February - Texas Music Events Calendar 2008

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The 2008 TMEC lists more than 500 annual events featuring live music. To update listing information for your 2008 event, please contact the Texas Music Office at music[at]SPAMAWAYgovernor.state.tx.us or call (512) 463-6666.

For a listing of Texas live music venues, please click here.

NOTE: Before sending an email please replace [at]SPAMAWAY with @. The Texas Music Office replaced the @ symbol to deter Web spiders from mining this page.

Email: music@governor.state.tx.us | Request Info | Texas music event application

Go Texan Days
February 1-3
Grimes County Expo Center; FM 3455 (Navasota Livestock Auction Barn Road)
Grimes County Go Texan Committee
Stacey Ross
P.O. Box 952; Navasota, TX 77868
(936) 825-2843; (936) 825-6600; Fax (936) 825-3699
Music: Country
Go Texan Days is a three-day festival featuring a parade, dances, auction, horseshoe, washer and tournaments, arts and crafts, and barbecue and chili cookoffs.

Mardi Gras Upriver
February 1-3
Downtown Jefferson
Krewe of Hebe
Karen Foster, President
P.O. Box 562; Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-2672
Music: Jazz, R&B, Rock
Activities: Street dance
Mardi Gras Upriver features family entertainment and a street dance. Friday Night at 6:00 p.m. is the "Doo-Dah" parade, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. is the main parade, and the childrens parade will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Wimberley Winter Jazz Festival
February 1-2, 8-10
Cypress Creek Cafe, Wimberley Square; 320 Wimberley Square
Cypress Creek Cafe
Bruce Calkins
P. O. Box 76; Wimberley, TX 78676
(512) 847-2515; Fax (512) 847-5200
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Music festival
As all of our loyal patrons know, our goal each year is to entice the most talented jazz players available to our scenic village, for the sole purpose of entertaining some very fortunate folks. Most of our musicians reside in Texas, but other parts of the U.S. are represented here also. All of this takes place in the cozy club room of Cypress Creek Cafe, where twenty plus years of attention has been paid to acoustics, service, and comfort. For your comfort all shows are non-smoking; of course we do have a comfortable patio area for smoke breaks. Seating is limited for each show, therefore we strongly urge advance ticket purchasing...typically all shows sell out. Friday 1st, The Brew at 8:30pm with the Winton Reynolds Trio opening at 7:00 pm. Saturday 2nd; Tony Campise Quintet at 8:30pm. Friday 8th, Dylan Meek at 6:30 pm with the Butch Miles Sextet at 8:30 pm. Saturday 9th, Paul Glasse Quintet at 7:00 pm with The Beat Divas at 9:15 pm. Sunday 10th, Tribute show in memory of Bobby Doyle, Tony Campise Quintet at 12:30 pm; brunch included. Fine yet affordable dining is available in our dining room until 9:30 pm Friday and Saturday night; and until 3:00 pm Sundays. In addition, some scrumptious Hors 'd oeuvres will be available in our show lounge room during most performances. For out-of-towners, we are fortunate to have several fine overnight lodging facilities in Wimberley. For lodging info call 512-633-5651 or 512-847-3909.

Mardi Gras Texas Style 2008
February 1-2
the Automotive Building at Fair Park; 1010 First Avenue, Dallas, TX
KPLX-FM 99.5 The Wolf
Paul Williams
3500 Maple Avenue, Suite 1600; Fort Worth, TX 75219-3906
(214) 526-2400; (817) 339-7777; Fax (214) 520-4242
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival
Got Beads? It's Mardi Gras Texas Style! This year it's bigger and better than ever, and for 2 days! Friday & Saturday February 1st & 2nd in the Automotive Building (1010 First Ave.) at Fair Park in Dallas. This event is an all ages event so come on out for a full day or weekend of Mardi Gras Fun...TEXAS STYLE!! Featuring: 38+ artists performances on four stages, including Cross Canadian Ragweed and the Randy Rogers Band.

Texas Songwriters Cruise
February 1-8
Caribbean; Galveston
Texas Songwriters Cruise
Lealean Peace
7401 FM 971; Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 627-2278
Music: Blues, Children's, Christian, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock
Activities: Awards show, Music festival, Songwriting contests, Trade show/convention
The Texas Songwriters Cruise offers a chance to join songwriters from across the nation, and top music industry professionals from Nashville to Los Angeles. Industry participants will attend a five day songwriting conference aboard the Carnival Funship Conquest. The 2007 event hosted 140 aspiring songwriters with representatives from Universal South, Major Publishing Companies, Disney, Sony/BMG, SESAC and others, who attended to listen to songs for placement in TV/Film and on major artist albums and provide insight on the craft and business of songwriting.

