April - Texas Music Events Calendar 2012

The 2012 TMEC lists more than 500 annual events featuring live music. To update listing information for your 2012 event, please contact the Texas Music Office at music [at] governor.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] with @. The Texas Music Office replaced the @ symbol to deter Web spiders from mining this page.

Email: music [at] governor.state.tx.us | Request Info | Texas music event application

Celebration of Life & Music
April 1
Thump Pavilion; 300 Block Davis Street, Downtown Luling
Tom Webb Memorial Scholarship Committee
Trey Bailey / Tori Webb
820 South Oak; Luling, TX 78648
(512) 921-4747; (830) 875-3214; Fax (830) 875-2082
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Music festival
For the tenth straight year, a stellar lineup of Texas Musicians will gather in downtown Luling, Texas to celebrate the life of Tom B. Webb, IV and his love of music. Proceeds from this day of music and celebration benefit the Tom Webb Memorial Scholarship Fund. Webb, an aspiring Texas musician, lost his life in an automobile accident in December of 2001 at the age of 16. Additional information and an artists' roster can be found at www.celebratetom.com.

Glen Rose Bluegrass Jamboree
April 5-7
Oakdale Park; 1019 NorthEast Barnard
Oakdale Park
Billy Huckabay
P.O. Box 900; Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254) 897-2321
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Music festival
The Bluegrass Jamboree in Oakdale Park, the Bluegrass Music Capital of Texas, features 3 days of traditional bluegrass music. Although it typically runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, musicians will gather a week ahead of time and informal jam sessions will be scattered throughout the tree-shaded park.

Llano Fiddle Fest Weekend
April 6-8
various locations; Llano
Llano Fiddle Fest
John Caballero, Event Coordinator
12340 South Hwy 16; Llano, TX 78643
(325) 247-3979
Music: Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic
Activities: Fiddling contests, Music festival
Llano is providing a weekend full of fiddling and music honoring those individuals who have kept the tradition of grass roots Texas music alive. Events will include "Air Fiddle" contests, Llano Open Fiddle Contest, An Art Exhibit featuring antique musical instruments will be for all to see throughout the weekend. Chuck Wagon breakfast, music jams, fiddler reception will be open to the public. This year we will be presenting an appreciation award to Roy Thackerson, the Fingerless Fiddler during Saturday's fiddle competition. Please check our website for more details.

Brazos Nights
April April 6, May 4, June 1, July 4
Indian Spring Park; Downtown Waco
City of Waco Parks & Recreation Department
Megan Davis, Special Events Manager
P.O. Box 2570; Waco, TX 76702
(254) 750-5781; (254) 750-5627; Fax (254) 750-5782
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Country, Polka, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Concert season, Music festival, Street dance, Children's area
Brazos Nights is a free concert series organized by the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department. Performances take place on the first Fridays of April through June and on July 4 at Indian Spring Park next to the historic Suspension Bridge. Featuring first-class local, regional, and national artists, Brazos Nights offers everything from blues to country to polka. Along with music, the events include food, drinks, dancing, art and games for kids. Brazos Nights concludes on July 4 with a fantastic fireworks display over the Brazos River.

East Texas Gusher Days
April 7-28
Downtown Gladewater; Located on U.S. Highway 80 and State Highway 271
Gladewater Chamber of Commerce
Leon Watson
P.O. Box 1409; Gladewater, TX 75647
(903) 845-5501; (903) 845-5501; Fax (903) 845-6326
Music: Country
Activities: Street dance
Enjoy a variety of events revolving around the nostalgia of the Oil Boom Days! Includes a Kick-Off luncheon, Heritage Parade, Bass Tournament, Chili Cook-Off, Fun Activities, Antique Car Show, Brownie Bowl Lick-Off, live musical entertainment, street dance, arts & crafts, food concessions and commercial area.

Good Oil Days
April 7
Main Street, Humble; Main Street, Humble
Humble Area Civic Center - Attn: Marketing Dept.
Johnnie Ray Scroggins, Festival Chair
8233 Will Clayton Parkway; Humble, TX 77338
(281) 446-4140; Fax (281) 319-4030
Music: Children's, Country, Cowboy, Jazz, Pop, Rock
Activities: County fair, Street dance
The City of Humble and the Humble Senior Activity Center, are proud to present the 32nd Annual Good Oil Days Festival. There will be many opportunities for shopping with vendors from all over, coming to sell their wares. There will be great food and fun family activities including a new petting zoo, a new and improved Kidz Zone, a live entertainment stage hosted by our Humble Area Seniors and a live music stage featuring music by fantastic artists from near and far. All this is located on historic Main Street, Humble. Proceeds benefit the Humble Area Seniors. Booth fees, donation and in-kind services are tax deductible.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival
April 7 - May 28
Near Waxahachie; FM Road 66 off IH 35 East
Coy Sevier
P.O. Box 538; Waxahachie, TX 75168
(972) 938-3247 ext. 22; (972) 938-3247; Fax (972) 938-1890
Music: Classical, Folk/Acoustic
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a 16th century English Renaissance village. Music, arts and crafts, food and games are all taken from around life in England in the 1550s during the reign of King Henry VIII. Spread over 35 tree-covered acres, the village features live music, dancing, juggling, magic, craft demonstrations, games of the period, and succulent food. The Faire is held every weekend from April 7th through May 28th, including Memorial Day.

Chilifest
April 13-14
Snook, TX; 4 Miles From Snook
Chilifest Incorporated
PMB 328, 1511 South Texas Avenue; College Station, TX 77840
(979) 695-2998
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival
Chilifest is one of the most anticipated events each year in the Brazos Valley. It's organized by Chilifest Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The annual event draws over 20,000 people. All the proceeds from the festival go to local community organizations. Last year it was over $100,000. Friday features music from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday events start [at] 10 a.m. and end promptly at 7:30 p.m. (artist lineup TBA).

Burnet Bluebonnet Festival
April 13-15
Town Square; Burnet, TX
Bluebonnet Festival Committee / Burnet Chamber of Commerce
Jo Karr Tedder
229 South Pierce; Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 756-4297; (512) 756-4297; Fax (512) 756-2548
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Tejano, Texas acts
Activities: Music festival, Street dance
The Burnet Bluebonnet Festival, held the 2nd weekend in April each year is a fun filled event for the whole family. There are activities for all ages to enjoy including a carnival, 5K Run, arts and crafts vendors, the Highland Lakes Air Show, destruction derby and a huge parade. Live entertainment throughout the event featuring the best in local and Texas music. For a schedule of events, go to "http://www.bluebonnetfestival.org.

Montgomery County Fair
April 13-22
Montgomery County Fairgrounds; FM 1484
Montgomery County Fair Association
Beth Traylor
P.O. Box 869; Conroe, TX 77305
(936) 760-3631; (936) 760-3247; Fax (936) 760-1568
Music: Country, Rock, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The Montgomery County Fair, Rodeo and Barbecue Cook-Off has a little bit of something for everyone. Bring the whole family to enjoy the competitions, concerts, exhibits, carnival and much, much more! Each year, new attractions and events are added, so you never know what you might find! This year marks our 55th Annual Montgomery County Fair, Rodeo and Barbecue Cook-Off on April 13-22, 2012. The combined support of our 600 volunteers, 2,000 members and the surrounding community businesses and residents has made the Fair the largest event in Montgomery County, and we are still growing! We cannot wait for next year to welcome back more than 60,000 guests, 1,000 exhibitors and 122 cook-off teams.

