases: Early Morning Shakes (2013), Firewater (2011), Road of Life (2008) Years at MusicFest: 2

Whiskey Myers is loud, raucous, proud, and not really certain what comes next. The truth is that Whiskey Myers is sort of inexplicable with a blue-collared approach. With its superb twin-lead guitars, Cody Cannon’s rough-cut lead vocals, and a sold, uncluttered rhythm section, the band typically straddles the line of a Lynyrd Skynyrd and a Led Zeppelin-like foundation. It’s a Southern-rock band with jam-band tendencies that also incorporates elements of rockabilly, blues, and grunge. This quintet released its debut album, Road of Life, in 2008 and quickly gained a large and enthusiastic following. In 2011, the group released its much-anticipated follow-up, Firewater, which garnered rave reviews and constant radio airplay. The band has been taking a grassroots approach to promoting its name by touring nonstop and has recently finished recording their latest effort, Early Morning Shakes, which will be released in fall 2013.

William Clark Green

Releases: Modern American Protest Music (2012), Number Seven (2011), The Living Room Sessions (2009), The Wreckage (2009), On the Road with Will Hoge (2007), Draw the Curtains (2007), Again Somewhere Tomorrow (2007), The Man Who Killed Love (2006), During the Before and After (2005), The America EP (EP, 2004), Blackbird on a Lonely Wire (2003), Carousel (2001), All Night Long: Live at The Exit/In (1999) Years at MusicFest: 2

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Will Hoge was introduced to music through his father’s record collection and by watching his father and uncles perform music locally. Hoge later attended Western Kentucky University, where he recognized the power music has on people. He soon devoted himself to becoming a full-time musician, and in early 2002, after years of touring and performing relentlessly throughout the American South, he caught the attention of Atlantic Records. Since then, Hoge has introduced new music to the public on several albums. In late 2012, Will signed a songwriting deal with BMG Nashville and agreed to a distribution contract with Thirty Tigers. 2012 also saw Will receive a Grammy nomination, a Country Music Association nomination and an Academy of Country Music nomination for his song "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," a song that was recorded by the Eli Young Band. Over the course of his career, Hoge has toured and shared the stage with many artists, including ZZ Top, Vince Gill, Sugarland, and Shinedown, while also appearing on national-media programs like CBS Early Show and GAC, and he has often performed at the historic Grand Ole Opry. Will Hoge’s song “Strong” is the new nationwide signature song for Chevy trucks. See and hear the “Strong” music video, digital download, and national television ad at willhoge.com.

Band Members: William Clark Green, Jay Saldana, Cameron Moreland, Steve Marcus Releases: Rose Queen (2013), Misunderstood (2010), Dangerous Man (2008) Years at MusicFest: 2014 MusicFest Debut Artist

With honest and personal lyrics, William Clark Green’s music lures in and relates his audience to real-life inspiration. Growing up in small-town Flint, Texas, Will started writing at 13. After some practice and encouragement, Will opened for The Dragliners in College Station. Upon graduating high school, William enrolled at Texas Tech, where he got the chance to play the Monday night spot at Recovery Room, eventually working his way up to the headlining show on Thursday nights. Friend and fellow songwriter, Josh Abbott, helped Green get his foot in the door at Blue Light in Lubbock, Texas. After playing many acoustic shows, Green started a band and recorded his first CD, Dangerous Man, that was released in September 2008. Since then, Green and his group have toured Texas and across the Midwest nonstop, consistently putting out new music. William and his band have been opening and performing alongside notable musicians such as Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers, Pat Green, Kyle Park and several others, helping Green gain exposure to new audiences. Tracks off his latest record, 2013's Rose Queen, have been appearing on Texas Music Chart. The lead single, "It's About Time," cracked the Top 10 and the follow-up single, "She Likes The Beatles," hit the #1 spot this summer, further confirming William is on his way to the top!

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Music

Vinyl

Featured Artist Top 10 Vinyls: The Washers

Todd Janik

Mike Faltysek

Justin Wade Wilcox

Matt Kopycinski

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan Bob Dylan

Bringing it All Back Home

Queen

Bob Dylan

Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.

My Aim is True

Moondance

Heartbreaker

Control

6. 7.

Fevers and Mirrors

Lookin’ Out the Screen Door

10. Rollercoaster

Dark Side of the Moon

I am What I am

The Man in Black

6. 7. 8.