Brazilian Carnaval 2008 2
February 1
Planeta Bar-Rio; 6400 Richmond Avenue, Houston
Lydia Pinto
9797 Meadowglen Lane, No. 1906; Houston, TX 77042
(713) 952-4071
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Brazilian Style Carnaval" with the dynamic rhythms and non-stop entertainment at the Planeta Bar-Rio on Friday, February 1. Featuring the carnaval mix of samba and pagode of sambajah directly from Los Angeles, CA: Sambajah: the new generation of Brazilian samba and batucada simulating the Rio de Janeiro street carnaval with Samba Enredo with a full percussion ensemble. The Samba Show Dancers, from Rio will complete the party as they offer the audience a visual feast with extravagant performances of samba, pagode, and Capoeira, by Grupo Cafu Capoeira Association led by Mestre Cafu who will present a traditional martial arts dance. Comprised of a diverse team of talented dancers, this local ensemble displays sheer energy and passion. Costumes are welcome! Brazilian Carnaval 2008 will be airing the carnaval from Rio de Janeiro on big screens all night long. This will give people the opportunity to experience the real thing while celebrating miles away from Rio de Janeiro.

Jazz Improvisation Workshops
February 1 - March 28
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church; 10310 Scarsdale Boulevard, Houston
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Dr. PR Lewis, Administration: Consort Immanuel & Tiger Music.
P.O. Box 34027; Houston, TX 77234.
(713) 594-4584; (281) 484-8370
Music: Jazz
Activities: Workshop
Musicians (amateur, student, teacher, and professional) with an interest in playing jazz and developing jazz improvisation skills are invited to participate in a workshop series that focuses on these topics. Details of the workshop series are available at www.consortimmanuel.org/workshops. The workshops begin on 1 Feb and are presented by accomplished composer and well-known Houston jazz trumpeter, Eddie Lewis, and various other guests. While young musicians are encouraged to attend and interact with more experienced musicians, it should be noted that all participants are required to have a minimum of 2 years playing experience on an instrument of their choice.

Carnaval Brasileiro
February 2
Palmer Events Center; 900 Barton Springs Road
Carnaval Austin
Mike Quinn
6100 Shoal Creek Blvd; Austin, TX 78757
(512) 452-6832
Music: World Beat, Samba
Activities: Music festival, Costume Ball
Carnaval Brasileiro is now the largest INDOOR Brazilian carnaval ball in the known universe. Live music, wacky costumes and non-stop dancing make this Austin's biggest, and longest running party. Local act Academicos Da Opera consists of 35 drummers and 15 dancers in totally nutty costumes.

Mardi Gras & 7th Annual Gumbo Cookoff 2
February 2
Schroeder Dance Hall; 12514 FM Road 622, Schroeder
Texas Radio 98.7
Vicky Coffman
302 Sam Houston Drive; Victoria, TX 77901-4771
(361) 573-2121; Fax (361) 573-5872
Music: Cajun
Activities: Gumbo Cooko
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler - Mardi Gras Is Just Around The Corner! Get ready to join Texas Radio 98.7 for the 7th Annual Mardi Gras & Gumbo Cookoff on Saturday, February 2nd at Schroeder Hall. Cold beer, smokin' zydeco music, and the biggest gumbo cookoff around - keep it locked into the Texas Mix for more information!

Lone Star First Saturday
February 2, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6
Montgomery Trace Shopping Center; SH 105 and FM 149
Historical Montgomery Business Association
Claudia Childress
27 Royal Dalton; Conroe, TX 77304
(936) 756-5085; (936) 597 4566
Multiple acoustic open jams during Lone Star Days each 1st Saturday in Historic downtown Montgomery. The Historic Montgomery Farmers' Market is held each month in conjunction with "Lone Star First Saturday," a city-wide sales event which occurs in Montgomery on the first Saturday of each month; and features special activities, hospitality, and/or bargains at all participating restaurants and historic district shops.