Creole Heritage Zydeco & Crawfish Festival
April 13-14
San Jacinto Mall; Baytown
The Broussard Endowment
Shannon Broussard
14211 Wildwood Springs Lane; Houston, TX 77004
(832) 347-0098
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Zydeco
Activities: Music festival
Creole Heritage Zydeco & Crawfish Festival, is taking place at San Jacinto Mall - Baytown, Texas. The Broussard Endowment project event will feature eleven of the hottest Zydeco, Cajun, & Blues bands in the country -- even more than appeared at last year's great festival. Saturday, April 30, 2011 (12noon - 12am) Ruben Moreno, Lil' Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames, Brian Jack & the Zydeco Gamblers and J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco NuBreeds. Sunday, May 1, 2011 (12noon - 9pm) Jerome Batiste & the Zyde Ko Players, Keyun & the Zydeco Masters, Curtis Poullard & the Creole Zydeco Band, Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws and Chris Ardoin & NuStep.

Kemah Crawfish Festival
April 13-15
Under the Kemah Bridge; HWY 146 [at] 3rd Street
The City of Kemah
Domino Taylor
Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 802-2776
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Country, Rock
The Kemah Crawfish Festival showcases the sights, the music, great tastes, and above all, the fun that is Kemah, the Gateway to the Bay. The three-day festival takes place under the iconic Kemah Bridge, truly welcoming all into the city. In its first year, 2011, the turnout and success of the Festival vastly exceeded even our wildest expectation. Tens of thousands of patrons descended on Kemah, hungry for great crawfish at a cheap price and a great time by the water. It was the biggest event the city has had, all shutting it down and providing record numbers for local business as well. The response was so overwhelming, keeping up with demand was a challenge, but if 2012 will mean one thing it will mean MORE: more crawfish, more serving lines, more food vendors, more activities, more Zydeco, more of everything that made this such an enjoyable event to make 2012 even better. In addition to serving hot, fresh crawfish at $2 a pound throughout the festival, Kemah will also offer the best of Cajun dishes and classic festival fare. The area's best Zydeco bands provide the infectious rhythms where the Bayou meets the Bay. The boat launch will be transformed into The Pirate’s Cove with costumed performers and activities. Crawfish races, crawfish eating contests, and more will continue throughout the event. Performers will mingle with vendors of gifts, arts and crafts. A Children's Area will provide plenty of activities and fun for kids. All of Kemah will join in presenting their city, their food, their music, and all that makes life here so special. The Kemah Crawfish Festival takes the friendly, relaxed fun and community feel of a small town fair and, like the City of Kemah, serves it up big. Cajun Food: There's more food to enjoy at the Kemah Crawfish Festival than great crawfish! Cajun cuisine grew out of the bayou culture, where people with a love of great food and good times had to make do with what was available. Applying sheer artistry to simple ingredients, they created unique blends of rich flavors and lively spices that captivated the world. Seafood and game from the bayous and bays, meat, sausage, and vegetables from the farms, and the bountiful supply of herbs and spices from the woods and swamps learned over generations have been joined in almost endless variations. Our Vendors proudly offer the best of the tradition.

John A. Lomax Texas Music Gathering and Chuckwagon Cookoff ~ 2
April 13-15
Bosque Bottoms; Meridian
Friends of Bosque County Collection
David Duke
P.O Box 534; Meridian, TX 76665
(254) 435-2184; (254) 435-6182
Music: Cowboy
Activities: Cowboy poetry, Music festival, Cowboy Arts and Crafts
John A. Lomax, The Ballad Hunter, grew up on the banks of the Bosque River when the Chisholm Trail was active in the 1870/1880s. Here he first heard and recorded the lyrics to many of the early cowboy songs he later published. Starting this year The Lomax Gathering will significantly broaden its focus on history by declaring the event to be “a road trip through the roots of Texas Country Music”, traced directly to the cowboy ballads and trail songs first written down by a young John Lomax. In addition to recognizing his music preservation work and its impact on our music, The Lomax Gathering will recognize the importance and impact that Steven Fromholz and his 40 plus year career has had on Texas Music. The Lomax Gathering will be held on April 13-15, 2012. A very competitive chuck wagon cook-off attracting the best teams in the state on Saturday includes, for those able to buy one of the limited tickets, lunch prepared by the competing wagons. On Saturday morning and from mid afternoon through midnight, well-seasoned poets, story tellers, and singers will perform old cowboy songs, modern cowboy ballads, music written during the eras of western swing and honky tonk, and modern cowboy music. The event also includes special entertainment for kids, western themed vendors, a range of food vendors, a working blacksmith, and an equine seminar to develop or to sharpen your skills. For those who wish to participate or just listen, the traditional bullfire Friday evening features an "open mike" for ballads and poems. Sunday will be devoted to a gathering of Cowboy Church congregations, followed by an old fashioned “dinner on the ground”. Access our web site for the exact schedule, list of performers, as well as any unavoidable changes.

Poteet Strawberry Festival
April 13-15
Poteet Strawberry Festival Grounds; Texas Highway 16 (20 minutes south of San Antonio)
Poteet Strawberry Festival Association
Carol Rivera
P.O. Box 227; Poteet, TX 78065
(830) 742-8144; (830) 276-3323; Fax (830) 742-3608
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Country, Dance/Electronic, Tejano
Activities: Fiddling contests, Rodeo
The annual Poteet Strawberry Festival is recognized as one of the oldest and most popular events in the state. The Annual Poteet Strawberry Festival stages 12 areas of continuous family entertainment, featuring outdoor concerts with nationally known country/western and Tejano stars in addition to two nightly dances. The famous strawberry judging and auction, various contests, special children's entertainment, rodeo performances, and quality exhibits are only some of the many events featured during the festival.

Concho Valley Bluegrass Festival ~ 2
April 13-14
Wells Fargo Pavilion at San Angelo Fairgrounds; 50 East 43 Street, San Angelo, TX 76903
Concho Valley Home for Girls/Children's Emergency Shelter
Nelson McGee
PO Box 3772; San Angelo, TX 76902
(325) 651-5307; (325) 653-7030
Music: Bluegrass
Mark your calendars now for April 13 and 14, dates of the sixth annual Concho Valley Bluegrass Festival at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, San Angelo Fairgrounds! Once again, Concho Grass will be the host band. The Batten Family will be back, and so will Kody Norris and the Watauga Mtn. Boys. New bands this year are Quality Time, Karl Schiflett and the Big Country Show, and Sebie & Tracy Denson and the Stanleytones. The Pavilion is air-conditioned. Chairs are provided, or you may bring your own. Drinks are free. A free pancake supper will be offered at 6 pm the Thursday before the festival, and the concession stand will be open for lunch and dinner on April 13 and 14. No alcoholic beverages.

Ram Jam ~ 2
April 13
Backstage Live; 1305 East Houston Street, San Antonio
Atomic Jukebox
Jerry Clayworth
P.O. Box 12348; San Antonio, TX 78212-0348
(210) 735-2610
Music: Punk, Rock
Activities: Music festival
Ram Jam in memory of Ram Ayala honors the legendary Taco Land owner gunned down in 2005. For some 39 years, Ramiro "Ram" Ayala owned & operated a colorful neighborhood bar on the north end of downtown San Antonio. For the last 20+ years of it’s run, that bar, Taco Land, would become the hub of a fiery hot & fiercely independent underground music scene, with Ayala himself being looked upon as the "Godfather" of this vital scene. Over those years, Taco Land would play host, proving ground, and home base to virtually every South Texas band & musician of any significance, as well as being a San Anto tour stop for national acts on-the-rise like Southern Culture On The Skids, Gwar, L7, The Fleshtones, and too many more to list. To all who were fortunate enough to experience this defining period in San Antonio’s music history, Taco Land’s walls were hallowed, and Ram Ayala himself, a beloved & iconic symbol of what could be accomplished with a potent blend of music, soul, and attitude!