The Beatles

Gold

Boston Boston

The Band

Stage Fright The Band

At Fulsom Prison

Greatest Hits Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Old No.1

Are You Ready for the Country Waylon Jennings

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

King of Swing

Dreaming My Dreams Waylon Jennings

Guy Clark

Honky Tonk Heroes

10. The White Album

Johnny Cash

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys

Randy Rogers Band

Are You Ready for the Country

The Band

Red Headed Stranger

Chronicle Vol.1 Creedance Clearwater Revival

The Allman Brothers

Waylon Jennings

Adam Carroll

Waylon Jennings

Johnny Cash

Bright Eyes

Willie Nelson

Pedro the Lion

Boston

Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) The Eagles

Rumours Fleetwood Mac

George Jones

Ryan Adams

Pink Floyd

Van Morrison

The Ramblin' Man Boston

Elvis Costello

Boston Boston

Waylon Jennings

Bruce Springsteen

Queen

Townes Van Zandt

Nine Tonight Bob Seger

Townes Van Zandt

Steppenwolf Steppenwolf

10. I Believe in You

10. Greatest Hits

Don Williams

Bruce Springsteen

C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 21

BACKSTAGE PASS Stopping again at the artists’ lounge, I found several survivors still standing – Jason Eady, Mando Saenz, Stoney LaRue, and Kevin Galloway. We had time to burn and nothing but whiskey soaked guitars with which to spend it. For whatever reason, the five of us, with

with Jon Grossman of Uncle Lucius

agreed it was one of the highlights of our musical life, all within the confines of a mostly empty room in the middle of the night. Despite its massive scale, the MusicFest spirit

Life is good for the MusicFest VIP. Whatever stress and strain may build up all year, a week in the altitude and the atmosphere washes it clear away, as sure as a bottle of free whiskey... photographer Christopher Durst as our only audience, proceeded to swap songs for eight solid hours, concluding at 10 am out of both exhaustion and our need to hit the road. Along the way we shared maybe 20 originals apiece, with only a couple of Townes rounds to spare us. At the delirious conclusion, Jason and I

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is most exemplified in moments like these, when worldly concerns fade away, leaving only music and its unbridled enjoyment. It doesn’t take a backstage pass to appreciate.

Real Music

Dosey Does Runoﬀ

Photo by Dave Clements, DWC Photography

C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 19

Walt Performs at Historic Dosey Doe face in the house. And that’s how he handles a subject that, from anyone less charming, might have sounded like a boast. This authenticity is an important component of the Texas music tradition. The music is skilled, and beautifully rendered, but simple and unadorned. And the Real Life, Real Music artists seamlessly continue these Texas musical traditions, while entwining their performances with their songwriting motivations and methodology.

“I don’t even like talking about songwriting…” Wilkins begins, then pivots mid-sentence, “but with Kyle, it’s easy to talk to him about it. And the name of the series is great.” With the Real Life, Real Music series, Kyle Hutton has been able to share his passion with the masses. But by all indications, he is also getting what he was after all along: inspiration. “By presenting this series, I get to experience a lot of my favorite artists up close, as a fan,” Hutton said, “but I also get to sit at the feet of the masters, and for a couple of hours, be an apprentice.” For more information on Real Life, Real Music’s youth opportunities, visit: www.realliferealmusic.com.

Thank You! MusicFest Featured on Nationwide Syndicated TV Scan QR code with your smart phone for video:

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The Charts

For the week of August 5, 2013

TEXAS MUSIC CHART 1.