String Fling
February 5
Civic Center Theatre; Lubbock
Lubbock Independent School District
Robert Rumph, Director of Fine Arts
1628 19th Street; Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 766-1045; Fax (806) 766-1069
Music: Classical, Pop
The String Fling is staged by 14 secondary orchestras, performing in clusters, and an All-City Seventh Grade Orchestra from the Lubbock Independent School District beginning at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center Theatre. Also featured will be the 450-member "All-City Massed Orchestra."

Mardi Gras Celebration
February 5
Lake Dallas City Hall; 212 Main Street
City of Lake Dallas
Holly Deitrick
P.O. Box 368; Lake Dallas, TX 75065
(940) 497-226 X 132; (940) 230-5684; Fax (940) 497-4485
Music: Cajun, Dance, Rock, Top 40, Oldies
Activities: Music festival, Contests, Kids activities
As in previous years, the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration will take place on Fat Tuesday. The event begins with a parade including 40+ decorative floats competing for a $1,000 prize. The City Hall parking lot is transformed into a New Orleans style party with great Cajun food, balloon sculpting, bounce houses and contests for the kids, and live music. The Dance Fuse Variety Band will be performingNew Orleans style music as well as a variety of cover songs and popular music.

Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series
February 8
Municipal Auditorium; 2821 Washington Street
Friends of Main Street
Larry Green, Jr.
2507 Washington Street; Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 455-1876; (903) 457-3138; Fax (903) 455-1710
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Music festival
The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series honors the memory of the Father of Austin Country Music, Greenville native Kenneth Threadgill. Concerts are presented at the historic Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Greenville. The Series began in 2003 with a concert by two great Texas songwriters, Guy Clark and Bruce Robison. Other past acts include Rodney Crowell, Billy Joe Shaver, Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez, Jack Ingram, Max Stalling, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, Terri Hendrix, Charlie Robison, Reckless Kelly, Slaid Cleaves, Hayes Carll, Marty Stuart, Jim Lauderdale, and Leslie Satcher. Three concerts are presented each year, one in the winter, one in the spring and one in the fall. The Series is sponsored by Friends of Main Street, a non-profit organization dedicated to Historic Downtown Greenville.

Joe Pat Hennen's Campfire at the Gage Hotel - 6th Annual
February 8-9
Gage Hotel; Marathon
Joe Pat Hennen
Joe Pat Hennen
3324 Brooke Street; Denton, TX 76207
(940) 453-7723
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Music festival
The Sixth Annual Joe Pat Hennen Campfire at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas is a unique weekend getaway for live music fans to enjoy the beautiful Trans-Pecos and Big Bend areas of Texas. Enjoy a first class hotel, gourmet meals, and world class Texas songwriters in an intimate setting. There aren't many occasions to be in such beautiful surroundings and relaxing with old friends and making new ones. Along with Joe Pat at the 2008 Campfire at the Gage Hotel will be guest singer/songwriters Larry Joe Tayloron Febuary 8th and Bruce Robison on Febuary 9th. Escape Febuary 8th and 9th to the Texas Big Bend where you can "hear and feel the quiet." It will be a great weekend!

The Blue Shoe Project Grammy Gala
February 8
The Palace Theater; Grapevine
The Blue Shoe Project
P.O. Box 1375; Colleyville, TX 76034
(800) 714-6019
Music: Blues
Activities: Music festival
The Blue Shoe Project Grammy Gala featuring performances by blues legend David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Marquise Knox, Bonedoggie and the Hickory Street Hellraisers. Join us to celebrate the Grammy Nomination of The Blue Shoe Project's debut release "Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen -- Live in Dallas" 7:00 p.m. Pre-Party &VIP Reception (Meet & Greet backstage with Honeyboy Edwards). 8:00 p.m. Concert. All ticket prices include Complementary Beverages & Hors d' Oeuvres. Tickets to this event are extremely limited.

Pasta And Puccini
February 9
Summit Club II; Longview
Opera East Texas
Derrith Bondurant
P. O. Box 1175; Longview, TX 75606
(903) 234-1300; Fax (903) 234-1300
Music: Classical, Opera
Activities: Music festival
Pasta And Puccini, was the first event produced by the BRAVO! Opera East Texas Volunteers. The evening of entrainment features local stars of East Texas Opera singing classical, opera, and Broadway show tunes and a pasta dinner. Taking the name BRAVO!, which stands for Bringing Recognition to the Art of Voice through Opera, the volunteer group has a passion for opera entertainment and wants to make sure East Texas Opera is promoted to as large an audience as possible. Other intimate parties and programs are on the drawing board. Not all events will be fundraisers. Some will be staged to honor patrons and benefactors of East Texas Opera, while others will showcase professional and amateur artists in various venues, including area homes. The money raised by the Pasta and Puccini night and other similar fund-raisers will go to help defray the expenses of the out-of-town artists who come to Longview for three weeks to produce the June opera each year.