Galveston County Fair and Rodeo
April 13-21
Jack Brooks Park; No. 10 Jack Brooks Park, Highway 6, Hitchcock
Galveston County Fair and Rodeo, Inc.
Melondy Bender
P.O. Box 889; Sante Fe, TX 77510
(409) 986-6010; ; Fax (409) 986-6490
Music: Children's, Country, Rock
Activities: County fair, Rodeo, Singing contests
The Galveston County Fair and Rodeo festivities include a carnival with midway, live music, livestock shows, auction, rodeo events, a parade, trail ride, talent show, jackpot bullriding, jackpot barrel racing, petting zoo, pony rides, and an arts and crafts show. Musical entertainment includes Whiskey Meyers, Turnpike Troubadours, Josh Abbott Band, Grupo Vida, Shelly Lares, The Spazmatics, Wayne Toups, and Jarrod Birmingham.

Art City Austin
April 14-15
Republic Square Park; 5th and Guadalupe, Austin, TX
The Austin Fine Arts Alliance
Meredith Powell, Executive Director
P.O. Box 5705; Austin, TX 78763
(512) 609-8591; Fax (512) 495-9029
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Rockabilly
Activities: Music festival, Juried Art Festival, Hands on Art Activities, Food
Art City Austin takes place in the heart of downtown Austin where Lady Bird Lake meets the award winning 2nd Street District. Stretching along Cesar Chavez Street from Lavaca to the Shoal Creek Bridge the festival offers the perfect urban to green setting that allows you to experience the city like never before. VIP Experience: Enjoy the inside track with access to the Collector's Lounge at Art City Austin, featuring complimentary food and drinks throughout the weekend. Purchase your Collector Badge at "https://store3.fmpweb.com/artallianceaustin/art_alliance_tickets.html.

Women In Jazz Concert Series
April 14
Paramount Theatre; Austin, TX
Women in Jazz Association
Pamela Hart
P.O. Box 200576; Austin, TX 78720
(512) 258-6947; Fax (512) 258-7072
Music: Jazz
Activities: Music festival
All Star Ladies of Jazz in Pink featuring Althea Rene, Karen Briggs, Gail Johnson and Pamela Hart: Saturday, April 14, 2012, Stateside at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, TX. Two shows: 7p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at the Paramount Box Office beginning March 1, 2012. Online at austintheatre.org

Bayou City Cajun Festival
April 14-15
Traders Village; 7979 North Eldridge Road
Houston Heritage Chapter, Cajun French Music Association
Helen Pulnik, President
P.O. Box 2488; Cypress, TX 77433-2488
(281) 890-5500; Fax (281) 890-6568
Music: Cajun/Zydeco
Activities: Music festival, Food
Authentic Cajun foods will be freshly prepared and served by the French Quarter Market & Grill Restaurant, featuring traditional favorites such as crawfish etouffee, red beans, rice and sausage, fried boudin balls, sausage po-boys, fried alligator, and thousands of pounds of spicy boiled crawfish. New members can join during this annual membership drive for only $20.00. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Houston Heritage Cajun French Music Association of Louisiana, a not-for-profit organization created to preserve Cajun culture. They will be serving hot gumbo and boudin. It's an event that can't be missed. Crazy Cajun music, hot dancing, spicy foods guarantee there'll be 'Big Fun on the Bayou' at Traders Village...the Gulf Coast's largest market and entertainment complex, with over 1,500 dealers, rides, fun foods, plus the Cajun Fest await everyone, April 14 & 15 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is FREE and parking is only $3.00. The market is located at 7979 N. Eldridge Road and is open every weekend. Thousands of dealers and billions of bargains!

Modern 'til Midnight
April 14
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth; 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell Street; Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 738-9215; (866) 824-5566
Music: Dance/Electronic, Folk/Acoustic, Rock
Activities: Music festival
Modern ’til Midnight is a night of world-class art and unique performances. Experience the art with tours and gallery projects designed to engage and entertain by providing imaginative ways in which to connect with the artists’ creations. Modern 'til Midnight features several bands on their outdoor stage throughout the night. So find your favorite spot outside in our sculpture garden, sit and relax, and enjoy the live music.

Roughneck Chili and Barbecue Cookoffs
April 14
Central Texas Oil Patch Museum; 421 East Davis Street
Luling Area Oil Musuem Association
David Schussler
P.O. Box 1002; Luling, TX 78648
(830) 875-1922; Fax (830) 875-2082
Music: Bluegrass, Country
Activities: Awards show
The Roughneck Chili and Barbecue Cookoff benefits the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum and features entertainment, arts and crafts, and a dance in the evening.

Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival
April 14
Buda City Park; 204 San Antonio Road, Buda TX 78610
Roadway Productions, LLC
French Smith
12305 Twin Creek Drive; Manchaca, TX 78652-3719
(512) 441-9015; Fax (512) 441-9016
Music: Cajun/Zydeco
Activities: Music festival
Music includes Cajun, Zydeco, Funk, Blues, Rock, & Jazz plus dance & burlesque (No Nudity). Schedule: 11:20a.m. to 12:20p.m.-Bluesqueezebox; 12:40 to 1:40p.m. Jean-Pierre & The Zydeco Angels; 2:00 to 3:00p.m. Dr. Zog; 3:20p.m. to 4:20p.m. Corey Ledet and his Zydeco Band; 4:40 to 5:40p.m. Sean Ardoin & Zydekool; 6:00 to 7:00p.m. Stooges Brass Band; 7:30 to 8:30p.m. Beau Soleil avec Michael Doucet; 9 to 10p.m. Robert Randolph & The Family Band. BRING AN APPETITE! 7,000 POUNDS OF FREE CRAWFISH! Increased quantity and cooking capability due to popular demand. Limit 1 plate at a time while supplies last and we're hoping 7,000 pounds lasts quite a while! Kids Activities include Monster Water Balls and Bounce Houses plus free playscape.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
April 14-15
Town Green Park; 2099 Lake Robbins Road, The Woodlands, TX 77380
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council
Jenny Wright, Festival Director
P.O. Box 8184,; The Woodlands, TX 77387
(713) 816-0699
Music: Children's, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Tejano
Activities: Arts festival
Only in its 7th year, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked 59 of the top 100 arts festivals in the country. A beautiful venue situated along a meandering waterway will be home to 200 national fine artists who have been juried into our show to sell their original creations. Throughout the day then moving into Waterway Square on Friday evening, we will showcase a number of local musical groups and entertainers. We will also have children's activities and great food. Proceeds from the event go to local non-profit organizations and to fund scholarships for deserving art students.