Jason Isbell – Southeastern

Granger Smith – Silverado Bench Seat

Thieving Birds – Gold Coast

Delbert McClinton & Glen Clark – Blind, Crippled, & Crazy

Turnpike Troubadours – Before The Devil Knows Were Dead

Jason Isbell – Southeastern

John Fogerty/ Various Artists – Wrote A Song For Everyone

Josh Grider – Summer & Sixteen

Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture Of You

Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture of You

Roger Creager – For You I Do

Slaid Cleaves – Still Fighting The War

Aaron Watson – Summertime Girl

Randy Rogers Band – Trouble

Patty Griffin – American Kid

Josh Ward – Promises

Uncle Lucius – And You Are Me

Mavis Staples – One True Vine

Josh Abbott Band – She Will Be Free

William Clark Green – Rose Queen

Donna The Buffalo – Tonight, Tomorrow, and Yesterday

Zane Williams – Overnight Success

Jason Boland and The Stragglers – Dark & Dirty Mile

Tedeschi Trucks Band – Made Up Mind

Curtis Grimes – Home To Me

Jackson Taylor &The Sinners – Crazy Again

10. Various Artists – Let Us in Americana: The Music of Paul McCartney 11. Steve Earle & The Dukes ( & Duchesses) – The Low Highway 12. Aoife O’Donovan – Fossils 13. Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park 14. Ashley Monroe – Like A Rose 15. Pokey Lafarge – Pokey Lafarge 16. Nora Jones Struthers & The Party Line – Carnival 17. Marshall Chapman – Blaze of Glory 18. Steve Martin and Edie Brickell – Love Has Come For You 19. Buddy Guy – Rhythm & Blues 20. Underhill Rose – Something Real 21. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors – Good Light 22. Various Artists – Ghost Brothers of Darkland Country 23. Sturgill Simpson – Hightop Mountain 24. Black Lillies – Runaway Freeway Blues 25. Randall Bramblett – The Bright Spots 26. Deadly Gentlemen – Roll Me, Tumble Me 27. Mando Saenz – Studebaker 28. Charlie Faye – You Were Fine, You Weren’t Even Lonely 29. K.T. Tunstall – Invisible Empire/Crescent Moon 30. Statesboro Revue – Ramble On Privilege Creek 31. Houndmouth – From The Hills Above The City 32. Amanda Shires – Down Fell The Doves 33. Hot Club of Cowtown – Rendezvous In Rhythm 34. Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell – Old Yellow Moon 35. Court Yard Hounds – Amelita 36. Kim Richey – Thorn In My Heart 37. Tommy Malone – Natural Born Days 38. Civil Wars – Civil Wars 39. Joy Kills Sorrow – Wide Awake

10. Mario Flores – I Didn’t Pick This Life

10. Cody Johnson Band – A Different Day

11. JB And The Moonshine Band – The Only Drug

11. Turnpike Troubadours – Goodbye Normal Street

12. The Departed – Prayer For the Lonely

12. Mando Saenz – Studebaker

13. Uncle Lucius – Keep the Wolves Away

13. Whiskey Myers – Firewater

14. William Clark Green – She Likes The Beatles

14. Red Dirt Rangers – Lone Chimney

15. Phil Hamilton – Back of a ‘73

15. Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park

16. Sam Riggs – When The Lights Go Out

16. Hayes Carll – Flowers and Liquor

17. Brian Keane – Easy To Say Goodbye

17. Thieving Birds – Thieving Birds

18. Green River Ordinance – It Ain’t Love

18. Bob Schneider – Burden Of Proof

19. Jason Boland and The Stragglers – Dark & Dirty Mile

19. Turnpike Troubadours – Diamonds & Gasoline

20. Chapter 11 – Whiskey and You

20. Various Artists – Deep In The Heart: Big Songs For Little Texans Everywhere

21. Ray Johnston Band – Bye Bye City Lights 22. Jamie Richards – Never Gonna Hear It 23. Rosehill – Did You Ever Turn Around 24. Mike Ryan – 57 Songs 25. Bri Bagwell – Hound Dog 26. Thieving Birds – In The Summer 27. No Justice – Songs on the Radio 28. Kyle Park – Fit For The King 29. Randy Rogers Band – Fuzzy 30. The Rusty Brothers – Little Sister 31. Mark McKinney – Stolen Cash 32. Matt Caldwell – I Know Mexico 33. Kyle Bennett – Hard to Let You Go 34. Casey Donahew Band – Whiskey Baby 35. Clayton Gardner – Something About You 36. Cody Jinks – Glad To Say 37. Chris Knight – Nothing On Me 38. John Slaughter – Hasn’t Everyone 39. Brandon Jenkins – Tattoo Tears 40. Aaron Einhouse – The Worst I Can Do

21. Two Tons Of Steel – Unraveled 22. Shinyribs – Gulf Coast Museum 23. Statesboro Revue – Ramble On Privilege Creek 24. Cody Canada & The Departed – Adventus 25. Dirty River Boys – Science Of Flight 26. Mavericks – In Time 27. Javi Garcia – The Great Controversy 28. Lost Immigrants – An Americana Primer Vol. 2 29. Quaker City Night Hawks – Honcho 30. O’s – Thunderdog 31. Courtney Patton – Triggering A Flood 32. Cody Johnson – Six Strings One Dream 33. Chris King – 1983 34. The Trishas – High, Wide & Handsome 35. Jason Eady – AM Country Heaven 36. HalleyAnna – HalleyAnna 37. Zane Williams – Overnight Success 38. Court Yard Hounds – Amelita 39. Ray Wylie Hubbard – The Grifter’s Hymnal

40. Valerie June – Pushin’ Against A Stone

The Americana Airplay chart represents the reported play of terrestrial radio stations, nationally syndicated radio shows, satellite radio and internet stations who have agreed to submit weekly spin counts.

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Each weekly chart lists the Top 40 in order of spin count. The chart is based on the total airplay or spins at each reporting station.

Lone Star Top 39 is for all albums sold online & in-store from July 1- August 5th