Being a writer on this scene, I am often times afforded the opportunity to do things most fans never even imagine can happen. Be it judging battle of the bands, conducting interviews on artist's tour buses, sharing lunch with songwriters, or even being invited to the occasional private pickers circles, there's no doubt that I'm in the thick of things. I in turn, use those experiences to try and relay what I have seen, heard, and felt through written word as best I can to you guys. It's not an easy task though, because I am not a professional by any means. I have no degree in music theory, nor am I some expert critic. At the end of the day, I am simply a fan, no more than you. I still wait anxiously for new music to come out, I have giddy moments of fandom, I even make bad choices when it comes to music sometimes. But there are other times, times when it almost seems as if the stars align just right, and yes, magic happens. No, not some cheesy guy pulling a rabbit out of a hat, but musical magic, hearing something for the first time and falling absolutely in love with the sound.
While I am no stranger to the name Green Light Pistol, and having seen them perform on the mainstage at this years LJT Texas Music fest, I still had yet to see them up-close and in an intimate setting. This past Friday I did just that, and yeah, I too fully understood what all the talk was about. They are unique, different, special, and absolutely what all of music has been needing. They are beautifully blending together a menagerie of instrumentation and melodies and harmonies that are beyond infectious. They have that sound of completeness, the feeling of being on the cusp of greatness. But then again, what do I know, I am after all, just a fan.
Two for the price of one today, while supplies last.
15th ANNUAL "WADE BOWEN CLASSIC" CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT AND CONCERT SET FOR JUNE 2-3
Proceeds from The Bowen Family Foundation to benefit West, Texas
Nashville, TN (April 25, 2013) – Award winning singer/songwriter Wade Bowen will host his 15th Annual Bowen Classic celebrity golf tournament and concert on June 2 and 3 in Bowen’s hometown of Waco, TX. All proceeds of the benefit will go to The Bowen Family Foundation that will focus on relief for the families and organizations affected by the recent tragedy in nearby West, TX.
"Upon learning of the tragedy in West, Texas I immediately knew that I wanted to raise as much money as I could to help with the community’s rebuilding efforts," said Bowen."I have many fond memories of West. It was the town in which I had my first real music gig. I even used to work at a family pizza restaurant there and it is the hometown one of my best friends. My heart goes out to all affected by the explosion and I want nothing more than to help as many as I can through the Bowen Classic this year."
Since the inception of The Bowen Family Foundation, it has raised close to half a million dollars for various local organizations in need. "This event is very special and important to me for so many reasons," Bowen continued. "I truly love having the chance to help those in need. I've been very blessed over the last 15 years to have so much help from friends and family in doing so."
The Wade Bowen Classic kicks off Sunday, June 2 with an all-star concert at Indian Springs Park featuring Bowen and friends including Josh Abbott Band, Aaron Watson, Neal McCoy, Cody Canada & Seth James of The Departed, Willy Braun of Reckless Kelly, Charlie Worsham, Josh Weathers, with more artists announced soon. The classic resumes Monday June 3 at 10:00 a.m. with a two-man golf scramble at the beautiful Cottonwood Creek Golf Course.
and in Waco at George’s Restaurant. Tickets to golf in the tournament are $180 and include two concert tickets. Sunday concert only tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or $25 on the day of the show. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Media interested in being credentialed for this event should contact Deanna Kenisell @
I have always enjoyed the brotherhood that exists in our music scene, and the ability for people to come together to help for a good cause. Wade Bowen is no exception. He believes in helping others, and truly does it for no reward. While known for his brilliantly crafted words and ability relay his own experiences through song to others, he is equally know for his charity. Sitting down with Wade after Puttin' for Preemies, Justin's annual golf tournament to benefit those in need, I wanted to get inside his brain and see why charitable giving means so much to him. "Anytime you can see in the eyes of people who really need the money or help, and you can actually hand that over to them, it means a lot to me. It makes me feel like a lot of the hard work that everyone does, not just one or two days, but months and months of planning, that it all goes to a purpose. It lets you know that you are benefiting the community, and that makes you feel really good." I also asked Wade why he thinks our scene and those involved always seem to greet charity events with open arms. "I think the majority of it comes from all of us going through hard times and experiences ourselves. It's easy to help people because you understand what they are going through. It's easy to be involved with something that means a lot to you. That's the case with Justin and with me, we've always chosen charities that are close to home, whether it's children, or expectant mothers, or whatever it may be, we've always chosen a cause that means a lot to us, so it's easy to give back. You understand what the people are going through, or what they are about to go through, and you just want to try and make a difference, and make it easier on everybody. I think that it is human nature for most people."