Old Settler's Music Festival
April 19-22
Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Austin, TX; Farm Road 1826, 11 miles south of Highway 290 West, Austin, TX
Old Settler's Music Festival, Inc.
Jean K Spivey, Executive Director
P.O. Box 151947; Austin, TX 78715
(512) 383-1748; Fax (512) 383-1748
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Folk/Acoustic, Regional Mexican, Rockabilly
Activities: Music festival, Singing contests, Kids Talent contest
We're proud to announce our 25th anniversary lineup! More than 30 acts will perform in a relaxed outdoor setting with artisans, children's activities, performance workshops, craft beer and gourmet food. You'll enjoy the casual, laid back vibe that Old Settler's is known for. If you camp, you know the excitement of Thursday night's opening festivities. Campers often see some of the festival's performers joining the impromptu picking sessions and song circles. But remember, camping sold out last year. Get your tickets today. Advance ticket buyers still save money! Old Settler's Music Festival 25th Anniversary features Iron & Wine * Amos Lee * Railroad Earth * JJ Grey & Mofro * Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver * Bob Schneider * Psychograss (Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tony Trischka, David Grier, Todd Phillips) * James McMurtry * Steep Canyon Rangers * Sarah Jarosz * Gaelic Storm * Marshall Crenshaw * The Bottle Rockets * Greensky Bluegrass * Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit * Dale Ann Bradley * Wheeler Brothers * Pine Leaf Boys * Audie Blaylock & Redline * Eilen Jewell * Flounders Without Eyes * Ha Ha Tonka * The Blue Hit * Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen * New Country Rehab * SHEL * Slim Richey's Jitterbug Vipers * Youth Competition Winner Grace London * And More

MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival
April 19-22
Main Street; Main Street
Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.
John C. Downie, CFEE
777 Taylor Street, Suite 100; Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 336-2787; Fax (817) 335-3113
Music: Bluegrass, Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Latin Pop, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Arts festival
MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth comes alive during this four-day celebration of the visual and performing arts. Outstanding musical and artistic talents of every variety are showcased on historic, red-bricked Main Street. More than 450,000 people attend each year to hear more than 120 live performances. Two-hundred juried artists are spaced along a 10 city-block area with a national fine arts exhibition and competition, international foods and special events.

Music On Main
April 19-22
Sundance Square, Fort Worth; Sundance Square
Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival
Judy Beaumier
777 Taylor Street, Suite 100 ; Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 336-2787 ; Fax (817) 335-3113
So, what's your plan for the top Music Festival in Texas? "MUSIC ON MAIN" is where literally hundreds of performers give it their all on three stages along the streets of downtown, rockin' and rollin' for four days at Fort Worth's largest music festival. We're pleased to announce the entertainment line-up for our 27th Anniversary has been confirmed! Sundance Square, Green Mountain Energy and University of Texas at Arlington are graciously sponsoring our three major stages, bringing you some of the best entertainment from our own local community, as well as from across the country and around the world. We're also very pleased to have the Dallas-Fort Worth Professional Musicians Union Trust Fund as a supporter of our daytime entertainment, providing direct funding for most of our daytime musician stipends.

Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival
April 19-22
Saengerfest Park; 22nd and Strand, Galveston, TX 77554
Yaga's Entertainment, Inc.
2314 Strand Street; Galveston, TX 77550-1567
The third annual, Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival 2012: Wines From Around The World, officially begins April 19th. Pour into bliss this April and join us for a special springtime event that transforms Galveston Island’s Uptown Entertainment District into a food and wine lover's paradise. With specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties, and live musical entertainment, it is sure to be the event of the year. Enjoy wines from around the world paired with delicious local foods, and learn first-rate tips from popular chefs and renowned winemakers.

Galveston Island Food and Wine Festival
April 19-22
Shearn’s Restaurant at Moody Gardens; 7 Hope Boulevard
Erin Dhonau
Galveston, TX 77554
409-770-0999
Last year’s event included 23 vineyards and over 100 different kinds of wine, and this year the event expects to surpass those numbers. The 3rd annual Food and Wine Fest kicks off with a pre-event Blind Tasting on March 21st, then the real deal starts April 19th with entertainment continuing through April 22nd. From $20 to $115 there is a package that fits any budget and enough wine selections to satisfy the most critical palate. Pour into bliss this April and join in for a special springtime event that transforms Galveston Island’s Uptown Entertainment District into a food and wine lover’s paradise. With specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties, and live musical entertainment, it is sure to be the event of the year. Enjoy wines from around the world paired with delicious local food, and learn first-rate tips from popular chefs and renowned winemakers. The Premium Wine Tasting and Gulf Seafood Showcase returns this year for the true gourmand. Come and enjoy premium wines from vineyards around the world and decadent gulf seafood hors d’oeuvres from Chef Chris Lopez along with exclusive art exhibits.The Grand Tasting in Saengerfest Park is the highlight of the festival. Patrons will embark on a tasting trip through vineyards from all around the world, enjoying over 100 wines. While getting their wine passports stamped, revelers will be able to taste food from the finest restaurants on the island. The fantastic live music and the barrage of artisan exhibits along the park will complete this afternoon of indulgences. Any vendor looking to be a part of the festival, please download our vendor application at www.galveston.com/foodandwine . The final day of the festival, Sunday the 22nd, will feature brunches paired with champagnes or wines from the festival, more details coming soon. A portion of the proceeds benefit Galveston College Culinary Arts & The Galveston County Resource and Crisis Center. Find out more about ticket prices, packages and events at www.galveston.com/foodandwine

Fiesta San Antonio ~ 2
April 19-29
San Antonio, TX; San Antonio
Fiesta San Antonio Commission
Charles Blische, Executive Director
2611 Broadway Street; San Antonio, TX 78215-1022
(210) 227-5191; (877) 723-4378; Fax (210) 227-1139
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Latin Pop, Polka, Regional Mexican, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Rodeo, Mariachi Festival, Jazz Festival, Marching Band Festival, Athletic Events, Art Exhibitions, Parades, art exhibits, etc.
Fiesta San Antonio is the biggest festival in Texas. More than 100 events, many featuring all kinds of music, take place over 11 days all around the Alamo City. Every official Fiesta event is sponsored by a local nonprofit organization, and all funds raised go back into the community.

Austin Reggae Fest
April 20-22
Auditorium Shores; Austin, TX
Capital Area Food Bank
Pat Costigan
2200 FM 2001; Buda, TX 78610
(512) 312-0435; (512) 312-0435
Music: Reggae, World Beat
Activities: Music festival
Dates for the 2012 Austin Reggae Festival are Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22. Come to Auditorium Shores for top-quality world music, arts & crafts, ethnic food, and premium people watching. Founded in 1994, the event will again occur at Auditorium Shores in downtown Austin, Texas. Stay tuned to this site for complete information on bands, tickets, lodging, parking, what to bring (and what not to bring), plus all other relevant details. For specific Austin Reggae Festival questions, e-mail us at Austin reggae fest at gmail dot com. The 2012 Austin Reggae Festival will again benefit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.

Greater Southwest Guitar Shows • The Dallas International Guitar Festival
April 20-22
Dallas Market Hall; 2100 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas
GSWGS, Inc.
Mark Pollock, Producer
3622 Shoreside Drive; Garland, TX 75043-1968
(972) 240-2206; (972) 260-4201; Fax (972) 303-4909
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Pop, Rock, Rockabilly
Activities: Trade show/convention
The Annual Dallas Guitar Show and MusicFest is the world's largest and oldest guitar show, blending musicians, fans, collectors and celebrities together into one musical extravaganza. Buy, sell, trade or just browse amongst the thousand upon thousands of new and vintage guitars, basses, amps, banjos, mandolins, straps and strings, effects pedals, keyboards, music memorabilia and more. Rub elbows with guitar legends and up-and-coming artists. Listen to the best local and regional bands at MusicFest's indoor and outdoor stages. This Show of Shows will feature 400+ booths, exhibits and clinics, and live concert performances from 30+ bands on two stages. More than 13,000 are expected to attend, with over $1 million of instruments and memorabilia trading hands. New this year -- Drumworld -- with 16,000 sq. ft of vintage, new and used drums, accessories, clinics and more.

