Texarkana Entertainment Blog

Sorry for the little hiatus last week; other random little projects consumed my blogging time but some super music awaits us in the coming days, starting with the 5th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest.

First, I’d like to say the recent Sideshow Tragedy show at Fat Jack’s was a fun, rollicking concert and CD release event for the Austin-based band that’s no stranger to rolling through Texarkana. Hopefully Sideshow will return soon to once again play material from this new, self-titled release; they are a promising band and the raw energy of the trio’s set was memorable. See the Sunday Accent page for a review of their new album. As well, I caught the Klipsch Music Festival Saturday afternoon and into the sweltering evening. Here’s hoping this festival catches on for the region because it featured a diverse lineup of solid regional acts, including an appearance by the great jazz guitarist Tonk Edwards. Also on stage in Hope, Ark., were Wes Jeans and The Jason Helms Band headlining the evening show, as well as Hazy Jayne, Dave Almond, and The Night Hawk Band. During the day the crowd was light and sensibly huddled out of the sun under a big tent situated too far from the Fair Park stage, but as the heat wore off the crowd grew and the lawn filled up in front of the performers. Kudos to Klipsch for adding this community event (free) to the speaker company’s summer pilgrimage; it has potential, and music under summer skies feels good to hear.

This upcoming weekend brings blues any way you like it to Music City Texas Theater down in Linden with the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest. Blistering blues and Delta blues, young blues and blues from those who’ve mastered the art for decades. Johnny Winter, Zac Harmon, Malford Milligan, Diddley Squat, Emily Elbert, Henry Gray, Guitar Shorty, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Buddy Flett, The Bluebirds, Dorothy “Miss Blues” Ellis (that’s her a couple years ago at the top of this blog page), Kayla Reeves, and Bruton & Price Swingmasters Revue. Friday and Saturday, outdoors and indoors. Oh, and the outdoor show is free Friday while only $5 on Saturday. More info: TBoneWalkerBluesFest.com.

That’s not all. Plenty of local and regional acts play this weekend as well if you can’t get down to Linden for the blues bash. Check Friday’s Best Bets for a look at who’s playing.

- Aaron Brand

Zac Harmon, shown here in this submitted photo, hails from the Jackson, Miss., blues scene.

Johnny Winter, shown here with his band in a promo photo, plays Saturday night at the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest.

Texas native Emily Elbert performs at Music City Texas both Friday and Saturday nights for the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest.

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We just got word that Klipsch Premium Speakers will host an all-ages music festival in the company’s hometown of Hope, Ark. The Klipsch Music Festival from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 12, at Fair Park brings a sweet lineup together — and for fans of music and the respected speaker manufacturer, it’s a chance to see great music for free. On tap to perform are Tonk Edwards, Jason Helms Band, The Night Hawk Band, Dave Almond, Hazy Jayne, and Wes Jeans. Though free, donations will be collected for local charities.

Said Trey Cannon, festival planner, in a statement: “This concert is a way to celebrate our heritage as well as pay homage to our fans and the skilled craftsmen and women who build some of our finest speakers right here in Hope, Ark.”

We’ll have more advance coverage on the festival as it draws closer. The Klipsch Music Festival happens a week before the 5th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest down in Linden at Music City Texas, so that makes for two regional music festivals back to back. Good news, music fans.

More info: Klipsch.com/pilgrimage.

- Aaron Brand

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Nearly a year ago the East Texas blues guitarist Wes Jeans celebrated his birthday at Music City Texas in Linden. He was joined for the concert by fellow rockers Lance Lopez and Jason Helms. The result was a new album, “Live at Music City Texas,” released this past October. Jeans was in town recently to promote the new CD and play at Off the Line. Jeans has also been working on songs for a studio CD and hopes to get back to recording sometime soon. I interviewed him via telephone this past week. See Friday’s Gazette for the story.

- Aaron Brand

Submitted photo by Michael Clay Smith:

Wes Jeans, left, and Lance Lopez, on the right, know how to play some serious blues together.

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I talked with East Texas blues guitarist Wes Jeans today for a story we’ll run on Friday’s Accent page. He’s celebrating his birthday and inviting you along for a Jan. 17 celebration show at Music City Texas Theater. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. This isn’t your typical birthday bash, though, as the concert also serves as the recording for an upcoming live CD and you could be part of it all. More ticket info is up at www.musiccitytexas.org. 

- Aaron Brand 

Submitted photo: 

Wes Jeans is ready to rock your blues, East Texas-style.

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