Big Symphony Association Winter Concert
February 9
Big Spring Municipal Auditorium; 310 East Third, Big Spring
Big Spring Symphony Association
Big Spring Symphony Association
808 Scurry; Big Spring, TX 79720
(432) 264-7223; (432) 263-8235
Music: Christian, Classical, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Concert season
Big Symphony Association Winter Concert presents an Evening of Dvorak, Symphony No. 9, Op.95 "The New World" - Concerto for Violoncello, Jeffrey Lastrappes, violoncello.

Ennis Czech Music Festival
February 9
Sokol Activity Center; 2622 East Hwy 34, Ennis
Michelle Slovak
180 Gin Road; Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 875-5988
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival, Door prizes
The Czech polka bands of Ennis invite you to the Ennis Czech Music Festival. Listen & dance to 5 bands! Performers include Ennis Czech Boys at 2:00, Jak Se Do at 4:00, Harvesters at 6:00, Jodie Mikula Orchestra at 8:00 an Czech & Then Some at 10:00. This is a great way to extend your support & appreciation for Czech music & heritage. Dress casual, but this also would be a great time to put on your kroj (Czech costume)! Stay tuned to the Sunday Morning Polka Show.9:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m. on KBEC 1390 AM or at www.KBEC.com.

Texas Music Educators Association Annual Convention
February 13-14
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center; 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205
Texas Music Educators Association
Robert Floyd, Executive Director
P.O. Box 140465; Austin, TX 78714-0465
(512) 452-0710 ext. 101; (888) 318-TMEA; Fax (512) 451-9213
Music: Big Band, Children's, Classical, Jazz, Concert bands, Orchestras, Choirs
Activities: Trade show/convention
The TMEA is an organization of more than 10,000 members dedicated to promoting public awareness of music education in the schools of Texas and stimulating professional growth among its members. In addition to sponsoring teacher training sessions on the regional level, the TMEA produces an annual clinic/convention each February that draws more than 23,000 musicians, teachers and members of the music industry. The TMEA Annual Clinic/Convention offers over 200 teaching workshops, dozens of concerts by performing groups, and over 1,000 exhibit hall booths. In addition, hundreds of high school music students from all across Texas come for four days of rehearsals with a nationally known clinician. Their experience concludes with one of ten different All-State concerts.

Rio Grande Valley Music Festival
February 13-17
Mercedes Livestock Showgrounds; Mercedes
George Rogers, President
218 South Ohio Street, Box 3; Mercedes, TX 78570
(956) 373-0310
Music: Christian, Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival
The Rio Grande Valley Music Festival, features a variety of music including country western and gospel.

Valentine's Day Oldies Dance
February 14
Guadalupe Theatre; 1301 Guadalupe Street
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Belindia Memcha
1300 Guadalupe Street; San Antonio, TX 78207-5519
(210) 271-3151; Fax (210) 271-3480
Music: Blues, Oldies
Activities: Dance
The Valentine's Day Oldies Dance performers include Arturo "Sauce" Gonzales and the Westside Horns, the Sequence, Ernie Garibay and Sunrize, Joe Jama and the Proof, Body & Soul, OBG Band and Randy Garibay.

No Idea Festival
February 14-17
Austin and San Antonio
Ten Pounds To The Sound + No Idea Festival
Chris Cogburn - No Idea Festival Artistic Director
P.O. Box 684335; Austin, TX 78768
(512) 809-7913
Ten Pounds To The Sound is pleased to present the fifth annual No Idea Festival 2008 of Creative Improvised Music.. 20 artists and friends from Tokyo, New York City, Boston, California, Baltimore, Houston, Austin and beyond coming together for four nights of performance, public workshops and open rehearsals. Regarded as "...one of the finest creative improvised music festivals in the world." (Paris Transatlantic) this year's festival is more broad in scope than last, with diverse threads of interest connecting each night. From solos to large groups, known groups to ad-hoc combinations, each night will explore a variety of approaches and situations - each expressing a unique and exciting form of adventurous music and contemporary improvisation. Come see the most innovative International artists collaborate with local, Texas based musicians to create spontaneous, adventurous music together. The Festival takes place February 14, 15 and 16 in Austin; February 17 in San Antonio.