420 Festival
April 20
Raven's Place; 7700 West 43rd Street, Houston, TX 77092
Graf X Productions
Herman Garcia
7330 Linden Crest, No. 11; Houston, TX 77061
(832) 875-2523
Music: Metal, Punk, Rock
Activities: Music festival
This year the 420 Festival will be a one-day event that focuses on unsigned musical acts, as well as political issues, such as issues raised by NORML, the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. This year we will put a greater emphasis on political issues, with invitations to the Occupy Movement and other significant groups with relation to political action in the past year. Confirmed performers include Carrion Sun, Witness & The Fallen, Epic Death; more TBA.

Texas Crawfish and Music Festival
April 20-22, 27-29
Historic Old Town Spring; 130 Spring School Road Spring, Texas 77373
Old Town Spring Preservation League
Seth Sanders
123-F Midway; Houston, TX 77373
(281) 353-9310; (800) 653-8696; Fax (281) 288-6674
Music: Big Band, Cajun/Zydeco, Country, Cowboy, Pop, Rock, Rockabilly
Activities: Music festival, Street Festival, Carnival, Talent Shows, Arts and Crafts, Dance Groups
The Texas Crawfish & Music Festival is the largest and most established crawfish festival in the South and a favorite annual event for Houstonians and tourists alike. The festival features live entertainment on three stages from some of the top country and Texas country bands, zydeco, indie and rock acts along with carnival rides, midway games, exhibitions and interactive educational stations and activities for kids of all ages, plus the best Southern Louisiana food, Cajun-style crawfish and the spiciest fixings in the land! The 26th Annual festival benefits the Spring Preservation League organization, a nonprofit foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and beautification of Old Town Spring, community projects and maintains contributions to a variety of service organizations. So come "pass a good time cher" and LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER (let the good times roll) at the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in Old Town Spring. The festival also showcases local, regional and national entertainment on three stages from country, rock and zydeco acts. Please check back often for the 2012 Texas Crawfish & Music Festival entertainment lineup!

Kirbyville Magnolia Festival
April 20-21
Magnolia Park Grounds; Hwy 96 at Hebo Street
Magnolia Festival / Directors
Vondol Bailey
P.O. Box 687; Kirbyville, TX 75956
(409) 423-6500
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Rock
Activities: County fair, Singing contests
The annual Kirbyville Magnolia Festival is held the third weekend in April at the Magnolia Park on US Highway 96 at Hebo Street. The Festival is sponsored by the Magnolia Festival Committee. All proceeds are used for community development. The event begins with the opening of the carnival on the Wednesday night prior to the third weekend. The carnival runs Wednesday through Saturday, with special arm band nights and rides to suit every age group. Events for Friday and Saturday include arts and crafts, novelty and food vendors; a Saturday morning parade at 10:00 a.m.; a pet show at 1:00 p.m.; and continual entertainment under the pavilion.

XIT Bluegrass Festival
April 20-22
Lamb County Fairgrounds; 17th and Hwy 385
Littlefield Arts & Heritage Committee, Inc.
Emil Macha
728 East 12th Street; Littlefield, TX 79339
(806) 385-3870; Fax (806) 385-6229
Music: Bluegrass
The XIT Bluegrass Festival will have bluegrass groups from all over the country performing on indoor/outdoor stages. RV hook-ups available. Concessions available. No drugs or alcohol allowed. Featuring Vintage, Batton Family, Pecos Valley, Triple L, Hanks & Co., and others.

Llano Crawfish Open
April 20-21
Llano Gold Club & City Park; Llano
Llano Chamber of Commerce
Mary Rhodes
100 Train Station Drive; Llano, TX 78643-1660
(325) 247-5354; (325) 247-2270; Fax (325) 247-5561
Music: Children's, Jazz
The Llano Crawfish Open is the Texas Hill Country event you don’t want to miss. There’s great food, live music, a golf tournament and much more.

Texas Tech/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival
April 20-21
Hemmle Recital Hall at Texas Tech University; 18th Street and Boston Avenue
Texas Tech University School of Music
Stephen Jones, Director of Jazz Studies
Mail Stop 42033; Lubbock, TX 79409-2033
(806) 742-2270 ext. 260; Fax (806) 742-2294
Music: Big Band, Jazz
Activities: Awards show, Music festival
The Texas Tech/Phi Mu Alpha Jazz Festival is a 2 day annual event featuring high school jazz bands and special guests from around the nation. The Friday, April 20 evening concert features Director of Jazz Studies Stephen Jones with special guests Shawn Purcell - guitar, Jeffry Eckels - bass, and Stockton Helbing - drums. The Saturday, April 21 evening concert features saxophone artist DICK OATTS, direct from New York City. Please see our brochures for more information at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/downloads/JAZZ12Info.pdf

Fiesta Oyster Bake
April 20-21
Campus of St. Mary's University; One Camino Santa Maria San Antonio
St. Mary's University Alumni Association
Steve Rosenauer
One Camino Santa Maria; San Antonio, TX 78228
(210) 436-3324; (800) 699-9932; Fax (210) 431-6864
Music: Big Band, Children's, Country, Dance/Electronic, Jazz, Latin Pop, Pop, Reggae, Regional Mexican, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano, World Beat
Activities: Music festival, Carnival, Fireworks
The Fiesta Oyster Bake, sponsored by the St. Mary's University Alumni Association, funds student scholarships and university and alumni programs. The event features more than 100,000 oysters served baked, raw and fried plus 70+ food and beverage booths that dish up savory favorites and quench every thirst. Enjoy continuous Country/Americana, Oldies, Jazz, Contemporary and Classic Rock 'n' Roll, Latin/Tejano, and Children's musical entertainment. Also, enjoy the Fireworks Spectacular on Friday evening. Join more than 7,000 volunteers and 60,000 patrons at this exciting event at one of San Antonio's most popular Fiesta events. For more information, check out our mascot, Shuckie's, web site at www.oysterbake.com!

Terrell Heritage Jubilee
April 20-22
Ben Gill Park; Highway 80
Terrell Chamber of Commerce
Sara Kegerreis
P.O. Box 97; Terrell, TX 75160
(972) 563-5703; Fax (972) 563-2363
Music: Country
Activities: Fiddling contests, Rodeo
Heritage Jubilee, held the third weekend in April at Ben Gill Park, is a fun-filled celebration for the whole family. Events include a BBQ cook-off, museum tours, arts & crafts exhibition, carnival, live music, a quilt show, an auto show, and other special attractions. The celebration traces its origins to a livestock show first held in 1981. In subsequent years the show added entertainment, games, contests, food. The Heritage Trail Tour of Homes joined the spring festival in 1983. Heritage Jubilee retains the western flavor of the original livestock show. Entertainment includes trick ropers, gun fighters, horses, and a cowboy poet. Terrell Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau volunteers and staff. work with the Christian Academy, Poetry 4-H, Terrell Heritage Society, and the City of Terrell, to put together a full weekend of activities and entertainment. More than 12,000 are expected to attend the event. Admission to the Heritage Jubilee is free. There is an admission charge for the Carnival rides and games, Tour of Homes, and Rodeo.