A man who has always been a great representative of our state, our music, our culture, and our scene, Wade Bowen truly understands how much of an impact he can have on all of us. A man who loves what he does, does what he loves, and shares his gifts unselfishly. I'll leave you guys with this emotionally charged performance for the 2013 LJT festival.
As the lyrics say, "Nobody's gonna walk alone, we'll be leaning on each other." That's how we all should be remembered. Remembered for the contributions we each make daily to help our neighbors. Do something today to help make another's life better. DO it out of love, do it out of compassion, but most of all, do it because it is what continues to keep us human. This is Texas Red Dirt Roads.
For those who know me and what music I like, It's no secret that I hold Chis Knight in the highest regards when it comes to songwriters. I love his music, plain and simple. So for this week, I offer up another stripped down, no-frills song, and these words on how I can best describe his music to you. I can only hope that these words, in some remote way, give justice to exactly what kind of musician and artist Chris Knight truly is.
To compare Chris Knight's music to that of any other artist truly is laughable. Chis has created and crafted a unique blend of story telling and haunting lyrical endeavors. His words cut like a rusty knife, leaving behind jagged wounds that are equally deep and painful, producing scars that last a lifetime. But there are stories behind those scars, and those stories are his, and always will be.
As the years have passed, and my taste in music, and my ability to relate to music has evolved, I have noticed how certain sounds, beats, and lyrical compositions that I once would have dismissed, now find their way into my daily listening. It's no secret really that not everyone appreciates music in the same manner, and that what some might consider to be great listening, others might find simply unbearable. This is where the beauty of music lies, the ability to invoke an emotional response. I have, on many occasions, along with my TXRDR brethren, spoke about our individual tastes in listening indulgences, and I'm happy to say that we don't always agree on what each other is listening to at the moment. I feel that is what helps us deliver to you, the reader, a better understanding of where each of us comes from, and helps provide a much broader range of artistic offerings. So, for today, I decided to offer up three selections, and yes, you might have already heard these tunes, I know I certainly have, but today, I ask you to take some time to really listen to the composition of each, and try and relate each to a point in your own life. One you might love, one you might hate. One may be too somber for you, while another might come across as too busy for your liking. There again is where the power of music lies, you have a choice. A choice to be filled with what emotions the artist is trying to convey, or to simply click on the next, never to listen to the previous again. Well, without further ado, I give you a mid-week gauntlet so to speak.
Our first selection is a very simplistic approach to music. A woman and her words, spinning a very clear message, set to the steady rhythm of six-strings.
While some may say that a performance like that is simply too little, and not their speed, I think it is simply a perfect offering that carries the artist's message directly to you. A full band production on a big stage more your style? Give this a listen then. Oh, watch the volume on this one, it recorded rather loud.
Here again, this still might not be exactly what you are searching for. The previous song displays a steady rhythm and thoughtful lyrics, in a more complete setting, which many can find very entertaining. For the last offering, I give yo the newest release from what some might call a super-group of artists on this scene. Let's check it out.
Hopefully that song got those of you who weren't previously pleased, going. With what I consider three very unique sounds and offerings, hopefully I have helped shed some light on those who might have still questioned just what exactly our scene is all about. It is no one sound, no one style, or chord structure, or lyrical type, heck, that was really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this multi-named genre. It has no clear boundaries, and hopefully never will. It truly is undefinable. It can be summed up by this: it is what it is, and will always be what all of us want it to be, the kind of sounds that can be found on any radio once you leave the pavement, and venture onto those roads that are rich in history, the ones we like to call, Texas Red Dirt Roads.
One of the best parts of attending the LJT Texas Music fest are the moments that happen without plan or schedule. While everyone enjoys the main stage or acoustic stage performances, for me, it's the after hours, late-night campfire events. At any given time after midnight, there can be around ten different campfire sets going on at once, many that go until dawn breaks. This year I had three main ones I attended each night. I usually had an idea of who would be where, but as with the magic of LJT, there are always surprises. On Thursday night, while making my rounds I found my way to one of the bigger gatherings. As I staggered up the hill, I could hear just the music playing, and a lack of crowd noise. That was a truly welcome sign. The good part about these impromptu performances are the responses from those listening. They really listen, I mean they just shut up and enjoy the music. No chatter, no rambling, real music fans, enjoying music. This is who was playing, and yeah, he had their attention, and mine as well. Why hadn't I heard this guy? I guess some of the best surprises really are right in front of us all the time. I enjoyed his soulful, melodic, purposeful sound. He knew he had the crowd's attention, and he delivered the moment that everyone was there to experience. I hope you too can feel that moment, and find yourself a new reason to get out there and find a new artist to see live. I promise, this video does no justice to just how powerful his delivery and convictions truly are.
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