Hug-In
February 15
Luckenbach Dance Hall; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg
Luckenbach
Neal Brown
412 Luckenbach Town Loop; Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-3224; (888) 311-8990; Fax (830) 997-1024
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival
Luckenbach's Annual Celebration for the holiday Valentine's Day! It will be a weekend of live music, cold beer, and fun! That evening there will be a campfire circle with local favorites Candace and T-Roy Miller. More details to follow! Time for event are subject to change!

Urban Music Festival
February 15-17
Blue Cactus Cafe, La Villita Assembly Hall; San Antonio
DaBratz Entertainment
Quinn Dixon
P.O. Box 34831; San Antonio, TX 78265
(210) 967-6348
Music: Children's, Christian, Rap/Hip Hop
Activities: Trade show/convention
DaBratz Entertainment will present the 4th annual Urban Music Festival Friday, Saturday & Sunday (February 15-17, 2008) in San Antonio, TX. The Festival will include artist performances and workshops. Scholarships and financial assistance programs are available. We are looking for singers, artists and musicians of all genres as well as dancers, rappers etc. For more information please visit our websites: www.theurbanmusicfestival.com or www.myspace.com/theurbanmusicfestival. Proceeds to benefit the Musicians Exchange Group and Christ's Ambassadors to College. In the previous years, news of this festival spread around the world. Repetition is a good thing! Our website is still under construction, but please visit us. We are undergoing daily changes to perfect the website so as to keep you informed.

International Concerto Competition
February 15-17
Del Mar College; Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi International Competition for Piano & Strings, Inc.
Beverly Ann Randolph, Competition Corresponding Secretary
P.O. Box 81243; Corpus Christi, TX 78468
(361) 888-4184
Music: Classical
Activities: Concerto Competition
Corpus Christi International Competition is dedicated to providing an international venue for superior classical music, and to sponsoring an event that allows talented young musicians the opportunity to hone their skills. We wish to keep the tradition of classical music alive in the United States and in South Texas. We will continue this tradition with the 38th International Concerto Competition in February 2008. For 37 years, we have held a piano and strings concerto competition open to young musicians from around the world who qualify by the level of their performances. The young musicians chosen then travel to Corpus Christi -- with their families, teachers and supporters -- to compete against their peers. This Competition benefits South Texas on a variety of levels. The contestants represent the best the world of classical music has to offer, thus presenting valuable role models for South Texas children as well as thrilling performances for adults who attend. The Competition benefits the community financially since judges (6), accompanists (2), piano technician (1) and contestants (40+) and their parties come into the City from around the world and spend money in local hotels and restaurants. The Competition is free and open to the public. Contestants and attenders receive the opportunity to interact with musicians of international stature, since our judges are chosen from an elite list in the musical world. The 38th International Concerto Competition will again bring young musicians from four continents to receive the comments of expert judges and to vie for over $21,000 in prizes.

18th Annual Huston-Tillotson University Blues and Jazz Concert
February 17
Mary E. Branch Gymnasium; 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702
Huston-Tillotson University Alumni Association
La Juana R. Napier; Linda Y. Jackson
900 Chicon Street; Austin, TX 78702-2795
(512) 505-3006; (512) 477-2998; Fax (512) 505-3196
Music: Big Band, Blues, Jazz, R&B
Activities: Music festival
Huston-Tillotson University Blues and Jazz Concert is an annual event that features local musicians who donate their time in support of HT's goal of providing higher education for its students. The concert is a fundraiser for Huston-Tillotson University. Musicians donate their time for the performances. The featured music includes blues, jazz, big band and more. The concert begins at 4:00 p.m.

SIMS Race for Rhythm
February 17
Streets of downtown Austin, TX
SIMS Foundation
Catarina Sigerfoos
P.O. Box 2152; Austin, TX 78768-2152
(512) 472-1008; (512) 791-4929
If you are considering running in the AT&T Austin Marathon (full or half marathon) and would be interested in raising funds for The the SIMS Foundation, contact Catarina Sigerfoos at (512) 791-4929 for more details. Additonally, SIMS needs your help with our FINISH LINE aid station on Feb. 17 and on marathon-related projects immediately. The deadline for volunteers is Thursday, January 24 at noon. The deadline for runners is Friday, January 25. Contact Catarina Sigerfoos at (512) 791-4929. You may also bid on the online auction items associated with the race including a Gibson guitar, one year memberships to the PURE Austin Gym and more. Check http://www.simsfoundation.org/ for more details.