Squeezebox Mania
April 21
Jovitas Live Music Venue; 1619 South 1st Street, Austin, TX
Guzman Fox Creative, Inc.
Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox
11715 Johnny Weismuller Lane; Austin, TX 78748
(512) 782-2617
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Polka, Regional Mexican
Activities: Music festival
Join Grammy Winners Joel Guzman & Sarah Fox as they present Accordion Masters and Maniacs from around the world at Squeezebox Mania V. Squeezebox Mania IV featured Radoslav Lorkovic (THE CROATIAN SENSATION), The Flying Balalaika Brothers as well as Zhenya Rock from Russia; Corey Ledet from Lafayette, Louisiana; and Conjunto Aztlan. Please visit www.guzmanfox.com for information on the line-up for Squeezebox Mania V / 2012. Jovitas 1619 South 1st Street, Austin,TX 78704 Phone:(512)447-7825. 5-8 pm outdoor stage will feature Austin's top squeezebox players. The 8 pm indoor show will feature Texas Accordion Kings Santiago Jimenez Jr. & Chris Rybak, Debra Peters, Charles Thibodeaux plus special performances by Joel Guzman and Sarah Fox. Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information please visit www.jovitas.com

Texas Community Music Festival
April 21-24, 28-1
Central Market North; 4001 North Lamar Boulevard Austin, TX 78756-3732
Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
PO Box 9893; Austin, TX 78766
Music: Americana, Big Band, Bluegrass, Blues, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, World Beat
Activities: Music festival
The Texas Community Music Festival (TCMF) kicked off in Austin April 29, 2006, at Central Market North, and drew approximately 10,000 over the four days to the central Austin location, far exceeding expectations, and setting the stage for what has now become a Central Texas tradition. In five years, the performances at TCMF have run the musical gamut, from traditional bierhaus music to full-sized orchestras; from Middle Eastern Bellydancers to Scottish pipe and drums to “All That Jazz.” If the music lives in Texas, the music’s been performed at the Texas Community Music Festival. For 2011, the festival celebrates its sixth anniversary with more of the same … and MORE! Stay tuned, and check back. As the world moves into the new age, so will Live Music in Texas. And you’ll find all of it right here, at the Texas Community Music Festival! TCMF is organized, managed and promoted by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, Austin’s oldest community band, and has been generously hosted over the years by Central Market North and Scholz Garten.

Burton Cotton Gin Festival
April 21
Main Street; 307 North Main, Burton, TX
Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Inc.
Dean Edmundson
P.O. Box 98; Burton, TX 77835
(979) 289-3378; (979) 289-3378; Fax (979) 289-5210
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Country, Cowboy, Folk/Acoustic, Polka
Activities: Music festival, Street dance, pie-eating, bubble-gum blowing
This event started in April 1990 and has continued over the years to remain a small family oriented festival. The Burton Farmers Gin was built in 1914 and closed in 1974. We also have a parade on Saturday morning that includes antique tractors and cars. We have entertainment on Saturday. We have children's entertainment during the day and also Folklife Interpretation. We have an average attendance of 5,000 people. Come celebrate the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Nine acres of family fun!

Houston International Festival (iFest) ~ 2
April 21-22, 28-29
City Hall, Tranquility Park and Sam Houston Park; Houston, TX
Houston Festival Foundation
Rick Mitchell
5373 West Alabama, Suite 235; Houston, TX 77056
(713) 654-8808; (713) 654-8808; Fax (713) 654-1719
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Pop, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano, World Beat, Celtic
Activities: Music festival, Street dance
The Houston International Festival spotlights Argentina from April 21-29, 2012. One of the nation’s largest presenters of world music as well as American and regional roots music, the festival features approximately 150 performing artists on eight stages over two weekends in April. The festival is located in the heart of downtown Houston, stretching across several acres of parks, plazas and streets. The festivities begin Friday, April 20 with an Opening Ceremony hosted by Mayor Annise Parker, and followed by a free lunch concert featuring Argentine music and dance on the steps of Houston City Hall. On Saturday night, April 21, Argentina’s Hector Del Curto and his Eternal Tango Orchestra will be joined by dancers from the touring production Forever Tango for a full concert performance in Sarofim Hall at Houston’s Hobby Center. Outdoor festival headliners include Los Lonely Boys, Los Amigos Invisibles (Venezuela), Galactic, JJ Grey & MOFRO, War, Chico Trujillo (Chile), Steel Pulse and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80s (Nigeria), along with regional favorites such as the Texas Tornados, Ruthie Foster, Keith Frank and many others. The Chevron Living Museum, located in Sam Houston Park, will consist of replicas of a Buenos Aires street scene and an Argentinean estancia (ranch). The festival’s cultural stages will focus on the music, dance and culture of Argentina.

Depot Day ~ 2
April 21
Old Depot; Buddy Riley Blvd.
Magnolia Historical Society
Beverly Tucker
P. O. Box 186; Magnolia, TX 77353-0399
(281) 723-4823; (281) 356-8514; Fax (281) 356-2552
Music: Country, Rock
Depot Day is an all-day festival with live entertainment provided by a variety of entertainers, a carnival, food, and arts and crafts booths.

Ben & I Play for Peace
April 22
Concordia University
Dr. Kim Perlak - Adjunct Professor of Guitar & American Music
11400 Concordia University Texas Drive; Austin TX 78726
(512) 313-3000; (512) 769-4270
Activities: concert/fundraiser
Ben & I Play for Peace is an annual National Concert event that encourages people to use their talents to help others and honors those in our community who devote their lives to service. The project is a collaboration between Ben (a 14 year old philanthropist and classical guitarist), Dr. Kim Perlak (guitarist and college professor), and musicians from across the nation. Performers include international concert artist Benjamin Verdery, a guitar orchestra with players from UT-Austin and area schools, and members of The Concordia music faculty. Last year, our concert raised several thousand dollars for CNN Hero Brad Blauser’s non-profit Wheelchairs For Iraqi Kids and was honored by the House of Representatives. Our 2012 concerts will co-benefit Wheelchairs For Iraqi Kids and the Wounded Warrior Project. We are honored to help our men and women in uniform and the children they served while overseas. Please join us!

Reckless Kelly Celebrity Softball Jam
April 22
Dell Diamond; 3400 East Palm Valley Road, Round Rock, TX
McGuckin Entertainment PR
500 Riverside Drive, Suite 160 ; Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-0578
Music: Americana, Folk/Acoustic
In two years, Reckless Kelly has raised more than $65,000 for five area youth baseball groups, the Miracle Leagues at Town & Country and San Antonio, South Austin Little League, Balcones Little League and Montopolis Little League, from its Celebrity Softball Jams held in 2009 and 2010 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. In 2011, Dell Valle Little League will be the beneficiary of the Softball Jam, as well both Miracle Leagues previously supported.

Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival and Chili Cookoff
April 24-28
Melody Mountain Ranch; Stephenville
Melody Mountain Ranch, Inc
Sherry Taylor
4217 County Road 423; Stephenville, TX 76401
(254) 968-8505; (254) 968-8505; Fax (254) 968-8000
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly
Activities: Music festival
The "Best Outdoor Music Event in the State", Larry Joe Taylor's 21st Annual Texas Music Festival and C.A.S.I. sanctioned Chili Cook-off is once again scheduled to be held at Melody Mountain Ranch just outside of Stephenville, TX April 21-25, 2009. This long-standing annual spring celebration of original music draws over 30,000 people from across the US and Europe and has gained international recognition for showcasing the most talented singer/songwriters in the nation. The 2012 entertainment lineup will include many original songwriters and bands from across the U.S. include Hayes Carll, Josh Abbott Band, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, and of course, Larry joe Taylor. For additional information or to purchase tickets please visit www.larryjoetaylor.com, or call the festival office at 254.968.8505 Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm.

Fusebox Festival
April 25-May 6
Salvage Vanguard Theater; 2803 Manor Road, Austin, TX
Refraction Arts Project
Ron Berry, Artistic Director
400B West Alpine Road; Austin, TX 78704
(512) 524-2041; (512) 569-6129
Activities: Music festival
Fusebox is a confluence of innovative new theater, dance, film, music and visual art at various galleries, performance venues, and site-specific locations across Austin. Over the course of ten days, our streets, our buildings and sidewalks will become a canvas for pioneering new work. Our museums, galleries and performance venues will host inventive performances and installations. Austin itself will act as both a peninsula to the larger global stage, and as a lens into contemporary life. We hope you can join us!

Derrick Days
April 25-28
Corsicana Visitors Center; 301 South Beaton Street
City of Corsicana
Steve Dieterichs
301 South Beaton Street; Corsicana, TX 75110
(877) 648-2688
Music: Country
Activities: Music festival, Street dance
Derrick Days is a celebration of Corsicana's rich oil heritage. Activities in 2011 included a rodeo (Sunday), free hot dog feed (Wednesday), spring luncheon featuring motivational speaker and humorist, Sally Baskey (Thursday), Tribute to Lefty Frizzell concert starring Dale Watson (Friday), and Saturday festival with antique/custom car show, parade, kids activities, food court, craft vendors, two stages of music and a large chili and barbeque cook-off.

Buccaneer Days
April 26-May 6
American Bank Center-Corpus Christi Bayfront; 402 South Shoreline
Buccaneer Commission
Jane Ritter
P.O. Box 30404; Corpus Christi, TX 78463-0404
(361) 882-3242; (361) 884-8331; Fax (361) 882-5735
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Country, Cowboy, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Rodeo
Buccaneer Days brings back memories of Corpus Christi's past as a hideaway for pirates. It features 12 days of fun and festivities such as PRCA Rodeo, carnival, parades, fireworks, music festival, Folklorico competition, BBQ Challenge, Senior Dance, Junior Talent Showcase, and numerous athletic and sporting events.

Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolic
April 26-29
Knights of Columbus Hall P.O. Box 46, 77964; Highway 77 South
Texas State Championship Fiddlers' Frolics Inc.
Frank Zaruba, (361) 798-3953
P.O. Box A; Hallettsville, TX 77964
(361) 798-2311
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Country
Activities: Fiddling contests, Music festival, BBQ Cookoff, Sausage Cookoff
The Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolic features more than 100 contestants competing in age divisions for the $1,500 top prize and state championship trophy. The event's lineup is as follows: jam session for early arrivals on Thursday; Cajun and Bluegrass Night on Friday with Cajun bands and Cajun food; a dance with Nashville stars, contests, and barbecue, sausage, and chili cookoffs on Saturday; and on Sunday, induction of worthy fiddlers to the Hall of Fame, fun run, cookoffs, and the State Championship Fiddler contest finals. The Texas State Championship Fiddlers Frolic will include an Out of State Division with $2,500 in prizes, a Guitar division with $1,000 in prizes; Freshman Fiddling Division with a $2,000 violin as first prize plus $500 for other entries, $5000 in prizes for the top twenty in Championship Texas Division, and a Senior Division for fiddlers over 65 years of age. Visitor sampling of barbecue entries (Attendees can purchase tickets to take to participating barbecue contestants and receive a sample of their various entries.)

Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
April 27-29
Denton Quakertown Park and Facilities; 321 East McKinney
Denton Festival Foundation, Inc.
Carol Short, Director
P.O. Box 2104; Denton, TX 76202
(940) 565-0931; Fax (940) 566-7007
Music: Big Band, Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Classical, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Polka, Pop, Reggae, Rock, Tejano
Activities: Music festival, Fine Arts Show
The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is an annual three-day arts in the park featuring the best in professional jazz and cross-cultural music on three stages. Come hear the sounds, experience the art and taste the flavors of the DENTON ARTS AND JAZZ FESTIVAL, a FREE three-day event in the heart of the city in beautiful Quakertown Park. Over 2,700 performers on seven stages, fine arts and crafts, children's art activities and food and games make up the event. Produced by the Denton Festival Foundation, the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival emerged from an incredible pool of professionals and amateurs and proceeds from concession booths benefit local arts in a community where arts and music are nurtured at every level, every day.

General Sam Houston Folk Festival
April 27-28
Sam Houston Memorial Musuem; 1836 Sam Houston Avenue
East Texas Folk Festival Inc.
Clover Caroll
P.O. Box 628; Huntsville, TX 77342-0628
(936) 294-1832; (936) 294-1832; Fax (936) 294-3670
Music: Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Country, Folk/Acoustic, Polka, Rockabilly, Tejano
Activities: Cowboy poetry, Musical workshops
The General Sam Houston Folk Festival features historical characters in authentic costumes telling tales of Sam Houston and his friends. Demonstrations of pottery making, quilting, woodworking, weaving, candle making and more fill up the weekend's activities. Other events include heritage exhibits, civil war reenactments and tours of Sam Houston's home and offices. Live entertainment features a variety of ethnic and regional music, including Hispanic dance, German singers, fiddle, and acoustic musical acts. Friday is School Day, when more than 3,500 fourth graders are invited to participate in the festivities. Live entertainment features a variety of regional music. There are two stages loaded with talented musicians including Bluegrass, Singer Songwriter's, Old Time, Fiddle, Cowboy, and other acoustic musical acts. The music gets kicked off Friday afternoon and goes on into the evening. Music: Bluegrass, Cajun, Country Roots, Folk, Acoustic Blues, Cowboy, Old Time, Singer Songwriter, and Celtic.

Wildflower Trails of Texas
April 27-28
Music City Texas Theatre; Downtown Square - Linden, Spring Park, Hughes Springs Downtown, Avinger
Wildflower Trails of Texas
Mary Dowd
410 Barker Street; Linden, TX 75563
(903) 756-3388; (903) 240-1394; Fax (903) 756-7842
Music: Bluegrass, Country, Cowboy, Rock, Texas Music
Activities: Awards show, Rodeo, Arts & Crafts, Art Show, Wildflower Education, Quilt Show, Trail Ride
Wildflower Trails is a celebration at the start of the wildflower blooming season. The Wildflower Trail consists of Highways 49, 155, and 11 between Avinger, Linden, and Hughes Springs. There are literally thousands of different varieties of wildflowers naturally occurring in the area. Although blooming of wildflowers is unpredictable, the last full weekend in April has proven to be one of the most beautiful. Wildflower Trails of Texas, is scheduled for April 21-23 in Linden, Hughes Springs, and Avinger. Texas musicians will be featured throughout the festival, along with church and gospel groups to celebrate with music and the beauty of Spring in east Texas.

Real. Texas. Festival.
April 27-28
Resistol Arena and environs; 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite
City of Mesquite and Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Daren Watkins
1515 Galloway; Mesquite, TX 75149
(972) 216-6499; (972) 989-5396
Music: Country, Folk/Acoustic, Latin Pop, Pop, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano, Celtic
Activities: Music festival, Rodeo, Carnival, Car Show, BBQ Cook-off
The Real. Texas. Festival. Features two days of concerts by national and regional recording artists. Friday, April 27, Josh Abbott Band will perform. Saturday, April 28, features Mark McKinney and headliner Pat Green. The event also includes the Cowboys & Chrome Car Show and incorporates performances of the Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series.