Victoria Jaycee Livestock Show
February 21-25
Community Center; North Street at Ben Wilson
Victoria Jaycees
Heather Schrank
P.O. Box 2185; Victoria, TX 77902-2185
(361) 576-4300; (361) 576-4300
Music: Country
Activities: County fair, Singing contests, Dominos tournament
The Livestock Show & Auction lasts over four days and concludes with the auction on Monday. There a BBQ cookoff, a parade, a carnival, a pet show, country music concerts and Victoria Games.

Fiesta Edinburg
February 22-23
Edinburg Municipal Park; Edinburg
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
Evana Vleck
P.O. Box 85; Edinburg, TX 78540
(956) 383-4974; (956) 383-4974; Fax (956) 383-6942
Music: Latin Pop, Rap/Hip Hop, Regional Mexican, Tejano
Activities: Carnival, Children's Special Even
Experience four days of fun and exciting activities for the whole family during the last weekend of February. Enjoy live concerts and carnival rides at the Edinburg Municipal Park, as well as the traditional parade, a diverse assortment of food booths, clowns and other special events and much, much more!

Polka Fest
February 23
Sokol Hall; 5502 Kostoryz, Corpus Christi
Czech Heritage Society of South Texas
Randy Sykora
P.O. Box 6254; Corpus Christi, TX 78466-6254
(361) 992-2126
Music: Polka
Activities: Music festival
The Czech Heritage Society of Central Texas would like to welcome you to the 2008 Polka Fest featuring the Majek Orchestra, Red Ravens, and Czechaholics. Meals will be served by the Knights of Columbus and St. Thomas Catholic Church. Czech food, fun and dancing.

Land of Leather Days
February 23
Yoakum Community Center; 105 Huck
Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce
Linda Machacek
P.O. Box 591; Yoakum, TX 77995
(361) 293-2309; Fax (361) 741-6739
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Music festival, Trade show/convention, Chili Cook Off, Team rapping on Saturda
The Land of Leather Days is held every year the last weekend in February and is a sanctioned Chili Cook Off with live entertainment during the day in downtown Yoakum. This festival includes chili, bean and dessert Cook offs, arts and crafts, food vendors, games for the children and a carnival.

Charro Days Festival
February 24-March 2
Jacob Brown Auditorium; 600 International Blvd.
Charro Days, Inc.
Michael T. Puckett
P.O. Box 3247; Brownsville, TX 78523-3247
(956) 542-4245; Fax (956) 542-6771
Music: Tejano
Charro Days includes public dances, live entertainment, Youth Parade, Twilight Parade, Grand International Parade, carnival and Noche Mexicana. Performers include Los Dos Gilbertos, Tejano Boys on Friday and Jimmy Gonzalez Y Grupo Mazz on Saturday.

Promethean Studios Winter Recitals
February 24
Texas A&M Research Center; 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074
Promethean Studios
Mark W. Black
P.O.Box 863177; Plano, TX 75086
(972) 422-3362
Music: Blues, Children's, Christian, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Pop, Punk, R&B, Rock
Come see musicians of all ages and abilities play and sing many styles of music, in an encouraging atmosphere. It's a great time to check out our studios, the camaraderie of our students, and the results of our teaching. It's always wonderful to hear these individuals, from beginners to professionals, make music for others. Our recitals are set up as concerts, with individuals and groups playing 1 to 4 minutes pieces, 12 to 18 total performances - each recital lasting 60 to 80 minutes - from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm. A reception follows each recital. Free and open to the public. Promethean Studios, founded in 1991 by Mark Black, offers beginner through professional level lessons, in all styles of music, on guitar, voice, piano, keyboard, electric & upright bass, sax, flute, oboe, music composition, song writing, music theory, praise and worship, and other areas. We have taught thousands of students from around the world.

Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition
February 25
Caruth Auditorium; Southern Methodist University
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Association
Kristin Carpenter, Education Coordinator
2301 Flora Street, No 300, Schlegel Administrative Suites; Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-4019; Fax (214) 953-1218
Music: Classical
Activities: Competition
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition is intended to identify and encourage the highest level of musical talent in the south central United States. The competition for Strings, Piano, Woodwinds and Brass is open to applicants between the ages of 8 to 18 (inclusive) on Febraury 25, 2008, and who are a current resident of the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Louisiana. The final round takes place on April 26, 2008, and the first place award is a $3,500 scholarship to be used for career advancing opportunities, and an opportunity to perform with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Application must include a CD of a complete concerto (all movements) in the standard orchestral repertoire including works by J.S. Bach through to present-day composers, plus a solo work of contrasting style. The solo work may be accompanied or un-accompanied. Application forms are available from the event coordinator.

BorderFest
February 28-March 2
Dodge Arena; 2600 North Tenth Street
Borderfest Association/Chamber of Commerce
Joe Vera III, CFEE
611 East Coma; Hidalgo, TX 78557
(956) 843-2734; (956) 843-2302; Fax (956) 843-2722
Music: Big Band, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Polka, Pop, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival
BorderFest is a citywide cultural celebration which includes a parade, live entertainment, food, crafts, pageants and more. It is the oldest and largest outdoor heritage music festival in the Rio Grande Valley.

Somervell County PRCA Rodeo
February 28-March 1
Expo Center; 202 Bo Gibbs Drive
Somervell County Horse Show and Rodeo Association
Abe Camacho, Event Coordinator
P.O. Box 8; Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254) 897-4171; (254) 897-4509; Fax (254) 897-7713
Music: Country
Activities: Rodeo
Somervell County PRCA Rodeo features some of the world's greatest professional cowboys and cowgirls in competition and great country music. Some of the exciting events will be bronco riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, goat milking and of course Mutton Bustin. The Mutton Buston' will be at 7:00pm each night. Mutton Bustin' Contestants must weigh 50 pounds or less. Sign-ups at Rodeo at 6:00pm, limited to first 25 each night -- $10 entry fee. Rodeo performance 7:30 p.m. each night with top professional cowboys & cowgirls. Great Action! Thrills, Spills & Fun!

Sombrero Festival
February 28-March 1
Washington Park; Brownsville
Sombrero Festival
Dale Gas
P.O. Box 5240; Brownsville, TX 73523
(956) 550-9682; Fax (956) 550-9682
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Jazz, Rock, Tejano, Mariachi, Norteño
Activities: Awards show, County fair, Music festival, Singing contests, Street dance
Sombrero Festival throws a party for Brownsville the last week-end in February each year during Charro Days. In 2005, our popular festival moved to Dean Porter Park, our largest city park that has recently undergone a $14 million renovation. Also located in the park are the Camille Lightner Playhouse, The Costumes of the Americas Museum operated by Pan American Round Table I and The Children's Museum. ThAVe world-class Gladys Porter Zoo is directly across the street, and a new Fine Arts Museum is under construction close-by. Sombrero Festival was founded in 1986 to revive waning interest in the Charro Days celebration and to provide a venue targeting a broad segment of the community. Our average annual attendance is 40,000. Our gate price is $5.00 for adults and children under 12 with an adult get in free. We maintain a cooperative agreement with numerous local non-profit groups whereby the group performs volunteer service and we make a donation to their organization. To date, Sombrero Festival has returned $1,348,000.00 back to the community through these and direct donations for tourism, beautification and recreation venues in the City of Brownsville. Sombrero is staffed completely by volunteers and is a 501-(c) (4) non-profit organization. Our annual gross income is $350,000. and we retain only start-up money for the next year's festival. The remainder pays our bills and is invested back in the community. Sombrero Festival provides the only marketing venue during Charro Days. Our 3-day event attracts this large segment of the population by featuring well-known Hispanic artists, unique food booths, popular events such as the Jalapeno Eating Contest, Waiter's Race, Charro Days Classic Marathon, Tortilla Frisbee Toss, Hat-Stack Relay, The Grito Contest and the only charra bean cookoff we know of, Frijolympics. We provide a fenced, secure, and family oriented environment in a beautiful setting at Dean Porter Park, which has recently undergone a $14 million dollar renovation.

Fred Eaglesmith Texas Weekend
February 28-March 2
Saengerhalle, Gruene Hall; New Braunfels, TX
TSN Productions
Tracie Ferguson
1281 Gruene Road; New Braunfels, TX 78130
(281) 352-6179
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Americana / Roo
Activities: Music festival
It will be 4 days of great music and food with fans coming from all over. 17 different acts will perform. Some of the artists appearing include: Bruce Robison, Ryan Bingham, Tom Russell, Terri Hendrix, Lloyd Maines, The Mother Truckers, Jason Ringenberg and a Canadian Songwriter's night. For more information go to: www.gruenehall.com.