Germanfest ~ 2
April 27-29
City Park; Highway 82 and Maple Street
Muenster Chamber of Commerce
Margie Starke
P.O. Box 714; Muenster, TX 76252
(940) 759-2227; (800) 942-8037; Fax (940) 759-2228
Music: Children's, Country, Jazz, Polka, Rock
Activities: Bicycle rally, Fun Run, BBQ cook off, Professional wrestling tournament
Muenster was founded in 1889 by people of German heritage and Catholic faith. This unique German community located in North Texas, of approximately 1,500, is a close-knit family in both kinship and kindred spirit. This family, of common heritage and faith, throws one of the biggest parties in Texas, Germanfest, the last full weekend in April. This three-day festival attracts thousands to mouthwatering German sausage, scrumptious apple strudel, hearty cheeses and homemade bread, cakes and pies. So, come to Muenster and let us be your host for food, fun and frolic. Be sure to bring a "guten apetit." Plan to participate in one or more of our exciting activities. Events include a 5k and 15k Germanfest Fun Run, a Metric Century Bicycle Rally, a Sausage and Rib Cook-Off, and other assorted competitions. There will be entertainment for the whole family, including mimes, magicians, clowns and storytellers, or the Karneval and Kinder Theater for the children, while Mom and Dad delight in dancing, music, arts and crafts, a rock-climbing wall, folk dancing, and two stages with non-stop entertainment. Located on U.S. Highway 82, 14 miles west of I-35, about 70 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Muenster is waiting to welcome you to their community and entertain you at Germanfest.

After Easter Gospel Festival ~ 2
April 27-28
Chrystal Opry House; 1977 White Mound Road, Sherman, TX, 75090
Chrystal Opry House
Bill Hayes, Proprietor
1977 White Mound Road; Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 546-6893
The After Easter Gospel Festival is a gospel stage performance with three bands each evening. Circle Unbroken, Melody Ranch Ramblers, Copper Canyon, and the Melody Ranch Gospel Band will perform. This event is held inside the Chrystal Opry House which is an air-conditioned venue featuring comfortable seating and a concession area featuring chopped brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, coffee, and more. We have an 80-space RV park onsite.

Katy/West Houston Jazz Festival
April 27-28
Katy HS Performing Arts Center; 6331 Highway Blvd., Katy, TX
Katy ISD
Bob Bryant
6301 South Stadium Lane; Katy, TX 77494
(281) 396-2270
“Like Music? You’ll Love Katy!” Mark your calendar and save the dates – April 27-28, 2012. You will not want to miss out on this GREAT weekend of Jazz, Guitars, and Art! Beginning at 4 PM on April 27, outstanding student jazz ensembles will be providing live concerts at 4. 5, and 6 PM. At 7:30 PM the jazz professionals, The Texas Music Festival Jazz Project (a Big Band) will be bringing the evening’s Feature Concert. On Saturday, April 28, Jazz Ensembles, Professional Guitarists in concert via the Katy Guitar Festival, and world renown artists with pieces in Museums as well as national, state, and area artists via ARTkaty, begin at 9:00 AM. Student Big Bands will be performing every hour on the hour, with Jazz Combos and Guitarist performing throughout the day. The day is capped off with the Feature Concert of The Brad Leali Sextet, an ensemble of world renown Professional Jazz Artists following a performance by the 2012 Katy ISD All-Star Jazz Band at 7:30 PM.

Nocturnal Festival
April 27-28
Apache Pass; 9112 North FM 908, Rockdale, TX 76567
Insomniac Productions
Pasquale Rotella
11684 Ventura Blvd., Suite 813; Studio City, CA 91604
(323) 465-1600
Music: Dance/Electronic
Activities: Music festival
Los Angeles-based event producers Insomniac presents Nocturnal Festival in Apache Pass, Texas. Four areas of otherworldly entertainment. Three stages. Two nights of music. Headliners include Bassnectar and STS9 on Friday and Ghostland Observatory and Crystal Castles on Saturday, as well as some of the most innovative underground DJs in the world.

The Big Squeeze Semi-Finals Playoff and Free Concert
April 28
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX
Texas Folklife
Sarah Rucker, Program & Events Manager
1317 South Congress Avenue; Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-9255; Fax (512) 441-9222
Music: Cajun/Zydeco, Polka, Regional Mexican, Tejano
Activities: accordian contest
The Big Squeeze contest is open to non-professional accordionists 21 and younger. Semi-finalists selected by audition or mailed entries will take part in the semifinals held on April 28 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum "http//www.thestoryoftexas.com. At that time, up to four finalists will be awarded and receive an expense-paid trip to Houston to compete before a large, enthusiastic audience of accordion fans at the Accordion Kings & Queens Festival on June 2. The Big Squeeze 2012 grand-prize-winner will be selected at the concert by the panel of judges with help from the audience.

Folklife Festival
April 28-29
Cisco Junior College Campus; Cisco
Cisco Civic League
Millie Lewis
P.O. Box 411; Cisco, TX 76437
(254) 442-3827; (254) 442-2537; Fax (254) 442-2546
Music: Children's, Country, Folk/Acoustic
The Folklife Festival and Frontier Jubilee features musical entertainment, different arts and crafts demonstrations, bread making, food vendors and an antique tractor show.

Comanche Gospel Music Jamboree
April 28
Comanche City Park
Danny Bingham
1102 East Milton; Comanche, TX 76442
(325) 330-1219
Music: Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Gospel
Activities: Music festival
A gathering once a year to bring families together and enjoy a day of fun, food and music. Christian artists come from all over to perform at the Jamboree. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and sit back and enjoy the day! Admission is free!!

Katy Guitar Festival
April 28
Katy High School; 6331 Highway Blvd. Katy, TX 77494
CRCM, LLC
Michael Guevara
20680 Westheimer Parkway, No. 60; Katy, TX 77450
(281) 773-8511
Music: A cappella, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz
Activities: Music festival, Guitar Show
Having merged with the West Houston Jazz Festival, this year's Katy Guitar Fest will bring an incredible assortment of talented guitarists together for a day full of performances and masterclasses. We will have live guitarists performing in the genres of classical and jazz. Sign up for updates on our website!

King William Fair
April 28
King William Historic District
King William Association
Zet Baer
1032 South Alamo Street; San Antonio, TX 78210
(210) 271-3247; (210) 227-8786; Fax (210) 227-8030
Music: Americana, Bluegrass, Cajun/Zydeco, Children's, Folk/Acoustic, Jazz, Mariachi, Polka, Pop, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Tejano, World Beat
Activities: Music festival
The King William Association invites you to celebrate the History and Diversity of Texas' first historic neighborhood. The King William Fair strives to bring you a family-oriented event, favoring local flavor for food, arts and crafts, entertainment, plus the best little parade around. Corporate sponsorships available.

Texas Song Festival
April 28
Town Square, Commerce, TX
Brad Davis
11132 Main Street; Commerce, TX 75428
(903) 886-6027
Activities: Music festival
The Texas Song Festival features industry workshops and live bands hosted by Grammy award winning musician Brad Davis. It also features the culmination of songwriting contests held in 30 different cities in eight different states. Workshops include Business of Songwriting, Movie Soundtrack Writing, Lyric Writing, Showcasing Your Songs and The Perfect Song Demo. Performers include Brad Davis, Jerry Petter Band, Outtahand Band and Lou Ann Petty.

Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition
April 29th - May 5th
Wharton County Fair Youth and Exposition; FM 960 and FM 961
Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition
Cindy Blaha
P.O. Box 167; Glen Flora, TX 77443-0167
(979) 677-3350; Fax (979) 677-3371
Music: Country, Tejano
Activities: County fair, Rodeo
The Wharton County Youth Fair and Exposition events include a rodeo, dances, livestock show, carnival, arts and crafts, and a barbecue cookoff. Cookoff - April 21st & 22nd 2012; Fair - April 29th - May 5th 2012.