North Texas Irish Festival
February 29-March 2
Fair Park, Dallas, TX; Automobile Building and the Centennial Building
Southwest Celtic Music Association
Marsha Singer
833 Exposition Avenue, Suite B; Dallas, TX 75226-3431
(214) 821-4173; (972) 943-4624
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Celtic
Activities: Music festival, Arts & Crafts
Hello, and welcome to the North Texas Irish Festival 2008, our 26th event. Mark your calendar now for the first weekend in March, which next year will actually start on the evening of Friday, February 29th - known as Sadie Hawkins day in some countries!

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo / Rodeo Austin
February 29-March 15
Travis County Expo Center; 7311 Decker Lane
Star of Texas
Brittani Mathis
9100 Decker Lake Road; Austin, TX 78724
(512) 919-3000; Fax (512) 919-3005
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Latin Pop, Pop, R&B, Regional Mexican, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Cowboy poetry, Fiddling contests, Rodeo
The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that produces a 15-day event that entertains and educates attendees and raises money for academic scholarships and educational programs. Entertainment includes: Trace Adkins (Wednesday, March 14); Taylor Hicks (Thursday, March 15); Foreigner (Tuesday, March 20) and comedian Bill Engvall (Wednesday, March 21). This year, Trisha Yearwood and Josh Turner will be performing at the Rodeo Austin Gala on February 9, 2008. Funds generated through the Rodeo Austin Gala support students in Texas. In 2007, over $1.4 million went to the youth of Texas in prize money, auction proceeds and other forms of giving. Over the past 20 years, the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo has given more than $20 million to 13,500 students.

Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
February 29-March 1-2
Sul Ross State University; Highway 90 East
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering Committee
Michael Stevens
P.O. Box 395; Alpine, TX 79831
(432) 364-2490; (432) 294-1576
Music: Country, Cowboy
Activities: Cowboy poetry, Cowboy Gear Auction
The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering features traditional cowboy music in most of the poetry and storytelling sessions. All music is live and performed on acoustical instruments by working cowboys. By working, we mean that at least part of their time and livelihood are or were at some time ranch related. Activities include cowboy church service with music. Confirmed acts: Don Cadden, Bob Campbell, Chuck Milner, Mike Stevens, Gary and Jean Prescott, Andy Hedges, Andy Wilkinson, Jim Wilson, Joel Nelson, Gillette Brothers, R.P. Smith, Charley Chambers, and the Moons.

Sahawe Indian Dancers Winter Ceremonials
February 29, March 1 and 7-8
First United Methodist Church; 301 N. High Street
Sahawe Indian Dancers - Boy Scout Troop & Venture Crew 181
Bill Dillahunty, Program Director
117 Studer Street; Uvalde, TX 78801
(830) 278-2016; (830) 278-3361
Music: Folk/Acoustic, Native American
Activities: Native American Dancing
The Sahawe Indian Dancers, members of Boy Scout Troop and Venture Crew 181 from Uvalde will present a 90 minute interpretive performance of dances and music of the Southwest Pueblo Indians. The 15 to 18 dance program will include the Hoop Dance, Eagle Dance, Bullalo Dance, Wild Game Dance and many other dances from the Southwest Pueblos. It will frature along with the dancing, music also history, folklore and costumes.

Worldwide Music Producers' Listen and Exchange 2
February 29 - March 1
Houston, TX
Dedra's Entertainment Group
Dedra Davis, Entertainment Attorney
P.O. Box 420567; Houston, TX 77242-0567
(713) 981-3861; Fax (718) 878-4526.
Activities: Awards show, Trade show/convention, music exchange
Want your music heard? Just need a break. Listen and Exchange(tm) is the answer! Check out http://www.listenandexchange.com, email DedraDavis[at]musiclw.com, or call (713) 981-3861...Feb. 24 Listen and Exchange(tm) - 7pm-12am, Doubletree at the Allen Center, Houston, TX.Feb. 25 Platinum Producer's Panel - 10am-12:30pm, Doubletree at the Allen Center, Houston, TX.Feb. 26 Open Mic, Closing Night Soiree - 10pm-1:30am, Doubletree at the Allen Center, Houston, TX.